A Portage Life in the Spotlight: Devon Mulligan

A Portage Life in the Spotlight: Devon Mulligan

“It’s a small town, with a big city attraction that has Midwest hospitality.”

This is how Financial Advisor Devon Mulligan describes his town, Portage. He was born in Washington D.C., and after bouncing around the east coast, the Mulligans called Northwest Indiana home.

“My wife got into Valparaiso Law School, so we planted roots, got careers, had kids and now here we are,” said Mulligan. “In my experience, people are just nicer in the Midwest than on the coast. I believe the Midwest hospitality is very real here.”

Mulligan is a financial advisor at Edward Jones. He has always had an attraction to helping people, and that is what draws him into his field.

“I get to help people in a field that can be overwhelming, confusing, and intimidating. Regardless of where you are at, I think everyone could use assistance in regards to financial planning,” said Mulligan. “Originally, my degree was in elementary education. I ended up getting into business, where we did insurance and financial business, and that’s where I got my interest in finance. This is what I’ll do for the rest of my life.”

Mulligan has a passion to help others. He says it all stems from the teacher side of him.

“Helping people is the most efficient way to grow in anything. I do as much as I can to help and to give to others. Whether it be through the chamber, or being a mentor, I think we all grow together when we all work together,” said Mulligan. “People don’t care about what you know until they know that you care about them, and that’s what I focus on.”

Mulligan is a part of Our Greater Good, an organization that empowers children and young men and women. They strive to strengthen families and to give children adult advocates who can encourage them and be a source of positivity in their lives. They want every child to reach their full potential in living a fulfilling adult life.

“It’s a team of adults who get paired up with teens in the community. We are there as social support for those who might not have that and as a positive influence or guidance for those who need it. We help them transition through troublesome times,” said Mulligan. “There’s a part of me that has always enjoyed working with kids. This is one of the best feelings. To be of value to any young life, whether it be a shoulder to cry on, someone to play with, or someone to ask questions, I think it’s one of the best contributions; being there for someone when they need you.”

Giving back to the community strengthens its people. It brings everyone together with the common goal of helping and improving each other. For Mulligan, giving back means growth.

“I take a lot of pride that there are organizations out there that help people in the community that I live in,” said Mulligan. “There are resources out there that people are not aware of, and there are people out there who need them. It takes people who provide those resources, and I think everyone has a responsibility to chip in and to contribute.”

Mulligan is proud to be a Hoosier. He enjoys the people, that agricultural and city blend, and, most importantly, the cultural differences.

“It’s a special area. There is so much cultural representation in Northwest Indiana. I love that it has a little bit of everything. And the schools create educated and pretty well-rounded people,” said Mulligan. “My family loves it here. My wife and children are the heartbeat that gets me going in the morning. They are what motivates me for everything.”