Staff
I take customer service very seriously. So does my staff. Together, we are committed to providing exceptional customer service to all of our clients. If you need to schedule an appointment or request any other service, please let us know. We will respond promptly.
- To schedule an appointment with Justin or Brian, contact Taylor Stark at taylor.stark@nm.com
- For service on your insurance policy or investment account, contact Stephanie Abernathy at stephanie.j.abernathy@nm.com or Taylor Stark at taylor.stark@nm.com
- For questions regarding your investment portfolio, contact Rich Thompson at richard.thompson@nm.com.
- For information or service regarding 401(k) plans, contact Brian Bollman at brian.bollman@nm.com.
Learn more about my staff below.
Stephanie J Abernathy
Stephanie has been with Northwestern Mutual since 2000 and joined Justin Kirby’s team in October 2006. She graduated from the University of Illinois in 2003 with a degree in Finance. Stephanie is life and health licensed and has passed the Series 6, 7, 26, 63, and 66 exams. On November 4, 2009, Stephanie became a CFP® certificant. Stephanie takes care of client service and operations.
She enjoys bowling in her free time. She is married to Cory and they have a daughter, Sydney.
Richard B Thompson, CFA®
Rich graduated from the University of Illinois College of Business in 2008 with a degree in Finance with High Honors. He started working for Justin as an intern in January 2008. Following graduation he started full-time in January 2009. Rich has his Series 7 and 66, life and health licenses and has earned the prestigious Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) designation.
Rich is a lifelong resident of the Champaign-Urbana area and currently lives in Urbana. He recently got engaged to Kaitlyn. In their free time they enjoy spending time together playing golf, tennis and attending University of Illinois athletic events.
Brian Neal Bollman
Brian has been with Northwestern Mutual since 2006 including 5 years as the Retirement Plan Specialist for the McClure Agency. He has been in the financial services arena for more than 12 years including with his own Registered Investment Advisory firm he helped start in 2000. Brian works with individuals in their personal planning, involving their insurance and investment needs, as well as working with companies on their retirement plans and group benefits. He is insurance and investment licensed in several states, as well as having his Series 6, 63 and 65 securities licenses.
Brian is married to Dianne and they have twins, Jordanne and Jakob. He is active in the community through the Daily Bread Soup Kitchen and his church. He also enjoys golf, volunteering and travel with his family.
Taylor Stark
Taylor joined Justin’s team in July 2019 shortly after graduating from Illinois State University in May 2019. She has a degree in Finance, along with a degree in Accounting.
Taylor has lived in the Champaign-Urbana area for most of her life. She enjoys playing disc golf, kayaking, and spending time with family.