Craig Kessler, founder of Kessler Investment Group, LLC, has put together a broad resume of experience since entering the investment industry in 1992. Craig is a 1992 graduate of Butler University with a B.A. in Economics. He also attended Glasgow University in Scotland where he studied economics at the Adam Smith School of Economics.

Prior to entering college, Craig enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as a field artillery cannoneer. He then went on to earn a commission as a second lieutenant serving as an infantry platoon leader.

While at Butler he was a four-year letterman in baseball. After college he played for the semi-pro Kokomo Saints baseball team.

Craig spent the first eight years of his career as a retail investment adviser. In 2001, he joined the investment manager Kirr, Marbach & Company, LLC as director of marketing. While at KM he was responsible for overseeing the firm’s business development initiatives.

In 2007, Craig accepted the challenge of building and managing the investment services department for Lincoln Bank based in Plainfield, Indiana. After Lincoln Bank was acquired by First Merchants Bank, Craig set out to build his own firm.

Craig Kessler
President, Chief Investment Officer

phone: 812.314.0083
email: craig@kesslerig.com

John Eisenbarth joined Kessler Investment Group, LLC in 2009 after a 20 year career in the brokerage industry. He graduated in 1982 from Columbia College with a degree in Business Administration.

John spent a majority of his career working for Money Concepts International as a wealth management and investment advisor and regional trainer. Afterwards, he worked for Lincoln Bank where he served as an investment advisor.

John lives with his wife, Maggie, and two daughters in Greenwood, Indiana where he works from our firm’s Greenwood office. In his time away from the business, John enjoys golf, music, sports cars and traveling with his family.

John Eisenbarth
Vice President

phone: 812.314.0083
email: john@kesslerig.com

 

Laurie joined Kessler Investment Group, LLC in 2009 continuing an established career in the financial services industry. She began her career working for Hilliard Lyons in 1991 as a high school co-op student. Laurie graduated from Indiana University with a B.S. in Finance after first graduating from Indiana Business College with a degree in Professional Accounting.

Following graduation, Laurie worked for Hilliard Lyons until 1996. Then, as Investment Advisor and Director of Investment Operations, she worked for Home Federal Bank until 2008.

Laurie serves as our Portfolio Specialist and Compliance Officer ensuring that excellence defines our service and processes.

Born and raised in Columbus, Laurie lives with her husband, Jason and two sons on their farm. Away from work, she focuses on her family and the various interests of her children. She enjoys reading, music and spending time outdoors.

Laurie Schroer
Portfolio Specialist

phone: 812.314.0083
email: laurie@kesslerig.com

 

Mike joined Kessler Investment Group, LLC in 2020 after working 14 years in the insurance industry.  He worked as a Claims Representative at Wellpoint and then, over the past eight years, as a Customer Service Representative at Network Benefits of Mid-America.  Mike graduated from Purdue University at Indianapolis with a B.S. in Psychology.

Mike serves as our Client Service Specialist, where he brings his years of experience in customer service and attention to detail to our company.  His goal is to make sure everyone’s needs are handled and every question answered.

Mike was born and lived most of his life in Indianapolis before moving to Greenfield in 2007. Mike now lives in North Vernon with his wife Amy.  Away from work, Mike enjoys movies, music, and following the news of the day.

Mike Bailey

Client Service Specialist

phone: 812.314.0083

email: mike@kesslerig.com

Ruth Ellen joined Kessler Investment Group, LLC in June of 2021 after working 9 years in the banking industry.

Ruth Ellen worked for PNC Bank for 2 years as Client Service Banker Specialist and then the remaining 7 years as the Branch Manager for PNC here in Columbus.  While at the Bank, she was recognized as Market All Star for Excellent Customer Service.  Ruth Ellen owned and operated an Allstate Insurance Agency for 3 years and was recognized for top sales and customer service.  She attended IVY Tech, studying Business.

Ruth Ellen serves as our Assistant Vice President of Client Services, overseeing client relations, and ensuring excellent client service.

Ruth Ellen was raised in Brown County (Nashville, IN).  She has raised 2 beautiful daughters on her 40 acre farm and continues to reside there with her youngest daughter, 2 dogs, and 2 cats.  Outside of work, she enjoys her pool, flower gardening, working outdoors in the summer, and the quiet times in the winter, staying indoors watching movies.  Most of all, Ruth Ellen loves spending time with her family.

 

Ruth Ellen Evans

Assistant Vice President

Client Services

 

Phone:  812-314-0083

Email:  ruthellen@kesslerig.com

 

Having originally joined Kessler Investment Group in 2015, Matthew Rust now proudly serves as our Vice President of Retirement Plan Services. With a passion for client service and over 15 years of experience in the banking and finance industries, Matthew leverages his extensive knowledge and genuine enthusiasm to assist clients in building a prosperous financial future.

A native of Columbus, Indiana, Matthew is deeply involved in our local community and regularly volunteers with local nonprofits. Committed to a vibrant and balanced life outside the office, you will often find Matthew performing live music, running the scenic trails of Brown County, or travelling with his wife, Katie, and their two children, Abilene and Otis.

Matthew graduated in 2006 from Southern Illinois University with a B.S. in Business Administration, as well as an Associate’s Degree in Intercultural Communication.

Matthew Rust

Vice President of Retirement Plan Services

phone: 812.314.0083

email: matt@kesslerig.com