Providing Financial Clarity for Generations to Come
Journey Financial Consultants was established in 2008 by Barry Springborn, Dena DeGroat and James Aman who have over 70+ years of combined broad experiences in the financial services industry. They have walked with over 1000 individuals and families as they plan for their retirement. Now a team of 12 and growing, we are a very unique blend of personalities and strengths which allows us to work in the area where we excel the most so we can provide you with a holistic financial planning experience. We plan to continue serving our community and clients and clients families for generations to come.
Be a Part of Something Bigger
Thrivent is a membership-owned, fraternal organization. This means when you join our organization, you become a part of our collective ownership and you will receive member benefits that allow you to volunteer and give to the organizations you care about the most. At Journey Financial Consultants, we share in your commitment to your community and causes by helping you build you financial future with clarity and confidence so you can make the most of all that has been given to you.
We believe we all have the power to do good and there is great contentment in sharing and joyfully giving of your time, talents and resources to those you love!
We are proud to support Mental Health Connect, Hope4Youth, Salvation Army, Small Sums, Family Promise in Anoka County, Chairbound Hunters and Habitat for Humanity
Meet Our Team
Dena DeGroat
FIC
New Client Connections
Authenticity and openness are the name of the game for Dena. YOUR financial success is her greatest goal and she loves to find the way there by creating a strong relationship with you. It isn't just about a transaction or desire to check something off a list with Dena, it's about really knowing your goals and helping you to achieve them. She especially loves working with generous people whose goals encompass more than themselves. One of the best compliments Dena can receive is the referrals to your family and friends. She is fun, funny and warm-hearted and really good at limbo contests!
- Title
Financial Advisor
- State(s) Licensed
- AZ, FL, MN, WI,
- Website
- https://connect.thrivent.com/dena-degroat
- Phone
- 763-754-2670
James Aman
CFP®, ChFC®, CLU®, CASL®, LUTCF®, FIC
Financial Strategist
James is best known for being thorough and finding unique solutions to each financial situation. He knows that applying cookie cutter strategies doesn't consider the nuances of a person's finances or goals. James works VERY hard to make sure that each person has a plan that is complete with a high attention to details. James is especially good at helping clients to better understand their own situations and find a path forward. In addition to being thorough in his work with clients, he is also thorough in his travel - having now visited all 50 states and 12 different countries.
- Title
Financial Consultant
- State(s) Licensed
- AK, FL, IN, MN, WI,
- Website
- https://connect.thrivent.com/james-aman
- Phone
- 763-754-2670
Barry Springborn
CFP®, LUTCF®, FIC
Plan Fulfillment and Implementation
Barry passionately wants his clients to not be scared of money and finances. He wants to be the resource that helps to make understanding and managing your financial situation an enjoyable experience. Barry believes when you invest the time in creating a financial plan that aligns with your goals, you will be confident and content. Barry especially loves working with philanthropic clients to find the best way to give to the causes you care about! Barry is an avid hunter and is especially committed to conservation practices that benefit wildlife.
- Title
Wealth Advisor
- State(s) Licensed
- AK, AL, CO, DC, FL, GA, IL, IN, MI, MN, NC, NE, OH, RI, SC, SD, TX, WA, WI,
- Website
- https://connect.thrivent.com/barry-springborn
- Phone
- 763-754-2670
Linda Hensel
- Title
Financial Advisor
- State(s) Licensed
- GA, MN, SD, WI,
- Website
- https://connect.thrivent.com/linda-hensel
- Phone
- 763-754-2670
Darin Stevens
FIC, RICP®, BFA™
Director of Dedicated Planning Operations
Data analysis and strategic thinking are what set Darin apart. He never tires of digging into the details because it allows him to help tailor a strategy. The first step is to uncover your vision for the future and what makes you tick. Then, he can help navigate your journey to success.
Darin also enjoys a good board game and driving a tractor on his family’s crop farm in Western Minnesota.
- Title
Director of Dedicated Planning Operations
- State(s) Licensed
- MI, MN, ND, WI,
- Website
- https://connect.thrivent.com/darin-stevens
- Phone
- 320-295-2928
Gideon Ngobi
BFA™
Financial Advisor
Gideon is committed to helping individuals, families and small business owners achieve their financial clarity. He will draw from prior experience in real estate investing and retail to understand where you are today financially and where you want to go. As a business owner, Gideon walks the talk every day and will use the team approach to bring your values, goals, and objectives to the forefront. His favorite quote: “Let’s do something today that your future self will thank you for”
Having been born outside Minnesota, I think 10,000 lakes and glacial landscapes are fascinating
- Title
Associate
- State(s) Licensed
- IL, KS, MI, MN, WI,
- Website
- https://connect.thrivent.com/gideon-ngobi
- Phone
- 608-449-3821
Greg Hohenstern
Project Management and Business Tracking
Greg is a big picture thinker. He is strategic in his approach to your financial picture and has a wonderful way of seeing the way through your current situations to help reach a positive end result. He is analytical and a strong leader. He's the kind of person you want on your team! Watch for Greg on your local Minnesota lake this summer!
- Title
Associate
- State(s) Licensed
- MN,
- Website
- https://connect.thrivent.com/greg-hohenstern
- Phone
- 763-754-2670
Katherine Kretzschmar
Dedicated Planning Management
As an Achiever, Developer and Learner, Katie uses her top three Strengths Finder strengths to make the process of gathering your information seamless. She loves to get tasks done, help you see and achieve your goals. She thinks details are fun! Katie loves her family, nature and learning, and she also enjoys being creative. Katie creates handcrafted jewelry that she sells at local art fairs during the summer.
- Title
Office Professional
- Phone
- 763-754-2670
Annika Baker
Advice Data Gather and Operations Management
Learning, community, and service are some of Annika’s top values. She is passionate about helping others and making sure clients have the best possible experience. She loves keeping everything organized and connecting with clients. She also enjoys hiking, camping, rock climbing, and connecting with friends.
- Title
Office Professional
- Phone
- 763-754-2670
Hillary Bement
Client Meeting and Account Services
Hillary supports the JFC team through co-facilitating client appointments and working to enhance the client experience with effective research and communication. She strives to deliver exceptional client interactions by aiding them from the first meeting through new business applications to financial transactions and follow up. Hillary provides guidance and assistance to ensure ongoing client satisfaction.
In the summer, Hillary enjoys camping and hiking with her family. And, during the long Minnesota winters, she loves to cozy up in front of a good fireplace fire.
- Title
Associate
- Phone
- 763-754-2670
Susan Olson
Scheduling and Event Management
When Sue greets you at the office, you will know you are in good hands. She embodies radical hospitality and loves to connect with clients on their way in and out of the office. Ask her about the one time she was hired to ride Indian Motorcycles for a photo shoot!
- Title
Office Professional
- Phone
- 763-754-2670
Theresa Janechek
Marketing and Event Management
Theresa has a driving passion to help others by utilizing her talents and gifts in a positive and impactful way. She enjoys helping the team with our marketing efforts and providing an exceptional client experience.
Theresa has lived in Woodbury with her husband Jeff for over 28 years. She enjoys volunteering, long drives, playing cribbage, traveling to see her favorite musicians, watching football and spending time with family and friends. What is most important to her is the happiness and well-being of her family and friends.
- Title
Marketing Coordinator