MIKE’S ROLE

In addition to his role as a Private Wealth Advisor, Mike is a founding partner who plays a pivotal role in shaping the vision and mission of the practice. The heart of Capital Stewardship Partners is to always put the client first, and to do that, Mike and the team try to put themselves “in the client’s shoes” and consider what action they’d take if they were facing the same situation. It’s important to Mike that each advisor gain a comprehensive understanding of who their clients are and how they tick, in order to craft financial plans that reflect who they are as people. With a strong commitment to each client’s success, Mike plays a key role in fostering the "client-first" philosophy within the team, ensuring the practice consistently delivers thoughtful, personalized financial guidance to each client.

ADVISING APPROACH

Mike is a seasoned advisor with over three decades of experience, and from the beginning of his career, he took to heart the importance of three fundamental questions: Do you care about me? Can I trust you? Are you competent?

Over the years, he has spent valuable time building trust with clients by providing transparent advice and putting their best interests first. He genuinely cares about his clients’ well-being, and it’s evident in the consistent, personal manner in which he serves them. To provide the most relevant, effective advice for clients, he has devoted his career to continuous learning, focusing on the technical aspects of taxes, estate planning, charitable planning, and behavioral finance.

Throughout the planning process, Mike’s goal is to provide peace of mind and clarity. He emphasizes the importance of giving every dollar a clear purpose, and while he understands that no plan is foolproof, he is dedicated to giving his clients the best possible chance of success. By building personal relationships, providing constant support, and delivering detailed guidance, his aim is that his clients will be in a better position because they chose to work with him.

CLIENT SPECIALTY

Mike specializes in charitable giving strategies, an aspect of planning many of his clients are passionate about. He enjoys helping people incorporate charitable giving into their financial plans, considering it one of his favorite aspects of his work. He helps clients identify strategic ways to accomplish their charitable goals, helping them make a meaningful impact through their financial decisions.

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND & EDUCATION

In 1990, Mike started his career as an independent advisor. After running a local bank's financial planning division in 1995 and returning to independent advising post bank-buyout, his focus on holistic planning led to an opportunity at Northwestern Mutual. At the time, Northwestern was just building its wealth management division, and Mike had the privilege of teaching many of his fellow advisors how to effectively marry insurance and investments through comprehensive planning.

Mike continued to grow his practice, over time adding more partners to provide a robust and enduring support system for clients. In 2020, he officially formed Capital Stewardship Partners, and today he continues to enjoy the role of a mentor and trainer in addition to his role as an advisor.

Mike earned his finance degree from Belmont University and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™. While playing basketball at Belmont, he met his now business partner, David Knox, who joined the team during Mike’s senior year.

PHILANTHROPY

Mike has served on several nonprofit boards over the years, including Amazima Ministries, where he served for nine years, and the Franktown Open Hearts board. He also served as an elder at his church for several years and is actively involved in his kids’ schools.

Today, he dedicates much of his time to supporting Love One International, an organization his wife Suzanne founded that cares for malnourished children in Africa. He and Suzanne are incredibly passionate about meeting the needs of children, and he’s honored to devote his time to this cause.

In 2021, Mike's dedication to serving others earned him the Global Impact Award from Invest in Others, a national honor.

PERSONAL LIFE

Mike and his wife Suzanne have been married since 1993 and are the proud parents to eight children. Their family story took a unique turn when their fourth child, Milleranne, was about two years old. That year, Suzanne heard God speak to her and tell her that He had another child for them. Mike and Suzanne both thought it was a little crazy, but about six months later, they adopted their son Joshua—and since then have adopted three more children. Their family includes Tuta, Grace, Michael, Annabelle, Milleranne, Joshua, Josie Love, and Caleb—and two dogs! Grace and Tuta are both happily married and Grace is currently expecting with Mike and Suzanne’s second grandbaby; Milleranne, Annabelle, and Michael are in college; and Caleb, Josie Love, and Joshua live at home.

They love spending time together, and they make it a point to take a big family vacation every year. They have a shared love of the outdoors, and several of the kids enjoy hunting with Mike. They’ve spent many summers at the lake, and in his free time, Mike also likes to fish.

FUN FACTS

What’s your favorite saying?

“Try to do the right thing every time.” I always tell my kids this. You won’t always do it right or make the right decision, but try to do the right thing every time.

What is one thing you can’t live without?

Ketchup.

What are you reading right now?

Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis. I also just started The History of Taxes in America by Art Laffer.

DAVID’S SPECIALTY

David specializes in comprehensive financial planning for people in or nearing retirement. He excels at simplifying the complex, organizing his clients’ financial resources and helping them understand how to use them effectively for retirement. With more than 30 years in the industry, he brings extensive knowledge and insight to the planning process.

