Our Story
Our story

In 2008, a group of financial advisors in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, formed Thrivent’s West Shore Team. It was renamed Apex Financial Group in 2019 when Troy Keesling, Gary Keesling, Tim Lukasek, Ryan Paape and Cam Seidl came together with a vision to better serve clients and the community by utilizing each other’s God-given talents. Our practice continues to grow, and we now have multiple branches and team members ready to assist you. 

Troy grew up in Illinois, graduated from college in Minnesota, and moved to Wisconsin in 1999 to work for Thrivent. He started as a financial advisor and then moved into a leadership position as a partner. In 2019, he decided to go back into the field and helped build Apex Financial Group.  

Growing up in Illinois with his brother Troy, Gary moved to Wisconsin to attend college at the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh. He joined Thrivent in 2001 and formed West Shore Team.  

Tim grew up in Sparta, Wisconsin. He started as a financial advisor with Thrivent in 2004 and partnered with Gary when Thrivent’s West Shore Team was formed. Tim also has obtained his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification. 

Cam is a native of Appleton, Wisconsin. He started his career with Thrivent in 2014 after graduating from college. Cam worked hard to maintain and build a successful practice with his father, Bruce, and his aunt, Carrie. In 2019 he joined forces with us to create Apex Financial Group. 

Ryan grew up in Clintonville, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. He started with Thrivent in 2007 in Appleton, Wisconsin, and quickly discovered his passion for investments. His talents and experience enable Apex to help clients get the specialized guidance they deserve.  

Billy was raised in Waukesha. Working in the industry since 2016, Billy brings leadership skills as well as extensive knowledge in wealth management, tax efficient retirement and estate planning, and risk management solutions. He is passionate about coaching financial professionals to serve their clients and grow their impact in the community.

Since coming together in 2019, we’ve grown our practice to include a well-rounded team of individuals in several geographical areas. Apex Financial Group looks forward to helping you navigate your financial future and make the most of all you’ve been given. 

 

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Gary Keesling
Gary KeeslingFinancial AdvisorFIC

Gary is married to Becky and together they have five children. He likes coaching his son's baseball team and enjoys attending all of his kids' sporting events. Gary has been with Thrivent since July 2001 and enjoys helping people feel comfortable with their finances so they can be more generous. He also enjoys guiding and teaching others.

Troy Keesling
Troy KeeslingFinancial AdvisorLUTCF®, FIC, CLTC®

Troy started his career with Thrivent in 1999 and has served as a financial advisor and a partner for Wisconsin’s northeast region. He is passionate about helping clients develop tax efficient strategies. 

Troy and his wife, Angie, have three children: Savannah, Jackson and Amelia. In his free time, Troy loves teaching Sunday school, playing golf, fantasy football, and watching his kids play sports. 

Tim Lukasek
Tim LukasekFinancial AdvisorCFP®, ChFC®, FIC

Tim started his career with Thrivent in 2004 and is passionate about helping clients make smart decisions with their money.  

Tim and his wife, Jill, have four children: Benjamin, Noah, Caleb, and Hannah. In his free time, he enjoys fishing, hunting, golfing, and coaching youth sports. 

Ryan Paape
Ryan PaapeWealth AdvisorMBA, CFP®, FIC

Ryan joined Thrivent in 2007 and feels honored to be part of an organization that allows employees to combine faith and finance in their work. He enjoys getting to know clients on a personal level and helping them achieve their financial and generosity goals.  

Ryan has a Master of Business Administration degree from Augsburg College and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Luther College. He and his wife, Maja, have three children: Sophia, Nora, and Maxwell. In his free time, Ryan enjoys family outings, golf, tennis, and watching his kids participate in sports.  

Cameron Seidl
Cameron SeidlFinancial AdvisorFIC

Cameron joined Thrivent in 2014. He loves solving problems, helping clients live their best lives in retirement and protecting families from financial blind spots.   

Cameron has a bachelor's degree in business, finance, insurance and real estate from the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point. Cameron and his wife, Miriah, have two kids: Cooper and Stella. When not at work, he likes spending time with his family, playing baseball, hunting, fishing, and watching the Packers, Badgers, and Brewers. 

Billy Weber
Billy WeberFinancial AdvisorRICP®, CLTC®, BFA™, WMCP®

Billy has been in the financial services industry since 2016 and has been in leadership for over eight years. With a bachelor's degree from Carroll University, he specializes in wealth management, tax efficient retirement and estate planning, and risk management solutions. He is passionate about coaching financial professionals to serve their clients and grow their impact in the community.

