Advisory Team
“We really need to have a financial advisor who can consolidate all of these things and just make it much more manageable. I feel more relaxed here than almost any other place on the face of the earth honestly.”
John Chamberlin
Retired Foreign Services Officer, Client
Not all Northwestern Mutual representatives are advisors. Only those representatives with "advisor" in their title or who otherwise disclose their status as an advisor of NMWMC are credentialed as NMWMC representatives to provide investment advisory services.
Executive Team
Scott Sparks CLU®, ChFC®, RICP®
Founder and CEO
- Colorado State University
- Bachelor of Science in Business Finance
- Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®)
- Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®)
- Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP®)
- FINRA Series 6, 7, 63 and 66
- Life, Health, and Long-Term Care Insurance Licenses
Background and Expertise
Scott joined Northwestern Mutual as a college intern and has been a full-time Wealth Management Advisor for Northwestern Mutual since 1990. In this time, he has built a wealth management team that regularly achieves the highest honors across the financial services industry. Scott focuses on building long-term relationships based on integrity, knowledge, and commitment. Scott’s overall goal is to help people define, build, and enjoy prosperous lives.
Personal Spark
Scott is a lifetime resident of Colorado. He and his wife Holli have two children, Taven and Tanner. He has a balanced life with work and family, and attributes this to his top-notch team at the office.
Advisory Teams - Denver
Gary Wing RICP®, ChFC®, CLU®, WMCP®
Partner and Private Wealth Advisor
- Colorado State University
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Accounting
- Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®)
- Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®)
- Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP®)
- FINRA Series 7, 63, and 65
- Life, Health, and Long-Term Care Insurance Licenses
Background and Expertise
Gary joined Sparks Financial in 2004 as a Wealth Management Advisor. He has worked in the Financial Services Industry since 1999.
Personal Spark
Gary is a Colorado native and has four children with his wife Ande. He has been a dedicated coach in youth sports for over 30 years and sits on the board for Denver Street School.
- Alma College
- Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, Accounting
- FINRA Series Securities Industries Essentials (SIE), 6, and 63
- Life, Health, Long-Term Care, Variable Life, and Variable Annuity Insurance Licenses
Background and Expertise
With over a decade of experience at Northwestern Mutual, Lynn joined Sparks Financial in 2021 and currently serves as a Client Service Associate. Throughout her career, Lynn has successfully supported advisors on the Insurance and Investment platforms in both the Orlando and Denver markets.
Personal Spark
Lynn and her husband Bob enjoy life with 3 children and 7 grandchildren! They love spending time with their family and traveling to their vacation home in Winter Park, Florida. Lynn is involved in her church and in her free time enjoys reading, cooking, and college football. As a Michigan native, she is a huge Michigan Wolverine fan and enjoys game days!
- Marietta College
- Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering
- Certified Financial Planner (CFP®)
- FINRA Series Securities Industries Essentials (SIE), 7, and 66
- Life, Health, and Long-Term Care Insurance Licenses
Background and Expertise
Nate grew up in Ohio and moved to Colorado in 2017 to work as a Petroleum Engineer in the Oil and Gas Industry. He currently resides in the Denver Tech Center. Nate started working in Financial Planning in 2021 and joined Sparks Financial in 2024. He is passionate about helping clients experience greater levels of freedom in their finances allowing them to enjoy life today, while having peace of mind for the future.
Personal Spark
Nate is a man of strong faith, which drives his involvement with local non-profit CrossPurpose to abolish relational, economic and spiritual poverty in the Denver-Metro Area. He is also an active member in his local church, House Denver where he serves with youth ministry. In his free time Nate enjoys traveling to National Parks, skiing, hiking, camping and playing sports.
