About Henke Hess Financial Group

At Henke Hess Financial Group, we understand that everyone’s situation is unique. Our core mission is to help our clients be content and confident in their finances, no matter where they are in their financial or retirement planning journey. We work together to develop and implement strategies that not only grow and preserve wealth but provide protection along the way, to live the meaningful life our clients desire.


In Loving Memory of our friend and colleague, Chad Henke

Chad Henke will always remain an important part of the story of Henke Hess Financial Group. For 23 years, he dedicated his professional career to Thrivent, guiding countless families with care and integrity.


Chad lived a life rooted in service, faith and community and poured his heart into the Waconia community—as a coach, board member, mentor and friend. He was also active at Faith Lutheran Church, where he served faithfully as an usher alongside his sons.


Those who knew Chad remember his warmth, humor, and the genuine care he brought to every relationship. His kindness, steady leadership and joy in helping others left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him.


Today, our team continues forward guided by those same values. We care about people, and we care deeply about our community. Chad and Peter worked closely together for many years, building their practice and serving clients. As our team continues serving the individuals and families Chad worked with for many years, his legacy remains part of the work we do each day.

Peter Hess

Peter Hess

FIC, CKA®

Title

Financial Consultant

State(s) Licensed
AZ, CA Insurance Lic. #4510900 , CO, FL, IA, IL, IN, KS, MI, MN, MO, NC, ND, NY, OH, SD, TX, WI,
Website
https://connect.thrivent.com/peter-hess
Email
peter.hess@thrivent.com
Phone
952-442-8461
    Mackenzie Willemsen

    Mackenzie Willemsen

    Mackenzie has worked in the financial services industry since 2017 and currently serves clients as a Financial Associate with Thrivent. She specializes in comprehensive planning, including retirement planning, tax efficiency, and investment strategies. She is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and holds the Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®) designation.

     

    Mackenzie was drawn to this profession by a desire to make a difference in people’s lives and to be part of a field that encourages continuous learning and growth. She enjoys helping guide people through complex financial topics and strategies in a way that makes decision-making more approachable and aligned with their goals.

     

    She chose to work at Thrivent because of its mission, which reflects her belief that with proper planning, money can be a tool to live with greater financial clarity, meaning, and gratitude. Mackenzie is known among clients and colleagues for her reliability and strong sense of commitment.

     

    Outside of work, Mackenzie enjoys spending time with her husband, Wes, their daughter Viola, and their extended family and friends. She also enjoys being outdoors, staying active, traveling, and going to concerts.

     

    Mackenzie values the opportunity to meet with clients face to face and create meaningful relationships, not only within the client-advisor dynamic but also through contributing to the broader community.

    Title

    Associate

    Phone
    952-442-8461
      Jack O'Brien

      Jack O'Brien

      Jack serves as a Financial Advisor and began working in the financial services industry in May 2024. He focuses on Retirement Planning, Investing & Saving Strategies, and Financial Planning for families and younger individuals, helping clients navigate important financial decisions as they work toward their goals.

       

      Jack was drawn to this profession because it allows him to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives while doing work he enjoys. He chose to work at Thrivent because of its strong community focus and the opportunity it provides to serve the people and community he cares about.

       

      Jack is known for building relationships, as well as his strengths in organization and process building. He holds the SIE, Series 7, and Series 66 licenses.

       

      Outside of work, Jack enjoys playing hockey, coaching, spending time with friends and family, and watching sports, and he often connects with others through conversations about local and professional sports.

       

      Jack takes pride in being from Waconia and values the many relationships he has built in his hometown. He’s involved with the Waconia Chamber of Commerce and serves as co-lead of Waconia Young Professionals. He also coaches in the Waconia Hockey Association and volunteers at Pink Ribbon Fairies and Waconia Dance Company events.

      Title

      Associate

      Phone
      952-442-8461
        Jessica Hess

        Jessica Hess

        I joined Thrivent in September 2021 and serve as an Associate, specializing in health insurance and Medicare. I’m passionate about helping individuals understand their coverage options, feel confident in their decisions, and know they have a trusted resource when questions arise. Guiding people through what can feel like a complex process and helping bring clarity and a sense of reassurance is what motivates me most.


        I was drawn to this profession through my husband, Peter, who has been an advisor with Thrivent since 2011. Watching him and his colleagues support individuals not only with financial advice, but also with meaningful resources centered on what matters most to them, inspired me to be part of this work. I appreciate that Thrivent is rooted in generosity and actively encourages both members and staff to give back to the communities we serve.


        In our office, I serve as the Medicare Specialist, supporting not only our clients but also working with other Thrivent advisors and teams to provide this service. This allows us to extend care and support beyond our immediate practice and strengthen the overall client experience.


        Before joining Thrivent, I spent 16 years in the healthcare industry. While transitioning into financial services was a change, I’ve found strong overlap between patient care and client service. Understanding individual needs, offering guidance, and building trust over time continues to be at the core of my approach.


        Outside of work, my husband Peter and I stay busy with our two teenage daughters, Avery and Devin, and our mini Aussiedoodle, Rizzo, who has made walking a regular part of my routine. I also enjoy weightlifting, spending time with family and friends, traveling, especially to tropical destinations in the winter, and attending a few concerts or sporting events each year. As an Iowa State University graduate, I’m an enthusiastic Cyclones fan!


        Waconia is a tight-knit community, and I feel fortunate to live and work here. I’ve enjoyed being involved in recurring community events and partnering with local businesses and the school district. The generosity within this community is unmatched, and it’s a privilege to work for a company that provides an additional platform to support it. I also serve as a board member for the Waconia High School Basketball Booster Association.


        Book a meeting with Jessica Hess


        I do not offer every plan available in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.

        Title

        Associate

        State(s) Licensed
        AZ, CO, FL, IA, IL, IN, KS, MI, MN, MO, ND, OH, SD, TX, WI,
        Website
        https://connect.thrivent.com/jessica-hess
        Email
        jessica.hess@thrivent.com
        Phone
        952-442-8461
        Fax

        877-206-1678

          Nichole Anderson

          Nichole Anderson

          I joined Henke Hess Financial Group in October 2025 as Office Manager and Insurance Associate. I help keep our day-to-day operations running smoothly and support clients with insurance-related service and follow-up.


          I was drawn to Thrivent by the opportunity to take on a new challenge, continue learning, and work alongside a team I’ve known and respected for years. I enjoy the flexibility of this role and the fact that no two days are ever the same.


          Outside of work, my husband and I stay busy raising our two boys. We love being active as a family playing football, basketball, and baseball, attending sporting events, and spending time outdoors whenever we can, including ice fishing in the winter.


          It’s meaningful to serve in the same community we live in. I truly enjoy being able to help others and make a positive impact on their day.

          Title

          Insurance Associate

          Phone
          952-442-8461
            Mackenzie Willemsen

            Mackenzie Willemsen

            CFP®, ChFC®, FIC

            Title

            Associate

            State(s) Licensed
            AZ, CA Insurance Lic. #4101615 , CO, FL, IA, IL, IN, MI, MN, NC, ND, OH, SD, TX,
            Website
            https://connect.thrivent.com/mackenzie-willemsen
            Email
            mackenzie.willemsen@thrivent.com
            Phone
            952-442-8461