facebook twitter instagram linkedin google youtube vimeo tumblr yelp rss email podcast phone blog external search brokercheck brokercheck Play Pause

Your Dedicated and Objective Advocate

Here to guide you as you navigate an increasingly complex financial marketplace.


Give Us a Call Today

Welcome to MBW  Group.

We’re industry leaders in strategic and tailored financial solutions for ultra-high-net-worth families and business owners.


What You Should Know About Us



Your best interests always come first.


Committed to upholding the fiduciary standard, we operate under the principles of full disclosure and transparency. This means that our recommendations are purely driven by what makes the most sense for you and your unique financial situation — never a commission.


Relationships are more valuable than transactions.


More than financial professionals, we are passionate people dedicated to helping individuals and businesses grow and protect their wealth. Our goal with everyone we meet is to foster a long-lasting relationship where the things that matter most to you remain the number one priority and focus.


Value is measured by tangible results.


We strive to deliver sound solutions to your problems, as opposed to putting you through a process that complicates an already complex situation.


Explore Our Services

About Our Firm

Viewing Our Clients’ Problems

As Our Own.


Dedicated to earning the trust and confidence of our clients, we strive to foster and maintain a mutually-beneficial partnership that provides you with everything you need to plan ahead for your future and use your wealth to your advantage.

We do this by:

Being


Your advocate, continuously monitoring legislative changes and the marketplace.

Providing


Experienced counsel, professional recommendations and thoughtful creative solutions.

Seeking


Innovate ways to better serve your needs, committed to exceeding your expectations.



Additionally, in order to uphold the highest level of integrity, we:

Listen carefully to your concerns.

Keep our promises.

Maintain absolute confidentiality.


Get to Know Our Team

Aligned for Excellence


Founded in 1975 under the name of the Brehm Group, MBW Group specializes in sophisticated applications of life insurance in the estate and business planning fields.

In 2012, we partnered with M Financial Group (MFG) — a firm that has worked closely with some of the nation's most prestigious insurance carriers and investment firms — to develop innovative products that complement the unique needs and objectives of ultra-high-net-worth families and business owners.

The power of M Financial Group provides us with the critical mass necessary to provide better products, underwriting and service from various carriers.

Our Dedicated Team of Professionals

Jeffery W. Bird, J.D., CLU Photo

Jeffery W. Bird, J.D., CLU

Partner
Read Bio

Jeffery W. Bird, J.D., CLU

Partner

CA Insurance License #0B63196


Jeff Grew up on a farm in a large family in Marcus, Iowa. He attended the University of South Dakota where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in accounting. After working as an accountant for Iowa Public Service Co. for two years, he went back to school and earned his master’s degree in business administration, as well as a law degree from the University of South Dakota.  

Mr. Bird worked as a tax attorney for several years at Arthur Andersen, and as an Advanced Underwriter with Minnesota Mutual. There, his responsibilities included consulting on all types of life insurance transactions, as well as developing life insurance products. In 1989, Jeff joined The Brehm Group (now MBW Group).

In addition to his primary work at MBW, Jeff also helped trust companies audit life insurance policies and establish due diligence procedures for trustees. He has authorized and overseen life insurance product studies for over twenty years, and is widely considered a trusted source of insurance information.

Outside of the office, he has been a board member for several nonprofit organizations, including the Pilgrim Center for Reconciliation, The Gospel Association of India and the Total Victory Christian Center.  He was also instrumental in the establishment of Hope Academy, a private inner-city, faith-based school for low income and minority children. Most recently, Jeff has started the Hope Farm School, a residential farm school for inner city boys, focusing of faith and life formation.

Beyond his work at non-profit organizations, he has coached youth sports for the past 30 years, taught Sunday school and lead a men's weekly Bible study group. Jeff and his wife Widdy have raised six children, and reside in Minneapolis. 

