PAUL BABOOLAL - Key Persons


Aaron Thill

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Private Client Services Team
  • Portfolio Manager, Private Client Services

Ace Rodgers

Job Titles:
  • Senior Research Analyst, NMWMC Research

Amy Xu

Job Titles:
  • Portfolio Management Specialist, Private Client Services

Bonnie Tomczak

Job Titles:
  • Vice President, Wealth and CEO & President, Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company ( WMC )

Brent Schutte

Job Titles:
  • Wealth Management Company Chief Investment Officer

Brian Derenne

Job Titles:
  • CAIA Senior Investment Consultant

Christopher Moser

Job Titles:
  • Senior Investment Consultant

Craig Kasap

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Fixed Income Team
  • Senior Portfolio Manager, Fixed Income

Cristina Marie Galarza

Job Titles:
  • Practice Manager
  • Founding Member of the USC - Keck Human Rights Clinic
Cristina joined the practice in 2019, and as Practice Manager provides support services for both new and existing clients. She maintains contact with clients and helps design client financial plans. Cristina is a good central point of contact for most questions and requests. Cristina currently holds her California Life and Health Insurance license. Before entering the Finance industry Cristina earned her Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry from UCLA. She was involved in several published MRI research projects based at CHLA, and was a founding member of the USC-Keck Human Rights Clinic. In her free time she enjoys cooking, hiking with her dogs, and reading.

Daniel Baumgart

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Private Client Services Team
  • Associate Portfolio Manager, Private Client Services

Daniel J. Adams

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Private Client Services Team
  • Senior Portfolio Manager, Private Client Services

David Andrzejewski

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Private Client Services Team
  • Senior Director / Portfolio Manager, Private Client Services

David R. Humphreys

Job Titles:
  • Member of the NMWMC Investment Consultant Team

Douglas H. Peck

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Private Client Services Team

Elijah Tayib Battle

Job Titles:
  • Operations Assistant
  • Operations Assistant at Northwestern Mutual
Elijah Battle is an Operations Assistant at Northwestern Mutual, where he supports client outreach, meeting coordination, and operational servicing. Working alongside the Director of Operations and Executive Advisor, he helps ensure smooth scheduling, client communication, and administrative efficiency while also assisting with social media marketing efforts. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Entrepreneurship and Marketing with a minor in Japanese from the University of Oregon and has passed the SIE, Series 63, and Series 65 exams. Before joining Northwestern Mutual, he worked as a Research Analyst at Tokyo Evolution Securities, where he contributed to market research and explored AI integration in workplaces. He also has two years of experience in social media management, giving him insight into digital engagement and branding. Elijah enjoys learning and growing in the financial industry, with a focus on providing thoughtful support to his team and clients. In his free time, he likes practicing Japanese, playing the kalimba, staying active at the gym, and discovering new cafés.

Elizabeth Gilbert - CMO

Job Titles:
  • Director of Marketing
Elizabeth holds responsibility for such initiatives as local brand strategy, public relations efforts, internal communications, and client experience. Elizabeth started at Northwestern Mutual in 2017, having served in various roles and assisted with a variety of marketing initiatives, including event planning and execution, trade association research, community partnership and sponsorship outreach, staff training, and securing targeted media relations opportunities. Elizabeth graduated from Pepperdine University with a B.A. in Interpersonal Communication.

Erjola Borici

Job Titles:
  • Portfolio Management Specialist, Private Client Services

Garrett D. Aird

Job Titles:
  • Vice President - NMWMC Investment Management & Research, Vice President - Mason Street Advisors

Jack Gorski

Job Titles:
  • Portfolio Manager, Equities

Jarodd White

Job Titles:
  • Portfolio Manager, Private Client Services

Jeffery S. Nelson

Job Titles:
  • Senior Director / Senior Portfolio Manager, Equities

Jenna Koenings

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Fixed Income Team
  • Portfolio Manager

Jennifer Stell

Job Titles:
  • Senior Investment Consultant Advisor Recruiting

Jim Murray

Job Titles:
  • Manager Research

John A. Mlekoday CFP

Job Titles:
  • Senior Investment Consultant

John C. Roberts

Job Titles:
  • Executive Vice President, Chief Field Officer

Julius Vergara

Job Titles:
  • Associate Financial Representative
  • Insurance Operations Associate
Julius has many years of experience in the industry and with Northwestern Mutual. He started as a Associate Financial Representative in 2014 and transitioned to supporting a single-advisor practice for 2 years in Irvine. After moving to LA, Julius went on to support a high volume ensemble practice for three years. He has experience with both the client-facing side of the business and behind-the-scenes support. Today, his area of expertise is in investment operations with an emphasis on new client onboarding. Julius holds his FINRA Series 6, & 63 securities licenses along with CA Life & Health. Julius is currently living in Panorama City and when not in the office can often be found honing his photography in the studio or his archery at his favorite range in Pasadena.

