Meet Our Team

Benito Ibarra is a seasoned Financial Advisor who began his career in the financial service industry in August of 2015. He became a Partner for a Fortune 100 company in 2021 and after working in management and gaining valuable expertise in the financial sector, he established Centaur Financial, LLC in 2023 which specializes in holistic planning.

In his investment advisory services, Benito serves as fiduciary and acts in his clients’ best interest. This provides better clarity for them in financial matters and enables them to move forward with confidence.

Benito grew up in the southwest side of Chicago, IL, and earned a degree in Finance from the University of Illinois at Chicago. He has since gone on to obtain a variety of Securities Registrations, including the FINRA Series 6, 63, 7, and 66.

Benito currently resides in Fulton Market-West Loop Chicago, IL with his beloved doggy Querubin (Cupid). When he’s not working with clients, Benito enjoys spending time with his family, working out, cheering for the Chicago Bulls, and practicing for his rodeo competitions.

Centaur Financial, LLC is not affiliated with Christopher Financial Group, LLC and is independently owned and operated from New York Life Insurance Company and its affiliates.

John began his career as an agent with New York Life in 2001. As a financial professional, John is a strategic thinker with an innovative mindset.  He is a member of the 2021 New York Life Chairman’s Council-which is a recognition of agent's with a high level of production at the company.

With continued success at New York Life, John founded Christopher Financial Group in 2011 to support the ongoing needs of his clients. John brings extensive knowledge and understanding as he designs solutions for his client’s retirement planning, estate planning, wealth strategies, as well as business succession and executive & employee compensation and benefits. He excels at helping his clients to crystallize their goals while creating a road map for their success, no matter what stage they are in life.  

As a Member agent of The Nautilus Group®, a service of New York Life, John belongs to an elite group of industry leaders who have exclusive access to the in-house support of planning professionals with credentials in law, taxation, accounting, insurance and finance. John is also an Investment Adviser Representative with Eagle Strategies LLC, a Registered Investment Adviser. The combination of resources of The Nautilus Group® and Eagle Strategies LLC allow Christopher Financial group the ability to provide a more comprehensive program for clients.

Deeply connected to his community, John is an active member for the Elmhurst Memorial Hospital Foundation and a past board member at Medinah Country Club. John is also a supporter of Misericordia Heart of Mercy and Folds of Honor. John holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Northwestern University.

He and his wife Nada have been married for over 30 years and reside in Elmhurst, Illinois. They have 2 adult sons and enjoy spending time with their grandson, Luka. 

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David joined New York Life in 2009 and is an Adviser with the Christopher Financial Group. David specializes in working with medical professionals and business owners in the areas of retirement, succession and estate planning.

As a Chartered Financial Planning Counselor (CRPC®), David not only helps crystallize his clients goals and objectives but guides them to take action to solidify their family’s future for generations to come. Prior to coming to New York Life, David was a successful derivatives trader at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. This experience managing complex futures and options positions has given him a keen understanding of risk and how best to manage it. David’s clients appreciate his can-dor and insight while assisting them to reach their goals.

A member of the New York Life President’s Council (2017, 2018, 2019) and Chairman's Council (2020), David is also a Court of the Table® member of the Million Dollar Round Table* (2011-2013, 2016-2020). All are exclusive distinctions reserved for top Advisers in the industry.

David is also an active member of his community. Over the last 10 years he coached various sports for his 3 children. David is also a member of the development Committee of the Ray Graham Association which provides homes, education and round the clock care for mentally challenged adults and children in the DuPage County area.

*The Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT), the Premier Association of Financial Professionals, is recognized globally as the standard of excellence for life insurance sales performance.

Peter Korbakes, born and raised in Lemont, IL is a 2012 graduate of Rollins College in Winter Park, FL where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Economics. Beginning his career as an independent financial futures trader at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, Peter spent three years trading in some of the most interesting market conditions in recent memory. Gaining market experience, Peter recognized the need for financial and risk diversification, as well as the need for a long-term outlook.

While successful, Peter personally felt unfulfilled servicing only himself and wanted to begin a new chapter in which he would be able to communicate with and ultimately help his peers. Upon joining New York Life Insurance Company as an Agent and the Christopher Financial Group as an associate, Peter has the opportunity to pursue his passion in helping families and business owners identify their financial goals and plan for future financial stability and prosperity. As a Registered Representative and Financial Services Professional with a FINRA Series 7 and 63 licenses, Peter enjoys educating clients on financial awareness and planning. Peter success has shown success in his first two years with New York Life by reaching Executive Council in his first full calendar year.

