Pillar Team

Luke Madsen CFP®, CLU®
CEO and Private Wealth Advisor
BACKGROUND & EXPERTISE
Luke Madsen has been a Wealth Management Advisor with Northwestern Mutual since 2002. Before building the Pillar Financial Group, Luke held leadership roles for over 10 years with Northwestern Mutual, including Managing Director of the Bellevue office.
PROFESSIONAL APPROACH
His mission is to develop enduring relationships with clients by providing expert guidance for a lifetime of financial security. He has helped many achieve a more secure future for themselves, their families, and businesses by providing a wide range of planning ideas and services to address personal needs and goals.
PERSONAL FULFILLMENT
Luke was born and raised in rural north Idaho. He moved to Seattle in 2002 after earning a degree in economics and finance from the University of Idaho and married his high school sweetheart, Tenneall. In January 2016, Tenneall and Luke welcomed a new addition to their family, a baby boy named Arthur.
EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS
- University of Idaho - Bachelor of Science in Economics
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional
- Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®)

Kevin Kent ChFC®, RICP®
Partner and Private Wealth Advisor
BACKGROUND & EXPERTISE
Kevin Kent has been with Northwestern Mutual since 1984. He has had many roles, and is now spending most of his time with multi generational wealth transition and complex tax planning strategies. He works with the clients team of experts as well as a deep team at Pillar and at NML.
PROFESSIONAL APPROACH
Kevin specializes in retirement income financial planning and advanced financial planning for individuals, professionals and small business owners. As your Wealth Management advisor, Kevin will educate and work with you to take greater control over your financial future. He will listen, clarify, and help you prioritize goals and aspirations to develop a financial strategy designed to help you achieve your vision for the future.
PERSONAL FULFILLMENT
Kevin graduated in 1984 from Washington State University. He currently resides in Sammamish with his family and blind dog. In his spare time, he enjoys traveling, skiing, mountain biking, water sports, cooking, and spending time at the lake with family and friends.
EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS
- Washington State University - Pullman, WA
- ChFC, RICP

Keith Foe CFP®, CPA, CLU®, CFA®
Partner and Private Wealth Advisor
BACKGROUND & EXPERTISE
Keith Foe has been a Wealth Management Advisor with Northwestern Mutual since 2002. He earned his undergraduate degree in Finance, as well as his MBA from the University of Washington.
PROFESSIONAL APPROACH
Keith specializes in working with clients in or close to retirement. He provides a comprehensive and holistic planning approach to fit your needs. As your goals and aspirations are attained or you find they’ve changed over time, Keith will continue to work closely with you to make adjustments to your plan.
PERSONAL FULFILLMENT
Keith is a Seattle native. Currently living in Belltown, he loves to take advantage of all that the Pacific Northwest has to offer by getting outdoors to ski, spending time on Lake Union and Lake Washington, and taking weekend trips with his girlfriend, Anisa. In the community, Keith regularly volunteers for the Seattle Brain Cancer Walk and teaches accounting classes to prospective CPA candidates at North Seattle College. He also serves on the board of the Washington Autism Alliance (WAA) as their treasurer.
EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS
- University of Washington
- CFP®, CPA, CLU®, CFA®

Will Tippet CLU®, ChFC®
Partner and Private Wealth Advisor
BACKGROUND & EXPERTISE
Will joined Northwestern Mutual in 1987, having previously completed a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University in 1983. He worked in the Supercomputer industry, selling to the three Automotive companies, directly out of college. He left Detroit with his wife Jennifer to start with NML in Chicago.
PROFESSIONAL APPROACH
Will’s primary client focus is Retirement Planning and Generational Wealth Transfer. In his career with Northwestern Mutual, he has achieved the Bronze, Silver, and Gold awards, finishing in the top ten for the central region in each of his first three years. He has consistently ranked in the Top Ten of Investment Specialists in the Central Region. He has led and trained his local office in investments since 1996. He has overseen the office in investments as it has grown from the 12th largest office, to ranking first for the last decade.
PERSONAL FULFILLMENT
Will lives in Winnetka, IL with wife Jennifer. He has two grown children and one grandchild. He is Paddle Tennis and Squash junkie and an aspiring golfer. He is a Member of Skokie Country Club and the John Purdue Club. Jennifer is very active in the Chicago Botanic Garden as well.
EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS
- BSME Purdue University-West Lafayette, IN
- CLU®, ChFC®
- Series 6, 63, 66, 7 & 8

