About Us
Founder & CEO
Matthew J. Balsbaugh
Matt Balsbaugh was born and raised in Mid-Michigan and has been with Lori, his high school sweetheart, for over 40 years. They are very proud of their two children, Hunter and Maddison along with Ryan, their son-in-law, who is also part of the firm. Matt believes in strong family values and feels blessed to have his Godmother and longtime family friend working with him at the firm.
When Matt established Compass Financial Associates LLC and its team, he set out with an objective to help clients eliminate as much confusion as possible in planning their financial future.
Compass Financial Associates LLC and Matt Balsbaugh are very diligent in helping their customers achieve their long-term financial objectives by utilizing insurance products. Matt believes everyone should have someone with honesty, integrity, and a commitment to help make things simpler and less complicated working alongside them when exploring options for retirement planning.
Ryan Brummans
Licensed Financial Representative & Managing Partner
Ryan was born and raised in Goodrich, Michigan. This is where he met his wife, Maddison. Ryan and Maddison have two sons together. Ryan is a Series 65-licensed Financial Advisor & Managing Partner with Compass Financial. He joined our team with the objective of helping people eliminate confusion when planning for their financial future.
Hunter Balsbaugh
Financial Advisor & President of the Life Insurance Division
Hunter Balsbaugh is Matt and Lori’s son and the 5th generation in the insurance industry. Hunter is a Financial Advisor and President of the Life Insurance Division at Compass Financial. He helps clients build strong financial plans while leading the firm’s life insurance services to provide protection and peace of mind.
Maddison Brummans
President
Maddison is Ryan’s wife, Matt and Lori’s daughter, and the president of Compass Financial. She leads Compass Financial with a focus on client success, strategic growth and innovative solutions. Known for her expertise and hands-on leadership, she helps individuals achieve their financial goals.
Lori Balsbaugh
CFO
Lori is Matt’s wife and serves as Chief Financial Officer of Compass Financial, bringing expertise in financial strategy, planning and operational leadership. With a strong background in managing complex financial structures and guiding sustainable growth, Lori plays a vital role in ensuring the firm’s fiscal health and long-term success.
Barb Proffer
Head of Transfer Department, Notary & IRS Enrolled Agent
Barb is the head of Transfer Department, Notary & IRS Enrolled Agent with Compass Financial. She is a highly accomplished professional with over 50 years of experience in financial services industry, specializing in managing and optimizing the transfer of financial assets and client accounts. Barb oversees the efficient and secure handling of all client asset transfers, ensuring compliance with regulations and providing a seamless experience for clients.
Barb’s home is the family gathering place where she enjoys cooking and spending time with all.
Lynda Bagwell
Executive Administrative Assistant
Lynda is an experienced Executive Administrative Assistant specializing in supporting financial planning professionals. She brings a proven ability to manage complex schedules, coordinate essential client communications and ensure seamless executive workflows. Lynda is committed to providing efficient and confidential support to the team, allowing them to focus on delivering exceptional service to clients.
In her spare time, Lynda enjoys spending time with her family, grand and great grandchildren. She is a member and volunteers much of her time at her church.
Steve Ahonen
Vice President of Medicare Operations and a licensed Medicare Specialist
Steve is the Vice President of Medicare Operations and a licensed Medicare Specialist. He was introduced to the insurance industry in 1995, and his current area of focus is dedicated to Medicare products and solutions. For such a complex and important subject, his approach has proven simple and effective, clarifying what Medicare is and is not, what it does and doesn’t do, and PREPARE! A thorough fact-finding and open dialogue will ensure the right solution for each unique client.
He represents all major carriers for Medicare Supplements, (Medigap) Prescription Drug Plans (PDP), Medicare Advantage Plans (MAPD), and a host of ancillary products designed to minimize a client’s out-of-pocket risk.
Steve maintains a dedicated office within our building for in-person consultation but is always available by cell phone to answer questions and share his knowledge, while never charging a fee of any kind. One conversation with Steve and you will hear and feel his passion for the industry.
Randi Alejos
Vice President of Operations
Randi is the Vice President of Operations at Compass Financial. She is responsible for the company’s day to day operational functions, ensuring efficiency, compliance and excellence across all departments.
Shelley McArdle
Director of Information Technology (IT)
Shelley is the Director of Information Technology (IT) with Compass Financial. She is responsible for overseeing the planning, management, and execution of the organization’s information technology needs. Additionally, she supports the Life Insurance Division.
Shelley joined Compass Financial Associates with an objective to align technology initiatives with the organization’s overall goals and to protect sensitive data. She has over 30 years of business experience with information technology, business development, and customer relationship management.
In her spare time, Shelley enjoys spending time with her family. She and her husband, Tom, of 34 years, have two boys, Will and Zak. Will and his fiancée are planning a wedding. Zak and his girlfriend, Sophia, just purchased a home together.
Brandon Romo
Service Advisor at Compass Financial
Brandon Romo serves as a Service Advisor at Compass Financial, providing personalized support and guidance to clients while helping them navigate their financial goals with confidence.