Our Story
Our story

Our mission is to help you make the most of all you’ve been given, so you can live a life rich in meaning and gratitude. Our faith is what fuels us and we enjoy serving the community and providing help where it’s needed through participation in Thrivent Action Teams and other Thrivent generosity initiatives.

When you work with us, you have an entire team of professionals focusing on what is important to you. Our practice includes three financial advisors, Eric Funk, Andy Roberts and Nathan Larson, who can help you every step of the way. We also have three licensed office professionals, Shauna Eastlee, and Connor Parent as well as a group of unlicensed office professionals, Shauna Schlagenhaft, Paula Goldstein, Samantha DeJongh, Karen Wetzel, and Sean Mullins-Rothrock. If you are interested in learning more about how we can help serve you, please contact our office. We would love to hear from you.

Products and services. Aligned with you your priorities.

At Emerald Financial Group, we understand that each client has their own unique goals, and we provide financial guidance tailored to each individual journey. Whether it's saving for college or planning for retirement, we'll start from wherever you are on your financial path and focus on your values to move forward. During this process, we'll also work together to find opportunities for you to live generously and help others. 

What makes Emerald Financial Group unique?

We care about you and offer an individualized approach to help you reach your financial goals. We value building relationships with our clients, not just doing business. 

Our friendly team of office professionals can assist you with all your needs Monday through Friday. 

Member benefits and programs are not guaranteed contractual benefits. The interpretation of the provisions of these benefits and programs is at the sole discretion of Thrivent. Membership benefits are reviewed and evaluated regularly. Thrivent reserves the right to change, modify, discontinue, or refuse to provide any of the membership benefits or any part of them, at any time. You should never purchase or keep insurance or annuity products to be eligible for nonguaranteed membership benefits. You should only purchase and keep insurance and annuity products that best meet the financial security needs of you and your family. Consider the cost, features, and benefits of specific insurance and/or annuity products.

Eric Funk
Eric FunkFinancial ConsultantFIC, CCPS®, CIMA®

I am the founder of Emerald Financial Group and have been affiliated with Thrivent Financial since 2002. I hold the CIMA (Certified Investment Management Analyst) designation, reflecting advanced expertise in investment planning and portfolio management. I specialize in investment planning and management, with a strong emphasis on tax efficiency and retirement distribution strategies. My approach centers on helping clients make informed, confident decisions through education and proactive planning. I believe in an education-first philosophy, leveraging a collaborative team approach to deliver proactive, high-touch financial planning and service tailored to each client's goals.

In 2023, I was inducted into Thrivent Financials Hall of Fame, earning this distinction at the earliest possible opportunity following 20 years of service which is testament to long-standing commitment and excellence.

Beyond my professional work, my wife Karissa and I are deeply committed to giving back to the community. We actively support several nonprofits, particularly organizations that are focused on helping children, including The Reading Center of Rochester. We have two children, Ian and Carter, and we enjoy spending time together as a family. We are also proud dog owners to four dogs - Lily, a foster-fail Shih Tzu, and three Chocolate Labrador Retrievers: Meeka, Rocco, and Charlie. When we have free time, we enjoy our favorite pastime which is fishing.

Andy Roberts
Andy RobertsAssociate

I joined Thrivent in 2022, and I believe that in today's ever-growing and complex financial landscape, success comes from working with an experienced, collaborative team. At Emerald Financial Group, I'm proud to be part of a team that brings deep expertise and a shared commitment to helping each client pursue their financial goals with confidence.

My wife, Madison, and I were both born and raised in Rochester, and we're excited to raise our family in this great community. We have three children: Evelyn, Isaac and Charlotte. When I'm not working with clients, you'll usually find me on the lake with my family or out on the golf course. In winter, we spend a lot of time at the rink, where I volunteer and help coach Rochester youth hockey programs.

Nathan Larson
Nathan LarsonAssociate

I joined Emerald Financial Group in August of 2025, bringing with me experience from the financial industry since graduating from Minnesota State University, Mankato. As a new member of the team, I am dedicated to supporting clients in achieving their financial goals. My approach centers on providing clear, personalized guidance to help individuals and families navigate their financial journeys with confidence and peace of mind.

Outside of work, I enjoy life in Rochester, where I've lived since 2023 after growing up in the Twin Cities. In September 2025, I married my wife, Carly, marking a special new chapter in my life. I'm an avid sports fan and love spending time outdoors whether I'm fishing, golfing, or hanging with family and friends. I value being part of the local community and strive to bring the same dedication and positivity to my personal life as I do to my professional role.

