
Wealth Advisor for Thrivent-Journey Financial Consultants
I am a native of Minnesota and grew up in the North St. Paul area near my grandfather’s farm. I met my wife while attending high school and now she and I live in Cambridge on my own hobby farm raising corn, beef and pumpkins. One of my unique passions, in my spare time, is the conservation and restoration of farmland back to its natural environment and wildlife. While financial planning and land conservation can seem like they are very different paths to be on, they are quite alike in that it’s about planning for today, the future and the next generation and finding the resources and people needed to partner with to reach those goals.
Over the years I have had the privilege to collaborate with local agencies to restore areas of my own farm back to native prairie, wood lands and wetlands.
In 2017, an Anoka Ramsey biologist used my farm for a pollinator study and we were able to come up with using pollinator friendly plants to create buffer strips around the wetland on my farm.
In 2019, with the help and cooperation of the Minnesota DNR, we planted over 60 bushels of acorns and other species to restore a 7 acre piece back into a wood lot. While I won’t be around to see those trees produce acorns, I look forward to my grandkids being able to play in a forest I planted for them!
My current project is to work with the US Fish and Wildlife Service to restore about 10 acres back to native prairie. We are removing current non-native plants and will reseed it with all native grasses and flowers. It should be beautiful when it is finished! Once that project is complete, the US Fish and Wildlife Service have expressed interest in helping us restore a 3 acre wetland that is currently farmed but is typically poor producing. I am really enjoying meeting with and working with all of the folks at the DNR and the US Fish and Wildlife Service as we work toward our mutual goal of land conservation.
I enjoy being very busy, so as long as I am outdoors, spending time with my family or working with clients on their financial planning, I am enjoying life. In addition to my wife, I have three children and eight grandchildren.
I would love to connect with you on LinkedIn or if you prefer follow my team on Facebook to see what we are up to.
Professional Designations
- Wealth Manager
- CFP®
- LUTCF®
- FIC
- FINRA Series 6 – Investment Company Products/Variable Contract Representative
- FINRA Series 7 General Security Representative
- FINRA Series 66 – Uniform Combined State Law
- FINRA Series 63 – Uniform Securities Agent State Law
Meet My Team
New Brighton Office

Journey Financial Consultants
- Title
Team Practice
- Website
- https://connect.thrivent.com/journey-financial-consultants

Dena DeGroat
New Client Connections
Authenticity and openness are the name of the game for Dena. YOUR financial success is her greatest goal and she loves to find the way there by creating a strong relationship with you. It isn't just about a transaction or desire to check something off a list with Dena, it's about really knowing your goals and helping you to achieve them. She especially loves working with generous people whose goals encompass more than themselves. One of the best compliments Dena can receive is the referrals to your family and friends. She is fun, funny and warm-hearted and really good at limbo contests!
- Title
Financial Advisor

James Aman
Financial Strategist
James is best known for being thorough and finding unique solutions to each financial situation. He knows that applying cookie cutter strategies doesn't consider the nuances of a person's finances or goals. James works VERY hard to make sure that each person has a plan that is complete with a high attention to details. James is especially good at helping clients to better understand their own situations and find a path forward. In addition to being thorough in his work with clients, he is also thorough in his travel - having now visited all 50 states and 12 different countries.
- Title
Financial Consultant

Darin Stevens
Director of Dedicated Planning Operations
Data analysis and strategic thinking are what set Darin apart. He never tires of digging into the details because it allows him to help tailor a strategy. The first step is to uncover your vision for the future and what makes you tick. Then, he can help navigate your journey to success.
Darin also enjoys a good board game and driving a tractor on his family’s crop farm in Western Minnesota.
- Title
Director of Dedicated Planning Operations

Gideon Ngobi
Financial Advisor
Gideon is committed to helping individuals, families and small business owners achieve their financial clarity. He will draw from prior experience in real estate investing and retail to understand where you are today financially and where you want to go. As a business owner, Gideon walks the talk every day and will use the team approach to bring your values, goals, and objectives to the forefront. His favorite quote: “Let’s do something today that your future self will thank you for”
Having been born outside Minnesota, I think 10,000 lakes and glacial landscapes are fascinating
- Title
Associate

