Putting
people first.
Get to know our leadership team
Leadership at the Mendota Heights office is dedicated to doing good for our clients, employees and community.
BJ Hellyer
CLU®, CLF®
Managing Partner
BJ Hellyer joined Northwestern Mutual in 1996 as a college intern. After graduating from Drake University he began his career as a full-time Financial Representative in Des Moines, Iowa. He was drawn to Northwestern Mutual because of the values-based leaders and quality of products. BJ was a financial advisor...
BJ Hellyer joined Northwestern Mutual in 1996 as a college intern. After graduating from Drake University he began his career as a full-time Financial Representative in Des Moines, Iowa. He was drawn to Northwestern Mutual because of the values-based leaders and quality of products. BJ was a financial advisor for eleven years, achieving Million Dollar Roundtable multiple times. From 2004-2007, he served as Managing Director in Ames, Iowa, bringing his passion and enthusiasm to recruit and train new financial representatives. Under his leadership, the district office was recognized with several recruiting and development-based awards. In June 2018, BJ was appointed Managing Partner of Northwestern Mutual – Twin Cities. He is honored with the opportunity to recruit and grow members of his values-based firm and have a positive impact in the Minneapolis community. BJ resides in Lake Elmo, Minnesota with his wife and kids. When he is not in the office he enjoys reading, exercising and golf.
Shane Stuhr has been with Northwestern Mutual since joining the internship in 2006 while pursuing his Bachelors Degree from the University of Wisconsin La Crosse. Shane identified with the family-forward, incredible culture and vision of Northwestern Mutual, then going on to become a full time representative in...
Shane Stuhr has been with Northwestern Mutual since joining the internship in 2006 while pursuing his Bachelors Degree from the University of Wisconsin La Crosse. Shane identified with the family-forward, incredible culture and vision of Northwestern Mutual, then going on to become a full time representative in 2008. In addition to his dedication to servicing his own clients, he leads the La Crosse district region as Managing Director. As the Managing Director, Shane leads and empowers both his team and district to service Northwestern Mutual policyholders and their communities to the highest standard possible. Shane focuses on building long-term relationships based on integrity, knowledge, and commitment. His overall goal is to help people define, build, and enjoy prosperous lives as he has done throughout the 16 years he has spent in his career with Northwestern Mutual.
Brent Goska was born and raised in Wisconsin Rapids, WI and formed his values and work ethic from working in several family businesses. Brent values relationships and the ability to have deep trust with his clients and team members. He attended The University of North Dakota where Brent earned a Bachelor’s...
Brent Goska was born and raised in Wisconsin Rapids, WI and formed his values and work ethic from working in several family businesses. Brent values relationships and the ability to have deep trust with his clients and team members. He attended The University of North Dakota where Brent earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, while also playing on the UND football team. Following school, he joined Northwestern Mutual’s Top 10 internship. While considering his career path, Brent always knew that he wanted to make an impact and provide meaningful support for those around him. Northwestern Mutual has provided Brent the opportunity to live out this vision. As the Managing Director of the Eau Claire and Wausau district offices, Brent leads with an emphasis on workplace culture. With Brent’s leadership the Eau Claire office has grown on a rich history of success that leads with values and fun.
Colby Staloch has been with Northwestern Mutual since 2006. While pursuing his Bachelor of Arts degrees in Finance and Management at Waldorf College in Forest City, IA, Colby participated in the Northwestern Mutual Internship, and immediately felt connected with this family-oriented company that took pride in...
Colby Staloch has been with Northwestern Mutual since 2006. While pursuing his Bachelor of Arts degrees in Finance and Management at Waldorf College in Forest City, IA, Colby participated in the Northwestern Mutual Internship, and immediately felt connected with this family-oriented company that took pride in building relationships with its clients. Over the past 12 years, Colby has become an invaluable leader, and is committed to building a strong culture for his growing team. As Managing Director in Mankato, Colby proudly continues to serve his own clients while also working to empower his team of representatives, advisors, and support staff to assist their clients in achieving financial security.