Billy is a native of Waukesha, WI and makes Appleton, WI his home with his wife Chelsea, and their three children: William, Connor, and Everlee. The family attends Appleton Alliance Church, where Billy is involved in men’s ministry. As an avid Wisconsin sports fan, he tries to spend as much time as possible at Lambeau and Titletown. Billy is a devoted family man who enjoys coaching his boys in wrestling. 

Hayley Lukas
Hayley LukasDirector of Operations

Hayley joined Thrivent in 2016 and is grateful to be part of an organization rooted in helping people live with purpose and generosity. She brings strong organizational skills, data acumen, and a passion for creating efficiencies to her role. Known for anticipating needs and approaching her work with empathy, adaptability, and kindness, Hayley is committed to supporting her team and contributing to meaningful client experiences.

Hayley is married to her husband, Ricky, and together they have two boys, Carson and Chase, along with their yellow lab, Gunner. She spends most of her free time with family and friends and loves traveling, reading, and tackling DIY projects whenever she can.

Jamie Heise
Jamie HeiseInvestment AnalystCFA®, CFP®, ChFC®, FIC

Jamie joined Thrivent in 2004 and loves working in financial services. He is constantly researching the economy, stock market, and all things financial. Jamie's desire to learn is unwavering, and he has the unique ability to explain complicated topics in a simple manner. Jamie has spent his entire Thrivent career in a client-facing capacity until recently. He is now an investment analyst, which allows him to use his deep knowledge of asset management and financial strategies to focus solely on assisting our team with clients' wealth management needs.  

When he’s not at work, Jamie loves spending time with his wife, Lisa, their cockatiel, and their families. He also enjoys reading, traveling, being in nature, and fixing anything with an engine. 

Dave Buss
Dave BussFinancial AdvisorFIC, RICP®

Dave joined Thrivent in 2007 and believes one of the best things anybody can do in life is give back. He says the satisfaction of helping others is one of the greatest feelings.  

Outside of work, Dave enjoys spending time with his wife, Cresta, and their two children: Carsen and Allysen. He likes watching his kids compete in whatever sport they choose. He’s also a fan of the Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Bucks, Green Bay Packers, and Wisconsin Badgers. In his spare time, Dave loves to golf, bowl, and hunt. One of his other longtime hobbies is announcing at local dirt racetracks.  

Dave feels blessed to be able to support Racing for a Reason and the Outagamie Conservation Club. He is also a proud member of the Appleton West Youth Basketball Association board. 

Michelle Yaniskivis
Michelle YaniskivisFinancial AdvisorRICP®

Michelle taught high school math for 10 years before starting her career at Thrivent. Being a financial advisor has been a natural fit because it utilizes her analytical strengths, energy, and desire to serve others. Michelle’s passion is to help clients set clear financial goals. She believes when people are driven by a higher purpose, they can make the most of what they’ve been given.   

Michelle is an Appleton native who loves spending time with her husband, Josh, her two boys, Caleb and Jack, and their golden retriever, Tucker. They are a military family with a strong love of Christ and country. She met her husband while playing basketball at Northern Michigan University.

Dustin Gubin
Dustin GubinFinancial AdvisorCLU®, BFA™, WMCP®

Dustin joined Thrivent in 2015. He and his wife, Leah, are raising their two children: Asher and Ada. Dustin is very thankful to be a part of a faith-based firm that is generous and gives back to our community. He’s very passionate about helping others achieve their goals and have financial clarity. 

 In his free time, he enjoys sailing, reading books, yard work, projects with his father-in-law, and spending time with his family. 

Jason Hanuszczak
Jason HanuszczakWealth AdvisorCFP®, ChFC®, FIC

After graduating from college with a double major in finance and marketing, Jason started his career with Thrivent in 2004. He has served as a financial advisor and worked for Thrivent's corporate office. Jason loves developing financial strategies and offering tailored solutions so families can enjoy what they have and be more generous with their time and money. 

Jason and his wife, Jamie, have three children. In his free time, Jason enjoys playing softball, basketball, fantasy baseball, football, and Sheepshead. He fondly remembers growing up in the 1980s and loves all the music, movies, cartoons, and toys from that era. 

Connor Zilisch
Connor ZilischFinancial Advisor

Connor is a Financial Advisor who truly loves helping clients achieve financial clarity while creating a solution to reach their goals. He graduated from Canisius University in Buffalo, NY, with a double major in Economics and Communication Studies while playing collegiate hockey and lacrosse.