Mick Anderson CLU®
Partner and Private Wealth Advisor
BACKGROUND & EXPERTISE
Mick Anderson has been with Northwestern Mutual since 1981. He takes pride in helping his clients build a comprehensive financial plan which includes planning for retirement income needs, asset allocation, estate tax planning, life, disability income and long term care insurance planning.
PROFESSIONAL APPROACH
Financial planning is a life-long process. As a Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Advisor, Mick has the knowledge and expertise to help you discover your core values and integrate them into your planning process. To develop your plan, he will discover your vision for the future, your mission in life and your personal financial philosophy.
PERSONAL FULFILLMENT
Mick was born and raised on the eastside and a graduate of Washington State University. He and his wife Carol enjoy playing golf, boating, hiking with family and friends.
EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS
- Washington State University - Pullman, WA
- Chartered life underwriter (CLU®)

BACKGROUND & EXPERTISE
Chelsea earned her Bachelor's degree in Accounting from Washington State University and has been with Pillar Financial Group since 2016. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) she has extensive experience building client's financial plans. She now serves as Pillar's Chief Operating Officer where she is responsible for keeping the firm running smoothly, expanding our ability to deliver the highest level of advice and guidance.
PROFESSIONAL APPROACH
Chelsea ensures all team members are relentless in their pursuit of professional growth to better serve clients. She focuses on improving and implementing processes internally, so we can provide concierge service to our clients for generations to come.
PERSONAL FULFILLMENT
Chelsea grew up in Washington State and enjoys skiing, hiking, and traveling.
EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS
- Bachelor of Arts in Accounting - Washington State University
- WA State Life & Disability License
- FINRA Series 6, 63, & 7
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) Professional
BACKGROUND & EXPERTISE
Will Mason joined Northwestern Mutual in early 2016 and became a member of Pillar Financial Group in the Spring of 2018.
PROFESSIONAL APPROACH
Will specializes in planning for small businesses and families of all sizes. He provides strategy and insight to help clients achieve their goals and objectives at every stage of life.
PERSONAL FULFILLMENT
Will grew up in the Northwest and moved to Seattle in 2005 after several years on the East coast. He’s had a career in wine previously and still makes that a big part of his life. He and his wife, Kaitlyn, take advantage of Seattle’s rich restaurant culture and its close proximity to the mountains whenever possible.
EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS
- University of New Hampshire--Durham, NH
- FINRA series 6, 63 & 7

Bradley Mitchell
Partner and Private Wealth Advisor
BACKGROUND & EXPERTISE
Brad Mitchell has been a Wealth Management Advisor with Northwestern Mutual since 2009. He joined Pillar Financial Group in 2021 and now serves as Pillar's Director of Business Development. Brad helps the next generation of Financial Advisors learn and grow in their careers.
PROFESSIONAL APPROACH
Brad takes an integrated approach to wealth management, specializing in working with professionals in the tech industry and clients approaching retirement. With his detailed planning process, understanding of equity compensation and sophisticated investment strategies, Brad has given his clients the guidance they seek to achieve their goals. Brad takes a client-centered approach to understanding who people are, what they want and then tailoring a strategic plan to fulfill their dreams.
PERSONAL FULFILLMENT
Brad grew up in Issaquah and graduated from the University of Colorado. Brad and his wife Liz have three young children, Eli, Charley and Maclan. The Mitchell's love to travel, ski, rock climb and generally adventure to new places.
EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS
- University of Colorado - BA


BACKGROUND & EXPERTISE
Kyle Trautmann came to Northwestern Mutual in 2021. The son of an actuary, Kyle grew up immersed in the retirement plan community and spent his career as both a Recordkeeper and Third-Party Administrator before coming to Pillar to lead the Pillar Financial Group's Retirement Plan Division.
PROFESSIONAL APPROACH
Kyle's diverse background allows him to view the retirement landscape through a broader lens than other advisors. Pillar's retirement team uses his unique perspective to help clients identify and correct problems that a typical investment advisor may not see. Kyle also brings this unique set of analytic skills to the sales world, where he helps both existing and new plans to identify and conquer the many hurdles they encounter as they work towards a successful and streamlined retirement plan.
PERSONAL FULFILLMENT
Kyle was born and raised in Washington State, before moving down to California for college and some sunshine in 2001. In 2009 he moved back up to Washington to work in the family recordkeeping business. Kyle and his fiance Tessa have a "Brady bunch" of 3 wonderful kids who keep them busy. They have a love for all sports and continue to play and coach their kids every chance they get.
EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS
- Azusa Pacific University - Azusa, CA
- FINRA Series 6, 63

