Edward H. Brenmark, CLU®, CLF®, LUTCF®
Managing Partner
Office: (414) 778-7370
Email: ebrenmark@newyorklife.com
Ed has served the financial services industry since 1984. Most of his career has been dedicated to leading and developing sales professionals. Ed spent 5 years as an Agent and Advisor. He has been in Leadership for over 30 years and has 15 years of experience as a Managing Partner. Ed is currently the Managing Partner for the Milwaukee General Office.
Ed is a 4-time recipient of GAMA’s Career Development Award. He is also an 8-time qualifier of GAMA’s National Management Gold Award. Ed earned the prestigious Master Agency Award twice with GAMA. Ed has been a member of NAIFA his whole career. Ed has been recognized as a Top 50 Partner with New York Life.
Ed is a graduate of Northern Illinois University with degrees in Psychology and Sociology. Ed and his wife Michelle have been together for over thirty years. They have twins, Eddie and Catie who are both attending college. Eddie is studying computer engineering at the University of Illinois-Champaign and Catie is studying music performance at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee.
Ed grew up in Chicago’s Chinatown neighborhood. God, spouse, family, servant leadership, and passion for this business are the core of his motivation and drive, and what defines his why.
Carol Wartchow-Mihas
Field Service Operations Manager
Office: (414) 256-8700
Email: cwartchow@newyorklife.com
Carol began her career with New York Life in the Milwaukee General Office. Over the course of her career, she has achieved numerous positions with increased responsibilities which brought her to the Field Service Operations Manager 22 years ago.
Carol brings a wealth of knowledge to our organization demonstrating a strong work ethic and team involvement. Carol and her award-winning administrative staff rank high in the customer service area and are relied upon for their expertise and empathy. Carol is a firm believer in goal setting and works closely with her staff to manage those goals. Carol is resourceful and approaches her position with a positive attitude that is contagious.
Chris Torola, CLU®
Development Manager
Office: (414) 778-7302
Email: ctorola@newyorklife.com
In my role as development manager, it is my duty to show new agents and advisors how to be successful in this business. I pride myself on teaching the systems and strategies it takes to be a top producer in this industry, an industry which I believe is one of the most noble callings you can undertake. People need our help; they often just don’t know it yet. I work hands on with agents and advisors to help them unlock their full potential, allowing them to do better and go further than they currently think is possible.
I started my career as an agent in 2016 in the Minnesota General Office. After a few successful years, I was promoted to my current role where I have won achievement awards in 2020, 2021 and 2022 for the growth and success of our new team members.
I have been happily married to my wonderful wife Jessica for over a decade. We have a grade school aged daughter named Maddie and a pet dragon. If I am not at work or running to an event for my daughter, you will likely find me enjoying a great show or movie with my family, cheering on the Vikings, reading a good book or getting lost in a new video game.
John D. Garnett
Corporate Vice President- Agency Standards
Office: (608) 575-4507
Email: johngarnett@newyorklfe.com
John D. Garnett is Corporate Vice President of Agency Standards for the Minnesota, Wisconsin and Milwaukee General Offices of the New York Life Insurance Company.
Mr. Garnett began his career with New York Life in 1986 as an Agent & Registered Representative. Over the years he has held various positions of increasing responsibility throughout the Agency Department. Currently, he supervises roughly 160 agents, registered representatives, financial advisors and managers in their daily operations growing their business in key market segments, including the middle-income, the advance (high-net-worth), business, cultural and the women’s markets.
Mr. Garnett received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Wisconsin, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh and a Master of Science Financial Services from the American College. Additionally, he has obtained the Chartered Life Underwriter, the Chartered Financial Consultant, the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy, and the Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow designations.
Mr. Garnett holds life & health insurance licenses along with Series 7, 24, 51 and 63 registrations.
John is married to his wife Mary Lou of 36 years. They have 4 children and four grandchildren. They reside in Madison, Wisconsin.
Michelle Brenmark
Director of Recruiting
Office: (630) 240-0683
Email: mbrenmark0b@newyorklife.com
Michelle Brenmark has been working in the financial services industry for nearly 25 years. Michelle has had many responsibilities and positions, including assistant to the Managing Director and assistant to the Vice President.
Since 2015 Michelle has held the title of Director of Recruiting with New York Life. Michelle has a passion to attract top sales and entrepreneurial people who are interested in a career in the financial services industry.
Michelle and her husband, Ed have been together for over thirty years. They have twins, Eddie and Catie who are both attending college. Eddie is studying computer engineering at the University of Illinois-Champaign and Catie is studying music performance at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee.
Michelle grew up in northern Illinois. Michelle enjoys spending time with family and friends, creating art, sharpening her green thumb skills, yoga, cycling, and being out in nature as much as possible. Michelle has a deep faith in God and is grateful for all of life’s blessings.