After graduating from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Gary began his career in financial services in 1993 with Family Security Corporation in the Triad region of North Carolina. Gary joined Thrivent in 2015 after over two decades as an independent advisor specializing in senior solutions, insurance planning and risk management. Gary’s focus on retirement planning solutions through implementation of specific strategies tailored to his clients needs is embodied by his Certified in Long Term Care (CLTC) and Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP) designations.

Gary has led a life of service through Jaycees, Rotary, and now serving alongside his team and members through Thrivent Action Teams for over a decade. Causes that are especially “near and dear” to his heart include the eradication of Alzheimer’s, Corticobasal Degeneration, Pancreatic Cancer and Melanoma. Gary has been a church deacon, enjoys weekly bible study with his Outback brethren, and currently sits on the board of the Triad Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Gary is husband to Carrie (since 2005) and proud father of Emerson (Class of ’28) and Oliver (Class of ’31). He lives vicariously through his children’s sports, which include tennis, soccer, swimming, golf and basketball. Gary hung up his soccer boots after 45 years of playing in 2002, but his goal is to stay active enough to enjoy his grandchildren (but not any time soon). Gary and Carrie have enjoyed watching their children serve others at Out of the Garden Project, Baptist Children’s Homes of NC, and more.

Gary and Carrie enjoy traveling, and have an ever-growing bucket list of adventures in front of them once they are “free birds.” Counting down the days!

States Licensed: AZ, FL, GA, NC, SC, TX, VA, MD

Brittain Huffstetler is a Financial Advisor who helps individuals and families build confidence in their financial future through personalized financial planning. He works with clients on retirement planning, investment management, tax-efficient strategies, insurance planning, and wealth protection, helping them navigate important financial decisions with clarity and peace of mind.

Brittain holds FINRA Series 7 and Series 66 registrations, Life and Health Insurance licenses. He earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Before entering the financial services industry, Brittain proudly served in the United States Coast Guard. He brings the same discipline, integrity, and commitment to service to every client relationship.

Outside of work, Brittain enjoys spending time on the golf course and staying active with family and friends.

Amir was born and raised in Greensboro, North Carolina, and graduated from Ragsdale High School in 2018 before earning his degree in Economics from the University of North Carolina Wilmington in 2023. As a Financial Advisor with Freedom Financial, Amir is passionate about helping individuals and families build confidence in their financial future through personalized planning and guidance. Outside of his professional career, Amir is a licensed pilot, and brings the same discipline, preparation, and attention to detail from aviation into every client relationship. He is especially passionate about giving back to the community that raised him and feels a strong calling to support local Greensboro organizations focused on preventing food instability and helping families access the resources they need to thrive. Being able to serve both his clients and community makes his work incredibly meaningful, and he is proud to help people pursue the futures they envision for themselves and their families.

Professionally, Brenda retired from Lincoln Financial after a fulfilling career focused on Benefits and HR. For nearly 12 years now, she has worked as an Office Professional for Gary Everhart at Thrivent. In this role, Brenda works closely with Gary, Brittain and Amir’s clients, supporting them with their financial needs and assisting in setting appointments for the advisors. Fundraising events are a particular passion of hers, and one of her favorite memories is organizing a community fundraiser that successfully brought people together and made a meaningful impact for the cause.

On a personal note, Brenda truly enjoys spending time with her family and is deeply involved in her church, particularly with the First Impressions Ministry. Brenda also has a heart for missions and participates in mission projects with her church whenever possible.

Michelle McGlynn is an Office Professional with Thrivent, bringing more than 20 years of administrative experience and a passion for delivering exceptional client service. Over the past two years, she has been a valued member of the FFPG team, partnering closely with advisors to help create a seamless and positive experience for clients.

In her role, Michelle supports advisors by coordinating client communications, managing schedules and appointments, preparing and processing paperwork, assisting with new business and service requests, and helping ensure clients receive timely, attentive support. She takes pride in keeping daily operations organized and efficient, allowing advisors to focus on developing personalized strategies and building meaningful relationships with the individuals and families they serve.

Outside of work, Michelle is a proud mother of three boys and enjoys spending time with family, relaxing at the beach, and getting lost in a good book. She is also passionate about autism awareness and acceptance and is dedicated to promoting greater understanding, inclusion, and support within her community.

ChFC®, FIC, CEPA®

Michael joined Thrivent in 2018 and is the founding member of Trailhead Financial Group. He is responsible for portfolio management and investment services. He also helps our clients plan for retirement, develop wealth transfer strategies and address complex business structuring.   

Prior to joining Thrivent, Michael served in the U.S. Army as an airborne infantryman. After attending the Special Forces Assessment and Selection and the Special Forces Qualification Course, he served as a senior medic until he retired.  

Michael earned his bachelor’s degrees in philosophy and Spanish from the University of North Carolina – Asheville and graduated magna cum laude. He now serves on the UNC Asheville Foundation Board of Directors and the Alumni Board of Directors and is the Philanthropy Committee Chair.   

Outside of work, Michael loves spending time with his beautiful wife, Vicky, their two sons, Oliver and Benjamin, and their dog, Georgie. His hobbies include hiking, camping and volunteering. He currently volunteers for the Boys and Girls Club of Henderson County. In addition, he is working toward his MBA at the UNC Kenan-Flagler School of Business.  

Although Michael is not a member of Freedom Financial Planning Group, he partners with the team to provide financial guidance and deliver thoughtful, personalized solutions that support clients’ goals and priorities.

States Licensed: AL, AZ, CA Insurance Lic. #4183793, DC, FL, GA, HI, IA, IL, IN, LA, MI, MN, MS, NC, NY, OK, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WA, WI

Corey Sturdivant joined Thrivent in 2018 and brings a rare combination of hands-on community experience to his partnership with Freedom Financial Planning Group. He understands how mission-driven organizations create lasting impact and brings that same philosophy to everything he does alongside our team.

His background in nonprofit work, higher education, and faith-based ministry gives him a unique lens for understanding what genuinely moves people toward action and trust. Whether it is developing community partnerships, creating engagement opportunities, or helping our team show up well at local events, Corey is a connector who makes our presence in the community more meaningful and more memorable.

When he is not serving advisors and their communities, Corey enjoys cooking, playing tennis, and traveling.

Although Corey is not a member of Freedom Financial Planning Group, he partners with the team to develop community partnerships and create engagement opportunities.