Ted Holmes CLU®, CFP®, RICP®, WMCP®, CAP®
Partner and Private Wealth Advisor
- Penn State University
- Bachelor of Science in Finance
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Designation
- Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®)
- Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®)
- Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP®)
- Wealth Management Certified Professional (WMCP®)
- Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®)
- FINRA Series 7, 9, 10, 63, and 66
- Life, Health, and Long-Term Care Insurance Licenses
Background and Expertise
Ted joined Sparks Financial in 2006 and became Partner in 2022. Ted's passion for financial, estate, and charitable planning stems from his family's history in the industry for over 50 years.
In 2021, After 17 years in Colorado, Ted and his family moved home to the Northeast to both be closer to family and to expand the reach of Sparks Financial.
Personal Spark
Ted, and his wife Emily, met at Penn State University where they were both varsity athletes (lacrosse and soccer). They have three wonderful children, Gabe, Elliot, and Hadley. The Holmes family loves to hit the road travelling especially to their favorite spots like Key West and Crested Butte. You'll also find them exploring the outdoors of Upstate New York and the Rocky Mountains.
Annelise Eicholzer RICP®, CDFA®, CFP®
Private Wealth Service Advisor
- State University of New York, Geneseo
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Math
- Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP®)
- Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®)
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Designation
- FINRA Series Securities Industries Essentials (SIE), 6, 7, and 63
- Life, Health, and Long-Term Care Insurance Licenses
Background and Expertise
Annelise joins Sparks Financial with 5 years experience within Northwestern Mutual.
Personal Spark
Annelise is originally from Syracuse, NY and moved to Denver in fall of 2021 where she now lives with her boyfriend, Drew, and their dog, Earl. She spends her free time traveling, getting outside to enjoy the West Coast weather, and watching the Buffalo Bills on gamedays.
Taven Sparks
Partner and Private Wealth Advisor
- Texas Christian University
- Bachelor of Business Administration, Entrepreneurial Management, Finance and Leadership
-
FINRA Series Securities Industries Essentials (SIE) 7 and 63
- Life, Health, and Long-Term Care Insurance Licenses
Background and Expertise
Taven joined Sparks Financial in 2019 as a Financial Advisor and has since become a Partner in the firm. After graduating from TCU, Taven spent 3 years as a consultant with Deloitte within the Financial Services Industry.
Personal Spark
Taven was born and raised in Colorado and is an avid Broncos, Nuggets, Rockies, and Avalanche fan. He also loves traveling and has been to 5 of the 7 continents. A few highlights from his travels include hiking Machu Picchu, hang gliding in Switzerland, and riding elephants in Thailand. In their free time, Taven and his wife, Lauren, enjoy shows at Red Rocks, playing volleyball at Washington Park, skiing, hiking, and spending quality time with family, friends and their English Cream Golden Retriever, Leo.
- Texas Tech University
- Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sport Sciences
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Designation
- FINRA Series 7 and 63
- Life, Health, and Long-Term Care Insurance Licenses
Background and Expertise
Marshall joined Sparks Financial in July of 2020 as a Client Services Manager. Prior to joining Sparks Financial, he worked as a Physical Therapist Assistant in the Denver Area.
Personal Spark
Marshall lives in Parker, Colorado with his wife, Alex. In his free time, Marshall enjoys spending time with family, traveling around Colorado, golfing in the summer, and skiing in the winter.
Peter B Egan CFP®, CLU®, WMCP®
Private Wealth Advisor
- United States Naval Academy
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Designation
- Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®)
- FINRA Series 7 and 63
- Life, Health, and Long-Term Care Insurance Licenses
- Wealth Management Certified Professional (WMCP®)
Background and Expertise
Pete joined Sparks Financial in 2010. He has worked in the financial services industry since leaving the U.S. Navy and moving to Denver in 1996. Having worked with clients through both the ups and downs of stock market cycles, Pete understands the real-world impact of financial risk and return. As an Advisor at Sparks Financial he brings that experience to life, building all weather portfolios designed around his clients’ individual financial planning goals.
Personal Spark
Pete and his wife Kathy have three adult children and two dogs. A bluebird powder day skiing with the family in the Colorado mountains is an ideal day. Pete also enjoys music and playing guitar. He is active in supporting the Alzheimer’s Association and Food for Thought – Denver. Pete is also a volunteer high school lacrosse coach.
