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NBCS 2026 Sales Conference

April 29 – May 1
The Westin Tampa Waterside
Tampa Bay, FL

conference schedule
HELPFUL LINKS
featured speakers
hotel & travel
FAQ's
things to do in tampa

Navigating New Horizons

We’re excited to have you join us for three days of connection, collaboration, and celebration. This event is designed to inspire new ideas, strengthen relationships, and recognize the outstanding achievements of our financial professionals network. Use this page as your conference hub — your one-stop source for the agenda, session materials, and event details throughout your stay.

Conference Schedule

12:00pm – 4:30pm: Check In
Grab your welcome bags, nametags, etc.
The Westin Hotel

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5:30pm: Latest arrival at the streetcar station

(2–3 minute walk from the Westin) for transportation via the TECO Line Streetcar System to the Florida Aquarium (arrival by 6:00 PM) Runs every 15 mins / Exit at Florida Aquarium Station #7

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6:00pm – 9:00pm: Reception
Florida Aquarium, Tampa, Florida

AM

7:30am: Breakfast – The Westin Hotel

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8:30am: NBC Securities Welcome and Opening Remarks
Frank Falkenburg, Chairman, John Doody, CEO, Peyton Falkenburg, EVP

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9:00am: First Trust
The One Thing
Brian Gallary, Sr. Vice President Head of Strategy and Consulting

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9:45am – 10:00am: Break

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10:00am: Capital Group
From Vision to Velocity— Driving Growth in Advisory Excellence. Key Insights from the Industry’s Fastest Growing Teams
Paul Cieslik, Sr. Vice President, Advisor Practice Management at Capital Group  

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10:45am: RBC
Leading with Planning
Aaron Funk, CFP®, RICP®, AWM, AIF®, Director, Wealth Strategy at RBC C&C

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11:15am: Invesco
The Breakthrough Moment: Practice Innovation Index Best Practices
Shannon Losey, Sr. Director, Executive Consultant, Invesco Global Consulting

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11:45am – 1:15pm: Lunch 

With your NBC Securities Advisory Council Members 

PM

1:15pm: Don Connelly
“How to Become the Obvious Choice“

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1:45pm: Reaves Asset Management & Polen Asset Management
“Portfolio Construction”
Panel Moderator: Darren Hinshaw, NBCSAM Director of Research
Speakers: Joe Hickman, Investor Relations, Reaves Asset Mgmt, Simon Rafferty, CFA, Investment Specialist Polen Asset Mgmt, Pierre Allard, NBCSAM Chief Investment Officer

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2:15pm: NBC Securities
Cocktails with NBCS Compliance
Blaine Miller, Chief Compliance Officer

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3:15pm: Team Building
Foster Love

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5:30pm: American Social Reception

7:30am: Breakfast – The Westin Hotel

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8:30am: Navigating New Horizons
Peyton Falkenburg, EVP

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9:15am: NBCS Asset Management
Pierre Allard, CIO, Darren Hinshaw, Director of Research, Chris Fidler, Director Fixed Income Trading

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9:45am: MBC Strategic
The Client Journey Has Changed – Leveraging AI & Digital Shifts to Optimize Advisor Marketing
Matt Brunini and Danny Harper

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10:15am: RBC Reflection and Clearing and Custody Team Panel
Dillon Benz, Director, Consulting & Education, Tara Wells, Sr. Director, Product Mgmt & AI Enablement, Amanda Meyer, Sr. Manager, Technology Training , Jack Schmiel, Sr. Technology & Business Consultant

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10:45am: Break

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11:00am: ASH Brokerage
The Best Color is Grey
Jim Dobler, ChFC, RICO, CASL Director, Retirement Advanced Markets and Planning

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11:30am: Equitable
The Final Frontier
Eric Brown, Southeast Divisional Vice President

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12:00pm: Principal 
401(k) Market Dynamics & Prospecting
Benji Coghlan, Director – Retirement Solutions – AL, MS, & FL Panhandle


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12:30pm: NBC Securities Closing Remarks  
Frank Falkenburg, Chairman, John Doody, CEO, Peyton Falkenburg, EVP

 

Featured Speakers & Guests

BRIAN GALLARY

Senior Vice President, Head of Strategy, First Trust Portfolios L.P.

