Background

For Heather, thirteen years in banking was the best possible training for a career in financial services. During that time, she led a team of licensed financial representatives tasked with marketing traditional bank products as well as investment services. “I’ve always found more satisfaction in the success of others brought about through my efforts than anything else. Hence, my move to MassMutual was a natural fit,” adds Heather in explaining the evolution of her career in the industry.

Philosophy

From Heather’s perspective, successful financial strategy is about making sure that clients do the right things, not just do things right. “I look at every client and opportunity in terms of the client’s whole portfolio of needs and not from a product standpoint,” explains Heather. “One of my biggest strengths coming from banking is that I understand many of the financial products and services consumers are faced with every day.” Heather prides herself on having evolved from deposits, loans and mortgages, to true strategic financial management. She knows also the ins and outs of business banking—skills that make her particularly effective in working with small business owners.

“I always ask when I work with new clients ‘what keeps you up at night?’ as a means of gauging what is most important.” According to Heather, “I take a holistic approach. I ask a lot of questions. I listen very carefully and I encourage clients to act in their own interest.”

Heather works well with clients from all walks of life, but has a particular affinity for young professionals between 30 and 50 in age. “I appreciate the challenges young families of modest means face in securing their financial future,” explains Heather. In addition, Heather brings knowledge and experience working with closely held business owners. “My best referral is a client whose mind is open to understanding more clearly their long- and short-term financial obligations.” For Heather, the common denominator between all the clients she serves is conviction. “Too many families are one illness, one injury, one diagnosis away from financial hardship. I want to help clients address issues before they become major problems.”

Personal and Professional Affiliations

Heather is a member of Rochester Women’s Network, Rochester Young Professionals and National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors. Hailing originally from New Hartford, NY, she and her husband, Harold, live in Ontario and have one daughter.

Insurance Representative of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) and other fine companies. Heather A. Smith is a Registered Representative of and offers securities through MML Investor Services, Inc., member SIPC, a MassMutual subsidiary. Supervisory office: 600 Clinton Square, Rochester, NY 14604 (585) 262-5600.