Our History
Our History
The founder of The Sterner Financial Group, John Sterner, has been representing Northwestern Mutual since 2001. While earning his bachelor's degree in business administration from Southern Adventist University in Collegedale, TN, John recognized the potential to be a vital part of the Chattanooga community and make a difference in the lives of others.
Over the last 19 years, John has recruited a team of highly-skilled professionals who share his vision for guiding clients toward achieving financial independence. As a team, their goal is to get each client to the point where they are able to educate their kids, transition their businesses, go into retirement or reach a point of financial independence where they no longer feel like they have to work – and to do all those things without anxiety.

John Sterner has been a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) professional since 2005 and seeks to continually stay informed in this ever-changing industry.

He has been honored every year since 2009 as a Forum advisor. Only the top 5% of Northwestern Mutual's more than 6,000 financial representatives receive this annual honor.

He has also received the Financial Security Award, the National Sales Achievement Award, the NAIFA National Quality Award, and has qualified for the Million Dollar Round Table. John is a member of the Financial Planning Association.
Awards and Recognition
National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors Quality Award 2011-2015
Award recognizing commitment to excellence in service to clients and industry
National Quality Award 2006-2010
Award recognizing persistency and performance
National Sales Achievement Award 2006-2010
Award recognizing performance