Associates

At The Carr Group, we're proud of the success our Financial Representatives have found and know that we would not be successful without them. We share their enthusiasm and drive, and are proud to foster an environment that allows our associates the opportunity to continue to grow.

What does it take to become a successful financial representative? Is it a willingness to serve others? Are individuals drawn to the career because of their recognition of the value of human life? Has an internship opportunity offered a new experience and evolved into a way of life? Get some insight from member of our team.

Meet the Members of The Carr Group.

Justin Anthony

Financial Representative

Justin has been a financial representative since 2009.  He received his bachelor’s degree from The Illinois Wesleyan University.  Justin played on the IWU basketball team and was involved with numerous campus groups such as; student government and National Association of Black Accountants (NABA).

Since joining Northwestern Mutual as a college intern, Justin has focused his practice on hard work and always doing the right thing for clients.  This approach has led Justin becoming a Power of 10 Intern and Pacesetter First 40 qualifier.  Justin’s mission is to educate clients about vital financial opportunities.

Justin lives in Elgin, where he enjoys giving back to his high school, Elgin Academy and directing a boy’s basketball training organization. 

Thomas Barmore, CFP®, CPA, MBA, CLU®, ChFC®

Wealth Management Advisor

Tom joined Northwestern Mutual 23 years ago after having worked in "big eight" public accounting in doing audits and consulting. He spent another 8 years in industry as a controller and chief financial officer.

"I enjoy helping people identify and solve problems in their lives, as well as identifying and taking advantage of opportunities they may have missed".

Tom is a graduate of University of Miami (Ohio) and University of Illinois

 

Michael Bartenhagen, CLU®, ChFC®

Financial Advisor

Michael Bartenhagen has been a Financial Representative with Northwestern Mutual Financial Network since 1990. Michael graduated from Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Science in Finance.

Michael currently lives in Glen Ellyn with his wife, Jennifer, and their children Matt and Will. In his free time Michael volunteers with Hephzibah Children’s Association in Oak Park.

 

Manuel Blanco

Financial Representative

Manuel Blanco was introduced to Northwestern Mutual at a career fair for ALPFA (Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting) in Orlando, Florida.  He attended the University of Illinois in Chicago and spent a semester at the University of Barcelona. Manuel earned his Bachelor’s of Science in finance and economics and began his finance career as an intern with Merrill Lynch. Shortly after, he became a Northwestern Mutual financial representative in 2010.

Manuel is originally from Bensenville and now lives in Chicago. He is married to his wife, Claudia, with whom he has two children, Mila and Maximiliano. When not spending time with his family at cultural events and festivals, he volunteers with the Boy Scouts of America.  Manuel is also involved with the Metropolitan Leadership Institute and various local chamber of commerce activities in Chicago.

Manuel’s mission is to help his clients not only create wealth but to protect it throughout their life time with recommendations that meet their financial goals.  

Edward Burchert

Financial Representative

Ed graduated from the University of Illinois – Chicago in 1985 with a bachelor of arts in Political Science. He earned his MBA in 1998 from Keller Graduate School as well as a Graduate Certificate in Human Resources Management.

Ed married his wife, Kathy in June 2009. He has four children: Allyssa (21), Brianne (17), Mark (16), Matthew (13). Kathy has three children: Erin, Keri and Matthew.

Ed was introduced to Northwestern Mutual in early 2011 through Kathy. Kathy’s former husband, Bob, had passed away at a young age and happened to be a policy holder. Kathy had suggested Ed look into working with Northwestern Mutual as a career and after doing a little research, he was intrigued by the company.  Days later, Ed was introduced to The Carr Group and began his career.

Prior to Northwestern Mutual, Ed was self-employed in the real estate industry and still holds a Certified Residential Appraiser and Broker’s license. He also previously worked in the corporate world for sixteen years, holding two general manager positions at Hertz Corporation and TheMIGroup. 

Martin Cappelle, CLU®

Financial Representative

Marty has been a Financial Representative with Northwestern Mutual Financial Network since 2003. He attended Marquette University, and received an undergraduate in Math, and a Masters Degree in Physical Therapy.

