With over 50 years of combined investment experience, our team has the expertise to make your financial goals a reality. Croak Asset Management has guided over 1,000 households on their journey to financial freedom and we’re dedicated to making the lives of their clients better every day. As your fiduciary, we aren’t held down by sales quotas or archaic investment techniques and are free to put the best interests of our clients first, every time.
Meet Our Team
As a Chartered Life Underwriter and a Chartered Financial Consultant, Tim Croak has developed significant knowledge and expertise in investment and retirement planning. He is the founder and CEO of Croak Asset Management (CAM), where he leads a team of independent and trusted financial advisors who provide personalized service with uncompromising integrity.
Tim has consistently been recognized as one of the top financial advisors in Northwest Ohio, and has developed a reputation for going above and beyond for his diverse portfolio of clients. His firm has been rated one of the top financial and investment planning firms in the region every year since 2006.
A longtime member of the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) and Top of the Table, Tim was the youngest member in the US to be recognized as a MDRT life member. He has been a member of the leader council for Columbus Life, New England Financial, Ameritas Investment Corp, and Aviva USA. Tim also is the co-founder and the first president of Creative Financial Partners, located in Perrysburg, Ohio.
During Tim’s 37 years in the financial services industry, he has provided assistance to hundreds of individual and corporate clients, helping them grow and protect their investments and estates. As an independent broker and advisor, Tim is able to leverage his extensive professional network on behalf of his clients, finding the most current and efficient financial products and services on the market. He is dedicated to helping you make the most of your financial life.
In addition to his work, Tim is passionate about his hometown. He is a graduate of the University of Toledo was the first Young Alumni of the Year Award recipient. He remains active in the University of Toledo President’s Club, Blue Key National Honor Fraternity, and Sigma Phi Epsilon Alumni Association. He serves on several local boards, including the Red Cross of Northwest Ohio, Board President of Family Services of Northwest Ohio, and Treasurer of the Mercy College Board of Trustees.
Tim and his wife Sarah have two grown children, Emily and Eric. He and his family continue to support the Toledo community, enjoy traveling, and tailgating at Toledo Rockets football games. Tim is also the author of The Light: A guide for living life with awareness, honor, and purpose.
Eric takes pride in being a next-generation financial advisor. He utilizes cutting-edge technology and innovative investment techniques to help ensure his clients have the most up-to-date and efficient financial strategy available. By thinking outside the box, Eric has helped dozens of young professionals and next-generation business owners navigate a complex financial world.
Eric did his undergraduate work at the University of Toledo before pursuing his Masters of Business Administration with a focus in Finance from the College of Charleston, South Carolina. He has since completed his Series 7, Series 66 certifications, and as of 2018, completed his Certified Financial Planner certification, one of the most difficult and prestigious designations in the industry.
Eric Croak, MBA, CFP
Financial Consultant
Eric takes pride in being a next-generation financial advisor. He utilizes cutting-edge technology and innovative investment techniques to help ensure his clients have the most up-to-date and efficient financial strategy available. By thinking outside the box, Eric has helped dozens of young professionals and next-generation business owners navigate a complex financial world.
Eric did his undergraduate work at the University of Toledo before pursuing his Masters of Business Administration with a focus in Finance from the College of Charleston, South Carolina. He has since completed his Series 7, Series 66 certifications, and as of 2018, completed his Certified Financial Planner certification, one of the most difficult and prestigious designations in the industry.
Lifestyle planning is a major focus of Eric’s practice as he recognizes the desire for his clients to enjoy life as much now as they will in the future. He creates customized financial plans to help maximize income while still saving for rainy days and future needs. His clients consistent of Fortune 500 professionals, new-to-practice doctors & pharmacists, accountants, bankers, and high-income earning young professionals.
Eric works best when coordinating his clients entire financial picture. He believes that if you’re going to do something, it’s important to go with the best. By adding the best local CPA’s, estate planning lawyers, and insurance agents to his team, Eric acts as the quarterback to the financial side of his clients’ lives.
