The Nicol Agency Executive Committee provides the leadership, management, guidance, supervision, consultation, and administration of all Nicol affiliates. The Executive Committee is divided into three divisions: Board of Directors, Administration and Consultants.
Board of Directors
Kevin G. Nicol
President, CEO, Principal
After graduating cum laude from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville with his Bachelors Degree and Masters Degree in education, Kevin Nicol taught in area schools for 11 years. Kevin entered the financial services industry in August 1981. The quality and quantity of business he produced has been frequently recognized. He is a member of American Fund’s All-American Team; Lincoln Life’s, President’s Club; and is an Illinois Mutual Life Leader. In 2009 – 2017 Kevin was recognized by St. Louis Magazine s one of the St. Louis areas best Wealth Managers. Kevin was also one of seven featured in the April 11, 2011 issue of Forbes Magazine as one of St. Louis’ best financial advisors.
Kevin is licensed to sell life, health, fire, casualty, and variable insurance. Kevin is a faculty member of Professional Training Services (PTS) and has taught and certified many life and health insurance producers for their pre-licensing and continuing education requirements. After initially becoming securities licensed in 1983, he became a registered principal in 1985 and has managed an OSJ office for several Broker/Dealers. He has also hosted many securities licensing and training seminars. Kevin currently holds Series 6, 7, 24, 26, 51, 63, and 66 securities licenses. He also is a Mason, Shriner, Optimist, Rotarian (Board of Directors), Citizens Advisory Committee for the Granite City CUSD #9, and honorary member of the U.S. Olympic Alumni Association – MO-IL Chapter.
As an author, Kevin has written many articles and has five published works: Financial Priorities, a Foundation for Financial Freedom; Making a Difference, the Nicol Way; Financial Priorities, the Workshop Series; the curriculum for NICOL University (NIC-U); and Lean Not, Kevin’s autobiographical testimony.
W. Chris Ziebold
Vice President, Principal, Chief Compliance Officer (CCO)
After graduation with a B.S. in Communications from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale in 1970, Chris spent nine years at St. Louis Community College followed by 25 years with the McDonnell Douglas/Boeing Corporations. He has earned several Regional EMMY awards for his work and provided numerous cover photos for many aviation trade magazines and publications. In 2010, 2011 & 2017, Chris was recognized by St. Louis Magazine as one of the St. Louis areas best Wealth Managers.
Since 1989, he has been in the financial services industries, currently holding Series 6, 7, 24, 63, and 66 securities licenses and life and health insurance licenses for the states of Illinois and Missouri. Chris is also a faculty member of Professional Training Services (PTS) and has taught and certified many life and health insurance producers for their pre-licensing and continuing education requirements. From Waterloo, Illinois, Chris serves as advisor on the Endowment Boards for two local not-for-profit organizations; as a Waterloo Rotarian and an Executive Board member of Greater St. Louis Area Boy Scout Council.
Larry Lexow
Group Benefits, Principal
Lawrence R. Lexow, QPFA, CFS, CRPS, CLTC, is president of Lexow Financial Group and BCL Financial Management Consultants, Inc. Larry received his Bachelor of Science (BS) degree from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, where he now serves as an advisor to the SIUE Alumni Board and is a member of the SIUE Foundation Board.
He brings 30 years of entrepreneurial business experience to a wide variety of both family and nonfamily-owned business clients. His broad experience with closely held companies makes him uniquely qualified to understand their needs and to develop creative solutions.
In 2017, Larry was recognized as a St Louis Five Star Wealth Manager as published in St. Louis Magazine. In his current position, Larry is able to provide the required development, coordination and implementation of a comprehensive financial strategy for retirement planning and employee benefit programs. In 2004 he completed a three-year appointment to the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel, (TAP), advising the IRS and U.S. Treasury on issues regarding taxpayer concerns and internal process and procedures. Larry is a member of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, (NAIFA) and The American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries, (ASPPA).
Larry holds Securities Registrations Series 26, 52, 6, 62, 63 and 65. He produces and hosts the weekly radio show “the Financial Café” and is a frequent speaker and author of articles on the subject of retirement and employment benefits issues.
Todd Groesch
Senior Associate, Principal
After graduating from Illinois State University in 1992 with a BS in Marketing, Todd spent 12 years in sales prior to entering the financial industry in 2004. Registered in both Illinois and Missouri, he currently holds his Series 6, 63, 65 & 26 securities licenses and is licensed to sell life, health, fire, casualty and variable insurance with the Nicol Agency. Networking has been key to Todd’s success. He has been a member of BNI Leaders Council since 2010 and active in the Greater Belleville Chamber. He is also active in the Millstadt Chamber as a Founding Board Member and has held the leadership positions of President and Secretary.
Donald W. Currie
Board Member
After graduating with a B.S. in Finance/Business from Missouri State University in 1991, Don worked as an engineering planner for McDonnell Douglas. During that time, he had the opportunity to study Japanese, and earned a certificate from Fontbonne University in Japanese language proficiency. After three years, he left McDonnell Douglas and moved to Japan to use his new language skills and experience the culture while teaching English.
After two years, he returned to St. Louis and was hired by Monsanto. At Monsanto, Don held various finance and supply chain positions, working his way up to director level roles. During that time, he also had the opportunity to earn his MBA from Washington University in 2001. After 24 years, he retired.
Don began working in the securities industry in 1994, and transitioned to full time in the industry after retiring from Monsanto. He holds his Series 7, 24, and 63 securities licenses as well as life and health insurance licenses.
While he has extensive experience working in corporate finance and supply chain roles, Don has a passion for helping people find their own path to financial success.
Jim Bingham
Branch Manager, Board Member, Principal
Jim serves as the Branch Manager of the Springfield NICOL office. At the heart of Jim’s business is his focus on developing relationships and getting to know his clients. He grew up on a working farm in the greater Springfield area. Following his service in the Army as a crew leader for a combat support helicopter unit, Jim attended Missouri State University, where he earned his Bachelor's of Science in Business.
Jim entered his career in Financial Services in the 1980s. He hired and trained other qualified individuals to also become Registered Securities and Insurance Representatives. Jim supported others both in the classroom and face to face with prospective clients as a mentor.
Recently, Jim was associated with Dave Ramsey’s organization as an Endorsed Local Provider in the greater Springfield area. Jim approaches his role with clients with a heart of a teacher. He personally uses the same products for himself and his family that he uses for his clients.
Jim is licensed in Missouri, as well as several other states. He holds his Series 6, 63, and 26 licenses.
