Our team

Team Member
Scott Barth
LUTCF®, FIC
Financial Consultant

Scott joined Thrivent in 1991 and has served in a variety of roles over the years. He specializes in the “retirement red zone,” which we view as the five years before and 20 years after retirement. Scott develops comprehensive dedicated plans to help clients achieve their goals and dreams, focusing on retirement income planning, cash flow management, Social Security, pension maximization, tax efficiency, risk management and legacy planning. 

Scott is a graduate of Augustana University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, with degrees in business and communications. He is also on the Augustana University Board of Trustees. He has 21 years of field leadership experience and a passion for helping other financial professionals grow in their careers. In addition, Scott has had a significant impact in the Thrivent Diversity and Inclusion initiative during his leadership tenure. 

When he’s not working, Scott loves spending time with his wife, Stephanie, and three children, Kaitlyn and Joshua (twins) and Allyson. All of Scott’s kids are college athletes (swimming, rowing and volleyball) and he loves attending their competitions. He’s also a varsity girls basketball coach and an avid Wisconsin sports fan.  

States Licensed: AZ, FL, GA, HI, IA, IL, MN, NM, SD, WI

About Scott Barth

Scott joined Thrivent in 1991 and has served in a variety of roles over the years. He specializes in the “retirement red zone,” which we view as the five years before and 20 years after retirement. Scott develops comprehensive dedicated plans to help clients achieve their goals and dreams, focusing on retirement income planning, cash flow management, Social Security, pension maximization, tax efficiency, risk management and legacy planning. 

Scott is a graduate of Augustana University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, with degrees in business and communications. He is also on the Augustana University Board of Trustees. He has 21 years of field leadership experience and a passion for helping other financial professionals grow in their careers. In addition, Scott has had a significant impact in the Thrivent Diversity and Inclusion initiative during his leadership tenure. 

When he’s not working, Scott loves spending time with his wife, Stephanie, and three children, Kaitlyn and Joshua (twins) and Allyson. All of Scott’s kids are college athletes (swimming, rowing and volleyball) and he loves attending their competitions. He’s also a varsity girls basketball coach and an avid Wisconsin sports fan.  

States Licensed: AZ, FL, GA, HI, IA, IL, MN, NM, SD, WI
Team Member
Phil Novicki
FIC
Financial Advisor

Phil joined Thrivent in 2000 and says collaborating with clients to help them achieve their goals and dreams is the most fulfilling part of his work. He helps clients understand how we design and select investments, how the stock market and economy can impact a person’s portfolio and the importance of proactively working together. As part of the Capstone Financial Group, Phil works with high-net-worth clients to help them align their investment and wealth management strategies with the dedicated planning process. 

Prior to joining Thrivent, Phil worked at USAA insurance, focusing on the property and casualty side of financial services. He graduated from Austin College in Sherman, Texas, with a bachelor’s degree in economics. Phil also played baseball in college.  

Phil and his wife, Rebecca, have been married for 30 years and live in Arizona. They have six children—two who live out of state and four at home. Over the years, Phil and Rebecca have coached their kids in baseball, football, and cheerleading and have enjoyed watching them perform in plays. Phil is an avid pet lover and Rebecca is a theme park enthusiast. 

States Licensed: AR Insurance Lic. #3379087, AZ, CA Insurance Lic. #0G93249, CO, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, MD, MI, MN, MT, NC, NM, NY, OR, PA, UT, WI

About Phil Novicki

Phil joined Thrivent in 2000 and says collaborating with clients to help them achieve their goals and dreams is the most fulfilling part of his work. He helps clients understand how we design and select investments, how the stock market and economy can impact a person’s portfolio and the importance of proactively working together. As part of the Capstone Financial Group, Phil works with high-net-worth clients to help them align their investment and wealth management strategies with the dedicated planning process. 

Prior to joining Thrivent, Phil worked at USAA insurance, focusing on the property and casualty side of financial services. He graduated from Austin College in Sherman, Texas, with a bachelor’s degree in economics. Phil also played baseball in college.  

Phil and his wife, Rebecca, have been married for 30 years and live in Arizona. They have six children—two who live out of state and four at home. Over the years, Phil and Rebecca have coached their kids in baseball, football, and cheerleading and have enjoyed watching them perform in plays. Phil is an avid pet lover and Rebecca is a theme park enthusiast. 

