Manager-Connect (About Us)



	The ManagerCONNECT team is focused on helping our select group of managers gain access to the right distribution platforms, wealth management advisors and teams. Our extensive experience in working to bring managers to the market and create successful marketing strategies has proven to raise assets under management.

	Rich Johnson, National Relationship Manager and Eastern Region Distribution
	Richard Johnson is the founder of ManagerCONNECT, an investment management marketing firm that partners with money managers to dramatically increase their business. With over 20 years of sales and management experience, Rich brings a unique background as an entrepreneur and fortune 500 executive. After receiving his bachelor’s degree in electronic engineering, Rich joined NEC Technologies, where he was quickly promoted through the ranks to Manager of Technical Support. He then moved to sales where he once again rose through the ranks from Account Executive to National Sales Manager. Rich was tapped to bring his analytical expertise and financial savvy to become a founding member of Claymore Securities. While at Claymore, Rich was a top wholesaler consulting to financial advisors, branch managers and home office executives. Rich then joined Wealth Management where his team was responsible for launching Dreman Value Management in Merrill Lynch Consults and Morgan Stanley Access, as well as, launching Zacks Asset Management at Merrill Lynch Consults. He has successfully secured opportunities in the RFP process, negotiated platform approval, met with in-house analysts and sales teams, and marketed to key financial advisors. Rich has enjoyed particular success in building relationships with platform analytical teams and brings an entrepreneurial spirit to his clients. He enjoys working with clients, analyzing their strengths, determining the correct target markets, and helping position them to the markets most appropriate for their management style. Rich's passions are travel, home improvement projects, tinkering with computers and audio/video equipment, and refining his do-it-yourself home theatre. He resides in Wheaton, Illinois with his wife and two daughters.

	Maureen Wilke, Practice Management and Western Region Distribution, Strategic Partner
	Maureen is a recognized industry speaker, practice management specialist and trainer delivering cutting-edge workshops that increase wealth management advisors and teams profitability. Passion and execution drive successful programs and that is what our team delivers. With over 17 years of senior wealth management, sales and training roles with highly regarded firms, including Nuveen Investments, Maureen is able to develop and deliver powerful training experiences. The foundation of The CONNECTED Advisor is grounded in connecting advisors with their clients at a much deeper level. Maureen integrates her experiences from working successfully with thousands of top financial advisors to take an advisor's professional practice to the next level – one step at a time. Maureen has contributed to Bank Investment Consultant magazine and led industry calls for On Wall Street magazine. Her passion for learning encompasses executive seminar programs at the University of Chicago and Northwestern University, and renovation of homes. Maureen resides with her husband and three girls in Wheaton, Illinois, is active in the PTA, is a soccer parent coach, and “Finds a Win Every Day.”

	Michael Balch, Advisor Coaching and Midwest Region Distribution
	Michael is one of the financial industries top “coaches” and speakers. He has developed a coaching strategy for people looking to improve and build their business practice. His hands on approach to training has made his business unique. Many have discovered the importance of having a business coach. He believes that with coaching you can maximize your natural abilities. Michael is a 25+ year veteran of the Financial Industries Distribution business. He has held positions of National Sales Manager, National Accounts Manager, Wholesaler and Specialist at some of the most highly regarded firms such as Fidelity, Kemper, Bank of America and Merrill Lynch. While at these firms he was either a “top” sales person or developing and training sales people to be “their best”. Today, he has founded and runs a training, consulting and sales company called Good \| Better \| Best Inc. where he passes on his knowledge and expertise through coaching.

	Steven Drozdek, Financial Advisor Coaching/Training, Strategic Partner
	Steve brings our clients a combination of working with top advisors in both investment strategy training and coaching. Involved in financial services since 1974 -- first as an advisor (stockbroker) for 6 years, then as a sales trainer for Merrill Lynch where he trained over 20,000 new and experienced advisors and eventually became the Manager of Professional Development for the firm. Since 1990 he has trained an additional 30,000+ financial advisors and written over a dozen books on sales, management, and best practices for financial professionals. He is the founder of Koaches Korner, a regular speaker at industry conferences and has numerous articles published in a number of financial journals. In addition, he is a regular contributor to various financial industry publications.

	Rick Wilke , Technology
	Rick founded Wilke and Associates, Inc. with his partner in 1998 and brings his clients a diverse range of abilites to develop robust web sites and internet solutions. He has spearheaded several successful business ventures and worked closely on projects with banks, a financial investmestment firm, international companies, and direct marketing firms. His unique skill set, coupled with his knowledge of the industry and web site developoment, provides dynamic business solutions to advisors. In addition to extensive experience, Rick has stayed apprised of new Internet development trends and technology tools to gain a competitive advantage. His advanced studies include Illinois Institute of Technology UNIX System/C C++ Programming Certification, a MCP (Microsoft Certified Professional), and I-NET+ certified and Certified Web Master. He is working on his MCSD certification.


	Sara Pearsaul Vice, Strategic Partner Editorial and Communications Director
	Sara Pearsaul Vice brings her experience as a writer and communications consultant for major corporations and educational institutions to our team. She has provided editorial and communication solutions to firms ranging from start-ups to FORTUNE 500 companies, including strategy, planning, project management and writing. She specializes in creating custom publications and has worked with Continental Bank (Manager of Corporate Marketing), Bank of America, Baxter, LPL, Oakridge Investments, Discover Card, Harris Bank, The Tradeshow Network Marketing Group, the University of Chicago, and Zurich Life. She also has been a freelance reporter for the Chicago Tribune.
	Jim McKenzie, McKenzie Creative, Strategic Partner
	Jim McKenzie brings over 17 years of creative communications experience to our clients. His expertise is focused in video production, animation, visual effects, web development, and corporate branding. With his vast experience, Jim has created solutions for firms including JPMorgan, Lazard Asset Management, Chase, Van Kampen, McDonald’s and Sears.