David A. Wischmeier, J.D., CLU Photo

David A. Wischmeier, J.D., CLU

Partner
Read Bio

David A. Wischmeier, J.D., CLU

Partner

CA  Insurance License #1906294


David has over 25 years of experience as an estate planning attorney (focusing on advanced life insurance planning), insurance company product analyst and a financial planner. As one of the nation’s leading authorities on insurance legislation and estate and tax planning, he is a frequent guest speaker at national and regional insurance meetings. His expert testimony on life settlements was used in passing government legislation to protect consumers from stranger originated life insurance practices. 

Mr. Wischmeier' s career began at Minnesota Life Insurance Company where he served as a product analyst and later Senior Advanced Marketing Counsel. Before working at MBW, he was an estate planning and benefits attorney with Parsinen, Bowman and Levy. In 2000, David joined MBW Group as Advanced Planning Counsel, becoming a partner in 2007.

David attended the College of St. Scholastica where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in finance and computer information systems. After that, he earned a Juris Doctor degree from William Mitchell College of Law, and subsequently became a Chartered Life Underwriter. 

David is active in several community non-profits including serving as a board member of Saint Paul's Outreach (SPO) and coaching youth soccer.

Jonathan Horick Photo Jonathan Horick Hover Photo

Jonathan Horick

Chief Investment Officer
Read Bio

Jonathan Horick

Chief Investment Officer


As the Senior Investment Officer, Jon is the author of the investment strategy and heads the investment committee. With over 25 years of a diverse set of institutional investment experiences involving securities analysis for both public and private entities and extensive work in equity financing and fixed income objectives and portfolio construction, Jon brings a differentiated set of experiences to the wealth advisory practice.

 Mr. Horick was V.P. of Investments at Stevens Foster Financial Advisors. Jon has held portfolio manager and analyst positions at several investment managers in New York City and the Twin Cities, including Millennium Partners, Akros Capital, Northland Directions, White Pine Capital, Deephaven Capital Management, Dougherty & Company, and Sit Investment Associates.

Education: University of Minnesota – Carlson School of Management (MBA, Finance), Wartburg College (BA, Accounting and Finance), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), and previously held the CPA designation.

Affiliated Organizations: Board member and committee advisor – University of Minnesota – Carlson Funds Enterprise Funds, Endowment investment committee member – Wartburg College, Chartered Financial Analyst Institute, Chartered Financial Analyst Society of Minnesota. Board member – Southside Family Nurturing Center



Tamba Johnson  Photo Tamba Johnson  Hover Photo

Tamba Johnson

Wealth Manager and Senior Marketer
Read Bio

Tamba Johnson

WEALTH MANAGER AND SENIOR MARKETER


Tamba joined MBW Group in 2020, bringing 11 years of experience in life insurance, financial planning, Medicare and employee benefits. His insurance career began at New York Life as a producing Agent, and he came to MBW after 6 years with Thrivent Financial as a wealth manager.

In his spare time, you will find Tamba on the soccer field. He is the Director of Coaching for Minneapolis United Soccer Club, where he has enjoyed 20 years of success. Tamba is also boys varsity soccer coach at the Blake School since 2014,  winning a state championship in 2018.

Mr. Johnson attended the University of Wisconsin Madison, earning a bachelor's degree in Behavioral Sciences and Law, with a certificate in Criminal Justice. He also played on the Men's soccer team and was drafted by the Minnesota Thunder as their 1st round pick in 2000.


Jeff Taffe Photo

Jeff Taffe

Relationship Manager
Read Bio

Jeff Taffe

RElationship Manager

CA Insurance License #7034777

Jeff joined MBW Group in 2022 as a Relationship Manager.  His responsibility is to arm professional athletes and the ultra-affluent with resources necessary to make informed decisions as it relates to life insurance and other assets.  Such resources include goals and objectives assessments, in-depth product analysis, proprietary research, development of intellectual capital, and team collaborating.  In his marketing capacity, he travels across the country to provide his clients the white-glove service that MBW Group promises and delivers upon.  Jeff also works alongside the case design team to design and implement appropriate non-variable insurance solutions as well as provide extraordinary service.

