Our Story
Our story

Focus Financial Group began with the husband-and-wife team of Shad and Heidi Connor and their strong desire to provide others with financial guidance throughout life’s journey. That same focus on lending others a helping hand while they progress toward their goals remains our priority today.  

At Focus Financial Group, we are more than just coworkers. We support each other the same way we strive to support our clients—like family. A few years ago, Heidi and Shad suffered a terrible house fire, and the team at Focus Financial Group immediately came together to make sure they were taken care of. 

Because we think of our clients as family, our work together is a collaborative and lasting journey. We understand the importance of forming genuine, long-term relationships, and we are committed to providing you with objective financial guidance to help you on your unique path.  

Our experienced financial professionals, intuitive tools and holistic process help manage your lifestyle, investment and protection needs. And our research, knowledge and expertise provide insight into the nuances of your goals—and how all the pieces fit together. As life happens and your circumstances change, we’ll help you stay on track.  

Give us a call today to learn more about how our dedicated team can help you thrive with purpose.  

Our core values 

  • Values: Our team approaches each day guided by a moral code and objectivity. 
  • Meaningful Work: The work we do and provide to guide our clients throughout their financial journey has a purpose and lasting significance.  
  • Family: Our team and our clients are family, and we work hard to support them through the difficulties of their journey. 
  • Competence: We strive for excellence through experience and the continuous effort to solve problems and demonstrate mastery in our work. 
  • Order: The path we take with our clients is built upon a structure to optimize the dedicated planning process. 
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Shad Connor
Shad ConnorWealth AdvisorCFP®, CLU®, RICP®

Shad joined Thrivent as an intern in 1999 and continued with the organization upon graduating from Moorhead State University in 2000. He is truly passionate about educating and empowering clients to take control of their financial future. Shad has found immense joy in helping others achieve financial clarity, and he finds his career to be both professionally and personally gratifying.  

Shad and his wife, Heidi, married in 1998 and they have two sons, Grant and Gavin who are both in college. His family has adopted three rescue dogs: Sig, Storm, and Aspen that bring them so much joy. When not working, Shad enjoys hunting, fishing, and spending time at the lake with his family. When the lakes have frozen you can find Shad snowmobiling or with his family at one of the many local hockey arenas.  

Todd Schaffer
Todd SchafferDirector of Dedicated Planning and Investment OperationsCFP®, FIC, RICP®

Todd joined Thrivent in 2011 and is glad to work for a company that gives back to the communities it serves. He enjoys helping clients make sense of the stock market and understands the investing world can seem chaotic at times. Todd knows your goals can and will change over time, and life will throw you curveballs. He is here to help you filter the noise and develop a financial plan that is flexible and helps you reach your goals.  

Before joining Thrivent, Todd graduated from North Dakota State University and then worked in logistics for six years at a Fortune 500 company in Minnesota.  

Todd and his wonderful wife, Heather, have been married since 2006. They are blessed with two children, Ian and Alison. He has been coaching baseball and flag football teams since 2019. When Todd is not busy with the kids’ sports, he can usually be found outdoors. He loves fishing, hunting, camping, hiking, mountain biking, paddling, snowboarding and watching baseball. He and his family are members of Lutheran Church of the Cross in West Fargo.  

Grant Connor
Grant ConnorInsurance Associate

Grant joined Thrivent in April 2025 after graduating from Minnesota State with a Degree in Business. He currently specializes in insurance solutions and is working towards earning his securities licensing. 

Outside of work, you can find Grant riding his motorcycle, trap shooting, hunting, and spending time outdoors with his dog, Sig. He enjoys the freedom of the open road, the challenge of the range, and the peace of nature—always looking for ways to balance hard work with adventure.   

Heidi Connor
Heidi ConnorInsurance Associate

Heidi joined her husband, Shad, at Thrivent in 2003 after working in the dental field for several years. Volunteering is a huge passion of hers because it gives a sense of purpose and brings immense joy. Shad often jokes that she is a professional volunteer because she attends community events and ends up volunteering at them.  

Heidi and Shad, married in 1998 and they are blessed with two sons, Grant and Gavin. In her free time, you can find Heidi with a paintbrush or power tool in her hand. If Heidi’s not building or creating, she is reading, propagating plants or snuggling with her two dogs.

Emily Kliniske
Emily KliniskeAdministrative Assistant

Emily joined Thrivent in 2026, bringing a career rooted in service and commitment to helping others to her role. After 24 years of service in the Army National Guard, she retired with a deep appreciation for integrity, teamwork, and accountability. She brings over 15 years of experience in administrative roles. She looks forward to using her experience and passion for service to support others, build relationships, and make a positive impact through her work.

Outside of work, Emily enjoys running, working out, and staying active. She loves spending time with her husband Shannon and their two dogs and enjoying all that life has to offer.

Fargo Location
3441 45th St S
Fargo, ND 58104
Phone701-478-7141Fax701-356-1704HoursMonday – Thursday 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM Friday by appointment

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: 701-478-7141

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

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization's initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.