Brent Novoselsky

1. Tell us about your family and background.

I was born and raised in Skokie, IL, went to college at the University of Pennsylvania where I graduated from the Wharton Business School with honors and was captain of the football team.  I signed a free agent contract with the Chicago Bears in 1988 to play tight end.  I wore #89 (Coach Mike Ditka's number when he played) and played in the "Fog Bowl" along with the NFC Championship game that year.  From there I went to the Packers only to be cut prior to the season.  I was signed by the Minnesota Vikings and played there for 6 years, playing in over 100 games and making over 100 special teams tackles.  All the while, I was interning at Mesirow Financial in their financial planning department.  A serious neck injury ended my career in 1994.  I immediately started working for my present employer, GCG Financial as a financial advisor managing investments and providing insurance products for small to midsized business owners and individuals.  I married my high school sweetheart and best friend, Andrea.  We have been together for just about 28 years.  We have 3 kids: Alec 17, Zachary 15 and Mackenzie 10.  We are living the American dream!

2. Describe one of your greatest victories from your school days.

I scored 3 touchdowns my sophomore year in high school - all on defense and all in the first half of a game.  Also, wooing my future wife.

3. Tell us about your company and what you do.

GCG Financial - we manage investments and provide insurance products for small to midsized companies and individual.  We provide services which include, fee (and web) based financial planning, workman's comp, liability, buy sell, key man, along with health insurance, disability insurance, life insurance and long term care insurance.  We take a needs based approach to dealing with our clients and find high quality solutions for their unique situation.

4. Why would we want to do business with you and your company.

A customized approach to getting your financial house in order.  Our creed is Be Well, Do Well, Plan on It.

5. Describe a great referral for you.

Small to midsized business owner.

6. What attracted you to your Club and who sponsored you?

Steve Fretzin talked me in to starting the Sports Club.  In 16 years of networking, this is the most unique and effective approach that I have seen.  Most networking is like skipping stones on a pond - you just don't build deep meaningful relationships that are the cornerstone to my inflow of business.  ACA allows for deeper, more meaningful connections.

7. What other ACA organizations are you involved in?

I have been to all of the clubs in Chicago - I am proud to say that each is run extremely well.  I am proud of the ACA Chicago!

"I have been a member for several months and truly look forward to these events. My job is Business Development and I attend many business functions. I am always anxious with curiosity and excitement to be at the ACA events. They are far superior to many of the business network and social meetings that I attend. I continually meet new and interesting people in our world that develop into friendships and business as well. I am glad that I joined. Thank you."

Donald L. Shewmake, Jr.
EVP and Co-Founder
PANTHEOS