Active within his community, Peter is an elected Lemont Park District commissioner and involved with his church community. Peter’s hobbies include reading, watching movies, golf course architecture, and American history. Lastly, Peter is a co-founder of Sugarloaf Social Club, a group of like-minded individuals with the vision and dedication to the preservation, enjoyment, and promotion of the game of golf.

Vincent is a seasoned Financial Advisor who began his career in the financial services industry in April of 2017. With a focus on comprehensive financial planning for pre-retirees/retirees and business owners, Vincent brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his clients.

Vincent's passion for helping others achieve financial success is evident in his dedication to his clients. He takes the time to understand their unique needs and goals and works with them to create personalized financial plans that are tailored to their specific circumstances. He is known for his professionalism, dedication, and exceptional client service, which has earned him a reputation as a trustworthy and reliable financial advisor.

Vincent grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, IL and earned his bachelor’s degree in business from DePaul University. He has since gone on to obtain a variety of Securities Registrations, including the Series 6, 63, 7, and 66.

Vincent currently resides in Chicago, IL with his large family and his beloved Goldendoodle, Cooper. When he's not working with clients, Vincent enjoys spending time with his family and pup, playing golf, staying in-shape, and cheering on the Chicago Cubs

Vincent is also the Founder and President of WolfPack Capital, LLC – providing an array of planning services to fit his client’s needs through Eagle Strategies LLC. 

As a Financial Professional, Megan (CA Insurance License #0L44348) educates her clients to help align their actions with their intent. As a strategic thinker with a highly innovative mindset, she sets out to efficiently help her clients make their dreams a reality.

Megan was raised in Streamwood, IL. She is a 2016 graduate of Western Illinois University where she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Biology (option: Medical Sciences) with minors in chemistry and psychology. During her time there Megan competed in the heptathlon on the division I Track and Field team. She represented Western Illinois for five years, three of which she was Captain of the men and women’s team.

Upon graduation, Megan joined New York Life Insurance Company as an Agent and has shown success and is a strong advocate for women in leadership. She has served on the board of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) since 2018. She is a part of local Women in business chapters and the Small Business Advocacy Council where she is involved in the women initiatives as well as local volunteer efforts.

She is a Registered Representative of NYLIFE Securities LLC, member FINRA/SIPC, a licensed Insurance Agency. NYLIFE Securities LLC is a New York Life Company. Megan joined the Christopher Financial Group as an associate to enhance her capabilities of servicing her clients. Megan excels at making her clients confident in themselves and their financial strategies.

She is a family oriented individual. In her spare time, Megan likes to spend time with family and her Doberman, Doc. She also enjoys reading, traveling, hiking, camping, horse back riding, and being around animals or volunteering.

Nada is the Business and Operations Manager for the firm. She is responsible for the day to day operations of Exodus Business Strategies and Christopher Financial Group. In addition, she manages John’s New York Life business which includes supervising sales processes as well as service to clients. She has over 20 years of experience with New York Life and uses this experience to work with NYL resource partners, Eagle Strategies LLC and The Nautilus Group. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign. Nada and John have been married for over 25 years and they have two grown sons.

Stephanie is the Account Manager/Benefit Specialist for the firm. She has over 20 years experience in human resources, benefits, customer service and insurance. Stephanie manages the group health aspect of the business, coordinating benefits between the company and the insurance agencies. She has a Bachelors degree in Applied Behavioral Science from National Louis University. She acquired her Professional Human Resource Certification (PHR) in 2010. Stephanie and her husband have one son and live in La Grange Park, IL.

Taylor Reynolds is a Financial Advisor dedicated to serving his clients and his community. His focus on delivering value not just in his areas of expertise but through his strong network sets him apart. His process is geared towards educating you at a high level, identifying priorities, and narrowing the focus to help achieve measurable progress towards your objectives.

Personally, Taylor loves spending time with his beautiful wife, Tracey, and their two dogs (Wrigley and Maizy). When he's not hanging out with his family or friends, he’s likely coaching, playing, or watching sports. Other interests include traveling, reading, supporting business ventures, volunteering, and more.

Taylor is a very active member of his community. He constantly strives to enhance his knowledge and connections, aiming to help others do the same. Some of Taylor's affiliations include Chamber 630 (local Chamber of Commerce), Rotary International, Toastmasters International, and the University of Alabama Alumni organization - Roll Tide! One key takeaway from interacting with Taylor is his genuine desire to help without expecting anything in return.