VIEW BIO

PAUL CIESLIK 

Senior Vice President, Advisor Practice Management, Capital Group

VIEW BIO

GEORGE AMIDON 

Senior Consultant, Invesco Global Consulting

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DON CONNELLY

CEO & Founder of Don Connelly & Associates

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JOE HICKMAN

Vice President, Investor Relations, Reaves Asset Management

VIEW BIO

SIMON RAFFERTY, CFA

Investment Specialist, Polen Asset Management

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PJ FITZGERALD

Regional Director, Polen Capital

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BLAINE MILLER

Chief Compliance Officer & Operations Director, NBC Securities

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PIERRE ALLARD

Chief Investment Officer, NBC Securities

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DARREN HINSHAW

Director of Research, NBC Securities

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CHRIS FIDLER

Director Fixed Income Trading & NBCSAM Fixed Income Portfolio Manager, NBC Securities 

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MATT BRUNINI

Founder, MBC Strategic

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DANNY HARPER

Strategy Director, MBC Strategic

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AARON FUNK, CFP®, RICP®, AWM, AIF®

Director, Wealth Strategy, RBC Clearing & Custody

VIEW BIO

DILLON BENZ AVP

Director, Consulting & Education., RBC Clearing and Custody

VIEW BIO

TARA WELLS

Sr. Director, Product Mangement & AI Enablement, RBC Clearing and Custody

VIEW BIO

AMANDA MEYER

Senior Manager Technology Training, RBC Clearing & Custody

VIEW BIO

JACK SCHMIEL

Senior Technology & Business Consultant, RBC Clearing & Custody

VIEW BIO

ISMAEL MUNAR

Senior Training Consultant, RBC Clearing & Custody

VIEW BIO

NOEL STAVE

CTO, RBC Clearing & Custody

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JIM DOBLER

Director, ChFC, RICO, CASL Director, Retirement Advanced Markets and Planning

VIEW BIO

ERIC BROWN

Southeast Divisional Vice President, Equitable

VIEW BIO

BENJI COGHLAN

Director – Retirement Solutions – AL, MS, & FL Panhandle

VIEW BIO

Sponsors

Hotel & Travel

Conference Hotel

Airport Information

The Westin Tampa Waterside
725 S Harbour Island Blvd, Tampa, FL 33602

Tampa International Airport (TPA) 
Distance to Downtown/Conference Area: 6–9 miles 
Typical Travel Time: 15–20 minutes by car or rideshare 

Things to do in Tampa

Tampa’s downtown waterfront offers a convenient mix of dining, scenic views, and relaxed evening options all within walking distance. Whether you prefer a quiet walk along the water or a casual dinner nearby, it is easy to step out and enjoy the area. Explore the list below to see what is close by and plan a few options that fit your schedule.

activities
restaurants

FAQ's

Q: What is the expected attire for the conference?

Business casual attire is recommended throughout the conference. This is typically defined as traditional business wear with a slightly more relaxed style that remains professional and appropriate for a business setting. Examples include collared shirts, blouses, dress slacks, skirts, dresses, or sport coats.

The recommended airport for the conference is Tampa International Airport (TPA).

Tampa International Airport is located approximately 7 miles from the conference hotel, The Westin Tampa Waterside, and is typically a 10–20-minute drive depending on traffic.

The distance from Tampa International Airport to the hotel is approximately 7 miles.

Transportation options include:

  • Uber or Lyft (recommended) – typically the quickest and most convenient option.
  • Taxi services
  • Rental cars

Most find rideshare services to be the easiest way to travel between the airport and the hotel.

No, transportation will not be provided by NBCS.

However, the Florida Aquarium is located about one mile from the hotel, and there are a couple of convenient options:

  • Tampa’s free TECO Line Streetcar (trolley) provides service nearby.
  • Walking – the aquarium is about a 20-minute walk from the hotel.

If special transportation arrangements are needed, please email Maria Ortiz and we will be happy to assist in arranging transportation for you.