BACKGROUND & EXPERTISE
Drew joined Northwestern Mutual in 2018. As a Retirement Plan Specialist, he helps business owners and plan sponsors design plans that attract and retain talent as well as provide employees with the knowledge and tools to achieve a successful retirement. Drew's other primary team responsibility is fund research and analytics.
PROFESSIONAL APPROACH
As a former high school football coach, Drew has a passion for ensuring clients understand the options available to them so they can make informed decisions that fit their goals. He believes saving for retirement is a "contact sport", which is why employees can schedule complimentary one-on-one consultations with him when it makes sense for their schedule.
PERSONAL FULFILLMENT
Drew grew up in Omaha, Neb. and moved to Seattle with his wife in 2019, where they currently live with their daughter and two dogs. Drew enjoys getting outside to enjoy all the PNW has to offer and is an avid golfer.
EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS
- Bachelor's Degree - University of Nebraska-Lincoln
- MBA - University of Nebraska-Lincoln
- Qualified Plan Financial Consultant (QPFC)
- FINRA Series 7 & 63

BACKGROUND & EXPERTISE
Jamie joined Pillar in October 2022 with a successful career in the banking industry. Prior to becoming a member of the Pillar team, Jamie held several roles at Wells Fargo from Branch Operations Manager to Relationship Banker. With Jamie stepping in to the role of Service Coordinator, she will be supporting the retirement team by tracking and completing projects required for client maintenance.
PROFESSIONAL APPROACH
Jamie is passionate about listening to clients and understanding their financial goals and needs. She enjoys being able to connect with her clients to develop strategies for their success.
PERSONAL FULFILLMENT
Jamie grew up in the piney woods of East Texas and after traveling with the military for many years, settled in Idaho. She has a significant other, who is her biggest supporter. Jamie has two children, one in Texas, one in Idaho and two stepsons that live in Colorado. In her spare time, Jamie enjoys spending time fishing, hiking, four-wheeling and spending time with her family and friends. Being a native Texan, Jamie is a HUGE Dallas Cowboys and Houston Astros fan!!!!
EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS
- FINRA Series 6, 63, 65

BACKGROUND & EXPERTISE
In 2023, Patrick became a member of the Pillar Financial Group at Northwestern Mutual. Before joining the Pillar team, Patrick spent 15 years working in financial services with a focus on employer sponsored retirement plans.
PROFESSIONAL APPROACH
Patrick finds great joy in educating business owners and participants about their retirement plans and accounts.
He places a high value on personalized conversations with plan sponsors and participants. Patrick's ultimate goal is to inspire and motivate people to save effectively for a prosperous retirement.
PERSONAL FULFILLMENT
Patrick moved from Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Phoenix, Arizona in 2003 and currently resides in Gilbert, Arizona with his wife. They enjoy hiking, tennis and golf in their leisure time.
EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS
- Indiana University - Bloomington, IN
- Series 7
- Series 65

BACKGROUND & EXPERTISE
Molly joined Pillar Financial Group in October 2022 after leaving a decade long career in Commercial and Residential Real Estate in North Idaho. She currently assists with insurance service, applications, and the underwriting process.
PROFESSIONAL APPROACH
Molly strives to always come from a place of sincerity, integrity, and initiative. She appreciates the value of attentiveness and simply caring as key components while taking care of client needs and avoiding costly mistakes.
PERSONAL FULFILLMENT
Molly and her kids currently reside in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. She enjoys all things outdoors; winter sports, running and hiking in the mountains, and golf. She and her partner, Edward, love to travel and do their best splitting their time between his home at Snoqualmie Pass in Washington and hers in Coeur d'Alene. When not working or enjoying the beautiful areas they live, they're traveling to places, both new and old, enjoying good food, good friends, and family.
EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS
- North Idaho College - Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
- Idaho State Life and Disability Insurance License

