Our team
I was recently asked, “What do you enjoy doing outside of Thrivent?” The answer is simple: I love spending time with my wife and our two girls. I also enjoy hunting, fishing and doing things outdoors.
My Thrivent journey began in 2007 in Colorado before moving to Cody, Wyoming, with my wife. I’ve always had an interest in problem solving, teaching and investing. I remember trading and investing my own money in high school and the satisfaction it brought me. It wasn’t until college that I realized I could make a living in financial services while helping others, sharing my knowledge and teaching people how to save for the future.
My goal is to help people of all ages save for a successful and happy retirement. However, investing your money is about more than just saving for retirement. It can also help you protect your loved ones, prepare for the unexpected and build confidence in your financial future.
I am a Ramsey SmartVestor Pro, and I am honored to be part of their network of financial professionals in my local area. The SmartVestor program connects consumers with financial professionals in their area. To join the SmartVestor program, financial professionals must meet the SmartVestor program requirements, and pay an enrollment fee that depends on the area served, plus a fixed monthly fee.
SmartVestor™ is an advertising and referral service for investment professionals (“Pros”) operated by The Lampo Group, LLC d/b/a Ramsey Solutions® ("RS"). Thrivent financial advisor, Carson Hogan (“Advisor”) has entered into an agreement with RS under which Advisor pays RS a one-time training fee of $3,000, a flat monthly membership fee of $400, and a flat monthly territory fee of $550.00 to advertise Advisor’s services through SmartVestor and to receive client referrals from interested consumers who are located in Advisor’s geographic region.
Because of the arrangement described above, RS has an incentive to recommend Pros that are a part of the SmartVestor program. This incentive creates a material conflict of interest for RS, which you should be aware of and carefully consider in connection with your discussions with RS and Advisor.
The fees paid by Advisor to RS are paid irrespective of whether you become a client of Advisor and are not passed along to you. However, you should understand that all Pros that are available through SmartVestor pay RS fees to participate in the program. Further, the amount of compensation each Pro pays to RS will vary based on certain factors, including whether the Pros choose to advertise in local or national markets. RS has a financial incentive to present certain Pros that offer their services on a national basis ("National Pros") more often than other National Pros that pay lower fees.
It is up to you to interview Advisor and decide whether you want to hire them. RS introduces you to Pros that cover your geographic area based on your zip code. Neither RS nor its affiliates provide investment advice or recommendations as to the selection or retention of any Pro, nor does RS evaluate whether any particular Pro is appropriate for you based on your investment objectives, financial situation, investment needs, or other individual circumstances. RS does not warrant any services of Advisor or any SmartVestor Pro and makes no claim or promise of any result or success by retaining Advisor. Your use of SmartVestor, including the decision to retain the services of Advisor, is at your sole discretion and risk. Advisor has completed Ramsey Pro Training and signed an RS Code of Conduct under which they have agreed to certain general investment principles, such as eliminating debt and investing for the longer-term, but RS does not monitor or control the investment advisory services provided.
Neither Ramsey Solutions nor the SmartVestor program are affiliated with or endorsed by Thrivent. Views are theirs and not necessarily those of Thrivent or its affiliates.
About Carson Hogan
I was recently asked, “What do you enjoy doing outside of Thrivent?” The answer is simple: I love spending time with my wife and our two girls. I also enjoy hunting, fishing and doing things outdoors.
My Thrivent journey began in 2007 in Colorado before moving to Cody, Wyoming, with my wife. I’ve always had an interest in problem solving, teaching and investing. I remember trading and investing my own money in high school and the satisfaction it brought me. It wasn’t until college that I realized I could make a living in financial services while helping others, sharing my knowledge and teaching people how to save for the future.
My goal is to help people of all ages save for a successful and happy retirement. However, investing your money is about more than just saving for retirement. It can also help you protect your loved ones, prepare for the unexpected and build confidence in your financial future.
I am a Ramsey SmartVestor Pro, and I am honored to be part of their network of financial professionals in my local area. The SmartVestor program connects consumers with financial professionals in their area. To join the SmartVestor program, financial professionals must meet the SmartVestor program requirements, and pay an enrollment fee that depends on the area served, plus a fixed monthly fee.
