Jim began his journey with Northwestern Mutual in 1999. He was a college intern at the time, and after a successful experience, felt drawn to continue developing a lifelong career with the company. In 2004, Jim became a Managing Director within Northwestern Mutual. He has a natural talent for supporting and inspiring growth both in his clients and his peers. This has led Jim to his current role of Growth and Development Director within the District office. In addition to serving as a growth and development director, Jim wanted to make an even greater impact in the community.

In January of 2018, he and Josh Byrd combined practices to create what is now Flywheel Financial. They have composed a team of talented individuals to help their clients, and them, grow into the future. Jim attended Illinois State University where he received his Bachelor of Science in Finance.

LICENSING

• Life, Accident & Health
• Series 6, 7, 9, 26, 63

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

• Million Dollar Round Table Qualifying Member
• National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors
• Northwestern Mutual Community Service Award Winner

I graduated from Northern Illinois in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing. After ten years in the trading industry, I joined Northwestern Mutual in December of 2011. After serving clients to my greatest capacity for so many years, I combined my practice with Jim Kratochivil in 2018 to form what is now Flywheel Financial to expand our team and help our clients live their most abundant lives.

DESIGNATIONS

• CFP^® (CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™)
• CLU^® (Chartered Life Underwriter)
• ChFC^® (Chartered Financial Consultant)
• RICP^® (Retirement Income Certified Professional)

LICENSING

• Life, Accident & Health
• Long-Term Care
• Series 7 & 66

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

• Million Dollar Round Table Qualifying Member: 2014-2019
• National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors

Derek joined Northwestern Mutual in 2003 and is a graduate of Drake University (Des Moines, Iowa) with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance. Derek and his wife Jennifer have two high-school age daughters, Lila and Emma, and have resided in Aurora, IL since 2016. Prior to this, Derek spent 20 years living in the city of Chicago while spending time growing up in Brookfield, WI as well as Moline, Peoria, and St. Charles, IL. In his free time, Derek enjoys playing golf, tennis, platform tennis and traveling with his family.

Designations

• Certified Financial Planner™ Certification (CFP^®)
• Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist (CRPS^®)

Licensing

• Life, Accident & Health
• Long-Term Care
• Series 6, 7, 63 & 65

Associations and Memberships

• National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors
• Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce
• Finseca