BACKGROUND & EXPERTISE
Kip joined Pillar in 2021 and has extensive experience in all phases of qualified retirement plans. In 1998 he joined Northwestern Mutual as a Retirement Plan Specialist. Prior to 1998, he practiced as a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries (now retired).
PROFESSIONAL APPROACH
Kip works with our clients to understand their plan objectives and to help them build and maintain a qualified plan to help his clients attract and retain employees.
PERSONAL FULFILLMENT
Kip is a lifelong Washington State resident. He and his wife have four children and eight grandchildren. He spends free time with the Grands and learning to snow ski at high speed.
EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS
- Gonzaga University - Spokane, WA - Mathematics
- Ball State Univeristy - Muncie, IN - Master's in Actuarial Science
- FINRA series 6, 7 and 63

BACKGROUND & EXPERTISE
Katya joined Pillar Financial Group in March, 2019 after transitioning from a career in healthcare. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Western Washington University in June, 2016 and lettered three years as a collegiate rower. In her current role as an Associate Wealth Management Advisor, Katya works in investment account management, insurance service, and building financial analyses.
PERSONAL FULFILLMENT
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time in the mountains and playing as an active member of the Denver Bulldogs Australian Rules Football Club.
EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS
- WA & CO State Life and DI License
- FINRA Series 63, 7

BACKGROUND & EXPERTISE
Nathanael joined Pillar Financial Group in August 2021. Prior to joining Pillar, Nathanael held similar roles at One Oak Wealth Management and Columbia River Advisors. As an Associate Private Wealth Advisor, Nathanael helps clients with all of their investment and planning needs. Nathanael holds his Washington Insurance Licenses, along with FINRA Series 63, 65 and 7 licenses.
PROFESSIONAL APPROACH
What Nathanael enjoys most about his role is the opportunity to put his love of problem solving and critical thinking to the test every day. He takes pride in helping clients connect the dots between where they are and where they want to be. Creating road maps for how they can get there, while keeping in mind the things most important to them.
PERSONAL FULFILLMENT
Nathanael grew up in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho and moved to Washington in 2013. He and his wife have a young daughter. Nathanael enjoys spending time with his family and friends, exploring the region's many outdoor activities, and playing golf.
EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS
- University of Idaho - Moscow, ID
- FINRA series 63, 65, & 7
BACKGROUND & EXPERTISE
Tanner joined Pillar Financial in 2017. Prior to joining Pillar, he graduated from Winona State University with a degree in marketing and advertising. As an Associate Financial Rep, he can assist in all steps of the financial planning process. He has expertise in insurance and investment service as well as creating client financial plans.
PROFESSIONAL APPROACH
Tanner strives on communicating and building strong relationships with clients. He works everyday to make the client experience the best it can be.
PERSONAL FULFILLMENT
Tanner grew up in Minnesota and moved to WA in 2017. In his free time, Tanner enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing sports, and walking his corgi Graham. Tanner and his wife are expecting their first child this Fall 2022.
EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS
- Winona State University - Degrees in marketing and advertising
- FINRA series 6,63, and 7

Allison Modrak CFP®
Associate Private Wealth Advisor
BACKGROUND & EXPERTISE
Allison joined Pillar Financial in 2022 and has an extensive background in financial services. Prior to joining Pillar, she held roles at Baird and CLA. As an Associate Private Wealth Advisor, she is responsible for providing financial planning, investment and tax management strategies.
PROFESSIONAL APPROACH
Allison finds personal fulfillment in helping clients achieve their financial goals. She enjoys developing a strategy that is personalized and comprehensive.
PERSONAL FULFILLMENT
Allison grew up in Wisconsin and moved to Arizona in 2022. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, camping, traveling, cooking and spending time with her Fiancé. She finds enjoyment in being an active member of the local community.
EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS
- University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, WI - Bachelors Degree in Business Administration - Finance
- Insurance Producer - Accident and Health or Sickness, Life
- FINRA series 7 & 66