When he is not helping his clients, Connor enjoys traveling extensively, trying new foods, hiking, golfing, coaching, and spending time with family and friends.

Ryan Allie
Ryan AllieAssociate Financial Advisor

Ryan started working for Thrivent in 2018, and his passion is helping young families and small businesses with their financial needs. He also enjoys helping clients with their Thrivent Action Teams. 

Ryan is a Manitowoc County native and avid traveler. He has more than 17 years of experience in the military. Ryan and his wife, Trisha, have four children: Zander, Oliver, Hailee and Violet.

Marcie Kimmes
Marcie KimmesAssociate Financial Advisor

Prior to joining Thrivent, Marcie served in ministry for 15 years and is enthusiastic about helping those in need. Marcie is committed to providing financial education and generosity events in her community. At Thrivent, she works with clients to understand their unique situations and develop financial strategies to help them achieve their goals.  

Marcie is proud to have been born and raised a Yooper and has called Neenah home since 1992. She and her husband, Peter, loved raising their two children in Neenah’s small community. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, glamping, and taking yearly fishing trips to Canada.  

Steve Clasen
Steve ClasenFinancial AdvisorRICP®, CLTC®, CCPS®, CKA®, BFA™

Steve has been with Thrivent since 2004. He enjoys helping clients in all life stages achieve short and long-term goals based on their unique needs, desires, and risk tolerance.  

Steve has a bachelor’s degree in business finance from Wisconsin Lutheran College. In his free time, Steve enjoys coaching junior varsity basketball and baseball. He also loves hunting, fishing, and kayaking with his wife Kristin and their two children.   

Jim Wegner
Jim WegnerAssociateLUTCF®, FIC

Jim joined Thrivent in 1987. He thoroughly enjoys meeting with longtime clients to assist them as their lives, goals, and needs change.  

Jim and his wife, Jane, are blessed with a son and daughter who live in Colorado and Minnesota, respectively. They also have two beloved grandkids in Minnesota. Jim is a lifelong member at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Grafton and has served in many volunteer positions there over the years. He’s also a volunteer Meals on Wheels driver in Grafton. In his free time, Jim enjoys exercising, biking, fishing, watching sports, and especially spending time with family.  

Gwen King
Gwen KingAssociate

In 2010, Gwen left American Family Insurance and joined Thrivent because of her passion for sharing her faith and values while helping others. She strives to understand her clients’ unique situations, needs, and goals so she can provide the best recommendations possible. She wants clients to feel important and have a clear understanding of everything they discuss.  

Gwen graduated from Winnebago Lutheran Academy in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, which is where she met her husband, Jim. They have called Lomira home since 1986. Her pride and joy are their three sons: Aaron, Jordan, and Caleb and wonderful daughters-in-law: Grace and Sami. Gwen is an active member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lomira. She enjoys volunteering at her alma mater, baking, gardening, walking, going on road trips, and spending time with family and friends.  

Larry Poch
Larry PochAssociate Financial AdvisorFIC

Larry has been helping Fond du Lac area families with their finances since joining Thrivent in 2006. Prior to that, he was a project manager with a national printing firm for nearly 20 years. He draws on his organizational and planning skills to help clients plan for the future. Larry has a bachelor’s degree in radio and television production from the University of Wisconsin–Platteville along with a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Lakeland University.  

Larry and his wife, Diane, have been married more than 40 years and live in his hometown of Fond du Lac where they raised their four children. There has not been a time since entering high school that Larry has not sung with a church or school choir. He has also served on various church committees and boards over the years, most recently at Faith Lutheran Church. As time permits, Larry enjoys treasure hunting at estate sales, reading biographies, working on projects around the house, attempting to learn to play the guitar, and riding his motorcycle. 

Christy Jacobs
Christy JacobsFinancial Advisor

Christy is married to Jeff, who also works for Thrivent. She joined the Thrivent team as an Office Professional in 2016 after learning how generous and involved Thrivent is in the communities they serve. She is now a Financial Advisor and is able to assist clients in even more ways. Christy loves being involved in the community and spends much of her free time serving on boards for organizations that are near and dear to her heart as well as helping with Action Teams.

When she is not at a meeting, Christy can be found on the golf course with her husband and friends or playing in her garden and flowerbeds.  

