About Desert West Associates
Living Generously in the Community
- Northern Arizona University Foundation
- Arizona Christian School Tuition Organization
- Northwest Christian School
- ELCA Fund for Leaders in Mission
Meet Our Team

Clark Krueger
CFP®, ChFC®, FIC, RICP®
Clark began his career with Thrivent Financial in 1991 and became a member of the Thrivent Financial Hall of Fame in 2015. He specializes in retirement accumulation and income planning, investments, life insurance, and estate strategies. He is married to Kim and has three wonderful daughters. In his time spent out of the office, Clark is an avid golfer and an amateur musician. Some of the charities Clark supports include ELCA Fund for Leaders, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Northwest Christian School, Arizona Christian School Tuition Organization, Northern Arizona University Foundation, The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society, Partners in Action, and Heart for the City.
- Title
Wealth Advisor
- State(s) Licensed
- AZ, CA Insurance Lic. #0E07997 , CO, FL, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KY, MI, MN, NC, OR, PA, TX, WA, WI,
- Website
- https://connect.thrivent.com/clark-krueger
- Phone
- (623) 939-6455

Brandon Sparks
FIC
Brandon started his journey with Thrivent Financial in 1997. He specializes in the areas of retirement planning, estate strategies, and investments. He has been married to his supportive wife Keri since 1996 and they have two children, Mikayla and Blake. Out of the office, Brandon enjoys horseback riding, team roping, and has been a volleyball and football coach for the past 25 years. The organizations he supports include Matrix Club Volleyball, Northwest Christian School, and Trinity Lutheran Church and School.
- Title
Financial Associate
- State(s) Licensed
- AZ, ID, MI, TX, WA, WI,
- Website
- https://connect.thrivent.com/brandon-sparks
- Phone
- (623) 939-6455

Christen Ginter
CFP®, CDFA®
Christen joined the Desert West Associates team as in intern in August 2004. She is a third-generation financial professional with Thrivent, who specializes in financial guidance and investment operations. She is the proud momma to her adorable fur babies, Kate and Coco and in her spare time she enjoys taking them to dog park, yoga, and travel. On a regular basis you can find her volunteering in the community garden, donating blood, or simply enjoying a nice spa day.
- Title
Financial Advisor
- State(s) Licensed
- AZ, CA Insurance Lic. #4221986 , CO, MI, TX,
- Website
- https://connect.thrivent.com/christen-ginter
- Phone
- (623) 939-6455

Melissa Bertram
Melissa joined the Desert West Associates team in February 2015. She is married to Danny and they feel extremely blessed to have a little daughter named Rylee. As a family they love participating in local charity walks, camping, going to the park, and cheering on the AZ Cardinals.
- Title
Insurance Office Professional