Brant Liestman

What is your background? (Hometown, schools, major, etc.)
I’m from the small town of Fisher, Illinois. I’m a senior at Bethel University in Mishawaka, double majoring in Business Management and Marketing.

What is your role at Everence and where are you located?
I am a Sales Support Intern in the Michiana Department, located in Goshen, Indiana.

How did you find Everence?
My father, Greg Liestman, has been working at Everence since I was young. I was always familiar with Everence, so when I was looking for a summer internship, Everence was one of the places I thought to look at.

What is your day to day like in your internship?
I never did the same thing two days in a row. Some of the major things I did this summer, was various projects with the 4-H Elkhart County Fair, which Everence has a big part in. Also, reaching out and communicating with clients with Michigan consultants, to uphold client services standards. A lot of variety within the internship with outreach, marketing, gathering items for events, etc.

What is something valuable you've learned through your internship?
Something valuable I’ve learned is that to be successful as a consultant, you must be authentic. There are several personalities that can be a financial consultant. With a touchy subject like finances, people want someone who has a heart to serve and are authentic when they meet. You don’t have to conform to something you’re not to do this job.

What is something you like to do on the weekends?
I enjoying hanging out with my friends and playing golf, pickleball and anything outdoors. I also enjoy hanging out with my lovely fiancé, Shaelynn, doing her favorite things, which include walking and getting ice cream.

What is your favorite local restaurant?
I enjoy the smashburgers from Biebs & Ash in Goshen and Mishawaka.

What advice do you have for future interns at Everence?
Be ready to learn as much as you can each day. Since you have little-to-no experience, the most valuable thing you are going to get from this internship is knowledge and experience. The more questions you ask, the more you learn. Don’t be afraid to ask the “stupid questions” because once you assume, that’s when you are wrong.