Meet Our Team
W. Brian Drake CRPS®, QPFC
Principal and Retirement Plan Specialist
Recognized by the Financial Times as a Top Retirement Advisor, Brian Drake is a founding partner of Summit Business Solutions and brings more than 35 years of experience in assisting retirement plan sponsor and participants.
Brian earned a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics from Purdue University and holds the Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist (CRPS®) and Qualified Plan Financial Consultant (QPFC®) designations. He’s a member of the National Association of Plan Advisors, American Society of Pension Professionals & Actuaries, and National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors.
Brian is a lifelong resident of Greenwood, Ind., where he was raised on a family farm. He and his wife, Diane, have two sons, both married, and two granddaughters. In his spare time, Brian enjoys playing golf and baseball, and traveling with his family.
Korey A. Grow QPFC, CRPS®
Retirement Plan Specialist
Korey Grow is a Retirement Plan Specialist with Summit Business Solutions. Working primarily with businesses and their qualified retirement plans, Korey uses a holistic approach to financial planning that helps put his clients in a position to live a life they envision up to, and through, retirement. He also works with business owners on exit and succession planning strategies.
Korey earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Huntington University in 2009, and holds licensures in FINRA Series 6, 7, 63 and 65 registrations. He is a Board Member for Fellowship for Christian Athletes Great Lakes Region and the Board Chair for Fellowship for Christian Athletes SPORTS. Korey lives in Fort Wayne, Ind. with his wife, Cheryl, and three daughters—Keeper, Crosley, and Dottie. He enjoys watching and coaching the girls in several different sports, spending time at church activities, and golfing whenever possible.
Michael J. Ready CFP®, QPFC
Retirement Plan Specialist
Michael Ready has been working with companies of all sizes for more than 16 years and joined Summit Business Solutions in 2021. This experience has shaped how he works with his clients today and the goal of building world-class retirement programs for their companies.
Michael earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Southern Indiana in 2004. He holds his IN Life and Health insurance license, and FINRA Series 7 and 63 registrations. He is also a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP ®) professional. Michael lives in Indianapolis with his wife Katie and their two sons.
Valerie has been in the financial services industry since 2014. She graduated from Western Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science degree. She has her IN Life and Health insurance license and FINRA Series 7, 66 and SIE registrations.
How can Valerie help you?
- Valerie specializes in implementing insurance solutions for businesses
- Valerie oversees the investment due diligence process for qualified plan clients
Carrie Coulter is a Client Service Manager for Mike Ready. She joined Northwestern Mutual in 2015. Carrie has a background in education, sales and customer services. Carrie has a degree in Elementary Education from Judson University.
How can Carrie help you?
- Carrie assists plan sponsors with all plan inquiries and service.
- Carrie corresponds and helps build professional relationships with clients.
Kim Smith is the Client Relations Manager for Summit Business Solutions. She joined Northwestern Mutual in 2011. Kim has more than 20 years of experience, specializing in qualified retirement plan administration. She previously worked as an analyst officer in the trust department of a major bank.
How can Kim help you?
- Kim assists plan sponsors with special projects regarding plan maintenance.
- Kim is the onboarding coordinator for all new client onboarding and vendor changes.
Kristen Causey joined Northwestern Mutual in 2012. She’s the Client Relations hip Manager for Brian Drake. With a background in customer service and management, Kristen graduated from Ball State University with a degree in Public Relations.
How can Kristen help you?
- Kristen assists plan sponsors with all plan inquiries and service.
- Kristen corresponds and helps build professional relationships with clients.
Regina Drake joined Northwestern Mutual in 2018. She serves as the Client Relationship Manager for Korey Grow. She has a background in education and studied Early Childhood Education at Ivy Tech Community College.
How can Regina help you?
- Regina assists plan sponsors with plan inquiries and service.
- Regina corresponds and helps build professional relationships with clients.