Late April in Tampa is typically warm and pleasant, with average daytime temperatures in the mid-80s°F and evening temperatures in the low to mid-70s°F. Light clothing is recommended, though conference rooms may feel cool due to air conditioning.

Most conference sessions will take place at the Westin Tampa Waterside Hotel. Additional events are planned at nearby venues including the Florida Aquarium and American Social Tampa.

Yes. The hotel offers valet and self-parking options for guests staying at the property. Parking rates and availability are determined by the hotel.

The conference agenda is designed to be engaging and productive, so there will be minimal downtime during the scheduled conference sessions.

However, Wednesday afternoon prior to the welcome event and Friday afternoon following the final sessions provide opportunities for attendees to explore Tampa and the surrounding area.

We encourage you to refer to the Activities Guide available on the conference website for recommended restaurants, attractions, and things to do nearby.

If you have questions regarding registration, logistics, or the agenda, please contact the NBCS conference planning team.

Contact

Cell Phone

Sue Evans

573-760-5024

Susan Padgett

205-253-9716

Kim Davis

205-617-8655

Angie Hall

205-616-5150

Maria Ortiz

813-442-1648

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM, and check-out is at 12:00 PM (noon).

Dreams are important.
Aspirations are what help make goals reality.

request appointment

Welcome Back

BRIAN GALLARY

Senior Vice President, Head of Strategy, First Trust Portfolios L.P.

Brian is a Senior Vice President and Head of Strategy and Consulting. Brian and his team are responsible for consulting with financial professionals on all aspects of business development, with a special focus on working with accountants and attorneys.

Prior to joining First Trust, Brian was a principal and head of financial professional sales for Vanguard’s Financial Advisor Services business. He was responsible for national sales of ETFs and mutual funds across all channels—including broker-dealers, registered investment financial professionals and banks. Prior to Vanguard, Brian was a senior managing director for AllianceBernstein in New York. During his 12 years with the firm, he was responsible for building institutional business in Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia. He also started and ran the firm’s private client offices in Minneapolis and Philadelphia, and was a managing director for the firm’s private client practice in New York. Brian was also head of national sales for both the retail and subadvisory sales groups for the firm. Before AllianceBernstein, Brian was an officer with Putnam Investments for four years and was with The Boston Company (Funds Distributor) for three years.

Brian earned a BS in Finance from Bentley College in 1992.

Presentation

PAUL CIESLIK 

Senior Vice President, Advisor Practice Management, Capital Group

Paul Cieslik is an advisor practice management consultant at Capital Group. He coaches and provides practice management consulting insights to top financial professionals, providing the motivation and mindset needed to build, strengthen and take a financial advisor’s practice to the next level. He has 34 years of investment industry experience and has been with Capital Group for 25 years. Earlier in his career at Capital, Paul was a wholesaler covering greater Boston. Prior to joining Capital, Paul was a regional manager for Lord, Abbett & Co., a financial consultant at Smith Barney and held various roles at John Hancock, including as an investment analyst. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business and economics from St. Anselm College. Paul is based in Sarasota, Florida.

Presentation

GEORGE AMIDON

Senior Consultant, Invesco Global Consulting

George is currently working with Invesco Global Consulting delivering keynote presentations, workshops and coaching. George is also a Managing Partner for JAM Consulting Group, Inc., a sales and management consulting firm. He is an integral member of a team of accomplished professionals that has worked to accelerate the performance of sales professionals and management teams for over 30 years.

George brings over three decades of in-the-field experience as both a producer and senior sales executive. We believe his success at building, developing and transforming sales groups into more impactful sales teams is due to being able to see things from a salesperson’s perspective.

George earned a BA in Economics from Boston College in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. He is an avid hockey fan and outdoor enthusiast. His wife, Susie, is an accomplished artist, and they enjoy spending time with their son, Paul, his wife Toriah, and their two grandchildren, Octavia and Sage.

Presentation

DON CONNELLY

CEO & Founder of Don Connelly & Associates

Success in this business doesn’t come from knowing more — it comes from how well you communicate, connect, and build trust. That’s where Don Connelly comes in.