Jeffrey Jacobs
Jeffrey JacobsAssociate Financial AdvisorMBA, FIC, RICP®, CLTC®, CEPA®

Jeff started his career with Thrivent in 2016 and has been a Thrivent client for over 48 years. He is enthusiastic about guiding people as they put together the pieces of their financial puzzle. 

Jeff has a Master of Business Administration from Marquette University and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh. He and his wife Christy have two children: Deanna and Ryan. In his free time, Jeff enjoys golfing, watching the Green Bay Packers, spending time with his kids, and listening to classic rock from the 1970s and 1980s. 

Greg Herlihy
Greg HerlihyAssociate Financial AdvisorFIC

Greg has been working for Thrivent since 2012 and specializes in investments. He loves getting to know clients and enjoys his work because every day is different.  

Greg and his wife, Amy, have two children: Camden and Malakai. Outside of work, he loves coaching his sons’ football teams and watching them play soccer and basketball. He enjoys family vacations to Naples, Florida, and camping in Wisconsin, especially in Door County. In his free time, he also likes to play cornhole, work on the yard, and spend time with family and friends. He recently volunteered for Father Carr’s Place in Oshkosh and looks forward to partnering with other organizations in the future. 

David Koch
David KochFinancial Advisor

David is a Financial Advisor in our Manitowoc office. He is married to Lindsay, and together they have three children and one grandchild. David sold real estate for many years before transitioning to the financial services space, where he continues assisting clients in a different capacity. David enjoys coaching his son’s baseball and football teams, loves to golf, and of course loves the Green Bay Packers! 

Heather Hilgenberg
Heather HilgenbergFinancial Advisor

Heather earned a degree in education from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh in 2004 and went on to teach executive English while living in Brazil. She returned to the U.S. in 2007 and enjoyed a career in banking and finance for 17 years where she specialized in working with clients around retirement and health savings accounts. 

She and her husband Henrique love to travel, camp, and have "family movie nights" on the weekends with their five beautiful children: Lizzy, Evelyn, Leonardo, Emily, and Estella. They also have 4 pets: three cats—Max, Ruby, and Roy—and a rescue dog, Mags. 

Dan Bekx
Dan BekxFinancial AdvisorFIC, BFA™

Dan began his Thrivent career in 2008, driven by a passion for helping individuals make wise financial decisions and set meaningful goals that align with their personal values. His dedication to his mission led him to transition from a role at Thrivent’s home office to serving as a financial advisor.  

Outside of his professional life, Dan enjoys spending quality time with his wife and son at their family cottage. A talented musician, he finds joy in playing both the guitar and piano. Dan is deeply committed to giving back to his community and actively volunteers his time to support local causes. 

James Heath
James HeathFinancial Advisor

James began his career with Thrivent in 2014 and has been passionate about helping clients realize their goals and navigate their financial journeys with confidence and clarity ever since. He sees the profession as an opportunity to use his unique skills to make a positive impact on people's lives within the community. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration with a double major in Finance, Investment and Banking, and Risk Management and Insurance from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.  

Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, golfing—and sometimes traveling to golf. He also values time spent with friends, family, and his dog, Banjo. Giving back to the community is an important part of his life, and he has been actively involved in organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and the Fox Valley Humane Association. Whether professionally or personally, he is dedicated to helping others and building strong, meaningful connections.

Brenda McCoy
Brenda McCoyDirector of Business Development

Brenda joined Thrivent in 2013 as an office professional in Casper, Wyoming. She likes being a resource and collaborating with employees to build efficiencies, overcome obstacles, and grow the business.  

Brenda has associate degrees in art and art education from Casper College. In 2018, she and her husband, Jarod, relocated to Appleton, Wisconsin. Together they are raising three children: Ava and Luna, and Killian. In her spare time, Brenda enjoys scrapbooking, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.  

Stacy Gonnering
Stacy GonneringDirector of Dedicated Planning & Investment Operations

Stacy began working for Thrivent in 2007. She enjoys interacting with clients and helping them meet their goals.  

Stacy has a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Marketing degree from Lakeland University. She and her husband, Joe, have two children: Jacob and Thomas. When she’s not working, Stacy loves spending time with family.  

Brittany Bruno
Brittany BrunoMarketing Manager

Brittany joined Thrivent in 2022 and is proud to be part of an organization with a deep commitment to giving back and strengthening communities while also providing financial clarity to its clients. Thrivent’s dedication to making a meaningful difference is what first drew her to the organization, and she enjoys working with members who share those same values. With a Master of Business Administration and professional marketing and event management experience, Brittany brings strong business acumen, attention to detail, and a client-centered approach to her role. She takes pride in creating exceptional experiences for clients and helping ensure every interaction is welcoming, seamless, and supportive.

