CROAK CAPITAL - Key Persons


Aviva USA

Job Titles:
  • Presidents Club, Former Member

Carter Bayer

Job Titles:
  • Relationship Manager
Carter spent over six years at a local, family-owned business in the healthcare industry specializing in utilizing systems and workflow planning to optimize patient outcomes. By combining these specialties with his experience in data analytics and dynamic reporting, Carter helps ensure our clients have the most accurate and timely understanding of their financial portfolio. This knowledge empowers our clients when making decisions affecting their future goals. Carter assists our clients in making well-informed decisions on what types of investments are right for them. A die-hard Toledoan, Carter grew up as an avid Ohio State football fan. He spent his winters skiing in northern Michigan and summers in Hilton Head, South Carolina. Carter is also a fighter and advocate for Crohn's Disease. Education Lourdes University, MBA The University of Toledo, BS

Chad Rutkowski

Job Titles:
  • Relationship Manager
A native of Toledo, Ohio, Chad brings to Croak Asset Management (CAM) a breadth of professional experience and leadership that benefits our team and clients. Prior to joining CAM, Chad served as the Senior Development Officer at United Way of Greater Toledo, serving Lucas, Wood, and Ottawa counties. In that position, he helped oversee and manage the development and fundraising efforts that historically bring in over $9 million annually. In addition to his duties at CAM, Chad is also the Head Volleyball Coach at Sylvania Northview High School, a prominent program in the state of Ohio, the 2022 and 2020 District Champions, the 2021 and 2018 District VII Runner-up, and the 2022 and 2015 Northern Lakes League Champions. He has also coached at the national level with Premier Academy. Chad's success has afforded him the opportunity to coach teams internationally on tours through Nicaragua, Europe in the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Croatia, Austria, and Italy. Chad currently he resides in Oregon, Ohio, with his husband, Kevin, and their dogs, Beau and Harper and enjoys spending time by their pool, experiencing all that Toledo has to offer, boating, water and downhill skiing, spending time with family and friends, and traveling. Education Bowling Green State University, MScEd Bowling Green State University, BScEd Memberships United Way of Greater Toledo, Campaign Manager and Emerging Leader Member Toledo Rotary, Club Member Ohio High School Volleyball Coaches Association, District VII President Ohio High School Volleyball Coaches Association, State-Level Advisor

Connor Hutchison

Job Titles:
  • Wealth Management Advisor
Connor brings to Croak Asset Management expertise in Wealth Management & Tax Planning. He owns and operates Bridgeway Financial Consulting & Tax Services, where his accounting skills have been utilized and honed. Many of our clients rely on Connor because of his unique skill set that enables him to mitigate taxes as related to investments. While in school, Connor achieved 4 varsity letters as a Men's Basketball team member. Using athletics to his advantage, Connor equips clients with the diligence to remain committed to the goal of achieving financial freedom while sticking to the game plan through highs and lows. Outside of work, Connor's passions include staying active whether that's playing golf or volleyball. His favorite season in Northwest Ohio is summer, where he spends weekends on a boat at his family cottage. Education Heidelberg University, MBA Heidelberg University, BA in Business Administration Double-Major: Management & Finance with Minor in Economics

David Theiss

Job Titles:
  • CFP™ Wealth Management & Tax Advisor
Dave Theiss brings 24 years of financial services experience to our team. With a CPA and CFP designation, Dave has a wealth of knowledge and expertise in financial and tax planning. Dave has worked with clients from diverse backgrounds, helping them achieve their financial goals. He has worked in multiple financial firms across the country, which has given him a unique perspective on the industry. David's vast experience has enabled him to navigate complex financial situations with ease. Dave's attention to detail and strong analytical skills ensure that our clients receive top-tier assistance with tax planning and wealth management services. Outside of work, Dave enjoys spending time with his wife and their two German Short-Haired Pointers, Wini and Winston. A believer that spending time with loved ones is an essential part of maintaining a healthy work-life balance, Dave and his family enjoy taking long hikes and exploring new trails. He also enjoys traveling, running, and hunting as he believes spending time outdoors is an excellent way to recharge and stay focused, both personally and professionally. Education University of Maryland Global Campus, MS The University of Toledo, BASc