Don has spent more than 40 years in the financial services industry, including 25 years in the institutional and ultra-high-net-worth markets. Over that time, he has earned an international reputation as a coach, mentor, and speaker who helps Advisors master the soft skills that quietly drive long-term success.

Don works with Advisors at every stage of their career, helping them differentiate themselves in a commoditized industry by improving how they think, speak, and show up in client conversations. His work focuses on clarity, emotional intelligence, and building trust when decisions feel complex, uncertain, or emotionally charged.

Don doesn’t just explain markets — he helps Advisors create confidence, calm, and long-term commitment. He is a trusted partner to firms who want to elevate conversations, deepen relationships, and strengthen the reputation of their entire practice.

Presentation

JOE HICKMAN

Vice President, Investor Relations, Reaves Asset Management

Joe,  Vice President, Investor Relations joined Reaves Asset Management in 2009 as one of the Firm’s traders and has been a member of our Investor Relations team since 2020. He previously worked in the finance/real estate group at Dechert LLP.

Joe received his undergraduate degree from Hamilton College and an MBA degree from Fordham University.

Presentation
Fact Sheets

SIMON RAFFERTY, CFA

Investment Specialist Polen Asset Management

Simon is a Senior Investment Specialist responsible for communicating our philosophy, process, portfolio positioning, and investment views. Prior to joining Polen Capital in 2024, Simon spent 17 years at BlackRock in Australia and the United States in a variety of business development and product strategist roles. Most recently, Simon served as a Lead Product Strategist within BlackRock’s Multi-Asset Strategies and Solutions division and prior to that, Simon’s roles included Southern Regional Manager for Intermediary Sales in BlackRock’s Australian business and Account Manager in the Melbourne office. Simon holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology from University of Canberra and is a CFA® charterholder.

Presentation
Fact Sheets

PJ FITZGERALD

Regional Director
Distribution – Wealth Mgmt Distribution, Polen Capital

PJ is a Regional Director responsible for business development and client service on Polen Capital’s U.S. Distribution team. Prior to joining Polen Capital in 2015, PJ spent over four years in the advertising industry. PJ received a B.S. in Business Management and M.S. in Human Environmental Sciences from the University of Alabama, where he was a member of the football team. PJ holds the Chartered SRI Counselor™ (CSRIC™) designation.

Fact sheets

BLAINE MILLER

Chief Compliance Officer & Operations Director, NBC Securities

Blaine Miller serves as Chief Compliance Officer at NBC Securities, where he oversees the firm’s compliance strategy, supervisory framework, and regulatory engagement. He brings more than 20 years of experience in compliance, supervision, and operations across SEC-registered broker-dealers and registered investment advisors.

Prior to joining NBC Securities, Blaine served as Deputy Chief Compliance Officer at M Financial Group. He previously spent nearly a decade at Concourse Financial Group, where he held the roles of Chief Compliance Officer and Chief Supervision Officer. Earlier in his career, he held compliance leadership positions at Sterne, Agee & Leach, Inc. and served as Director of Operations at MetLife Financial Group.

Blaine is widely recognized for his practical compliance expertise, collaborative leadership style, and strong commitment to regulatory excellence.

Presentation

PIERRE ALLARD

Chief Investment Officer, NBC Securities

Pierre G. Allard is the Co-Chief Investment Officer for NBCS Asset Management, a division of NBC Securities, Inc. Mr. Allard has been with the company since April 2010 and provides comprehensive analytical support for the income-oriented equity strategies. Prior to joining NBCS Asset Management, Mr. Allard was an intern with the Florida State Board

of Administration in the Strategic Investments asset class, aiding in the investment selection process for Private Equity, Hedge, Distress Debt, and Special Situation funds. Mr. Allard received his B.S. degree in finance from Florida State University in 2009 and his M.S. degree in finance from Florida State University in 2010, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude.