For the next two years he put his Masters to work at Lake Forest Hospital before taking advantage of opportunities at Northwestern Mutual Financial Network. Marty decided on a career as a Financial Representative because of the "flexible work hours and unlimited earning potential."

What Marty Believes:

"I feel that a career with Northwestern Mutual Financial Network teaches you more about yourself than you think, and will give you greater insight as to who you really are."

Marty is married to his wife, Kammie, and has two daughters, Gracie, and Ella. He has an eye for detail and enjoys working on construction projects like building additions to his home during his free time.

Jonathan Dickinson

Financial Representative

Jon has been a financial representation since 2007.  He received his bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University.  Jon is originally from a small farming community in Carthage, Illinois which is about four and a half miles southwest of Macomb.

Since joining Northwestern Mutual, Jon has concentrated on hard work and high activity. He is a member of Centurion Club and was Associate of the Year with the Carr Group in 2009. He is working on growing his practice and expanding his markets.

 Jon’s parents still reside in Carthage. He lives with his brother in Chicago and has been dating his girlfriend Kiki for 5 years.

 

 

Jeremy Fager

Financial Representative

Esther Grachan

Financial Representative

Bret Hartung, CLTC

Financial Representative

Bret Hartung started with the Northwestern Mutual Financial Network as a college intern in December 1990. After graduating from Southern Illinois University, Bret began his career and is now a member of the Elite Forum Producers Group which consists of the top 5% of all agents within Northwestern Mutual.

Bret currently lives in Old Town with his wife, Tarah, and their beautiful twins, Ethan and Riley.

 

Daniel Hillmer, CLU®

Financial Representative

Daniel T. Hillmer has been with The Northwestern Mutual Financial Network and the Carr Group since 1989. Dan graduated from Texas Christian University in 1988 with a B.A. degree in finance and a concentration in commercial real estate. Dan lives in La Grange Park with his wife, Birgit, and their daughter Elly.  

Timothy M Jackson

Financial Representative

Taylor James

Financial Representative

Taylor was introduced to Northwestern Mutual by Bret Hartung, a fellow financial representative at The Carr Group. Taylor received his bachelor’s degree in business management a minored in economics at Hope College in Holland,Michigan. He is originally from East Lansing, Michigan where his family still resides. Taylor played on the Hope College Rugby team and was involved with numerous campus groups, including Dance Marathon, Business Club, Hope College Opportunity Group (HCOG), and his fraternity, [Phi Sigma Kappa]. He graduated earlier this year with his name on the dean’s list.

Before joining Northwestern Mutual,Taylor interned with The Advantage Benefit Group located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. At Northwestern Mutual, he has focused his practice on doing what is best for his clients. His mission is to educate clients about vital financial opportunities while growing his practice and expanding his market in Chicago.

Taylor currently resides in Lincoln Park and enjoys being involved in the community, running, and kite surfing 

Chuck Janka, CLU®, ChFC®

Financial Advisor

Chuck Janka has been a Financial Representative with Northwestern Mutual Financial Network since 1987.

Before becoming a Financial Representative, Chuck was a college intern.

Chuck lives with his wife, Kristie and sons; Nicholas, Max and Jack in Fox River Grove. He enjoys playing golf and coaching his boys in sports. He also volunteers his his church and raises funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Matthew Kahn

Financial Representative

 Matthew Kahn has been a financial representative with the Carr Group since 2007. He attended Illinois State University, where he was introduced to the Carr Group during an internship fair. He graduated from ISU with a degree in marketing and shortly after went on to become a full-time representative.   Matthew was very involved in the Professional Sales Institute in the College of Business because of his passion for working with and helping people.

Matthew grew up in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, and currently lives in the city’s downtown area.  When he has time away from his business, he enjoys spending time with his family, friends and girlfriend.