David also assists clients with legacy planning, ensuring their assets are distributed according to their wishes. His clients are financially savvy individuals who prioritize family, community, and charitable endeavors. He empowers them to become wise, strategic stewards of their wealth, and he builds long-term relationships to support them on their financial journeys.

ADVISING APPROACH

David’s strength is in his ability to listen and truly understand his clients' needs. He gives them clarity about where they are and where they want to go, and he helps them recognize how their resources relate to their lifestyles and goals. He establishes strong, enduring relationships, always putting his clients’ interests first and often forming genuine friendships. He recognizes that effective financial planning is an ongoing process, and he stays in regular contact with his clients, listening to their evolving needs and adjusting their plans accordingly.

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

David's professional journey is deeply rooted in his family's legacy, with his dad, uncle, and grandfather all having built careers at Northwestern Mutual. He joined NM as an intern in 1993, noting the genuineness and drive of his soon-to-be colleagues. He established his practice in 1994 and spent his first five years obtaining his licenses, expanding his knowledge, and learning from senior partners.

Over time, David's practice evolved alongside his clients' needs. Seeking to expand his capacity, he formed a partnership with Matt Self and Matt McLean to provide multigenerational, comprehensive financial support. Soon after, seeing the value in a strong deep team, they worked with Mike Mayernick and David Teague to build out Capital Stewardship Partners. Today, David plays a crucial role in shaping the practice's vision, strategic planning, and ensuring a cohesive approach to serving clients.

EDUCATION & INDUSTRY INVOLVEMENT

David holds a degree in business administration from Belmont University, where his passion for basketball led to a lasting friendship with Mike Mayernick. Upon starting his career at Northwestern Mutual, David pursued professional growth, achieving certifications such as CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, Retirement Income Certified Professional®, and Chartered Life Underwriter®. Today, he actively participates in industry circles and is a member of Finseca. He also attends a quarterly study group with Mike, where they collaborate with fellow industry leaders to exchange insights and ideas.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

David and his wife are active in their church family and have taught youth groups, Sunday school classes, and served on various church committees. David, alongside his oldest son Dawson, is a fervent supporter of the Punt Foundation, a faith-based organization that raises funds and provides resources to parents coping with the recent diagnosis of cancer in their children. His commitment to community extends to his children's school and athletic teams where he participates on different committees. David and his family also hold a special place in their hearts for adoption and contribute to Love One International, an organization founded by Suzanne Mayernick that helps children in Africa.

PERSONAL LIFE

David lives just south of Nashville in Brentwood, Tennessee, and has been in the area all his life. He and his wife Rachel married in 1994 and they’re blessed to live near both sets of their parents. Their (very athletic) family includes their children Dawson, Luke, Lucy James, Nate and Isaiah. Theirs is a close-knit, busy family, and they enjoy getting together with David’s and Rachel’s parents and traveling on family adventures. The couple treasures their date nights together and enjoy cheering on their kids at sporting events.

FUN FACTS

Who makes you laugh?

My wife—she has a great personality, and we laugh about a lot of things together. After dating since we were 16, we know things about each other without having to say anything.

What’s your favorite part of your week?

I love ending a good day at work and then zipping over to a field somewhere to watch my kids play sports. That’s the highlight of my week, watching my kids and connecting with them that way.

If you could watch only one movie for the rest of your life, what would it be?

The whole Star Wars saga. It came out when I was young, and it marked me. I’m a big Star Wars nut; I fell in love with them growing up and now rewatch them with my kids.

DAVID’S ROLE

With more than 20 years of advising experience, David is dedicated to helping people make wise financial decisions. When working with clients, he steps into their shoes, considering what he would do in their situation. He always asks, "If they had my knowledge, how could it benefit them?" This approach allows him to offer practical, personalized advice. He excels at understanding his clients' perspectives and providing them with clarity about their financial situations. In a world filled with financial noise, he helps clients focus on what matters and gain confidence about where they are and where they’re going.

David enjoys finding creative solutions that suit his clients’ circumstances, and he takes time to consider the nuances of each person’s situation, goals, values, and timeline. His commitment to understanding his clients coupled with extensive experience and knowledge ensures they receive practical strategies that provide peace of mind about their future.

ADVISING APPROACH

Many of David’s clients are analytical thinkers who have complex financial situations. These individuals (many of whom are CPAs, attorneys, IT professionals, or business owners) appreciate his ability to simplify intricate financial matters. He excels at helping clients prioritize their objectives, and he enjoys guiding them through the ins and outs of their strategies when they want to dive deeper into the “how” behind their plan.

