Matt Newman

Biography

Catastrophic events, such as a diagnosis of grade-three astrocytoma, can’t be directly accounted for. However, their impact can be mitigated with ample planning and a positive attitude. Matt Newman’s financial planning experience and relentless determination helped him take ownership of his life as a cancer survivor. He leads sales teams, financial advisors, and organizations through his philosophy of risk management and motivation; emphasizing sales and referrals by making deeper connections with clients.

Author of Starting at the Finish Line: My Cancer Partner, Perspective and Preparation, Matt has refined his ideas through his latest creative outlet; writing. After his diagnosis, he gained imperative existential insight, knowing that he had to live in the moment and appreciate every second before he goes. That realization inspired him to begin writing, as well as make a stronger connection with his family.

Through his keynote speeches, he reinforces that organizations create new prospects with realness and purity in interpersonal connections. At his appearances, he signs his books with, “we are a family of warriors.” Even when unable to orate in-person, Matt creates an equal passion with his audience in his virtual keynote speeches.

Starting at the Finish Line is the autobiography of Matt Newman, a financial services wholesaler and father to three small children, who was diagnosed with grade three astrocytoma (brain cancer) at 39 years old. Matthew’s memoir chronicles the journey that he and his entire family took together which got him to a place of clarity, understanding and appreciation. The book’s underlying message of why it’s important to get your financial planning in order is both inspirational and actionable.

Speaking topics include:

Change Breeds Opportunity
Increasing Revenue Through Personal Connection
Finding the “Fight” to Fight Cancer
Cultivating and Creating Meaningful and Lasting Relationships with Your Clients
Planning and Preparing for the Unexpected

Videos

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Testimonials

I’ve had the pleasure of seeing Matthew present at many events. Every single one ends in a standing ovation with very few dry eyes in the audience. It’s personally gratifying to see Matthew connect with and make a difference in so many people’s lives. It’s rare to see someone find their true calling and purpose – to share the lessons learned from his experience and bring people together in the battle against cancer.

– Ryan Bertrand, Vice President and Managing Director, Advanced Markets, Transamerica

The incredible story of dealing with the horrific challenges that cancer brings and having the fortitude to stay strong is so moving. All of our employees and participants could not say enough about it. As a wealth management firm, it brings to light the importance in all that we do – the best planning is recognized most when the challenges in life come our way no matter from which direction. This is an important story for everyone out there to hear!

– Marc L. Scudillo, CFP, CPA, MBA, CBEC, AIFA, Managing Director, Eisner Amper

Sometimes in life, we have bad days, then there are those other times where it feels like life just hit us square in the face and knocked us to the ground. Starting at the Finish Line is one man's inspiring story of what you do when you find yourself on the ground. This book is a testament to all because, on occasion, we all face hard times, but as Matt Newman's story will show, it's not about the hard times we face, it's about how we react to them.

– Anthony Robles, Anthony Robles Enterprises LLC, NCAA Wrestling Champion despite being born with one leg, ESPN Wrestling Analyst, ESPY winner, author

I've had the pleasure of seeing Matthew present at many events. Every single one ends in a standing ovation with very few dry eyes in the audience. It's personally gratifying to see Matthew connect with and make a difference in so many people's lives. It's rare to see someone find their true calling and purpose - to share the lessons learned from his experience and bring people together in the battle against cancer.

– Ryan Bertrand, Vice President and Managing Director, Advanced Markets, Transamerica

The incredible story of dealing with the horrific challenges that cancer brings and having the fortitude to stay strong is so moving. All of our employees and participants could not say enough about it. As a wealth management firm, it brings to light the importance in all that we do - the best planning is recognized most when the challenges in life come our way no matter from which direction. This is an important story for everyone out there to hear.

– Marc L. Scudillo, CFP, CPA, MBA, CBEC, AIFA, Managing Director, Eisner Amper

I first met Matt nearly 20 years ago, when he started covering my office. Even though he was a young and inexperienced wholesaler, Matt quickly rose to the top of his profession. He worked harder than anyone else and he knew his products and his competitors' products inside and out. He became a huge asset to advisors and was always there for them with anything they needed to help close a sale. Even in those early years, Matt had few equals. Many years later, when Matt was diagnosed with..... and later defeated...cancer, he emerged with a new and different energy and perspective. He still had a mastery of all of the products in the marketplace, but his focus was different. Sure, the products matter– and I don't want to minimize that– but after overcoming his health challenges, Matt's conversations and presentations changed. Matt now teaches us how to lead better lives, more balanced lives, healthier lives. In doing so, Matt helps us be better assets to our firms, helps us be better fathers, mothers, sisters and brothers, and helps us become more valuable advisors to our clients. I was fortunate to meet Matt 20 odd years ago when he first walked through my office door, and I am even more fortunate today to call him a friend.

– Marc J. Del Gaudio, CFP®, President, Allied Wealth Partners

I've had the privilege to know and work with Matt the past 10 years. Recently, I had Matt speak to two groups of my top prospects and clients to share his moving story. My group held on to every word, and walked away Inspired, Encouraged, and more prepared to help their own clients face challenges.

– Chris Cronin, Regional Vice President, Transamerica

It is captivating that Matt Newman has turned his life-threatening situation into a learning experience for people. Being a financial advisor myself, Matt's story confirms the need to plan for the unexpected. Matt is a true ambassador for reminding people the need to create a strategy and also to be a warrior in a fight to beat cancer.

– Rich DeMaria, President, Wealth Capital Group

Booksby Matt Newman

Starting at the Finish Line

For Meeting Planners

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 August 20, 2024
 
 
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 August 14, 2024
 
 
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 August 8, 2024
 
 
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 August 3, 2024
 
 
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 July 29, 2024
 
 
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