Jerry Kinzie CFP®
Private Wealth Service Advisor
- Colorado State University
- Bachelor of Science
- FINRA Series Securities Industries Essentials (SIE), 7, and 66
- Life, Health, and Long-Term Care Insurance Licenses
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Designation
Background and Expertise
Jerry joined Sparks Financial in June 2022 as a Private Wealth Service Advisor. Prior to Joining Sparks Financial, Jerry worked as Financial Advisor at Northwestern Mutual. Before Northwestern Mutual, Jerry spent a year in JP Morgan’s Advisor development program and 7 years helping implement/develop Walmart’s Omni Channel Ecommerce division with his latest role as a Digital Operations Manager.
Personal Spark
Jerry is a Colorado Native who currently lives in the Denver, CO area with his Wife Dana and their dog Monty. In Jerry’s free time, he enjoys spending time in his garden, checking out the local breweries and going to sporting events.
Matthew Haynes CFP®, WMCP®, RICP®, CLU®, ChFC®
Private Wealth Advisor
- University of Colorado, Boulder
- Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs
- Certified Financial Planner (CFP®)
- Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®)
- Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®)
- Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP®)
- Wealth Management Certified Professional (WMCP®)
- FINRA Series 7, 63, and 66
- Life, Health, and Long-Term Care Insurance Licenses
Background and Expertise
Matthew joined Sparks Financial in 2014. He was previously an investment operations specialist for the Northwestern Mutual Denver office. As an Advisor he is responsible for insurance and investment strategy implementation with a focus on financial planning.
Personal Spark
Matthew enjoys spending time with his wife Jen and their son Henry. Passions include traveling and enjoying all that Colorado has to offer. You can find Matthew, Jen, and Henry enjoying walks around their Crestmoor neighborhood and enjoying restaurants in Cherry Creek and Downtown.
- University of Northern Colorado
- Bachelor of Communication
- FINRA Series Securities Industries Essentials (SIE), 6, 7, and 63
- Life, Health, and Long-Term Care Insurance Licenses
Background and Expertise
Nicholas joined Sparks financial in 2022 as an Operations Assistant. Prior to joining Sparks Financial, he worked for Theodore Financial within Northwestern Mutual.
Personal Spark
Nicholas is a Colorado native who currently resides in Highlands Ranch with his wife, Jessica. In his free time, Nicholas enjoys spending time with family and playing golf.
Ross C. Alisiani CFP®, ChFC®, RICP®, CLU®
Wealth Management Advisor
Ross is the Managing Director at Northwestern Mutual-Denver. Ross strives to be the best Bucket Filler, Leader, and Inspirer he can be, and values being a Father, Husband, and Athlete at his core. He is a Colorado native and developed his work ethic and positivity while playing football at Truman State and Colorado College. Ross’s focus has always been team over self, and he strives to live a life of significance – uplifting the lives of those around him.
Colton started his career with Northwestern Mutual as an intern advisor in 2012, before his senior year at Colorado State University. He graduated with honors through the College of Business, emphasizing Personal Financial Planning. Colton ran his practice full-time until 2018 and is now the Director of Financial Planning. Colton maintains his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) professional, Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP®), and Wealth Management Certified Professional (WMCP®) designations.
Colton is married to Elizabeth, and they have three children. Colton is originally from Wisconsin and learned that his family has been served by Northwestern Mutual for at least four generations. Colton loves sports/athletics (specifically playing golf), is dedicated to serving the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at the University of Denver and active in his church, Parker Evangelical Presbyterian Church.
