Work and Education

Randy Lehman’s relationship with Northwestern Mutual began as a college student when he was introduced to the Northwestern Mutual internship program in 1981 and 1982 while he was completing his degree in Accounting and Economics at Bethel College in 1982. He has been a Wealth Management Advisor associated with Northwestern Mutual since 1983. During his career in the financial services and wealth management industry, he has earned the professional designations of Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®), Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®), Accredited Estate Planner (AEP®) and Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP®

He is a founding partner of Summit Financial Group along with Rob Hayworth and Kevin Bontrager. Summit Financial Group specializes in working with business owners, executives and retirees. As the senior member of Summit Financial Group, Randy’s primary focus is on the design and implementation of comprehensive retirement income distribution and estate plans.

Examples of closely held business clients that have worked well with Randy include the following:

• Businesses that are 2nd to 4th generation
• Businesses that have family and closely held ownership
• Businesses that have specific officer titles (CEO, COO, CFO, CMO, etc.)
• Businesses that have any layer of key person management
• Businesses that require asset-based lending solutions to grow and expand

Personal

Randy and his wife Deb are residents of Fort Wayne, Indiana. They have three married children and seven grandchildren. They attend The Chapel and enjoy supporting many other nonprofit organizations.

Randy is based out of our Fort Wayne location.

Work and Education

Brad Stewart joined Northwestern Mutual in 1988 as an intern while finishing his degree in Finance and Economics at Indiana State University. Brad learned the values of hard work and discipline during college while earning a varsity letter in football and being involved in Indiana State University’s student government. After graduating from college, he moved to the Michiana community and has been serving clients in the area since 1988. During his career in the financial services and wealth management industry, he has earned the professional designations of Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®), Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®), and the Wealth Management Certified Professional (WMCP®). He has served Northwestern Mutual in several capacities, such as Life Specialist, Estate and Business Planning Specialist, and as Managing Director of the of the Mishawaka, Indiana District Office from December 2010 through May 2021.

Examples of client groups that Brad specializes in include the following:

• 1st and 2nd generation business owners
• Estate planning market
• Retirement distribution market
• Wealth management
• Families and closely held businesses needing strategic tax planning

Personal

Brad and his wife Kim have two teenage children. They have been residents of Elkhart County since 1988 and are actively involved with Pleasant View Church and enjoy supporting many other nonprofit organizations.

Brad is based out of our Mishawaka location.

Work and Education

Kevin has been guiding clients to plan for financial security since 2003. Growing up in a small-town family-owned construction business, he learned early on the value of hard work and excellence. He established himself as a leader by cultivating relationships based upon integrity, knowledge, and a commitment to listening well. He learned that a well-crafted financial plan—just like a quality crafted home—begins with a blueprint and a solid foundation.

He is a founding partner of Summit Financial Group along with Rob Hayworth and Randy Lehman. Kevin specializes in working with business owners, retirees and executives, with a focus on business planning and executive benefits. During his career in the financial services and wealth management industry, he has earned the professional designations of Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®), Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®), the Wealth Management Certified Professional (WMCP® ) and and Accredited Estate Planner (AEP®).

Examples of individual clients that have worked well with Kevin include the following:

• Successful Entrepreneurs that think ‘Big Picture’
• Pre-Retirees needing a second opinion on their retirement distribution strategy
• Business owners that want to reward their employees and key management teams
• Business owners facing tax challenges due to high income restrictions on retirement savings ability
• Business owners getting ready to sell and anticipating a liquidity event
• High Net Worth families that have estate tax and liquidity issues

Examples of business clients that have worked well with Kevin include the following:

• Businesses that are 2nd to 4th generation needing to create a solid benefit package for recruiting, retaining, and rewarding
• Businesses that have family and closely held ownership and are in need of a transition plan
• Businesses that have any layer of key person management
• Non-Profit Organizations and Churches that have creative employee benefit needs

Personal

Kevin and his wife Sherri are residents of DeKalb County and have five children. They enjoy serving at Central Ministries as Elders, catching lots of local school sports, promoting adoption, and supporting many other local nonprofit organizations.

Kevin is based out of our Angola location.

