Our team

Ray Weiss
CLU®, FIC
Financial Advisor

I am a financial advisor with Thrivent. I have provided individuals, families and businesses with estate and retirement planning opportunities for the past 39 years. I am a member of The Million Dollar Round Table, Top of The Table. I also hold my Chartered Life Underwriter designation from American College.


I hold an Associate of Arts degree from Blinn College and attended Texas A&M University. My wife, Tiffany, and I are members of Salem Lutheran Church. I am a member of the Salem Fire Department, where I spent 24 years as a volunteer firefighter, 15 of those as either chief or assistant chief. I currently serve on the Washington County Fair Executive Board, was a past chairman of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce and served on the Brenham Independent School Board as president and trustee, along with numerous other community boards.


Tiffany and I have two adult sons, Kevin and Shawn, two daughter-in-laws, Taylor and Allison, and two grandchildren, Sawyer and Coleman. We reside in Brenham, where I have lived all my life. My family and I enjoy hunting and the outdoors. I take special interest in tax efficiency planning, and helping individuals and families plan for retirement and protect their estates, which is an increasingly difficult challenge today. I am committed to giving back to this wonderful community, which has been very good to me.


Million Dollar Round Table is an industry honor based on sales excellence, outstanding client service, ethical conduct and professional knowledge.

States Licensed: AZ, CO, ME, MT, ND, OH, OK, TX

About Ray Weiss

I am a financial advisor with Thrivent. I have provided individuals, families and businesses with estate and retirement planning opportunities for the past 39 years. I am a member of The Million Dollar Round Table, Top of The Table. I also hold my Chartered Life Underwriter designation from American College.


I hold an Associate of Arts degree from Blinn College and attended Texas A&M University. My wife, Tiffany, and I are members of Salem Lutheran Church. I am a member of the Salem Fire Department, where I spent 24 years as a volunteer firefighter, 15 of those as either chief or assistant chief. I currently serve on the Washington County Fair Executive Board, was a past chairman of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce and served on the Brenham Independent School Board as president and trustee, along with numerous other community boards.


Tiffany and I have two adult sons, Kevin and Shawn, two daughter-in-laws, Taylor and Allison, and two grandchildren, Sawyer and Coleman. We reside in Brenham, where I have lived all my life. My family and I enjoy hunting and the outdoors. I take special interest in tax efficiency planning, and helping individuals and families plan for retirement and protect their estates, which is an increasingly difficult challenge today. I am committed to giving back to this wonderful community, which has been very good to me.


Million Dollar Round Table is an industry honor based on sales excellence, outstanding client service, ethical conduct and professional knowledge.

States Licensed: AZ, CO, ME, MT, ND, OH, OK, TX
Barney Loesch
CFP®, ChFC®, CLU®, FIC
Financial Advisor

I have been a financial advisor with Thrivent for about 20 years, but I’ve been around the company my entire life. I’m a second-generation Thrivent financial advisor; my dad, Robert, began working with Thrivent in the 1970s and helped make Thrivent a household name in Washington County. I always admired the company and, being so much like my dad, I decided to give Thrivent a try as my first career after graduating with a bachelor's degree in business administration from Texas A&M University in 2002. 


At first, I wasn’t so sure how I’d fare in the business; after a few months of watching my dad do what he did to be successful, I didn’t think I was up to the challenge. Luckily, we had a strong team of financial advisors in the Brenham office, and I gravitated more toward working with Ray Weiss. Ray and I had very similar views on how we wanted to run and operate our business, putting God, our family, and our clients first in everything we do. Our practice has grown by leaps and bounds, and even after 20 years I’m having more fun and helping more people than I ever imagined.


My family life has been a blessing, too. I met my wife, Ashley, in 2005 and we married in 2007. While we had trouble starting a family, by the grace of God we welcomed our first daughter, Sophia Grace, into our lives in 2012. A second daughter, Sabrina Faith, came into our lives in 2018 and I couldn’t imagine a day without any of them.

States Licensed: CO, ME, MT, ND, OH, OK, TX

About Barney Loesch

I have been a financial advisor with Thrivent for about 20 years, but I’ve been around the company my entire life. I’m a second-generation Thrivent financial advisor; my dad, Robert, began working with Thrivent in the 1970s and helped make Thrivent a household name in Washington County. I always admired the company and, being so much like my dad, I decided to give Thrivent a try as my first career after graduating with a bachelor's degree in business administration from Texas A&M University in 2002. 