As a Minnesota Golden Gopher, Jeff won an NCAA Hockey National Championship in 2002.  After which, Jeff spent 15 years playing professional Hockey in the NHL, KHL and Europe.  Jeff now lives in Minnesota with his wife and two kids.

Nick Sacco  Photo

Nick Sacco

Director of Individual Insurance
Read Bio

Nick Sacco

Director of Individual Insurance


Nick’s primary responsibilities include analyzing clients’ planning goals, establishing baseline cases, and preparing complex comparisons with multiple planning overlays. He is also responsible for maintaining extensive product knowledge of all M financial products, and all other retail products. Nick earned a Bachelor of Arts degree and graduated cum laude from Hillsdale College. He is completing his law studies at the University of St. Thomas . In his off hours, you can find him spending time with his wife, Ralston, and his friends. Nick also enjoys playing sports and exploring all that Minnesota has to offer!

Elizabeth “Libby” Malone Photo

Elizabeth “Libby” Malone

Client Relations Specialist
Read Bio

Elizabeth “Libby” Malone

Client Relations Specialist


As Client Relations Specialist, responsibilities include building relationships with clients and insurance carriers, and overseeing policy updates, changes and reviews. Before joining MBW Group, Libby worked in theater, photography and interior decorating. Libby graduated from North Central University in 2002 with a degree in Music Performance. In her off hours, you can find Libby playing strategy board games, making music, and hanging out with family and friends.

Stephanie Kalpin Photo

Stephanie Kalpin

New Business and Operations Specialist
Read Bio

Stephanie Kalpin

NEW BUSINESS AND OPERATIONS SPECIALIST


Stephanie actively manages pending life insurance business and assists in the execution of day-to-day business operations. Before joining MBW Group, Stephanie was working in health care and customer relations, including Addiction Treatment, Pharmacy Technician, and PCA Work. Additionally, she has traveled to S.E. Asia for both study abroad purposes, as well as to teach English. Stephanie graduated in Fall of 2018 with a Bachelors degree majoring in Psychology, and is considering doing a Master’s program in Art Therapy. In her free time, you can find Stephanie participating in a variety of activities such as camping, snowboarding, horseback riding, wheel throwing and board games- usually surrounded by family and friends.

Areas of Focus


As a successful individual, you understand the effort involved in creating and maintaining personal wealth. Yet, you may not realize how quickly estate taxes could sweep half of this hard-earned wealth away.

Our full disclosure process enables us to go beyond the more typical and opaque sales presentation to provide tangible next steps to help you to achieve your objectives. When you work with us, our goal is to solve any outstanding financial problems or questions you have, not add to them.

After getting to know you — your history, your concerns and your goals for the future — and collaborating with your team of professionals, we’ll combine our insight and experience to deliver sound recommendations based on your unique needs and goals.


The Three Pillars of Our Family Office Services;



Distributions


The Goal: 

  • To design a plan that ensures proper timing and distribution to your chosen beneficiaries.
  • Equalize distributions of estate and business interests.
  • Provide sufficient income for your spouse and any other dependents.


Gifting


The Goal: 

  • Take maximum advantage of annual and lifetime gift exclusions.
  • Establish gifting programs to transfer assets and provide financial security for children and grandchildren.
  • Set up charitable foundations.


Taxes


The Goal:

  • Creating financial goals aimed to help reduce or eliminate estate taxes.
  • Maximize your ability to donate while reducing taxes and increasing your income.
  • Properly fund any remaining tax liability through cost-effective methods.


Schedule a Meeting Today


As a business owner, developing and communicating a business continuation plan in the event of an unexpected incident or catastrophe helps protect your business from future devastation.