Mike Erpelding joined Northwestern Mutual in 1987, and is the founder of Erpelding Wealth Management as well as the Managing Director of the Edina, MN district office. Over the years, Mike has built Erpelding Wealth Management into a well-rounded practice based on the principals of honesty, integrity and being...
Mike Erpelding joined Northwestern Mutual in 1987, and is the founder of Erpelding Wealth Management as well as the Managing Director of the Edina, MN district office. Over the years, Mike has built Erpelding Wealth Management into a well-rounded practice based on the principals of honesty, integrity and being client-focused. While maintaining a strong wealth management practice, Mike plays a key role in the career development of other financial representatives.
Ryan Brockhaus has been with Northwestern Mutual since 2006. Ryan joined the Northwestern family as an Intern while he was attending University Wisconsin- Eau Claire, pursuing his bachelor’s in Marketing and Professional Sales. Ryan converted to a full-time advisor in 2007 and has been growing his successful...
Ryan Brockhaus has been with Northwestern Mutual since 2006. Ryan joined the Northwestern family as an Intern while he was attending University Wisconsin- Eau Claire, pursuing his bachelor’s in Marketing and Professional Sales. Ryan converted to a full-time advisor in 2007 and has been growing his successful practice since. In Ryan’s time at Northwestern Mutual he has been an extension of growth to our advisors, team, culture and to himself as the role of Managing Director of Brockhaus District in Mendota Heights. Ryan’s desire to grow young advisors and team members into strong leaders has been his passion. He gains excitement with being involved with our internship and feels rewarded with the opportunities it gives to young professionals. Ryan along with his team continues to strengthen relationships with current clients as well as staying involved in the community by sharing his passions with others.
My goal is to become a strategic partner with my clients. My team is specifically designed to assist in debt and cash flow management, wealth management, retirement distribution and risk management strategies.
Lauren McCormick
Chief Growth Officer
Deb Sobiech
Chief Financial Officer
Sara Moss
Chief Operations Officer
Jordan Hauke
Chief Recruitment Officer
Jordan started with Northwestern Mutual in 2008 as an intern in Eau Claire, WI. He has been with the Northwestern Mutual Twin Cities for 14 years with the last 13 being in recruiting. He currently is the Chief Recruiting Officer and helps the growth of our 8 district offices. He truly enjoys helping people...
Jordan started with Northwestern Mutual in 2008 as an intern in Eau Claire, WI. He has been with the Northwestern Mutual Twin Cities for 14 years with the last 13 being in recruiting. He currently is the Chief Recruiting Officer and helps the growth of our 8 district offices. He truly enjoys helping people get professionally unstuck and opening the door to our amazing Northwestern Mutual opportunity to so many who would have never thought that this career could be their calling.
Caroline Kelly
Director of Internship Development
Caroline Kelly has been with NM since September 2017. She started out as a Recruiting Coordinator and quickly transitioned into a campus recruiter for several years before most recently transitioning into the Director of Internship Development. Being a former collegiate athlete, she thrives in a motivating and...
Caroline Kelly has been with NM since September 2017. She started out as a Recruiting Coordinator and quickly transitioned into a campus recruiter for several years before most recently transitioning into the Director of Internship Development. Being a former collegiate athlete, she thrives in a motivating and competitive working environment which has made her time working in the internship such a natural fit. Her true passion is in building personal relationships with people and pushing them to become the best version of themselves. She believes this internship opportunity can be life changing for the right student, and she is driven to seek out the best talent of individuals who will elevate her agency and who aligns with their beliefs, values and culture.
Emily DeSart
Director of Marketing
Emily has worked with Northwestern Mutual since 2020 as the Director of Marketing. In this role, she develops network office strategy and implements local marketing efforts. Emily also assists advisors with driving their marketing initiatives based on practice needs and goals. She truly enjoys coaching teams and...
Emily has worked with Northwestern Mutual since 2020 as the Director of Marketing. In this role, she develops network office strategy and implements local marketing efforts. Emily also assists advisors with driving their marketing initiatives based on practice needs and goals. She truly enjoys coaching teams and thrives on helping them improve the overall brand of their practice.