About Financial Synergy Group
We're proud to be Thrivent financial professionals! Read on to learn more about each member of our team.
Meet Our Team
Joslyne Counselman
FIC, RICP®, BFA™
Joslyne started her career at Thrivent in 2014 after accepting a position while finishing up her senior year at Thiel College. She and her husband Josh have been settling into their new house in the company of their fur kids, Simba, Benny, Cutch and Rose. Joslyne and Josh train together for full & half marathons and have a goal of running one race in each state. Her mantra is "learn from yesterday, plan for tomorrow, live for today"!
- Title
Financial Advisor
- State(s) Licensed
- AZ, CO, DC, DE, FL, IN, MD, MI, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, SC, TX, UT, VA, WV,
- Website
- https://connect.thrivent.com/joslyne-counselman
- Phone
- 412-748-0625
Kurt Herbst
MBA
Kurt's celebrating his 12th year at Thrivent in 2024! He has traveled to or lived in many places across the country, and always has interesting information to share. Kurt and his wife Maggie enjoy attending concerts and other events in Pittsburgh, and he imbibes a craft beer every now and then.
- Title
Financial Associate
- State(s) Licensed
- DE, IL, NC, OH, PA, WI, WV,
- Website
- https://connect.thrivent.com/kurt-herbst
- Phone
- 412-748-0625
Gary Laird
Gary joined the team this year, in 2024, after a full career teaching and coaching in Christian schools. He and his wife Kelly have three boys, one grandchild on the way, and a Golden Doodle named Margot. He's a big sports fan and avid runner!
- Title
Financial Advisor
- State(s) Licensed
- PA,
- Website
- https://connect.thrivent.com/gary-laird
- Phone
- 412-790-1297
Cynthia Plazek
Before joining Thrivent in 2015, Cynthia worked in radio & TV sales and church music management & performance, transitioning to insurance and investments in 2012. She especially enjoys educating her clients to help them avoid setbacks. Cynthia graduated from Duquesne University, has 4 adult children, and enjoys creating art, gardening and caring for her new grandson.
- Title
Financial Associate
- State(s) Licensed
- AZ, IN, NC, OH, PA, VT,
- Website
- https://connect.thrivent.com/cynthia-plazek
- Phone
- 412-748-0625
Kristin Bissett
Kristin is the glue that holds our team together! She helps to make sure our clients' needs are met and that all operations of our practice run smoothly. Kristin holds an MS in Organizational Psychology from Southern New Hampshire University. She primarily works remotely in Beaver Falls, PA but you may catch her in our office during the week! She is married to her husband, Brett, and has two sons, Ayden and Owen.
- Title
Sr Office Manager
Katelyn Endres
When you call our office, Katelyn is one of the voices you'll hear on the line! She helps us schedule appointments, completes clerical work and a variety of other duties around the office. She's been married to her husband Marc for 12 years, they have two boys, Rylan and Nolan, and a dog named Finn! Outside of the office, you can find her caring for her many houseplants, running to her kids' sporting events, or in the park on a hike.
- Title
Office Professional
Bob Hoffman
MBA, FIC
- Title
Associate
- State(s) Licensed
- IN, MI, NY, OH, PA, WV,
- Website
- https://connect.thrivent.com/robert-hoffman
- Phone
- 412-748-0625