Concord, New Hampshire

Darrin M. Conrad, AIF®, CPFA, is a Managing Partner with The Wealth Consulting Group – Des Moines. With over two decades of experience in the financial services industry, Darrin has held significant roles at Edward Jones Investments, Morgan Stanley, and Wells Fargo Advisors. 

Darrin is both an Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®) and a Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA). As an AIF®, he assists in managing fiduciary liability and promotes best practices in investment management. By instituting proper processes and procedures, he helps retirement plan sponsors manage risk while aiming to maximize participant outcomes. Earning his CPFA demonstrates his experience in aiding retirement plan sponsors, participants, and beneficiaries in pursuing their respective retirement goals. 

Before entering the financial services sector, Darrin served honorably in the U.S. Navy during the Gulf War. His naval career included service on the supercarrier USS Nimitz, as well as participation in numerous peacekeeping and drug interdiction deployments. His love for travel, cultivated during his upbringing in South America and Europe due to his father's work in the oil industry, influenced his decision to enlist after high school. 

Darrin and his wife, Jaime, reside in Des Moines, Iowa, and have two grown children and three Golden Retrievers. Outside the office, Darrin enjoys golfing, cooking, cycling, and spending quality time with his family. 

Darrin is a Registered Representative with, and offers securities and advisory services through, LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor.  

Joel's career in financial service began immediately after his graduation from Drake University (Finance) in 1991 when he joined Mass Mutual Life Insurance Company. His training included aspects of risk management, investment planning and estate planning with an emphasis on retirement planning. Through this emphasis, Joel became an Investment Specialist with Mass Mutual. There he worked as the go to person for all investment/securities related questions, was a liaison with the home office in Massachusetts and was a backup supervisory licensed representative. 

In this light, Joel spends his time counseling pre‐retired and retired individuals as well as corporations seeking advice and consulting services with an emphasis on retirement, tax, investment and estate planning. After 15 years with Mass Mutual, Joel made the decision to join DFG in 2005 to provide his clients the potential benefits of a truly independent financial planning firm. In 2021, Joel joined the Wealth Consulting Group, and became a Hybrid Advisor with LPL Financial.  Joel is also a shareholder in Wealth Consulting Group, LLC. 

Joel and his wife, Trish, were married in 1992 and together have two children, Brennan and Lauren. In his spare time, Joel enjoys golf, trips to the lake and all sporting events.  Joel believes his clients are better served when they can make informed decisions and takes pride in his ability to turn complicated concepts into understandable action items. 

Book with Julia

Julia McCormick is a seasoned financial advisor and wealth strategist who integrates technical expertise with a deeply client-centered philosophy. At The Wealth Consulting Group, she helps individuals, families, and business owners align their financial resources with what matters most in their lives. Julia’s work as a “Personal CFO” stems from her belief that a wealth advisor should act as a strategic partner, not simply a portfolio manager. She is especially noted for: 

• Cash flow–first planning — using as a starting point for meeting financial goals 

• Values-aligned investing & legacy planning - helping clients connect their money to their purpose, whether that means sustainable investing, charitable giving, or ensuring wealth transitions reflect family values. 

• Transition support — guiding clients through divorce, retirement, business exit, or other major life events 

• Fiduciary commitment — emphasizing transparency, best interest advice, and disciplined process 

Julia’s pathway into financial services is both thoughtful and varied. She earned degrees in music performance (B.M. and M.M. in Viola) before pivoting to finance, combining her analytical skills with a love for storytelling and relationships. She brings a holistic lens to financial planning—addressing not just investments but tax planning, cash flow, legacy design, risk management, and life transitions. Julia has also been active in her local community — serving on boards such as the Des Moines Leadership Network and UnityPoint’s Young Advisory Board — and is an accomplished violist, performing with the Des Moines Symphony and supporting regional arts initiatives. 

She currently resides in Urbandale, Iowa, with her husband, Kyle, and their three sons. 

Credentials & Certifications 

• CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) — This designation reflects rigorous education, examination, experience, and an ongoing commitment to ethics and continuing education. LW Advisors+1 

• Retirement Income Certified Professional® (RICP®) — This specialization focuses on income strategies in retirement, helping clients make sustainable withdrawal decisions. LW Advisors+1 

• Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® (CDFA®) — This credential indicates expertise in the financial aspects of divorce, including equitable division, cash flow modeling, and long-term planning post-divorce. 

Meredith Mussmann, MSF, is a finance professional with deep expertise in financial planning, operational strategy, and client-centered solutions. Her career spans roles as a registered assistant to financial advisors, a financial advisor, and an advisor liaison at a broker-dealer firm—giving her a comprehensive understanding of the financial services industry. 

Outside of work, Meredith enjoys gardening, singing, and playing both piano and bass guitar. She lives in Des Moines with her husband, Tim. 

Pam Traeger joined Joel Drake at MassMutual in 2000 as a part-time assistant while her sons were in school. Today, she serves as a full-time Partner and Vice President of Operations. 

As a key point of contact for administrative matters, Pam works closely with clients and is committed to delivering exceptional service. Her dedication and attention to detail reflect her deep care for client well-being. 

Pam and her husband, Rich, have two sons who live nearby in the Minneapolis area, and they recently became proud grandparents to two granddaughters. The family enjoys traveling together and celebrating special occasions over great meals. 

 Pam and Rich also cherish time at their lake home in northern Minnesota, especially when it's filled with friends and family. 

With over 30 years of experience in marketing, communications, and event planning, Tricia has built a career focused on connecting people, telling meaningful stories, and creating memorable experiences. 

Most recently, Tricia spent two decades at Homesteaders Life Company where she shaped brand strategy, leading marketing, public relations and events. Her strengths include event management, branding, content creation, and customer engagement, supported by strong leadership and creative direction.

Today, she continues to bring people together through communications and events that inspire and leave lasting impressions. 

Outside of work, Tricia enjoys spending time Joel and their daughters, playing tennis, and styling their mid-century modern home.