BACKGROUND & EXPERTISE
Shawn Manaloto has been an Associate Private Wealth Advisor with Northwestern Mutual since 2018 and has a background in personal financial services. Before joining Northwestern Mutual, Shawn started out his career in the tax department as a Certified Public Account (CPA) at Plante Moran, PLLC, a mid-sized public accounting firm in the Midwest, where worked with individuals and small businesses with tax planning and compliance. He earned a B.S. in Finance at Northeastern Illinois University and an M.S. in Taxation from DePaul University's Kellstadt Graduate School of Business.
PROFESSIONAL APPROACH
As an Associate Private Wealth Advisor, Shawn assists the Wealth Advisor in the day-to-day operations of the business and in constructing and maintaining portfolios to help achieve clients' financial goals. Shawn enjoys learning new strategies and technologies to help clients with their financial situation.
PERSONAL FULFILLMENT
Shawn is a longtime Illinois resident. He is interested in innovation and technology, cultures, and travel. He hopes to travel to as many countries as possible and to visit all 50 states in the future.
EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS
- M.S. in Taxation - DePaul University (Kellstadt Graduate School of Business) - Chicago, IL
- B.S. in Finance - Northeastern Illinois University - Chicago, IL
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
- FINRA SIE and FINRA Series 7 and 66
- Illinois State Life & Variable Insurance Producer
- Illinois State Health & Accident Insurance Producer

BACKGROUND & EXPERTISE
Dara joined Pillar financial in 2022 and has several years of experience in financial services. Prior to joining Pillar, she has a background at CB Financial and Gateway Financial as a registered assistant. As a Service Coordinator at Pillar her role is to manage and provide access to supportive services to both the representatives and client experience.
PROFESSIONAL APPROACH
Dara takes great pride in making sure the Pillar experience is exceptional in every way.
PERSONAL FULFILLMENT
Dara was born in New Hampshire but calls Sandpoint, ID her home for 18 years. Dara and her husband Kevin of almost thirty years have two adult children, one grandson and a black lab named Libby. Dara enjoys traveling, hiking, boating and spending time with family.
EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS
- FINRA series 6 & 63

BACKGROUND & EXPERTISE
Ashley joined the Pillar Financial team in 2022. Ashley started her career working for the DoD/US Army Corps of Engineers for nearly a decade as a licensed enforcement officer. After the DoD she worked for an Idaho Public School district when her 3 children were in school. In 2018, Ashley started working for LPL Financial as a licensed assistant to Financial Advisor, Trudy Leen.
PROFESSIONAL APPROACH
Ashley takes pride in direct communication and honesty. She believes in meeting clients at their needs and treating all clients with the same amount of priority.
PERSONAL FULFILLMENT
Ashley grew up 5th generation to to the Northwest and loves the mountains, lakes, and rivers of Idaho. She enjoys weekly Sunday dinners with her family; board games, huckleberry picking, hiking, fishing, and riding her ebike.
EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS
- North Idaho College- Coeur d'Alene, ID
- FINRA series 6

BACKGROUND & EXPERTISE
Bradley joined Pillar financial in January, 2023. Prior to joining Pillar, he worked as a Supervisor of service and trading at Wells Fargo Advisors. Bradley has over a decade of client service experience in and out of financial services.
PROFESSIONAL APPROACH
Bradley finds joy and fulfillment in being able to help clients and provide exceptional client service. He enjoys being able to help clients understand and implement their financial plans.
PERSONAL FULFILLMENT
Bradley was raised in North Idaho on his family's ranch. He loves to spend as much time as possible in the mountains skiing, hiking, dirtbiking, camping, hunting, and exploring mountain lakes. He enjoys spending time on Lake Pend Oreille in the summer and traveling to new places as much as possible.
EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS
- FINRA Series 7, 9, 10, and 63

BACKGROUND & EXPERTISE
Kelli joined Pillar in 2011 and is an Associate Private Wealth Advisor. She has an extensive background in financial services which includes working as a registered representative at Freeman Welwood and on the trading floor at Washington Mutual Capital Markets. Kelli is responsible for investing and and rebalancing client accounts, investment related service requests and opening accounts.
PROFESSIONAL APPROACH
Kelli enjoys helping clients achieve their financial goals and takes pride in providing excellent client service.
PERSONAL FULFILLMENT
Kelli grew up in the Seattle area and loves the Seahawks. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, hiking with her dogs, and participating in agility with her Border Collie.
EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS
- University of Washington, Seattle, WA - BA
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) Professional
- FINRA Series 7, 63, and 65

