Central States Business Center

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

https://www.alivehospice.org

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
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Karla Johnson - 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
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Amber Jones - Assistant Director Field Operations

Amber's role as an Assistant Director allows her to imact what she is most passionate about, people. She has been driving strategic initiatives and leading teams in the Financial Services industry for over 20 years. Her primary objective is to lead highly engaged teams that bring "big value" to both internal and external customers. And she believes that is accomplished through proactive leadership, coaching, serving, and growing people.

Other passions are: Traveling to new places, music, and time spent with family and friends. "If you are interested in "customer-centric" culture where you can thrive and make a difference, you've come to the right place."

Contact information
916-306-5842
jones.amber.z@principal.com

Sarah Lindsay - Manager Field Operations

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
901-312-3910
lindsay.sarah@principal.com

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
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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
​

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

Arlington office

60 Devonshire Cove
Arlington, TN 38002
901-619-9822
Directions to the Arlington office

Brentwood office

1000 Deep Woods Trail
Brentwood, TN 37027
615-310-9537
Directions to the Brentwood office

Clarksville, Indiana office

1444 Horn Street, Suite 102
Clarksville, IN 47129
812-206-7105
Directions to the Clarksville office

Greenville office

1104 Tusculum Blvd.
Greenville, TN 37745
423-638-2761
Directions to the Greenville office

Hendersonville office

139 Maple Row Blvd., Suite 104
Hendersonville, TN 37075
615-969-6710
Directions to the Hendersonville office

Hopkinsville, Kentucky office

1100 English Oak Ct.
Hopkinsville, KY 42240
270-889-5678
Directions to the Hopkinsville office

Knoxville office

8113 Laurel Falls Lane
Knoxville, TN 37931
865-850-3098
Directions to this Knoxville office

Memphis office

51 Germantown Court, Suite 101
Cordova, TN 38018
901-312-3902
Directions to the Memphis office

Pigeon Forge office

190 Community Center Dr, Ste 200
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
865-850-4519
Directions to the Pigeon Forge office

Richmond, Kentucky office

104 Sunset Ave.
Richmond, KY 40475
859-623-1413
Directions to the Richmond office