Packard Wheeler Succession, an employee benefits and wealth planning team of Northwestern Mutual representatives based in Spokane Valley, has joined Cleveland-based Benefit Advisors Network as an independent member.

The financial planning company joined Benefit Advisors Network to expand its client base and improve its clients’ experience, says Jessica Bonar, chief strategy officer and chief operations officer at Packard Wheeler Succession.

“We are committed to being a solution-focused team that consistently pursues industry knowledge and professional development,” she says. “This allows us to become better professionals and better people — so we can bring the absolute best to our clients every day.” 

The move is meant to support Packard Wheeler Succession with growth in four areas — financial performance, operational performance, organic sales growth, and skill set improvement for team members — as Benefit Advisors Network offers tools, technology, and expertise as part of a membership, Perry Braun, president & CEO of Benefit Advisors Network, says in an emailed statement to the Journal.

“(Benefit Advisors Network) provides members with opportunity to connect with forward-thinking advisers across the country — allowing them to learn, share, and grow together,” he says. “This collaboration helps members bring more strategic, well-informed solutions to their clients while avoiding potential pitfalls.”

The advisers network provides its members with tools for clients; access to company insights on recruiting, retention, and compensation; and a collaborative member network of advisers, according to a press release by the company.

Packard Wheeler Succession was established in 1999 by Bret Michael Wheeler and John Packard, according to the company’s website. The 30-employee firm serves clients in 39 states, with more than half who have corporate sites in the Pacific Northwest.

The company offers corporate and high net-worth families strategic planning sessions on the topics of employee benefits, employer-sponsored retirement, corporate succession planning, key-person coverages, deferred compensation, nonqualified plans, and individual investment planning, according to the release. 

Before joining the network, Packard Wheeler Succession passed a screening process that included interacting with Benefit Advisors Network’s current members and its board, and scrutiny of the firm’s business ethics and industry knowledge.

Braun says the network individually negotiates a retainer arrangement with its incoming members and didn't disclose the terms of Packard Wheeler Succession’s membership with the network.

Benefit Advisors Network was founded in 2002 and has grown to 35 agencies internationally.