Outside of work, Brittany enjoys spending time with her husband, Andy, and cheering on their three children—Lucca, Maddox, and London—as they participate in a variety of sports and activities. A proud University of Wisconsin alumna, she is also a dedicated Badgers fan and can often be found supporting her favorite team on game days. Go Bucky!

Angie Keesling
Angie KeeslingSr. Marketing Specialist

Angie started working at Thrivent’s Apex Financial Group in 2021 and has previous experience in financial services. She loves planning Apex Financial Group events and making sure clients have a wonderful time at them. 

Angie and her husband of more than 25 years, Troy, have three kids: Savannah, Jack, and Amelia. She keeps busy volunteering at her kids’ school and sporting events, doing charity work, teaching Sunday school, and organizing Thrivent Action Teams. In her spare time, Angie enjoys shopping, traveling, gardening, and genealogy. 

Katelin Forbes
Katelin ForbesMarketing Specialist

Katelin holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, with a major in Business Management and a minor in Marketing. As a Marketing Specialist she is excited to align her professional work with her personal values- living out her faith and giving back to the community. Katelin brings strong organizational skills and a passion for building relationships and creating community.  

She is an active member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Greenville, and she highly enjoys traveling, weekend getaways up north, staying active, and planning vacations. She is grateful to be part of such a supportive team and is committed to making a meaningful impact through both her career and her faith. 

Brook Beardsley
Brook BeardsleyPractice Support Associate

Brook joined Thrivent's Apex Financial Group in 2022. She likes Apex Financial Group’s positive core values, the sense of community among staff, and the fact that the practice supports her professional development. 

Brook was born and raised in Wisconsin and is married to her high school sweetheart, Joshua. They have three children: Olivia, Conor and Silas. For the past 15 years, Brook has been busy homeschooling her children, tutoring, volunteering, directing homeschool co-ops, and more. She enjoys attending her kids’ sporting events, going to church functions, reading, organizing, fishing, trivia, and music. Her happy place is anywhere near a body of water surrounded by family and friends. She has a strong love for Christ, her country and her community. 

Jennifer Lochner
Jennifer LochnerSr. Client Service Administrator

In 2021, Jen joined Apex Financial Group. She loves the flexibility of working for the practice and being able to contribute financially to her household.  

Jen grew up in central Minnesota and moved to Wisconsin for school. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Platteville with a degree in chemistry. After spending eight years in the paper industry, Jen became a stay-at-home mom and started running an in-home business. She and her husband, Ben, reside in Neenah and have two children: Samantha, and Jacob. As a family, they love to spend time outdoors camping, boating, and fishing.  

Kay Van Sluytman
Kay Van SluytmanSenior Practice Support Associate

Kay started working at our Manitowoc office in 2011. She currently works within Apex's Wealth Management Team. She enjoys meeting and getting to know clients, while striving to provide excellent customer service. Kay earned her bachelor's degree from Wisconsin Lutheran College in Milwaukee. 

Kay grew up and has lived most of her life in Manitowoc County. She has three sons: Ryan, Justin and Joshua. When she’s not at the office, Kay enjoys spending time with her sons and family, doing home projects and working outdoors. 

Jamie Hanuszczak
Jamie HanuszczakSenior Practice Support AssociateFIC

Jamie has been with Thrivent since 2005. She gained her experience by working in Thrivent’s corporate office and working in the field supporting her husband Jason, a Financial Advisor, whom is also on the Apex Financial Group team. Currently, Jamie is part of our wealth management team. With nine years of her corporate career working as a Suitability Principal, Jamie is passionate about being an attentive steward to each individual client and their financial needs. 

Together they are raising their three children. Jamie enjoys spending time with her family. She has a big heart for serving in women’s and children’s ministries at her church. 

Diane Manis
Diane ManisAdministrative Assistant

Since 2021, Diane has been enjoying serving clients and preserving longstanding relationships with them. 

Diane has a bachelor’s degree in business management and has worked in a variety of fields over the years. She and her husband, Bill, have two adult children: Steven and Nick, and one stepson who has two children. Diane enjoys walking her dogs daily and flower gardening in the summer.  