Advisory Teams - Dallas/Fort Worth
Charles B. Prothro CFP®, AEP®, ChFC®, CLU®
Partner and Private Wealth Advisor
- Wake Forest University
- Bachelor of Arts with Honors in Psychology
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Certification
- Accredited Estate Planner (AEP®)
- Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®)
- Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®)
- FINRA Series 7, 63, and 65
- Life, Health, and Long-Term Care Insurance Licenses
Background and Expertise
Charlie joined Sparks Financial in 2024 as a part of the firm’s expansion to Texas. He brought forty two years of experience in financial planning, estate and business planning, executive benefits and retirement planning to the firm. Charlie is passionate about the business. He loves teaching and inspiring people to make valuable and fulfilling decisions that shape their late-in-life financial wellbeing. In keeping with many legacy families at Northwestern Mutual, including the Sparks family, Charlie gets to share the excitement of the firm’s expansion to Dallas - Fort Worth with his son-in-law, Beau Jacobson.
Personal Spark
Both native Texans, Charlie and his wife, Cheryl, have five children and five grandchildren. In 2020, they embarked upon a new season with a move from their hometown of Wichita Falls, Texas to Fort Worth, Texas. With their move, they are closer to family and enthused to be a part of the growing communities of the DFW area. Together, they love being a part of nature watching bald eagles, osprey, deer and other wildlife on their property at Eagle Mountain Lake. Charlie also enjoys road cycling, classic wooden boating, and dog training.
- West Texas A&M University
- Bachelor of Business
- FINRA Securities Industries Essentials (SIE) and Series 6, 7, and 63 registrations
- Life, Health, and Long-Term Care Insurance Licenses
Background and Expertise
Will was born in Dallas, Texas and moved a few times in his early childhood. Being the son of a collegiate basketball coach, Will’s family spent time in Portales, New Mexico and Alamosa, Colorado. His father coached for 17 years and his mother took the harder job of staying home with him and his brother. In 2010 their family moved back to Rockwall and Will graduated from Rockwall High School (JFND). He graduated from West Texas A&M with a Business Management degree. After graduating in 2020 Will had the opportunity to build his financial planning practice within Northwestern Mutual. He built that practice over three years and transitioned into Sparks Financial in January of 2024.
Personal Spark
Will loves any opportunity he can get to play golf. If he’s not playing golf he enjoys being outdoors or by the water. To escape the Texas summers, Will heads to Park City, Utah to hit the slopes. If he’s looking to lay by the beach and play some sand volleyball his favorite beach destination is Manhattan Beach, CA. Will is a diehard Dallas sports fan. He will love the Dallas Cowboys, Rangers, Mavericks, Stars and FC Dallas no matter how many times they continue to break his heart. Once a Texas sports fan, always a Texas sports fan. Fun fact: Will has never lost a game of Monopoly.
Beau Jacobson CPA
Partner and Private Wealth Advisor
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA®)
- Texas Tech University
- Masters of Science in Accounting (MSA)
- FINRA Series Securities Industries Essentials (SIE), 7 and 63
- Life, Health, and Long-Term Care Insurance Licenses
Background and Expertise
Beau has over 8 years of experience in the financial industry. Upon graduation from Texas Tech University with a Masters in Accounting, he earned his CPA certification and spent 5 years working at Ernst and Young (EY). After several years running one of the most successful financial planning practices across the country, Beau alongside his father-in-law Charlie Prothro, joined Sparks Financial in 2024 as a part of the firm’s expansion to Texas.
Personal Spark
Beau is a lifelong Texan and grew up in Grapevine, TX. He and his wife, Emma, currently reside in Aledo, TX. When Beau is not in the office, he enjoys leading worship at church, singing jazz music, working out, public speaking, cheering on all Dallas sport teams, and spending time with his family. The Jacobsons are members of Christ Chapel Bible Church and lead a community Bible study group. Beau has a passion for service and is actively involved in the DFW community and serves as President of the Board of Directors for Mission Mosaic.
