Planning Team
David Shuley CFP®, CLU®, RICP®
Co-Founder and Private Wealth Advisor
After graduation in 1993, David moved to Cincinnati, Ohio to start his financial services practice at Northwestern Mutual. Early in his career, David earned his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional and his Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®) designations. He grew his practice at an accelerated rate to earn Forum Honors (Northwestern Mutual’s highest achievement for advisors) XX out of XX years. In 2020, David co-founded Esteem Wealth Partners as part of Northwestern Mutual’s Private Client Group. He has been recognized by Forbes® in the top 10 ‘Best-in-State Financial Security Professionals’ for Ohio in 2022 and 2023. Esteem Wealth Partners has also been recognized with the ‘Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams’ in 2024.
David and his wife, Tonya, currently live in Fort Thomas, KY. They have four children: Ethan, Blake, Brooke, and Grace. He enjoys helping those around him by volunteering his time to his church and on the local board of the American Red Cross. You will find David doing many different things outside of the office; but one thing is certain, whatever he is doing will fall in line with his values of family, faith and exercise.
Forbes Best-in-State Top Financial Security Professionals list (July 2023, July 2022), based upon data as of December 31st of the preceding year. Research and ranking provided by SHOOK Research. Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams (1/9/2024), Research & ranking provided by SHOOK ® Research, LLC – Data as of 3/31/23. Northwestern Mutual and its advisors do not pay for placement on 3rd party rating lists, but do pay marketing fees to these organizations to promote the rating(s). Rankings and recognitions are no guarantee of future investment success.
Brent L. Shaw CFP®, RICP®, WMCP®
Co-Founder and Private Wealth Advisor
Brent has been recognized by Forbes in the top 10 ‘Best-in-State Financial Security Professionals’ for Ohio in 2022 and 2023. In addition to the individual recognition, Forbes has also recognized Esteem Wealth Partners as ‘Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams’ in 2024 making them one of the youngest companies to make the list and ranking them #1 in the State of Ohio for all Northwestern Mutual advisor teams. Brent co-founded Esteem Wealth Partners with David Shuley and Geoff Stevens in 2020 as part of Northwestern Mutual’s exclusive Private Client Group. In January 2024, he opened our 30A Florida office at Watersound Town Center just outside of Alys Beach & Rosemary Beach.
Throughout his career, Brent has earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional, Wealth Management Certified Professional (WMCP®), and Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP®) designations. He obtained his series 6 investment securities and insurance licenses in 2006 as a junior in college and went on to complete his series 7 securities license after graduating from Ohio University at the beginning of 2008.
Brent currently divides his time with wife Kate, daughter Lila, and their dog Parker as fulltime residents in Inlet Beach, Florida and their downtown Cincinnati home. His favorite hobbies include playing guitar, spending time at the beach, and canoeing the Little Miami River. While attending college, Brent was a singer/songwriter performing at restaurants and pubs in the Cincinnati, Dayton, and Athens area. He still occasionally performs acoustic cover shows.
Forbes Best-in-State Top Financial Security Professionals list (July 2023, July 2022), based upon data as of December 31st of the preceding year. Research and ranking provided by SHOOK Research. Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams (1/9/2024), Research & ranking provided by SHOOK ® Research, LLC – Data as of 3/31/23. Northwestern Mutual and its advisors do not pay for placement on 3rd party rating lists, but do pay marketing fees to these organizations to promote the rating(s). Rankings and recognitions are no guarantee of future investment success.
Geoff Stevens has carved a distinguished path in the financial services industry, beginning his career with Northwestern Mutual in 2012 before co-founding Esteem Wealth Partners in 2021. His expertise is deeply rooted in working closely with established business owners, guiding them through the intricacies of business succession and personal financial planning with a keen and insightful approach.
