Meet the Group

Danny Howell, CLU®

Financial Professional

Too many people guess about their personal and professional financial decisions. Danny makes insurance and investments simple to understand and use as a tool to accomplish specific goals.

Howell Financial Group was founded by Danny in order to provide the best opportunity to tailor a financial approach for families and small/medium size businesses.

After graduating from Southern Methodist University (SMU) with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and Economics, he began working as an agent with New York Life and became a Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®). Danny is a life and qualifying member of the Million Dollar Round Table* (MDRT), and achieved Top of the Table Honors from 2010 to 2020. He is a member of the National Association of Financial and Insurance Advisors (NAIFA), as well as the National Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU).

When Danny is not meeting with clients, he spends his free time with his wife, Gina, and their three children, Arden, Jake, and Grant. Danny’s favorite hobbies are hunting and fishing with his family and friends.

Sam Benefield

Agent

Upon starting his career with Howell Financial Group, Sam wanted to work with clients on a personal basis and be face-to-face with people. He knew he wanted to be helping clients, and the personal aspect of working at Howell Financial Group is one of the things he enjoys most. Sam specializes in working with individuals and small to medium size businesses to create solutions to financial strategies and employee benefit packages. 

Sam holds a bachelor’s degree in finance and economics, and has been working for Howell Financial Group since the completion of his degree. Sam is a member of the National Association of Financial and Insurance Advisors (NAIFA). He has extensive knowledge with both group and individual insurance coverage, and has the capability to build solutions for a wide variety of clients.

On any given Saturday, you can typically find Sam with his family rooting for the Baylor Bears in whatever sport may be in season.

Michael Haefner

New Business Manager

As Howell Financial Group’s New Business Manager, Michael has an instinct to learn about and serve our clients. Working primarily with the individual side of our group, he coordinates with clients to help them understand their personal finance and insurance needs in order to help them achieve their goals. Michael has an eye for detail and a desire to excel at serving each of our clients.

Michael graduated from the University of Louisville with a BSBA in accounting. While in school, he was a member of the Louisville Swim and Dive team. He and his wife, Ally, enjoy spending time with their daughters, Makayla and Braelynn. Michael is a member of CityBridge Community Church in Plano and enjoys serving as an usher on the Host Team.

Jake Howell

Licensed Agent

Jake helps families and individuals develop a sound financial strategy while bringing a positive attitude. After graduating from the University of Missouri with degrees in marketing and economics, he spent three years as an account manager with our benefits division. This experience fostered a passion for helping the employees HFG serves to understand the benefits offered through our managed plans, as well as those within their own family.

Outside of the office, Jake enjoys marathon training and rooting for the Texas Rangers. He and his wife, Claire, enjoy spending time with families in their church and relaxing at White Rock Lake.

Logan Zabasky

Client Services

Most people have to listen to an automated voice when calling about their insurance. At Howell Financial Group, the first point of contact for our clients is Logan Zabasky. Logan is focused on servicing the policies and portfolios of our individual / family clients, and makes sure application processes run smoothly. In the time since Logan began working with HFG, she has obtained her Texas Life and Health Insurance License.

A North Texas native, Logan is a proud alumnus of Oklahoma Baptist University with a degree in Communication Studies. She and her husband, Collin, live in Plano and spend their free time with their dog, Riggins, at local parks.

Russell Johnson

Client Relationship Manager

As Howell Financial Group’s Client Relationship Manager, Russell values building and maintaining relationships with clients through dedicated and personal service. He joined Howell Financial Group support clients execute benefits strategies and make informed decisions to benefit individuals and employees. Russell collaborates with businesses within the small and mid-market bringing 5+ years of benefits consulting experience.

Russell graduated from Baylor University with a bachelor’s degree in economics, minoring in mathematics and religion. He is curious and brings a positive outlook to client meetings and conversations with employees. Outside of work, Russell enjoys spending time with his wife, dancing with his kids, playing basketball and reading books from the library.

*The Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT), The Premier Association of Financial Professionals, is recognized globally as the standard of excellence for life insurance sales performance in the insurance and financial services industry.