Greg Hohenstern
Project Management and Business Tracking
Greg is a big picture thinker. He is strategic in his approach to your financial picture and has a wonderful way of seeing the way through your current situations to help reach a positive end result. He is analytical and a strong leader. He's the kind of person you want on your team! Watch for Greg on your local Minnesota lake this summer!
- Title
Associate

Hillary Bement
Client Meeting and Account Services
Hillary supports the JFC team through co-facilitating client appointments and working to enhance the client experience with effective research and communication. She strives to deliver exceptional client interactions by aiding them from the first meeting through new business applications to financial transactions and follow up. Hillary provides guidance and assistance to ensure ongoing client satisfaction.
In the summer, Hillary enjoys camping and hiking with her family. And, during the long Minnesota winters, she loves to cozy up in front of a good fireplace fire.
- Title
Financial Producer I

Jill Gutzmer
Financial Advisor, Director of Operations
I’m the newest member of the team! I bring 25 years of financial industry and advisor experience with me. I get out of bed everyday feeling grateful for the opportunity to help clients feel less stress and more confidence about their money. My mother, who was a teacher for 35 years, taught me many things - the beauty in selfless curiosity, the calling to help others and a love of learning. I enjoy making complex financial planning and investment concepts simple, meaningful and personalized. Those conversations allow our clients a feeling of empowerment to explore their financial situation and live their best lives.
In addition to serving our clients, I am blessed to lead our amazing team of support associates. They work tirelessly to deliver excellent service to our clients, which is the heartbeat of our business. Our client relationships thrive because of our team approach and genuine care for our clients.
Outside of the office, I enjoy kayaking, fishing, hiking, gardening, volunteering, mentoring, painting and channeling my youthful spirit by playing with my kiddos, 14 and 8. Anyone who holds a virtual meeting with me will know my football allegiance quickly by the cheeseheads I have in my background. Go Pack! I look forward to learning what brings you joy in your life!
- Title
Financial Advisor, Director of Operations

Linda Hensel
Client Meeting and Account Services
With her attention to detail, Linda supports the JFC team through co-facilitating client appointments and working with clients and the team to implement financial strategies. She strives to provide excellent customer experiences by supporting them throughout new business applications and ongoing transactional needs. Her primary goal is to facilitate efficient client interactions while maintaining high levels of client satisfaction.
Outside of the office, Linda enjoys puzzles of various kinds, spending time outside as the Minnesota weather allows, and board games with family and friends
- Title
Associate

Katherine Kretzschmar
Dedicated Planning Management
As an Achiever, Developer and Learner, Katie uses her top three Strengths Finder strengths to make the process of gathering your information seamless. She loves to get tasks done, help you see and achieve your goals. She thinks details are fun! Katie loves her family, nature and learning, and she also enjoys being creative. Katie creates handcrafted jewelry that she sells at local art fairs during the summer.
- Title
Office Professional

Annika Pesall
Advice Data Gather and Operations Management
Learning, community, and service are some of Annika’s top values. She is passionate about helping others and making sure clients have the best possible experience. She loves keeping everything organized and connecting with clients. She also enjoys hiking, camping, rock climbing, and connecting with friends.
- Title
Office Professional

Susan Olson
Scheduling and Event Management
When Sue greets you at the office, or on the phone you will know you are in good hands. She is a master at handling the office schedules and loves to chat with clients and hear all about what is new since their last visit with us.
She has lived in Ham Lake with her husband Tim for over 15 years and enjoys spending time with their children, and grandchildren.
- Title
Office Professional

Theresa Janechek
Marketing and Event Management
Theresa has a driving passion to help others by utilizing her talents and gifts in a positive and impactful way. She enjoys helping the team with our marketing efforts and providing an exceptional client experience.
Theresa has lived in Woodbury with her husband Jeff for over 28 years. She enjoys volunteering, long drives, playing cribbage, traveling to see her favorite musicians, watching football and spending time with family and friends. What is most important to her is the happiness and well-being of her family and friends.
- Title
Marketing Coordinator