After graduating from the greatest University in Northwest Ohio, Nick came to Croak Asset Management as our Chief of Staff. Besides organizing the day-to-day operations of the firm, he also manages all of our technology and reporting software. His leadership and expectation for excellence has allowed him to excel at our firm and quickly become a client favorite. Along with all of his responsibilities with the firm, Nick is also a fully licensed advisor and member of our investment team. From working with individuals who are beginning their investment journey to helping transition wealth from generation to generation, Nick uses lifestyle-based financial planning to meet the needs and financial goals of his clients.
Jim brings multi-faceted experience in the financial world to the Croak Asset Management team. He holds a series 65 and multiple insurance licenses, as well as a Special Needs Planner certification, which our team considers an invaluable aspect of his duty to provide for the varying needs of his diverse group of clients. Jim’s commitment to serving his clients extends beyond the office doors and into the community where he proudly serves as a board member for the Avenues for Autism and is actively involved with numerous local charities.
At Croak Asset Management, Jim serves as the Retirement Plan & Insurance Specialist. His focus on the 401(k) and 403(b) space has given business owners and executives all over Ohio the opportunity to save for their future while providing significant benefits to their employees. He also manages our insurance department which helps protect families and mitigate risk in their financial situation.
At Croak Asset Management, Jim serves as the Retirement Plan & Insurance Specialist. His focus on the 401(k) and 403(b) space has given business owners and executives all over Ohio the opportunity to save for their future while providing significant benefits to their employees. He also manages our insurance department which helps protect families and mitigate risk in their financial situation.
Connor joined to the Croak Asset Management Team from Temperance, Michigan and brings with him an expertise in both Wealth Management and Tax Planning. As a varsity basketball player for Heidelberg University, Connor uses his background as an athlete to explain complex financial products while he equips young professionals with the tools necessary to optimize their wealth.
As a former tax professional, Connor solidified his position on our investment team because of his in-depth knowledge of the Tax Code and his creation of unique strategies to minimize the burden of taxes to our clients. When he isn’t managing client portfolios, Connor shifts his focus toward serving the young professional communities in Northwest Ohio & Southeast Michigan.
As a former tax professional, Connor solidified his position on our investment team because of his in-depth knowledge of the Tax Code and his creation of unique strategies to minimize the burden of taxes to our clients. When he isn’t managing client portfolios, Connor shifts his focus toward serving the young professional communities in Northwest Ohio & Southeast Michigan.
A native of Toledo, Ohio, Chad Rutkowski is entering his seventh year as the Head Volleyball Coach at Sylvania Northview High School, the 2020 District Champions, the 2021 and 2018 District VII Runner-up, and the 2015 Northern Lakes League Champions. In 2018, Rutkowski was named the Ohio High School Volleyball Coaches Association Division 1 State Coach of the Year.
In his six seasons at the helm at Northview, Rutkowski has posted an 85-62 overall record and a 55– 31 record in the Northern Lakes League, with a career record of 103 – 71 (six years at Northview, one year at Cardinal Stritch). He recorded his 100th career win during the 2021 season with a victory at Springfield in five sets. In addition, Rutkowski has had the honor of coaching 24 All Northern Lakes League selections, 5 All TAAC League selections, 21 All District VII selections, 6 All Ohio selections, and 10 college volleyball commitments (4 at the Division 1 level, 4 at the Division 2 level, 1 at the Junior College level, and 1 at the NAIA level).
As a profession, Rutkowski works in Wealth Management at Croak Asset Management, LLC in downtown Toledo a fiduciary wealth management firm for clients who want personal service combined with evidence, analytical, and goals-based investments.
Prior to being at Croak Asset Management, Rutkowski was the Senior Development Officer at United Way of Greater Toledo, serving Lucas, Wood, and Ottawa counties where he helped oversee and manage the Development and Fundraising efforts which historically brings in over $9 million dollars annually in donations from individuals within the workplace and community to support programs and agencies in Lucas, Wood, and Ottawa counties.
