Sept. 7, 2021

This Week’s Up-and-Comer is Ross Reitsma, a financial adviser at Northwestern Mutual. This year, he was  inducted into the company’s 2021 Forum Group, which recognizes the top 5 percent of more than 6,000 financial representatives.

Name: Ross Reitsma

Age: 37

Hometown: Chandler, Minnesota

What brought you to Sioux Falls?

College basketball at the University of Sioux Falls.

What keeps you in Sioux Falls?

I love South Dakota, and I love Sioux Falls. It is a great community to raise a family in. My parents and siblings now live in Sioux Falls, and my wife Crystal’s family is close in Minnesota. We are blessed to have everything we love close to us.

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

My passion is in building intentional and meaningful relationships with people. The great opportunities and experiences that have come with these relationships is what makes me love my career.

How did you get connected to your industry?

I found Northwestern Mutual by digging through the yellow pages. I was cold-calling businesses looking for an internship when I was a sophomore in college.

Describe Northwestern Mutual in three words.

Integrity, visionary and family.

What is something someone might be surprised to learn about you?

I am a passionate Minnesota sports fan, I am terrible at swimming, and I once air-balled a free throw in the state championship game.

What’s your favorite way to give back to your community?

I am an active member at Central Church. I also serve on the board of Kingdom Capital and enjoy volunteering my time through Compassion Child Care. My children attend Sioux Falls Christian, and being present and active in their school is important to me as well.

What’s one business you’d like to see in Sioux Falls that isn’t here now?

An NFL team.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I would like to continue growing a dynamic team. My goal is doubling or tripling business production in the next five years. An increasing business allows me to increasingly give back more of my time, talent and treasures to the community and ministries we care about.