Peter Novak: Sales & Culture Consultant, Multi-entrepreneur, International Speaker
Having reached my full height of 6’6” by the time I was 16, I have always had a different view of the world—literally and figuratively. My fearlessness about being unique attracted me to leadership from the start, inspiring the student body as class vice president, leading my basketball team as captain and being recognized as an Academic All-American basketball player at American International College.
When I landed in financial services more than 30 years ago, that same fearlessness ignited in me an immediate urge to turn the business upside down. Today, my entrepreneurial spirit and instinct for identifying and cultivating potential has brought me success as a consultant, recruiter, leader and public speaker. My unique professional background lends both credibility and creativity to my approach, resulting in a powerful, motivating experience for emerging and experienced managers alike.
AT-A-GLANCE
My contributions to the international business community spans speaking engagements, coaching, board memberships and entrepreurship, all with the intention to pave the way for future generations of leaders.
Integrity Solutions Poland
Company Focus: Innovative sales, customer service and coaching trainings that increase efficiency, support talents and build leaders. Integrity has over 50 years of experience, with a presence in 130 countries and across numerous industries.
Role: Founder / Co-Owner.
Highclere Castle Cigar Co.
Company Focus: Hand - rolled cigars from Estelí, Nicaragua, using the best Connecticut Shade wrapper and Brazilian Mata Fina.
Role: Investor / Advisor. Strategic advisor and early investor.
Highclere Castle
Company Focus: Award winning gin.
Role: Private Investor. I've been actively involved in launching this business from concept to reality.
V-One Vodka
Company Focus: 100% organic spelt grain vodka; crafted in Poland from seed to bottle. American-owned, proudly crafted in Poland. Distilled in Kamień, Poland.
Role: Investor / Advisor. Since its launch, I have been coaching V-One Vodka on strategy, distribution and vision.
Charter Oak Financial
Company Focus: Life insurance and investment services.
Role: General Agent.
Key Figures: $90 million in premium, $4.8 billion in assets under management.
Key Accomplishments: Grew agency from 25 agents to 180 agents; won 15 MassMutual Chairman’s Trophies; developed four front-line managers into General Agents.
Axia Insurance Company
Company Focus: Risk insurance, property and casualty insurance, payroll deduction.
Role: Co-founder.
Key Figures: $24 million in premiums; $3 million annual revenue.
Key Accomplishments: Started company from scratch, has since grown to 34 employees and $3 million in annual revenue.
Singing Mud, LLC
Company Focus: Real estate investments.
Role: Owner of diversified real estate portfolio in New Haven, CT ranging from commercial properties to multi-family homes
GAMA International
• LAMP Platform Speaker, 2013 | A Legacy of Leadership, focusing on the ways in which the next generation of leaders can keep our industry thriving and relevant.
• GAMA Foundation Board of Trustees, 2004-2006
• GAMA Foundation Research and Special Projects Committee, 2004-2006
• Keeping the Right People, A Systems for Success Study, Contributor, 2005
• Finding the Right People, A Systems for Success Study, Contributor, 2006
Industry recognition:
GAMA International
• Hall of Fame Inductee, 2019
• Cy Pick Award, 2018
• Master Agency Award, 2002, 2007-2020
• James Krueger First In Class Award, 2010-2011, 2017
• International Managers Award, 2004-2006, 2008-2014
• NMA Platinum Award, 2002-2003
• NMA Platinum Financial Planning Award, 2001
• NMA Traditional Gold Award, 2000
• NMA Award, 1999
Company recognition:
MassMutual Chairman’s Trophy
The Chairman’s Trophy is the most elite award an agency can achieve.
MassMutual agencies have the ability to win and compete against a standard of excellence at gold, silver and bronze levels. The award is based on a point system that rewards performance of key measures including proprietary life, annuity, disability income and long-term care production; whole life (WL) growth; cross-selling; growth in the number of conference qualifiers; and the development of new advisors.
Agency Trophy History
1999-2000: Gold
2002: Silver
2003: Bronze
2004-2010: Gold
2011: Silver
2012-2020: Gold
MassMutual’s Crystal Achievement Award
The Crystal Achievement Award recognizes firms that demonstrated solid performance and growth over the previous year, as well as the maintenance of quality business.
Agency Award History
2004-2011
2013-2020