SmartVestor™ is an advertising and referral service for investment professionals (“Pros”) operated by The Lampo Group, LLC d/b/a Ramsey Solutions® ("RS"). Thrivent financial advisor, Carson Hogan (“Advisor”) has entered into an agreement with RS under which Advisor pays RS a one-time training fee of $3,000, a flat monthly membership fee of $400, and a flat monthly territory fee of $550.00 to advertise Advisor’s services through SmartVestor and to receive client referrals from interested consumers who are located in Advisor’s geographic region.
Because of the arrangement described above, RS has an incentive to recommend Pros that are a part of the SmartVestor program. This incentive creates a material conflict of interest for RS, which you should be aware of and carefully consider in connection with your discussions with RS and Advisor.
The fees paid by Advisor to RS are paid irrespective of whether you become a client of Advisor and are not passed along to you. However, you should understand that all Pros that are available through SmartVestor pay RS fees to participate in the program. Further, the amount of compensation each Pro pays to RS will vary based on certain factors, including whether the Pros choose to advertise in local or national markets. RS has a financial incentive to present certain Pros that offer their services on a national basis ("National Pros") more often than other National Pros that pay lower fees.
It is up to you to interview Advisor and decide whether you want to hire them. RS introduces you to Pros that cover your geographic area based on your zip code. Neither RS nor its affiliates provide investment advice or recommendations as to the selection or retention of any Pro, nor does RS evaluate whether any particular Pro is appropriate for you based on your investment objectives, financial situation, investment needs, or other individual circumstances. RS does not warrant any services of Advisor or any SmartVestor Pro and makes no claim or promise of any result or success by retaining Advisor. Your use of SmartVestor, including the decision to retain the services of Advisor, is at your sole discretion and risk. Advisor has completed Ramsey Pro Training and signed an RS Code of Conduct under which they have agreed to certain general investment principles, such as eliminating debt and investing for the longer-term, but RS does not monitor or control the investment advisory services provided.
Neither Ramsey Solutions nor the SmartVestor program are affiliated with or endorsed by Thrivent. Views are theirs and not necessarily those of Thrivent or its affiliates.
About Calvin Sievers
As an Airforce child, I lived in several places. While moving was never easy, it allowed me to meet many different types of people. When my dad decided to enter the civilian workforce, we moved back to Brighton, Colorado, where my parents had grown up.
For most of my childhood, I competed in football and baseball. These two sports shaped who I was and helped me learn the importance of teamwork, good communication skills and a strong work ethic.
I took these traits with me to Grand Canyon University, where I studied finance and economics. This is where I realized I wanted a career that enabled me to help others. I also learned that I excel at taking complex situations and simplifying them for people.
Two years ago, I had an amazing opportunity to join High Country Financial Group. There is no way this journey could have started and ended up where it has today without the love and support of my fiancé, Emily. A Colorado native, she packed her bags without hesitation and moved to Cody, Wyoming, with me to support my new career. I can't wait to build our future together and see what is in store for us.
About Parker Call
As an Airforce child, I lived in several places. While moving was never easy, it allowed me to meet many different types of people. When my dad decided to enter the civilian workforce, we moved back to Brighton, Colorado, where my parents had grown up.
For most of my childhood, I competed in football and baseball. These two sports shaped who I was and helped me learn the importance of teamwork, good communication skills and a strong work ethic.
I took these traits with me to Grand Canyon University, where I studied finance and economics. This is where I realized I wanted a career that enabled me to help others. I also learned that I excel at taking complex situations and simplifying them for people.
Two years ago, I had an amazing opportunity to join High Country Financial Group. There is no way this journey could have started and ended up where it has today without the love and support of my fiancé, Emily. A Colorado native, she packed her bags without hesitation and moved to Cody, Wyoming, with me to support my new career. I can't wait to build our future together and see what is in store for us.
I was born in the Black Hills of South Dakota and had adventures there that I still hold close to my heart. I fondly remember running around with my 18-year-old brother, Carson, when I was only four years old. Whether we were riding four-wheelers through forest service land or fishing, we always had a great time.
When Carson left for college, my parents and I moved to Utah for a brief period before ultimately settling in Colorado. That’s where I discovered two huge passions—baseball and snowboarding. I participated in both sports throughout high school. Baseball taught me the value of accountability, preparation, communication and “failing forward.” I also played baseball in college and graduated from Southwestern Oklahoma State University with a degree in finance and economics.
