As a wealth management advisor for Northwestern Mutual, Aaron feels blessed to have a career that he has loved since day one. Aaron started as an intern with Northwestern Mutual and never left. “We believe in helping people find a way to make sense of their financial picture. We believe in ongoing education to be better versions of ourselves, so that we can continue to bring value to our clients and their financial plans,” says Aaron about their team.

With 10 plus years of experience, Aaron specializes in working with current and pre-retirees in retirement income and distribution planning, physicians and small business owners. His team also focuses on helping Louisville and Kentucky businesses attract and maintain employees by helping them develop employer sponsored retirement benefit programs, such as 401(k) or 403(b) programs.

In Aaron’s free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Christine, two boys Lincoln and Walker, and their daughter Carson. With two young boys and a new baby girl, it doesn’t leave a lot of additional free time but on that rare occasion, he enjoys golfing, carpentry and helping others, specifically serving on the Louisville Metro Police Department Foundation Board.

Education: Bachelor of Arts Economics/Political Science from Western Kentucky University

Designations: CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP^®)™, Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU^®), and Chartered Retirement Plan Specialist (CRPS^®)

With over thirty years of experience with Northwestern Mutual, there is little Mitch Barnes feels he has not seen. Yet, that does not stop him from continuing to grow to prepare for the future. He’s an avid believer in continuing education for both himself and his team. He is currently working on his Master’s Degree with an eventual goal of obtaining his PhD in finance.

Mitch’s personal life mirrors his professional life. His devotion to his church, family foundation (DREAM Foundation) and other charitable organizations provides him with experience to understand the charitable needs for his clients. It’s encouraging to many clients to know that Mitch practices what he preaches. His team firmly believes in giving back to the community both with their time and their money. His team has been a four-time recipient of Northwestern Mutual’s Community Service Award.

In addition to helping affluent clients with their financial planning, as well as charitable giving, Mitch is motivated to helping families with special needs plan for their future. Nearly 20 years ago, Mitch’s son Mitchell was diagnosed with Duchenne’s Muscular Dystrophy and he quickly learned the unique financial planning challenges that needed to be addressed. Since that time, he has helped countless families navigate the process.

Mitch and wife Meredith have two sons – Mitchell and Marshall. In his spare time, he enjoys UNC sports, spending time with his family, hunting and motocross.

Education: Bachelors of Science from University of North Carolina

Designations: Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC^®), Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP^®), Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU^®), and Master of Science in Financial Services (MSFS^®)

Edward A. Hely is a lifetime resident of Paducah. KY and has been with Northwestern Mutual since 1985. where he resides with his wife, Lisa. They have two children, Patrick, an attorney living in West Palm Beach, FL. and Mallory, who works at Vanderbilt University. Edward is a 42-year member of the Paducah Rotary Club, serving as president in 1990-1991, Board Chairman of Paducah Power System, Vice Chairman of the Carson Center for Preforming Arts, and he's a 43-year member of the Country Club of Paducah, serving as president in 1997-1998.

When not working hard for his clients, Edward enjoys spending time with his 3 grandchildren, playing golf, tennis, reading, watching sports (especially the UK Wildcats), traveling, and numismatics.

Jacob joined Northwestern Mutual in 2015 and attained the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional designation in 2019. Jacob became a member and partner of Barnes Young Wealth Advisors in 2022. Jacob works primarily with individuals in the technology field, specifically Software Engineers, Engineering Managers & Directors, and other technology executives. Jacob married his better half, Fallon, in 2019. They have a golden retriever named Jerry and two children, Hobbs & Marlene Hughes. When not working, he enjoys running, reading, podcasts, and fine bourbon.

Education: Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the University of Kentucky

Designations: CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional

Greg knew from a young age that he wanted to have a career in finance. He grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, from where he left to go south to play college hockey and enjoy his love of country music.

Greg joined Barnes Young Wealth Advisors shortly after obtaining his finance degree and now spends his day helping clients turn their financial dreams into reality. Greg works closely with the partners and other team members to assist clients in building comprehensive goal-based financial plans that are custom fit to suit their needs. He focuses on working with business, corporate technology, and medical professionals and believes in combining insurance and investments to create the most comprehensive and bulletproof financial plan. Greg is a lifelong learner and actively seeks to expand his knowledge by pursuing financial designations and attending conferences.

When Greg is out of the office, he enjoys spending time with his girlfriend Elizabeth, refereeing ice hockey, and volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana.

Education: Bachelor of Arts in Finance from the University of Louisville

Caitlyn was born in Louisville and graduated from Indiana University Southeast in 2015. Caitlyn spent 6 years working as a third-party administrator, focusing on defined contribution plan administration, compliance testing, and plan design. She joined Barnes Young Wealth Advisors in 2021, leading the team on all things retirement plans.