Work and Education

Rob Hayworth started his relationship with Northwestern Mutual as a college intern while completing his degree in Business Administration and Finance at Taylor University in 1999. Throughout his career he has earned several financial planning professional designations such as CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional, the Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®), the Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®), the Chartered Advisor for Senior Living (CASL®) and the Accredited Estate Planner (AEP®) designations. He specializes in working with business owners, retirees and executives. He is a founding partner of Summit Financial Group along with Kevin Bontrager and Randy Lehman.

Examples of closely held business clients that have worked well with Rob include the following:

• Businesses that are 2nd to 4th generation
• Businesses that have family and closely held ownership
• Businesses that have specific officer titles (CEO, COO, CFO, CMO, etc.)
• Businesses that have any layer of key person management
• Businesses that require asset-based lending solutions to grow and expand

Personal

Rob is married to Jenny and they have four children together. He is a Fort Wayne, IN resident. He is active in coaching youth sports, supporting many nonprofits and serving at Fellowship Missionary Church.

Rob is based out of our Fort Wayne location.

Work and Education

Jon has been in the financial services industry since 2013. He graduated from the University of Saint Francis with a double major in Business and Business Education with a minor in special education. Before joining Northwestern Mutual, Jon was a Special Education teacher in Fort Wayne where he specialized in autism and students with special needs. During his career in the financial services and wealth management industry, he has earned the Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®), Wealth Management Certified Professional (WMCP®), and the Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP®) designations.

Jon specializes in working with business owners, retirees, executives, and educators with a focus on efficient accumulation and effective distribution strategies.

Examples of individual clients that have worked well with Jon include the following:

• Johnson and Johnson Depuy Executives
• Steel Dynamics Executives
• Sweetwater Sound Executives
• Real Estate Entrepreneurs
• Eli Lily Directors/Executives
• Pepsico Executives
• Medical Sales Professionals
• Cintas Sales Directors/Executives
• Individuals with Highly Concentrated Company Stock

Examples of business clients that have worked well with Jon include the following:

• Businesses that are 2nd to 4th generation
• Businesses that have family and closely held ownership
• Businesses that have specific officer titles (CEO, COO, CFO, CMO, etc.)
• Businesses that have any layer of key person management
• Businesses that require asset-based lending solutions to grow and expand

Personal

Jon and his wife Natalie are residents of Fort Wayne, Indiana. They have four children and two dogs. Their family enjoys serving at Emmanuel Community Church, promoting adoption, and supporting various local nonprofit organizations.

Jon is based out of our Fort Wayne location.

Work and Education

Recognized by the Financial Times as a Top Retirement Advisor, Brian Drake brings more than 35 years of experience in assisting retirement plan sponsor and participants.

Brian earned a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics from Purdue University and holds the Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist (CRPS®) and Qualified Plan Financial Consultant (QPFC®) designations. He’s a member of the National Association of Plan Advisors, American Society of Pension Professionals & Actuaries, and National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors.

Personal

Brian is a lifelong resident of Greenwood, Ind., where he was raised on a family farm. He and his wife, Diane, have two sons, both married, and two granddaughters. In his spare time, Brian enjoys playing golf and baseball, and traveling with his family.

Brian is based out of our Greenwood location.

The Financial Times “401 Top Retirement Advisers” list, (October 2021).  Listing is produced annually by the Financial Times.

Work and Education

Ryan joined Northwestern Mutual in 2017 after spending the prior decade working in the institutional money management space. Ryan has a passion for helping individuals, families, and businesses realize and protect their unique vision of financial security and success.  He oversees the design, implementation, and review of many our clients’ financial plans, insurance strategies, and investment portfolios. Ryan is an alumnus of Indiana University – Bloomington and holds the prestigious Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) designation, awarded in 2017.

Ryan works well with many types of clients, including:

• Business owners focused on exit or succession planning
• Businesses looking to retain and reward key employees
• Retirees and pre-retirees concerned with income distribution planning
• High net worth families needing guidance on multi-generational wealth transfer
• Tax-conscious investors
• Corporate and non-profit investment committees

Personal

Ryan and his wife Mao live in South Bend with their three children. Outside of work, he serves as Treasurer for the United Youth Theatre non-profit organization, stays active by working out and playing golf, and has a passion for music.

Ryan is based out of our Mishawaka location.

Work and Education

Paul has been in the financial services industry since 2013. He Graduated from the University of Dallas with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Leadership and has earned the Chartered Special Needs Consultant (ChSNC®) designation.

