Our People

Jeff Kowal, President, ChFC, CLU, has been helping people plan for their retirement for more than 30 years. He is a Registered Principal for AIG Financial Advisors Inc., a Registered Representative, and an investment advisory representative. Jeff is a member in good standing of the Financial Planning Association and holds memberships in the Society of Financial Service Professionals, the Milwaukee Estate Counselors Forum, and the Waukesha Estate Planning Council. Jeff also hosts "The Retirement Clinic," a weekly call-in radio show aired Thursdays from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on KFNX in Phoenix and Saturdays from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. on News/Talk Radio 1130 WISN in Milwaukee.

Joe Simons, Financial Advisor, is responsible for client development, managing investment portfolios, developing retirement planning investment accounts, estate planning, and long-term care insurance planning with clients. He is a Certified Financial Planner (TM) professional, Chartered Financial Consultant, and Chartered Life Underwriter with more than 20 years of experience as a professional in the insurance and investment marketplace.

Aaron Kowal, Financial Advisor, is responsible for client development, managing investment portfolios, developing retirement planning investment accounts, estate planning, and long-term care insurance planning with clients.Aaron is a Certified Financial Planner (TM) professional and holds Series 7 and Series 66 registrations. He is a graduate of Arizona State University and has been working in the financial services industry since 2003.

Jack Eckola, Financial Advisor, is responsible for client development, managing investment portfolios, developing retirement planning investment accounts, estate planning, and long-term care insurance planning with clients. He is a currently pursuing his Certified Financial Planner (TM) professional, with more than 20 years of experience as a professional in the insurance and investment marketplace.

Patty Zych, Controller, has been with the firm since 1996.  Responsible for all finance and accounting functions within the firm, Patty has over 25 years of experience in office management and fiscal controls.

Michelle Rossi-Weida, Operations and Compliance Manager, joined the firm in 2006.  She is responsible for supervising office operations.  She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Marquette University and a Master’s degree in Human Resources and Labor Relations from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She has more than 10 years of experience in the financial services industry, including employee training, executive recruitment, office management, and human resources.  She currently holds her Series 7, Series 66 and Series 24 registrations.

Barbara Doty, Client Service Team Leader, has been with the firm since 1999.  In addition to handling her portfolio of client relationships, she oversees the training and development of the client service team.  She has over 20 years of experience in client relationship management, holds her Series 7 and Series 66 registrations.

Paula Bergquist, Client Service Specialist, has been with the firm since 2001.  Prior to joining the firm, she held a lead administrative role within Big 5 Public Accounting.  She services her portfolio of clients, holds her Series 7 registration and Series 66 registrations.

Michele Zeka, Client Service Specialist, joined the firm in 2008.  Joining us from the banking industry, she has extensive customer service experience.   She holds a bachelor's Degree from  UW - Milwaukee and is pursuing her MBA from UW-Whitewater.  Michele is also pursuing her Series 7 and Series 66 registrations.

Ziad Lewis, New Client Development Specialist, joined the firm in 2007.  He holds his Bachelor's Degree from Marquette University and will oversee the front-end case preparation and design for potential new clients.  Ziad is currently pursuing his Series 7 and Series 66 registrations.

Patti Altmann, Records Manager, has been with the firm since 1998.  She maintains all client files and databases within the firm as well as assisting with administrative backup support.  She will also play an integral role as our firm pursues electronic filing systems.

Carrie McCoy, Administrative Assistant, joined the firm in 2007.  She brings with her extensive experience in executive administration, including calendar maintenance, transcription and phone support.

Nicole Doty, Client Service Assistant, joined the firm in 2006.  She supports the Client Service Team and provides backup assistance for the Financial Advisors.  Nicole is currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree from Cardinal Stritch University.