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
- Phoenix Christian Preparatory School
Meet Our Team
Clark Krueger
CFP®, ChFC®, FIC, RICP®
Clark joined the Thrivent team in 1991 and became a member of the Thrivent Financial Hall of Fame in 2015. He specializes in financial planning, investment management, and charitable giving. He is married to Kim and has three wonderful daughters. Out of the office, Clark is an avid golfer and an amateur musician. Just a few of the charities he supports include the ELCA Fund for Leaders, Northern Arizona University Foundation, and the Good Samaritan Society.
- Title
Wealth Advisor
- State(s) Licensed
- AZ, CA Insurance Lic. #0E07997 , CO, FL, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KY, MI, MN, NC, NJ, OR, PA, TX, WA, WI,
- Website
- https://connect.thrivent.com/clark-krueger
- Phone
- 623-939-6455
Brandon Sparks
FIC
Brandon began his career with Thrivent in 1997 and specializes in retirement and investment planning. He married his supportive wife Keri in 1996 and together they have two children. Out of the office, Brandon spends time coaching football and is a horseback riding and team roping enthusiast. He jumps at the chance to learn a new hobby or skill. Brandon gives back to his community by supporting organizations such as Phoenix Christian Preparatory School, Northwestern Christian School, and Trinity Lutheran Church and School.
- Title
Financial Associate
- State(s) Licensed
- AZ, ID, MI, NC, SD, TX, WA, WI,
- Website
- https://connect.thrivent.com/brandon-sparks
- Phone
- 623-939-6455
Christen Krueger
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. In her spare time, she enjoys travelling, reading, and finding new restaurants (a self-proclaimed foodie). On a regular basis you can find her at book club or playing Fantasy Football with her girlfriends. Some of Christen’s favorite charities to support include Florence Crittenton and Phoenix Children’s Hospital.
- Title
Financial Advisor
- State(s) Licensed
- AZ, CA Insurance Lic. #4221986 , CO, MI, NJ, PA, TX,
- Website
- https://connect.thrivent.com/christen-krueger
- Phone
- 623-939-6455
Melissa Bertram
Melissa joined the Desert West Associates team in 2015 and continuously finds joy in her work. She, and her husband Danny, have a beautiful daughter who keeps them very busy and their lives fulfilled! As a family they like participating in local charity walks, camping, attending Nascar races, and cheering on the AZ Cardinals.
- Title
Insurance Office Professional