WORK AND EDUCATION

Jeff has been with Northwestern Mutual since 1996 and holds a degree from Illinois State University. Throughout his career he has earned several financial planning professional designations such as CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional (CFP®), the Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®), the Chartered Advisor for Senior Living (CASL®), the Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP®), and the Wealth Management Certified Professional® (WMCP®). He is a founding partner of Heartwood Planning Group along with Grant Goeglein, Matt Henry, Alex Reinhard, Kyle Wurtzel and Daniel Pifer.

Jeff specializes in retirement income planning, comprehensive financial planning and investment management.

In 2024, Forbes has recognized Jeff as a top financial security professional in Indiana as well as for having a best-in-state wealth management team.

PERSONAL

Jeff is married to Melissa and has two daughters, Hannah (Hanford) and Ruhama. Jeff is an active member of his local church. He plays guitar and tennis and enjoys fishing and hunting.

Forbes Best-in-State Top Financial Security Professionals list (July 2023), Research and ranking provided by SHOOK Research, LLC. Based upon data as of 12/31/2022. Northwestern Mutual (NM) and its advisors do not pay for placement on 3rd party rating or ranking lists. NM and its advisors do, however, pay marketing fees to these organizations to promote the rating or ranking(s). Rankings and recognitions are no guarantee of future investment success.

WORK AND EDUCATION

Kyle has been with Northwestern Mutual since 2002, after he graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Indianapolis School of Business. He is a Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®) and a founding partner of Heartwood Planning Group along with Grant Goeglein, Matt Henry, Jeff Rapp, Alex Reinhard and Daniel Pifer.

Kyle’s areas of expertise include Wealth Management, Investment Planning, and Retirement Planning.

In 2024, Forbes has recognized Kyle as a top financial security professional in Indiana as well as for having a best-in-state wealth management team.

PERSONAL

Kyle is married to Julia and has a daughter named Brooklyn. They reside in Warsaw, IN and enjoy traveling and boating. Kyle also races a top fuel dragster during the summer months. 

Forbes Best-in-State Top Financial Security Professionals list (July 2023), Research and ranking provided by SHOOK Research, LLC. Based upon data as of 12/31/2022. Northwestern Mutual (NM) and its advisors do not pay for placement on 3rd party rating or ranking lists. NM and its advisors do, however, pay marketing fees to these organizations to promote the rating or ranking(s). Rankings and recognitions are no guarantee of future investment success.

WORK AND EDUCATION

Matt has been with Northwestern Mutual for 15 years.  Matt  earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and chemistry from Purdue University Fort Wayne. He is a founding partner of Heartwood Planning Group along with Grant Goeglein, Jeff Rapp, Alex Reinhard, Kyle Wurtzel and Daniel Pifer.  Growing up with a farm background, Matt specializes in working with farms and agriculture-related businesses.

In 2024, Forbes has recognized Matt as a top financial security professional in Indiana as well as for having a best-in-state wealth management team.

PERSONAL

Matt is married to Tami, and they reside in Berne, IN. They have triplets, Trevor, Mati, and Maci, who are active athletes in the community.

WORK AND EDUCATION

Grant began his career with Northwestern Mutual as a College Financial Representative in 2004 while attending the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. As a Private Wealth Advisor, Grant works with emerging affluent and high-net-worth clients to define, design and implement a financial plan, while providing well-balanced investment and risk strategies. He is a founding partner of Heartwood Planning Group along with Matt Henry, Jeff Rapp, Alex Reinhard, Kyle Wurtzel and Daniel Pifer.

In 2024, Forbes has recognized Grant as a top financial security professional in Indiana as well as for having a best-in-state wealth management team.

PERSONAL

Grant and his wife Jill reside in both Clear Lake and Fort Wayne. They enjoy spending time on the lake, traveling and playing golf.

Forbes Best-in-State Top Financial Security Professionals list (July 2023), Research and ranking provided by SHOOK Research, LLC. Based upon data as of 12/31/2022. Northwestern Mutual (NM) and its advisors do not pay for placement on 3rd party rating or ranking lists. NM and its advisors do, however, pay marketing fees to these organizations to promote the rating or ranking(s). Rankings and recognitions are no guarantee of future investment success.

WORK AND EDUCATION

Alex has been with Northwestern Mutual since 2016 and holds a Bachelor of Arts in accounting and business management from Bethel College. As a Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP®), Alex is prepared to create and manage retirement income portfolios and create effective retirement income plans for his pre-retiree clients. He is a founding partner of Heartwood Planning Group along with Grant Goeglein, Matt Henry, Jeff Rapp, Kyle Wurtzel and Daniel Pifer.

