About Jerry Sunde

I was raised in Japan, attended high school in the US, and served 6 years active-duty in the military. I believe in hard work and consistency. I’ve been married to my beautiful wife, Brooke, for over 10 years, and we are proud parents of two young children who keep us busy. We enjoy watching our kids learn and grow, as well as taking family vacations to new places. We also are avid dog lovers who, more often than not, are hosting a small pack of dogs at our home.


I joined Thrivent in 2019 after working for several Fortune 500 corporations where I held a variety of financial planning and analysis roles, as well as a corporate investor relations position. I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Finance and a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) with an emphasis on Finance from the University of St. Thomas.


To be able to serve my clients effectively, I am always proactively seeking new knowledge. That is why I have earned and maintained professional designations such as CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA®), Behavioral Financial Advisor™ (BFA™), and Fraternal Insurance Counselor (FIC).

Education & Accomplishments

  • Masters of Business Administration (MBA), University of St. Thomas
  • Bachelor of Arts, Financial Management, University of St. Thomas
  • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
  • Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA®)
  • Behavioral Financial Advisor™ (BFA™)
  • Fraternal Insurance Counselor (FIC)
  • Life & Health Insurance License
  • FINRA Series 66 Uniform Combined State Law
  • FINRA Series 7 General Securities Representative
Focus Forward Financial Group

Focus Forward Financial Group

The Focus Forward Financial Group specializes in helping people navigate challenging financial situations, especially those involving career change. But whatever your situation may be, our team of dedicated professionals has the skills and experience to equip you with the tools and knowledge you need to focus on the future. We are committed to supporting our clients and community by providing reliable financial guidance and developing long-standing relationships. Our goal is to contribute positively to our clients’ financial well-being and to make an impact on the community in which we live and work.

Title

Team Practice

Location

Golden Valley, MN

Website
https://connect.thrivent.com/focus-forward-financial-group
Leslee Nestingen

Leslee Nestingen

Supporting Jerry and being part of Focus Forward Financial Group is an energizing opportunity for Leslee after 32 years in other roles at Thrivent.  She has held positions in Sales Support, Health Marketing, Fraternal/Marketing Communications & Training, product introductions, and as AVP of Member Relationships. She is motivated by Thrivent’s purpose to help people achieve financial clarity, enabling lives full of meaning and gratitude.  Our Focus Forward Financial Group is dedicated to helping our clients look ‘forward,’ as we specialize in helping people navigate their future financial situations. Leslee's own family has been impacted by premature deaths for two successive generations, so she understands the need for advice to look forward with financial clarity. She is grateful to be the member of our team whose days are filled with client interactions, and providing the exceptional service they deserve. Because she respects the expertise of our financial professionals and cares about the well-being of our clients, her work is a joy rather than just a job!

Title

Office Professional

    Theresa Janechek

    Theresa Janechek

    Theresa has a driving passion to help others by utilizing her talents and gifts in a positive and impactful way. That is why working for Jerry and the Focus Forward Financial Group to help show people why Thrivent is different is a great fit. Owning her own business in the past makes her uniquely qualified to help the team manage their marketing, development and growth. She enjoys helping the team provide exceptional service to clients while working as efficiently as possible.

    Theresa has lived in Woodbury with her husband Jeff for over 26 years. She enjoys volunteering, long drives, playing cribbage, traveling to see her favorite musicians, watching football and spending time with family and friends.

    Title

    Marketing Coordinator