Before UWGT, Rutkowski co-led Premier Academy facility, which is home to one of the largest youth volleyball clubs, which has achieved a combined total of 40 National Medals, 78 All-American selections, and over 300 college commitments, making it the most sought-after training facility in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan. In addition to our youth programs, we are also the largest sports facility in the area that hosts indoor adult volleyball leagues. In addition to his full-time duties, he also coaches for Premier Academy where he has earned a 2013 AAU Bronze Medal, 2014 AAU Silver Medal, 2016 AAU Bronze Medal and has been afforded the opportunity to coach teams internationally on tours through Nicaragua, and throughout Europe in the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Croatia, Austria and Italy while coaching through Bring It Promotions and the European Global Challenge.
Rutkowski came to Premier Academy after spending three years as the Assistant Director of Athletics and Director of Student Activities at Cardinal Stritch Catholic High School and St. Kateri Catholic Academy. Rutkowski, was 11th full-time athletic staff member in school history. Prior to working for the St. Kateri Catholic Schools, Rutkowski spent three years with The Famous San Diego Chicken (TFC, Inc.). He still works with TFC Inc. during the summer months when he is able and has been with the company for a total of 11 years now. He served as the Assistant Managing Director with TFC, Inc., which is a traveling marketing and promotions company, which works in various areas of sport, specifically with Minor League Baseball. In his tenure with TFC, Inc., Rutkowski worked in 3 Triple-A All-Star Games and in 170 different Minor League and Major League Baseball parks throughout the country.
Prior to his tenure with TFC, Inc., Rutkowski worked for the Toledo Mud Hens Baseball Club as a member of their marketing department, Bowling Green State University as a member of their athletic operations department, Bowling Green High School as a member of their athletic department, Super Bowl XL, and at the CYO as a member of their sport staff.
He earned a Bachelor of Science in Education – Sport Management from Bowling Green State University in 2008 and earned his Master of Science in Education – Sport Administration from the institution in 2010.
Currently, Rutkowski, 35, resides in Oregon, Ohio with his husband, Kevin, and their dogs Beau and Harper.
In his six seasons at the helm at Northview, Rutkowski has posted an 85-62 overall record and a 55– 31 record in the Northern Lakes League, with a career record of 103 – 71 (six years at Northview, one year at Cardinal Stritch). He recorded his 100th career win during the 2021 season with a victory at Springfield in five sets. In addition, Rutkowski has had the honor of coaching 24 All Northern Lakes League selections, 5 All TAAC League selections, 21 All District VII selections, 6 All Ohio selections, and 10 college volleyball commitments (4 at the Division 1 level, 4 at the Division 2 level, 1 at the Junior College level, and 1 at the NAIA level).
As a profession, Rutkowski works in Wealth Management at Croak Asset Management, LLC in downtown Toledo a fiduciary wealth management firm for clients who want personal service combined with evidence, analytical, and goals-based investments.
Prior to being at Croak Asset Management, Rutkowski was the Senior Development Officer at United Way of Greater Toledo, serving Lucas, Wood, and Ottawa counties where he helped oversee and manage the Development and Fundraising efforts which historically brings in over $9 million dollars annually in donations from individuals within the workplace and community to support programs and agencies in Lucas, Wood, and Ottawa counties.
Before UWGT, Rutkowski co-led Premier Academy facility, which is home to one of the largest youth volleyball clubs, which has achieved a combined total of 40 National Medals, 78 All-American selections, and over 300 college commitments, making it the most sought-after training facility in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan. In addition to our youth programs, we are also the largest sports facility in the area that hosts indoor adult volleyball leagues. In addition to his full-time duties, he also coaches for Premier Academy where he has earned a 2013 AAU Bronze Medal, 2014 AAU Silver Medal, 2016 AAU Bronze Medal and has been afforded the opportunity to coach teams internationally on tours through Nicaragua, and throughout Europe in the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Croatia, Austria and Italy while coaching through Bring It Promotions and the European Global Challenge.