After college, my girlfriend, Kayla, and I moved to Wyoming. We love the strong community Cody provides and Kayla feels at home teaching here. In our free time, we enjoy camping, fishing, sightseeing and spending time with friends, family and our Australian Shepherd, Tucker.
My journey to Thrivent began at age 16 when Carson told my friend, Parker (who is now my colleague), and me to consider careers at Thrivent. I didn’t think much of it until I discovered my love of finances when my college professor held a competition to see who could create the best performing investment portfolio.
I love working for Thrivent and am very proud to be a financial advisor. To me, there is no better feeling than empowering clients with knowledge and watching their confidence grow.
About Carter Hogan
I was born in the Black Hills of South Dakota and had adventures there that I still hold close to my heart. I fondly remember running around with my 18-year-old brother, Carson, when I was only four years old. Whether we were riding four-wheelers through forest service land or fishing, we always had a great time.
When Carson left for college, my parents and I moved to Utah for a brief period before ultimately settling in Colorado. That’s where I discovered two huge passions—baseball and snowboarding. I participated in both sports throughout high school. Baseball taught me the value of accountability, preparation, communication and “failing forward.” I also played baseball in college and graduated from Southwestern Oklahoma State University with a degree in finance and economics.
After college, my girlfriend, Kayla, and I moved to Wyoming. We love the strong community Cody provides and Kayla feels at home teaching here. In our free time, we enjoy camping, fishing, sightseeing and spending time with friends, family and our Australian Shepherd, Tucker.
My journey to Thrivent began at age 16 when Carson told my friend, Parker (who is now my colleague), and me to consider careers at Thrivent. I didn’t think much of it until I discovered my love of finances when my college professor held a competition to see who could create the best performing investment portfolio.
I love working for Thrivent and am very proud to be a financial advisor. To me, there is no better feeling than empowering clients with knowledge and watching their confidence grow.
About Brian Dorch
About Brad Scott
I grew up in Western South Dakota and have always been passionate about the rural lifestyle. I also have a huge desire to help others, whether they’re people or animals. My family taught me to work hard and treat others how I wanted to be treated. Some of my most cherished childhood memories are of spending weekends on my grandparents’ ranch.
My drive to help others pushed me to attain a degree in the equine industry. Then I landed a job with a horse feed company and started to learn about running a business. A few years later, marriage led me to Wyoming, where I became an office manager for a lawncare franchise. Hard work and determination paid off, and I became co-owner of a franchise in Sheridan, Wyoming. Although I enjoyed helping people create beautiful spaces around their homes, I began to crave something different.
After selling my business, I accepted an office professional position with Thrivent. I fell in love with how Thrivent helped people, so I eventually became an associate financial advisor.
In 2021, after a divorce, I moved to Southeast Montana, just a stone’s throw away from the South Dakota border. I feel like I have moved home! I love riding and training my own horses and working cattle. I have also opened an office in Ekalaka, Montana.
I believe that people need support and guidance no matter what life stage they’re navigating. The rural lifestyle can be romantic and demanding at the same time. I strive to bring a sense of security and clarity to our clients because I understand many of their values, dreams, goals and challenges.
“Do to others as you would have them do to you.” Luke 6:31
About Krista Kerr
I grew up in Western South Dakota and have always been passionate about the rural lifestyle. I also have a huge desire to help others, whether they’re people or animals. My family taught me to work hard and treat others how I wanted to be treated. Some of my most cherished childhood memories are of spending weekends on my grandparents’ ranch.
My drive to help others pushed me to attain a degree in the equine industry. Then I landed a job with a horse feed company and started to learn about running a business. A few years later, marriage led me to Wyoming, where I became an office manager for a lawncare franchise. Hard work and determination paid off, and I became co-owner of a franchise in Sheridan, Wyoming. Although I enjoyed helping people create beautiful spaces around their homes, I began to crave something different.
After selling my business, I accepted an office professional position with Thrivent. I fell in love with how Thrivent helped people, so I eventually became an associate financial advisor.
In 2021, after a divorce, I moved to Southeast Montana, just a stone’s throw away from the South Dakota border. I feel like I have moved home! I love riding and training my own horses and working cattle. I have also opened an office in Ekalaka, Montana.
