Northwestern Mutual is quite arguably the most solid company in the industry. They have been ranked every year as one of Fortune Magazine's World's Most Admired-consistently leading their industry in terms of Quality of Products and Services; They have the highest financial strength ratings by all four major rating companies (every year they have ever run their surveys) and they are a mutual company that has been around for over 150 years.
Even measuring in just dividends alone they broke an industry record this past year-paying their policy owners a little over 5 billion in dividends-they're next nearest competitor (Not TransAmerica) payed 1.7... that's a pretty huge gap.
Honestly I've explored the industry for myself and I was unable to find people as passionate about and as solid as Northwestern Mutual, plus they pour about $100,000 into training you in your first two years, most other companies just throw you out there.
The other nice thing (sorry last thing--haha clearly, I have an opinion on this ) is that Northwestern Mutual is one of the few companies left that is an exclusive distribution system-meaning that only Northwestern Mutual Reps have access to Northwestern Mutual's products, however you're still an independent contractor and can sell other companies products too. You set yourself apart from your competition in the industry though by having access to both NMFN's products and any other companies, where as if you were contracted with TransAmerica you couldn't ever sell Northwestern Mutual's products.
I hope this helps!
I tend to agree with all that you have said. Question regarding selling other companies products? Is it true that Northwestern must get 1st look before shopping the market? And it must be documented as to why the agent was 'selling away'? Being able to sell Northwestern Mutual products is definitely an added advantage to competitors, especially if the agent recognizes it and does offer other companies products.