Freedom Wealth Advisors Honored on Forbes’ 2026 Best-in-State Wealth Management List

Northwestern Mutual Central Iowa announced today that Freedom Wealth Advisors has been recognized on Forbes’ prestigious 2026 Top Wealth Management Teams Best-in-State list for the second year in a row, reflecting the team’s continued commitment to serving clients across Central Iowa. Freedom Wealth Advisors’ team includes Mike McVicker, Matt Nichols, Cody Molacek, Jarret White and Chad Thompson. 

Developed in partnership with SHOOK Research, this list evaluates teams based on a range of key performance indicators, such as total revenue, team size, assets under management, and other quantitative metrics. A variety of qualitative factors are considered as well, including in-person interviews, service models, and advisors' expertise.

“This recognition reflects the trust our clients place in our team and our shared commitment to thoughtful, long-term planning,” said Mike McVicker, founder, partner and wealth management advisor at Freedom Wealth Advisors. “Our goal is to bring clarity to complexity and help clients move forward with confidence as they work toward financial freedom.”

"I am immensely proud to see a record number of Northwestern Mutual financial advisors and teams recognized by Forbes—particularly the teams from Central Iowa, such as Freedom Wealth Advisors" said Jeff Byrn, managing partner of Northwestern Mutual Central Iowa. "This honor highlights the expertise, empathy, and dedication that Freedom Wealth Advisors brings to their clients."

A growing number of Northwestern Mutual's financial professionals are earning national acclaim for their client-centric commitment and performance within the industry. Last year alone, more than 800 were featured on prominent lists by Forbes and Barron’s. 

Northwestern Mutual has been helping people and businesses achieve financial security for more than 165 years. Through a comprehensive planning approach, Northwestern Mutual combines the expertise of its financial professionals with a personalized digital experience and industry-leading products to help its clients plan for what's most important. With nearly $700 billion of total assetsi being managed across the company’s institutional portfolio as well as retail investment client portfolios, more than $38 billion in revenues, nearly $2.4 trillion worth of life insurance protection in force, Northwestern Mutual delivers financial security to more than five million people with life, disability income and long-term care insurance, annuities, and brokerage and advisory services. Northwestern Mutual ranked 109 on the 2025 FORTUNE® 500 and was recognized by FORTUNE as one of the "World's Most Admired" life insurance companies in 2025.  

Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM), Milwaukee, WI (life and disability insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits) and its subsidiaries. Subsidiaries include Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS) (investment brokerage services), broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC; the Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company® (NMWMC) (investment advisory and services), federal savings bank; and Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company (NLTC) (long-term care insurance). Not all Northwestern Mutual representatives are advisors. Only those representatives with "Advisor" in their title or who otherwise disclose their status as an advisor of NMWMC are credentialed as NMWMC representatives to provide investment advisory services.  

Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams” list, (January 2026).  Research & ranking developed by Shook Research, LLC.  Based upon data as of 3/31/2025 Northwestern Mutual (NM) and its advisors do not pay for placement on 3rd party rating or ranking lists.  NM and its advisors do, however, pay marketing fees to these organizations to promote the rating or ranking(s).  Rankings and recognitions are no guarantee of future investment success.

iIncludes investments and separate account assets of Northwestern Mutual as well as retail investment client assets held or managed by Northwestern Mutual.