Central States Business Center
The World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a global pandemic. We want to take this opportunity to share our plan to protect you as our customer, our financial professionals, and employees.
Our office has implemented a work from home policy for the immediate future. We are checking our voicemail frequently throughout the business day so you can be assured a prompt response to any questions you have. Thank you and take care of yourselves and others.
For more information, check out information on managing the uncertainty.
The Central States Business Center represents Principal® throughout Tennessee and Kentucky with local offices in the Nashville, Memphis and Chattanooga areas. With integrity and professionalism, we are dedicated to helping individuals, businesses and their employees achieve financial security and success in our communities.
Our cornerstone
Our clients seek professionals to help guide them in life’s journey towards financial success. We believe that above all else, human beings value and need personal relationships. This is our cornerstone: Meaningful client/advisor relationships. Our experience has shown us that those best positioned for financial success often work with a dedicated, financial professional, a friend, who sometimes becomes a ballast in the midst of the inevitable storms that come with the journey.
See our office locations & financial professionals
We can help you find a local financial professional to discuss your financial needs. See a list of financial professionals in the Central States to contact one directly. Or, email Sarah Lindsay or give her a call at 901-312-3910.
Are you an advisor and want to work with us? We’ll provide you a professional, supportive environment to build your knowledge and skills. Learn more about what it’s like to work with us and meet our management team.
Our community involvement and events
Karla Davis Johnson, Associate Managing Director based in Brentwood, TN performed at Alive at the Bluebird - a benefit concert held at The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, TN to raise money for Alive Hospice. Karla joined other talented signer/songwriters from Nashville for this concert series. Proceeds support Alive’s community services: Grief support, financial assistance for patients when insurance doesn’t cover everything, education for families and professionals, grief camps for kids, and more.
Pictured: Anna-Gene O'Neil - President and CEO of Alive Hospice, Gordon Kennedy, Danny Flowers, Pete Wasner, and Karla Davis
Our alliances & associations
- Autism Tennessee Society of Middle Tennessee
- Boys and Girls Club of the Smoky Mountains, TN
- Brentwood YMCA, TN
- Brightstone
- Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce, TN
- Feed America First
- Habitat for Humanity
- Junior Achievement
- Kiwanis Club of Sevierville, TN
- Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
- Mountain Hope Good Shepherd Clinic
- Nashville Chamber of Commerce, TN
- Nashville Chapter Society of Financial Service Professionals, TN
- Oakland Chamber of Commerce, Oakland, TN
- Richmond Chamber of Commerce, Richmond, KY
Do you want to make a difference and help others solve problems? We do too. That’s why we want to talk to you about your future with Principal. Whether you’re just getting started or ready to move your business in a new direction, we’ve got your back.
An inclusive culture and tools to build your career
The one thing we have in common is that each of us is different. That’s why we seek diversity in the people we hire. Our inclusion extends to the way we do business with a flexible work culture. That may mean you want to focus on a specific market, be a solo practitioner or join a team. No matter what you choose, we’re here to give you the right tools to build your confidence and help you succeed.
Meet the management team
Now that you know a little about our business center, we’d like to tell you about the amazing folks you’ll be working with.
Eric Howell ChFC® - Regional Managing Director
Eric brings 32+ years of diverse industry experience to his role as Regional Managing Director of the Central States Business Center, encompassing the Tennessee and Kentucky region. His team focuses on building a culture of authentic relationships. Eric believes unequivocally that clients understand the value of relationship and seek trusted financial professionals who will guide them in their individual journey toward success. He and his team meet the diverse needs of individuals, professionals, and small to mid-size businesses.
Eric is a native of east Tennessee and a graduate of University of Tennessee with a B.S. in Business Administration. He currently resides in Franklin, TN.
Contact information
615-651-7928
howell.eric@principal.com
Connect with me on LinkedIn
Karla Davis - Associate Managing Director
As part of the management team, Karla supports the growth and development of the Central States Business Center. Karla’s innate ability to form strong connections has contributed to the vibrant business center culture of heartfelt relationships, where her team focuses on helping people, whether they be financial professionals looking to build their practices, or clients looking for an experienced and dependable professional on their financial journey.
