Packard Wheeler Succession History
Packard Wheeler Succession was founded by original members Bret Michael Wheeler, and former Financial Representative John Packard, who recently retired from Northwestern Mutual after 19 years in the business. The team was built on the foundation of providing excellent succession planning and customer service for all clients focusing on the needs of corporations, businesses and high net worth families. Bret and John have spent their careers perfecting their business plan to ensure their clients are given the best experience with their succession planning and retirement transitioning needs. John Packard leaves behind a professional legacy to be lived out through Packard Wheeler Succession’s mission to serve clients to the highest ability possible.
John A. Packard Jr
John joined Northwestern Mutual in 1998, after a successful 26- year career in the oil industry. Building on his industry experience, John soon began joint work with Bret Michael Wheeler as they focused on the needs of many small businesses in the greater Spokane area. Within six months, a team approach was developed which led directly to the founding of Packard Wheeler Succession in 1999 by John and Bret.
With the expert guidance of Northwestern Advance Planning attorneys and their excellent seminar series, John and Bret enhanced their practice to provide clients with detailed succession planning and retirement transitioning.
John qualified for Forum in 2005 and 2011. In 2011 he was the Western Region Senior Representative Leader and Runner- up for the company-wide Senior Representative Leader.
Beyond Northwestern, John is an active Board Member and Investment Committee Chairman for the National Smokejumpers Association. He is a Rotary District Representative on the Waterton- Glacier Lake International Peace Park Committee in Alberta, Canada, and Montana and serves as a member of the Rockwood Residents Association Investment Advisory Committee.
After 19 years with Northwestern Mutual, John retired at the end of 2017 with an amazing career behind him. John and his wife, Diane, are enjoying the opportunity to spend more time with their five grandchildren in the Seattle and San Francisco areas. Additionally, they participate in Bible Study Fellowship, and international organization. A passion for adventure draws them to visiting far-flung and fascinating destinations abroad and in the USA.
Bret Michael Wheeler
Bret developed his acute business acumen while working as the General Manager at Harvey’s Clothing Store. His mentor, Clair Jones provided him with a common sense business approach, that he was able to directly translate to his career with Northwestern Mutual. Bret has consistently been an industry leader with Northwestern Mutual since 1989.
Early in Bret’s career he realized that there was a level of expertise missing in the financial services industry when advising business clientele. In order to fulfill this need, Bret and his partner, John Packard Jr. founded Packard Wheeler Succession to provide expert guidance in the succession planning of corporations, businesses, and high net worth families. As the founders of Packard Wheeler Succession, Bret and John built the infrastructure to succeed by recruiting and training the representatives and staff that comprise Packard Wheeler Succession.
Bret enjoys spending quality time with his wife and four children. He enjoys reading about his favorite subjects; history and politics. In the summer, you can find Bret and his family relaxing at their river home on the Pend Oreille River.