Insurance Strategies, Investment Strategies (Reg. Reps Only), Business Owners

English, Spanish

Manuel Amezcua is a dreamer, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and executive in the wealth management and insurance industry who is obsessed with adding value and solving problems in every room he enters. He currently serves as CEO for MassMutual Great Lakes and is also the founder of the Podium Group which has a concentrated focus on serving professional athletes, business owners, and CEOs.

Inspired by growth and connection, Manuel is the host of At the Podium podcast and has spoken at 50 conferences and companies across the country, delivering messages centered on servant leadership, being a great teammate, and doing the things most will not – to achieve the greatness that most will never experience.

Manuel’s leadership philosophy is grounded in a commitment to hard work, having a mindset of abundance, and upholding a standard of excellence. He was named a 2023 and 2024 Inspirational Leader by Employ Humanity, and has been recognized each year since 2019 as one of Detroit’s 500 ‘Most Powerful Business Leaders in Metro Detroit’ by DBusiness Magazine.

An advocate and steward for his people, Manuel’s conviction of fostering a thriving company culture has led to the firm’s recognition on Metro Detroit’s Best & Brightest Companies to Work For’ list annually since 2018, as well as Crain’s Detroit Business ‘Cool Places to Work in Michigan’ list in 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023.

However, his devotion to support and empower others is not confined to the workplace. In his seven-year span leading MassMutual Great Lakes, the firm has sponsored and supported over 60 nonprofit organizations. Manuel has also received MassMutual’s national Community Service Award in 2015, 2019, and 2022, and the 2019 Huebner Service Award from the Society of Financial Services Professionals Detroit Chapter.

Manuel believes that in order to make a profound impact in any area of life, it takes relentless hustle and grit coupled with gratitude and genuine goodness.

At the forefront of Manuel’s personal life are his wife, Samantha, and two children, Ava and Atlas.

Board Service:

Manuel serves on the Board of Governors at the Skyline Club, the Executive Committee for the Game on Cancer, and the DePauw Centers Co-Curricular Advisory Board. He also served as Chair of the Chicago Melanoma Research Foundation’s Wings of Hope Gala for three years. He has provided previous board service to the Melanoma Research Foundation, NAIFA Chicago, POSSE Chicago’s Leadership Council, the Center for Economic Progress, and the Reilly C. Bush Foundation.

 

CRN202706-6733112

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DeAnte Thompkins is a builder, mentor, and decorated industry leader in financial services, driven by the belief that every person has untapped potential waiting to be unlocked. He currently serves as Senior Vice President, Growth & Development at MassMutual Great Lakes, where he oversees the firm’s recruiting strategy, develops emerging advisors, and is spearheading the launch of the inaugural Financial Planning Mastery Program.

Inspired by development and impact, DeAnte began his career in financial services in 2017, quickly distinguishing himself by leading his class locally and nationally in new clients, production, and activity. Before joining the industry, he built a successful career in state government with the Michigan Department of Transportation, where he led workforce development and community outreach initiatives, hiring and mentoring more than 1,000 youth and college students during his tenure. These experiences continue to shape his leadership philosophy, which is grounded in service, intentional development, and a relentless investment in others.

DeAnte’s leadership philosophy is grounded in service, intentional development, and a relentless investment in others. His impact has been recognized through numerous honors, including Oakland County Executive’s Elite 40 Under 40, Crain’s Detroit Business 20 In Their 20s, and the Metropolitan Affairs Coalition and Detroit Free Press Dave Bing Future Leader Award. He has also received the Association of African American Financial Advisors 50 Under 50, the Oakland County Leader of Leaders Award, and was named a Northwood University 20 Under 40 Alumni Honoree.

DeAnte believes true success is measured not by personal achievement but by the lives elevated along the way, a conviction that continues to shape his leadership, mentorship, and commitment to giving back.

At the forefront of DeAnte’s personal life are his wife, Krystal, and their three children, Caleb, Corinne, and Ciana. As a family, they enjoy traveling, serving, and creating meaningful memories together. In his free time, DeAnte enjoys coaching youth sports, playing golf, and exploring Metro Detroit with his wife.

DeAnte is a graduate of Northwood University, where he played football and basketball, and holds a master’s degree from Central Michigan University.

Board Service:

DeAnte serves as Chairman of the Board for The Konnection and holds board positions with Square One Education, Leadership Oakland, and the TG Fire Prevention Foundation.

CRN202901-10246422

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Annette Marschall is a seasoned operations executive and systems builder in the financial services industry, driven by the belief that operational excellence begins with taking care of your people. She currently serves as Senior Vice President, Operations at MassMutual Great Lakes, where she oversees Office Operations, New Business, Technology, Licensing & Contracting, and Human Resources. She partners closely with the firm’s executive leadership to ensure the organization runs with precision, discipline, and purpose.

 

Annette’s leadership approach is grounded in clarity, accountability, and team health. Her work centers on strengthening internal systems, setting clear expectations, and creating an environment in which team members are equipped to serve advisors and clients consistently and with excellence.

 

With more than 30 years of experience in financial services, Annette has held senior leadership roles across carriers, agencies, and brokerage firms, with deep expertise spanning case design, underwriting, and client service. Over the past 15+ years, she has led operational teams through growth, change, and complexity. She brings structure, discipline, and strategic direction to every organization she serves.

 

Annette is a licensed Life, Accident, and Health professional and has worked closely with Gino Wickman, author of Traction, for five years, gaining hands-on experience implementing and operating within the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS). This experience continues to inform her structured, execution-focused approach to leadership.

 

Outside of the office, Annette is actively involved in mission work through her church, participating in service trips to Costa Rica and Peru.

CRN202901-10246419

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