In 2024, Forbes has recognized Alex as a top financial security professional in Indiana as well as for having a best-in-state wealth management team.

PERSONAL

Alex is married to Kristin and they have three children. They live in Markle, IN and often spend time outdoors boating and hunting.

WORK AND EDUCATION

Daniel has been with Northwestern Mutual for 8 years. He earned his Christian ministry degree and minor in business administration at Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion, IN. Daniel tries to live by the phrase “Chase the Lion,” to chase big goals, and with God’s help, make them a reality. He is passionate about chasing big goals for his clients as well. He is a founding partner of Heartwood Planning Group along with Grant Goeglein, Matt Henry, Jeff Rapp, Kyle Wurtzel and Alex Reinhard.

In 2024, Forbes has recognized Daniel as a top financial security professional in Indiana as well as for having a best-in-state wealth management team.

PERSONAL

Daniel is married to Hayley and together they have a daughter Kinley, a son Eli, and a dog, Paisley. The Pifers are active members of the Converse Church in Converse, IN. When Daniel is not with clients, he loves to archery hunt white-tailed deer and fish. Outside of hunting seasons, he enjoys reading for professional development and pleasure and spending time with family. 

WORK AND EDUCATION

Kedric is an Associate Financial Advisor for Heartwood Planning Group and has been with Northwestern Mutual since 2016. He is a graduate of Indiana University and has his MBA through Taylor University.

PERSONAL

Kedric is married to Anna, and they have 4 children, 3 girls and 1 boy. He is a Substitute Teaching Leader for Bible Study Fellowship, plays softball and golf, enjoys watching football and college basketball, and vacationing in Florida and Tennessee.

WORK AND EDUCATION

As Director of Planning, Josh manages the workflow and focuses on our Planning Team and Advisors, and aids the team in creating comprehensive plans to meet client goals, aspirations, and needs. Josh holds a degree from Indiana University and has been with Northwestern Mutual since 2018.

PERSONAL

Josh is married to Lauren and they reside in Indianapolis, IN. Together with their dog, they enjoy spending time outdoors, on the lake, and traveling.

WORK AND EDUCATION

As a Financial Planning Specialist, Rich supports our Advisors in creating comprehensive financial plans and leveraging planning tools and strategies. He has more than 15 years of experience in the financial services industry and holds a degree from Bethel College in Mishawaka, IN.

PERSONAL

Rich is married to Amy, and they have 3 daughters (Adalyn, Cora, and Lilia) as well as a Cavapoo named Gus. They enjoy trips discovering coffee shops and spending time in nature, especially with sand between their toes.

WORK AND EDUCATION

As a Financial Planning Specialist, Allison supports our Advisors in creating comprehensive financial plans and leveraging planning tools and strategies. She has been with Northwestern Mutual for 5 years and holds a BA in political sciences with a focus on economics from Taylor University.

PERSONAL

Allison is married to Seth, and together they have two children and reside in Marion, IN. In her free time, she enjoys trying new foods and hearing people’s stories.

WORK AND EDUCATION

As a Financial Planning Associate for Heartwood, Rita collaborates with our Advisors to build comprehensive financial plans that guide our clients and their families on a path towards financial security. Rita is a graduate of Purdue Fort Wayne with a degree in Economics and minors in Bank Management and Finance Economics.

PERSONAL

Rita enjoys volunteering at the Humane Fort Wayne clinic, spending time at Lake James, and traveling overseas.

WORK AND EDUCATION

Meghan serves as the Financial Planning Assistant for the Heartwood team. She helps provide a smooth workflow within our Planning Department and aids our Advisors in meeting preparation. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Education with a dual licensure for Chemistry and Mild Intervention. Meghan has been with Northwestern Mutual since 2019.

PERSONAL

Meghan is married to BJ, and they have two sons, Evander and Everett, who keep the family active. Her hobbies include sewing, baking, and spending time outside with her family.

WORK AND EDUCATION

As a Financial Planning Associate, Riley supports our advisors in providing unique insights to assist in reaching client goals. Riley has been with NM for over 4 years and is an early graduate from IUPUI’s Kelley School of Business. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance.

PERSONAL

Riley resides in Fort Wayne with his son, Jace. He loves spending time with Jace and further enjoys working out and deepening his knowledge around financial markets and economics.

WORK AND EDUCATION

As the Director of Client Services, BJ leads our team towards providing our clients with a smooth and seamless onboarding and service experience. He has been with Northwestern Mutual since 2014 and has extensive experience in Investment and Insurance Services. BJ graduated from the University of Saint Francis with a BS in Business Administration.

PERSONAL

BJ is married to Meghan, and they have two sons. The family enjoys spending time outdoors and being in nature.