 

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John A Klich

Financial Representative

John Klich has been a Financial Representative with Northwestern Mutual for over 12 years now. In his career, John has been a member of the Million Dollar Round Table 7 times, has qualified for numerous company awards, and has been given the Emmett Steele Rookie of the Year Award in the Hoopis Financial Group.

John specializes in working with successful individuals and business owners in the areas of insurance and investment planning.  He is a member of the St. Ignatius Estate and Tax Council. 

John graduated from the University of Illinois and is married to Kelly. 

 

G Jay Kolka

Financial Representative

Jay Kolka has been helping clients through Northwestern Mutual since 2005.

After graduating from Northwestern University and Loyola Graduate School of Business, a successful career in the corporate world and helping raise 3 great children, Jay decided to put his professional and human life skills to work helping others realize a secure financial future.

Jay works with successful and responsible executives, families and small business owners. He helps them create and feel confident about their comprehensive personal, business and legacy plans.

He lives in Schaumburg with his wife Pat and enjoys trying to stay fit and spending time with family. 

Michael Lankford

Financial Representative

Mike started his career with Northwestern Mutual, The Carr Group in June of 2006 as an intern.  During his internship, Mike was awarded POWER of 10, TARGET 20, FOCUS 30 and IMPACT 40.

Mike graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University with a degree in Risk Management and Religion in May of 2010.  Since turning full time, Mike became PACESETTER 40.  Mike is orginally from and currently resides in Des Plaines with his wife, Alisha.

Robert Marin

Field Director

Tim Moffitt, CFP®, CLU®, MBA, CLTC

Wealth Management Advisor

Tim Moffitt is a Wealth Management Advisor with The Carr Group.  Tim is originally from Wisconsin (yes, a Packer fan), and had a successful career in the corporate world with Kraft Foods and Ameritech/SBC/at&t.  He has been with Northwestern Mutual over ten years and has earned his Certified Financial Planner (CFP ®) certification,  Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®) and holds several securities licenses. Tim earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire, and his MBA from Northwestern University - Kellogg Graduate School of Management.  Tim specializes in working with closely held businesses, professionals, and in the areas of executive benefits.

On a personal note, Tim is lucky to be married to his wife, Elaine, has two daughters, Ashley and Courtney, two sons-in-law, and a grandson, Will.  Tim speaks fluent “Ya Hey Der”, doesn’t drive slowly, and still won’t eat Lutefisk.   

Miles Moore, CLU®, ChFC®

Wealth Management Advisor

Miles Moore has been a part of Northwestern Mutual Financial Network since 1985.

Miles has a Bachelor of Business Administration in finance from Iowa State University. He is also earned the Charted Financial Consultant (ChFC) and Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) designations from The American College.

David Park, CLU®, ChFC®, CLTC

Financial Advisor

David Park has been a Financial Representative with Northwestern Mutual Financial Network since 1991.

Before becoming a Financial Representative, David was a student at Illinois State University. He was an economic major and after five years of operating a service business, David sought a career where he could utilize his major field of study.

David resides in South Elgin, Illinois with his wife, Wendy and their three children, Nicholas, Nathan and Nevin, and their dog Petey.

Outside of work, David coaches his kids' baseball team or is at the lake in Wisconsin with his family.

Alejandro Pastrana

Financial Representative

Jessica Patera

Financial Representative

Frank Ratini

Financial Representative

Mark Rizzo, CLU®, ChFC®, CLTC

Financial Representative

 

Josh Samples

Financial Representative

Josh has been a financial representative since 2007 and is orignally from Crown Point, Indiana.  He received his bachelor’s degree from Ball State University. 

Josh has been a top new client producer every year and is licensed in several states.  He specializes in personal planning as well as working with small business owners and helping them plan for the future and protect their business.

Josh lives in Bridgeport (home of the White Sox) with his wife Katie.

H Ronald Schagrin, CLU®, ChFC®, CPA, CFP®

Financial Advisor

Ron joined Northwestern Mutual Financial Network as a Financial Representative in 1993. Ron has the distinction of being both a college intern and a career changer. As an undergraduate majoring in insurance and accounting, he interned with Northwestern Mutual Financial Network during his senior year, but opted to continue his education.