Presentation

DARREN HINSHAW

Director of Research, NBC Securities

Darren Hinshaw is the Director of Research for NBC Securities and lead portfolio manager on the NBCS Balanced Core Strategy. Darren is a CFA charter holder and graduate of Florida State University with over 20 years of experience managing investment portfolios for high-net-worth clients and institutions. He is a skilled financial strategist involved in building customized financial strategies using both asset allocation and stock selection that deliver long term growth. Darren is actively involved in the community serving on the board of the Valencia College Foundation, Salvation Army Area Command and the Chair of the finance committee for the Central Florida Boy Scouts. 

Presentation

CHRIS FIDLER

Director Fixed Income Trading & NBCSAM Fixed Income Portfolio Manager, NBC Securities

Chris Fidler serves as Director of Fixed Income Trading and Fixed Income Portfolio Manager at NBC Securities. Mr. Fidler has been with the firm since 2015. Mr. Fidler has over 20 years of experience in both equity and fixed income sales and trading. Serving most of his career with independently owned firms has afforded him the knowledge necessary to understand the individual needs of different investors and portfolios. He understands the intimate details involved with both individual fixed income investments across all asset classes as well as the building blocks that serve as a foundation for a sustainable laddered managed bond portfolio. Prior to working with NBC Asset management, Chris previously held the same position at a regional broker-dealer serving financial advisors across the county. Mr. Fidler is actively involved in the community and works with the Central Tampa YMCA, and Metropolitan Ministries of Tampa.

Presentation

MATT BRUNINI

Founder, MBC Strategic

Matt Brunini successfully founded MBC Strategic in 1998, establishing relationships with large and highly respected investment firms, including AIG/SunAmerica, Principal Financial, and Russell Investments. Matt develops the overall investment marketing and communications approach for each client, oversees content creation, and manages the creative and production staff. Matt has been leading financial marketing initiatives for nearly two decades and is able to synthesize technical concepts into succinct and actionable financial and investment brand strategy, core messaging, sales tools, web and print materials, and press strategies. His specialties are in his effective target audience analysis, marketing concept and content efficiency, and in his depth of investment industry knowledge. Matt stays at the forefront of the investment services marketing industry and has extensive experience and expertise in developing marketing materials for a wide range of end users, from retail investors to financial advisors and highly sophisticated institutional investors.

Prior to embarking on an entrepreneurial path, Matt Brunini was a copywriter and product manager for a large consumer-focused investment firm owned by a major bank. Matt helped the company establish brand awareness and grow assets through multiple marketing mediums and distribution channels. He also developed and chaired an advisory group that served as liaison between portfolio management and the brokerage community and helped create, shape, and market a flagship asset allocation product into a multi-billion-dollar success.

Matt also gained significant experience working in financial services marketing and product development for a large brokerage firm as well as for a boutique investment bank. He performed due diligence analysis on investment product fit, style, and suitability, as well as creating and enacting strategic marketing plans. Before joining the investment marketing community in 1993, Brunini graduated with honors in Business Economics from the University of California at Santa Barbara.

Presentation

DANNY HARPER

Strategy Director, MBC Strategic

Danny joined MBC Strategic in 2019. As Director of Strategy, he is tasked with leading the development of brand insights and digital strategy. With a background in both finance and marketing communications, he provides messaging expertise focused on forging deep connections with clients and communities.

Prior to joining the team at MBC, Danny worked in financial services as an account manager and content marketer, along with several years of strategy experience across a range of industries, from entertainment and consumer goods to gaming & technology. This included roles leading marcom strategy for clients such as Microsoft, 20th Century Studios, Warner Bros., and The Walt Disney Company.

Born in Colorado, raised in Texas, and schooled in the Midwest (B.A. Political Science, Butler University), Danny moved to the West Coast in 2013, and has been in Los Angeles ever since.

Presentation

AARON FUNK, CFP®, RICP®, AWM, AIF®

Director, Wealth Strategy, RBC Clearing & Custody

Aaron Funk is director, wealth strategy at RBC Clearing & Custody. A 21-year veteran of the financial services industry, Aaron focuses on coaching financial professionals to help them provide superior client outcomes through education, training, and a personalized goals-based planning. Aaron focuses on the key phases of a client’s overall financial life. These include accumulating and growing assets, protecting and preserving wealth, and the distribution of a client’s assets during their lifetime and at death in the most tax-advantaged way possible.

