NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY - Key Persons


Emily Daffin

Job Titles:
  • Marketing Coordinator
Emily graduated from Xavier University in 2010 with a BA in Advertising & Promotion. Prior to joining the firm, her specialties in Marketing, Copywriting and Event Planning led her to a career in radio (Hubbard Broadcasting and iHeart Media Cincinnati), and local television (WKRC-TV). In 2013, Emily married her husband Jim and moved to White Oak. She currently stays home with their three sons, James, Franklin and Eddie while working remotely for Realize Wealth Management. When she's not trying to break up the constant wrestling matches between her three boys, you can find her in her garden or in the kitchen baking. Emily is also a lifelong Reds fan (even when it's hard to admit) and she rarely misses a chance to watch Xavier Basketball.

James H Daffin

Job Titles:
  • Co - Founder and Wealth Management Advisor
Jim started his business in 2008 after graduating Miami University. He genuinely enjoys helping clients with their overall tax-efficient strategy and working through their financial puzzle. Jim married his wife, Emily in 2013 and lives in White Oak with their three sons. Jim is passionate about creating a better community and spends his free time volunteering with CISE, DePaul Cristo Rey High School and serving on the board for NAMI Philadelphia, Community Matters and Elder High School. He is also an avid Cincinnati sports fan. You can find him cheering in the stands at Cincinnati Reds, Xavier University, University of Cincinnati, and Cincinnati Bengals games. Jim also plays starting quarterback for the "Backyard Bengals" with his three boys. James Harry Daffin, Mark Steven Klein, David A Sheaffer, Matthew Robert St Clair, Kristin Pearson Coulter, Jennifer Netherton and Shane M Watson use Realize Wealth Management as a marketing name for doing business as representatives of Northwestern Mutual. Realize Wealth Management is not a registered investment adviser, broker-dealer, insurance agency or federal savings bank. Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, Milwaukee, WI (NM) (life and disability insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits) and its subsidiaries. James Harry Daffin, Mark Steven Klein, David A Sheaffer, Matthew Robert St Clair, Kristin Pearson Coulter, Jennifer Netherton and Shane M Watson provide investment advisory services as Advisors of Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company® (NMWMC), Milwaukee, WI, a subsidiary of NM and federal savings bank. James Harry Daffin, Mark Steven Klein, David A Sheaffer and Matthew Robert St Clair are Agents of Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company, Milwaukee, WI, (long-term care insurance) a subsidiary of NM. James Harry Daffin, Mark Steven Klein, David A Sheaffer, Matthew Robert St Clair, Kristin Pearson Coulter, Jennifer Netherton and Shane M Watson provide investment brokerage services as Registered Representatives of Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS), a subsidiary of NM, registered investment adviser, broker-dealer and member FINRA (finra.org) and SIPC (sipc.org). James Harry Daffin, Mark Steven Klein, David A Sheaffer, Matthew Robert St Clair, Jennifer Netherton and Shane M Watson are Insurance Agents of NM.

Jennifer Netherton

Job Titles:
  • Financial Planning Analyst
Jennifer has served in the financial industry for over 10 years. Before joining our firm in the fall of 2021, she worked for 2 years in Wealth Management at US Bank in an Associate role for multiple teams. She started her career at First Investors in 2009 with a desire to help people and has learned the ins and outs of what it takes over the past decade. Jennifer gets the greatest satisfaction from serving her family and community. Jennifer serves with her church at Gospel City Mission, raises money for various research foundations, and loves to spend time with her children.

Kristin Coulter

Job Titles:
  • Financial Planning Analyst
Kristin is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati. She has been in the financial industry for over 8 years. Before joining our firm in the spring of 2023, she worked at UBS and Fidelity Investments. Kristin lives in Morrow with her husband Tom. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, and watching sports.

Kristin St Clair

Job Titles:
  • Office Coordinator
Kristin is a graduate of Miami University with a B.S. in Accounting. Prior to joining the firm in 2017 to work alongside her husband, Matt, she spent time in public accounting and corporate finance which allowed her the opportunity to gain thorough understanding of overall business operations.

