News, events, and community updates from MassMutual Great Lakes

2026

Excellence in Action

On Thursday, February 5, MassMutual Great Lakes hosted the 2026 Kickoff Meeting & AAX Founders Day in Detroit, Michigan. The event brought together advisors, leaders, and partners dedicated to  growth, performance, and creating impact across the firm.

The day was designed to align our teams on results, reinforce our high standards, and provide actionable insights for the year ahead. Speakers included MassMutual Great Lakes’ Executive Leadership team, Tom Wall, CEO and Founder of Whole Life Masterminds, Jackie Wilke, Vice President, Advisor Consultant, First Trust Portfolio L.P., and Tyler Sigler, Vice President, First Trust Portfolio L.P. They shared strategies for achieving excellence, strengthening advisor service, and driving results in production and client impact.

Attendees left with a clear understanding of the firm’s priorities for 2026 and the tools needed to execute at the highest level. The meeting reinforced one key principle: success depends on alignment, focus, and delivering consistent value.

2025

Celebrating the Leaders of Tomorrow: 2025 Rising Leaders

MassMutual Great Lakes recognizes the performance and commitment of our Rising Leaders. These individuals set the tone early through discipline, adaptability, and execution. They represent the standard we expect across the firm.

The Rising Leaders track is built for professionals in their first four years, with limited prior insurance experience, who are serious about growth and development. It identifies those who take ownership, deliver results, and commit to serving advisors and their clients at a high level.

Please join us in recognizing:

·      Brook Maziasz, First Year

·      Pat Nagle, First Year

Their work is building a strong foundation for the future and raising the bar for what is possible early in a career.

We look forward to their continued growth and impact.

An Evening of Gratitude

MassMutual Great Lakes hosted An Evening of Gratitude at the historic Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation in Dearborn, Michigan. The event recognized the people and culture that drive our success.

This was more than a gathering. It was a recognition of our advisors, support staff, and MMGL team members. Their dedication, focus, and execution drive results every day. Our team is a family united by purpose, committed to serving advisors and their clients at the highest level.

The evening highlighted milestones and achievements that reinforce the standards and culture defining MassMutual Great Lakes. It was a reminder that growth and impact come from alignment, accountability, and relentless execution.

We celebrated what we have built and what lies ahead. Every day, we honor the values, discipline, and teamwork that make this firm exceptional.

Igniting Growth at the 2025 Victory Campaign

On Friday, August 15, MassMutual Great Lakes hosted the 2025 Victory Campaign Kickoff Meeting in West Bloomfield, Michigan. The event brought together Home Office partners, industry leaders, and the advisors driving our firm forward.

The meeting featured a fireside chat between MassMutual Great Lakes CEO Manuel Amezcua and MassMutual Chairman, President & CEO Roger Crandall. Discussions focused on leadership, advisor value, and strategies for growth. Additional speakers included Mike Barresi, Denny McCarty, Richard Samuelson, Al Kingan, and John Giarmarco, who shared insights on annuities, life insurance, advanced sales, and estate planning.

The day emphasized one principle: our growth and the growth of our advisors depends on serving them with excellence. Advisors and their teams remain our only client, and our goal is to be their first and only call across the country.

The event concluded by honoring Shelley Fiore, who recently retired after more than four decades in the industry. Her dedication and impact leave a lasting legacy at MassMutual Great Lakes.

Executing Excellence: 2025 Investment Day

MassMutual Great Lakes hosted the 2025 Investment Day Symposium on Wednesday, June 11 in Plymouth, Michigan. The event brought together top Investment Representatives, firm leadership, and key partners for a focused day of strategy, insight, and execution.

Designed for advisors committed to growth, the symposium aligned with MassMutual’s Vision 2030. Discussions centered on strengthening client impact, increasing GDC, and expanding access across the wealth platform. Advisors gained practical strategies to scale their business and deliver greater value to clients.

Speakers from the MassMutual Home Office included Bebe Wilkinson, Head of Wealth Management Product, Matt Whitbread, Lead Investment Strategist, Kate Cressotti, Head of Wealth Management Field Engagement, and Garrett Schwan, Director of Wealth Management Business Development.

Field partner experts included Kayla Houston, Product Specialist, Capital Markets at CAIS; Will Brady, ETF Specialist at Capital Group; Sam Gumma, Wealth Management Consultant at Capital Group; and Chad Edwards, Regional Director at Envestnet. Each session focused on actionable insights that advisors can apply immediately, with an emphasis on driving growth, enhancing client outcomes, and expanding capabilities across the wealth platform.

The event reinforced a clear message: growth is intentional. Advisors who commit to development, leverage resources, and execute with discipline are best positioned to lead in a competitive environment.

MassMutual Great Lakes remains focused on equipping advisors with the tools, access, and partnerships needed to perform at a high level.