David especially enjoys assisting clients who are charitably inclined, helping them identify and implement strategies to maximize their charitable giving impact.

PROFESSIONAL HISTORY & EDUCATION

David holds undergraduate and master's degrees in accounting from the University of Tennessee. He started his career as an internal auditor at Quorum before spending three years in tax consulting at Deloitte, where he earned both the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and Chartered Financial Analyst® designations. His passion for helping others led him to seek a more personalized approach to financial advising, and after exploring various firms, he found his fit at Northwestern Mutual. There, he met Mike Mayernick, who shared his vision for proactive, client-focused service. In 2003, David established his advisory practice, dedicating a decade to its growth and earning his Chartered Life Underwriter®, Chartered Financial Consultant®, and Chartered Advisor for Senior Living® designations. In 2013, he joined forces with Mike, and in 2022, they partnered with Matt Mclean, Matt Self, and David Knox as Capital Stewardship Partners.

PERSONAL LIFE

David grew up in Nashville, where he, his parents, and sister still live today. He shares his home with his wife Alyson, whom he married in 2013, and their energetic young twins—a boy and a girl. They have a rescue dog named Harper, and they enjoy spending quality time with friends and family.

Building a sense of community is incredibly important to David and Alyson. They actively participate in their local church, where David volunteers in the nursery, and they regularly host gatherings with friends. David serves on the Board of Trustees and chairs the Finance Committee for The Covenant School where his children attend school. David is also the co-founder of Covenant Families for Brighter Tomorrows, a nonprofit that advocates for firearm safety, school safety and investments in mental health.

While David has a history of competing in Iron Man triathlons and swimming with the Master's team, his athletic pursuits have taken a back seat since becoming a parent and undergoing a second shoulder surgery in 2023. Nevertheless, he and Alyson maintain their commitment to fitness by riding their Peloton, a shared activity that keeps them active and connected. David’s happy place is riding his mountain bike and road bike through Percy Warner Park.

FUN FACTS

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

An astronaut. I attended Space Camp in 6th grade.

What’s your favorite part of your day?

I’m painfully introverted and a very early riser, so between 4am and 6am is my favorite part of the day.

What was your first job and your hardest job?

My first job was a paintball game referee and lifeguard in high school, and my hardest job was when I was a door-to-door book salesman during my first two summers in college – every job is easy after that.

PROFESSIONAL APPROACH

As an advisor, Matt thrives on building lasting relationships with his clients. To him, effective wealth management is about more than financial advice; it's about connecting with individuals on a personal level. He considers his clients his friends, and he values the opportunity to work with them over the course of a lifetime.

Throughout the planning process, Matt takes time to truly listen and understand what's important to his clients, ensuring they feel heard and valued. He spends ample time and energy creating a personal, next-level experience, never rushing meetings or cutting corners.

Education is a cornerstone of Matt's approach. He believes in empowering his clients to make informed, confident decisions with purpose. His goal is to provide clarity, which leads to confidence in their financial plan and ultimately, peace of mind. By helping clients navigate opportunities and enhance efficiency, Matt enables them to achieve their financial goals effectively.

CLIENT SPECIALTY

Matt's clients value relationships and rely on his expertise to guide their financial decisions. He works primarily with business owners, physicians, and general contractors, many of whom are either in retirement or approaching retirement.

Matt’s dad was a small business owner, and growing up, Matt witnessed the benefits as well as the struggles of owning a small business. Today, he helps other hardworking entrepreneurs maximize everything they’ve worked for. He specializes in continuity planning, succession planning, and estate planning, providing strategic and personalized guidance on exiting a business successfully. He has obtained the Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP®) designation.

EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL HISTORY

Matt earned a business management degree from Samford University in Birmingham, and after graduation, he spent three years in business and IT consulting. In 2001, he transitioned to financial services, motivated by the relationships he could build and the direct impact he could have on people's lives. He spent 18 years building a successful practice before partnering with David Knox and Matt Self, officially forming Knox Mclean Self Wealth Management in 2022. In 2023, they joined forces with Mike Mayernick and David Teague to form Capital Stewardship Partners.

PERSONAL LIFE

Matt and his wife Julie have been married since 2001, and they have three teenagers, one of whom is in college at the University of Tennessee. Their weekends are usually packed with the kids' sporting events, and they enjoy spending quality time together as a family. In his free time, Matt loves fishing, boating, and pretty much any water activity. He is actively involved in his kids' school and is a member of West End Community Church. He also volunteers with Preston Taylor Ministries, working with kids in an after-school program.

FUN FACTS

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A professional baseball player.

What makes you laugh?

