
Putting
people first.
Get to know our leadership team
Leadership at the Provo office is dedicated to doing good for our clients, employees and community.

Mike is originally from Heber City, Utah and grew up with a deep love for basketball. Mike was introduced to Northwestern Mutual as an intern his senior year and went full-time after graduation. After moving back to Utah with his wife, Cindy, he quickly realized how much he loved leadership and mentoring young...
Mike is originally from Heber City, Utah and grew up with a deep love for basketball. Mike was introduced to Northwestern Mutual as an intern his senior year and went full-time after graduation. After moving back to Utah with his wife, Cindy, he quickly realized how much he loved leadership and mentoring young interns because of the great impact his mentors had on him. Mike was appointed the Managing Director in January 2021.

Lauren Curtis
Director of Operations and Human Resources
Lauren was born and raised in Walnut Creek, CA before she moved out to the Utah Valley for college. She graduated from BYU with a Bachelor's Degree in Exercise & Wellness and is currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Sports Conditioning from SUU. You can find her out on the golf course or watching a good romance...
Lauren was born and raised in Walnut Creek, CA before she moved out to the Utah Valley for college. She graduated from BYU with a Bachelor's Degree in Exercise & Wellness and is currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Sports Conditioning from SUU. You can find her out on the golf course or watching a good romance movie in her free time.

Jesse Johnson
Director of Recruitment and Development
Jesse is an experienced career coach and growth mentor with a demonstrated history of working in the financial services industry, passionate about connecting with people and providing guidance in personal and career goals. He graduated from Dixie State University where he met his wife, Abby. In his free time,...
Jesse is an experienced career coach and growth mentor with a demonstrated history of working in the financial services industry, passionate about connecting with people and providing guidance in personal and career goals. He graduated from Dixie State University where he met his wife, Abby. In his free time, you can find him spending time with his family, golfing, or out on his paddleboard/snowboard.

Johanna Esplin
Director of Recruitment and Selection
Johanna grew up in South Jordan, Utah. She graduated from BYU in April 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a minor in Global Women’s Studies. She and her husband, Joe, love getting together with friends and going to movies.

Rexie Toronto
Director of Recruitment and Selection
Rexie grew up in Sandy, Utah. She graduated from UVU in April 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Philosophy. She and her husband, Christian, love playing sports, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. She joined Mike’s team as a growth partner for full time advisors in...
Rexie grew up in Sandy, Utah. She graduated from UVU in April 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Philosophy. She and her husband, Christian, love playing sports, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. She joined Mike’s team as a growth partner for full time advisors in June 2023.

Aaron is originally from Southern California, he graduated high school in Utah, and attended BYU-Hawaii for his undergrad where he met his wife, Taylor. He was introduced to Northwestern Mutual through a client of Mike Pelo’s which led him here amidst covid in 2020. Aaron has always had love for helping and...
Aaron is originally from Southern California, he graduated high school in Utah, and attended BYU-Hawaii for his undergrad where he met his wife, Taylor. He was introduced to Northwestern Mutual through a client of Mike Pelo’s which led him here amidst covid in 2020. Aaron has always had love for helping and leading others, so quickly jumped on the leadership train here at Northwestern Mutual and enjoys the opportunity to lead by example and help others reach their full potential. He became the college unit captain in June 2022.