From Tennis to Legacy Planning and The World of Life Insurance

Marin Milan joined ARI Financial Group in 2021 and is part of the business development team for the US and European markets. Born and raised in Zagreb, Croatia, Marin brings a deep understanding of the local market to ARI, the key to the firm’s goal of helping global citizens grow and preserve their legacy during their lifetime.

Marin moved to the US in 2014, and as a former professional tennis player, he is a passionate individual with a competitive nature and deeply committed to everything he does. He started playing tennis as a kid, and after a few injuries, he decided to start his own tennis academy. After meeting ARI Financial Group Founder & CEO, Eric Bouskila, Marin decided to become a licensed insurance professional and quickly learned all the intricacies of the business. Marin is now responsible for developing and supporting strong external relationships with clients and prospects.

Marin speaks fluent Croatian and English and occasionally understands Spanish as every good Miamian. He enjoys going to new restaurants, meeting new people, and can be found before and after hours playing padel around the city.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Libertad Rodriguez, PHL

Unlocking Wealth and Legacy Planning with Premium Finance of Whole Life Insurance

Haute Living sat down with Marin Milan from ARI Financial Group, a Miami-based top international Premium Finance boutique, to discuss this compelling choice for high-net-worth individuals and their families. It offers a harmonious blend of insurance protection, tax benefits, and financial flexibility.

In the world of high-net-worth individuals and astute financial planning, Premium Finance of Whole Life Insurance stands out as an exclusive strategy that combines the security of life insurance with the potential for wealth accumulation. This innovative approach allows affluent individuals to leverage their assets effectively and create a long-lasting legacy for future generations. This strategy particularly appeals to those who wish to maximize the benefits of their life insurance while maintaining liquidity in their investment portfolio.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Meir Edri

What has been your experience as a Business Development Manager at ARI Financial Group? How would you describe the culture there?

My experience as a Business Development Director at ARI Financial Group has been gratifying. What sets this company apart is its unique culture, which fosters a collaborative and ego-free environment.

At ARI Financial Group, there’s a genuine spirit of teamwork and support. It’s not about competition; it’s about cooperation. Everyone here is always willing to share information, insights, and knowledge. We constantly brainstorm together, exchange ideas, and help one another navigate the intricacies of our industry.

The atmosphere within the company is exceptional. It’s a place where I genuinely look forward to coming to the office each day and enjoying the friendship and respect among colleagues. The absence of egos and the focus on mutual growth and success create a culture that’s not only productive but also enjoyable. This unique culture makes working at ARI Financial Group an enriching and fun experience for me.

Of the projects/cases you’ve worked on, what has stood out most in your mind?

When I think about the projects and cases I’ve worked on, it’s not just one that stands out; it’s a particular type. I’m most impressed by ultra-high-net-worth clients who take the time to understand complex financial structures that are crucial for their legacy planning.

It’s remarkable when these clients not only get these complex structures but also decide to get as much insurance as they can for multiple generations. Some even set up Premium Financed structures for newborns because they know how important Whole Life insurance is for protecting their family legacy. These cases are the ones that make me love what I do. Seeing clients take charge of securing their family’s financial well-being and legacy is incredibly rewarding. It reminds me why I’m passionate about my work.

Additionally, I find great satisfaction when friends just starting to accumulate wealth seek my advice after reading or hearing about Whole Life insurance. It’s rewarding to see them take proactive steps to protect their financial future, even at the early stages of their journey.

What’s the best and worst business advice anyone’s ever given you?

The best business advice I’ve ever received is the wisdom that people often overestimate what they can achieve in one year but underestimate what they can accomplish in three years. I’ve realized that building a sustainable and impactful career or business takes time, dedication, and persistence. It’s not about achieving overnight success, but, more importantly, it’s consistently working towards long-term goals. When we set out to achieve something, whether growing a business or developing a new skill, we tend to expect immediate results. We want to see quick progress and significant changes in a short period. However, this mindset can lead to frustration and disappointment when things don’t unfold as rapidly as we hope.

On the other hand, understanding the power of what can be accomplished over three years provides a more realistic and patient perspective. It encourages us to set ambitious yet achievable long-term goals, break them down into manageable milestones, and consistently work towards them. It allows for the necessary time to learn, adapt, and overcome challenges.

This advice reminds me to stay focused on the bigger picture and not get discouraged by short-term setbacks. It encourages a mindset of perseverance and continuous improvement, which is crucial in business development. By embracing the journey and understanding the potential for significant growth over time, I’ve found greater motivation, resilience, and satisfaction in my career.