Personal

Paul and his wife Abbey are residents of Fort Wayne, IN. They have five children, enjoy travelling and spending quality time with family.

Paul is based out of our Fort Wayne location.

Work and Education

Mark Boyd started his career with Northwestern Mutual in 1995 as a financial representative. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Indiana University (Indianapolis) in 1990. Mark’s service to his clients is reflected in several industry awards such as attaining the Million Dollar Round Table and National Quality Award on multiple occasions.

He works primarily with physicians, dentists, attorneys and business owners.

Examples of individual clients that have worked well with Mark include the following:

• Johnson and Johnson Depuy Executives
• ZimmerBiomet Executives
• Vera Bradley Executives
• Attorneys
• Commercial Real Estate Executives
• Automotive Executives
• Physicians and Dentists
• Outside Sales Executives

Examples of business clients that have worked well with Mark include the following:

• Businesses that are 2nd to 4th generation
• Businesses that have family and closely held ownership
• Businesses that have specific officer titles (CEO, COO, CFO, CMO, etc.)
• Businesses that have any layer of key person management

Personal

Mark is married to Leanne, and they have three children. They enjoy physical fitness activities and golf. He is active at Trinity Episcopal Church and participates in the Vera Bradley Classic on an annual basis.

Mark is based out of our Fort Wayne location.

Work and Education

Tom Gearhart started his career with Northwestern Mutual in 1977 as a Financial Representative after graduating from Taylor University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Systems Analysis. Tom’s service to his clients is reflected in several industry awards such as attaining the Million Dollar Round Table and National Quality Award 35 and 44 years respectively. Tom works primarily with business owners, retirees and executives with a focus on creating financial security and multigenerational family planning. During his career in the financial services and wealth management industry, he has earned the professional designations of Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®), Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®), and the Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP®) designations.

Examples of individual clients that have worked well with Tom include the following:

• Individuals interested in creating financial security for themselves and their families
• Retirees and executives with a focus on multigenerational family planning
• Pre-Retirees needing a second opinion on income and distribution strategy
• Business owners wanting to reward their employees and key management teams
• Business owners considering their succession planning options

Personal

Tom and his wife Julie are residents of Marion, Indiana and have a daughter, who is married, and two active grandsons. They enjoy spending time boating with family and friends on Syracuse Lake and Lake Wawasee. Cooking and snow skiing are favorite activities, as well.

Tom is based out of our Marion location.

Work and Education

Korey Grow is a Retirement Plan Specialist with Summit Financial Group. Working primarily with businesses and their qualified retirement plans, Korey uses a holistic approach to financial planning that helps put his clients in a position to live a life they envision up to, and through, retirement. He also works with business owners on exit and succession planning strategies.

Korey earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Huntington University in 2009, and holds licensures in FINRA Series 6, 7, 63 and 65 registrations.

Personal

He is a Board Member for Fellowship for Christian Athletes Great Lakes Region and the Board Chair for Fellowship for Christian Athletes SPORTS. Korey lives in Fort Wayne, Ind. with his wife, Cheryl, and three daughters—Keeper, Crosley, and Dottie. He enjoys watching and coaching the girls in several different sports, spending time at church activities, and golfing whenever possible.

Korey is based out of our Fort Wayne location.

Work and Education

Tony has been working with families and closely held businesses to create actionable plans and prosper since 2016. Tony, a Marine Corp Infantry veteran who served two combat tours in Iraq in ’05 and ’06, graduated honorably with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and captained the football team at the University of Saint Francis. Tony specializes in working with business owners and executives, real estate specialists, medical professionals, veterans and veteran-owned businesses and first responders (Fire and Police).

Personal

Tony’s faith and family are the cornerstones of his life. Married to his beloved wife Kala, they are raising four beautiful children. They attend and volunteer at St. Elizabeth Anne Seton Church and serve several ministries. His passions include exercise, experiencing the outdoors, traveling, and quality time with his family and loved ones.

Anthony is based out of our Fort Wayne location.

Justin Bortner joined the firm in 2018 and brings with him experience from both the insurance and public accounting industries. He earned an undergraduate and MBA degree at Indiana University Fort Wayne and holds the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation. While working in the Wealth Planning industry, Justin earned the Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP) designation from the American College of Financial Services.