Eric Croak - President

Job Titles:
  • President
Eric prides himself on embracing the future for his clients. He expertly combines state-of-the-art technology and innovative strategies, guiding an array of high-net-worth through their financial journey. Eric believes in a balanced approach to wealth management, prioritizing lifestyle planning and portfolio optimization. He develops tailored financial plans that enable his clients to enjoy their present lifestyle while building a secure future. Forbes, Business Insider, and local publications such as the Toledo Blade and WTOL have all featured Eric as a thought leader in the wealth management sphere. His expertise as a Certified Financial Planner and Accredited Wealth Management Advisor provides unique insight into the complex financial world of his clients, and he utilizes cutting-edge techniques to provide a leg up against others in the industry. Away from work, Eric cherishes time with his wife Charine, their son Cooper, and their dog Callie. This personal life balance fuels his professional passion of helping clients enjoy today while preparing for tomorrow. Education College of Charleston, MBA The University of Toledo Certifications

Faith Kieninger

Job Titles:
  • Wealth Management Advisor
Faith Kieninger has been a dynamic presence in the Financial Services industry since 1987, initially focusing on Employee Benefits programs for 30 years before transitioning to financial services in 2007. Her approach is deeply individualized, focusing on aligning unique financial strategies with her clients' goals. Faith holds a BS and MSW from the University of Illinois and possesses a range of professional certifications including CEBS, CLU, and CPCU, along with Series 7 and 66 licenses. This extensive education and certification profile equip her to offer nuanced financial guidance. In her personal life, Faith is married to Willis and is a mother to three adult children. She enjoys hosting gatherings, adventurous travels, and is actively involved in community causes, particularly those aimed at combating hunger and illiteracy. Her personal experiences enrich her professional approach, making her a well-rounded advisor who understands the importance of balancing life goals with financial security.

James Johnson

Job Titles:
  • Wealth Management & Insurance Advisor
James Johnson joins Croak Asset Management with extensive work experience in the financial services industry, having most recently worked as financial advisor with Western & Southern. Prior to that James has held roles as a Private Client Manager with Bank of America, Internal wholesaler with Jackson National Life Insurance Company, and financial advisor with Morgan Stanley Dean Witter. In addition to helping clients achieve their financial goals, James enjoys working with our youth as he is a varsity assistant basketball coach with Toledo Central Catholic and a mentor of young men and boys with Mom's House, a 501c3 organization that helps assist and mentor young single mothers and their kids in getting to a better place of self-sufficiency in their lives. James is also very active in the community working as a Trustee at The Indiana Avenue Missionary Baptist Church, where he has been a member for over 45 years. James has earned a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance and a Master of Arts and Science with a concentration in Sports Administration from Kent State University. He is the proud father of three daughters, ages 24, 22, and 20 and they all reside in Atlanta, GA. He also has Series 6 and Series 65 financial licenses, in addition to Life and Health Insurance licenses in multiple states. Education ● Kent State University, MASc Sports Administration, 1997 ● Kent State University, Bachelor of Business Administration, 1995

Jamie LaPan

Job Titles:
  • Client Relationship Manager
Jamie LaPan is recognized in the financial services industry as a skilled Client Services Manager, celebrated for her meticulous attention to detail and exceptional client communication. Her career is marked by a keen ability to navigate the intricacies of financial services, ensuring personalized and effective client interactions. Jamie's professional expertise is balanced by her passion for life's diverse experiences. She enjoys outdoor activities, cultural enrichment through museum visits and music, and cherishes the time spent with her family. Jamie's holistic approach to life and work makes her a remarkable asset in her field. Her personal interests not only provide her with a well-rounded perspective but also enhance her professional interactions, allowing her to connect with clients on a deeper level. This unique combination of professional skill and personal passion positions Jamie as a standout professional in delivering client services with a distinctively personal touch.

Jeremy Hartle

Job Titles:
  • Wealth Management Advisor
Born and raised in West Toledo, Jeremy has served in the financial services industry since 2016. Along with a wealth of knowledge, Jeremy brings a passion and commitment to financial education to Croak Asset Management (CAM). Jeremy is married to Hollie, and together they have two children, Gabriella and Garrett. He and his wife also operate two local restaurants in Toledo and have had investments in the service industry over the past decade. When not working, Jeremy enjoys watching his kids play sports, playing golf, traveling to the beach, and watching Notre Dame football. Education The University of Toledo, BA Memberships The Parkinson Foundation of Northwest Ohio, President Children's Hunger Alliance, Regional Advisory Board Putting for Parkinsons, Founder