States Licensed: AR Insurance Lic. #3379087, AZ, CA Insurance Lic. #0G93249, CO, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, MD, MI, MN, MT, NC, NM, NY, OR, PA, UT, WI
Jesse Kvitek
CAP®, FIC, RICP®
Financial Advisor

In 2002, Jesse joined Thrivent as a financial advisor. He loves working with families who are focused on retirement and need an experienced partner to help guide them. Jesse specializes in investment accumulation strategies, estate protection planning and retirement income distribution. He also has a soft place in his heart for legacy and succession planning after seeing his dad retire from being a financial advisor with Thrivent. 

Jesse grew up in Alexandria, Minnesota, attended college at the University of Minnesota–Duluth and graduated from Alexandria Technical College with a degree in fluid power technology and business. After six years in fluid power technology, Jesse followed in his father's footsteps and became a financial advisor with Thrivent. 

Jesse and his wife, Krista, have three children: Addie, Lauren and Cole. They are members of First Lutheran Church in New Richmond and have gone on many international volunteer service trips over the years. Jesse enjoys hunting, fishing, boating, skiing, snowmobiling and coaching youth hockey and football. He is also a member of the New Richmond Rotary Club and is active in the New Richmond Area Community Foundation. He volunteers for the St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity and is a primary sponsor of the Western Wisconsin Health WeCare Program.  

States Licensed: AZ, CO, FL, HI, IA, IL, IN, MN, MO, NM, OH, WI

About Jesse Kvitek

In 2002, Jesse joined Thrivent as a financial advisor. He loves working with families who are focused on retirement and need an experienced partner to help guide them. Jesse specializes in investment accumulation strategies, estate protection planning and retirement income distribution. He also has a soft place in his heart for legacy and succession planning after seeing his dad retire from being a financial advisor with Thrivent. 

Jesse grew up in Alexandria, Minnesota, attended college at the University of Minnesota–Duluth and graduated from Alexandria Technical College with a degree in fluid power technology and business. After six years in fluid power technology, Jesse followed in his father's footsteps and became a financial advisor with Thrivent. 

Jesse and his wife, Krista, have three children: Addie, Lauren and Cole. They are members of First Lutheran Church in New Richmond and have gone on many international volunteer service trips over the years. Jesse enjoys hunting, fishing, boating, skiing, snowmobiling and coaching youth hockey and football. He is also a member of the New Richmond Rotary Club and is active in the New Richmond Area Community Foundation. He volunteers for the St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity and is a primary sponsor of the Western Wisconsin Health WeCare Program.  

States Licensed: AZ, CO, FL, HI, IA, IL, IN, MN, MO, NM, OH, WI
Lane Albrecht
ChFC®, FIC, RICP®
Wealth Advisor

For the past 32 years, Lane has served clients in a variety of roles. He began his career as a financial advisor in 1991 and, after two years, was asked by the home office to move into a field leadership role to assist with financial advisor training and development, in addition to helping clients with complex financial needs. In 2004, Lane returned to growing the Lake Country Financial Group in Oconomowoc. That office recently joined the Capstone Financial Group team to provide enhanced service.

Lane specializes in dedicated planning, retirement income distribution, estate planning and long-term investment and tax strategies. He takes time to truly get to know his clients and develops customized strategies to help meet each person’s unique goals and objectives.

Lane was born and raised on his family’s farm in Rochelle, Illinois. He graduated from Western Illinois University with a degree in agricultural economics. Lane attributes much of his success to the strong work ethic he developed growing up on a farm. These values are a foundational part of the business today.

Lane and his wife, Shery, have been married for 27 years and have two children, Marissa and Alan. Marissa was married in 2022 and enjoys a successful career as a project manager. Alan will complete his doctorate in pharmacy in two years at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

States Licensed: AZ, CO, FL, IL, IN, NM, SD, TX, WI

About Lane Albrecht

For the past 32 years, Lane has served clients in a variety of roles. He began his career as a financial advisor in 1991 and, after two years, was asked by the home office to move into a field leadership role to assist with financial advisor training and development, in addition to helping clients with complex financial needs. In 2004, Lane returned to growing the Lake Country Financial Group in Oconomowoc. That office recently joined the Capstone Financial Group team to provide enhanced service.

Lane specializes in dedicated planning, retirement income distribution, estate planning and long-term investment and tax strategies. He takes time to truly get to know his clients and develops customized strategies to help meet each person’s unique goals and objectives.

Lane was born and raised on his family’s farm in Rochelle, Illinois. He graduated from Western Illinois University with a degree in agricultural economics. Lane attributes much of his success to the strong work ethic he developed growing up on a farm. These values are a foundational part of the business today.

