Eric K. Williams, founder of Empowerment Resources International Corp in Chicago, Illinois, didn’t plan on entering the financial services industry. In fact, he was first introduced to it through a simple question: “Could you save $200 a month?” That question led him to a presentation about insurance and annuity products—and sparked a realization. “I had left corporate America and didn’t have a structured way to save for retirement,” he recalls. Inspired by what he learned, Eric got licensed and officially entered the industry in January 2005.

Eric is intentional about using his full name—middle initial included. “There are a lot of Eric Williamses in the Chicagoland area,” he explains. “Even within some of the companies I represent, the name is common. That’s why I always go by Eric K. Williams—to help distinguish myself and keep things clear.” He even lists “Eric K.” as his first name on official forms to ensure consistency.

Although his path to financial services was unconventional, Eric had laid the groundwork early on. He holds a BA in Finance and Management and began his professional life as a buyer and manager for JCPenney. After more than seven years in retail, he found himself returning to the foundational concepts of finance he had studied years earlier—only now, with a renewed purpose.

A Mission to Empower

Eric is driven by a deep commitment to financial literacy, especially within underserved communities. “I didn’t grow up with financial conversations at the dinner table,” he explains. “There’s a real opportunity to educate, empower, and equip individuals and families to win.”

Through his work at Empowerment Resources International, Eric focuses on insured solutions—primarily structured whole life insurance with living benefits and indexed annuities. He helps clients understand how to use these tools to eliminate debt, grow savings, and secure their financial futures. His approach emphasizes safety and education, empowering clients to explore options beyond traditional market-based products.

“I love showing people how one dollar can accomplish multiple goals,” he says. “Whether it’s debt elimination, retirement savings, or building an emergency fund, there are powerful, often overlooked strategies that can make a real difference.”

Finding NAIFA

Eric discovered NAIFA while pursuing membership in the Million Dollar Round Table. “A friend mentioned MDRT, and I found out I needed to be part of a professional organization,” he recalls. “I chose NAIFA—and I’m glad I did.”

Since joining, Eric has embraced NAIFA’s educational and advocacy opportunities. A Top of the Table MDRT member, he credits NAIFA with providing resources that have supported his professional growth, from CE credits to peer learning and national events. “I tell everyone I work with to join NAIFA,” he says. “The support, the training, the speakers—it all helps elevate your practice.”

Growing in Advocacy

Recently, Eric has taken a more active role in NAIFA’s advocacy efforts. He attended Legislative Day in Springfield and participated in NAIFA’s Congressional Conference in Washington, D.C. for the first time.

“It was powerful,” he says. “Walking the halls of Congress, meeting legislators and their staff—it really made me appreciate the front-line role NAIFA plays in protecting our profession.”

Eric completed NAIFA’s Financial Security Advocate (FSA) training to prepare for his advocacy work and is passionate about issues that impact his clients directly. Among them: legislation that would limit consumer access to safe money strategies, such as Senate Bill 2016 concerning 403(b) investment provider limitations. “Not everyone wants to take on risk and fees,” he says. “People deserve to know they have alternatives.”

A Career Worth Pursuing

Would Eric recommend a career in financial services? “Absolutely—but it’s not for everyone,” he says. “It’s a career that requires commitment, structure, and continuous learning.” As a self-described lifelong learner, Eric emphasizes the need to study, train, and engage with industry leaders and mentors. “You have to be serious about it. But if you are, the rewards—in both impact and income—can be great.”

To those considering this path, Eric offers encouragement: “If you’re independent, seek out organizations like NAIFA. Surround yourself with people who can teach, mentor, and challenge you to grow. That’s how you thrive in this business.”

Eric’s dedication to education, advocacy, and client empowerment is what makes him a standout in the industry—and a proud NAIFA member.