Megan Olsen
Megan OlsenMarketing Specialist

Megan joined Apex Financial Group in October of 2023. She works remotely on the Marketing and Events Team. She loves the flexibility of working from home and being able to help people too. Megan has a background in childcare with a mix of office/insurance experience as well. She is thankful to be a part of Apex, and loves the family feel and culture of the team. 

She is married to her best friend, Jacob, & together they have two children: Adilynn and Aker. Being a mother, watching her children grow and learn new things every day has been one of Megan’s greatest joys. She also enjoys ice fishing, boating, and doing anything outdoors with friends and family. 

Alaina Fitch
Alaina FitchAssociate

Alaina graduated from Waupun High School and currently attends the University of Wisconsin La Crosse, studying personal financial planning and psychology. She was drawn to Thrivent’s Apex Financial Group because of its Christian values and commitment to giving back to the community. Volunteering has always been an important part of her life, along with her grandparents, who are long-time members. Because of Thrivent Action teams, she’s spent many hours volunteering for Lutheran World Relieve Mission Quilters, tying over THREE THOUSAND quilts for those in need.  

Alaina is honored to be part of an organization that shares these same values. Upon graduating from college, she aspires to become a financial planner dedicated to reducing financial stress for others while continuing to make positive contributions to the community and the world. Alaina is licensed in Life and Health Insurance.

Kasey Konkle
Kasey KonkleExecutive Assistant

Kasey started working at Thrivent's Apex Financial Group in 2022. She likes the people she works for and with, and loves Apex Financial Group’s warm, supportive environment. 

Kasey is a homegrown Wisconsinite and proud of it. She grew up in the small town of Freedom and attended the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay where she earned a bachelor’s degree in human development. Kasey and her husband, Garrett, have one sweet angel babe and two earth babies. Kasey is a country music lover and a Green Bay Packers fan. She also enjoys running, physical activities, being creative, and spending time with family and friends. 

Lisa Konecny
Lisa KonecnyClient Service Administrator

Lisa is another welcoming, friendly face in our Manitowoc office. She has a history of working in office support/customer service roles. She truly enjoys helping people in various aspects, making sure their needs are met. 

She and her husband Erik, have a daughter Katie. As a family they enjoy playing games (card, board, and video games), watching movies, and going thrift shopping. When she is not working, you can find Lisa knitting, reading, and occasionally painting when time permits. She also enjoys her flower garden, watching the bees and butterflies it attracts.

Carrie Mc Intyre
Carrie Mc IntyreExecutive Assistant

Carrie joined Thrivent in 2012. She loves the flexibility of her job and especially enjoys working with her brother and nephew.  

Carrie and her husband, Pat, have eight children. Four of her kids are married, and she is blessed with 14 grandchildren. She enjoys watching the Brewers, Packers, and Badgers.  

Jill Mach
Jill MachAccountant

 Jill plays a vital role behind the scenes at Apex as our bookkeeper. She grew up in Shiocton, WI and currently lives in Neenah. She attended St. Norbert College, double majoring in psychology & communications with an emphasis in media.  

Jill is married to her husband, Anthony, and together they have one child: Andrew. When she is not working, she enjoys reading, baking, traveling, and spending time with family at their cabin. 

Bailey Hegg
Bailey HeggClient Service Administrator. Licensed

Bailey started her career with Thrivent’s Apex Financial Group after a rewarding five years of teaching at the elementary school level. She is passionate about connecting with people and finds joy in being able to help others. 

Bailey grew up in Wisconsin, and after graduating from UW- Eau Claire with her bachelors in Elementary Education and Spanish, she married her high school sweetheart, Ty, in 2019. Together, they love exploring nature, competitive sports, volunteering in children’s ministry at their church, cooking, and endless walks with their goldendoodle. 

Janett White
Janett WhitePractice Supt Associate

 Janett comes to Apex with over 15 years of experience in the financial services industry. After earning her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with emphasis areas in Finance and Management from UW-Platteville, she worked in banking and gained valuable customer service experience. Janett truly enjoys helping clients gain confidence in their present and future financial journeys. 

She lives in Appleton with her husband Henry, and together they enjoy nature, traveling, music, and attending a good theatrical performance. 

Amelia Keesling
Amelia KeeslingMarketing Specialist

Amelia's role with Apex's Marketing and Events Team is the perfect fit for her. She not only enjoys being a part of planning and executing events, but she loves helping people.

As a full-time student at Appleton North High School, she excels in challenging herself in classes, as a leader in FCA, (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) and on the tennis court. When she is not working or studying, you can find her teaching Sunday school at her church.