BACKGROUND & EXPERTISE
Cindy joined Pillar in January 2021 as an Associate Financial Representative. Prior to joining Pillar, she was a Commercial Business Analyst. She currently assists with insurance service requests, applications, and the underwriting process.
PROFESSIONAL APPROACH
Cindy excels in a team environment and loves working with her colleagues to serve our clients in the best way possible. She takes pride in being part of the solution when assisting clients or finding answers.
PERSONAL FULFILLMENT
Cindy was born and raised in the Seattle area. She enjoys trying new restaurants or breweries, going on hikes with her husband and dog, and visiting family and friends. She also loves all kinds of music and singing karaoke!
EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS
- WA State Life and Disability Insurance License

BACKGROUND & EXPERTISE
Sarah Weinbender joined Pillar Financial Group in October 2020 as an Executive Assistant where she assists with answering calls, scheduling meetings, and processing/executing client service requests.
PROFESSIONAL APPROACH
Sarah thrives in being a part of background operations. She feels like she can help more by assisting others in whatever way possible. She prides herself in her ability to problem solve and find the answer to almost any question/issue and loves working side-by-side with her team to learn and grow from them.
PERSONAL FULFILLMENT
Sarah currently resides in Everett, WA with her husband (Trevor), dogs (Walter & Murphy), and cat (Ollie). In her free time, Sarah enjoys cooking (and eating), playing video and board games, and spending time with her friends and family. She loves to travel and would eat her way through any country if she had the chance.
EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS
- Washington State University - Vancouver, WA
- WA Life and Disability Insurance License
- FINRA SIE

BACKGROUND & EXPERTISE
Ellie joined the Pillar Financial Group in 2022 as an Executive Assistant where she assists with operations, client requests, and marketing needs.
PROFESSIONAL APPROACH
Ellie enjoys assisting clients with their needs and requests. She is constantly learning new ways to help clients from other members of the Pillar Team.
PERSONAL FULFILLMENT
Ellie grew up in Washington state and currently lives in Seattle. She enjoys going to concerts, camping during the summer time, and trying out new restaurants with friends.
EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS
- Western Washington University, 2020

BACKGROUND & EXPERTISE
Shannon Lipp joined Pillar Financial Group in March 2023 as an Executive Assistant. Prior to joining Pillar, Shannon worked in the legal field for almost 30 years under a variety of practices.
PROFESSIONAL APPROACH
Shannon finds she most enjoys working behind the scenes. She finds satisfaction in organizing and creating procedures so the Pillar team can focus on more important details – offering the best services to our clients.
PERSONAL FULFILLMENT
Shannon grew up in the Puget Sound area. She and her husband have been married for over 25 years and have two very spoiled cats. Shannon enjoys listening to podcasts, hunting for antiques and makes a valiant attempt at gardening.


BACKGROUND & EXPERTISE
Rolf has extensive experience in the design and administration of Qualified and Non-Qualified Retirement Plans - both with Defined Contribution Plans (401(k), 403(b), Profit Sharing, ESOP, Money Purchase and 457 Plans) and Defined Benefit Plans (traditional Pension Plans and Cash Balance Plans). He brought this expertise to Pillar Financial Group in 2021 to help build their Retirement Practice. His focus is helping clients structure their Plans to effectively meet their goals and objectives. Previously, Rolf worked as a Consulting Actuary running his own private business of 30 employees and 350 clients here in the Pacific Northwest.
PROFESSIONAL APPROACH
Rolf brings his 45 years of experience to the table when meeting with clients and prospects helping them to understand the options available to them in designing and administering their Retirement Plans so that they can put in place a program that meets their goals and objectives. He also is responsible for helping find and acquire other Advisor practices who need a Succession Plan or just want to take the back-office work off their plates so they can focus on what they like to do - serving their clients. Pillar Financial Group provides a great solution for Financial Advisors and has complete flexibility in structuring deals that provide great solutions for the Advisor's Clients, for the Advisor and for Pillar Financial Group.
PERSONAL FULFILLMENT
Rolf was born in Canada and moved with his family to the Seattle area when he was 10 years old and has lived in the Pacific Northwest ever since. He married his high school sweetheart, Bonnie, in 1976 and they have a family of four that has now brought the Trautmann clan to 20 with 10 grandkids added to the mix! When he’s not spending time with his kids and grandkids, Rolf and Bonnie enjoy traveling the world, but also enjoy tennis, biking and golfing.
EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS
Rolf received a BS in Math from Pacific Lutheran University in 1976 and an MS in Math from the University of Washington in 1978. During his career as a Consulting Actuary, he attained both an F.S.A. Designation (Fellow of the Society of Actuaries) as well as an E.A. Designation (Enrolled Actuary). Rolf was also a Member of the American Academy of Actuaries (MAAA) as well as Instructor and test writer for the Society of Actuaries.

