MEET THE TEAM
The team behind Midwest Financial Network, LLC is made up of
Ray Kozicki, MRFC® - Managing Partner
Ray applies his extensive knowledge of financial products and services to aid clients from all walks of life with their financial goals.
Since 2005, Ray Kozicki has been a financial advisor and resource for individuals and families. As the leader of his firm, Ray leverages his wealth of knowledge and long history of informing clients about the retirement process to help them create financial strategies.
Ray is also a staunch advocate for financial literacy and has worked with a variety of institutions and organizations dedicated to helping retirees and pre-retirees better understand money, including the Society for Financial Awareness, the Foundation for Financial Education, Heartland Community College, Money Smart Week, and others.
Ray holds memberships in the International Association of Registered Financial Consultants, National Ethics Association, National Society of Collegiate Scholars, and National Eagle Scout Association. Additionally, he is accredited with an A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau (as of Jan. 10, 2020). Ray graduated summa cum laude in business from Waldorf University.
Ray is happily married to his wife, Christina, and father to their son Parker. Together, Ray and his family have been involved in both local and global ministry. They have supported a Brazilian family since 2009 and are active members of the Abundant Life Assembly. Ray's drive to succeed extends into his personal life, so you will often see him swimming, distance running, and creating many adventures with his family.
Ryan Biniak, MRFC® - Managing Partner
Ryan utilizes his years of experience in both the health care and financial industries to help clients preserve their wealth through impactful financial literacy, as well as estate and legacy planning.
After graduating from college, Ryan spent the next four years working in medical coding and billing equipment for hospital systems throughout the Midwest. Working primarily with Medicare clients, he developed a robust understanding of how and why clients were being billed for medical costs. His interest in financial long-term care and estate planning was enhanced when he worked as the director and manager for a hospice company in 2012.
After witnessing the financial struggles families face with health care, long-term care, and funeral costs when loved ones pass, Ryan was motivated to partner with Ray Kozicki to offer a holistic approach to financial and estate planning for their clients, giving them the ability to preserve their wealth for generations.
Ryan is a strong advocate for financial education, equipping individuals and business owners with the proper tools needed to help ensure a secure financial retirement.
A Chicagoland native, Ryan moved to Iowa in 2002. He attended Drake University in Des Moines, where he graduated in 2006 with a bachelor's degree in biochemistry with additional backgrounds in finance and business administration.
Ryan is a member of the International Association of Registered Financial Consultants and the National Ethics Association.
Outside of work, Ryan shares his passion for helping others succeed by teaching financial literacy workshops throughout Iowa and Illinois for nonprofit and business organizations. His goal is to help families become financially comfortable for generations to come through purposeful planning and education.
Ryan and his wife, Kelly, live in West Des Moines with their two children, Luke and Erin. Ryan and his family are active members of their church and community. In his free time, Ryan enjoys golfing, spending time with his family, and training for and competing in annual triathlons. When the temperature drops in Iowa, he and his family like to escape to warm weather destinations like Florida, Hawaii, and Mexico.
Jaime Ragins, MRFC® - Investment Advisor Representative
Jaime draws from her decades of experience with corporate management and counseling to help her clients identify their life goals. She believes money is not the goal, but it is the tool to help you reach your goals. Jaime strategizes sound financial plans with her clients to help them accomplish their desired objectives while she draws on her experience to minimize their risk.
Jaime graduated from college with a master's degree in counseling. Jaime is an Army veteran, and since resigning from the military 17 years ago, she has worked in both government and private sectors as a counselor, business consultant, strategist, and trainer.
The experience that shaped Jaime's desire to help clients in a financial planning capacity was her time spent as a nursing home social worker and hospice director. In this role, Jaime met our managing partner, Ryan Biniak, and their shared experience watching the financial struggles of residents in long-term care and hospice led to her commitment to a holistic financial planning process.
Jaime grew up in Pennsylvania, and throughout her military career, she has lived in Germany, Georgia, Alabama, Texas, and now resides in LeClaire, Iowa, with her husband. Jaime met Cedric while they were serving in the Army together in Germany. They have been married for 18 years and have two kids, CJ and Gabi, ages 17 and 14. Cedric resigned from the military in 2008.
He is currently enjoying his current position as a supply base manager for John Deere in Moline. In her free time, Jaime is an avid runner and tennis player. Jaime and daughter Gabi compete together in local triathlons, obstacle runs, and fun runs during the warmer months. They enjoy traveling to Florida to visit with family and exploring various sunny destinations over Spring Break.
Jaime is also devoted to bringing the gift of tennis to kids that might not otherwise have the opportunity to learn the sport. She hosts free clinics for the Davenport area youth in the summer, and she is the Davenport Central High School varsity girls head coach. Jaime gives back to her local adult community by teaching free financial wellness workshops at churches, libraries, and community centers.
Jaime holds insurance licensure in health, accident, life, long-term care, and annuities. Jaime is a licensed fiduciary and has successfully passed Series 6, 63, and 65 securities exams.
Julie Duran - Office Administration and Client Relations
Julie has over 20 years of experience in administration, management, and claims processing. She began her career as an administrative assistant in the claims department of Chubb Insurance, where she quickly moved on to become a successful senior worker's compensation specialist.
Julie has a proven record of high client satisfaction and a passion for providing the best customer experience. Her various roles as a manager help her develop policies and procedures that aid both her coworkers and clients in working toward achieving the highest levels of success. Working with Midwest Financial Network provides Julie with the ability to utilize her skills and experience to develop the firm's growth within the community.
Julie and her husband, Jeff, live in Mokena, Illinois, with their two daughters, Carmena and Gianna. They are active members of Parkview Christian Church, where they volunteer their time and talents. Julie and Jeff enjoy watching their children perform in softball, school band, and choir, and the whole family loves gardening, camping, and cooking.