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Meet the management team - Minnesota

Meet the management team

Photo of Nick Halvorson

Nick Halvorson, RICP®, CLF® - Regional Managing Director

As a Regional Managing Director with the Minnesota Regional Office of Principal®, Nick Halvorson works with his team of Financial Professionals to help businesses and individuals build plans and strategies to work towards achieving their financial goals. Nick works to build a culture of high-performing, honest, and ethical financial professionals.

Nick attended the University of St. Thomas where he obtained his degree in Financial Management and Business Administration. While at UST, Nick played football and remains very active with the Football Alumni.

Nick entered the financial services industry in 2001. His professional achievements include Life Member of Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT)* - the Premier Associations of Financial Professionals®; member of Finseca (an association dedicated to financial services leaders); member of National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA).

He enjoys boating, traveling, golf, fishing, water & snow skiing, playing sports with his son & daughter, and watching movies with his family.

Nick resides in Woodbury, MN, with his wife Alice, their two children, Connor & Ava and their 2 dogs, Hunter, & Bodie.

Contact information
651-287-5464
halvorson.nick@principal.com
Connect with me on LinkedIn

* Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) – annual membership demonstrates qualifying production and meeting minimum production levels and payment of annual dues. Qualification should not be perceived as a recommendation or an endorsement of services. An individual becomes a Qualifying Life (QL) member when approved for the 10-year membership. https://www.mdrt.org/join/member-requirements/

Photo of Mike Darrington

Mike Darrington, BFA - Sr. Managing Director

Experience:
Mike has more than 20 years in the insurance and financial services industry, specializing in retirement planning strategies, retirement income distribution planning, wealth management, estate planning, tax strategies, and charitable giving. His goal is to deliver value in meaningful relationships throughout one’s financial life and business. He helps his clients to align their values, provide clarity, and organize their unique situation. Mike often says that the most important part of his job is simply listening.  

Education & credentials: 
Mike has obtained his FINRA Series 7, 66, and 24 security registrations as well as his Life and Health Insurance License. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Augsburg College. Mike’s professional affiliations and education include the MDRT (Million Dollar Round Table) and Behavioral Financial Advisor (BFA) designation.  

Interests:
Mike is married to Kerry, and they enjoy all things outdoors, travelling, food, yoga and exploring the local beer scene. He is actively involved in his community volunteering for multiple charitable organizations throughout the year.  

Contact information
D: 651-287-5469
Darrington.Mike@Principal.com
Website
8530 Eagle Point Blvd., Suite 125 | Lake Elmo, MN 55042
Connect with me on LinkedIn  | CA Insurance Lic # OK22082

Photo of Nick Flatness

Nick Flatness - Managing Director

As a Managing Director with Principal, my passion is partnering with my team of highly successful financial professionals to help them grow professionally and reach their potential. Our firm is dedicated to improving the lives of others and impacting our community. I am interested in introductions to successful financial professionals or entrepreneurial-minded professionals looking for a change.

Our team provides:

  • Professional development to obtain the necessary knowledge and skills
  • Business planning assistance and marketing support
  • Benefits and compensation
  • A culture of inclusion and flexibility

I believe our team is strongest when we hire professionals from all walks of life, so our clients feel supported and valued. If you or someone you know would like to learn more about our Minnesota-based team, please contact me.

Contact information
952-277-4276
flatness.nick@principal.com
Connect with me on LinkedIn

Photo of Nash Meland

Nash Meland - Managing Director

Experience:
As a Managing Director for the Minnesota Region of Principal®, Nash Meland works with businesses and individuals to create and build strategies to help clients work towards achieving their financial goals.  At the same time, he is helping to train other financial professionals on how to build and grow successful practices. 

Credentials & education:

Nash graduated from St. Cloud State University with a degree in Business Management. He previously worked for a reinsurance brokerage firm before making the transition to Principal®.  Nash is a member of, NAIFA (National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors) as well as a member of the FPA (Financial Planning Association).

Interests:
Growing up in Delano, Nash now lives in Maple Grove with this wife, Kate and their sons Grayson, Macalister, and Christian. He enjoys hockey, golf, and spending time at the cabin with family. 

Contact information
952-277-4295
meland.nash@principal.com
Connect with me on LinkedIn
Visit my website

Photo of Ellen Brill

Ellen Brill - Candidate Experience Consultant 

Ellen Brill partners with the management team to provide comprehensive support to all new financial representative candidates through the onboarding and initial marketing launch processes. This includes scheduling of exams, ordering background checks, preparing contracting and registration paperwork.

Contact information
515-235-9106
brill.ellen@principal.com
Connect with me on LinkedIn

Lisa Rinehart

Lisa Rinehart - Regional Talent Acquisition Consultant

Lisa has over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry with a career that started managing credit union relationships on the West Coast. She joined Principal® in 2008 to focus on sourcing registered financial professional and leader talent. She finds great satisfaction in this role as she lives out the company’s values and mission bringing new talent from across the country into our culture of inclusion and diversity, where both specific and holistic practices thrive.

Contact Information
559-214-2123
rinehart.lisa@principal.com
Connect with me on Linkedin

Photo of Maureen Neumann

Maureen Neumann - Senior Business Development Consultant

Maureen partners with the management team and representatives to implement strategies to expand their marketing, branding, and business development efforts at both the representative and regional office level.

Contact information
651-287-5481
neumann.maureen@principal.com
Connect with me on LinkedIn

Photo Morganne McCommas

Morganne McCommas - New Business Consultant

Morganne is responsible for consulting and managing new business case design and submission. She partners with financial professionals and their teams, along with our corporate product partners, to ensure cases are submitted accurately so they can be processed on time and in alignment with product area processes.

Photo of Nathan Rahm

Nathan Rahm - New Business Consultant

Nathan is responsible for consulting and managing new business case design and submission. He partners with financial professionals and their teams, along with our corporate product partners, to ensure cases are submitted accurately so they can be processed on time and in alignment with product area processes.

Contact information
763-340-1014
Rahm.nathan@principal.com

Photo of Jill Winberg

Jill Winberg - Site Coordinator

The site coordinator is the glue that keeps our offices running smoothly. Along with the entire staff, Jill Winberg is a problem solver who makes sure your accounts are set up properly and your questions answered in a timely fashion.

Contact information
763-489-5368
Winberg.jill@principal.com

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