Rutkowski came to Premier Academy after spending three years as the Assistant Director of Athletics and Director of Student Activities at Cardinal Stritch Catholic High School and St. Kateri Catholic Academy. Rutkowski, was 11th full-time athletic staff member in school history. Prior to working for the St. Kateri Catholic Schools, Rutkowski spent three years with The Famous San Diego Chicken (TFC, Inc.). He still works with TFC Inc. during the summer months when he is able and has been with the company for a total of 11 years now. He served as the Assistant Managing Director with TFC, Inc., which is a traveling marketing and promotions company, which works in various areas of sport, specifically with Minor League Baseball. In his tenure with TFC, Inc., Rutkowski worked in 3 Triple-A All-Star Games and in 170 different Minor League and Major League Baseball parks throughout the country.
Prior to his tenure with TFC, Inc., Rutkowski worked for the Toledo Mud Hens Baseball Club as a member of their marketing department, Bowling Green State University as a member of their athletic operations department, Bowling Green High School as a member of their athletic department, Super Bowl XL, and at the CYO as a member of their sport staff.
He earned a Bachelor of Science in Education – Sport Management from Bowling Green State University in 2008 and earned his Master of Science in Education – Sport Administration from the institution in 2010.
Currently, Rutkowski, 35, resides in Oregon, Ohio with his husband, Kevin, and their dogs Beau and Harper.
Jeremy was born and raised in West Toledo, graduated from St. Francis de Sales H.S. in 2002 and completed his Bachelor’s Degree at The University of Toledo. Jeremy has served in the financial services industry since 2016. Along with a wealth of knowledge, Jeremy brings a passion and commitment to financial education to Croak Asset Management.
Jeremy has many interests and passions outside of his work; none more important than his family. Jeremy and Hollie were married in December 2013, their two children Gabriella and Garrett came shortly thereafter. The Hartle family and their dog Hines moved to Sylvania, Ohio in 2019. The Hartles are busy bodies and love to stay active but some of their favorite things are: eating Mexican food, traveling to the beach, playing sports and games, watching movies, and they LOVE to go out for ice cream.
Jeremy and Hollie operate a local restaurant and bar in Toledo and have had investments in the service industry over the past decade. The Hartle family loves to support, eat, and drink at LOCAL restaurants and businesses.
Jeremy is serving his second term as President of The Parkinson Foundation of Northwest Ohio, a local non-profit organization dedicated to serving the Northwest Ohio Parkinson community with fundraising, events, awareness, and resources. The entire Hartle family became involved with Parkinson Disease when Jeremy's father was diagnosed in 2014. Jeremy and brother Zack founded an annual golf outing, Putting for Parkinson, which has grown into one of the largest golf outings in the entire state of Ohio; raising north of $100,000 and counting.
Jeremy personal interests: Golf, all sports and sporting events, traveling to the beach, Notre Dame football, and whichever activities or sports his wife and children are involved in or passionate about.
quirky facts- Jeremy and teammates are World Championship softball players (won the 2009 USSSA World championship), Jeremy has Bowled multiple perfect 300 games in bowling, has over 10 years of experience coaching high school baseball and high school girls' basketball, wife Hollie played softball at the University of Toledo
Mary Due grew up in Toledo, attended Notre Dame Academy, and received a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Toledo. She had a 12 year career in the health insurance field before staying home to raise her 3 children. Prior to joining the Team at CAM, she worked at a medical practice and a marketing firm. Mary enjoys using her administrative and interpersonal skills to provide our clients with an exceptional client experience. Mary and her husband, Alex, have three adult children - Emily, Preston and Lizzy. She enjoys reading, backyard bird watching, knitting and exploring the metro park trails with Alex and their two dogs, Milo and Leo.
Kathleen graduated from Davis College with a degree in Interior Design and Business. She has worked in the Toledo area as a administrative assistant in the accounting and engineering fields for several companies, including Price-Waterhouse and Matrix Technologies. Recently, Kathleen transitioned with the rest of the Croak Asset Management team to their downtown Toledo location.
Kathleen grew up in Oregon, Ohio, currently lives in Waterville, Ohio and is married and has three sons. Kathleen enjoys spending her free time volunteering for community events, painting and sewing.
