Management Team

Our business is about relationships, and we have a strong management team in place that understands this. They are committed to furthering the development of our financial representatives through training and guidance, so the representatives can establish enduring and solid relationships with their clients.

Brian Petrando, CLU®

Managing Partner
brian.petrando@nmfn.com
817-336-3131

Upon graduation from DePauw University (Greencastle, Indiana) with a degree in Economics in 1987, Brian Petrando joined the Hoopis Group as a Financial Representative.  Brian was a traditional rep for the first four years of his career.  Under the direction and tutoring of Bob Kerrigan and Harry Hoopis, Brian became a mentor, and eventually a Field Director.  In June 1998, Brian became the Managing Director in North Aurora, IL.

Under his leadership, the agency grew from 9 to 27 financial representatives. In 2004, the agency received first place for the Achievement Award Category 8 and second place in 2006. Brian has achieved multiple recognitions for 100 Lives, New Client Leader, MDRT, DA Growth Award, and the OARS award. Brian also earned the Chartered Life Underwriter Designation. 

In December 2009 Brian accepted the position of Managing Partner in the Fort Worth, TX agency.

Healthy communities form a vital background for our lives and build a solid foundation for the future. For that reason, Brian has participated in or supported the following organizations: the East Aurora High School, Aurora Christian School, Batavia Mothers’ Club, Big Brother/Big Sister, Nolan High School and Feed the Starving Children. Brian currently serves on the Area Council for the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce.

Brian and his wife Joy have four children, Brendan, Brian, Kaitlyn and Brad. His hobbies include golfing, hunting, football, and he especially enjoys attending his children’s sporting events.  

Ben Henderson, CLU®

Managing Director
817-336-3131

Ben was introduced to our agency through his dad, Don Henderson. He started his career as a college intern and has been with Northwestern Mutual for more than 19 years. Ben has been a very successful Financial Representative and has written over 2,000 policies. He has also been a consistent MDRT (Million Dollar Round Table) qualifier.

Ben is involved with White’s Chapel Methodist in Southlake; he also enjoys playing golfing and hanging out with his family. When asked what was his proudest accomplishment, he replied, “Writing at least 100 lives for 15 years in a row.”

  

Amoreena Stauss

Chief Development Officer
amy.stauss@nmfn.com
817-336-3131

Our Chief Growth Officer, Amy Stauss, is a native Texan who has spent her professional career in the Financial Services Industry.   She directs the Recruiting, Development, and Operations teams in our agency.

Prior to her appointment with The Texas Financial Group-Forth Worth, Amy was a Horizontal Growth Consultant at Northwestern Mutual's home office in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  Her responsibilities included consulting with Managing Partners, Managing Directors, key sales leaders, recruiters and other staff to help them increase and retain top financial representatives in their agencies.  Amy also served as a business and activity coach to individual financial reps.

Amy has a young daughter, Poppy Anne, and enjoys introducing her to the new experiences and adventures every day offers.   Amy is a musician, a writer, and engages in a wide range of hobbies in her spare time.

Nick Moore, CLTC

College Unit Director
817-336-3131

Nick Moore attended Baylor University, where he was a starting linebacker for two years.  He got a degree in Finance while pursuing a goal of becoming a professional athlete.  An injury proved to be bad luck for the Cleveland Browns, but good luck for Northwestern Mutual.

Nick joined Northwestern Mutual because he feels he is with the highest quality company in the industry, and he is proud to share his career with his family and friends.  He feels confident when he helps them as they make the right financial decisions for themselves and their families.

As a College Unit Director, Nick tries to help everyone with whom he is in contact  to meet their true potential.

In his spare time, Nick loves playing golf and disc golf.  He's recently started competitive arm wrestling with his brother and dad.  He believes that if you work hard, you deserve to play hard.

 

Deanna Stuart Sonefeld

Director of Selection
deanna.stuart-sonefeld@nmfn.com
817-336-3131

 

As the Director of Selection for the Texas Financial Group – Fort Worth,  Deanna helps people learn more about how a career as a Northwestern Mutual Financial Network representative can provide the rewards and opportunities of self-employment:   flexibility, having a positive impact on people’s lives and virtually unlimited earning potential.  The Northwestern Mutual Financial Network views the recruiting and selection of financial representatives as a mutual selection process.  Deanna's goal is always to recruit the right person, at the right time, for the right reasons.

Deanna is a native of the Chicago area and still calls that “home”, but she has been in Texas for 16 years spending 10 years in Austin and the past 6 years in the D/FW area.  Deanna is involved in the community, serving on the board of Mid Cities Circle of Friends, which benefits the Hematology/Oncology department at Cook Children’s Hospital in Fort Worth.  She is also very involved in philanthropic efforts for SafeHaven of Tarrant County by serving on the Executive Board of Mid Cities Supporters of SafeHaven.

Deanna names her biggest accomplishments and “loves of her life “as her three adult children, Laura, Patrick, and Troy.  She enjoys time in her garden, reading a good book, cooking, and spending lots of time with friends and family.

Cara Hughens

Campus Recruiter
cara.hughens@nmfn.com
817-336-3131

Cara Hughens graduated from Baylor University, where she was involved in various on-campus organizations, and volunteered in the Waco community. 

Cara began her career with Northwestern Mutual as a Financial Representative Intern and worked for a short time as an administrative assistant to an Northwestern Mutual Financial Representative.  She soon decided that her enthusiasm for working with college students and her experience with the Northwestern Mutual internship would be best utilized in a recruiting role.

In her spare time, Cara enjoys working out, hanging out with friends and family, and taking long Sunday afternoon naps after church.

Alexander Seltzer

Campus Recruiter
alex.seltzer@nmfn.com
817-336-3131

Alex Seltzer received his Master's Degree in Educational Leadership and Higher Education Administration from The University of North Texas.  He also served there as the Director of Fraternity/Sorority Life.

Alex brings ten years' experience working with college campuses across the nation to his role as Director of Campus Selection.   He has held various consulting and volunteering roles.  He has a great passion for helping college students learn about the opportunities the Northwestern Mutual Internship offers.

In his spare time, Alex and his wife, Ashley, enjoy cooking, listening to music, spending time with their pets and traveling.