Justin’s primary responsibilities include providing leadership and oversight of day-to-day operations for both the Investment and Financial Planning business units. Additionally, Justin maintains a working knowledge of tax law developments and all of Northwestern Mutuals’ investment strategies to provide case consultation and education the help strengthen the Financial Representatives’ integrated planning practice.

Justin is based out of our Fort Wayne location.

Kristen Causey joined Northwestern Mutual in 2012. She’s the Client Relations hip Manager for Brian Drake. With a background in customer service and management, Kristen graduated from Ball State University with a degree in Public Relations.

How can Kristen help you?

• Kristen assists plan sponsors with all plan inquiries and service.
• Kristen corresponds and helps build professional relationships with clients.

Kristen is based out of our Greenwood location. 

Carrie Coulter is a Client Service Manager for Mike Ready. She joined Northwestern Mutual in 2015. Carrie has a background in education, sales and customer services. Carrie has a degree in Elementary Education from Judson University.

How can Carrie help you?

• Carrie assists plan sponsors with all plan inquiries and service.
• Carrie corresponds and helps build professional relationships with clients.

Carrie is based out of our Greenwood location.

Devon started with Northwestern Mutual in 2006 and joined this firm in 2015 as an Associate Financial Representative. Devon now serves clients as a Client Service Manager for Jonathan Lehman and Mark Boyd. He is licensed in Life, Health, and Long-Term Care insurance and is securities licensed with Series 6 and 63.

How can Devon help you?

• As a client relationship manager for Jonathan Lehman and Mark Boyd
• Assist with new and existing investment account inquiries and service
• Coordinate all insurance requests and policy changes

Devon is based out of our Fort Wayne location. 

Regina Drake joined Northwestern Mutual in 2018.  She serves as the Client Relationship Manager for Korey Grow. She has a background in education and studied Early Childhood Education at Ivy Tech Community College.

How can Regina help you?

• Regina assists plan sponsors with plan inquiries and service.
• Regina corresponds and helps build professional relationships with clients.

Regina is based out of our Greenwood location. 

Nikki joined Northwestern Mutual in 2019 and serves as the Operations Manager for our Mishawaka office. She is a graduate of Earlham College where she earned a degree in Theatre Arts. Nikki is licensed in Life, Health, and Variable Life insurance and is securities licensed with Series 6 and 63.

How can Nikki help you?

• Assist clients through insurance applications, underwriting, and policy delivery process
• Assist with scheduling client appointments for Brad Stewart and Ryan Dix
• Input and update personal information for your client file

Nikki works in our Mishawaka location.

Steve joined the firm in 2022 and brings with him over 30 years of experience in Human Resources & Business Operations. Steve now serves clients as a Client Service Manager for Rob Hayworth. He has a Masters in Business Administration (MBA).

How can Steve help you?

• As a client relationship manager for Rob Hayworth
• Assist with new and existing account inquiries and service
• Coordinate all insurance requests and policy changes

Steve is based out of our Fort Wayne location. 

Pam joined Northwestern Mutual in 1984 and has been with this firm since 2000. Her primary focus is to ensure that the policy-owners’ requests and questions are handled in a timely and efficient manner. Pam is licensed in Life, Health and Long-Term Care insurance and is securities licensed with Series 6 and 63. 
How can Pam help you?

• Answer any questions regarding the insurance application and underwriting process
• Schedule medical exams
• Process insurance service requests and policy changes
• Answer insurance billing questions

Pam is based out of our Fort Wayne location. 

Zach graduated Bethel University with a B.A. in Economics / Finance and a B.A. in Business Management in December of 2023. He joined the Northwestern Mutual Team full-time after two internships in both financial planning and client services. He is licensed in Life and Health Insurance.

How can Zach help you?

• Client relationship manager for Tony Moore
• Assist with new and existing account inquiries and service
• Coordinate all insurance requests and policy changes

Zach is based out of our Fort Wayne location. 

Kylee joined the firm in 2023. In her role as Administrative Assistant, she schedules client meetings, phone calls, and assists with workflow in our Marion office.

How can Kylee help you?