K.J. Burrell - COO

Job Titles:
  • Director of Operations
Originating from the picturesque town near Port Huron, Michigan, KJ cultivated their academic and professional journey in Grand Rapids. Graduating from Grand Valley State University with a bachelor's degree in liberal studies, specializing in Middle East culture and global perspectives, they dedicated their college years to volunteering in local schools, championing literacy and comprehension programs. Transitioning into the insurance sector, they acquired licensure as an agent with Farmers Insurance while pursuing their master's degree in business administration and organizational Leadership, eventually excelling as a Business Insurance Underwriter for the Atlantic territory. Their unwavering passion for community care and empowerment continues to be their driving force, propelling them towards a deep-seated aspiration to learn and contribute within the financial industry. They are deeply committed to fostering generational wealth and financial security within underserved communities, leveraging their background and empathy to guide individuals towards making informed financial decisions.

Karissa Zanoni

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Private Client Services Team
  • Associate Portfolio Manager, Private Client Services

Liz Hernandez

Job Titles:
  • Insurance Operations Associate
Contributing professionalism and enthusiasm to our team, Liz works closely with Paul to provide exemplary service to our clients. She oversees insurance applications and underwriting and is also responsible for managing the client service experience and supporting marketing efforts. Prior to joining Northwestern Mutual, Liz served as a Senior District Executive for the Boy Scouts of America, where she cultivated, managed, and empowered volunteers to support district efforts in fundraising, recruitment and retention, and relationship building with non-profit sectors, service clubs and donors. Liz has supported her community through a variety of organizations such as the Rotary Club, North Hollywood Optimist Club, and the Kiwanis Club of Long Beach.

MacKenzie Schill

Job Titles:
  • Portfolio Manager Specialist, Fixed Income

Maclovio Vega

Job Titles:
  • Senior Portfolio Manager, Private Client Services

Marisol Garcia

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Private Client Services Team
  • Associate Portfolio Manager, Private Client Services

Matt Sobocinski

Job Titles:
  • Portfolio Manager, Private Client Services

Matthew D. Wilbur

Job Titles:
  • Member of the NMWMC Investment Consultant Team
  • Senior Director, Advisory Investments

Michael A. Helmuth

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Fixed Income Team
  • Chief Portfolio Manager, Fixed Income

Naveen Dharmalingam

Job Titles:
  • Senior Investment Consultant

Nicholas Creech

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Private Client Services Team
  • Associate Portfolio Manager, Private Client Services

Peter J. Sauer

Job Titles:
  • Senior Investment Research Analyst, NMWMC Research

Pier Point

Pier Point was born because our founders wanted to create something bigger than themselves, a firm that would stand the test of time and last well beyond their lifetimes. When Paul and Sandeep both found themselves serving clients in Downtown Los Angeles, they realized they shared more than just a grueling commute from the South Bay. They also shared a vision for what an enduring firm would look like. Over time, they began collaborating, hired more team members, and developed a formalized partnership. Today, based in Manhattan Beach, Pier Point is driven by the passion of its founders for helping people discover the freedom that comes from living an organized financial life.

Sandeep Gupta

Job Titles:
  • Wealth Management Advisor and Co - Founder
Sandeep was born in India and immigrated to the United States with his parents, his younger brother, and older sister to Southern California. With few resources and a strong focus on education, his parents brought him up in Orange County, California. Graduating in the top 10% of his high school class, he was accepted into UC Berkeley and completed a Computer Science degree in 3 years. After working as an engineer in Silicon Valley for an additional 3 years, he returned to Southern California to begin his MBA program at Pepperdine, which included a yearlong study abroad and internship program in Brazil. His post-MBA career focused on finance and investment roles, including one as an Investment Associate at Northwestern. In 2013, he took the leap to start his own financial planning practice. That same year, he and his wife Shefali had his son Vihan. They added Amara to their family in May 2019. He and his family currently live in Redondo Beach, and with his free time he loves to surf.

Shayla Martin

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Large Cap Equity Team
  • Associate Portfolio Manager, Equities

Simone Ysaguirre

Job Titles:
  • Financial Planning Analyst
  • Loan Officer at First Republic Bank
With a solid foundation in Economics from Loyola Marymount University, Simone has seamlessly transitioned into the finance sector, currently pursuing an MBA with a focus on finance. Previously, she honed her skills as a diligent loan officer at First Republic Bank, where she demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence and relationship building. Outside of the office, Simone enjoys staying active at the gym, indulging in creative DIY projects, and mastering the art of nail design. Her diverse interests and dedication to personal growth embody our organization's values of innovation and self-improvement.

Stefanie Cheske

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Private Client Services Team
  • Portfolio Manager, Private Client Services

Tony Desrochers

Job Titles:
  • Research Analyst, NMWMC Research

Trevor Langmeier

Job Titles:
  • Senior Research Analyst, NMWMC Research

Zach Freudenberg

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Private Client Services Team
  • Associate Portfolio Manager, Private Client Services