Without a doubt, Gerald C. Grant Jr. (MBA ’89, BBA ’78) stands at the pinnacle of his career.

Grant, who serves as branch director of financial planning for AXA Advisors’ South Florida Branch, recently received the company’s 2011 National Honor Associate Award.

The annual award is granted to a financial professional who represents the “total professional” by best exemplifying the esteemed qualities and attributes of community service, loyalty, leadership and respect. A committee of his peers chose Grant for the prestigious honor from among thousands of candidates.

“Winning this award is a great honor,” Grant said. “I have never strived to win awards, simply to serve my clients and my community.”

Luis Chiappy and Hugo Castro, executive vice presidents, AXA Advisors National Division and joint managers of the local branch, announced the award.

“Grant is a model for professionalism in our business and is a recognized leader in civic and community endeavors,” Chiappy said.

Book opens door to financial literacy.

During his many speaking engagements, attendees often asked Grant for more in-depth information on financial literacy.

“When my research failed to yield the right results, I decided to tackle the topic myself,” he said.

This in turn led him to write Bold Moves to Creating Financial Wealth.

Grant is now teaching a course based on this book at Miami Dade College’s Wolfson campus.

Business school serves as strong foundation for career.

Grant credits his time spent at the College of Business Administration for providing him with the skills needed to transition successfully into the business world.

An active alumnus, Grant now serves on the Florida International University (FIU) Foundation Board of Directors and on the advisory board for the FIU Honors College.