At first, I wasn’t so sure how I’d fare in the business; after a few months of watching my dad do what he did to be successful, I didn’t think I was up to the challenge. Luckily, we had a strong team of financial advisors in the Brenham office, and I gravitated more toward working with Ray Weiss. Ray and I had very similar views on how we wanted to run and operate our business, putting God, our family, and our clients first in everything we do. Our practice has grown by leaps and bounds, and even after 20 years I’m having more fun and helping more people than I ever imagined.


My family life has been a blessing, too. I met my wife, Ashley, in 2005 and we married in 2007. While we had trouble starting a family, by the grace of God we welcomed our first daughter, Sophia Grace, into our lives in 2012. A second daughter, Sabrina Faith, came into our lives in 2018 and I couldn’t imagine a day without any of them.

States Licensed: CO, ME, MT, ND, OH, OK, TX
Sarah Hamlen
ChFC®, FIC
Financial Advisor

I am a financial advisor based in White Sulphur Springs, Montana, and have been with Thrivent for ten years. I love helping people develop financial strategies, and my passion is for helping small businesses and agricultural enterprises develop succession plans or transition strategies. I also love that both our Brenham, Texas office and the office in White Sulphur Springs serve rural communities.


After high school in Townsend, Montana, I graduated manga cum laude with my bachelor’s degree in business marketing and administration from the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul, Minnesota. I was also fortunate to study at a National Collegiate Honors program in New York City and at the University of St. Andrews, Scotland. I carry a master’s degree in agricultural education from Montana State University and am a Chartered Financial Consultant.


I have been married to my husband, Marc, for over 20 years. We are proud to be raising two girls who love their horses and take their 4-H projects seriously. We love the outdoors and are proud to call Montana home. I love that I can serve God and others through my work.

States Licensed: CO, ME, MT, ND, OH, OK, TX, WY

About Sarah Hamlen

I am a financial advisor based in White Sulphur Springs, Montana, and have been with Thrivent for ten years. I love helping people develop financial strategies, and my passion is for helping small businesses and agricultural enterprises develop succession plans or transition strategies. I also love that both our Brenham, Texas office and the office in White Sulphur Springs serve rural communities.


After high school in Townsend, Montana, I graduated manga cum laude with my bachelor’s degree in business marketing and administration from the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul, Minnesota. I was also fortunate to study at a National Collegiate Honors program in New York City and at the University of St. Andrews, Scotland. I carry a master’s degree in agricultural education from Montana State University and am a Chartered Financial Consultant.


I have been married to my husband, Marc, for over 20 years. We are proud to be raising two girls who love their horses and take their 4-H projects seriously. We love the outdoors and are proud to call Montana home. I love that I can serve God and others through my work.

States Licensed: CO, ME, MT, ND, OH, OK, TX, WY
Shawn Weiss
CFP®
Financial Advisor

I’m a financial advisor in the heart of Brenham. My days are dedicated to helping individuals and families secure their financial futures by bringing a wealth of expertise to the table. But life is more than just numbers and investments – it's about the people we love and the passions that make it all worthwhile.


At home, I wear the hats of a husband to Allison and a proud father to our son, Coleman.


Beyond the world of finance, you'll find me immersed in the things I love. I'm a die-hard college football fan, praying that one day the Aggies will get it figured out. Nature has a special place in my heart, too. Whether it's teeing off on a golf course with friends or embarking on a hunting trip, I find solace and inspiration in the great outdoors. It's my way of stepping back, recharging, and appreciating the simple joys of life.


In Brenham, I'm not just your financial advisor – I'm a community member who understands the importance of balancing financial responsibility with the pleasures that make life rich and fulfilling. Let's navigate your financial journey together, ensuring a secure future while savoring the moments that truly matter.

States Licensed: MT, OH, OK, TX

About Shawn Weiss

I’m a financial advisor in the heart of Brenham. My days are dedicated to helping individuals and families secure their financial futures by bringing a wealth of expertise to the table. But life is more than just numbers and investments – it's about the people we love and the passions that make it all worthwhile.


At home, I wear the hats of a husband to Allison and a proud father to our son, Coleman.


Beyond the world of finance, you'll find me immersed in the things I love. I'm a die-hard college football fan, praying that one day the Aggies will get it figured out. Nature has a special place in my heart, too. Whether it's teeing off on a golf course with friends or embarking on a hunting trip, I find solace and inspiration in the great outdoors. It's my way of stepping back, recharging, and appreciating the simple joys of life.


In Brenham, I'm not just your financial advisor – I'm a community member who understands the importance of balancing financial responsibility with the pleasures that make life rich and fulfilling. Let's navigate your financial journey together, ensuring a secure future while savoring the moments that truly matter.

