About Desert West Associates

Desert West Associates isn’t an office full of people you meet just once or twice. We’re here to make sure the financial guidance process is based on your goals and values. You’ll get to know the whole team as you schedule your appointments, build and implement a plan, call with questions, attend our social events, lead a Thrivent Action Team and introduce us to your friends and family. We’ll help you make decisions around your insurance, investing, and retirement planning needs by getting to know what really matters to you. Whether you’re just starting out in your career or are preparing for the retirement you’ve dreamed about, we can help you identify financial opportunities to help you reach your ultimate destination with confidence.

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
Clark Krueger

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

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 Phoenix Christian Preparatory School, Northwest 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

    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, watching Reality TV, and finds new restaurants to eat at. On a regular basis you can find her diving into a good book, donating blood or playing Fantasy Football with her girl best friends.

    Title

    Financial Advisor

    State(s) Licensed
    AZ, CA Insurance Lic. #4221986 , CO, MI, TX,
    Website
    https://connect.thrivent.com/christen-krueger
    Phone
    623-939-6455
      Melissa Bertram

      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 daughter named Rylee. In her free time, her and her family like participating in local charity walks, camping, attending Nascar races, finding new restaurants, going to the park, and cheering on the AZ Cardinals.

      Title

      Insurance Office Professional