• Direct you to the correct contact for service questions
• Schedule client appointments
• Assist with client insurance service requests including loans and payment changes
• Manage client data for insurance applications
• Update your personal information for your client file

Kylee is based out of our Marion location. 

Allison started with Northwestern Mutual in 2002 and joined this firm in 2007 as a Director of Client Service. Allison now serves clients as a Client Relationship Manager for Randy Lehman. She is licensed in Life, Health, and Long-Term Care and is securities licensed with Series 6 and 63.

How can Allison help you?

• Assist in the implementation of your financial plan
• Assist with new and existing investment account inquiries and service
• Meet to review and update your accounts and financial plan
• Assist in the process of claims
• Assist in facilitating distribution strategies in retirement

Allison is based out of our Fort Wayne location. 

Luke joined the firm in 2023 after earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Business from Grace College and an MBA degree from Cedarville University.

How can Luke help you?

• Customize a financial plan according to your needs and goals
• Answer any questions regarding your financial plan
• Modify your plan due to life events and explain what effect these events had on your plan

Luke is based out of our Fort Wayne location. 

Carrie joined the firm in 2013. In her role as Director of Client Services, she schedules client meetings, phone calls, dictates workflow to team members following client meetings, preps files and reports, and manages marketing materials. She is licensed in Life and Health insurance.

How can Carrie help you?

• Direct you to the correct contact for service questions
• Schedule client appointments
• Assist with client insurance service requests
• Manage client data for insurance applications
• Update your personal information for your client file

Carrie is based out of our Fort Wayne location. 

Lori joined the firm in 2006 and has been with Northwestern Mutual for over 20 years. Lori now serves clients as a Client Service Manager for Kevin Bontrager. She is licensed in Life, Health, and Long Term Care insurance and is securities licensed with Series 6 & 63.

How can Lori help you?

• As a client relationship manager for Kevin
• Assist with new and existing investment account inquiries and service
• Coordinate all insurance requests and policy changes

Lori is based out of our Angola location. 

Conner joined the Northwestern Mutual Team in 2022 and the Summit Financial Group team in 2024 as a Client Service Associate. He previously spent 8 years in the hospitality industry.

How can Conner help you?

• Scheduling client appointments
• Assisting with new and existing account inquiries and service
• Coordinating all insurance requests and policy changes, including billing and beneficiary changes

Connor is based out of our Angola location. 

Kiva joined Northwestern Mutual in 2015 working for Tom Gearhart as an Associate Financial Representative and currently serves as his Client Service Manager. Kiva holds the Retirement Income Certified Professional® (RICP®) designation issued by the American College. She is also licensed in Life and Health insurance and is securities licensed with Series 6 and 63.

How can Kiva help you?

• Assist with new and existing investment account inquiries and service
• Coordinate all insurance requests and policy changes, including billing and beneficiary changes
• Update your personal information for your client file
• Schedule client appointments
• Assist with eSignature transactions
• Answer questions about the Northwestern Mutual website

Kiva is based out of our Marion location. 

Kim joined Northwestern Mutual in 2011. Kim has more than 20 years of experience, specializing in qualified retirement plan administration. She previously worked as an analyst officer in the trust department of a major bank.

How can Kim help you?

• Kim assists plan sponsors with special projects regarding plan maintenance.
• Kim is the onboarding coordinator for all new client onboarding and vendor changes.

Kim is based out of our Greenwood location. 

Dawn joined Northwestern Mutual’s Summit Financial Group in 2024, though she has worked in the insurance industry since 2000. She has significant experience in Property & Casual insurance and has held several positions in this field, including customer service, agency support, and underwriting assistant. Dawn earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Indiana Wesleyan. Her primary focus is to ensure that the policy-owners’ requests and questions are handled in a timely and efficient manner. Dawn is licensed in Life, Accident and Health insurance.

How can Dawn help you?

• Answer any questions regarding the insurance application and underwriting process
• Schedule medical exams
• Process insurance service requests and policy changes
• Answer insurance billing questions

Dawn is based out of our Fort Wayne location. 

How can Renee help you?

• Onboarding of new investment clients by setting up Brokerage, Advisory, or Trust investment accounts
• Helps to process account transfers, IRA rollovers and mutual fund trades
• Assist with client billing, insurance and investment account inquiries and service
• Assist in the process of claims

Renee works in our Mishawaka location.