Your Team

Josh began his career as a college intern in 2002 while studying finance at Bradley University. His journey as the Founder of Waite Financial Group has given him a passion for helping those he leads become all God has called them to be. Additionally, Josh is the author of two books and a national speaker.

His passion for learning has lead to him earning the following designations:

• CFP® CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional
• CLU® Chartered Life Underwriter
• ChFC® Chartered Financial Consultant
• CAP® Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy
• RICP® Retirement Income Certified Professional

Josh was born and raised a mile down the road from this family's farm in a small community west of Peoria. From an early age he was taught life lessons that have become the foundation of his core values: Integrity, Hard Work, Humility, Growth, Gratitude, and Generosity. Whether it be with his family, his team, or the firm’s clients, Josh is passionate about helping those he leads live INTENTIONAL lifestyles.

Today he and his wife Nikki live in Peoria, Illinois with their two children Benjamin and Ava. Josh enjoys spending time with family, coaching Ben and Ava's sports, fitness, reading, travel and a long weekend at the lake.

Shawn joined our team in June of 2010. Shawn structures comprehensive financial plans for our clients. He also serves as our in-house executive compensation & benefits expert.

How can Shawn help you?

• Create and update personal financial plans
• Answer retirement and investment plan questions
• Answer questions related to insurance coverage
• Conduct annual investment reviews
• Provide specialized guidance related to employee compensation and benefit issues

Prior to joining our team, Shawn spent fifteen years at Caterpillar Inc. where he held a variety of leadership positions including Executive Compensation Manager, Compensation & Benefit NPI Manager, Global Integration Manager, and Human Resources Director. In these roles, he had direct responsibility for managing a variety of employee compensation & benefits plans including stock options, restricted stock, pension, 401k, salary administration, STIP and the supplemental deferred compensation plans. Shawn received a B.A. in Accounting and Finance, Cum Laude from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, as well as an Executive MBA from Bradley University. Shawn has also practiced as a CPA specializing in tax planning and preparation for high net worth individuals.

Anne joined our team in the winter of 2020. Anne is dedicated to individuals who want to learn more about the holistic view to financial planning. She is passionate about meeting clients where they are and cares about where our clients want to be. Her goal is to assist in putting a plan in motion.

How can Anne help you?

• Conduct Annual account and investment reviews
• Create and update personal financial plans
• Answer retirement and investment related questions

Anne Schutt began her financial planning career with Northwestern Mutual Greater Peoria in October of 2019. Anne recently retired from a two decade career in the healthcare industry. Her interest in financial planning and strategy and her Executive MBA in Healthcare Administration gives Anne a unique perspective in helping clients navigate their financial future.

Connor joined the Waite Financial Group team in January of 2023. Connor started his career with Northwestern Mutual- Greater Peoria as a College Financial Representative. Since his internship, he has been a solo advisor with Northwestern Mutual helping his clients plan for their financial goals. Now as part of the Waite Financial Group team, Connor continues to help his clients achieve Financial Peace of Mind.

HOW CAN Connor HELP YOU?
•    Create and update personal financial plans
•    Conduct annual account and investment reviews
•    Answer retirement, investment, and insurance related questions

In Connor’s free-time, he enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife Ali and their golden retriever, Rosie. Ali is a 4th year medical student at the University of Illinois Medical School at Rockford. Ali is studying to become a Family Physician and looks forward to graduating in the spring of 2023.

Logan began his career as a college intern in 2019 while studying Accounting at Bradley University. During a successful internship, Logan discovered his passion for helpings others achieve Financial Peace of Mind and is committed to serving the next generation of our clients.

HOW CAN LOGAN HELP YOU?
•    Create and update personal financial plans
•    Conduct annual account and investment reviews
•    Answer retirement, investment, and insurance related questions

Logan recently graduated Bradley University with a Master’s in Accounting and minor in Finance. His education and passion for learning has led him to his current studies in pursuit of the CPA and CFP designation. Logan enjoys spending time with his family, fitness, sports, and leading worship with his wife.
 