Renee Kriplean
Renee KripleanClient Service Administrator

Renee grew up in Little Chute, WI, and worked for her family’s business—handling everything from scheduling and payroll to inventory and customer service. 

When her family sold the business, she followed her love of sparkle and spent many fun years in sales and customer service selling high end jewelry. She enjoyed working with luxury brands and met many incredible people. She and her fiancé, Randy, retired, but returned to part-time work—bringing Renee to Apex Financial Group. Renee loves the outdoors, especially cruising in her convertible, along with flowers and gardening. She enjoys spending time with Randy and their fur baby, Riley, and has never attended a live music concert she didn’t love. 

Crystal Thornton
Crystal ThorntonClient Service Administrator

Crystal brings a strong background in office administration and a love for people to her role at Apex. Her passion for building relationships—and affection for spreadsheets!—makes the Member Care Team a perfect fit. Crystal is thrilled to support Thrivent’s God-honoring mission to help people live generously.  

Outside of work, Crystal and her family worship and serve together at Calvary Bible Church in Neenah. She’s a proud mom of two musically gifted kids who love to sing and dance. Crystal feels grateful for the opportunity to homeschool her daughter and care for her adult son with autism. Their family recently welcomed a service dog to support her son, adding even more joy to their lives. Together, they enjoy attending Christian concerts, watching family movies at the theater, and taking in live performances at the PAC. 

Jordan Klessig
Jordan KlessigSenior Practice Support AssociateBFA™

Jordan joined Thrivent in January 2020, working in the corporate office. She moved to the field in the summer of 2023 and now works in our Wealth Management Team as a Practice Support Associate. 

Jordan grew up in Calumet County, where she still resides with her husband, Andy, their son Lincoln, and their two dogs, Remy and Logan. Outside of work, she is an avid volunteer and is a member of St. Bartholomew Lutheran Church in Brillion and the Brillion Optimist Club, President of the Friends of the Brillion Public Library, and serves on the Brillion Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. When she’s not working or volunteering, she can be found spending time with her family, staying active, reading, or traveling.  

Julie Russ
Julie RussManager of Client Services

Julie joined Apex in 2025 and serves as our Manager of Client Services. With over 25 years of experience raising her family and working in childcare and school settings, she brings strong organizational skills, patience, and a heart for helping others to the team. Julie is excited to be part of Apex, where she can use her experience to support others while enjoying the welcoming, family-like culture of the team. 

Julie and her husband, Erich, have been married since 1997 and together raised four children. They are also proud grandparents of two. Their family includes two beagles, Lincoln and Penny, who keep life fun and lively. Julie and Erich enjoy traveling and exploring antique shops, which they affectionately call “free museums.” Every summer, they make a tradition of camping in the Upper Peninsula, where they appreciate the cooler temperatures and time spent outdoors. 

Andrea Royal
Andrea RoyalInsurance Office Professional

In our Fond Du Lac office, Andrea is an Insurance Office Professional. She brings a blend of creativity and organization to her role, with prior experience as both a hairstylist and in office support within a hospital setting. Andrea enjoys being part of a team where she can contribute her skills to support others in a positive and welcoming environment. 

Andrea got married in 2020 to her husband Jason, and she recently adopted his son Dean, which has been one of her greatest joys. Their family also includes a lively Corgi and three cats. Andrea loves camping at their seasonal site and cheering Dean on as he races go-karts and snowmobiles throughout the year. At home, she enjoys relaxing in her backyard oasis, crafting through cross-stitch and crochet, and spending time with family and friends. 

Sarah Reik
Sarah ReikAdministrative Assistant

Sarah is an Administrative Assistant in our Cedarburg office, bringing a strong background in counseling, leadership, and relationship-building. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with minors in Music and Theology from Wisconsin Lutheran College, along with a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. With more than 25 years of professional experience, Sarah is known for her ability to connect quickly with others while staying organized, detail-oriented, and focused on supporting the needs of those around her. 

Sarah has been married to her husband, Dan, since 2004, and together they have four children. She is actively involved in Women’s Ministry at Morning Star Lutheran Church, where she also enjoys singing in multiple choirs and writing devotions and Christian articles. Outside of work, Sarah values time with her family and caring for their two beagles, Bella and Ruby. 