I believe that people need support and guidance no matter what life stage they’re navigating. The rural lifestyle can be romantic and demanding at the same time. I strive to bring a sense of security and clarity to our clients because I understand many of their values, dreams, goals and challenges.
“Do to others as you would have them do to you.” Luke 6:31
At age 8, I had the market cornered for animal care in my quaint neighborhood in rural Wisconsin. My business was called "Kayla's Krazy Kritter Kare," and I did all the legwork to make it successful, including creating brochures, business cards and information packets. I even took on door-to-door sales with fierce determination. Plus, I cared about the experience I delivered to my clients from the moment I knocked on their door.
My love of keeping busy and working hard serves me well in adulthood as I wrangle my two small kids, Hank and Lucy, and two German Shorthaired Pointers. My husband, Brandon, and I moved from Wisconsin to Wyoming in 2017 after graduating from the University of Wisconsin. Ever since, we’ve filled our weekends by spending time in the mountains. With all our family back in Wisconsin, our children do everything with us in the mountains, including camping, hiking and hunting. There is something about being in nature that fills my cup and resets my soul.
I love serving as an office manager for High Country Financial Group because it enables me to use my business management degree and operations expertise. My reason for choosing Thrivent goes beyond our building’s walls. Thrivent shares many of my core values, such as the importance of education, planning ahead and living generously. I love volunteering alongside our Thrivent clients to host local food drives, assemble care packages for people undergoing chemotherapy and more. I want to keep spreading generosity, and with Thrivent, that’s possible.
About Kayla Gatzke
At age 8, I had the market cornered for animal care in my quaint neighborhood in rural Wisconsin. My business was called "Kayla's Krazy Kritter Kare," and I did all the legwork to make it successful, including creating brochures, business cards and information packets. I even took on door-to-door sales with fierce determination. Plus, I cared about the experience I delivered to my clients from the moment I knocked on their door.
My love of keeping busy and working hard serves me well in adulthood as I wrangle my two small kids, Hank and Lucy, and two German Shorthaired Pointers. My husband, Brandon, and I moved from Wisconsin to Wyoming in 2017 after graduating from the University of Wisconsin. Ever since, we’ve filled our weekends by spending time in the mountains. With all our family back in Wisconsin, our children do everything with us in the mountains, including camping, hiking and hunting. There is something about being in nature that fills my cup and resets my soul.
I love serving as an office manager for High Country Financial Group because it enables me to use my business management degree and operations expertise. My reason for choosing Thrivent goes beyond our building’s walls. Thrivent shares many of my core values, such as the importance of education, planning ahead and living generously. I love volunteering alongside our Thrivent clients to host local food drives, assemble care packages for people undergoing chemotherapy and more. I want to keep spreading generosity, and with Thrivent, that’s possible.
I grew up in Northwest Iowa, where I was surrounded by extended family and enjoyed many opportunities in athletics and education.
After college, while working at a youth ministry in Indiana, I met my husband, Paul. Together, we adventured through various moves as he pursued his education and ministry calling. Along the way, we had three children, and our involvement in church life and youth sports has been a blessing to us during all our transitions.
In 2016, our family settled in Rapid City, South Dakota. After working in various care positions for older adults, I began my career at Thrivent in 2021. I enjoy being a supportive resource for our clients, and it is exciting to see all the ways they bless their communities using their Thrivent Action Teams.
I enjoy the beauty of the Black Hills and all the adventure it affords. Along with day hikes and camping trips, pickleball has become a fun family activity where we can all enjoy a little friendly competition.
About Sarah Birnbaum
I grew up in Northwest Iowa, where I was surrounded by extended family and enjoyed many opportunities in athletics and education.
After college, while working at a youth ministry in Indiana, I met my husband, Paul. Together, we adventured through various moves as he pursued his education and ministry calling. Along the way, we had three children, and our involvement in church life and youth sports has been a blessing to us during all our transitions.
In 2016, our family settled in Rapid City, South Dakota. After working in various care positions for older adults, I began my career at Thrivent in 2021. I enjoy being a supportive resource for our clients, and it is exciting to see all the ways they bless their communities using their Thrivent Action Teams.
I enjoy the beauty of the Black Hills and all the adventure it affords. Along with day hikes and camping trips, pickleball has become a fun family activity where we can all enjoy a little friendly competition.