PINNACLE INSURANCE & FINANCIAL SERVICES - Key Persons


Austin Knowles - CEO

Job Titles:
  • Managing Partner
  • Managing Partner of the Atlanta Regional Office
  • Managing Partner of the Pinnacle Group, Atlanta
Austin Knowles is a Managing Partner of The Pinnacle Group, Atlanta. Prior to joining Pinnacle, Austin was a partner and officer of a brokerage general agency for 5 years. He and Mike Becher have worked together for 18 years and have a combined experience of 36 years in the retail and wholesale financial services industry. Austin works with independent financial advisors, property and casualty agents, CPA's and life insurance professionals in the high net worth marketplace. One of his key objectives is helping agents and agencies grow their production with minimal disruption to their core business. He specializes in point of sale meetings with financial advisors and their clients focusing on estate planning, business planning and advanced life insurance concepts. Austin is a graduate of the University of Florida, where he was a member of the 2001 NCAA and 1999 SEC Championship golf teams. He enjoys spending time with his wife Lindsey, his daughters Ebba and Ansley, and their 3 dogs, as well as playing golf and cheering on the Gators!

Dillon Crist

Job Titles:
  • Director - Insurance Sales
  • Director - Insurance Solutions
With over 6 years of experience in the Financial Services Industry, Dillon consults with select financial advisors and their high-net worth clients, specializing in advanced planning solutions such as supplemental retirement planning, wealth transfer, long-term care, and risk mitigation strategies. Prior to his current position, he spent four years working for an REIT focused on unlisted securities, 1031's, private placements, and CDO's in the IBD space. Growing up in a family of financial advisors, Dillon understands the importance of working hands-on with the advisor and their clients as they navigate the difficult journey of creating, accumulating, and preserving their wealth. He excels in working through complex problems and turning them into manageable solutions that clients can easily understand and implement. Dillon graduated from Florida State University in 2013 and holds his Series 7 and 66 Licenses, as well as Life/Health & Variable Insurance License. He currently lives in Tampa, FL with his wife and their newborn son. He enjoys spending time with his family and friends, traveling, boating, golfing, and staying active.

John Sellin

Job Titles:
  • Managing Partner of the Boise Regional Office
John Sellin possesses a strong knowledge and understanding of the financial services industry, developed over 23 years of experience. Succeeding his father, Tom Sellin, who has been in the financial business for more than 55 years, he has developed a deep comprehension of investment strategies, retirement planning, and wealth management. He stays up to date with the latest trends and continuing advancements to ensure he can provide the best advice and guidance to his advisors and clients. John believes in building strong relationships, taking the time to understand his clients' and advisors' individual needs and goals. He does this through teaching business practices, sharing resources, and utilizing his trained expertise to develop personalized financial plans that align with their objectives. Overall, John is a dedicated and experienced financial professional who is committed to the success of Sellin Advisor Group and its partners. He has represented and continues to represent the West Coast Division of his primary business partner, The Pinnacle Group, for the past 5 years.

Michael Becher - CEO

Job Titles:
  • Managing Partner
  • Managing Partner of the Atlanta Regional Office
  • Managing Partner of the Pinnacle Group, Atlanta
Mike Becher is a Managing Partner of The Pinnacle Group, Atlanta. Prior to joining Pinnacle, Mike was a partner and officer of a brokerage general agency for 5 years. Mike works with independent financial advisors, property and casualty agents, CPA's and life insurance professionals in the high net worth marketplace. One of his key objectives is helping agents and agencies grow their production with minimal disruption to their core business. He specializes in point of sale meetings with financial advisors and their clients focusing on estate planning, business planning and advanced life insurance concepts. Mike is a graduate of Clemson University where he specialized in financial management and entrepreneurial leadership prior to becoming one of the youngest CFPs in the country. Mike enjoys spending time with his wife Jami and their three children, Ellee, Sam and Dan. He enjoys coaching little league baseball and boating on Lake Lanier.