Our team

Michael has been with Thrivent for over 30 years and specializes in Retirement Planning, Investments & Wealth Building, Life Insurance & Protection, Social Security Planning, and so much more. He grew up as a local to the area and just like his father, who was a pastor at the local church, treats his clients as a part of his extended family. He understands the importance of being dedicated, organized, honest and that following up in a timely manner is an essential part of success.
Michael and his wife have 4 children and when he’s not at work, he’s enjoying time with them – whether playing, watching sports, or attending his kids' sporting events.
About Michael Gerken
Michael has been with Thrivent for over 30 years and specializes in Retirement Planning, Investments & Wealth Building, Life Insurance & Protection, Social Security Planning, and so much more. He grew up as a local to the area and just like his father, who was a pastor at the local church, treats his clients as a part of his extended family. He understands the importance of being dedicated, organized, honest and that following up in a timely manner is an essential part of success.
Michael and his wife have 4 children and when he’s not at work, he’s enjoying time with them – whether playing, watching sports, or attending his kids' sporting events.

Natalie graduated from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 2019 and started her finance career at a major investments firm in the area. She spent her time there in client-facing roles as well as internal auditing positions where she reviewed other client interactions for regulatory compliance and company accuracy. After gaining five years of invaluable experience, she wanted to pursue a more purpose driven position and started her career at Thrivent. She’s learned from her parents, who are also a part of the Thrivent family, the importance of financial preparation. She’s passionate about helping others reach financial freedom and security through education, planning, and management.
She has her Life, Health, Variable Annuity, Long Term Care and Medicare Supplement insurance licenses as well as her Securities licenses and brings a fresh energy and enthusiasm to the team. She is dedicated to her work, team, faith, and clients.
In her free moments, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, tending to her garden, cooking new foods, traveling to new places, and cheering on her favorite sports teams!
About Natalie Raatz
Natalie graduated from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 2019 and started her finance career at a major investments firm in the area. She spent her time there in client-facing roles as well as internal auditing positions where she reviewed other client interactions for regulatory compliance and company accuracy. After gaining five years of invaluable experience, she wanted to pursue a more purpose driven position and started her career at Thrivent. She’s learned from her parents, who are also a part of the Thrivent family, the importance of financial preparation. She’s passionate about helping others reach financial freedom and security through education, planning, and management.
She has her Life, Health, Variable Annuity, Long Term Care and Medicare Supplement insurance licenses as well as her Securities licenses and brings a fresh energy and enthusiasm to the team. She is dedicated to her work, team, faith, and clients.
In her free moments, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, tending to her garden, cooking new foods, traveling to new places, and cheering on her favorite sports teams!

As an experienced investment analyst, I specialize in evaluating financial data and providing strategic insights to help clients achieve their financial goals. Since joining Thrivent in 2006, I’ve honed my skills in portfolio management, risk assessment, and market analysis. I’m dedicated to your financial success. I stay informed about market developments and adapt strategies accordingly. Whether you’re planning for retirement, saving for education, or building wealth, we are here to guide you.
When I am not analyzing stocks, you’ll find my wife Hannah and I exploring our great country by planes, trains, and automobiles!
About Ken Arendt
As an experienced investment analyst, I specialize in evaluating financial data and providing strategic insights to help clients achieve their financial goals. Since joining Thrivent in 2006, I’ve honed my skills in portfolio management, risk assessment, and market analysis. I’m dedicated to your financial success. I stay informed about market developments and adapt strategies accordingly. Whether you’re planning for retirement, saving for education, or building wealth, we are here to guide you.
When I am not analyzing stocks, you’ll find my wife Hannah and I exploring our great country by planes, trains, and automobiles!

Paola has a genuine enthusiasm for helping others and it shows in how she fosters a familial atmosphere for her clients while addressing all their financial needs. She plays a vital role in the day-to-day operations and is adept at handling all incoming client calls with care while ensuring each individual feels valued and understood.
She is currently pursuing licensure in life and health insurance, but when she’s not working or studying, you can find this bilingual Office Manager cherishing every opportunity to create lasting memories and nurture meaningful relationships outside of work.
About Paola Yanez
Paola has a genuine enthusiasm for helping others and it shows in how she fosters a familial atmosphere for her clients while addressing all their financial needs. She plays a vital role in the day-to-day operations and is adept at handling all incoming client calls with care while ensuring each individual feels valued and understood.
She is currently pursuing licensure in life and health insurance, but when she’s not working or studying, you can find this bilingual Office Manager cherishing every opportunity to create lasting memories and nurture meaningful relationships outside of work.

Tracie began in the financial services industry with Thrivent in 1997 – working at their corporate headquarters in Appleton, Wisconsin. At first, she started working with investments and annuities, primarily focusing on retirement products and plans for clients, but ultimately closed out her corporate career as a Sales Product Trainer in the retirement services, where she was able to travel the country working with Financial Representatives.
When she’s not assisting with office management and marketing, you can find her spending time with her 4 children, volunteering in their schools, coaching volleyball and embracing an altogether active lifestyle.
About Tracie Gerken
Tracie began in the financial services industry with Thrivent in 1997 – working at their corporate headquarters in Appleton, Wisconsin. At first, she started working with investments and annuities, primarily focusing on retirement products and plans for clients, but ultimately closed out her corporate career as a Sales Product Trainer in the retirement services, where she was able to travel the country working with Financial Representatives.
When she’s not assisting with office management and marketing, you can find her spending time with her 4 children, volunteering in their schools, coaching volleyball and embracing an altogether active lifestyle.