Meet the Central California Business Center Team

Mr. Griffith joined Mr. Thornton in 1986 as Co-Regional Managing Director and together they built the Central California Business Center into a network of representatives serving California's Central Valley and San Francisco Bay area.  During their tenure the Central California Business Center has finished each year as one of the best in the company, including the top-honor Grand Trophy in 1991, 1992 and 2006.  Rod and Bill sit on numerous boards including the Society of Financial Service Professionals and the United Way giving back to our industry and our communities by contributing their time and passion. 

Rod joined the Principal Financial Group in 1982 as a Regional Managing Director of the Fresno Business Center.  Bill Griffith joined Rod in 1986 as Co-Regional Managing Director and together they built the Central California Business Center into a network of representatives serving California's Central Valley and San Francisco Bay area.  During their tenure the Central California Business Center has finished each year as one of the best in the company, including the top-honor Grand Trophy in 1991, 1992 and 2006.  Rod and Bill sit on numerous boards including the Society of Financial Service Professionals and the United Way giving back to our industry and our communities by contributing their time and passion.

Martha has been in the insurance industry since 1980 and came to the Central California Business Center in 1988.  She oversees Business Center operations, assists the management team with agency development and supervises our multi location support staff.  Martha is actively involved in her church working with the AWANA program.

James came to the Principal Financial Group^® after successful careers with United Airlines. He recently retired from the US Marines Corp Reserve after 22 years of service. James began as a Financial Services Representative and a Princor Registered Representative with the Central California Business Center and has chosen a career path into management. He is responsible for professional development in the San Francisco, San Mateo and San Jose offices, spending much of his time training and skill-building with new representatives. James is actively involved with his three children and their interests spending much of his time fundraising for community and school programs.

Rob began as a Financial Services Representative and a Princor Registered Representative with the Central California Business Center and has chosen a career path into management.  He is responsible for professional development in the Fresno, Visalia and Bakersfield offices, spending much of his time training and skill-building with new representatives.  Rob is actively involved in the Fresno-Madera Medical Society, the Clovis Chamber of Commerce and coaching soccer for the California Junior Soccer League.

Ryshiem has been in the financial services industry over a decade. His story book past included a professional sports career prior to entering the business world. Ryshiem began his financial services career as a financial planner where his clients benefited from his comprehensive and disciplined approach. This philosophy still guides him with clients and in his efforts to recruit and develop new advisors. As a Managing Director, Ryshiem is chiefly responsible for the development of financial professionals, as well as the continued growth and success of the Bay Area Business Center.

Margot works with management to develop Business Center markets and marketing capabilities.  She works with new representatives to help launch them into appropriate target markets and supports them with ongoing marketing campaigns as they develop their business.   Margot holds leadership positions in local chapters of Public Relations Society of America, Institute for Family Business and Marketing Think Tank.

Bob is the catalyst behind our growth in the South Valley and he is actively expanding our presence in Visalia and Bakersfield.  Bob regularly achieves Management Achievement Round Table (MART), a company award for our top managers.  He is actively involved in Visalia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and is a board member of the Business Resource Advisory Council and the local Red Cross Chapter.   Bob was the key note speaker at the 2007 NAWIC Regional Conference, and a breakout speaker at the 2007 Bakersfield Women's Conference.

Shawn is responsible for helping grow our Bakersfield and Visalia Business Centers by sourcing and hiring new representatives.  Prior to joining The Principal, he was a high school math teacher and baseball coach while also owning a limousine company.  Shawn's competitive spirit can often be seen on the playing field.  He currently plays fast pitch softball and has been on five fast pitch softball national championship teams.