Earning a MBA Ron's career has involved: financial consulting with a top public accounting firm, corporate accounting and finance with a Fortune 100 company, and commercial/institutional real estate investment advisory work.

Upon re-examining both career and personal goals, Ron explored various options in the financial services industry. The reputation, quality and integrity of Northwestern Mutual, as well as their philosophy of having financial representatives operate their own practice/business were what led him back to his current career path.

 Ron has also received a Community Service Award for his work with the Boy Scouts of America in the Northwestern Suburban Council.

John Sikaras

Financial Representative

John Sikaras has been a Financial Representative with Northwestern Mutual Financial Network since 2000.

Before pursuing a career with the Network, John graduated from Milwaukee School of Engineering. After working three years as an electrical engineer, he realized he was too much of a people person to be behind a desk. John had been working at the same time with a Northwestern Mutual Financial Network Representative, Bret Hartung. After expressing his dissatisfaction with his current direction, Bret suggested coming to work for the Network. John has been with the company ever since, and has never looked back.

Edward Snoble, CLTC

Financial Representative

Edward Snoble has been a Financial Representative with Northwestern Mutual Financial Network since 2001.

Prior to joining Northwestern Mutual Financial Network, Ed was an accountant. He always knew he wanted to start a financial practice. The network was the best fit for him.

Ed was raised in Elk Grove Village, Illinois and now lives with his wife, Jean in Bartlett with their dogs, Sparky and Maya. Ed has a passion for salt water reef fish tanks. He enjoys the beauty they create.

Vincent Spinosa, CLU®

Financial Advisor

Kevin Strohl

College Unit Director

Kevin Strohl has been a financial representative for Northwestern Mutual since 2007. Originally from Dekalb, Kevin attended Illinois State University earning his Bachelor's Degree in marketing and sales.

In addition to serving his clients' needs, Kevin has served as The Carr Group's College Unit Director since 2009. In this role he manages and develops a nationally recognized Top 10 internship program.

Kevin now resides in Arlington Heights and has been dating his girlfriend, Gina, for over 3 years. Outside of working hard to expand his business, Kevin enjoys traveling, golfing, and spending time with his friends.

 

Robert Styrkowicz

Field Director

Bob has been a Financial Representative with Northwestern Mutual Financial Network since 1999. He became interested in our company while attending a job fair during his junior year at Illinois State University. Coming from a long line of Financial Advisors the choice seemed natural.

Bob graduated with a Bachelor of Science in finance the next year. After taking the summer to travel and enjoy his post school life, Bob got to work and began his career with Northwestern Mutual Financial Network.

Bob has worked hard and grown personally and professionally, taking on new responsibilities and rolls within the company. He now is a Field Director as well as a Financial Representative, and mentors new representatives in their career paths.

John Tibensky, MA, CLU®, ChFC®

Financial Representative

John Tibensky graduated with a BA in Economics from Beloit College and with an MA in Economics from the University of Illinois Urbana. John worked in the asset investment and management department of CNA Insurance before joining Northwestern Mutual. John has earned the Chartered Life Underwriter and Chartered Financial Consultant designations, is a lifetime member of the Million Dollar Roundtable and has earned the National Quality Award for over 20 years. 

Ryan Wilt

Financial Representative

Michael Wright, CPA, CLU®, ChFC®, CFP®

Financial Advisor

Micky graduated from Indiana University in Bloomington, IN with a degree in Accounting. His career began in public accounting for Arthur Andersen in Chicago. His clients include real estate investment trusts (REIT), commodity futures trading companies, mutual fund retailers, hotels, telecom companies and a large university. It was there that he refined his skill for helping clients create and analyze financial statements that the public would ultimately rely on. He also realized that he was very disconnected from the very people he was working to benefit. It was at this point that he decided to begin a career in financial planning.

Micky presently lives in Lisle, IL with his wife, Debbi, and his children, Kyle and Avery.