Meet the Team Behind the Mission

Joseph Sparacio, CLU, CLF

General Agent | Texas National Financial Group
Proud Partner of National Life Group

“Legacy is not leaving something for people. It’s leaving something in people.”
— Peter Strople

Joseph Sparacio’s career is a masterclass in leadership, legacy, and transformation. For more than three decades, Joe has been at the forefront of the financial services industry—building billion-dollar organizations, coaching thousands of advisors and financial professionals, and reshaping the culture of field leadership from coast to coast.

It all began at Prudential Financial in 1989, where Joe quickly distinguished himself as a leader. By age 30, he was asked to lead the Boston office—one of the youngest to do so. He later returned to his native New York to manage and grow one of Prudential’s premier offices. That was only the beginning. Joe would go on to hold executive roles at MassMutual, where he served as CEO of The Island Financial Group, Senior Regional Vice President, and ultimately Head of Field Management—responsible for a national force of 7,500+ advisors and financial professionals and the company’s highest-performing sales years in history.

Now, as General Agent of Texas National Financial Group, Joe brings his decades of experience, strategic vision, and passion for mentorship to Texas. His mission is clear: to empower the next generation of advisors and financial professionals, cultivate a culture of excellence, and deliver lasting value to clients and communities through education, trust, and purpose-driven planning.

A graduate of Hofstra University, Joe has remained deeply connected to his alma mater—establishing an endowed scholarship, serving on the Board of Trustees, and mentoring students with a focus on communication and leadership. His influence extends well beyond business. Joe is an active philanthropist, volunteer, and keynote speaker, recognized by organizations like the American Cancer Society, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Joe holds the CLU and CLF designations and has been inducted into the Alumni Hall of Fame at The American College, where he currently serves on the President’s Advisory Council. Known for his clarity, conviction, and genuine care, Joe is not only a proven strategist—he’s a builder of people, teams, and impact.

“In this business, success isn’t measured in commissions or titles—it’s measured in how many people you’ve helped rise.”

Joe Sparacio is a Registered Representative of Equity Services, Inc. and offer securities in TX and is insurance licensed in Texas.

Chris Stark FICF 

Associate General Agent | Texas National Financial Group

“Don’t just lead to grow a team—lead to grow people. That’s how legacy is built.”

Chris Stark is a force in the world of financial services—a proven leader who builds not just businesses, but movements. As Associate General Agent at Texas National Financial Group, Chris is helping shape the next generation of advisors by fusing purpose, performance, and principle into a platform that inspires action and delivers results.

For over a decade, Chris made his mark as one of the most impactful leaders at Knights of Columbus, where he wasn’t just a top producer—he was the top recruiter in Texas. With more than 100 new members brought on in a single year, multiple Star Council designations, and national awards for policy performance, Chris didn’t climb the ranks—he rebuilt them. His leadership earned him accolades from the MDRT Center for Field Leadership, the Kinane Award, and recognition at the highest levels of production. But accolades have never been his goal—impact has.

Chris has a talent for seeing greatness in others before they see it in themselves. He knows that elite performance doesn’t come from pressure—it comes from alignment. He recruits with intention, mentors with conviction, and builds teams that understand the mission is bigger than any one person. His philosophy is simple: when you lead with values, you win with consistency.

As a licensed investment adviser representative, Chris combines protection strategies with sophisticated retirement and asset allocation planning—equipping advisors with the tools to serve high-integrity families, business owners, and communities with confidence. At TNFG, he’s expanding a firm that reflects everything he believes in: growth with grit, leadership with heart, and success that actually means something.

If you’re looking for more than a title—if you want a team, a mission, and a future worth building—Chris Stark is the kind of leader who can get you there.

Ellen Wagner
Chief Operating Officer | Texas National Financial Group

“Strategy creates momentum – developing leaders sustains it.”

Ellen Wagner is the operational force behind Texas National Financial Group—and the steady hand that keeps the engine running at full speed. As Chief Operating Officer, she leads the systems, service platforms, and execution strategies that support every agent, every case, and every client relationship across the firm. From onboarding to compliance, technology to training, Ellen ensures that TNFG’s promise of excellence is delivered daily, with discipline and heart.

With a career spanning financial operations, real estate, healthcare systems, and federally deployed disaster response, Ellen brings a rare blend of precision, adaptability, and leadership under pressure. She’s held licenses across multiple industries—including insurance, real estate, and pharmacy—and has built a reputation for transforming chaos into clarity, and ideas into implementation.

Today, Ellen serves as the Chief Operating Officer for National Life Group’s Texas Agency, acting as a strategic bridge between field leadership and home office systems. She brings structure where there is scale, clarity where there is complexity, and momentum where others might see friction. Her presence isn’t just stabilizing—it’s energizing.

Known for her responsiveness, strategic mind, and being solution orientated, Ellen is the kind of leader every high-growth firm hopes to have—and every agent wants in their corner. She doesn't just keep TNFG operational—she makes it exceptional.

Samir E. Abdullah

Senior Managing Director | Texas National Financial Group
Registered Representative & Investment Adviser Representative, Equity Services Inc.

