Our team

Matthew Claus
FIC, RICP®, CLTC®
Financial Advisor

Matthew has a fervent desire to serve his community by sharing valuable insights gained over more than 14 years of experience as a financial advisor. By leveraging his experience and providing comprehensive, customized and strategic financial strategies, he helps bring clarity to his clients so they may accomplish their financial goals and live prosperous and generous lives. Matthew’s areas of expertise are in wealth management, estate strategies, Social Security strategies, retirement income distribution planning, long-term care planning, tax and investment efficiencies.


Matthew has been in the St. Louis area for more than 30 years, and he currently lives in Ballwin, Missouri, with his wife, Julie, and their three children: Lilly, Ella and Clayton. As a family, they live an energetic and active lifestyle, and enjoy spending time participating in outdoor activities, family cookouts and game nights. As a competitive man, Matthew enjoys coaching youth and encouraging young people to excel in their individual and team sports. He also serves on several non-profit boards in the St. Louis area and is incredibly involved in St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and School located in Des Peres, Missouri.

States Licensed: CA Insurance Lic. #0K03084, CO, GA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, NH, OH, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, WI

About Matthew Claus

Matthew has a fervent desire to serve his community by sharing valuable insights gained over more than 14 years of experience as a financial advisor. By leveraging his experience and providing comprehensive, customized and strategic financial strategies, he helps bring clarity to his clients so they may accomplish their financial goals and live prosperous and generous lives. Matthew’s areas of expertise are in wealth management, estate strategies, Social Security strategies, retirement income distribution planning, long-term care planning, tax and investment efficiencies.


Matthew has been in the St. Louis area for more than 30 years, and he currently lives in Ballwin, Missouri, with his wife, Julie, and their three children: Lilly, Ella and Clayton. As a family, they live an energetic and active lifestyle, and enjoy spending time participating in outdoor activities, family cookouts and game nights. As a competitive man, Matthew enjoys coaching youth and encouraging young people to excel in their individual and team sports. He also serves on several non-profit boards in the St. Louis area and is incredibly involved in St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and School located in Des Peres, Missouri.

States Licensed: CA Insurance Lic. #0K03084, CO, GA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, NH, OH, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, WI
Brock Howard
BFA™
Financial Advisor

Before joining Thrivent in 2018, Brock gained invaluable experience through serving Christian congregations in Virginia and St. Louis as a pastor for 10 years. As a visionary servant leader, he believes everyone should be able to thrive financially while living generously. Brock has a keen understanding of the importance of a strategic financial plan to prepare for the unexpected and he emphasizes wise stewardship of financial resources to help his clients develop attainable lifetime and generational goals.


Brock and his wife, Kristi, were married in 2011 and have two amazing young boys: Logan (2013) and William (2016). With a lively and energetic family, Brock enjoys taking them on camping trips to unwind from the fast pace of life, traveling to Texas to visit cousins, and eating homemade, delicious, healthy food. Brock attends One Family Church in St. Louis where he enjoys serving on the worship team with his electric bass guitar. His compassionate heart also motivates him to actively promote non-profit organizations by connecting people to much needed services.

States Licensed: CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, LA, MO, NC, NE, NV, OH, PA, TN, TX, VA, WA

About Brock Howard

Before joining Thrivent in 2018, Brock gained invaluable experience through serving Christian congregations in Virginia and St. Louis as a pastor for 10 years. As a visionary servant leader, he believes everyone should be able to thrive financially while living generously. Brock has a keen understanding of the importance of a strategic financial plan to prepare for the unexpected and he emphasizes wise stewardship of financial resources to help his clients develop attainable lifetime and generational goals.


Brock and his wife, Kristi, were married in 2011 and have two amazing young boys: Logan (2013) and William (2016). With a lively and energetic family, Brock enjoys taking them on camping trips to unwind from the fast pace of life, traveling to Texas to visit cousins, and eating homemade, delicious, healthy food. Brock attends One Family Church in St. Louis where he enjoys serving on the worship team with his electric bass guitar. His compassionate heart also motivates him to actively promote non-profit organizations by connecting people to much needed services.