He also provides insight and expertise on the tools, programs, products and resources necessary to build a truly exceptional wealth management practice. Aaron’s objective is to prepare financial professionals to deliver client-centric service through a consultative, holistic wealth management approach.

Aaron joined RBC in 2001. Prior to becoming director of wealth strategy, he was senior manager of wealth management strategies and spent eight years supporting RBC’s Private Client Group. His responsibilities included training financial professionals on fee-based programs, mutual funds, retirement income planning, annuities, and numerous technical applications.

In addition to holding a Bachelor of Science in Marketing, Aaron has passed the Series 7, 24 and 66 securities license exams. He earned the Accredited Wealth Manager, Accredited Investment Fiduciary®, Retirement Income Certified Professional® and Certified Financial Planner® designations. He also holds a Health and Property Casualty license.

Presentation

DILLON BENZ AVP

Director, Consulting & Education., RBC Clearing and Custody

As Director, Consulting & Education at RBC Clearing & Custody, Dillon leads multiple teams responsible for educating, informing, and supporting existing and prospective firms about RBC’s technology capabilities and solutions. His teams assist with new business development and organic growth initiatives for existing firms. Dillon oversees the strategic direction of all consulting and education offerings, including technology training, technology support, and 
consulting services.

Dillon’s teams engage with RBC Clearing & Custody’s existing and prospective client firms to help them grow their businesses, reduce costs, and increase productivity. They achieve this through high-level demonstrations, firm visits, consulting engagements, recruiting presentations, sales presentations, on-site and remote training sessions, and daily “how-to” support.

Before assuming his current role in 2022, Dillon held positions of increasing responsibility within RBC Wealth Management, including operations, product management, and serving as Senior Manager of Strategic Initiatives. He joined RBC in 2014 and has worked in the financial services industry since 2012. Dillon holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from St. Cloud State University in Minnesota. He resides in the Minneapolis metro area with his wife and their two children. In his free time, he enjoys spending summers at his family’s cabin in Minnesota’s lake country and cheering for the Minnesota Gophers and Minnesota Vikings during football season.
Presentation

TARA WELLS

Sr. Director, Product Mangement & AI Enablement, RBC Clearing and Custody

Tara Wells is Senior Director of Product Management and AI Enablement for RBC Clearing & Custody.

Our Product Management team owns and continues to build out technology capabilities while defining the product strategy and vision. She also works to deliver AI driven productivity and business growth solutions to our customer firms.

Tara joined RBC in 2000 and has an extensive background in project management, training, and technology. She earned a bachelor’s degree in management information systems and a master’s degree of business administration from Augsburg University in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Tara is also a certified project manager (PMP), certified portfolio manager (PIMP) and product manager.

Presentation

AMANDA MEYER

Senior Manager Technology Training, RBC Clearing & Custody

As Senior Manager of Technology Training, Amanda leads a team that sets out to educate and deliver comprehensive training opportunities to all users on the Clearing and Custody platform. In this role, she bridges technical expertise with instructional strategy to ensure our firms and their teams acquire the skills needed in today’s evolving technology landscape.

Amanda’s tenure with RBC began in 2012, where she has spent over a decade with Clearing & Custody. She brings deep industry expertise and a cross-functional perspective to her work. Her extensive background across C&C shapes her strategic approach to identifying skill gaps and developing targeted learning solutions.

Amanda holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics with an emphasis in Actuarial Science from Minnesota State University – Moorhead and has passed the Series 7 and Series 24 securities license exams.

Presentation

JACK SCHMIEL

Senior Technology & Business Consultant, RBC Clearing & Custody

As a member of the technology consulting team, Jack is responsible for providing objective technology advice and recommendations based on the unique needs of the firms he serves.

Jack joined RBC Clearing & Custody in 2018 to help promote awareness of RBC BLACK, our award-winning, all-in-one productivity platform. His experience managing relationships with third-party vendors available through the RBC Marketplace referral network give Jack keen insights into the relative merits of solutions from RBC and other leading industry providers. He assumed his current role in 2022.

