Meet Jeffrey Hakala

When I was young, our family moved from Waukegan, Illinois to the Iron Range in Northern MN. My parents worked hard but didn’t make a lot of money. Farm chores helped me learn the value of honest, hard work. I was my dad’s helper. My dad was a big man, but not a big talker; although, our best conversations happened while we were splitting wood under the evening yard light. 


I didn’t know what I wanted to be when I grew up. When I was in school, I would often ask my parents which classes I should take. Their advice: “Take all the math and science classes you can.” So, I did. 


After college (and a lot of math and science classes), I worked in the mining industry. Three years later, I started my teaching career with a local school district. I loved teaching, but after several years, God came calling. Thrivent reached out and asked me to consider exploring a career with them. They said they were looking for someone like me. I knew Thrivent was a highly respected, financial firm, but I was a teacher! God surely had a plan. Well, I accepted their offer, and here I am with over twenty years of experience with Thrivent.


I believe all things happen for a reason. Growing up on a farm, working in the mining industry, teaching high school math, and now serving as a fiduciary, financial advisor have prepared me to serve others with calm conversations and prudent financial advice.


Meet my family:


My wife Janet - She has a degree in forestry and now works in the

accounting field serving an area non-profit. She's the

smartest, strongest person I know.


Our children:


Rylee - She is married, has a young son and works as a pharmacy

tech.

Ryan - He is married, has two young daughters and works in the mining industry.

Rachel - She is a graduate of the Chicago Art Institute with a degree

in marketing and fashion design.

John - He has a young son and is a youth counselor.

Jessi - She is married, has a degree in behavioral analysis, and cares for young children with autism.

Jack, - He is our youngest and is in high school. He plays

basketball and is on the bass fishing team.



It's rewarding to see our family grow. All but one of our kids are all grown up now. It seems like only yesterday our home was full of six active children. Now, it's starting to fill up with active grandchildren!

Giving back in our Duluth/Superior areas

  • Voyageurs Lutheran Ministry - Camp Vermilion, Cook, MN, & Camp Hiawatha, Deer River, MN
  • Cloquet Community Memorial Hospital Foundation, Cloquet, MN
  • Animal Allies, Duluth, MN
  • Habitat for Humanity

Education & Accomplishments

  • FINRA Series 07 General Securities Representative
  • FINRA Series 66 Uniform Combined State Law
  • FINRA Series 63 Uniform Securities Agent State Law Exam
  • FINRA Series 6 Investment Company/Variable Products Limited Representative
  • Life and Health Insurance Licenses
  • Bachelor of Science Degree - Mathematics, Bemidji State University

Meet My Team

Carlton Office

Carlton Office

Mission Creek Associates

Mission Creek Associates

Title

Team Practice

Location

Duluth, MN, Carlton, MN and Mora, MN

Website
https://connect.thrivent.com/mission-creek-associates