Principal

Rich Hinkle

Principal, Senior Wealth & Insurance Strategist
701-331-4161

Rich Hinkle joined the life insurance industry in the early 2000s, becoming the VP of Life Marketing for the Producers Financial Group in 2002. In 2011, he joined Lincoln Financial Group as a Life Insurance Wholesaler and was a member of the Lincoln Leaders Club from 2012 through 2015. He then joined Saybrus in 2016. During his time with both Lincoln and Saybrus, Rich served as in-house Point of Sale at Edward Jones, earning their top life insurance wholesaler award, the Edward Jones Certificate of Excellence, seven times. Rich joined Insurance Design Network in 2019.

Point of Sale Specialists

Michael Salmon

Senior Wealth & Insurance Strategist
815-519-2871

In the spring of 2017, Michael started his own BGA Insurance Design Network, LLC an AIN affiliate. While in personal production Michael was a life and qualifying member of MDRT and the court of the table. Over the past 40 years he has been active in his local Life Underwriters association. He is a past president of that organization and served at the state level of the Illinois State Association of Life Underwriters. Michael has been a presenter and speaker at Insurance meetings of his peers.

Michael entered the life insurance industry in 1973 with the Prudential Insurance Company. He joined Transamerica as a Life Brokerage Manager in 1979 and later joined the Larry Gordon Agency in Chicago, managing seven offices for the Gordon agency in Illinois and Wisconsin. In 1990, Michael started his own life agency MDS Insurance Group as a personal producer. In 1995, he joined the Hartford Insurance Company as a senior account executive working with wire-house brokers of Wells Fargo, Robert W Baird, Edward Jones, Smith Barney, Morgan Stanley, UBS, and RBC.

While at the Hartford he was consider a leading producer qualifying for their President club each year. After leaving Hartford, Michael joined IDA and has been an independent life broker providing life insurance products to wire-house brokers of Wells Fargo, Robert W Baird, RBC and Stifel.

James Cahill CLU®

Senior Wealth & Insurance Strategist
630-399-2360

James P. Cahill CLU®, is a 40-year veteran of the assisted-sale, brokerage life marketplace in the Greater Chicago area. Jim’s value proposition is a simple one. His goal is to offer thorough and cost-effective solutions to both existing and prospective personal and business clients of financial advisors, independent agents, and attorneys. Jim’s areas of expertise include analysis and implementation of life insurance for both individuals and families, succession planning and executive benefits analysis for closely held business owners and utilizing wealth transfer strategies to minimize estate and gift taxes.

Jim’s career includes a 22-year association as a Branch Manager and Senior Account Executive with Hartford Life, earning top national office and top national account executive designations, while qualifying for award- conference level in 20 of those 22 years. He is a member of the Society of Financial Service Professionals and the Chicago Estate Planning Council. Jim also holds an Illinois state Insurance License as well as FINRA Series 6, 63, and 24.

Jim resides in west suburban Chicago with his wife and enjoys spending time with his four children and seven grandchildren. His hobbies include golf, biking, and coaching youth basketball. He was formerly an assistant coach on three state high school championship teams.

Aaron Hays

Senior Wealth & Insurance Strategist
309-319-6378

Aaron joined Insurance Design Network with over 14 years of industry experience. Previously serving as a Financial Advisor to Branch Office Manager, Aaron most recently worked as a Dedicated Life Consultant with Edward Jones advisors. He specializes in helping financial advisors identify and drive more life insurance conversations, while offering suggestions on how to have more effective talks with clients. He is grateful to be a part of an industry that can create a positive lasting impact for clients as well as future generations.

Originally from the suburbs of Chicago, Aaron moved to Bloomington to attend IL Wesleyan University and earned a degree in Music Composition and Theory. After graduating he decided to stay in the area. Enjoying the slower pace the community offered, Aaron decided to stay in the area after graduation. His passion is ongoing, as he volunteers his time to the IL Prairie Community Foundation and has served on its board for many years.

Aaron currently lives in Bloomington, IL with his wife Nicole and has 3 children, Desmond, Penelope, and Coraleigh. During his free time, he likes to play and write music as well as spend time with his kids. He is an avid reader, likes to learn about new topics and has a strong focus on personal and professional growth.

Brian C Hill CLTC

Life Insurance & LTC Strategist
917-297-9125

A 25+ year veteran of the financial services industry, Brian joined Insurance Design Network in 2023. Brian utilizes his years of industry knowledge and experience to consult with select advisors and their clients specializing in wealth transfer, legacy planning, supplemental retirement planning, and risk mitigation strategies including Long Term Care solutions.

Brian has spent the last 25 years working for Nationwide Financial as their Life Insurance & LTC Specialist and is well known in this industry for his energy, passion, and commitment in helping clients prepare for and live in retirement. He is most known for his “outside the box” thinking when it comes to complex strategies that require a creative and different approach to address clients’ needs.

Brian emigrated from Ireland in 1994. He currently resides in Boca Raton, Florida with his wife Emily and their two teenage children. Outside of work, Brian volunteers with the Boy Scouts of America and, when time allows, to enjoy all the outdoor activities that the Florida lifestyle permits. When he is not working with financial advisors, he loves going on adventures with his wife and kids. Having memorable and fun experiences with his family has always been a priority.