Jim Burnor

Job Titles:
  • Senior Wealth Advisor
Jim brings multi-faceted experience in the financial world to the Croak Asset Management team. He holds a series 65 and multiple insurance licenses and a Professional Plan Consultant designation, which our team considers an invaluable aspect of his duty to provide for the varying needs of his diverse group of clients and their needs. Jim's commitment to serving his clients extends beyond the office doors and into the community, where he proudly serves as a board member for the Avenues for Autism, serves on the disability committee for Toledo Rotary, and is actively involved with numerous local charities and committees. At Croak Asset Management, Jim serves as the Retirement Plan Specialist. His focus on the 401(k) and business owner space has given owners and executives all over Ohio the opportunity to save for their future while providing significant benefits to their employees. Jim is married to Erin Burnor, and they have 3 kids, Jenna, Peyton, and Easton. They reside in West Toledo. Education Xavier University, BA St. Francis de Sales High School Memberships Avenues for Autism, Vice Chairman

Kathleen Martinez

Job Titles:
  • Client Relationship Manager
Kathleen has worked in the Toledo and Maumee area as an administrative assistant in accounting and engineering industries for companies which include Price-Waterhouse and Matrix Technologies. She has been with the financial services area beginning in 2008 and continues with client services. Married with three sons, Kathleen grew up in Oregon, Ohio, graduated from Cardinal Stritch High School and currently lives in Waterville, Ohio. She enjoys spending her free time volunteering for community events, painting, and cycling. Education Davis College, Associate Degree in Business and Associate Degree in Interior Design

Mary Due

Job Titles:
  • Client Relationship Manager
Before joining the Croak Asset Management (CAM) team, Mary worked at a medical practice and a marketing firm. Mary enjoys utilizing the administrative and interpersonal skills she has learned to provide our clients with exceptional experience. A native of Toledo, Mary had a 12-year career in the health insurance field before staying home to raise her 3 children, who are now adults. She enjoys reading, backyard bird watching, knitting, and exploring the metro park trails with her husband, Alex, and their two dogs, Milo and Leo. Education University of Toledo, Bachelor of Arts

Tim Croak - CEO, Founder

Job Titles:
  • CEO
  • Founder
Tim Croak has developed significant knowledge and expertise in investment and retirement planning as a Chartered Life Underwriter and a Chartered Financial Consultant. He is the founder and CEO of Croak Asset Management (Croak Capital), where he leads a team of independent and trusted financial advisors who provide personalized service with uncompromising integrity. Tim has consistently been recognized as one of the top financial advisors in Northwest Ohio and has developed a reputation for going above and beyond for his diverse portfolio of clients. His firm has been rated one of the region's top financial and investment planning firms every year since 2006. Tim was recognized as the youngest life member of the prestigious Million Dollar Round Table in the country and is the author of the book "The Light, a guide to living life with awareness, honor, and purpose". During Tim's 41 years in the financial services industry, he has provided assistance to hundreds of individual and corporate clients, helping them grow and protect their investments and estates. As an independent broker and advisor, Tim is able to leverage his extensive professional network on behalf of his clients, finding the most current and efficient financial products and services on the market. He is dedicated to helping you make the most of your financial life. Tim and his wife Sarah have two grown children, Emily and Eric and one grandchild Cooper. Tim is also passionate about his hometown. He has served on over 20 community boards and organizations and currently sits on the Board of Trustees of his Alma Mater - Cardinal Stritch High School and is the Chairman of the Board for Unison Health. He and his family enjoy their lake house on the shore of Lake Erie, their home near the University of Toledo, and their many traveling adventures including scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef, trekking to see the highland gorillas of Rwanda, and exploring the castles and palaces of Europe. Education University of Toledo, BA History Memberships Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) Top of the Table The University of Toledo President's Club Blue Key National Honor Fraternity Sigma Phi Epsilon Alumni Association Red Cross of Northwest Ohio, Board Member Family Services of Northwest Ohio, Board President Mercy College Board of Trustees, Treasurer Columbus Life, Former Leadership Council New England Financial Presidents Club, Former Member Ameritas Investment Corp Presidents Club, Former Member Aviva USA Presidents Club, Former Member Creative Financial Partners, Co-Founder & 1st President

Toledo Grows

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Board

Toledo Rotary

Job Titles:
  • Club Member