Shauna Eastlee
Shauna EastleeLicensed Sr Client Service AdministratorFIC

I’ve been part of Emerald Financial Group since November 2011, and I truly enjoy working here! As a fully licensed professional, I take pride in building strong relationships with our clients and assisting them with all their financial needs.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time at the family cabin in Northern Wisconsin with my husband, Marcus, two daughters, and three grandkids with one more expected this February! At our cabin we enjoy snowmobiling and fishing (both open water and ice). I really enjoy adventures in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, which usually results in me bringing home some pretty awesome rocks. I am also becoming a big fan of the Frost and Wild teams.

Shauna Schlagenhaft
Shauna SchlagenhaftOperations Coordinator

I have been with Emerald Financial Group since 2023 when I decided to make the transition from the staffing industry into the financial planning industry. In my current role as a client services administrator, I get the privilege to assist clients with their needs, as well as supporting our financial advisors so we can ensure our clients are receiving the best customer service possible. I am currently Life and Health licensed in Minnesota, but plan to further my expertise and become securities licensed in the near future.

Outside of work, all of my attention goes to my two children, my two dogs, and my husband. We enjoy traveling as well as visiting our families in Wisconsin, and Minnesota, as well as spending time on the lake. My husband and I's dream is to purchase a lake property in Minnesota so that we can always have a place to visit with our children and create our own traditions as well as unforgettable memories.

Karen Wetzel
Karen WetzelClient Service Administrator

I joined Emerald Financial Group in March, 2026, and I am excited to expand my knowledge of financial services. I have been interested in personal finance for as long as I can remember. I have a degree in business with a paralegal specialty. Prior to my work here, I built an extensive career in real estate and construction accounting.

I am from Ohio but have been in the Rochester area for 30 years. My husband and I have been blessed with two lovely daughters and two sweet cats. In my spare time I enjoy watching movies, listening to music, driving, and spending time with family.

Connor Parent
Connor ParentInvestment Analyst

I have been working at Emerald Financial Group since 2024 but have worked in finance since 2020. As the Investment Analyst, I help ensure that your accounts are invested according to your financial goals and continuously monitor your accounts to keep those goals on track. I oversee brokerage operations and investment research as well as trade execution to assist advisors in making strategic recommendations to clients.

Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, as well as my girlfriend Andrea. Some things Andrea and I enjoy doing are going to sporting events, watching movies, doing puzzles, and taking our dog for a walk. Our dog Nala is an 80-pound Boxer/Yellow lab mix who never seems to run out of energy. We also have three cats named Meena, Toothless, and Kuzco. Can you guess what movie characters they're named after?

Cevahn Meyer
Cevahn MeyerOffice Professional

I joined Emerald Financial Group in July of 2026, and I’m excited to get my hands into the financial services industry. I graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato in 2025 and have roughly three years of experience in both public and private accounting. I’ve always been interested in investment analysis and strategizing for financial planning, which ultimately led me to make the switch from accounting. I’m very excited to work with both existing and new clients to help them navigate toward financial success.

Outside of work, I spend the majority of my time with my wife, family, and friends. My biggest hobbies include hockey in the winter, golf in the summer, and being outdoors, whether that’s biking, hiking, or spending time at the lake. I’m looking forward to building my life in Rochester with my wife, seeing where life takes us, and hopefully seeing the Wild hoist the Stanley Cup someday.

Sean Mullins-Rothrock
Sean Mullins-RothrockOffice Manager

I joined Emerald Financial Group in March of 2026, and it has been a great pleasure to bring my extensive administrative experience to the team! I am the 'face' of Emerald Financial Group as I am the first person all clients will meet when they walk into the office. I am always eager to assist all clients and staff to succeed in achieving their goals and financial stability.

I recently moved to Rochester, Minnesota from Bradenton, Florida with my husband and our 6-year-old cat, Brooks, in October of 2025. My husband and I greatly enjoy hiking through many of the state parks that Minnesota has to offer, especially Whitewater State Park. When we visited Whitewater State Park, we hiked up a very steep and rugged trail until we came to an awe-inspiring scenic view of bluffland. If we are not hiking at any state parks or doing a walk-a-thon at the Mall of America, you may find me working out at the fitness center of 125 Live.

Paula Goldstein
Paula GoldsteinDirector of Business Development

As director of business development and a member of the marketing team, I have the pleasure of keeping clients and the community aware of the latest news and events we offer from financial, to social, to giving back. I have worked in the financial industry in multiple capacities for more than 40 years and look forward to many more.