Brian has been accredited by his Certificate in Long Term Care (CLTC).

Karl Krause

Planning & Product Specialist
508-308-2987

Karl brings over 20 years of experience in the insurance and annuity industry. He has built an award-winning career helping financial advisors and their clients—first as an annuity wholesaler for multiple insurance carriers, and now as a trusted consultant to financial planning firms. As a Planning and Product Specialist for LCM Capital Advisors, Karl offers not only extensive planning knowledge and product expertise, but also a client-first philosophy: treating each advisor and their clients as if they were his own family.

“It’s not about the product or the sale, it’s about the result and being purposeful in how we get there. There is specific purpose for every recommendation we make for our advisors’ clients.”

This intentional approach has made Karl a sought-after planning consultant for financial planning firms throughout his home state of Florida and across the country.

Karl lives in Florida with his wife, Autumn, and daughter, Ily. Outside of work, he enjoys playing soccer whenever he can.

Tyler Bliss

Life Insurance, Long-Term Care, and Annuities Expert
949-412-0376

With a remarkable 18-year career as a sales professional, Tyler Bliss is a recognized expert in the fields of life insurance, long-term care, and annuities. His focus remains on helping individuals and families navigate the intricacies of financial planning and insurance to ensure they are well-prepared for life's financial challenges. Tyler's unwavering commitment to financial security has made him a trusted partner and advocate for individuals and families seeking to safeguard their financial future. He is renowned for his client-centric approach, with a deep commitment to understanding each client's individual situation and objectives.

Tyler enjoys delivering customized solutions tailored to clients' specific needs. He excels at crafting tailored life insurance policies that offer essential financial protection and peace of mind. His expertise spans a range of life insurance options, allowing clients to choose coverage that precisely matches their unique needs. Whether it be in wealth transfer strategies or basic needs planning, Tyler has the expertise to guide clients. His dedication to long-term care planning ensures clients are well-prepared for potential healthcare expenses as they age. He also provides personalized solutions that help maintain financial security while addressing health-related costs. Being proficient in annuities, he guides clients in selecting annuity options that align with their retirement objectives and risk tolerance. This enables clients to secure their financial future with stable and dependable income streams and downside protection.

Tyler Bliss's dedication to clients and excellence in life insurance, long-term care, and annuities have earned him recognition and accolades throughout his career. He has cultivated numerous satisfied clients, built on trust and transparency.

 

Operations & Services Team

Braeden Mathern

Internal Sales Assistant

braeden@idesign-network.com
701-367-9850

Braeden joined Insurance Design Network in March 2025 as an Internal Sales Assistant, bringing nearly a decade of experience in the insurance industry. With a strong background in both new business operations and sales, he supports the team through case design, illustrations, lead follow-ups, and maintaining detailed records of client accounts and potential leads.

Passionate about helping others succeed, Braeden is dedicated to ensuring a smooth and effective life insurance workflow for both strategists and agents. His deep knowledge of life insurance products—paired with exceptional marketing and communication skills—makes him a key asset in driving sales and building lasting professional relationships.

Braeden lives in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, with his wife and son. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, especially outdoors, and cooking homemade meals together whenever possible. He and his family are active in their local church, where they enjoy serving their community. Braeden has also proudly served in the North Dakota National Guard for 10 years, demonstrating his strong commitment to both service and leadership.

Courtney Doughty

Senior Case Manager
779-243-2697

Courtney joined Insurance Design Network in 2022, bringing 10+ years of life insurance experience along with her. Since 2010, Courtney has served in various roles where the customer is always the focus, giving her vast experience in managing and sustaining client relationships. Honing these skills at larger firms over the past decade, she now serves as Case Manager, where she acts as a liaison between our agents and insurance carriers, ensuring the most seamless application process possible.

After graduating from Coastal Carolina University with a business degree concentrated in Hospitality, Courtney moved back to Connecticut, just outside of Hartford. She quickly realized that the Life Insurance industry was much larger than that of the Hospitality world in CT, so she chose to break into a totally new industry to see where it would take her.

Courtney and her husband, Erik, live in Vernon, CT and enjoy spending time with their family and friends, and consider football its own season. You’re probably thinking this makes them huge Patriots fans, but that could not be farther from the truth. Courtney proudly roots for the Minnesota Vikings, (SKOL!!!!), while Erik roots for the Dallas Cowboys.

Cindy Greenwaldt

Licensing, Commissions, & Operations
331-264-4305

Cindy has been with Insurance Design Network since the beginning and has been in the industry for over 15 years. She currently serves as IDN’s Contracting, Licensing, & Commissions Specialist as well as oversees the IDN Operations.

Cindy and her husband live in Wisconsin and enjoy spending time with their three amazing sons, two beautiful daughters-in-law, and the best two grandsons in the world. She also has the sweetest rescue dog, Bud, who everyone loves. Besides spending time with their family, Cindy enjoys spending time with friends, planning fun events, going on tropical vacations, boating, and going to live concerts.