When your life takes an unexpected turn, it's natural to wonder: How will this impact my retirement goals? The Focus Forward Financial Group specializes in helping people navigate challenging financial situations, especially those involving career change. But whatever your situation may be, our team of dedicated professionals has the skills and experience to equip you with the tools and knowledge you need to focus on the future. We are committed to supporting our clients and community by providing reliable financial guidance and developing long-standing relationships. Our goal is to contribute positively to our clients’ financial well-being and to make an impact on the community in which we live and work.

I firmly believe having a solid, well-thought plan better prepares anyone to adjust in case of life-changing events. I joined this team because I'm passionate about helping people build robust strategies and guide them through good times and bad. I serve as a financial professional working with clients, as well as in an operational role for the team. In my operational role, I oversee financial plans and investments, including retirement income planning, asset allocation strategies, tax efficiency strategies and estate wealth transfer strategies that are tailored to each client. I'm also adept at integrating investment solutions, along with complex financial planning strategies for high net-worth households and aligning asset management strategies with client goals. I joined Thrivent in 2019, bringing with me years of experience working in several Fortune 500 companies where I held a variety of financial planning and analysis roles, as well as a corporate investor relations position. In my free time, you'll find me with my wife, Brooke, our two children, Minka and Sawyer, spending time enjoying all the great activities Minnesota has to offer.

I've gone through a job transition and know how challenging it can be. It feels like a weight that affects every element of your life. It's my goal to use my personal experience to help lift that weight for others by helping them navigate financial choices and make the transition process easier. My father was a former Minnesota Insurance Commissioner and President of Lutheran Brotherhood (now Thrivent), so I was introduced to the financial industry at a young age. After graduating from the University of Minnesota, I built a business focused on helping people with insurance and risk management. In addition, I've taught continuing education classes for insurance professionals nationally for nearly 30 years. My vast expertise and knowledge of the industry has allowed me to expand my speaking and training to various media outlets, too. I currently live in Minnetonka with my wife, Susan, and our son, Asher. Outside of work, I like volunteering for job transition networking groups, serving as a deacon at my church and watching sports (especially the Vikings!)

Being part of Focus Forward Financial Group is an energizing opportunity for me after 32 years in other roles at Thrivent.  I have held positions in Sales Support, Health Marketing, Fraternal/Marketing Communications & Training, product introductions, and as AVP of Member Relationships. I am motivated by Thrivent’s purpose to help people achieve financial clarity, enabling lives full of meaning and gratitude.  Our Focus Forward Financial Group is dedicated to helping our clients look ‘forward,’ as we specialize in helping people navigate their future financial situations. My own family has been impacted by premature deaths for two successive generations, so I understand the need for advice to look forward with financial clarity. I am grateful to be the member of our team whose days are filled with client interactions, and each of us is committed to providing our members with the exceptional service they deserve. Because I respect the expertise of our financial professionals and care about the well-being of our clients, my work is a joy rather than just a job!

Theresa has a driving passion to help others by utilizing her talents and gifts in a positive and impactful way. That is why working for the Focus Forward Financial Group to help show people why Thrivent is different is a great fit. Owning her own business in the past makes her uniquely qualified to help the team manage their marketing, development and growth. She enjoys helping the team provide exceptional service to clients while working as efficiently as possible.

Theresa has lived in Woodbury with her husband Jeff for over 26 years. She enjoys volunteering, long drives, playing cribbage, traveling to see her favorite musicians, watching football and spending time with family and friends.