- University of Maryland
- Bachelor of Administration in Economics
- FINRA Series Securities Industries Essentials (SIE), 7 and 63
- General Lines Insurance License
Background and Expertise
Ivan is from Sao Paulo Brazil and moved to the US for college. He has lived in Florida, Maryland, Virginia and now resides in Fort Worth, TX. He started his career in financial services with Fidelity Investments where he worked in the workplace investing space as well as the institutional space. Prior to finance, Ivan played soccer professionally in the MLS and USL leagues.
Personal Spark
Ivan and his wife, Sarah, have one son named Edison and a dog named Dewey. They love to take long walks and bike rides along the trinity river, play pickleball, and enjoy some quality time with their neighbors and friends. They travel at least once a year to Brazil to visit Ivan’s extended family and every summer they spend a week in Canada at Sarah’s family lake house.
Central Strategy Team
Frank P Ratini
Director of Business Strategy and Practice Management
- Illinois State University
- Bachelor of Science in Finance and Insurance
- FINRA Series 7 and 66
- Life and Health Insurance Licenses
Background and Expertise
Prior to joining Sparks Financial, Frank had over a decade of experience in the finance industry as an operations and implementation manager. Frank’s main focus is solving complex issues to create efficiencies that allow the success of the overall firm, and for the Sparks Financial Team to focus the entirety of their efforts on their client’s financial planning needs.
Personal Spark
Frank and his wife Jennifer are originally from Chicago and currently reside in Centennial with their two children. Outside of work you can expect to see the entire family outdoors and on the local trails. In addition to hiking, Frank aspires to become a better golfer and enjoys time spent improving his game on the course.
- University of Denver
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
- Life, Health, and Long-Term Care Insurance Licenses
Background and Expertise
Vy joined Sparks Financial in 2021 as a Client Support Associate. Prior to joining the team, she worked as an executive assistant and volleyball coach in the Centennial and Denver areas.
Personal Spark
Vy was born and raised in Colorado. In her free time, she enjoys playing volleyball, exploring new mountain towns, and finding the best food trucks. She is an active supporter of Food for Thought - Denver.
Background and Expertise
Erin joined the Sparks Financial team in 2013. Being with people makes her come alive. She recognizes that our industry exists to cultivate prosperity so that our families and broader communities may thrive. Her education in psychology (Taylor University) and experience in customer service and event planning helps her excel in her three main areas of focus: fostering relationships with clients, crafting beautiful environments for connection, and engaging meaningful philanthropic opportunities.
Personal Spark
Erin is married to Neil, and they have two sons, Everett and Asher. Their family enjoys rich community in their church, where her husband serves as a pastor. You’ll often find them traveling, enjoying the outdoors, and perusing the Denver food scene. When not with family or engaged in work, Erin is often on a walk, reading, or deep in conversation with a friend (likely over a glass of wine or a latte).
- Calvin University
- Dual Bachelor of Arts Degrees in Marketing and French
Background and Expertise
Ben has over 5 years of experience in digital marketing and sales, working in cybersecurity, freight logistics, and outdoor retail. He’s at his best when writing copy, asking thoughtful questions, or solving a novel problem. He joined the team in 2024 and as Sparks Financials’ Marketing Associate, he manages our social media, plans client events, and works on branding.
Personal Spark
Ben grew up in Naperville, IL, and has strong ties to Michigan. When he’s not crafting our next social media campaign, you can find him skiing, road/mountain biking, researching something obscure, or admiring rocks and artifacts with his geologist/archaeologist wife, Jess. They live in gorgeous Golden where they will frequently tube Clear Creek and volunteer at church.
Operations Team
Christopher Horvat CFP®, ChFC®
Director of Client Operations and Risk
- Duquesne University
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Finance and Investment Management
- FINRA Series 7, 9, 10, and 66
- Life, Health, and Long-Term Care Insurance Licenses
BACKGROUND AND EXPERTISE
Chris has worked previously with Northwestern Mutual as a Director of Network Office Supervision for nearly eight years. He has worked in the Financial Services Industry since 2010.
PERSONAL SPARK
Born and raised in Cleveland, Chris attended Duquesne University in Pittsburgh where he ran both cross country and track. He and his wife Kelsey are the proud parents of two sons, Jack and Warren.