States Licensed: CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, LA, MO, NC, NE, NV, OH, PA, TN, TX, VA, WA
Kari Lovera
ChFC®, LUTCF®, FIC, CLTC®
Associate Financial Advisor

Kari joined Thrivent more than 25 years ago and for the past 20 years has dedicated herself to specializing in helping individuals with Medicare decisions. She enjoys getting to know her clients and their families on a personal level to help generate a financial strategy that’s both sustainable and geared toward their individual values and beliefs. By presenting different options in a clear and understandable way, Kari can alleviate the potential stress of retiring by helping her clients navigate the complexity of Medicare and insurance. Kari has a Bachelor of Science degree in business management with an emphasis in finance from Mizzou, and she can guide her clients onto a clear and purposeful path toward the future. Go Tigers!


Kari and her husband, Jason, were married in 1994 and both come from large families. With six children of their own, Kari has a very family-oriented perspective and looks forward to spending quality time with her family at sit-down dinners, family fun nights or a friendly tennis match. Boy Scouts of America and Salem Lutheran Church in St. Louis have been a big part of Kari’s life outside of work, where she enjoys helping support their missions and visions.

States Licensed: KY, MO

About Kari Lovera

Kari joined Thrivent more than 25 years ago and for the past 20 years has dedicated herself to specializing in helping individuals with Medicare decisions. She enjoys getting to know her clients and their families on a personal level to help generate a financial strategy that’s both sustainable and geared toward their individual values and beliefs. By presenting different options in a clear and understandable way, Kari can alleviate the potential stress of retiring by helping her clients navigate the complexity of Medicare and insurance. Kari has a Bachelor of Science degree in business management with an emphasis in finance from Mizzou, and she can guide her clients onto a clear and purposeful path toward the future. Go Tigers!


Kari and her husband, Jason, were married in 1994 and both come from large families. With six children of their own, Kari has a very family-oriented perspective and looks forward to spending quality time with her family at sit-down dinners, family fun nights or a friendly tennis match. Boy Scouts of America and Salem Lutheran Church in St. Louis have been a big part of Kari’s life outside of work, where she enjoys helping support their missions and visions.

States Licensed: KY, MO
Nick Lawson
Financial Advisor

Nick joined Thrivent in 2022 with the objective of helping every individual reach their financial goals by providing them with access to reliable and sound advice. As an entrepreneur with his business and marketing degree from Missouri Baptist University, Nick recognizes that everyone’s economic and life situation is unique. He believes his clients deserve personalized service, which is essential when matching clients with the right financial products and services. Whether his clients’ goals are to start a small business, purchase a first home, finance a child’s education or plan for retirement, Nick has a passion for helping his clients make wise financial decisions.


When he is not working, Nick is still on the go with his family of seven. He married his high school sweetheart, Kristin, in 2011 and together they have five young children—Ava, Henry, Ella, Charlie and Lily—who all watch their dad play men’s league softball or sit around his feet while he plays the guitar, violin or piano. Nick attends The Crossing in Chesterfield and enjoys spending his Sunday afternoons playing games outside with his children.

States Licensed: CO, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, LA, MI, MN, MO, OH, PA, TX, WI

About Nick Lawson

Nick joined Thrivent in 2022 with the objective of helping every individual reach their financial goals by providing them with access to reliable and sound advice. As an entrepreneur with his business and marketing degree from Missouri Baptist University, Nick recognizes that everyone’s economic and life situation is unique. He believes his clients deserve personalized service, which is essential when matching clients with the right financial products and services. Whether his clients’ goals are to start a small business, purchase a first home, finance a child’s education or plan for retirement, Nick has a passion for helping his clients make wise financial decisions.


When he is not working, Nick is still on the go with his family of seven. He married his high school sweetheart, Kristin, in 2011 and together they have five young children—Ava, Henry, Ella, Charlie and Lily—who all watch their dad play men’s league softball or sit around his feet while he plays the guitar, violin or piano. Nick attends The Crossing in Chesterfield and enjoys spending his Sunday afternoons playing games outside with his children.

States Licensed: CO, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, LA, MI, MN, MO, OH, PA, TX, WI
Nick Sampl
Financial Advisor

With his degree in Mathematics from UMSL and his experience in the fast-paced casino industry, Nick has quick eye for details and an incredible ability to navigate the complexity of financial strategies. He has a passion for reducing his client’s stress and assisting them in aligning their personal values with their monetary goals. Through careful and tactical conversations, Nick can help his clients move into to financial freedom through a specifically tailored financial planning process.