While financial considerations are often the primary focus of this document, philosophical and emotional implications that may not be as visible also play a vital role in the overall approach and design of your plan.

To help ensure your company’s reputation remains intact in the event of significant change or disruption, we’ll collaborate with your professional team to identify areas of concern and opportunity and provide you with the financial clarity you need.

We’ll help you determine:

Your long-term individual contributions to the business.

Ways to ensure the ongoing care of your clients.

The optimal strategy to execute your objectives.


Secure Your Business’ Future Today


Given the current competitive business environment, an executive benefits program is essential to recruiting top tier talent who will contribute to your company's overall growth and profitability.

With the right design, an executive benefits program can help your business attract and retain the best and the brightest staff. Executive employees want to enjoy a rewarding retirement by establishing sound financial options early on. Stock options and programs like 401(k) plans are a good start, but they may not meet the financial expectations of the most experienced professionals.

We can help you design and implement the following executive benefit plans:

Nonqualified deferred compensation plans.


These plans allow deferral of various forms of pay — including base, bonus, commissions and special incentives — without a cap on the dollar amount saved or contributed. This can make it easier for executives to pay for other important expenses, such as tuition and a new house.

Supplemental disability plans.


Highly compensated employees usually fall short in plans designed to deliver a percentage of base pay only as disability benefits, even if income is tax-free. Supplemental disability plans can help give executives the opportunity to cover these other sources of income.

Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans (SERPs).


A viable and popular alternative for long-term executives concerned about their post-retirement wealth concentration in stock options, SERPs help solve challenges with retention and motivation. However, they may also permit professionals to self-direct their account balances return.


Outpace Your Competitors


With so many policies on the market, it’s important to analyze and evaluate every benefit and potential loss to help make sure the coverage you choose does not lead to any unexpected or unwanted implications in the future.

Our extensive experience in navigating the many complexities of the insurance landscape enables us to read between the lines and determine the solutions that suit your current needs and future requirements the best.

We help trustees satisfy the obligations set forth in the Prudent Investors Act by:


1.

Completing


A comprehensive review of an existing life insurance policy’s competitiveness compared to other alternatives.

2.

Reviewing


Existing policies for the purpose of ownership structure, amount and policy type.

3.

Comparing


What you currently have to other life  insurance carrier products.

4.

Collaborating


With other advisors to deliver our recommendations.


If you need to make any changes, we control the underwriting process and medical information, greatly simplifying the policy modification process. This control enables us to effectively negotiate with insurance carriers and get you the best possible product, for a price that’s right for you.


Get the Coverage You Deserve

A Passion for Distinction

Member M Financial Group

M Financial Group was founded on the principle that "off-the-shelf" products often do not meet the needs of ultra-affluent and corporate clients. Since 1978, we’ve worked closely with some of the nation's most prestigious insurance carriers and investment firms to develop innovative proprietary products.

The Three Cornerstones of Our Success


1.

Relationships


Our deep partnerships with a select group of insurance carriers allow us to design and implement products that provide innovative ways to solve problems, as well as prevent future issues from occurring.

2.

Leadership


Working with a wide range of individuals has primed us to identify gaps in current products to create exclusive, client-driven solutions that help ensure every detail is covered and no detail falls through the cracks.

3.

Management


M Financial, together with insurance carriers, continuously monitors the service, experience and overall performance of active businesses to help make sure our proprietary products continue to be effective.


Our collective buying power, combined with our many years of experience, enables us to offer exclusive institutionally priced products to our member firm clients.


Learn More

Get Solutions. Not a Sales Pitch.

With your best interests at the forefront, we’ll work together to design innovative solutions that replace stress and worry with confidence in the path that lies ahead and financial wellbeing for years to come.

MBW  Group


706 Second Ave. South Suite 300
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402

Contact


Phone: (612) 339-7385
Toll-Free: (800) 339-7385
Email: info@mbw.group