- Florida International University
- Life, Health, and Long-Term Care Insurance Licenses
Background and Expertise
Prior to joining Sparks Financial, Cam worked as an Associate Financial Representative for three years with a Northwestern Mutual team in Miami, FL. She now specializes in Insurance Operations, ensuring seamless processes are in place to provide the best quality of service to each client.
Personal Spark
Born and raised in Miami, Florida, Cam graduated with a degree in Writing and Rhetoric from Florida International University. In June of 2023, she moved from her hometown to Denver, Colorado with her dog, Abu. Cam enjoys reading, solving puzzles, and exploring the beautiful scenery of Colorado with Abu by her side.
- The Ohio State University
- Bachelor of Science in Finance
- FINRA Series Securities Industries Essentials (SIE), 7 and 63
- Life and Health Licenses
Background and Expertise
Tim is pleased to have joined Sparks Financial in December of 2022 on the Investment Operations team. He has been in the finance sector since 2005, with most of the time being in investment operations. Tim finds solving problems and streamlining processes personally gratifying and has enjoyed serving advisors, clients, and their families in this role.
Personal Spark
Tim lives in Denver, Co with his wife Ifeoma, daughter Amelia, and son Matthew. In his free time, Tim enjoys serving as a youth leader to middle and high school aged boys at Red Rocks Church. He can also be found playing pickup ultimate frisbee, hiking with his family, and exploring the Colorado landscape behind the wheel of his Subaru.
- Colorado State University
- Bachelor of Science, Business Administration
- FINRA Series 7 and 66
- Life and Health Insurance Licenses
Background and Expertise
Trent joined Sparks Financial in 2023 as a Senior Planning Operations Specialist. Prior to joining the team, he spent eight years working for Volition Wealth Group within Northwestern Mutual.
Personal Spark
Trent is a man with a passionate faith, loving family, and a dedication to excellence. He and his wife, Liz, reside in Northern Colorado and spend their time cultivating the gym they established in 2019, exploring the Rockies, golfing, hunting, attending car shows, and immersing themselves in their local community.
- Bachelor of Science in Recreation, Tourism & Hospitality
- FINRA Series Securities Industries Essentials (SIE), 7, and 63
- Life, Health, and Long-Term Care Insurance Licenses
Background and Expertise
Jayla joined Sparks Financial in 2022 as an Operations Associate. Prior to joining the team, she worked in mortgage origination for a nationwide home builder.
Personal Spark
Jayla grew up in Colorado and currently resides in Denver with her fiancé, Connor, and their two dogs, Baxter and Beau. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and getting outside to enjoy Colorado’s 300 days of sunshine.
- University of Vermont
- Life, Health, and Long-Term Care Insurance Licenses
- FINRA Securities Industries Essentials (SIE) and Series 7 and 63 registrations
Background and Expertise
Zoë joins Sparks Financial with experience in human resources, mergers and acquisitions, company valuation, private equity, and ESG.
Personal Spark
Zoë was born and raised in Barre, Vermont. In her free time she enjoys hiking in the Rockies, writing poetry, making music, and spending time with her friends and family.
- University of Denver
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Business Management
- Minors in Data Analytics and Leadership
- Life, Health, and Long-Term Care Insurance Licenses
Background and Expertise
Troy started his career with Deloitte Consulting, spending three years working in development for integrated eligibility software in a client facing role. In this position, Troy led design sessions and worked in conjunction with State Government leadership to ensure the systems continually evolved to meet the needs of the state constituents. In April 2023 he joined the Sparks financial team as an Operations Associate.
Personal Spark
As a lifetime Coloradan, Troy is passionate about all the activities that make Colorado a unique place to live. From skiing in the winter, to hiking and fishing in the summer, Troy can always be found in the mountains in his free time. Avid fan of the Broncos, Avalanche, Nuggets, and Rockies.