Caitlyn enjoys cooking, running outdoors, and spending her free time with her husband, Chris, and son, Carter.

As a Relationship Manager for Barnes Young Wealth Advisors, Conrad feels honored to start a new chapter of his financial career. As a lifelong Kentuckian and resident of Louisville since 2009, he believes in growing and supporting the financial wellbeing of the people and place that will always be home.

With over seven years of experience in the financial industry, Conrad has had the opportunity to work in multiple capacities. His tenure at PNC Bank helped integrate an understanding of the value and necessity of lending to maximize investment portfolios. Time spent as a financial advisor at Edward Jones and PNC Investments allowed him to develop financial strategies for both individuals and small businesses. Whether you are a pre-retiree looking to prepare for the future, or someone trying to make the most of a successful career in retirement, he has the experience and drive to research and execute customized planning for clients.

In his spare time he enjoys playing a round of golf and the occasional fly-fishing excursion. He is also a lover of theatre and sometimes pursues performance roles in the area. The strength of the Louisville arts scene inspires him, and he hopes to find additional ways to support that community as he develops his career at Barnes Young Wealth Advisors.

Education: Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from the University of Kentucky / Master of Fine Arts in Performance from the University of Louisville.

For over 15 years, Lucas feels blessed to provide financial planning and advice for affluent families, business owners, and philanthropic endowments. He specializes in investment planning and estate planning for multi-generational business owners. He also has experience in philanthropic endowment planning and strategy. He enjoys working with other members of your financial team such as estate attorneys and accountants to provide unmatched service with your plan so that you can focus on what matters most to you.

Lucas and his wife Mollie were born and raised in nearby Southern Illinois, but have made Paducah, KY their home. Lucas is passionate about Paducah and the Four Rivers Region, he currently serves on the Easter Seals West Kentucky Board of Directors, Main Street Paducah Board of Directors, and serves on the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Kentuckiana Board of Directors & Congressional Advocate. He is also active in Kiwanis Club of Paducah, Paducah Chamber of Commerce, and the Tennessee RiverLine National Paddle Trail Leadership Team.

When not working for you, Lucas’ other passion is America’s National Park System. He has a personal goal of visiting all 63 parks before he dies.From this passion, Lucas loves to share his adventures and motivate others to see the parks.

Jeanna joined Barnes Young Wealth Advisors in 2020, bringing over 13 years of experience in the financial services industry.  She is dedicated to serving our clients while ensuring the upmost integrity.  She works alongside Mitch Barnes and Aaron Young to coordinate all aspects of the business, with a focus on the firm’s Insurance Operations.   Outside the office, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family, anything outdoors, and watching Louisville sports. 

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Business Marketing from the University of Louisville. 

Chris has always had a passion for personal finance and enjoys having a career that provides daily opportunities to make a positive impact on client’s lives. Chris’ prior experience with Northwestern Mutual has provided him with extensive knowledge in the insurance and investment planning that we help our clients with.

When he is away from the office Chris enjoys spending time with his wife Kaitlan, their children, Sydney, Mckenzie, Chase, and their dog Walter.

Education: MBA and Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from Bellarmine University

Taylor enjoys working closely with clients to make each individual feel like they are part of our team. She works alongside Aaron and Chris to integrate all parts of the team. As the Senior Client Service Administrator, she ensures all clients’ needs are met and completed in a timely manner. In her free time, she enjoys almost anything outdoors with her dog Molly.

Education: Associates Degree from Jefferson Community & Technical College

Erin grew up in Louisville, KY with her family, and currently resides in Shelbyville, KY. Before coming to work for the Barnes Young firm, Erin spent five years in multiple capacities working for the Commonwealth of Kentucky. As Office Coordinator, she works closely with Mitch and Aaron to ensure all client, marketing, and office needs are met. Erin is passionate about her work and is committed to excellence. She enjoys connecting with clients to ensure they have a positive and meaningful experience. In her free time, she likes to spend time with family and friends.

Education: Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Louisville.

Megan has been working with Northwestern Mutual for over 14 years in both leadership and support staff roles across four different states. She has worked mostly alongside Edward Hely and has recently joined Barnes Young Wealth Advisors to support the investment operations team. Megan currently lives in New Glarus, WI with her husband and their toddler son. Megan enjoys spending time with family, traveling, and going on adventures with her boys.

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Arts from Kentucky Wesleyan College 

Sherri spent most of her life outside of Paducah in Crittenden County until she left for college to attend North Carolina State University. After several years, she returned to Kentucky where she attended from Paducah Community College. Sherri started her career with Northwestern Mutual over 27 years ago. She has been married to her husband, Bill, for 26 years. They have a son, Seth, who is currently serving in the Coast Guard in Sheboygan, WI.

When Sherri isn’t working or caring for her disabled brother, she loves to go antiquing, fishing, and riding horses.