Lane and his wife, Shery, have been married for 27 years and have two children, Marissa and Alan. Marissa was married in 2022 and enjoys a successful career as a project manager. Alan will complete his doctorate in pharmacy in two years at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

States Licensed: AZ, CO, FL, IL, IN, NM, SD, TX, WI
Michael Stade
Financial Associate

Michael joined Thrivent in early 2019 after years of managing various Walgreens stores. He specializes in helping families clearly define and achieve their financial goals through risk management, tax efficiencies and retirement income strategies. 

Michael grew up in Janesville and spent his younger years in Fort Atkinson, making him proud to serve both areas as part of Capstone Financial Group. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Rock County with a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences degree with an emphasis in business and communication.

He and his wife of 12 years, Kelli, live in Milton with their daughter, Kayleigh, son, Maxon, and Aussie-doodle, Cooper. When not at work, Michael enjoys attending Kayleigh’s dance activities and coaching Maxon’s baseball teams. Michael’s family attends church at The Chapel’s Milton campus.

States Licensed: AZ, IL, MN, NM, WI

About Michael Stade

Michael joined Thrivent in early 2019 after years of managing various Walgreens stores. He specializes in helping families clearly define and achieve their financial goals through risk management, tax efficiencies and retirement income strategies. 

Michael grew up in Janesville and spent his younger years in Fort Atkinson, making him proud to serve both areas as part of Capstone Financial Group. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Rock County with a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences degree with an emphasis in business and communication.

He and his wife of 12 years, Kelli, live in Milton with their daughter, Kayleigh, son, Maxon, and Aussie-doodle, Cooper. When not at work, Michael enjoys attending Kayleigh’s dance activities and coaching Maxon’s baseball teams. Michael’s family attends church at The Chapel’s Milton campus.

States Licensed: AZ, IL, MN, NM, WI
Greg Buxa
FIC, RICP®, CCPS®
Financial Advisor

Greg started working for Thrivent in 2013 and specializes in education funding strategies, retirement income planning and life insurance. He is also a retired United States Coast Guard Officer and search and rescue pilot who is known for his service and dedication to helping others.  

Greg earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Coast Guard Academy and a master’s degree in public administration focusing on organizational leadership from National University.  

Greg and his wife, Linda, have three children: Abby, Lydia and Ben. In his free time, he enjoys biking, gardening and watching sports with his family. He also volunteers for his kids’ football and basketball teams and supports Lakeside Lutheran High School, Bethany’s Recovery House and various military organizations.  

States Licensed: AK, AZ, CA Insurance Lic. #0I86135, CO, IL, MN, ND, WI

About Greg Buxa

Greg started working for Thrivent in 2013 and specializes in education funding strategies, retirement income planning and life insurance. He is also a retired United States Coast Guard Officer and search and rescue pilot who is known for his service and dedication to helping others.  

Greg earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Coast Guard Academy and a master’s degree in public administration focusing on organizational leadership from National University.  

Greg and his wife, Linda, have three children: Abby, Lydia and Ben. In his free time, he enjoys biking, gardening and watching sports with his family. He also volunteers for his kids’ football and basketball teams and supports Lakeside Lutheran High School, Bethany’s Recovery House and various military organizations.  

States Licensed: AK, AZ, CA Insurance Lic. #0I86135, CO, IL, MN, ND, WI
Adam Schinke
MBA, CFP®, FIC, RICP®
Associate

In 2005, Adam joined Thrivent as a financial advisor and is currently the director of the planning department at Capstone Financial Group. He enjoys bringing clarity and confidence to his clients through designing tax efficient financial plans based around their specific goals and values. Adam graduated from Verona High School and attended Kalamazoo College, where he majored in Economics and played tennis at the collegiate level. He earned a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and holds several professional designations: he is a is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and also holds the Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP®) designation.


Adam and his wife, Kris, live in Monona, Wisconsin and have three daughters (Caroline, Emma, and Annika). Adam enjoys coaching their athletic activities, attending Wisconsin football and basketball games, and playing tennis. Adam and Kris have a goal of traveling to all 50 states with their daughters before they graduate from high school. 

States Licensed: AZ, CO, FL, IA, IL, MI, MN, NC, NE, NM, OR, SD, UT, WI

About Adam Schinke

In 2005, Adam joined Thrivent as a financial advisor and is currently the director of the planning department at Capstone Financial Group. He enjoys bringing clarity and confidence to his clients through designing tax efficient financial plans based around their specific goals and values. Adam graduated from Verona High School and attended Kalamazoo College, where he majored in Economics and played tennis at the collegiate level. He earned a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and holds several professional designations: he is a is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and also holds the Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP®) designation.