As a dog lover, Nick enjoys the challenges of fostering new pups. He spends his extra time instilling good behavior in the dogs to set them up for success in finding their fur-ever home. He is a strong supporter of Angels’ Arms, a charitable organization devoted to keeping adoptive siblings together, and a member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in O’Fallon, where he attends with his wife, Rachel.

States Licensed: CO, IL, KS, MO, NC, OH

About Nick Sampl

With his degree in Mathematics from UMSL and his experience in the fast-paced casino industry, Nick has quick eye for details and an incredible ability to navigate the complexity of financial strategies. He has a passion for reducing his client’s stress and assisting them in aligning their personal values with their monetary goals. Through careful and tactical conversations, Nick can help his clients move into to financial freedom through a specifically tailored financial planning process.


As a dog lover, Nick enjoys the challenges of fostering new pups. He spends his extra time instilling good behavior in the dogs to set them up for success in finding their fur-ever home. He is a strong supporter of Angels’ Arms, a charitable organization devoted to keeping adoptive siblings together, and a member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in O’Fallon, where he attends with his wife, Rachel.

States Licensed: CO, IL, KS, MO, NC, OH
Christian Rowe
BFA™
Financial Advisor

As a Financial Advisor committed to educating clients on financial literacy and personal budgeting, Christian aims to empower individuals, families, and nonprofit organizations by making financial concepts both accessible and actionable. With his military upbringing and his master’s degree in Divinity from Lipscomb University in Nashville, his unique perspective on financial planning aligns with Thrivent’s ethical and value-based approach. His goal is to provide personalized financial guidance to his clients that enables them to achieve their financial goals while staying true to their beliefs.


Christian enjoys playing pickleball and finds any opportunity to spend time with his lovely wife, Kyra, and their miniature poodle, Archie. Because he understands the benefits of discipline, teamwork, and service, Christian is actively involved with both The Fellowship of Christian Athletes and First Priority. He is also an active member of the Columbia, Illinois Chamber of Commerce, and the Rotary Club, where he contributes to his community through various philanthropic efforts. He and Kyra attend Cornerstone Christian Church in Shiloh, IL, where they serve in the café as members of their welcome team.  


States Licensed: AL, AR Insurance Lic. #20747115, CA Insurance Lic. #4346059, DC, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, MO, TN, TX, VA, WI

About Christian Rowe

As a Financial Advisor committed to educating clients on financial literacy and personal budgeting, Christian aims to empower individuals, families, and nonprofit organizations by making financial concepts both accessible and actionable. With his military upbringing and his master’s degree in Divinity from Lipscomb University in Nashville, his unique perspective on financial planning aligns with Thrivent’s ethical and value-based approach. His goal is to provide personalized financial guidance to his clients that enables them to achieve their financial goals while staying true to their beliefs.


Christian enjoys playing pickleball and finds any opportunity to spend time with his lovely wife, Kyra, and their miniature poodle, Archie. Because he understands the benefits of discipline, teamwork, and service, Christian is actively involved with both The Fellowship of Christian Athletes and First Priority. He is also an active member of the Columbia, Illinois Chamber of Commerce, and the Rotary Club, where he contributes to his community through various philanthropic efforts. He and Kyra attend Cornerstone Christian Church in Shiloh, IL, where they serve in the café as members of their welcome team.  


States Licensed: AL, AR Insurance Lic. #20747115, CA Insurance Lic. #4346059, DC, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, MO, TN, TX, VA, WI
Brian Horner
Financial Advisor

Welcome Brian to the team!

States Licensed: IA, IL, IN, MN, MO, MT, NE, PA, TX, WA, WI

About Brian Horner

Welcome Brian to the team!

States Licensed: IA, IL, IN, MN, MO, MT, NE, PA, TX, WA, WI
Team member
Tim Nielsen
CFP®
Financial Advisor

Welcome Tim to the team!

States Licensed: CO, IL, IN, MI, MO, NE, TN, TX

About Tim Nielsen

Welcome Tim to the team!

States Licensed: CO, IL, IN, MI, MO, NE, TN, TX
Matthew Crowe
Associate

Welcome Matt to the team!

States Licensed: MO

About Matthew Crowe

Welcome Matt to the team!