When I’m not in the office, I love to entertain friends and family and give back to AUSM (Autism Society of Minnesota). My husband and I enjoy traveling, especially seeing the many beautiful national parks around the country. Many of you know that I love to bake, and this year I celebrated the 34th year of baking 1,000 cookies with my dearest friend.

Samantha DeJongh
Samantha DeJonghBusiness Development Coordinator

I have been with Emerald Financial Group since November of 2025 where I decided to leave the hospitality industry and focus more on my passion of marketing. I originally went to culinary school to pursue my passion in baking, but after working for the Detroit Red Wings, I decided to go to Oakland University where I earned my Bachelors of Science in Marketing. In my role I get use the passion as well as the opportunity to work with members to plan events that give back to the community, as well as operate our social media. I am so grateful to be a part of a team that encourages my passion and ideas, and I am committed to work with all of you to give back to the Rochester community in the best ways we can!

I am originally from Michigan but relocated to Rochester in January of 2023 with my boyfriend Austin. Outside of work, I enjoy spending as much time as I can with family and friends, baking, doing puzzles, traveling, shopping, as well as watching sports. I am an avid Detroit sports fan, and living in Minnesota will not change that!

Join us at an upcoming event

We’d love to have the opportunity to meet you. We host financial workshops, volunteer opportunities and Thrivent market updates.
Savvy Tax Strategies image

Savvy Tax Strategies

Nov 17, 2026, 4:00 PM UTC
Zoom
Learn how to avoid common mistakes when it comes to your investment portfolio, health care and estate strategies. The Savvy Tax Strategies workshop provides answers to critical tax questions you must answer before retirement. Explore how to help dodge the Social Security "tax trap" and more. 10:00am: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_m8eCTBM8S3uIksqFqfQzBA6:00pm: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_kZLo6dvJSJqmgd_8dCgdGgPlease call Samantha DeJongh at 507-289-1682 or email samantha.dejongh@thrivent.com if you have any questions. No products will be sold. See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
Wrap with Love image

Wrap with Love

Dec 8, 2026, 11:00 PM UTC - Dec 9, 2026, 1:00 AM UTC
125 Elton Hills Dr NW, Rochester, Mn 55901 | 125 LIVE
Mark your calendar for Wrap with Love. We'd love to have you.At Emerald Financial Group, we believe in a higher purpose and our community matters deeply to us. That's why we're inviting you to participate in giving back to Adopt-A-Family, Bear Creek Services, and the Rochester Women's Shelter programs, helping ensure that each person has a special gift to open. Stop by our office to choose an ornament (or a few) from our Giving Tree to help make a difference! Please return your gift by December 1st with the ornament that goes with your gift. All supplies will be provided. We'll be wrapping Christmas gifts for the Adopt-A-Family programs ensuring that each person has a special gift to open. Come spread holiday cheer with us and make a meaningful difference in our community!A light meal and refreshments will be served. Feel free to invite anyone you think may be interested in this event. Please RSVP by November 24, 2026. Call Samantha DeJongh at 507-289-1682 or email emeraldfinancialgroup@thrivent.com.Adopt-A-Family, Bear Creek Services, Women's Shelter is not affiliated with or endorsed by Thrivent.No products or services will be sold. 
View all events→
Rochester Location
3671 Sarah Place NW Ste 200
Rochester, MN 55901
Phone507-289-1682Fax833-671-3317HoursMonday through Thursday 8am - 5pm, Friday 8am - 12pm

Ready to connect?

We'd love to answer any questions you may have and start learning about your goals. We can meet however you're most comfortable—phone, virtual or in person.

Or call us directly: 507-289-1682

Licensing is available through your State Insurance Department’s website, which can be located through the National Association of Insurance Commissioners website.

Thrivent financial advisors and professionals have general knowledge of the Social Security tenets. For complete details on your situation, contact the Social Security Administration.

Not all team members may provide all products, programs and services in all states.

Not all team members may office at the locations listed.

* as of December 31, 2024

** Thrivent and its financial advisors and professionals do not provide legal, accounting or tax advice. Consult your attorney or tax professional.

Rating is based on Thrivent’s financial strength and claims-paying ability. Does not apply to investment product performance. For information on this rating, visit the rating agency's website.

Designations
For additional information on professional designations and the requirements to earn them, visit https://www.thrivent.com/designations