Meet Our Team

Jimmy was born and raised in Houston, Texas and attended Texas A&M University. After four years in College Station, he convinced his college sweetheart to move to Houston with him to start a career and a family. The rest is history! Jimmy and wife Leslie have two boys, Tripp and Jaxson. Jaxson has special needs, and because of that they are both very passionate about various organizations and initiatives that impact special needs families. In his spare time, Jimmy enjoys working out, playing golf, and spending time with his family.

David Higgins is a native Houstonian who grew up on the West-side. He graduated from Stratford High School and then attended the University of Houston while working full-time for Sterling Bank in their credit department. David spent several years in the banking, mortgage, and software business before pursuing a life-long passion of financial services. Six years after joining Northwestern Mutual, David was appointed to take a leadership position within the company and become a District Manager. In November 2016, the Northwestern Mutual - West Houston District Office was finally opened in the energy corridor with David as the Managing Director. David married his wife Hailey in 2012 and together they have three beautiful children: Winnie, Hudson and Grady. They currently reside in West Houston.

Allison is originally from Orange County, California. She studied at Chapman University, graduating with a degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in International Business. Allison moved to Houston in 2014, and after meeting her now husband who is in the oil and gas industry, she knew that Houston was going to be their forever home. Allison began her career with Northwestern Mutual in 2016 as Director of Client Services and has since transitioned into the role of Director of Operations. When Allison has free time, she is spending it with her husband Ian, and their two daughters Peyton and Sutton.

John is a native Houstonian. He graduated from Texas State University in 2008 with a Bachelor of Business Administration and majored in Finance. John worked in the energy industry for 8 years helping businesses lower their energy costs. From there he worked in commercial banking for 3 years and made his way to Northwestern Mutual with a desire to have an impact in other’s lives. Outside of work, John is an avid golfer and enjoys spending time with his wife, Mercy, and two young boys, Johnny and James.

Nitzia is our Director of Client Services. She has over 20 years of experience in the financial industry and holds the Texas Life and Health Insurance License. Nitzia began her career with Northwestern Mutual in 2002 and has had several roles including Associate Financial Representative, Client Relations Coordinator, and New Business Processor for our Houston Network Office. Nitzia oversees all aspects of risk management operations and client services.  As family is priority for Nitzia, she understands the value of helping provide a solid financial future for families.

Zach attended Texas State University and graduated in 2015 with a Bachelor of Business Administration and majored in Finance. After graduating he entered the Financial Planning industry and has since been with Northwestern Mutual for 5+ years. During that time, he has acquired his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification and Certification in Long-Term Care designations. Zach began his career focusing on the insurance side of financial planning but has since expanded to becoming a comprehensive financial planner with aspirations to soon becoming a lead advisor within our team. Outside of work, Zach enjoys spending time outdoors fishing, hunting, playing golf and spending time with his girlfriend of 4+ years Alli and his basset hound, Beau.

Monica graduated from the University of Houston-Clear Lake with a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance. She entered the Financial Services Industry over 15 years ago to be part of a community that helps individuals meet their financial goals and needs. Monica has held many different titles during her career with Northwestern Mutual, including Director of Client Relations, Associate Financial Representative and currently holds the title of Client Service Administrator. Monica loves the great culture, customer service and value Northwestern Mutual provides to its policy holders.  She currently holds the Texas Life and Health Insurance License and joined Aspire Wealth Advisors in 2021. Monica enjoys running, traveling, and spending time with her family.

Trent is a graduate from the University of Houston, majoring in Finance and receiving a certificate in Personal Financial. He came into the Financial Planning industry wanting to make a direct impact in people’s lives by guiding clients through difficult financial decisions and establishing generational wealth for family-oriented individuals. Starting out as an intern in the beginning of 2021, Trent moved on to become the team’s lead paraplanner after graduation. He now focuses on building comprehensive financial plans to help guide our client’s future. In his free time, Trent enjoys spending his time golfing, watching sports, and going to concerts with his friends.  

Sam Schlanger is a graduate of the University of Florida, class of 1980. 

He has lived in the Houston area since 1980 and currently resides in Katy with his wife, Terry. They have two sons, Graham and Leighton. Graham, a Solutions Architect with Augury, is married to Samantha, a marriage and family therapist. They have one son, Max. Leighton is an event host for TeamBuilding.com, and an actor and stage combat choreogapher. Sam and Terry are proud of their commitment to the pursuit of excellence.

Sam and his family have two dogs, a Champion Pembroke Welsh Corgi named “Rocky,” and a beautiful rescue dog named "Dani."

Sam is a sports enthusiast, and a huge fan of college football. He and his family enjoy entertaining at their home, traveling and spending time with family.

Sam’s core values are balance, excellence, service and truth. His family and friends appreciate his honesty and commitment to live out his beliefs.