States Licensed: MO
Team member
Danny Kapeller
Financial Advisor

Welcome Danny to the team!

States Licensed: IL, MO

About Danny Kapeller

Welcome Danny to the team!

States Licensed: IL, MO
Colby Knight
Office Professional

Colby attended St. Louis Christian College in Florissant, MO, where he developed a passion for scripture. With a BS in Preaching & Biblical Studies, he began his career in Ministry with a focus on youth. His enthusiastic dedication to working with young people has developed excellent communication and organizational skills needed to foster positive relationships. Because Colby believes that money can be a tremendous blessing if managed wisely and used for God’s glory, he made a career change and joined our team in 2022.

 

In 2017, Colby married his college sweetheart, Taylar, and they’ve welcomed two children into the world: Noah (2018) and Gabriel (2022). His young family occupies his time with neighborhood walks in a stroller or wagon, bath time, playing games with them, and actively engaging in the small lives of his children. If he had an extra hour in his day, Colby would love to dive deeper into theological studies, write poetry or find his way into a comic-bookstore. He served as an elder and occasionally preached at Renew Church in Maryland Heights, but now he mostly enjoys sitting quietly in the pews with his children as his wife is a worship pastor at Cornerstone Christian Church on O’Fallon, MO

About Colby Knight

Colby attended St. Louis Christian College in Florissant, MO, where he developed a passion for scripture. With a BS in Preaching & Biblical Studies, he began his career in Ministry with a focus on youth. His enthusiastic dedication to working with young people has developed excellent communication and organizational skills needed to foster positive relationships. Because Colby believes that money can be a tremendous blessing if managed wisely and used for God’s glory, he made a career change and joined our team in 2022.

 

In 2017, Colby married his college sweetheart, Taylar, and they’ve welcomed two children into the world: Noah (2018) and Gabriel (2022). His young family occupies his time with neighborhood walks in a stroller or wagon, bath time, playing games with them, and actively engaging in the small lives of his children. If he had an extra hour in his day, Colby would love to dive deeper into theological studies, write poetry or find his way into a comic-bookstore. He served as an elder and occasionally preached at Renew Church in Maryland Heights, but now he mostly enjoys sitting quietly in the pews with his children as his wife is a worship pastor at Cornerstone Christian Church on O’Fallon, MO

Lisa Perry
Office Professional

Lisa enjoys working with diverse groups of people toward one common goal: caring for and meeting the needs of others. As a former speech pathologist, she was delighted to work with the elderly population to improve, restore or develop new communication skills to increase the quality of their lives. After 29 years of enjoying life away from the St. Louis area, Lisa relocated back in 2020 to be closer to her extended family while her adult children, Ellie, Alex, Sarah and Angel, remain in Michigan and Maryland.


Lisa is an integral part of our team. She manages the front office and welcomes our clients with a warm friendly smile. Lisa keeps the office organized and running efficiently through excellent customer service, correspondence with and scheduling clients, promoting our workshops and events, and working closely with our partnered nonprofit organizations. She finds joy in serving in small and large capacities in her communities with an emphasis on fundraising and supporting the under-privileged, especially women suffering with breast cancer.


Lisa attends St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Des Peres, Missouri, and treasures the opportunity to work with people who use their individual gifts to serve others. She is energized by every chance to help clean out a basement, garage, or closet.

About Lisa Perry

Lisa enjoys working with diverse groups of people toward one common goal: caring for and meeting the needs of others. As a former speech pathologist, she was delighted to work with the elderly population to improve, restore or develop new communication skills to increase the quality of their lives. After 29 years of enjoying life away from the St. Louis area, Lisa relocated back in 2020 to be closer to her extended family while her adult children, Ellie, Alex, Sarah and Angel, remain in Michigan and Maryland.


Lisa is an integral part of our team. She manages the front office and welcomes our clients with a warm friendly smile. Lisa keeps the office organized and running efficiently through excellent customer service, correspondence with and scheduling clients, promoting our workshops and events, and working closely with our partnered nonprofit organizations. She finds joy in serving in small and large capacities in her communities with an emphasis on fundraising and supporting the under-privileged, especially women suffering with breast cancer.


Lisa attends St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Des Peres, Missouri, and treasures the opportunity to work with people who use their individual gifts to serve others. She is energized by every chance to help clean out a basement, garage, or closet.