Shari Hahn
Shari HahnOffice Professional

Shari works in our Appleton office as an office professional, bringing a servant's heart and a wide range of professional experience to the team. Her background includes roles as a bookkeeper, regional sales manager, and small business owner, all of which have strengthened her organizational skills and her passion for serving clients, coworkers, and the community. Shari is grateful to be part of Apex and enjoys working in an environment rooted in collaboration and purpose. 

Originally from Wisconsin, Shari and her husband, Chris, spent 15 years living in Southern California, where they raised their three boys. Drawn back to Wisconsin, they have called the Menasha area home for the past 10 years. Much of Shari’s time is spent cheering on her kids at sporting events. She also enjoys traveling, spending time at the family cabin, golfing, hiking, pickleball, and acting. Volunteering at Appleton Alliance Church and participating in her women’s Bible study are especially meaningful to her. 

Alicia Sims
Alicia SimsOffice Professional

Alicia joined the Apex team as an office professional working with our Member Care Team. She brings several years of experience in office administration and customer service, along with a strong passion for helping others. Alicia enjoys supporting people through organization, education, and thoughtful service, and she especially values opportunities to share her love of learning with those around her. 

Outside of work, Alicia enjoys spending time outdoors with her two children, Ella and Angel, and going on adventures together. She also loves creating craft projects with her kids and can often be found outside reading an interesting book or discovering new coffee shops. Alicia values meaningful conversations, building connections, and making new friends while balancing family life and work.

Join us at an upcoming eventWe’d love to have the opportunity to meet you. We host financial workshops, volunteer opportunities and Thrivent market updates.
Running for Wishes: 40 for 40 image
Running for Wishes: 40 for 40Sep 26, 2026, 2:00 PM UTC - Sep 26, 2026, 8:00 PM UTC
Grand Chute Town Center Park | 1850 Grand Chute Blvd, Appleton, WI 54913
Join us September 26th at our Running for Wishes: 40 for 40 event and be part of something special!Event Details:Date: September 26, 2026Time: 9:00am - 3:00pm (Stop by anytime!)Location: Grand Chute Town Center Park (1850 Grand Chute Blvd, Appleton, WI, 54913)On September 26, let's rally together and support Apex Financial Group’s Financial Advisor Billy Weber as he takes on the incredible Running for Wishes: 40 for 40 challenge! For years, Billy has celebrated his birthday by running the number of miles equal to his age to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation. This year, as he turns 40, he will complete his final and most impactful run—covering 40 miles to help grant wishes for children facing critical illnesses.Whether you stay for a few minutes or a few hours, we'd love for you to stop by, show your support, and help create an amazing atmosphere. Bring your family, friends, and coworkers to enjoy fun activities, connect with the community, and help keep Billy motivated every step of the way.Together, we can help fuel Billy's journey and support the mission of granting wishes to children who need them most.💙Can't join us for the event? No problem! You can still make a difference by supporting Make-A-Wish with a donation. Donations will be accepted August 3, 2026-September 28th. For every $2 donated through this online campaign, Thrivent will add $1, up to an additional $3,000. Help Billy reach his goal of $40,000 and make an impact today!Donation LinkNo products will be sold.
Savvy Tax Strategies image
Savvy Tax StrategiesOct 7, 2026, 10:30 PM UTC
Holidays Pub & Grill | 3950 N Richmond St, Appleton, WI 54913
Learn how to avoid common mistakes when it comes to your investment portfolio, health care and estate strategies. The Savvy Tax Strategies workshop provides answers to the critical tax questions you must answer before retirement. Explore how to help dodge the Social Security “tax trap” and more. For more information, visit thrivent.com/social.Seating is limited. Save your spots today.No products will be sold.See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.27764-11M R6-22
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We'd love to answer any questions you may have and start learning about your goals. We can meet however you're most comfortable—phone, virtual or in person.

Or call us directly: 920-320-1906

Licensing is available through your State Insurance Department’s website, which can be located through the National Association of Insurance Commissioners website.

Thrivent financial advisors and professionals have general knowledge of the Social Security tenets. For complete details on your situation, contact the Social Security Administration.

Not all team members may provide all products, programs and services in all states.

Not all team members may office at the locations listed.

* as of December 31, 2024

** Thrivent and its financial advisors and professionals do not provide legal, accounting or tax advice. Consult your attorney or tax professional.

Rating is based on Thrivent’s financial strength and claims-paying ability. Does not apply to investment product performance. For information on this rating, visit the rating agency's website.

Designations
For additional information on professional designations and the requirements to earn them, visit https://www.thrivent.com/designations

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization's initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.