Interview with Fran DeMaris Award Winner Katrina Martin - Part 2

Choosing Cannon as Trusted Partner

“About a year into my role at Cumberland Trust, my manager approached me with the opportunity to pursue my CTFA™, and I jumped on it,” Katrina recalls. This opportunity came at a perfect time, as she had already developed a solid foundation in her role as a Trust Officer and was eager to expand her knowledge and expertise.

When Katrina Martin decided to pursue this designation, choosing the right place for her education was crucial. Her decision to enroll at Cannon Financial Institute wasn’t made lightly; it was informed by the strong partnership between her employer, Cumberland Trust, and Cannon, as well as the glowing recommendations from her colleagues who had already walked the very same path.

“Cumberland has a strong partnership with Cannon, and many of my coworkers had gone through the program,” Katrina explains. This existing relationship between Cumberland Trust and Cannon provided her with a sense of assurance, knowing that she was selecting an institution that had delivered positive results for her peers.

What stood out to Katrina in her decision-making process were the consistent praises from her colleagues who had previously completed the program. They spoke highly of Cannon’s structured approach, the program’s reputation within the industry, and how well it prepared them for the CTFA™ exam. These testimonials played a significant role in reaffirming her choice.

“My coworkers spoke highly of the program, praising its structure, reputation, and how well it prepared them for the CTFA™ exam,” she recalls. This collective endorsement from trusted colleagues gave Katrina the confidence that Cannon would provide her with the education and support she needed to succeed.

However, it wasn’t just the program’s structure and reputation that drew Katrina to Cannon—it was also the quality of the instructors. Her colleagues emphasized the depth of experience and knowledge that Cannon’s instructors brought to the table. “Definitely the instructors,” Katrina notes when asked what stood out most about Cannon Trust School. “They didn’t just present textbook material but provided practical applications from their industry experience.” This practical approach, coupled with the personalized attention from instructors like Larry Divers, who was particularly noted for his expertise in investment strategies, made the Cannon experience unique and highly valuable.

Cannon’s ability to offer a comprehensive and engaging learning experience was further demonstrated by their flexibility in delivery methods. When Katrina enrolled in Trust School, she did so remotely—a necessity given her life circumstances at the time, with twins just born and a demanding role at Cumberland Trust. Despite the challenges of balancing work, family, and education, Katrina found that Cannon’s remote program didn’t compromise on quality.

Her experience with the remote program was positive, but she also recognized the added benefits of in-person attendance, such as deeper engagement with peers and instructors, which could further enhance the learning experience. “While I appreciated the remote option, I would encourage students to attend in person, if possible, as it allows for full immersion and networking,” Katrina suggests.

In choosing Cannon Financial Institute, Katrina found not just an excellent way to prepare for the CTFA™, but a trusted partner in her professional development. The combination of a well-structured curriculum, expert instructors, and a supportive learning environment made Cannon the ideal choice for her professional advancement journey.