Hailing from Centerville, Ohio, Geoff’s journey has been marked by dedication and a thirst for knowledge and service. Following his graduation from high school, he embarked on a two-year proselyting mission in Sao Paulo, Brazil, for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and experience that enriched his perspective and commitment to service. Returning with renewed purpose, Geoff pursued and obtained his bachelor’s degree from Wright State University, further cementing his academic and professional foundation by earning an MBA. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, Geoff takes pride in offering Concierge Advising services, tailoring his expertise to meet the unique needs of his clients.
Beyond his professional endeavors, family and mission remain central pillars in Geoff’s life. He is devoted to his wife, Casey, and their children, Taden, Madelyn, and Nolan, cherishing the moments spent together away from the demands of his career. Geoff’s commitment extends to his community as an active member of his church, where he continues to embody the values of service and community engagement.
Always eager to embrace new challenges and opportunities for growth, Geoff is currently pursuing his private pilot license. This pursuit reflects his adventurous spirit and desire to explore new horizons, both personally and professionally.
Sean Murphy CFP®, RICP®, WMCP®, ChFC®
Partner and Private Wealth Advisor
Sean joined the firm in 2016, before becoming an equity partner of Esteem Wealth Partners in 2021. Sean focuses on personal planning with corporate executives, medical professionals, & sales professionals helping them from the beginning stages of their career through retirement distribution planning. He has his Life and Health License, his Series 7 and 66, and has obtained the following designations: CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, Retirement Income Certified Professional® (RICP®), Wealth Management Certified Professional® (WMCP®), and Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®).
Sean grew up in Cold Spring, Kentucky. He went to Northern Kentucky University where he graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Finance and Accounting. Sean had his first experience with investment services when he was selected as an undergrad to help manage the Northern Kentucky University Haile Student Investment Fund. He currently resides in Newport, Kentucky. Outside of the office, he enjoys golfing, travelling, exercise, and spending time with family & fiancé, Sydney.
Michael Aschbrenner was born and raised in Sterling, Illinois. He graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science degree from Illinois State University. Michael joins Esteem Wealth Partners with 16 years of operations experience, in as many as 10 different states throughout the Midwest, New England, and New York City.
Our primary goal at Esteem Wealth Partners is to over deliver on our clients’ expectations. Michael’s responsibility is to assist the team with developing the best processes for our clients’ needs and expectations, while assisting the partners with formulating the best business practices. We are utilizing Michael’s wealth of knowledge to become a world class firm for our clients.
Michael moved back to Cincinnati in 2019. He currently lives in South Lebanon with his wife, Erin; their two daughters, Olivia and Ava; and their dog, Brutus. Whether it’s hiking, boating, camping, family walks in the park, or just yard work, you will always find Michael spending his free time outdoors. Fun fact: Michael is a Certified Six Sigma Black Belt!
Yanira was born and raised in New Jersey and spent most of her adult life in Florida. Her passion is being of service and creating impact in people’s lives. Early in her career she became certified in Business Administration, Project Management and Coaching to provide the best support for clients, executives, and their team.
She comes to Esteem Wealth Partners with 20 plus years of experience as an Executive Assistant. Her responsibilities are to serve as the primary contact for clients, be the main support person for Executive Leadership and manage our growing office needs.
Yanira and her two sons, Kristian and Joshua, have just recently moved to Cincinnati and live in the Eastside neighborhood. She and her sons spend their free time in family gatherings enjoying delicious meals and lots of laughter. Outside of family time, Yanira enjoys the beach, spending time in nature, hiking in the woods, reading, volunteering at churches, and coaching people towards healing from traumatic experiences.
Catherine grew up in the suburbs of Chicago before moving to northern Kentucky in 2015. She completed a dual degree program and graduated cum laude from Northern Kentucky University. Since then, Catherine has obtained Life and Health Insurance Licenses, became registered with the Series 7 and 63, and is currently pursuing additional professional designations.
As a Private Wealth Advisor, Catherine’s focus is to understand clients’ needs and desires to help formulate efficient strategies to achieve them. Her attention to detail and eagerness to serve others, paired with her degrees in both Economics and Statistics, results in exceptional client experiences and optimal outcomes.
