OUR TEAM

Matt Wichman

President
matt@mrwfinancial.com

In 1998 Matt founded MRW Financial, determined to be the premier boutique life insurance wholesaler in the marketplace. He brings more than 24 years of experience from all levels of the insurance industry.

Matt graduated from the University of Florida in 1988 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Finance and was also on the Florida Gator Football Team. He began his work in the insurance industry as a career agent with MetLife. In 1994, he joined John Alden/NorthStar Marketing as Life Brokerage Manager of the southeast region. Recognizing the importance of life brokerage in the marketplace, Matt established his own business in 1998 with the goal of providing the best service with the most competitive products available to individual agents and financial advisors.

Matt is a member of National Brokerage Agencies, National Association of Independent Life Brokerage Agencies, and Tampa Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors and has served on several committees. He is a licensed agent and qualifies for Top of the Table MDRT Qualifier for Brokerage.

Matt and his wife Julie live in South Tampa with their two children Max and Julia.

Marie King Colbert, CFP®, CLTC®

Brokerage Manager
marie@mrwfinancial.com

Marie King Colbert brings extensive expertise in insurance and financial services to her role as Brokerage Manager at MRW Financial. A graduate of the University of Florida with dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Finance and Marketing, Marie began her career as an independent insurance agent with Northwestern Mutual before joining MRW Financial, where she advanced from Marketing Manager to her current leadership role as Brokerage Manager.

At MRW Financial, Marie specializes in supporting agents with custom case design, preliminary underwriting, and advanced sales strategies. She is committed to helping producers deliver tailored, competitive solutions that align with each client’s goals, whether in business planning, estate planning, income protection, retirement planning, wealth transfer, or risk management.

Marie holds life and health insurance licenses in the state of Florida, as well as the CFP® and CLTC® designations. A native of South Tampa, she continues to reside there today with her husband and their three young sons.

Lisa Smyth

New Business Manager
lisa@mrwfinancial.com

Lisa Smyth joined the MRW Financial New Business Case Management Team in November 2013 and brings with her 11 years of brokerage case management experience. She is available in the office to go over your applications and review requirements with you as needed. Lisa will handle our local agents’ new business and contracting throughout the new business process. She has worked with the top carriers in our industry and we are excited to have her as a part of our team.

Tom Vassallo

Annuity and Asset Based LTC Consultant
tom@mrwfinancial.com

Tom joins MRW Financial with over 20 years of financial services experience including 10 years in retail and 10 years in wholesale.  Tom’s previous experience includes Sun Insurance Marketing Network, Physician’s Advisory Group and Agent Link.  With Tom’s vast experience in LTC Insurance, he will be a great asset in helping you build and grow your book.   Tom lives in Sarasota with his family.

Shelley Burke

Operations Manager
shelley@mrwfinancial.com

Shelley came to MRW from Franklin Templeton Investments with 16 years of Customer Service and Correspondence experience.  She has lived in the Brandon area for 13 years with her family and is here to offer any support our agents may need.

Robert Vassallo

Marketing Specialist 
Robert@mrwfinancial.com

Robert Vasallo joined MRW Financial in 2024 and brings extensive knowledge in marketing software and digital engagement strategies. He specializes in leveraging Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems and automation tools to streamline processes, improve communication, and drive measurable results.

Since joining MRW, Robert has successfully managed social media and email campaigns while maintaining strong relationships with both current and prospective agents. His expertise allows him to design and execute marketing initiatives that educate agents on new products, industry updates, and effective sales strategies. He also plays a key role in coordinating webinars and seminars, ensuring that agents remain well-informed and equipped to grow their business.

Robert is a graduate of Millsaps College, where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in 2024. During his time at Millsaps, he also served as captain of the baseball team, further demonstrating his leadership and team-building skills.

A Sarasota, Florida native, Robert continues to reside in his hometown with his wife, where they remain active in the community.

Jacob Mathis

MRW Financial
Jacob@mrwfinancial.com

Jacob Mathis brings a strong background in insurance consultative solutions, client relationship management, and operational support to his role in the financial services industry. Formerly a division one athlete at the University of Mississippi and the University of South Florida where he played football. A graduate of the University of South Florida, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Integrated Social Science.

Jacob began his career with US Health Advisors, where he served as an Account Manager, developing expertise in consultative sales, case management, and client qualification. He has worked closely with individuals and carriers to navigate underwriting guidelines and identify coverage solutions aligned with their needs, building a reputation for clear communication and a client-first approach.

A Tampa, Florida native, Jacob is committed to continuous professional growth and takes pride in supporting agents with the tools and service needed to deliver strong outcomes for their clients