Alan joined our team in April of 2022. He brings a passion for personal finance and helping people achieve their financial goals. Alan can assist in the financial planning for any individual or family.

How can Alan assist you?
•    Help create and update personal financial plans
•    Answer retirement and investment related questions

Prior to joining our team, Alan spent 19 years as an engineer for Caterpillar Inc. While at Caterpillar, he held multiple positions in design, test development, project management, and dealer product support roles. Alan’s unique experience along with his interest in financial planning and helping others makes him a valuable asset to the Waite Financial Group team. 

Tyler joined our team in September of 2019. Tyler was a College Financial Representative for Northwestern Mutual-Greater Peoria for 3 years.

How can Tyler help you?

• Assist in customer service inquires
• Answer retirement and investment planning questions

Prior to joining our team full-time, Tyler was a four-year starting pitcher for Monmouth College where two times he earned First Team All-Conference recognition, including Pitcher of the Year in his Senior Season.

Chris joined our team in September of 2019. Chris is an asset to our team as he strives to provide each and every physician family with the opportunity to experience a goal-achieved financial future. Chris can assist in the financial planning for any individual or family.

How can Chris assist you?

• Teach and present positive financial habits and all planning details to groups and individuals, specializing in the medical industry.
• Assist in annual evaluation for income driven repayment plans
• Assist in planning for future tax and student loan forgiveness
• Create and update personal financial plans

Prior to joining our team, Chris earned his BS at Bradley University in 2008. Chris worked in the healthcare clinical research field for 6 years. He attended medical school overseas but decided that medicine wasn't for him. Chris also substitute taught at Peoria Academy. That said, Chris has spent an extensive amount of time becoming a trusted resource for medical professionals in the area of student loan planning.

Jack joined our team in June of 2022. He worked as a College Financial Representative at Northwestern Mutual Greater Peoria for 1 year prior to joining Waite Financial Group.

How can Jack assist you?
•    Answer retirement and investment related questions
•    Assist in customer service inquiries

Prior to joining our team, Jack attended Monmouth College and played soccer throughout his four years at Monmouth.  In his free time Jack enjoys doing water sports, playing soccer, and watching sports.

Michael started his journey with Northwestern Mutual as a financial representative intern in 2014.  Since then, Michael’s passion for serving others has included roles as a Financial Advisor, Associate Financial Advisor, and a Service Coordinator. In January 2023 Michael joined Waite Financial Group, in assisting our clients gain clarity, confidence, and financial peace of mind in his role as a Service Coordinator.  

How can Michael help you?

• Insurance applications and underwriting
• Answer retirement and investment planning questions
• Assist in customer service inquires

Kindra returned to Northwestern Mutual-Greater Peoria after spending ten years in office support and human resource roles in both the medical and automotive industry. In January 2023, Kindra rejoined the Waite Financial Group in assisting and supporting our clients gain clarity, confidence and financial peace of mind in her role as a Financial Representative Assistant.   Personally, Kindra is a Central Illinois native, having grown up in Abingdon.  She enjoys spending time visiting with her four adult children, and watching her youngest son, Aiden, play basketball at Knox College.

How can Kindra help you?

• Support you through the insurance application and underwriting process
• Support you through the investment account opening process
• Answer customer service inquires

Melissa joined our team in February of 2019. Melissa impacts our client experience by providing service and support for financial planning needs. She also facilitates the execution of numerous key marketing initiatives.

How can Melissa help you?

• Schedule an appointment and direct customer inquiries
• Assist new clients throughout the onboarding experience
• Connect and inform our clients of Northwestern Mutual’s online technology and media
• Insurance applications and underwriting liason to Home Office

Prior to joining our team, Melissa spent 20 years in retail management for both Gap Inc. and Limited Brands. Having worked for Banana Republic for over 13 years, she led a team of 20 in the delivery of a consistently positive customer experience. She held a variety of responsibilities such as sourcing, selecting and developing team members, scheduling staff, managing market trends, driving productivity, optimizing traffic, and achieving sales goals. She is passionate in the mission to end childhood cancer as a 9th year Memphis to Peoria St. Jude Runner. Melissa received her Communications Degree from Illinois State University.