Our Story
About Focus Forward Financial Group

At the heart of our Focus Forward Financial Group team of Thrivent Financial Advisors is a simple belief: your financial life is deeply personal. It’s shaped by your values, your dreams, and the people who matter most. Our purpose is to walk alongside you through every season, offering clarity, insight, and a dependable relationship you can rely on.

We help clients as they prepare for retirement, grow investments, protect what they’ve built, and create legacies that reflect who they are. But what truly defines our team is the connection we build with you. We take time to understand your story—where you’ve been, where you’re headed, and what feels meaningful as you plan your future.

Life brings many kinds of transitions: new opportunities, job transition, shifting priorities, family milestones, and moments of reflection. We’re here for all of them. Whether you’re navigating a fresh chapter, reassessing your goals, or seeking greater peace of mind, our team offers steady, thoughtful guidance. When decisions arise around IRAs, pensions, 401(k)s, or long‑term planning, we help you move forward with confidence and a clear path.

Most of all, we help you focus forward—with purpose, with reassurance, and with someone by your side who genuinely cares about your wellbeing and your future.

Through calm seasons and challenging ones, our commitment remains constant: to be a dependable, reliable presence who helps you strengthen your foundation, adapt to change, and stay anchored to what matters most. Your journey is unique, and you never have to walk it alone. With the Focus Forward team, you have a partner dedicated to helping you thrive—today and in all the days ahead.

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Making a Measurable Difference Together

At Focus Forward Financial Group, generosity is woven into everything we do. Through the compassion of our clients, the dedication of our team, and the spirit of our community, we’ve been able to support causes that matter, serve neighbors in need, and turn shared values into lasting impact.

From thousands of volunteer hours to millions directed toward charitable efforts and community support, every act of kindness reflects what’s possible when people come together with purpose. We’re deeply grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside clients who believe that financial guidance can also be a force for good.

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Bradley Markwell
Bradley MarkwellFinancial AdvisorFIC

For more than two decades, Brad has helped individuals and families build confidence in their financial future. He specializes in creating personalized strategies for wealth management, retirement planning, and tax‑efficient investing—because your money should work as hard as you do.

He began his career with Thrivent in 2002 and later founded Focus Forward Financial Group to offer a more intentional, organized approach to financial planning. His mission is simple: to give you clarity, reduce complexity, and help you make informed decisions that align with your values and long‑term goals.

Whether you’re planning for retirement, navigating tax strategies, or managing investments, Brad is here to guide you every step of the way.

Outside of work, you’ll likely find Brad enjoying events with his amazing wife, Jennifer, or talking sports. He grew up playing basketball, and is a proud dad of two sons who played hockey.

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Jerry Sunde
Jerry SundeWealth AdvisorMBA, CFP®, FIC, CIMA®, BFA™

Jerry firmly believes having a solid, well-thought plan better prepares anyone to adjust in case of life-changing events. He joined our team because he is passionate about helping people build robust strategies and guide them through good times and bad. Jerry serves as a financial professional working with clients, as well as in an operational role for the team. In his operational role, He oversees financial plans and investments, including retirement income planning, asset allocation strategies, tax efficiency strategies and estate wealth transfer strategies that are tailored to each client. He's also adept at integrating investment solutions, along with complex financial planning strategies for high net-worth households and aligning asset management strategies with client goals. He joined Thrivent in 2019, bringing with him years of experience working in several Fortune 500 companies where he held a variety of financial planning and analysis roles, as well as a corporate investor relations position. In his free time, you'll find Jerry with his wife, Brooke, their two children, Minka and Sawyer, spending time enjoying all the great activities Minnesota has to offer.

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Beth Breyfogle
Beth BreyfogleOffice Professional

Beth joined Focus Forward Financial Group in March 2024 after working for an Ohio-based Thrivent advisor from August 2020 to February 2024. She lives in Columbus, OH with her husband of over 25 years, David, and their teenage son. Beth volunteers in her community mentoring young people and supporting local ministries.

At Focus Forward, she schedules client appointments and provides administrative support for the financial advisors. Beth is passionate about supporting her team in helping clients navigate financial planning, protect their savings, and achieve financial clarity.

Theresa Janechek
Theresa JanechekMarketing Coordinator

Theresa has a driving passion to help others by utilizing her talents and gifts in a positive and impactful way. That is why working for the Focus Forward Financial Group to help show people why Thrivent is different is a great fit. Owning her own business in the past makes her uniquely qualified to help the team manage their marketing, development and growth. She enjoys helping the team provide exceptional service to clients while working as efficiently as possible.

Theresa has lived in Woodbury with her husband Jeff for over 26 years. She enjoys volunteering, long drives, playing cribbage, traveling to see her favorite musicians, watching football and spending time with family and friends.

Skip Nelson
Skip NelsonAssociate
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Join us at an upcoming eventWe’d love to have the opportunity to meet you. We host financial workshops, volunteer opportunities and Thrivent market updates.
Building a Life, Not Just a Net Worth image
Building a Life, Not Just a Net WorthMay 14, 2026, 1:00 AM UTC - May 2, 2027, 4:00 AM UTC
Livestream Recording
Unlock a Better Life by Asking the Right QuestionsSahil shares the insights and frameworks that have guided millions toward a healthy, wealthy, and meaningful life. In this recorded presentation, you’ll discover battle-tested principles, tools, and frameworks to help you live your best life—physically, mentally, and financially. Don’t miss this chance to learn from someone on a mission to positively impact one billion lives.No products will be sold 
Connections & Conversations image
Connections & ConversationsSep 28, 2026, 11:00 PM UTC - Sep 29, 2026, 1:30 AM UTC
Grace Church – Eden Prairie 9301 Eden Prairie Rd | Eden Prairie, MN 55347
Join us for Connections & Conversations: An Evening with LinkedIn, a free networking event designed to help you build meaningful connections and strengthen your professional presence. We'll share practical LinkedIn tips to help you expand your network, increase your visibility, and open new doors in your career journey.Enjoy light appetizers, connect with others who are navigating career transitions, and leave with new strategies, new contacts, and renewed confidence.No products will be sold at this event. ✅ FREE to attend ✅ Networking opportunities ✅ LinkedIn insights and best practices ✅ Registration requestedReserve your spot today!  Feel free to share the link with a friend, colleague, or anyone who could benefit from expanding their professional network.
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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: 612-235-3425

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.