Eric Retzlaff

About Eric Retzlaff

Move Forward. Always.A philosophy that guides how we work with clients every day.Life doesn’t stand still. Careers evolve, families grow, responsibilities expand, and financial decisions become more complex over time. Our role is to help clients anticipate what’s ahead, adapt as life changes, and build strategies that prepare them for both the known and the unknown.As a Financial Advisor and Managing Director with Northwestern Mutual, I work with individuals and families to build comprehensive financial strategies that integrate investments, risk management, tax-efficient planning, and long-term retirement planning. The goal is to build a plan that allows people to move forward with clarity, confidence, and purpose.Over time, my practice has naturally grown around serving people whose careers and life paths come with unique financial complexities. Our clients often include federal employees navigating pensions and government benefits, first responders and public service professionals, dual-income families building wealth while raising children, and pre-retirees preparing for major income transitions. Each of these paths requires thoughtful strategies designed around the realities of their careers, responsibilities, and goals.Serving these communities is also personal to me. I believe the work we do professionally should reflect the communities we support locally. Many of the people I work with as clients are the same people who help keep our communities strong and moving forward every day.In addition to serving clients, I lead the Reston, Virginia office as Managing Director, where I recruit, mentor, and develop the next generation of financial advisors. Building a team committed to strong relationships, thoughtful planning, and meaningful impact for the people we serve is one of the most rewarding parts of my work.Outside of work, you’ll usually find me spending time with my wife Katie and our three children, traveling, cooking, or cheering on the Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Bucks. You’ll also often find me involved in the local community—supporting and serving the same people who make this region such a great place to live and work.If you’re looking for a financial partner, I’d be glad to connect. If you’re exploring a career in financial advising, I’m always happy to share more about the path and what it looks like to build a meaningful practice. And if our paths cross through the community, I always enjoy meeting and connecting with people who share a similiar mission.Let’s connect e••••••••@nm.com

Experience

1. Financial Advisor

   NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL WEALTH MANAGEMENT COMPANY

   Jan 2017 — Present · Reston, VA, US

   As a Financial Advisor, I work directly with clients to develop personalized financial strategies designed to support their long-term goals and financial security.My practice focuses on helping individuals and families build comprehensive financial plans that align investments, insurance strategies, retirement planning, and long-term wealth building. I work closely with clients to help them make confident decisions as life evolves—from growing families and career transitions to preparing for retirement.Many of the clients I serve come from professions with unique financial considerations, including federal employees navigating pension and benefits planning, first responders and public service professionals, dual-income families building wealth, and individuals preparing for retirement income transitions.My approach is rooted in long-term partnership—helping clients anticipate what’s ahead, adapt as circumstances change, and continue moving forward with a clear financial strategy.

Education

• Lubar College of Business

  Business, Marketing

  1997 — 2002

Skills

• Marketing Strategy
• Cold Calling
• Team Building
• Sales Management
• Contract Negotiation
• Selling
• Key Account Development
• Customer Service
• Pricing
• Microsoft Office
• Sales
• New Business Development
• Chemicals
• Budgets
• Operations Management
• Account Management
• Key Account Management
• Business Development