Outside of the office, Catherine enjoys spending time outside with her family and friends. Some of her favorite activities include hot yoga, baking, and long walks with her dogs.
Patrick grew up in Fort Thomas, Kentucky. He attended Thomas More University where he played collegiate soccer and graduated with honors in Business with a concentration in Finance. After graduation, he spent three years with one of the largest private financial firms in the world. During a college co-op and these three years of experience, Patrick has attained Life and Health Insurance Licenses, Series 7, 63, 66, and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional.
At Esteem Wealth Partners, Patrick uses his knowledge and experience to foster relationships with individuals and help them attain their financial goals. Patrick will utilize a client’s financial plan to keep them on the right path toward their goals. He will regularly meet with clients to review their plan to help keep them updated on their progress.
In his free time, Patrick enjoys spending time with family and friends. Some of his favorite activities include playing/watching sports, working out, reading, watching movies, attending local trivia nights, and relaxing on the beach.
Joanna Adams CFP®, RICP®
Director of Investment Services
Joanna Adams grew up in Sunny California before attending Brigham Young University in Utah. There she met her husband, graduated with a degree in Human Resource Management and eventually moved to the Cincinnati area. She put her degree to good use in managing four children. She became a certified pharmacy technician before beginning to work for David Shuley in 2013. She has obtained her Life and Health licenses, Series 7 and 66, is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, and has her Retirement Income Certified Professional designation.
As the Director of Investment Services, Joanna oversees client onboarding and service operations. Joanna assists with tasks such as retirement asset rollovers, account movement, account setup and much more. Her attention to detail has proven her success at managing and executing the Investment process for each individual client.
With her husband, Khan, she is mom to Theron, Karissa, Kegan and William and resides in Covington, KY. Three of her kids are married and she has two granddaughters and one grandson. Outside of the office, Joanna enjoys working with the Women’s Organization through her church and spending time with her family.
Bridget grew up in the Cincinnati area. She graduated from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance. Bridget had six years of experience in banking, insurance, and investments before joining Northwestern Mutual in 2015. Bridget has her Life and Health Licenses, Series 6, 7 & 63 investment licenses, and the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional designation.
At Esteem Wealth Partners, Bridget uses her experience and knowledge to service client needs in both the investment and insurance areas. She also helps to facilitate all aspects of a client’s plan to ensure goals are the focus when choosing the appropriate accounts to open.
When she’s not at work, Bridget is usually spending time with her husband, Sonny; son, SJ; and stepdaughter, Adyson. Bridget also loves volunteering for her church, as well as annually for the National Spelling Bee. You may even see her on TV escorting participants on or off stage during the event!
Richard Perry grew up near Ann Arbor, MI and Chicago, IL. After obtaining an Economics degree as an honors graduate at Thomas More University, Richard attended the University of Cincinnati College of Law where he earned his Juris Doctor degree. After law school, he began his career in institutional investment consulting with Fund Evaluation Group. Richard has extensive experience in the investment management industry, including experience with Legg Mason Institutional Funds, Fort Washington Investment Partners, and leading a regional investment team with PNC Institutional Investments. Richard’s clients have included several Fortune 500 companies, as well as national endowments, foundations, family offices, high net worth individuals, law firms, and national sports leagues.
At Esteem Wealth Partners, Richard utilizes his many years of experience to assist clients with their investment portfolios. If you have any questions regarding investments or funds, he’s the guy to call. Richard’s primary focus is to work with clients to understand their goals and risk tolerance and make appropriate recommendations and help find the best investment options for each client or account.
Richard now resides near Milford, OH with his wife and four children. He enjoys hiking, reading and analysis on demographic trends, and spending time with his family.
