Principal® Financial Network of Georgia
The Principal® Financial Network of Georgia is a group of local offices in Georgia. We are dedicated to helping individuals, businesses and their employees achieve financial security and success in our communities. We proudly represent Principal with integrity and professionalism.
Working with us
If you’re interested in working with us as a financial professional, we’ll provide you a professional and supportive environment that helps you build your knowledge and skills. Learn more about what it’s like to work with us and meet our management team.
See our office locations & financial professionals
If you’re looking for a financial services product, we can help you find a local financial professional at Principal® to discuss your financial needs, as well as purchase life insurance, annuities, securities and investments.
See a list of financial professionals in Georgia to contact one directly.
Our alliances & associations
- GA Young Lawyers Division
- Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce
- Solo Conference
- Cobb Chamber of Commerce
- GA Pecan Growers
- Atlanta Gay Chamber of Commerce
- GA Funeral Directors Association
- Out of Darkness
- Habitat for Humanity
- International Justice Mission
- North Metro Children's Ministry
- Red Cross
- Red Light Rebellion - Trafficking Prevention
- Toys for Tots / United Way
- WIFS
- To Write Love on Her Arms
- Atlanta Ronald McDonald House
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 us, we’d like to tell you about the amazing folks you’ll be working with.
Todd Schoonover - Regional Managing Director
Todd oversees the growth and development of our team. With over two decades experience and knowledge in the diverse world of financial services, Todd leads and cultivates financial professionals practices through the ever-changing dynamic fast paced investment and risk management service sector. Throughout his leadership, Todd has created a culture of heartfelt relationships, where he and his team focus on helping individuals and businesses with financial planning and risk management.
Todd attended Notre Dame High School and is a graduate of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga with a B.S. in Finance and a minor in Economics, he is an active alumnus with Kappa Sigma Fraternity. Todd remains an active member of NAIFA.
Todd particularly enjoys his favorite past times of golfing and boating when surrounded by family and friends. He and his wife Nickie have 3 wonderful college aged children, Reese, Tess, and Ariana.
Contact information
770-250-7600
schoonover.todd@principal.com
Connect with me on LinkedIn
Frank Avrett - Senior Managing Director
Frank has devoted over 30 years of his life to empower people with the financial tools and confidence to live their best lives. His goal is to offer the opportunity to be a financial professional to individuals who care about people and want to make a difference. Frank is ready to help you take the next step. His clients’ and financial professionals goals are at the heart of why he chose this career. Frank holds a degree in Economics and Finance from Auburn University.
He and his wife Lynn have 3 adult sons: Trey, Tripp, and Trevor. They are avid outdoors people and love to hike the mountains of North Georgia as often as possible with their Golden Retrievers, Troy and Scout.
Contact information
770-250-7575
avrett.frank@principal.com
Chris Sizemore CLF® - Senior Managing Director
Chris Sizemore focuses on the growth and development of the Birmingham Office. With 19 years of industry experience with Principal, Chris oversees growth, recruiting, and supervision within the state. He is actively involved in the Financial Planning Association and the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors. Chris is a graduate of Auburn University. In his spare time, Chris enjoys spending time with his family, golfing, and supporting Auburn athletics.
Contact information
205-444-5591
sizemore.chris@principal.com
Connect with me on LinkedIn
Justin Garofalo, MBA - Associate Managing Director
Justin joined Principal in 2019, bringing over a decade of experience in the Financial Services & Wealth Management Industry. He is committed to helping our financial professionals grow their practices and access the global resources of Principal to help clients pursue their personal and professional financial goals. Justin received an MBA from The University of Memphis, and a Bachelor’s degree from Auburn University with a concentration in Finance and a minor in International Business.
In his spare time, he enjoys golf, deep sea fishing, spending time with family and friends, and is an avid animal activist. He currently resides in Virginia Highlands in Atlanta, Georgia.
