WILLOWTRUST WEALTH MANAGEMENT - Key Persons

Corrine McFarlane

Job Titles:
  • Client Relations & Executive Assistant
  • Member of Our Team
Corrine is the newest member of our team and has an extensive administrative customer service background. As a Pennsylvania native, she has an education in English and Communication Studies and is eager to learn more about the financial industry. She strives to offer sincerity and integrity to every task to ensure long-lasting relationships are built with clients within a plan designed with a goal to fit their needs. Her favorite pastime includes singing and playing piano - her biggest accomplishment involving the privilege to perform in Carnegie Hall. Being part Korean, she enjoys cooking and eating Asian whenever she has the chance. During the summer, she looks forward to celebrating our independence on the 4 th of July with family and friends.

Jim Nowak - Founder

Job Titles:
  • Founder
  • President & Wealth Advisor
Jim has a passion for fiduciary care and comprehensive planning. Whether it's teaching a class, crafting an investment strategy for retirement income or navigating the latest tax strategies, he is committed to helping clients make forward progress in life. Through his specialized knowledge in life transitions, Jim works with retirees, business owners looking to exit and female clients navigating divorce or the loss of a spouse. Jim has been helping clients in the financial industry since 1999. He founded WillowTrust Wealth Management (formerly Nowak Wealth Management) on the idea that preparing for financial independence should be delivered through simple and achievable process. He is a Certified Financial Planner, Accredited Investment Fiduciary, and Accredited Asset Management Specialist and continues the learning process on a daily basis. Financial independence takes discipline and hard work. Jim began working at age 14, was the first in his family to graduate from college and embraces discipline in his personal and professional life. He was a college swimmer who has completed over 75 triathlons including Ironman Louisville and 5 Half-Ironman races. Using a disciplined process can help you achieve triathlon success as it can also help you achieve financial independence. Jim developed the firm's TRAIL Process to create a systematic and disciplined process to help clients aim to achieve financial independence. Jim currently resides in Raleigh with his wife, Krystal, and their four young and active children: Colgan, Hadley, Harper and Declan. Jim has contributed his time and resources to many organizations since moving to Raleigh in 2001: Wake Enterprises, North Raleigh Lion's Club, AE Finley YMCA, Our Lady of Lourdes and many other community and children's organizations. Jim remains active swimming, cycling, paddling and playing chess, whenever he can fit it into the family schedule.

Krystal Nowak - CCO

Job Titles:
  • Director of Communications
Krystal understands the significance in providing WillowTrust Wealth Management clients with information that is both relevant and important to them. She recognizes the benefit in creating an atmosphere where clients can thrive and achieve their financial goals. In her role, Krystal delivers client messaging through such activities as educational workshops, client appreciation events and even an occasional family and office video. Krystal's background, although not linked to the financial services industry, well equipped her for the responsibilities to manage client communications and outreach. A North Carolina State University graduate in Chemistry, Krystal brings with her over six years of experience in the medical field. She is solution minded, attentive to details and values getting things completed. Choosing the right "bedside manner" -- whether for a patient or a retiree -- requires trustworthiness and guidance and Krystal's resume provides her with the right amount of both. Krystal is married to Jim Nowak, founder of WillowTrust Wealth Management, and is fortunate to spend quality time at home with their four children, Colgan, Hadley, Harper and Declan. She is an active member of the Junior League of Raleigh, a membership she has retained since 2006, enjoys running, music and focusing on her passion that is living a healthy and now vegan lifestyle. Krystal understands the significance in providing WillowTrust Wealth clients with information that is both relevant and important to them. She recognizes the benefit in creating an atmosphere where clients can thrive and achieve their...

Scott Poulsen

Job Titles:
  • Wealth Planning Coordinator
Scott is new to our team and is working as planning support. He is transitioning out of the United States Air Force after nearly 10 years of service. Scott earned his MS Consumer Sciences, concentration in Family Financial Planning and Counseling in 2020 and passed the CFP® Exam in 2021. He is excited to begin applying his education to the benefit of our clients. Scott and his wife, Maggie, recently welcomed their third boy, Evan, to the family. The older brothers, Owen and Jayden, are excited about their new playmate. Raleigh is completely new to the family and they are excited to get to know the city and the people. Scott enjoys staying active, whether by choosing to go for a run or running after kids.

Skyler Wofford

Job Titles:
  • Client Services Associate
Skyler is new to the financial industry, but her background in healthcare provides her with a strong desire to help others, as well as allowing her to understand the importance of providing high quality and compassionate service to clients. Skyler is currently an online student at Colorado State University pursuing her Bachelor's Degree. In her free time Skyler enjoys running, spending time with friends and family, and trying new things. Some of her bucket list items of places she wants to visit and see would be the Northern Lights and Egypt.