“Leadership is not about being in charge. It’s about taking care of those in your charge.”
— Simon Sinek

Samir Abdullah has always seen potential where others see limits—and he’s built a career helping others do the same. With over two decades of leadership across some of the most respected firms in the financial services industry, Samir doesn’t just build teams—he builds cultures, careers, and confidence.

From Miami to Dallas, from the front lines of client service to the C-suite, Samir has led diverse teams through complex markets, economic shifts, and competitive growth. What sets him apart is his deep belief that a great advisor isn’t born—they’re developed. His leadership has consistently turned ambition into performance, and potential into results.

Now, as Senior Managing Director at Texas National Financial Group, Samir is creating something bigger than himself—a platform where driven, ethical, and coachable professionals can build something meaningful. His goal? To elevate financial professionals through education, mentorship, and access to powerful tools and innovative planning strategies, so they can deliver real impact to their clients and communities.

Samir is fully licensed (Series 6, 7, 24, 63, and 65) and has guided advisors through everything from retirement and estate planning, to executive benefit strategies, annuities, disability insurance, and advanced life insurance design. He is also the founder of AEROWEALTH Financial Solutions, a firm rooted in holistic guidance and strategic innovation.

Fluent in Spanish and certified in aviation (yes—he holds a commercial instrument-rated pilot’s license), Samir is proof that leadership is not linear. It’s about adaptability, curiosity, and showing up with heart and intention. Those who work with him often say he’s a “builder of people” just as much as he is a strategist or advisor.

“This career changed my life—and I’m here to help others write their version of success, one client at a time.”

Samir E. Abdullah is a Registered Representative and Investment Adviser Representative of/ and offers securities and investment advisory services solely through Equity Services, Inc.  Samir Abdullah is licensed to sell securities in Texas and Florida and insurance licensed in Texas and Florida.

Corey Martin, CLU

Managing Director | Texas National Financial Group
Chartered Life Underwriter 

“A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.”
— Greek Proverb

For Corey Martin, life insurance has never been just a product—it’s a legacy tool, a source of death benefit protection, and a promise to those that matter most. With over 25 years of experience across regional and national leadership roles, Corey has helped shape the financial security of thousands of families and business owners, all while guiding financial professionals to grow purposefully and profitably.

From his early days managing territories across the Western U.S. to his recent leadership at Sagicor Life and Lafayette Life, Corey has been the go-to strategist for agents looking to master advanced concepts—from indexed universal life and annuities, to estate strategies, disability income, and succession approaches for closely held businesses.

Now, as Managing Director of Texas National Financial Group, Corey is building something bold: a high-caliber team focused on personal and business strategies, committed to helping entrepreneurs, high-net-worth families, and independent financial professionals keep more of what they’ve earned—and turn strategy into security.

Backed by a degree in Business Administration from Furman University, and a Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) designation from The American College of Financial Services, Corey leads with both technical knowledge and grounded wisdom. He believes the best partnerships are built on trust, education, and shared growth.

What sets Corey apart is his quiet, methodical strength. He doesn’t just teach financial strategies—he listens first, tailors solutions, and helps financial professionals sharpen their craft while scaling their impact. For those looking to grow a practice, deepen their expertise, or serve business owners at a higher level, Corey is more than a manager—he’s a builder, coach, and confidant.

“I’m here to help advisors build businesses they’re proud of—and help clients leave legacies they’re remembered by.”

_{Corey is insurance licensed in Texas.}

Charles Atkinson Jr., MBA
Managing Director | Texas National Financial Group

"Empower a family today, and you strengthen generations to come."

Charles Atkinson Jr. brings a rare blend of entrepreneurial spirit, technical expertise, and community-minded leadership to his role at Texas National Financial Group. With nearly three decades of experience in telecommunications and over six years in the insurance and financial services space, Charles has built a reputation as both a strategic thinker and a people-first professional.

In 2019, Charles and his wife Christine launched Atkinson Life & Legacy Solutions, rooted in a mission to help families build generational wealth and clarity through smart financial strategies. Their focus on life insurance, retirement strategies, and financial literacy has empowered clients from all walks of life to take control of their future.

As a Managing Director at TNFG, Charles is not just recruiting and mentoring the next wave of financial professionals — he’s showing them how to lead with purpose. Whether guiding agents through product knowledge, building client relationships, or supporting new business development, he brings both heart and rigor to every interaction.

With an MBA in Project Management and a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix, Charles combines academic insight with real-world impact. His approach to leadership is deeply collaborative and grounded in the belief that financial freedom is achievable — with the right guidance, tools, and support.

If you're looking to grow as a financial professional, build a business, and make a lasting difference in your community, Charles is the kind of leader you want in your corner.

Charles Atkinson is insurance licensed in TX.

Tim Bradford, FICF, CLTC
Managing Director | Texas National Financial Group

"Success is built on preparation, perseverance, and serving others with integrity."

Tim Bradford brings a rare combination of global business leadership and client-centered financial expertise to his role as Managing Director at Texas National Financial Group. With over three decades of experience in operations, supply chain, and executive leadership across Fortune 500 firms, Tim now channels his focus into what matters most: helping families and advisors build security, confidence, and lasting impact.