Tell us about your mentors. What are some of the best lessons they’ve taught you?

I’ve been lucky to have mentors who’ve been like guiding lights in my career. Three of them stand out: Eric Bouskila, Jordan Mimoun, and Ligia Braun.

Eric Bouskila, CEO of ARI Financial Group, has shown me the ropes of the business world, encouraged me to take risks and aim high, and provided me with the opportunity to succeed.

Eric, Jordan, and Ligia have also taught me the ins and outs of Whole Life insurance and premium financing processes. They’ve patiently led me through every step, and their mentorship has been invaluable, giving me a deep understanding of the vital aspects of our business as we help protect the legacy of our clients and their families.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Libertad Rodriguez, PHL

What significant moment in your career are you proudest of and why?

The moment I’m proudest of in my career was when I decided to leave my tennis coaching career and shift to work in business development at ARI Financial Group; this was a big step because I’ve been coaching tennis for a long time, and people who knew me through tennis were curious about my new path.

One thing that helped with this transition was that I had known Eric Bouskila, CEO of ARI Financial Group, for six years. I was familiar with the company’s culture, which was why I made the switch. I knew that ARI Financial Group was the best in the industry, and I wanted to join their dynamic team.

At first, some people were unsure if I would stick with it or if this was just a short-term change. But I was determined to prove myself and show my commitment to this new career. Over time, I worked hard to build trust and credibility in my new role.

This decision makes me proud because it shows I’m not afraid to try something new and take risks for a great opportunity. It also highlights my dedication to personal and professional growth. Working at ARI Financial Group has been a fantastic experience, and I’m excited about the future here.

What are some of your hobbies or interests that help you unwind and maintain a healthy work-life balance outside of your professional life?

I like playing sports, especially tennis, and padel when not working. I used to play tennis professionally until age 20, and it’s still a big part of my life. I recently started playing padel and quickly fell in love with it.

When Reserve Padel opened in February, I got hooked on the game. Wayne Boich and his team did a great job with the club and the efforts to disseminate the sport. It’s been an exciting journey, and I’m looking forward to seeing how padel continues to grow in popularity. Playing padel at Reserve has led to some valuable friendships. The shared love for sports can bring people closer together, and I’m thankful for the incredible connections I’ve made.

How do you stay motivated and inspired in the face of setbacks and challenges?

First and foremost, I draw inspiration from my background in professional tennis–– it taught me the importance of resilience and mental strength. In tennis, you face numerous setbacks, injuries, and defeats, but you always learn to bounce back stronger. I carry this mindset into my professional life. When challenges arise, I remind myself that setbacks are part of the journey and often lead to valuable lessons and growth.

Secondly, I have a competitive nature. I view challenges as opportunities to prove myself and my capabilities. The desire to succeed and exceed expectations keeps me focused and inspired. Moreover, I believe in the power of continuous learning. When faced with a challenge, I seek knowledge and solutions. Whether through research, seeking mentor advice, or collaborating with my team, I’m always eager to learn and adapt. This approach helps me overcome obstacles and keeps my enthusiasm alive.

In addition, I find motivation in the mission of ARI Financial Group. We are dedicated to helping global citizens grow and preserve their legacy during their lifetime. Knowing that our work positively impacts people’s lives fuels my passion and determination. It reminds me that our challenges are worth conquering for the greater good.

Lastly, I maintain a healthy work-life balance. Engaging in activities like playing tennis and padel, exploring new restaurants, and meeting new people outside work keep me refreshed and inspired. These experiences help recharge my motivation when facing professional challenges.

What goals do you still hope to accomplish within your career? What’s the next milestone for you?

In my career, my primary focus has always been on delivering the absolute best service to our valued clients. I see myself as being at the threshold of my career, and I’m excited about the road ahead. But what excites me the most is the opportunity to provide exceptional value to our clients. My mission is to help them achieve their goals and safeguard their legacies during their lifetime, ensuring their assets are well-protected.

I firmly believe that the following milestones will continue to present themselves, and I’m committed to surpassing them. However, what truly drives me is the satisfaction of knowing that I’ve made a meaningful impact on the lives of our clients. It’s not just about personal success; it’s about enabling their success and peace of mind. This focus on delivering exceptional value and helping our clients prosper continues to fuel my passion for the journey ahead.

Learn more & connect with Marin at marin@ari-fg.com.

Written in partnership with ARI Financial Group.