Contact information
770-250-7577 or 901-605-3669
garofalo.justin@principal.com
Tripp Avrett - Site Coordinator
The site coordinator is the glue that keeps our offices running smoothly. Along with the entire staff, Tripp is a problem solver who makes sure your accounts are set up properly and your questions answered in a timely manner.
Contact information
480-766-2307
avrett.tripp@principal.com
Josh Hall- Business Development Consultant
Josh partners with the management team and representatives to implement strategies to expand their marketing, branding, and business development efforts at both the representative and regional office level.
423-424-4197
hall.josh@principal.com
Pam Isbell - New Business Consultant
Pam is responsible for consulting and managing new business case design and submission. She partners with financial professionals and their teams, along with our corporate product partners, to ensure cases are submitted accurately so they can be processed on time and in alignment with product area processes.
Contact information
205-444-9004, ext. 569
isbell.pam@principal.com
Connect with me on LinkedIn
Benjamin Sauter, MBA - Regional Talent Consultant
Benjamin Sauter joined Principal with one mission: To identify transcendent, passionate talent and aid in the realization of career ambitions and professional fulfillment within the financial services industry. Benjamin's professional background includes experience in sales and recruiting in the financial services industry.
Benjamin leads a very active personal life, enjoying all things Wisconsin and spending time with his nieces and nephews.
Contact information
414-203-7044
sauter.benjamin@principal.com
Connect with me on LinkedIn
Melody Travick - Candidate Experience Consultant
Melody joined Principal in May 2008 and has a myriad of experience in providing representative sales support, marketing experience, recruiting and HR support. She specializes in candidate experience and delivering quality recruiting/selection assistance. Melody earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from Georgia State University.
Melody is an avid baseball mom, spending the bulk of her free time at baseball fields near and far. She enjoys spending time her with family and friends cheering for their favorite Georgia sports teams. Go Dawgs, Falcons, Hawks, Atlanta United, and Chop On Braves!
Contact information
770-250-7605
travick.melody@principal.com
Interested in meeting with a financial advisor near you? Great! Check the list below to see who's available in your area and learn more.
Atlanta office
3625 Cumberland Blvd. SE, Suite 1000
Atlanta, GA 30339
770-850-0220
Directions to the Southeast Business Center
Macon office
1347 Georgia Avenue
Macon, GA 31201
478-746-2655
Directions to this Macon office
| Billy Pitts pitts.billy@principal.com 478-746-2655 Connect with me on LinkedIn |
Newnan offices
8 East Broad St
Newnan, GA 30263
770-253-6500
Directions to the Newnan office
| David R. Griffith griffith.rod@principal.com 770-253-6500 |
9 Tanglewood Road
Newnan, GA 30263
770-304-9738
Directions to the Newnan office
| Mark Jenkins, RICP®, AIF mark@jenkinsfg.com 770-304-9738 Connect with me on LinkedIn |
Rome office
901 N Broad St. NE, Suite 420
Rome, GA 30161
706-291-0628
Directions to the Rome office
| Fred "Ross" Johnson, III* johnson.ross@principal.com 706-291-0628 Connect with me on LinkedIn |
Tifton offices
2 Library Lane
Tifton, GA 31793
229-386-5128
Directions to this Tifton office
| Vivien Scott scott.vivien@principal.com 229-386-5128 |
2620 Davis Ave
Tifton, GA 31794
229-507-8585
Directions to this Tifton office
| Justin Dakota Chandler chandler.dakota@principal.com 229-507-8585 |
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The professionals with the Principal® Financial Network of Georgia of Principal Financial Group® support the organizations listed in varying capacities outside of their role with Principal Financial Group®. Principal is not affiliated with and does not recommend or sponsor any of these applications.
The financial professionals of the Southeast Business Center are licensed in GA and SC to offer insurance products, life insurance (including variable life), annuities (including variable annuities) and securities.
This site is not a solicitation of interest in any of these products in any other state. The member companies of the Principal Financial Group neither endorses, explicitly or impliedly, any of the third party entities.
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: Financial Professionals of Principal Securities who are part of the Principal® Financial Network of Georgia 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.