Profile
“Westfield Specialty and I have been trying to make sure we are opportunistic in the marketplace and that has allowed us to grow profitably and create a broader and more diversified portfolio”
Jack Kuhn
Westfield Specialty
John Benton is a financial planner at Prudential Advisors and based in New Jersey.
Over the course of his almost four decades in the industry, he has led and built a team that takes the most complex financial solutions and makes them easy for clients.
He describes beginning in the industry as simply seeking to make a living, but over the years it quickly became a passion.
“I am so fulfilled with the knowledge that we are able to assist our clients and that we have a fabulous team. That is what keeps my gas tank full. We are fortunate and grateful for our clients and I am thankful every day for the team,” he says.
Benton’s sustained success is rooted in a continued effort to refine his product knowledge and stay ahead of the rate of change across the financial sector.
He explains, “My entire team and I are committed to continuing education. We continue to earn designations to expand our knowledge base so we can better serve our clients.”
The desire to keep raising standards and remain a trusted partner to clients means the greatest daily challenge is managing his time. Benton is vigilant to ensure no corners are cut.
“We are a dedicated team of people who work diligently to lay out the advisors’ schedules to assure that we have enough time to provide what is needed for each client,” he says. “Our commitment to knowledge, professionalism and our processes strengthen us personally and professionally. With that on our side, we know that the dedication and integrity show through.”
Having an understanding of an individual’s need to consider family in financial decisions is embedded throughout Benton’s team. Both his wife and two daughters have joined the firm, creating a supportive and caring environment. It’s this family-orientated approach that is a driver for attracting new clients.
“It is said that the greatest compliment is a referral and we are referred consistently by our clients to other people just like them,” comments Benton.
Despite having a distinguished track record and strong reputation, Benton is not resting on his laurels. He has been recognized as one of InvestmentNews’ 5-Star Financial Planners 2025 – and the award has spurred him on to continue delivering excellence.
Benton adds, “Our strengths are in crafting custom strategies for our client’s financial future. Financial planning, wealth management, and the use of trusted, time-tested risk protection strategies are what we do and what we will continue to provide for our clients.”
30 Technology Drive, Suite 1Q, Warren, NJ 07059
800 549 6007
cfs@prudential.com
linkedin.com/in/johnbenton6007
cfs-nj.com
John Benton
COO and Financial Planner
Chartered Financial Services LLC
Read on
Special Report
Home
Bio
Milestones
Profile
Special Report
Home
Bio
Milestones
Special Report
Home
Bio
Milestones
“The biggest challenge is getting everyone comfortable with the pace that I’m looking for to drive our buildout and growth. How I deal with it is by being open and transparent, and responsive to questions or concerns”
Jack Kuhn
Westfield Specialty
2019–2024
2023–2024
2017–Present
2016–present
2022–Present
2019–2024: Six-time Prudential Financial Planner of the Year award winner
2021, 2022, 2024: Three-time Prudential Trophy winner
2019–2025: Seven-time MDRT Top of the Table
2019–
2024
Two-time Forbes Best In State award winner
2023–
2024
Principal, Senior Consultant at Fiducient Advisors
2017–
Present
Year: Chairman’s honours at b/d (top 4%)
2017: Investment New Tech Award
2017–2024: Five-Star Wealth Advisor, NH
2017–2024: Forbes’ Best-in-State Wealth Advisors, NH, 2024
2017–2025: Forbes’ Top Women Best-in-State Wealth Advisors (#1 in NH four years running)
2019: Kennebunk Chamber Driven Women Award
2021: Commonwealth Special Services Award (Most Distinguished Award)
2016–
present
2022: Nvest Financial LLC became a SEC-registered RIA (maintained hybrid status while still utilizing Commonwealth Financial)
2022–Present: Co-Founder and president of Operation Love from Home
2024–Present: Member of the Board of Directors at Kennebunk Savings
2024: Business NH Magazine: Top Women-Led Business, Advisor Hub: Advisors to Watch (Under $1B, #94 of 250)
2025: Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams
2022–
Present
Assistant Vice President and Senior Broker at MJ Hall & Company since 2018
Present
Milestones
Aug 2022
Milestones
Sept 2021
Feb 2022
Apr 2022
Jul 2022
Aug
2022
Suncorp Bank introduces Solar Home Bonus offer for customers who are choosing renewable energy for their homes
Sept 2021
Month-on-month market share growth commences
Feb 2022
Suncorp Bank wins the Canstar award for most outstanding value in investment loans
Apr 2022
Suncorp Bank wins Money Magazine’s Bank of the Year and Business Bank of the Year awards for the fifth year in a row
Jul 2022
Suncorp Bank’s turnaround times are the lowest they have ever been. The lender becomes Australia’s first certified carbon neutral bank for both its operation and transaction services
Aug 2022
Milestones
Kuhn says, “I would say my career has been one of more of chance and opportunities than a set plan. And it’s interesting how one decision has a ripple effect on putting you on a different path than maybe where you thought you would be.”
He highlights his spell at Endurance as his biggest professional achievement to date.
“It took some time, but we took them from really being viewed as a reinsurance company to being viewed as a global insurance company.”
It’s this type of innovative attitude that is powering Westfield Specialty forward so successfully.
Kuhn explains, “Westfield Specialty and I have been trying to make sure we are opportunistic in the marketplace and that has allowed us to grow profitably and create a broader and more diversified portfolio.”
Part of this has seen the firm acquire the existing Lloyd’s of London Syndicate 1200 in February 2023. It is also Kuhn’s ingenuity that has allowed Westfield Specialty to outperform expectations in challenging market conditions.
“I would say it’s been the understanding that there is a limited window of time. We're in this unique market, we need to be fast and decisive to take advantage of market opportunities before the market begins to move away,” he comments. “Additionally, I'd like to say we move with a lot of speed, but we do it in a thoughtful and methodical approach, not just to be the first.”
However, it has been an intricate process to ensure his team are onboard with his vision. Kuhn places importance of explaining his targets and the blueprint to achieve them.
He adds, “The biggest challenge is getting everyone comfortable with the pace that I’m looking for to drive our buildout and growth. How I deal with it is by being open and transparent, and responsive to questions or concerns. This way, everything gets thoroughly discussed and resolved.”
With almost four decades in the industry, Kuhn has developed methods that have consistently delivered. It is why he has been tasked with so many leadership roles and he intends to maintain his focus on creating more success at Westfield Specialty.
“I think I am and have always tried to be methodical. I look at the big picture yet stay focused on executing the different opportunities or plans that I have in front of me. I don’t get emotional or make emotional decisions.”
Chief underwriting officer of executive risk at Chubb
President of financial insurance solutions at Kemper
Chief underwriting officer at Axis Capital
CEO of global Insurance at Endurance
CEO of global Insurance at Sompo International
Kuhn joined Westfield Specialty in the firm’s first year (2021) and has established the company’s presence in the specialty market. By the end of 2023, the firm is expected to surpass $1.3 billion in GWP after writing $300 million in 2021.
•
•
•
•
•
Read on
Read on