Karla’s role focuses on the education and motivation of both new and experienced financial professionals; she believes strongly in helping individuals achieve their retirement dreams and businesses realize their financial goals. Karla is passionate about empowering women to become financially stable and absolutely loves what she does—“I am genuinely excited waking up each day with the ability to impact some’s life.”
Contact information
615-651-7936
davis.karla@principal.com
Connect with me on LinkedIn
Allen Little - Director of Field Supervision
Allen joined Principal® with over 16 years’ experience in the financial services industry. As Director of Field Supervision, Allen is responsible for assisting Supervising Registered Representatives and Field Leadership teams with their supervisory and regulatory responsibilities. In addition, he provides individual guidance and education on best practices and new procedures to Registered Representatives within each of the Business Centers. Allen serves as the central point of contact for industry and company communication updates for the Central States Business Center.
Allen graduated in Communications and Psychology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Allen spends most of his free time coaching or actively involved in his kids sporting activities. He lives in Birmingham, AL with his wife Shannon. They have 2 children, Emery who attends Vanderbilt University and Griffin who attends Oak Mountain High School.
Contact information
204-444-9004
little.allen@principal.com
Connect with me on LinkedIn
Kira Deck FLMI, MBA - Operations Manager
Kira oversees operations of the Business Center, assists the management team with agency onboarding and development, monitors budgeting, handles compliance activities, as well as leads and directs administrative staff functions. Kira joined Principal Financial Group in 2010 as a Sales Support Specialist and was promoted to Operations Manager in September 2013 with a primary focus of ensuring all clients, representatives, and employees of the business center receive a high level of support and service.
Kira and her husband, Kevin, reside in Franklin, TN with their 2 daughters.
Contact information
615-651-7910
deck.kira@principal.com
Connect with me on LinkedIn
Sarah Lindsay - Senior Marketing Coordinator
As Field Manager-Operations, Sarah has the privilege of providing team leadership to the New Business Consultants, who deliver consultation and management on all aspects of new business case design and submission. We partner closely with professionals to promote processes and services that support growth and foster success. Sarah's team works to drive efficiencies and implement best practices in new business submissions and strengthen relationships with external partners.
Originally from England, Sarah moved to the United States 20 years ago. She enjoys working out, is an animal advocate and appreciates the opportunity to explore the many and varied states across the U.S.
Contact information
901-306-5842
lindsay.sarah@principal.com
Connect with me on LinkedIn
Laura Sperduto - Sales Support Specialist
Laura joined the Central States Business Center in July 2013 as private staff for 2 financial professionals; in October 2014 she transitioned into the Sales Support Specialist role as a Principal employee for the Brentwood office. Laura processes all new business and provides administrative support for management and multiple financial professionals, acting as a liaison with home office departments including underwriting and sales support.
Originally from Boston, Laura and her husband, Pat, moved from Florida to Tennessee in 1996, where they now call Brentwood home, with their 3 children.
Contact information
615-615-7925
sperduto.laura@principal.com
Sarah Zinnel - Candidate Experience Consultant
Sarah brings to the Central States Business Center over three years of recruiting and HR support experience in the staffing industry. She specializes in candidate experience and delivering quality recruiting support.
Sarah is a dog enthusiast who has a personal goal of visiting one global location per year. She is dedicated to continuous education and personal improvement through overcoming fears, learning new skills, and being open-minded.
Contact information
515-878-6333
zinnel.sarah@principal.com
Connect with me on LinkedIn
Interested in meeting with a financial professional near you? Great! Check the list below to see who’s available in your area and learn more.