Lots of things make me laugh, but my kids give me a hard time because I cry a lot. It’s become a running joke in my family—if there's ever an emotional scene in a movie, they start looking at me and think it’s hilarious. But I’m just moved by stories! I think that’s one of the greatest things in life, people’s stories.

What’s your favorite part of your week?

I usually get excited about going to work on Mondays, but I love Sunday afternoons when the whole family is together.

MATT’S ROLE

Matt provides fee-based financial planning, specializing in complex wealth management strategies such as retirement income planning, charitable giving strategies, and special needs planning. His deep knowledge of private markets fuels insightful discussions with clients about private equity and alternative investments.

Matt’s clients are grounded, family-centric individuals who prioritize giving to others. He focuses on helping them identify opportunities to make a positive impact in their communities, specifically through charitable giving. With his extensive technical knowledge and tenacious problem-solving skills, he provides a highly personal, thorough approach to financial planning.

In addition to working with clients, Matt manages the firm's finances and operations. Collaborating closely with CSP’s Chief Operating Officer and bookkeeper, he handles cashflow modeling, financial projections, and contractual reviews. He has a knack for simplifying complex financial data, ensuring our team can make efficient, informed decisions.

ADVISING APPROACH

Throughout the planning process, Matt focuses on building meaningful relationships with his clients. He invests substantial time in understanding them on a personal level, exploring their family dynamics and core values. Recognizing that financial matters can be a source of conflict, he helps clients transform them into opportunities for positive generational impact. By helping them articulate their values around money and develop healthier financial habits, he empowers clients to create a positive influence on future generations.

Matt believes that one of the best things he can do for clients is give them confidence about their financial security. He loves creating an environment where clients feel free to spend their money on what's important to them without worry or stress. One of the ways he does this is with practical education. It’s important to him that clients understand what they're doing, why they're doing it, what their options are, and the pros and cons of each decision. He is steadfastly committed to his clients’ success, making him a relentless problem solver. He regularly collaborates with other industry experts, ensuring his clients have a robust support system to help them achieve their goals.

INDUSTRY INVOLVEMENT & AWARDS

• Member of the Financial Planning Association’s Nashville Chapter
• Graduate of Northwestern Mutual’s “Leadership Next”
• Young Leaders Council member, class 50

EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL HISTORY

Matt graduated from Harvard University, where he played four years of varsity baseball. After graduating, he returned to his hometown of Nashville and began exploring opportunities in the financial sector. During this time, he met David Knox, and in 2003, Matt joined Northwestern Mutual's Nashville office, setting the stage for his career.

Matt soon discovered a passion for learning about people’s hopes and dreams. He loved getting to work alongside driven individuals and forge valuable relationships, both with his clients and with industry professionals like David, Matt, and Mike, who mentored him during his early years in the business. Today, he considers this community of likeminded people one of the best things about his career.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Matt has served as a board member of Mental Health America of the Mid-South for over a decade and assumed the role of Board Chair in 2020. He is a lifetime member of the Harvard Varsity Club, actively supporting Harvard Athletics. Matt also coaches his daughter's softball team, a role he wholeheartedly enjoys.

PERSONAL LIFE

Matt and his wife Ali, a trauma therapist, live in Nashville with four kiddos: Mary Carter, William (both teenagers), Briggs, and Corabrooke. Their household is completed by George, their Goldendoodle, Oliver, a dachshund/chihuahua mix, and Corabrooke’s three turtles. Matt is actively involved in his kids' lives, whether he’s coaching softball, helping Briggs with his football training, or supporting William and Mary Carter in their academic pursuits.

Matt also enjoys cooking for his family. Mary Carter and Corabrooke both appreciate his baking skills, particularly when it means they get to decorate afterward (Briggs is partial to meatballs). A lover of good food and drink, Matt is a senior contributor for Bourbon and Banter, and he occasionally leads whiskey tastings.

FUN FACTS

What’s the best vacation you’ve ever taken?

Our family visited London on spring break. My wife spent a summer there and has been wanting to take us all for some time.

What is one thing you can’t live without?

Music. I love classic rock, EDM, hip hop… There’s also a lot of T-Swift in our house.

What is one thing every person should add to their daily routine?

Yoga; I think it’s fantastic.

WHITNEY’S MISSION

As a Private Wealth Advisor and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional, Whitney helps people create purposeful financial plans that reflect their values and goals. Her clients are busy professionals who appreciate expert advice, and she gets to the heart of their planning quickly so they can maximize their time as well as their opportunities.

A storyteller at heart, Whitney excels at marrying the human element with the objective details of financial planning. She understands the challenges her clients face, and she helps them see their wealth in a way that relates to who they are and what they want. By helping her clients focus on the meaning behind their plan and recognize the consequences of each decision, she helps them steward their wealth with purpose and confidence.