Mark S Klein

Job Titles:
  • Co - Founder and Wealth Management Advisor
He graduated from the University of Michigan with Honors in 1983 with a B.A. in Organizational Theory and Business. In 1986 he earned a Master's in Business Administration (MBA) from the Indiana University Kelley School of Business. Mark joined the company after being introduced by his uncle, Jerry Klein who was an Advisor for over 55 years. Mark Klein creates customized financial plans enabling clients to reach their financial goals. He particularly enjoys working with retirees, professionals, executives, and business owners. Mark acquired the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL ™ certifications because he wanted to use his advanced financial planning skills to help others reach their financial goals. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and CFP® (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.

Matthew Robert St Clair

Job Titles:
  • Co - Founder and Wealth Management Advisor
Matt graduated from Miami University with a major in Quantitative Economics and minors in Mathematics and statistics. He started his busines in 2005 and enjoys helping clients manage their finances more efficiently. Matt likes to have FUN both in and outside of the office. He has been married to his wife, Kristin, since 2012 and currently reside in Mt. Lookout with their three children, Zachary, Allison, and Abigail. They enjoy taking in all that Cincinnati has to offer, but when they aren't out and about you can find them having a good old-fashioned dance party in their living room. Matt has been involved with Give Back Cincinnati since 2008 and oversees their biggest event, Paint the Town. In addition to volunteering with Paint the Town, Matt enjoys coaching swimming and watching the kids grow and develop throughout the years. He has been a swim coach since he was 18 years old, starting with summer swim teams, including Clinton Hills Swim Club and Overhill Swim Club, and currently, he is a volunteer assistant coach at Elder High School.

Philip Patten

Job Titles:
  • Financial Planning Analyst
Phil has worked in the financial services industry since 2013 and earned his CFP ® marks in 2016. He earned a Bachelor of Business in Finance and Accounting from Tiffin University. Phil lives in Colerain Township with his wife, Amanda, and their three children, Wilder (6), Riot (4), and Liberty (2). Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family working in the garden, tending their chickens, or doing anything outside. Phil is active in his church and currently sits on the board for Vineyard Church Northwest.

Rebekah Rodgers

Job Titles:
  • Financial Planning Analyst
Rebekah is a graduate of Northern Kentucky University where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance and two minors in Business Administration and Human Resources. Before joining the firm in 2019, she interned with Fidelity Investments and worked full time as a personal banker to get a deeper understanding of the financial industry from different aspects. Rebekah believes the greatest joy comes from serving her community and enjoys volunteering with her family. In her spare time, Rebekah loves to play games with her family, read, and try new recipes.

Shane M Watson

Job Titles:
  • Director of Wealth Management Services
Shane has been in the financial services industry since 1997 and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management, magna cum laude from Mount St. Joseph University. Shane lives in Fairfield Township with his wife, Becky, and their two sons, Ty and Will. Outside of work, he enjoys golfing with friends, traveling, reading, and rooting for the Bengals, Reds, and the University of Cincinnati Bearcats. Shane is active in his church and also volunteers at St. Joseph Home, a non-profit that provides residential, day programs, and respite for children and adults with severe to profound developmental disabilities.

Sharyn L Dunnette

Job Titles:
  • Client Service Coordinator
Sharyn has been with our firm since 2004. Her primary focus is assisting clients with their insurance needs. Her responsibilities include scheduling meetings, helping clients with the application process as well as assisting them with their servicing questions. Sharyn has a Life and Health Insurance License and is a licensed notary. Sharyn is married to Kevin, and together they have two children (Chase and Jordan), two grandsons (Lucas and Elijah) and a granddaughter (Everly). In her free time, Sharyn enjoys spending time with her family and is an avid sports fan. You can find Sharyn and her husband at numerous local high school football, basketball, and other sporting events.

Susan L Sulfridge

Job Titles:
  • Client Service Coordinator
Susan has served in the financial industry since 2010 and has a Life and Health Insurance License and Series 6 & 63 Investment registrations. Susan is passionate about her family. She grew up in Indiana and is married to Mike. She has one son named Adam.