Adam and his wife, Kris, live in Monona, Wisconsin and have three daughters (Caroline, Emma, and Annika). Adam enjoys coaching their athletic activities, attending Wisconsin football and basketball games, and playing tennis. Adam and Kris have a goal of traveling to all 50 states with their daughters before they graduate from high school. 

States Licensed: AZ, CO, FL, IA, IL, MI, MN, NC, NE, NM, OR, SD, UT, WI
Benjamin Tamms
FIC, RICP®
Associate

Ben joined Thrivent in 2019 and is an important part of the Capstone Financial Group dedicated planning services team, developing strategies to help clients reach their goals as efficiently as possible. He also specializes in tax efficiency, risk management and retirement income planning.

Ben has a degree in finance from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater. He held various roles in forecasting and financial reporting for Fortune 500 companies before joining Thrivent.

Ben and his wife, Dana, live in Waukesha with their black lab, Mika. Ben is an avid baseball fan, and he and Dana enjoy traveling to watch the Brewers play at opponent stadiums. Ben played for the Waukesha Land O' Lakes baseball team after college. He also loves playing softball, being outdoors, golfing, fishing and hiking. Ben is involved in the Waukesha community, serving on the board of directors for the Housing Action Coalition and volunteering with Habitat for Humanity.

States Licensed: AZ, IL, MN, WI

About Benjamin Tamms

Ben joined Thrivent in 2019 and is an important part of the Capstone Financial Group dedicated planning services team, developing strategies to help clients reach their goals as efficiently as possible. He also specializes in tax efficiency, risk management and retirement income planning.

Ben has a degree in finance from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater. He held various roles in forecasting and financial reporting for Fortune 500 companies before joining Thrivent.

Ben and his wife, Dana, live in Waukesha with their black lab, Mika. Ben is an avid baseball fan, and he and Dana enjoy traveling to watch the Brewers play at opponent stadiums. Ben played for the Waukesha Land O' Lakes baseball team after college. He also loves playing softball, being outdoors, golfing, fishing and hiking. Ben is involved in the Waukesha community, serving on the board of directors for the Housing Action Coalition and volunteering with Habitat for Humanity.

States Licensed: AZ, IL, MN, WI
Team Member
Melanie Becker
Office Professional

Melanie started at Thrivent in 2020. She previously worked for a CPA firm for eight years before joining our team to support Financial Advisor Jesse Kvitek.

Melanie grew up in Hudson, Wisconsin, and now lives in Star Prairie. She graduated from the Tennessee Health Careers Certified Nursing Assistant Program in 2011.

In addition to her 13-year-old son, Jayson, Melanie’s family includes her partner, Kevin. The three of them enjoy boating, traveling and watching movies together. Melanie also likes making art (any kind) and recently started collecting local artwork. She has three rescue dogs and one rescue cat and would love to have a hobby farm someday. Melanie is an autism and disability advocate and is president of the Autism Support Group of St. Croix Valley.

About Melanie Becker

Melanie started at Thrivent in 2020. She previously worked for a CPA firm for eight years before joining our team to support Financial Advisor Jesse Kvitek.

Melanie grew up in Hudson, Wisconsin, and now lives in Star Prairie. She graduated from the Tennessee Health Careers Certified Nursing Assistant Program in 2011.

In addition to her 13-year-old son, Jayson, Melanie’s family includes her partner, Kevin. The three of them enjoy boating, traveling and watching movies together. Melanie also likes making art (any kind) and recently started collecting local artwork. She has three rescue dogs and one rescue cat and would love to have a hobby farm someday. Melanie is an autism and disability advocate and is president of the Autism Support Group of St. Croix Valley.

Team Member
Glinda Gephart
Office Professional

In 2005, Glinda started working for Lane Albrecht at the Thrivent office in Oconomowoc. She enjoys her work and the people she has met at Thrivent over the years.  

Glinda has been married for 43 years and has one daughter who passed away a year ago. Her faith is very important to her, and she likes helping others whenever needed. She also loves camping and working on do-it-yourself projects around the house. 

About Glinda Gephart

In 2005, Glinda started working for Lane Albrecht at the Thrivent office in Oconomowoc. She enjoys her work and the people she has met at Thrivent over the years.  

Glinda has been married for 43 years and has one daughter who passed away a year ago. Her faith is very important to her, and she likes helping others whenever needed. She also loves camping and working on do-it-yourself projects around the house.