Through comprehensive financial planning, Whitney’s overarching mission is to help people become all they were called to be. She focuses on connecting with people; she listens intently to their stories, considering who they are and where they’re coming from as she shepherds them through the planning process. By providing constant support and encouragement alongside insightful financial advice, she becomes a valuable resource her clients lean on through every season of life.

ADVISING SPECIALTY

Early in life, Whitney recognized that financial security requires more than intelligence, talent, or generosity; it requires strategic decision making and oftentimes, complex problem solving. When her dad, an orthopedic surgeon, was diagnosed with cancer and lost his ability to operate, she witnessed the financial and emotional impact it had on her parents. During that season, she realized the incredible impact she could make by helping others in the field navigate life-changing financial decisions.

Today, she works primarily with physicians, others with advanced medical degrees and female business owners. She understands the unique challenges and opportunities they face, and she thrives in helping them address complicated questions related to their wealth.

Whitney also enjoys working with women in the corporate world. She recognizes that most women want a deeper understanding of the risks involved with investing and a higher level of confidence before taking those risks, and she has a knack for speaking the client’s language and making complex scenarios more relatable and relevant.

BACKGROUND & EDUCATION

Whitney began her financial career in 2010 as an intern with Northwestern Mutual. It was during that time that her parents’ financial plan was going through a transition, and she saw the impact she could make by helping people navigate important financial decisions. In 2013, she launched her own firm through Northwestern Mutual, and it quickly became one of the fastest growing practices in the Nation.

Whitney graduated from Colorado State University with a double major in corporate finance and accounting. She is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™.

GIVING BACK

Whitney’s posture of servanthood permeates her work and her personal life, and she is always ready to meet the needs of others. She and her husband John Scott often participate in athletic challenges for different charities like the Franklin Labor Day Run for Grace Works Ministries, Workout for Water, and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Climb. In 2016, she climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House in Minneapolis—a feat her parents accomplished when Whitney was eight.

Whitney is passionate about hospitality, and she believes in caring for others’ basic needs, whether that’s by offering a room in her home or raising money for charitable organizations. She and John Scott jokingly call their house the Harrison Hotel, as they regularly provide space for people who simply need it. They also volunteer with My Friend’s House an organizations that provide hands-on support for children in foster care.

They are passionate supporters of Operation Freedom, an organization that helps free families from slavery in India, and they donate regularly to Jesus Mission, an organization that helps foster the faith of high school students.

PERSONAL LIFE

Whitney grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota, but she was, as she puts it, “made for the South.” She and her husband John Scott moved to Franklin, Tennessee, in 2020 and have loved building a community in the area. The two met at a work conference in 2013, and just two days into the trip, he told her she was going to be his wife—and she agreed. They married in 2016 and have one child.

As a couple, Whitney and John Scott believe wholeheartedly in becoming healthy, happy, whole humans, and they spend much of their time seeking ways to grow as people. They often take service adventure trips around the world, where they volunteer in different countries, and they try to get out of their comfort zones whenever possible. They also love bringing other people out of their comfort zones—and one of their favorite methods to do so is to host neighborhood costume parties.

Whitney is also passionate about gardening, proving a good meal to all, spending time outdoors, reading, and in general, making life fun.

FUN FACTS

If you could eat only one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Chocolate-chip cookies. Every meal.

What’s your favorite quote or saying?

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” James 1:2-6

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A veterinarian. I love animals. And bugs—I think they’re the coolest.

What is one thing you can’t live without?

My lifting shoes—if I don’t work out, I’m a disaster.

What’s your favorite part of your day?

Every part! I’m a really happy person, and I love whatever comes.

BEN’S ROLE

Ben works with clients to build comprehensive financial plans that help them understand where they are, where they’d like to be, and how to practically connect those dots. Many of his clients have financial tools in place but lack a big-picture strategy to optimize their wealth and achieve their long-term goals. Ben helps them bring everything together and create a cohesive plan that supports their vision of success and provides direction for their everyday financial decisions. He serves as a trusted guide, providing ongoing, practical advice so clients feel confident, accomplished, and excited about what the future holds.

ADVISING APPROACH

Ben’s clients appreciate his ability to communicate complex concepts in a relatable way. He understands how overwhelming financial planning can feel, so he distills the process into simple steps and conversations. A voracious reader, he has a bevy of information from which to draw financial analogies and stories, and he creates practical connections across industries and disciplines. He is a perpetual student, constantly developing creative ways to relay financial material in a way that is applicable and impactful.