WORK AND EDUCATION

Ashley is the Director of New Business and Communications for Heartwood. She has been with Northwestern Mutual since 2013 after graduating from Indiana University.

PERSONAL

Ashley and her husband Kyle run a dairy farm in Hudson, Indiana, along with their four kids, Konner, Kyra, Karter and Kooper. She sits on the board for the American Dairy Association of Indiana, is involved with Dairy Farmers of America's Young Cooperative group and is a member of Indiana Farm Bureau. She enjoys spending time outdoors, traveling, and hosting family and friends.

WORK AND EDUCATION

As our Operations and Investment Support Manager, Andrea helps clients accomplish their financial goals by taking care of their investment applications and transactions.  Andrea has been with Northwestern Mutual since 2013 and has extensive experience in financial services.  She graduated from Valparaiso University with a bachelor’s degree in Economics. 

PERSONAL

Andrea and her husband Dave live in Fort Wayne and have two grown children, Lauren and Kevin.  In her free time, she enjoys serving as Co-President of the Fort Wayne branch of AAUW, a women’s equity advocacy group, and being involved in music at her church.  Andrea also loves travel, aqua fitness classes, reading and spending time with family and friends.   

WORK AND EDUCATION

As Director of Insurance, Taylor ensures the insurance application, client onboarding, and ongoing service processes run smoothly for our clients. She holds a degree in Organizational Leadership from Purdue University Fort Wayne and has been with Northwestern Mutual since 2019.

PERSONAL

Taylor is married to Jacob. They enjoy traveling, spending time with friends and family, and cozying up at home with their goldendoodle, Bennie.

WORK AND EDUCATION

Dawn serves as the Insurance Coordinator for Heartwood. She helps streamline and standardize information collection and the insurance application process to ensure it is as smooth as possible for clients. Dawn graduated from Ball State University with a degree in K-12 Music Education and joined Northwestern Mutual in 2022.

PERSONAL

Dawn has two dogs who enjoy keeping her company while fishing and kayaking. She also spends a lot of her free time crafting.

WORK AND EDUCATION

Megan serves as the Insurance Coordinator at Heartwood Planning Group. She helps streamline and standardize information collection and the insurance application process to ensure it is as smooth as possible for clients. Megan received a bachelor’s degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology from Ball State University.

PERSONAL

Megan resides in Fort Wayne with her husband and high school sweetheart, Chris. Together they have two children, a fourteen-year-old son, Keaton, and a nine-year-old daughter, Evelyn. Megan loves to be outdoors and to travel abroad. She also loves spending time with her family and creating memories with them.

WORK AND EDUCATION

Callie serves as an Investment Assistant for Heartwood Planning Group and has been with Northwestern Mutual for four years. She provides support to our team and clients by processing transactions and requests and by further enhancing the client experience. Callie received a bachelor’s degree in communications arts and sciences and a minor in business and the liberal arts from Pennsylvania State University.

PERSONAL

Callie resides in Beaver, PA with her husband Garrett and their two Bernese Mountain dogs, Moose and Millie. She enjoys spending time with her husband and dogs (usually at a winery/brewery), gardening, and trying new restaurants.

WORK AND EDUCATION

Katie serves as our team Scheduler. Her goal is to assist our advisors in scheduling their meetings and managing their calendars. Katie is the second generation in her family to work for Northwestern Mutual.

PERSONAL

Katie resides in Zionsville. Outside of work she enjoys drawing and painting.

WORK AND EDUCATION

Emily serves as the Office Manager at Heartwood Planning Group. She manages human resource elements and ensures seamless office functioning in alignment with the visionary, integrator, and leadership team goals. She received a bachelor’s degree in business from Indiana University.

PERSONAL

Emily resides in Fort Wayne and has four children. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, gardening, and spending quality time with her family. She also has two ducks named Peas and Carrots.

WORK AND EDUCATION

Amanda serves as the Director of Marketing and Client Experience for Heartwood. She actively conveys the mission of Heartwood to clients and the community, while also ensuring clients have a great experience throughout the process of entrusting Heartwood with their financial needs. Amanda completed her Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts degrees at Ball State University.

PERSONAL

Amanda is married to Brett and together they have two children and two miniature dachshunds. As a family they enjoy all things outdoors, staying active, and spending time with family in Indiana and Maryland.

WORK AND EDUCATION

Anna serves as an Administrative Assistant on our team. She helps support our client appreciation efforts, marketing, and general office needs of the team. Anna attended Ball State University.

PERSONAL

Anna and her husband, Chris have four daughters; Kristin, Kelly, Katie and Jessica, a grandson, Aiden, and one very spoiled St. Bernard, Teddy! Her hobbies include photography, quilting and traveling.