States Licensed: MT, OH, OK, TX
Casey Henly
Financial Advisor

Helping has always been a passion of mine. Growing up in the world of Agriculture, it became a second nature. After graduating from Texas A&M with a degree in Animal Science, I spent eight years in animal health and nutrition sales working with cattle and horse operators. I have since found a calling in the financial services space, continuing to provide assistance to clients in a different capacity.


I truly enjoy sitting down with new clients, developing a plan, and watching those plans turn into progress year over year. Providing individuals and businesses a plan for the future using holistic financial advice is what we strive for. Our family-based approach is what makes us look forward to being a part of your story.


I am originally from San Augustine, a small East Texas town. I have a wonderful wife, Haley, and three lovely daughters, Brooke, Quinn, and Reese. We have lived in Brenham since 2015 and have become involved in the community at First United Methodist church and other local organizations. Other passions of mine include raising cattle and CrossFit.

States Licensed: MT, TX

About Casey Henly

Helping has always been a passion of mine. Growing up in the world of Agriculture, it became a second nature. After graduating from Texas A&M with a degree in Animal Science, I spent eight years in animal health and nutrition sales working with cattle and horse operators. I have since found a calling in the financial services space, continuing to provide assistance to clients in a different capacity.


I truly enjoy sitting down with new clients, developing a plan, and watching those plans turn into progress year over year. Providing individuals and businesses a plan for the future using holistic financial advice is what we strive for. Our family-based approach is what makes us look forward to being a part of your story.


I am originally from San Augustine, a small East Texas town. I have a wonderful wife, Haley, and three lovely daughters, Brooke, Quinn, and Reese. We have lived in Brenham since 2015 and have become involved in the community at First United Methodist church and other local organizations. Other passions of mine include raising cattle and CrossFit.

States Licensed: MT, TX
Jo Pflughaupt
Associate

I provide annuity and brokerage support for the Five Star Financial Group. I have been working for Thrivent for over 23 years. I started as a non-licensed OP and have since grown into a licensed staff member. I handle all applications and service work pertaining to annuities and brokerage for our team.


I have been happily married to my husband, James, for 30 years and counting. Our son and daughter-in-law, Jacob and Mikayla, have two girls, Kylee and Olivia.


Prior to working at Thrivent, I ran a childcare business out of my home for five years. In my spare time, you can find me watching my nieces and nephews at their sporting events or spending quality time with my family.

States Licensed: MT, TX

About Jo Pflughaupt

I provide annuity and brokerage support for the Five Star Financial Group. I have been working for Thrivent for over 23 years. I started as a non-licensed OP and have since grown into a licensed staff member. I handle all applications and service work pertaining to annuities and brokerage for our team.


I have been happily married to my husband, James, for 30 years and counting. Our son and daughter-in-law, Jacob and Mikayla, have two girls, Kylee and Olivia.


Prior to working at Thrivent, I ran a childcare business out of my home for five years. In my spare time, you can find me watching my nieces and nephews at their sporting events or spending quality time with my family.

States Licensed: MT, TX
Erin O’Malley
Office Professional

I am an office professional for the Five Star Financial Group. As the OP, my role covers a lot of ground, including customer service, marketing, events, and scheduling all appointments for the Brenham Office.

 

I was born and raised in Brenham, Texas and happily returned after college. I graduated from Sam Houston State University with a degree in Family and Consumer Sciences. While in school, I interned for both a wedding planner in Houston and for the City of Brenham in the Parks and Recreation department. After those internships, I spent the next three years working for HEB in the pharmacy as a pharmacy care representative.


In my free time, you can find me with my family and friends. I enjoy a night out on the town or staying in getting competitive over a board game. I love spending time with my six nieces and nephews, and I am a self-proclaimed, “cool aunt.” I enjoy being involved in the community, especially through volunteering on one of the many Maifest Board committees. 

About Erin O’Malley

I am an office professional for the Five Star Financial Group. As the OP, my role covers a lot of ground, including customer service, marketing, events, and scheduling all appointments for the Brenham Office.

 

I was born and raised in Brenham, Texas and happily returned after college. I graduated from Sam Houston State University with a degree in Family and Consumer Sciences. While in school, I interned for both a wedding planner in Houston and for the City of Brenham in the Parks and Recreation department. After those internships, I spent the next three years working for HEB in the pharmacy as a pharmacy care representative.


In my free time, you can find me with my family and friends. I enjoy a night out on the town or staying in getting competitive over a board game. I love spending time with my six nieces and nephews, and I am a self-proclaimed, “cool aunt.” I enjoy being involved in the community, especially through volunteering on one of the many Maifest Board committees.