BACKGROUND & EXPERTISE
Frank joined Pillar Financial in 2022 and has an extensive background in management. He previously held a role at Chartwells Higher Education as an Assistant Director of Dining Services. As a Service Coordinator, Frank is responsible for supporting the Retirement Plan Specialists by tracking and completing projects or tasks required for client maintenance.
PROFESSIONAL APPROACH
Frank assists in the day to day operations for the Retirement Plan team.
PERSONAL FULFILLMENT
Frank grew up in Atlanta, Georgia and has traveled the continental United States as a traveling chef. He enjoys cooking for his friends and family, golfing, and going on hikes. He is also a die hard Atlanta sports fan.
EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS
- Johnson and Wales - Charlotte, NC

BACKGROUND & EXPERTISE
Marla joined the Pillar Financial Group in 2023 and has an extensive background in Retirement Plan Services support. Prior to Pillar, she worked as an Admin Assistant in Retirement Plan support for 13 years. Marla is responsible for scheduling meetings, client reporting and delivery and day to day client servicing tasks.
PROFESSIONAL APPROACH
Marla is passionate about client service excellence. She enjoys helping her clients and problem solving any issues that are presented.
PERSONAL FULFILLMENT
Marla grew up in Oregon and remains there to this day. She is married and has 3 adult children. Marla enjoys walking and exercising to keep fit. She loves spending time with her children and grandchildren.

BACKGROUND & EXPERTISE
Dave Griffith has been a Wealth Management Advisor with Northwestern Mutual since 1996. Prior to working the financial industry, he worked for Nalco Chemical Co, a specialty chemical treatment company involved in water treatment and environmental consulting.
PROFESSIONAL APPROACH
Dave provides customized recommendations to help plan for your financial future. More specifically, Dave will help you adequately prepare for retirement. His plan will assess your current financial situation, help determine your retirement lifestyle, and make recommendations to help ensure you achieve your retirement goals.
PERSONAL FULFILLMENT
Dave has been married to Kris for over 40 years. They live in Kirkland, WA and Bend, OR. They have two children, two grandsons, and two dogs. In his spare time, he enjoys golfing, hiking, snow skiing and volunteers his time in the community. Dave is involved with Rotary and blood drives with Northwest Blood Center. He also serves on the board and is a member of the East King County Estate Planning Council.
EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS
- Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering
- American College courses include: CLU®, ChFC®, RICP®, CASL®

Tom Hubbard CFP®, ChFC®, CLU®, CASL®
Partner and Private Wealth Advisor
BACKGROUND & EXPERTISE
Tom has been a part of the financial services industry since 1981, served as the Sr. Investment Specialist in Arizona from 1988-2012, and now serves his clients as a Private Wealth Advisor.
PROFESSIONAL APPROACH
Tom's mission is to help clients attain financial security for their families and businesses. Because you cannot predict the future, Tom will help you prepare for the best- and worst-case scenarios and create a long-term relationship based on quality service and integrity.
PERSONAL FULFILLMENT
Tom & Carol have 2 children and 7 grandchildren. He enjoys walleye fishing and golf and spending time with the family.
EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS
- Certified Financial Planner CFP®
- Chartered Financial Consultant ChFC®
- Chartered Life underwriter CLU®
- Chartered Advisor of Senior Living CASL®

BACKGROUND & EXPERTISE
Thaddeus' passion is building trusting relationships and providing long term value. He has been with Northwestern Mutual for over 7 years, helping clients realize and prioritize their personal, professional, and financial goals, ensuring that the highest level of financial security is achieved.
PROFESSIONAL APPROACH
Thaddeus' mission is to know that once his clients have a secure foundation in place, their financial solutions may be strong enough and flexible enough to endure life’s constant changes. Thaddeus also takes pride in holding his clients to a higher level of accountability, so families can focus on what’s most important.
PERSONAL FULFILLMENT
Thaddeus and his wife Elizabeth have been married for 16 years. They live in Chandler, Arizona, and love spending time with their 4 beautiful children Mackenzie, Kaylee, Payton and Jordan.
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