Aaron Nickolette CFP®, MBA, ChFC®
Director of Financial Planning
Aaron Nickolette grew up in Lorain, Ohio. He graduated from Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Massachusetts with a degree in Chemical Engineering. He spent the next two decades working in manufacturing making everything from pharmaceuticals to baby diapers. During this time, he obtained his MBA from the University of South Carolina. After many years of do-it-yourself financial planning, Aaron decided to become a financial advisor. He has his Series 7 and 66, is Life and Health Insurance licensed, and is a Certified Financial Planner ™ (CFP®) certificant.
At Esteem Wealth Partners, Aaron has a hand in preparing retirement and investment analyses, as well as helping clients with the creation of a comprehensive financial plan. He enjoys using his time having “walked a mile” in client’s shoes to bring practical and relatable experience to each plan he creates.
Aaron Lives in Batavia, Ohio with his wife, Kimberly. Aaron and Kim have one son, Ryan, who is currently in college. Kim is a high school English teacher. Aaron enjoys staying physically fit and, when he has time, woodworking. He is also active in the local Boy Scouts troop and is a member of the local Rotary charitable service organization.
Chrissy grew up in Fort Thomas, Kentucky. She graduated from Northern Kentucky University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education. She began working with David Shuley and Northwestern Mutual in 2008. While working with David, she was able to obtain her Life and Health Licenses.
At Esteem Wealth Partners, Chrissy’s responsibilities include welcoming and onboarding new clients, assisting with opening of new accounts, applying and renewing insurance policies and much more. Whether you are a new client or have been with us over the years, Chrissy will be happy to ensure whatever you need handled is taken care of.
Chrissy currently lives in Alexandria, Kentucky with her husband Chip, their two kids: Berkley and Tripp, and their dog Stanley. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, baking, or cooking.
Robyn was born in Rhode Island, before moving to the Cincinnati area in 1984. She started working at Northwestern Mutual in 1993 and has her Life and Health Licenses.
As a service representative, Robyn is a main point of contact for new and existing clients who need help with insurance and investment products. She guides clients through the onboarding, application, and underwriting processes. Robyn’s goal is to make sure new accounts and policies are approved quickly and efficiently.
Robyn has two daughters, Miranda and Sydney; two dogs, and one cat. She currently lives in Oxford, OH with her husband, Mark. In her free time, Robyn enjoys antiquing and spending time with her family and friends. She loves outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and kayaking. Her favorite places to visit are National Parks or a beach.
Jaymee was born in Pennsylvania, before moving to Michigan, and eventually residing in the Cincinnati area. She graduated from Northern Kentucky University with a bachelor’s degree in communications.
Now with Esteem Wealth Partners as a Service Representative, Jaymee guides clients through their first steps toward their goals. Jaymee helps build lasting relationships with our clients as she works with them through the account opening and insurance application process.
Jaymee and her son, Wyatt, live in the Northside neighborhood in Cincinnati. She and her son spend their free time going to car shows and races together. Jaymee also enjoys spending time outdoors, whether hiking in the woods or in her flower garden.
Born and raised in Cincinnati, OH, Joshua is proud to call the Midwest his home. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Howard University in 2019. Joshua joins Esteem Wealth Partners with 6 years of experience in marketing and client relations, including starting and growing his own businesses.
As a Marketing and Client Relations Specialist, his primary focus is to ensure a world class client experience- his attention to detail, communication, and willingness to serve others will come together to provide an unparalleled client experience.
When he’s not working, you can find Joshua spending quality time with his family, exploring new coffee shops, or experiencing new restaurants. His favorite hobbies include fitness, cooking, and outdoor activities.
Grace Shuley grew up in Fort Thomas, Kentucky. She is currently working towards a degree in Commercial Music at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. After seeing her father run an incredibly successful company for years, she decided she’d like to become a part of the team.
At Esteem Wealth Partners, Grace plays a hand in cleaning up the client filing system, as well as helping around the office when others are in need. Her responsibilities serve as the backbone of our client information and ensures only correct data is stored.
Grace has just recently moved back to Cincinnati for the summer. She enjoys spending her free time with her friends and family playing pickleball and attending concerts. Outside of her relationships, you can find her writing music, attending church, and playing gigs around town.