Nashville office
109 West Park Dr., Suite 430
Brentwood, TN 37027
615-377-6780
Directions to the Nashville office
Chattanooga office
605 Chestnut St., Suite 300
Chattanooga, TN 37450
423-648-9896
Directions to the Chattanooga office
| Sheila Brooks brooks.sheila@principal.com 423-424-4181 Connect with me on LinkedIn | Pat Corey corey.pat@principal.com 423-424-4184 |
| Bob Bruner bruner.bob@principal.com 423-648-9896 Connect with me on LinkedIn | Blake Rice Connect with me on LinkedIn |
Arlington office
60 Devonshire Cove
Arlington, TN 38002
901-619-9822
Directions to the Arlington office
| Jonathan Lafferty lafferty.jonathan@principal.com 901-619-9822 |
Brentwood office
1000 Deep Woods Trail
Brentwood, TN 37027
615-310-9537
Directions to the Brentwood office
| John Weary jweary@wearyfinancial.com 615-310-9537 |
Clarksville, Indiana office
1444 Horn Street, Suite 102
Clarksville, IN 47129
812-206-7105
Directions to the Clarksville office
| Bryce Gartman bryce@marcumbenefit.com 812-206-7105 Website | Connie Marcum connie@marcumbenefit.com 812-206-7105 Website |
Greenville office
1104 Tusculum Blvd.
Greenville, TN 37745
423-638-2761
Directions to the Greenville office
| Robert "Bob" Howell howell.robert@principal.com 423-638-2761 |
Hopkinsville, Kentucky office
1100 English Oak Ct.
Hopkinsville, KY 42240
270-889-5678
Directions to the Hopkinsville office
| Walter "Wally" Lyon lyon.walter@principal.com 270-889-5678 |
Knoxville office
8113 Laurel Falls Lane
Knoxville, TN 37931
865-850-3098
Directions to this Knoxville office
| Jay Brock jay.brock@risknoxville.com 865-850-3098 Website |
Memphis office
51 Germantown Court, Suite 101
Cordova, TN 38018
901-312-3902
Directions to the Memphis office
| Don Krag krag.don@principal.com 901-312-3902 | Gerald A. Nelson nelson.gerald@principal.com 901-312-3914 Connect with me on LinkedIn |
| David Lookadoo lookadoo.david@principal.com 901-312-3916 Connect with me on LinkedIn | Jared Roaten roaten.jared@principal.com 901-312-3915 Connect with me on LinkedIn |
Pigeon Forge office
190 Community Center Dr, Ste 200
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
865-850-4519
Directions to the Pigeon Forge office
| Michael McCroskey mccroskey.michael@principal.com 865-850-4519 |
Richmond, Kentucky office
104 Sunset Ave.
Richmond, KY 40475
859-623-1413
Directions to the Richmond office
| J. Mike Sills sills.mike@principal.com 859-623-1413 Connect with me on LinkedIn |
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The financial professionals of the Central States Business Center are licensed in AK, AL, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, NC, NH, NY, OH, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, WA, WV, and WI to offer insurance products, life insurance (including variable life), annuities (including variable annuities), securities and investment advice.
This site is not a solicitation of interest in any of these products in any other state.
Insurance products from the Principal Financial Group® are issued by Principal National Life Insurance Co. (except in NY) and Principal Life Insurance Co. Securities and advisory products offered through Principal Securities, Inc., 800-247-1737, member SIPC. Principal National, Principal Life, and Principal Securities are members of the Principal Financial Group, Des Moines, IA 50392.
* Non-securities registered; insurance licensed financial professional
Important Consumer Information: The Central States Business Center Financial Professionals of Principal Securities may only transact business in a particular state after licensure or satisfying qualifications requirements of that state, or only if he or she is excluded or exempted from the state's registration requirements. Follow-up, individualized responses to consumers in a particular state by any of the Financial Professionals of Principal Securities that involve either the effecting or attempting to effect transactions in securities or the rendering of personalized investment advice for compensation, as the case may be, shall not be made without first complying with the state's requirements, or pursuant to an applicable state exemption or exclusion. For information concerning the licensure status or disciplinary history of a broker-dealer, investment adviser, BD agent or IA representative or any financial institution he or she represents, contact your state securities law administrator.
The Financial Professionals of Principal Securities are licensed in a number of states to offer insurance products, and life insurance (including variable life), annuities (including variable annuities), and are securities and advisory registered in a number of states This site is not a solicitation of interest in any of these products in any other state.
Principal Life maintains certificates of authority to transact insurance in all 50 states. Principal Life NAIC identification number is 61271. Principal National NAIC identification number 71161.
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