CLIENT SPECIALTY

Ben is passionate about helping people live intentionally, and he especially enjoys working with small-business owners. He recognizes the myriad demands on their time, and he helps draw their focus to what’s most important to them so they can prioritize and make proactive financial decisions. With more than 25 years of experience, he offers valuable perspective, helping clients consider questions and scenarios they may have otherwise overlooked. His goal is to help them develop a thorough financial plan that protects their success and empowers them to accomplish their goals amidst a full and busy life.

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND & EDUCATION

In his sophomore year of college, Ben began taking night classes while working full time for what was then the largest motorsport dealer in the Midwest. Ted, the owner of the dealership and a first-generation Danish American, was incredibly meticulous, and Ben worked fastidiously to keep the facility in pristine shape. Impressed by his work ethic, Ted became a valuable mentor and friend, and when Ben graduated college, Ted charged him with two goals he maintains to this day: Never work for anyone else, and whatever you do, work incessantly to be your best and deliver deep, deep value.

In 1997, Ben started his career in insurance, but it was soon clear to him that he wanted to help people with true, comprehensive financial planning. A couple years later, he was asked to sit on a panel of up-and-coming insurance professionals, and it was during that event that he met a managing partner from Northwestern Mutual. Not long after, he started his own practice and became a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®. In 2025, he joined forces with his much-admired colleagues at Capital Stewardship Partners.   

PERSONAL LIFE

Ben and his wife Karen met in seventh grade and started “dating” shortly thereafter, and when Ben’s family moved to Chicago, they maintained a long-distance relationship all through high school and college. After graduating, Ben skipped his ceremony so he could drive home to Tennessee, and he married Karen that summer. Today, they live in Murfreesboro and have four incredible kids—Ansley, a pediatric speech language pathologist; John Benjamin Jr., a fellow financial advisor; Brock, a college student in Murfreesboro; and Nate, who is in high school. Ben and Karen are blessed with kids who consider them friends, and on Friday nights they host family dinners with games and the occasional philosophical discussion.

Ben spends most of his spare time reading (almost always nonfiction). In the early 2000s, the teachings of Charlie Munger challenged him to read an hour a day, citing that this practice would translate to roughly 50 books a year, making him notably well-read in any circle. He decided to read a book a week and soon discovered a love for reading and learning; he has maintained the habit ever since. When he’s not reading, he enjoys mountain-biking with Nate (who bikes competitively), running, or of course, spending time with Karen.

FUN FACTS

What’s your favorite quote or saying?

My kids would say it’s “Invert, Always invert.” It’s from Charlie Munger, and essentially it means that when you’re trying to solve a tough problem, you should think about it backward and forward.

What book has most impacted your life?

Influence by Dr. Robert Cialdini.

What’s your favorite part of your day?

Early morning—I like to read and have coffee when it’s quiet, then when Karen gets up a little later, we have coffee on the back porch and talk.

SHANE’S ROLE

As an advisor, Shane helps his clients maximize their savings and plan for the future in a practical way. By providing education, clarity, and ongoing support, he helps clients simplify their financial lives and accomplish important goals. Much like himself, his clients are driven, hardworking people who care about others, and Shane enjoys helping them make an impact with their wealth in ways that matter to them, be it by making contributions to their church or charitable organizations, or strengthening their family legacy.

A relentless problem solver, Shane is adept at handling complex financial cases. He relishes diving into the details, often identifying opportunities or risks his clients wouldn’t have otherwise considered. He works with attorneys, business owners, entrepreneurs, and executives, addressing issues such as tax mitigation and succession planning, and in general, overseeing their financial landscape so they can devote more time and energy to what’s important to them. His mission is to go beyond helping clients achieve objectives and make their financial journeys less stressful, more fruitful, and more enjoyable.

Education is key to Shane's approach, as he believes in empowering clients with the knowledge they need to make informed financial decisions. Beyond just understanding, Shane excels in motivating clients to take action on the financial steps that are truly important for their family's future. With Shane's guidance, clients not only have a clear understanding of their current financial status and future goals, but they also receive the encouragement and support needed to take the essential steps without further delay.

Empowering Others: Shane Lantigua's Passion for Working at Northwestern Mutual

In this compelling episode, Shane Lantigua shares his powerful message on why he chose to work at Northwestern Mutual. Discover Shane's journey and the deep sense of purpose that drives him to make a difference in the lives of his clients every day.

EDUCATION & BACKGROUND

Shane's decision to become a financial advisor was influenced by personal experience. After losing his father to lung cancer at age nine, he witnessed the strain his family faced due to a lack of financial planning. He wanted to help other kids and families avoid the challenges his family faced, so he pursued a degree in finance and in 2016, started an internship with Northwestern Mutual. Since then, he has earned his Retirement Income Certified Professional® (RICP®) designation. He graduated from Austin Peay State University, where he played college baseball.

