Darren was born in Everett, Washington and spent most of his life growing up in the Mill Creek area. Darren left and attended Azusa Pacific University in Southern California to study business (and originally to play football). While there, he earned his degree and met his wife Laurel. After graduation, it was clear that Southern California wasn't going to be home long-term, so Darren and Laurel headed back to their roots in the Pacific Northwest.
In 2007 they moved back to the Seattle area, where Darren immediately started his career at Northwestern Mutual. A career in the financial planning industry promised Darren every opportunity he had wanted: delivering impactful plans that would change the trajectory of clients' lives while working in a competitive environment. It quickly became clear that this would be a fulfilling career that challenged him to grow and adapt while at the same time giving him the personal flexibility to spend time with family.
When not at the office, Darren prioritizes family time. He and Laurel were blessed with a son, Asher, in 2016 and a daughter, Gabriella, in 2020. They love to travel as much as possible and always enjoy seeing other parts of the world. Their family has always upheld the belief that seeing the world through the eyes of another culture helps change the lens through which you see your own environment. When not traveling, they are involved in their church in Kirkland and love spending time with the community. Additionally, sports have always been a cornerstone of the Trautmann family. Whether it be basketball, golf, or (watching) football, there is always some sort of competition going on!