Tim’s financial services career began with the Knights of Columbus, where he served families across the greater Fort Worth area with tailored solutions in life insurance, long-term care, disability income protection, annuities, and retirement planning. His dedication and performance earned him recognition as a trusted advisor and mentor. In 2025, he expanded his platform as Managing Director at TNFG, specializing in guiding advisors, strengthening client relationships, and equipping teams with the tools to thrive in today’s competitive marketplace.

Before joining financial services, Tim held senior leadership roles at companies including Ingram Micro, Exel, and HOBI International, where he oversaw billion-dollar supply chain programs and led large, multi-site operations around the world. That experience sharpened his ability to build systems, lead teams, and solve complex problems — skills he now brings to developing advisors and serving clients at TNFG.

A graduate of Western Michigan University with a BBA in Logistics and Business Management, Tim also holds designations as a Fraternal Insurance Counselor Fellow (FICF) and Certified in Long-Term Care (CLTC), with additional credentials in retirement income planning.

At TNFG, Tim’s mission is clear: to build and mentor a team of advisors committed to excellence, service, and integrity — ensuring every client is prepared for life’s uncertainties with sound financial strategies.

📞 (817) 789-0456 (voice only)| ✉️ tbradford@txnfg.com
📍 Addison, TX

Samir Abdullah
Financial Professional – Houston, Texas

Samir Abdullah didn’t stumble into financial services — he drove into it at full speed. After years of building trust and precision in the high-performance world of BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Chevrolet, and even at Apple, Samir learned one thing that never goes out of style: people don’t just want a product, they want a relationship built on confidence and care.

That philosophy is now the engine behind his work as a Financial Services Professional. Samir specializes in helping individuals, families, and business owners protect their legacies and design retirement strategies that last. He brings the same meticulous attention to detail that sells luxury cars to structuring insurance and financial solutions — except here, the investment isn’t horsepower, it’s your family’s future.

Insurance licensed across Florida, Texas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Kansas, and Illinois, Samir works with a diverse client base, tailoring solutions that are practical, understandable, and built to stand the test of time. A graduate of Palm Beach State College with further studies at Florida Atlantic University, he blends academic knowledge with hands-on experience to deliver real-world impact.

Whether it’s preparing for retirement or ensuring loved ones are protected, Samir’s mission is simple: to turn financial uncertainty into clarity, and complex decisions into confident action.

Darrell W Amsden

Branch Office Supervisory Delegate, Principal & Financial Advisor

"Wisdom is not the product of schooling but of the lifelong attempt to acquire it."

 — Albert Einstein

At Texas National Financial Group, Darrell serves as both a Supervisor Principal and a mentor to advisors navigating their transition into independence. With over 20 years in supervisory roles, he plays an essential part in guiding new and experienced advisors through licensing and registration, compliance onboarding, and product positioning. He also supports the transfer of books of business, ensuring continuity and care for every client relationship. Beyond the technical aspects, Darrell works closely with advisors to strengthen their practice, refine their strategy, and build meaningful client connections grounded in trust and long-term value.

Darrell Amsden didn’t become one of North Texas’s most trusted financial advisors overnight—it took nearly four decades of navigating markets, serving families, and building a career grounded in integrity, experience, and enduring relationships.

From his early days at Fidelity Investments in the late '80s, Darrell was drawn to something deeper than just finance: the opportunity to help people prepare for the milestones that define a meaningful life. Whether it's retiring with dignity, sending children to college, or simply ensuring a loved one is protected, he sees financial planning not as a transaction, but a partnership for life.

Over the years, Darrell held leadership roles at MassMutual, served as a securities product coordinator at AXA Advisors, and built a planning-first approach long before it was trendy. Since 2014, he’s called National Life Group home—a firm whose values mirror his own: long-term commitment, purpose-driven work, and putting clients first.

Darrell holds FINRA Series 4, 6, 7, 24, 63, and 65 licenses and brings a strong background in both investment strategy and insurance planning. A proud graduate of The University of Texas at Arlington, he studied Finance and Economics.

Today, whether you're just starting your financial journey or facing a pivotal life transition, Darrell offers more than just advice—he offers clarity, experience, and a trustworthy relationship. Clients often describe working with him as both educational and empowering—a rare blend in a fast-paced financial world.

"It’s not about chasing returns. It’s about building the future you’ve worked so hard for—one thoughtful step at a time."

Let’s have that conversation.

_{Darrell W Amsden is a Registered Representative and Investment Adviser Representative of Equity Services, Inc. Securities and investment advisory services offered solely by Equity Services, Inc., Darrell is licensed to sell securities in Texas and California and insurance licensed in Texas. Member FINRA/SIPC. 15455 Dallas Pkwy, #100, Addison TX 75001, 817-310-4700. Equity Services, Inc. is a Broker/Dealer and Registered Investment Adviser affiliate of National Life Insurance Company, (NLIC), Montpelier, Vermont. National Life Group is a trade name of NLIC and its affiliates. Montpelier, Vermont. In CO, Equity Services, Inc. operates as Vermont Equity Services, Inc.}