PERSONAL

A first-generation American with Dominican heritage, Shane lives in West Nashville's Charlotte Park area. He's married to Cortney, and they have a young daughter named Rielle. His perfect weekend would involve a round of golf, watching sports (specifically the Tennessee Titans, Boston Red Sox, and Ole Miss), spending time outdoors with family and friends (preferably by a pool), and attending their church, The Belonging Co. He also enjoys running, often participating in full and half marathons.

He also enjoys living a healthy lifestyle with balancing running, strength training, and maintaining a clean diet.

FUN FACTS

If you could eat only one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

A medium filet mignon with a side of crispy brussels sprouts glazed with balsamic vinaigrette and some lobster mac n’ cheese. And water with lemon.

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

The President and a doctor. I wanted to be a baseball player at some point, too.

What fictional character would you choose to spend the day with?

Ash Ketchum. I loved Pokémon when I was little, and I played it on Gameboy.

MATTHEW’S ROLE

As a financial planner and Retirement Income Certified Professional, Matthew is dedicated to understanding and supporting his clients' deepest aspirations. He helps them envision and articulate their idea of a fulfilling life, then crafts a strategy to make those dreams a reality. Throughout the process, he ensures his clients' financial plans are not just a collection of ideas, but an actionable pathway toward their goals. He understands that success lies in action, and he acts as an accountability partner for his clients. He encourages them to stay on track, walking them through each step and updating them regularly so they can focus on what’s important to them.

Matthew enjoys building genuine, lasting relationships with his clients. He often becomes a trusted support system, providing financial guidance through life’s ups and downs. He feels honored to be there for people during their milestone moments, whether navigating retirement, celebrating marriages, welcoming new family members, or offering solace during difficult times. He finds satisfaction knowing he can provide comfort and peace of mind in life’s tough times and a sense of joy and purpose in the good times. To Matthew, being an advisor is more than a job; it's a lifelong commitment to helping people live life to the fullest.

BACKGROUND & EDUCATION

Matthew graduated from Trevecca Nazarene University, where he played college basketball. In 2010, he started his career as a basketball coach at his alma mater, and while he loved the role, the frequent traveling led him to pursue a different path so he could spend more time with his family. He has always loved numbers and working with people, so in 2016, he started his own financial advising practice at Northwestern Mutual. To Matthew, having been part of team sports his entire life, he knew a team approach to advising would not only be more enjoyable, but also provide a greater support system for his clients. In 2023, he was excited to join Capital Stewardship Partners, a team of like-minded advisors who share his desire to build lasting relationships with clients.

PERSONAL LIFE

Matthew was born and raised in the Nashville area and lives in Franklin, Tennessee. He met his wife Jenny at Trevecca Nazarene University, where she played soccer. They have two kids, Cooper and Josie, and on the weekends, Matthew enjoys coaching their sports teams and, whenever he can, hitting the golf course. He still loves playing basketball and enjoys most outdoor activities, namely water skiing, snow skiing, hiking, and camping.

FUN FACTS

What’s your favorite quote or saying?

“The way that I do anything is the way that I do everything.” I heard this from Inky Johnson at a company event.

What is one item you can’t live without?

A basketball; I have one around at all times.

What’s your favorite part of your week?

Saturday mornings—we all get together and make a big family breakfast.

LAUREN’S ROLE

As Capital Stewardship Partners’ Chief Operating Officer, Lauren plays a pivotal role in shaping the firm's direction. She guides discussions on team structure, operating procedures, staffing, and long-term goals, ensuring everything runs smoothly within the practice. Throughout her career, she has held a variety of roles in operations, including investment operations, compliance, and ensemble building. With more than a decade of industry experience and in-depth knowledge of wealth management operations, Lauren provides extensive support that allows our partners to focus on serving clients with excellence.

One of Lauren's core strengths is her talent for facilitating communication within the team, making sure every member's voice is heard, understood, and valued. She is a relentless problem solver with a keen eye for detail, and her dedication to creating a collaborative and efficient work environment is central to the firm's success.

EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL HISTORY

Lauren started her career with Northwestern Mutual in 2008 as an Investment Operations Manager. In 2011, she joined the compliance team, where she got to know many of Capital Stewardship Partners’ advisors. She later became the Director of Supervision in the Nashville office, and when Mike Mayernick reached out to her about joining their team, she didn’t hesitate. After years of witnessing their integrity and business ethics, she knew it would be a great fit.

Lauren earned her bachelor’s degree in commercial music from Millikin University and holds her FINRA Series 7, Series 9, Series 10, Series 63, and Series 66, in addition to her life and health insurance licenses. She is also a Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP®).

