Dave Nykerk, in Grand Rapids MI

Physical Wellness to Financial Wellness

Helping people work toward meaningful goals has been a common thread throughout my life. From playing collegiate baseball at the University of Michigan to coaching, spending years in the gym, owning a business and serving in community leadership, I’ve learned that meaningful progress rarely happens by accident. It takes preparation, discipline, teamwork and a clear understanding of where you’re headed.

Whether on the athletic field, in the gym or in business, I’ve seen the value of starting with where you are, defining where you want to go and building a practical plan to get there. Today, I bring that same mindset to financial advice.

I help individuals and families organize their financial picture, understand their options and develop strategies around investments, retirement, protection and legacy planning. Clients can expect straightforward conversations, personalized guidance and an ongoing relationship that evolves as life changes.

My goal is to make financial planning feel less complicated and more approachable, helping clients make confident decisions today while staying focused on what matters most for the future.

Why This Work Is Personal

I grew up in Holland, Michigan, where family, hard work and saving were important values. Like many people, however, I did not grow up understanding investing, wealth building or how the pieces of a financial plan work together.

Financial planning became personal when I unexpectedly lost my mom while I was in college. I watched my dad navigate the loss of his wife while also taking on financial responsibilities and decisions during an already difficult time. That experience shaped my desire to be a resource for others, both as they prepare for the future and when life does not go according to plan.

As a husband and father of four, I understand how quickly life moves and how easily financial decisions can be pushed aside. I chose Thrivent because its focus on purpose, service and generosity aligns with how I want to serve people. I want to help clients protect the people they love, use their resources intentionally and feel better prepared for the seasons ahead.