Mission

Our mission is to improve the quality of life in the world.  We do this through:

• setting the example
• sharing encouraging stories of others who are making a difference
• providing information that empowers people to make their own difference in the world
• pointing out examples where a bigger impact can be made with the same or less resources 

MAD Mavens seeks to provide an integrated one source solution for all information relating to Making a Difference including personal finance, family planning, wealth management, philanthropy, financial independence, volunteering, life coaching, and using your brain. MAD Mavens acts as an independent source of information with no religious affiliation or other biasing connections.

We have a vision of a wonderful world and wonderful lives for ourselves and others.  We seek to realize this vision as efficiently and effectively as possible while maintaining a focus on the personal and public rewards of the process.

Our Story

We are endlessly curious. We have a vision of a better world. We are curious about how to get from here to there, from this time, place, and experience, to that wonderful world we imagine. So we look for ways to have an impact, to flow toward that vision. And we are impatient. We want to take the knowledge of others, use our talents, and pinpoint the leverage points that can catapult us closer to our vision. We are full of faith in the capabilities of others to work with us to make a difference.

About you? We believe in you. We know that if you have more knowledge and many encouraging examples of success, that you will use your time, energy, and skills to make a difference. We think you are a creative and resourceful person. We hope that you will find information here that will make a difference in how you go about making your difference. Welcome.

MAD Staff

Jean Russell, Managing Editor

• BA English and Philosophy
• Certifed NLP Coach
• Member International Coach Federation

Jean Russell, Director for Spinorb, brings a passion for writing and project management, along with deeply held values about making a difference, to MAD Mavens. With a strong humanities background including art, theater, and literature, Jean believes in the powerful force of the arts to transform our experience. Using Life Coaching, Jean aims to release other people's passion, facilitating a movement of people making a difference.

Key Consultants:

Drake Zimmerman

• BA Simpson College (summa cum laude)
• Masters in German, Middlebury College
• Law Degree from University of Iowa
• Certified Financial Planner
• Chartered Financial Analyst
• Family Wealth Counselor
• Masters Program for Multidisciplinary Practice in Wealth Transfer through Esperti Petersen
• Certified Coach through International Teaching Seminars in London
• Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy
• Advanced Estate Planner

Drake Zimmerman, Principal, Zimmerman and Armstrong Investments Advisors, Inc., has provided “life-work planning” and managed money from Normal , Illinois since 1982. Drake “leads out loud” by acting both locally and globally. He co-founded the Community Foundation of McLean County. As founder of Rotarians Against Malaria, Drake coordinates malaria control work with Rotarians around the world. He draws on his diverse financial training and personal dedication to causes to help clients make a difference in the world with their social capital and their talents. He speaks and writes frequently on philanthropic planning.