PERSONAL LIFE

Lauren grew up in the Chicago suburbs and now lives in Bellevue with her husband, Nathanael, whom she's been married to since 2005. They have a young daughter, Emelia, and a Border Collie mix named Mia. Emelia plays several sports, and the family spends much of their time attending events after work and on weekends. In the summer, they enjoy spending time at the neighborhood pool and are dedicated season ticket holders for Nashville SC, attending as many games as possible. In her free time, Lauren plays soccer on a women's recreational team, a passion she's had since childhood and continued through her time at Millikin University. Apart from sports, she enjoys outdoor activities and playing games with her family and friends.

FUN FACTS

If you could eat only one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Rice. Any meal with rice—tacos, poke, Chinese. And cheese.

If you could choose any superpower to have, what would it be?

I would want to have incredible strength but be the same size, so I’d be sneaky strong.

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A professional singer. I wanted to be like Whitney Houston or Céline Dion.

PROFESSIONAL

As the Director of Portfolio Research and Advisory, John manages client portfolios and executes trades on their behalf. He dedicates much of his time to researching and selecting products, stocks, and funds tailored to each client's unique goals, and he plays a valuable role in helping them stay on track for their financial objectives. By focusing on the bigger picture, he eliminates much of the emotional bias that often accompanies investment decisions and encourages clients to remember “the long game.”

For John, the task of assembling a portfolio is like solving a complex puzzle, and he loves the challenge of finding the right solution for each client. He takes time to truly understand each person’s goals, placing their best interests at the forefront of the process. He also communicates constantly with investment managers, ensuring he has the most up-to-date information in order to choose the best strategies.

Part of John’s role also includes educating our advisors about why he selected specific funds and how they fit together in a portfolio. This ensures our team has the most accurate and pertinent information when speaking with clients. With more than 20 years in the industry and experience as both a money manager and a portfolio advisor, he brings unique and valuable perspective to his role.

EDUCATION AND BACKGROUND

From an early age, John has been fascinated by the investment process. He credits his father, a CPA, for sparking this passion, as he was the first to teach John how to buy a stock and grow money strategically. In college, John majored in finance and investing, and during graduate school, he worked as a bank teller. It was in this role that he was offered an opportunity to join the bank’s money management unit as a trader. Since that time, John has spent his career working to optimize investment opportunities, both on the institutional level and on behalf of individuals.

John has a master’s degree in finance and is a Chartered Financial Analyst. He joined Capital Stewardship Partners in 2019.

PERSONAL

John and his wife Leslie live in Hendersonville, Tennessee. They have been happily married since 2004, and together, they are the proud parents of three children: Kelsey (their first teenager), Ellie, and Zach. They also have a Yorkie named Rocky, who, John admits, everyone in his family likes more than he does (he was voting for a “normal sized” dog).

As a family, they are very active in their church, where John serves as a treasurer, greeter, and occasional Sunday-school teacher. They love to host (the Robus home has become the unofficial “hangout spot” for their kids’ friends), and John enjoys barbecuing whenever they have guests. He also coaches his kids’ soccer and basketball teams.

Amy is the Director of Insurance Operations at Capital Stewardship Partners. In this role Amy is responsible for all insurance operations, including the day-to-day activities and strategic planning within this unique product area.

She began her Northwestern Mutual career working with Tom Rossi in Oak Brook, Illinois as an Assistant Financial Representative in 2016. At the beginning of 2021 she played an integral role in merging with Dave Milonas’ practice to form the Rossi Milonas Financial Group. Her position grew into Director of Insurance Operations where she created efficient processes for clients and the team. In January 2024, Amy moved to Nashville to join Capital Stewardship Partners in the same role. She is life, accident, disability, health, and long-term care licensed.

Personally, she has twin daughters that graduated from college in May 2024. Outside of work she enjoys exercise, good food, and the outdoors.

Amy earned her bachelor’s degree in education from Eastern Illinois University.

Abby Williams is an Associate Wealth Management Advisor at Capital Stewardship Partners. In this role, Abby provides valuable support for the firm’s wealth management clients, assisting with day-to-day business operations, overseeing client communications, and supporting various investment and insurance service needs.

Abby has been in the financial services industry since 2018. She joined the Northwestern Mutual team in 2021, where she has worked closely with Shane Lantigua, a Financial Advisor at Capital Stewardship Partners. Abby holds FINRA Series 7 and Series 66 registrations and has obtained her life and health insurance licenses.

When she’s not working, Abby enjoys spending time with her dog, Leo, serving as a barista at her church’s coffee bar, playing guitar, kayaking, and golfing.

Abby is a graduate of Judson University with a bachelor’s degree in management and leadership.