Our Team

Stuart Birkel, LACP . Principal, Financial Services Professional

Stuart started his financial services career with New York Life Insurance Company and NYLIFE Securities LLC, in October of 1992 by following in his father's footsteps, John Birkel and becoming a Second-Generation Career Agent with New York Life. During his career with New York Life, Stuart has qualified over 20 times for New York Life Council.

Stuart’s achievements include:

• New York Life President Council 2020^{^}
• Current Court of the Table, Qualifying and Life member of MDRT^*
• Current board member of Forkids
• Past President of the Norfolk General Office Agent Advisory Council (AAC)
• Active member in the local chapter of Norfolk Association of Insurance & Financial Advisors (NAIFA)
• Member of NBA Study Group since 2011
• Co-Founded WFG, LLC in March of 2010 with Thomas Raddatz
• 2009 Agent of Year at the Norfolk Association of Insurance & Financial Advisors
• 2007-2008 President of the Norfolk Association of Insurance & Financial Advisors
• Past President of the Lion's Club in Newport News

Stuart lives in the city of Norfolk with his wife, Dr. Nathalie Cassis, OD, FAAO and their two daughters, Sophie & Emilie. Nathalie practices as an Optometrist locally in historic Ghent of Norfolk. When Stuart is not serving as a deacon at First Presbyterian Church of Norfolk, he enjoys spending his personal time with his family by traveling in the U.S. or internationally and snorkeling in the Caribbean. Stuart and his family also enjoy spending time relaxing on the many area beaches.

Tom Raddatz, RICP®, LACP . Principal, Financial Advisor

Tom started his financial services career with New York Life Insurance Company and NYLIFE Securities LLC, in January of 1994 after serving four years in the Navy and an additional four years working for his family’s business. During his career with New York Life Tom has qualified for council every year since 1996 and is a Financial Advisor with Eagle Strategies LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor. Tom believes his naval service instilled in him the discipline to be successful and experience in a family business gives him an elevated understanding of business dynamics and concerns that often need to be addressed.

Tom’s achievements include:

• Past President of the Virginia Association of Insurance & Financial Advisors (VAIFA) and is an active member in the local chapter of the Tidewater Association of Insurance & Financial Advisors
• Past President of the Norfolk General Office AAC
• 2006-2007 President of the Tidewater Association of Insurance & Financial Advisors
• Past Regional Vice President to VAIFA
• Co-founded WFG, LLC in March of 2010 with Stuart Birkel.
• Member of the NBA Study Group since 2011
• Current National Committee Person for his local Tidewater Association
• 2020 Life and Qualifying member of MDRT^*
• Lifetime member of the NYL Council
• Financial Advisor Eagle Strategies LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor

Tom lives in the city of Chesapeake with his wife, Penny and their dog Franklin. Tom and Penny have two daughters Caroline and Melissa. Penny is the owner/operator of Summersett Farms, LLC an equestrian riding facility in Chesapeake, VA. In Tom's spare time, you can find him at the range, working on classic cars, volunteering his time in the community and working on the farm. Tom is also a proud contributor to the Wounded Warriors Project.

Chelsea Nelson . Licensed Service Assistant

• Chelsea joined Waterside Financial Group in 2019, bringing over 10 years of administrative experience with her.
• Born and raised in Northern Nevada, Chelsea moved from Reno to Virginia in 2017.
• She lives in Virginia Beach, VA with her husband, Dylan, and their Goldendoodle, Finn.
• In her spare time, you can find Chelsea baking, enjoying the beach with her pup, or traveling with her husband.

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Through Eagle Strategies, Tom Raddatz provides fee-based financial planning, investment advisory services, and access to investment management programs. Eagle Strategies LLC is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an "Investment Adviser" and is an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of New York Life Insurance Company.

Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT), The Premier Association of Financial Professionals^®, is a global, independent association of comprised of the world’s leading life insurance and financial services professionals from around the world. Founded in 1927, MDRT members demonstrate exceptional professional knowledge, strict ethical conduct and outstanding client service, and membership is recognized internationally as the standard of excellence in the life insurance and financial services industries.

Founded in 1890, the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) is the oldest, largest and most prestigious association representing the interests of every Congressional district in the nation. Their mission is to advocate for a positive legislative and regulatory environment, enhance business and professional skills, and promote the ethical conduct among members.

The Advanced Planning Group collectively leverages years of practical experience and disciplines in law, accounting and financial service, in order to provide New York Life agents with unparalleled assistance in estate, business, and life insurance planning. Because the Advanced Planning Group supports agents who have a nationwide clientele, the group has insight consulting on estate and business plans at all levels of wealth across all 50 states. The Advanced Planning Group is called to action to advise on hundreds of business and estate plans each year; and that means Stuart J. Birkel and Thomas J. Raddatz can bring experience, value and insight to your planning situation. The Advanced Planning Group does not provide specific legal, tax or accounting advice.