Jack earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota.

Presentation

ISMAEL MUNAR

Senior Training Consultant, RBC Clearing & Custody

NOEL STAVE

CTO, RBC Clearing & Custody

As chief technology officer, Noel Stave is responsible for the long-term business technology strategy of RBC Clearing & Custody. He oversees technology product management, data management, technology engineering, fintech partnerships, technology training and consulting.

Noel joined RBC in 2001 and has held several positions related to RBC’s Clearing & Custody business in the US, including chief operating officer of RBC Clearing & Custody.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Macalester College in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and a Master of Business Administration from the Opus School of Business at the University of St. Thomas in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Noel also holds a master’s degree in software engineering from the University of St. Thomas. Noel has successfully completed the Securities Industry Institute program at the Wharton School of the University Pennsylvania and passed the series 7, 24 and 99 securities licenses.

JIM DOBLER

Director, ChFC, RICO, CASL Director, Retirement Advanced Markets and Planning

Jim Dobler brings more than 30 years of experience in the financial services and insurance industry. Over the course of his career, he has held a wide range of roles, including insurance agent, financial advisor, internal sales desk leader, and external wholesaler. Jim has also led distribution for a financial data company and served as president of a national insurance agency before joining Ash Brokerage.

Jim joined Ash Brokerage in 2021 and currently leads the Retirement Advanced Markets and Planning or (RAMP) team. In this role, he collaborates with financial professionals across the country to elevate their retirement planning strategies, strengthen their business models, and drive deeper client engagement.

A recognized resource in the field, Jim has delivered hundreds of presentations around the world on retirement solutions, advanced planning strategies, and practice-growth concepts. He is known for making complex topics accessible and actionable for advisors and their clients.

Presentation

ERIC BROWN

Southeast Divisional Vice President, Equitable

Eric Brown is a Divisional Vice President at Equitable Distributors, where he oversees Individual Retirement business distribution across the Southeast Division, supporting the bank, independent, and broker-dealer channels. In this role, Eric leads and develops a team of annuity wholesalers while partnering closely with financial professionals to drive long-term growth and deepen client relationships.

Eric brings more than 25 years of experience in the financial services industry and is passionate about helping advisors gain fresh perspective through thought leadership, practical marketing ideas, and strategies to grow AUM. He enjoys working with advisors to uncover opportunities within their existing practices and learning from the best practices top advisors use to evolve and stay competitive in a changing marketplace.

Eric joined Equitable Distributors in 2012 and has held multiple leadership and field roles across the financial planner, bank, and broker-dealer channels. Prior to his current position, he was consistently recognized as a top-performing wholesaler. He began his wholesaling career in Denver, Colorado, as an Internal Wholesaler with Jackson National Life in 2002, was promoted to his first External Wholesaler role with AIG SunAmerica in 2003 covering the Carolinas, and later worked with Sun Life Distributors before joining Equitable.

A Wisconsin native, Eric earned his degree from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater. He proudly served as an Infantryman in the U.S. Army and spent six years in the Wisconsin Army National Guard, experience that continues to shape his leadership style, discipline, and commitment to teamwork.

Eric resides in Mooresville, North Carolina, and is the proud father of four children, all of whom are actively involved in sports and continue to inspire him both personally and professionally. Outside of work, Eric has been playing in the Charlotte Adult Baseball League since 2022, reflecting his lifelong passion for competition, teamwork, and staying active.

Presentation

BENJI COGHLAN

Senior Director & Executive Consultant, Invesco Global Consulting

Benji Coghlan works with plan sponsors and financial professionals across Alabama, Mississippi, and the Florida Panhandle to help organizations support employees in saving, protecting, and preparing for retirement. With 9 years in the industry, he provides guidance on retirement plan strategies and solutions.

His experience includes working with corporate and tax-exempt organizations and supporting the design and optimization of retirement programs, including 401(k), 403(b), 457, defined benefit, employee stock ownership (ESOP), and nonqualified plans. Benji also provides insight on fiduciary support, operational efficiencies, investment options, technology integration, regulatory considerations, and employee engagement.

Presentation

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