Our Story
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.

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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

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Making a Difference

Everyone on our team has many things they are passionate about and support in many ways. Here is just one example of those efforts. Barry Springborn from our team received the 2024 Thrivent Charitable Impact & Investing (R) VIP Hall of Honor Award! We couldn't be prouder of all that Barry does to make a positive impact on the community and others! Way to go Barry!

Thrivent Charitable Impact & Investing®️ (Thrivent Charitable) recognizes Thrivent financial advisors who devoted extra effort in facilitating charitable gifts to the foundation. This honor is awarded to Thrivent financial advisors who have brought $5 million or more in charitable gifts to our local, national, and global communities through Thrivent Charitable during their careers. This recognition does not evaluate the quality of services/advice provided to clients and is not indicative of the financial advisor’s future performance. Thrivent Charitable Impact & Investing®️ is a public charity that serves individuals, organizations and the community through charitable planning, donor-advised funds and endowments. Thrivent Charitable Impact & Investing works collaboratively with Thrivent and its financial advisors. It is a separate legal entity from Thrivent, the marketing name for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Insurance products, securities and investment advisory services are provided by appropriately appointed and licensed financial advisors and professionals. Only individuals who are financial advisors are credentialed to provide investment advisory services. Visit Thrivent.com or FINRA’s BrokerCheck for more information about Thrivent’s financial advisors.

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Creating Meaningful Impact Together

At Journey Financial Consultants, generosity is woven into everything we do. Through the compassion of our clients, the dedication of our team, and the spirit of our community, we’ve been able to support causes that matter, serve neighbors in need, and turn shared values into lasting impact.

From thousands of volunteer hours to millions directed toward charitable efforts and community support, every act of kindness reflects what’s possible when people come together with purpose. We’re deeply grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside clients who believe that financial guidance can also be a force for good.

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EXCLUSIVE BENEFITS FOR THRIVENT MEMBERS

Explore membership benefits below or  Click Here – for complete list of benefits.

Thrivent Action Teams

Supporting your community is easy with Thrivent Action Teams. Apply to lead a fundraiser, educational event or service activity. Then, gather a team of volunteers to make an impact together. Thrivent provides seed money and a customized kit of resources to get you started. Your team provides the passion to bring it to life.

Sign up here

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Thrivent Choice®

Through Thrivent Choice®, our clients with membership can contribute to organizations and causes they care about—and influence how Thrivent distributes some of its charitable grant funding through Choice Dollars®.

Learn More

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Homethrive - For Caregivers

Are you caring for an aging loved one? 

Do you need help navigating a medical diagnosis? 

Are you looking for quality in-home care? 

Providing specialized care for an elderly loved one can be a challenge. But you are not alone. Thrivent has partnered with Homethrive to offer a helpful resource with meaningful, useful information to help you navigate the caregiving journey – at no cost to you.

Homethrive helps guide you through the caregiving journey by providing access to a comprehensive library of articles, podcasts and videos, and the ability to connect directly with licensed, credentialed experts on caregiving and aging.

Enroll Today!

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Grief Support - Resources to help navigate loss.

Losing someone you love is a difficult experience. And in the midst of it all, there are legal and financial matters that need attention. Whenever you're ready, we're here to provide helpful resources for coping with loss.

Grief Care – Empathy

Thrivent has partnered with Empathy to provide you and your family with the guidance you need to get through the challenging weeks and months ahead. From settling the estate to dealing with grief, Empathy’s personalized, tech-enabled assistance and human support help beneficiaries handle the practical, logistical and emotional challenges that loss brings. They help ease the burden, so you can pay attention to the things that matter most. 

Learn More

Grief Care – Infant Loss Grant

Thrivent offers a $5,000 grant to eligible clients who are coping with the loss of a newborn or stillborn child. We hope this grant will help with emotional healing, expenses, or self-care.

Apply for the Grant

To learn about more grief member benefits we offer, click here

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Hillary Bement
Hillary BementFinancial Advisor
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Dena DeGroat
Dena DeGroatFinancial AdvisorFIC

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!

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James Aman
James AmanWealth AdvisorCFP®, 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.

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Barry Springborn
Barry SpringbornWealth AdvisorCFP®, 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.

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Stephan Sawtelle
Stephan SawtelleAssociate

Client Meeting and Account Services

Stephan plays a key role on the implementation team at Journey Financial Consultants, where he manages client accounts and ensures that all follow-up and action items from client meetings are completed with precision. His commitment to detail and client service helps deliver a seamless experience for every client.

Outside of work, Stephan coaches’ basketball, enjoys time with friends and family, and actively serves in his church and community.

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Darin Stevens
Darin StevensDirector of Dedicated Planning OperationsCFP®, 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.

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Jill Gutzmer
Jill GutzmerFinancial AdvisorBFA™

Financial Advisor, Director of Operations

Jill brings over two decades of financial industry and advisor experience with her. She gets out of bed everyday feeling grateful for the opportunity to help clients feel less stress and more confidence about their money. It fulfills her to make complex financial planning and investment concepts simple, meaningful and personalized. Those conversations allow our clients a feeling of empowerment to explore their financial situation and live their best lives.

In addition to serving our clients, she is blessed to lead our amazing team of support associates. They work tirelessly to deliver excellent service to our clients, the heartbeat of our business.

Outside of the office, Jill enjoys kayaking, fishing, watching the Packers, gardening, volunteering, mentoring, painting and channeling her youthful spirit as a mom.  She looks forward to learning what brings you joy in your life!

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Gideon Ngobi
Gideon NgobiAssociateBFA™

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.

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Melissa Carlson
Melissa CarlsonAssociate Financial Advisor

Associate Financial Advisor

Melissa is focused on empowering families and working professionals to take charge of their financial planning before retirement arrives. She believes proactive planning is one of the greatest gifts people can give themselves and she’s passionate about making that process approachable, empowering, and deeply personal. With every client Melissa works with her mission is the same: provide clarity, reduce stress, and help people feel genuinely prepared for what’s ahead. 

Outside of work, Melissa enjoys spending time with her family and planning their next travel adventure! She and her husband are also involved at their church leading a young adults group, singing in the praise band, and building meaningful community and fellowship however they can.

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Nick Leist
Nick LeistAssociate Financial Advisor
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Linda Hensel
Linda HenselAssociate

Client Relations Specialist

With her attention to detail, Linda supports the JFC team through co-facilitating client appointments and working with clients and the team to implement financial strategies. She strives to provide excellent customer experiences by supporting them throughout new business applications and ongoing transactional needs. Her primary goal is to facilitate efficient client interactions while maintaining high levels of client satisfaction.

Outside of the office, Linda enjoys puzzles of various kinds, spending time outside as the Minnesota weather allows, and board games with family and friends

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Katherine Kretzschmar
Katherine KretzschmarInsurance Office Professional

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.

Annika Pesall
Annika PesallOffice Professional

Dedicated Planning Operations

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.

Theresa Janechek
Theresa JanechekMarketing Coordinator

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.

Join us at an upcoming eventWe’d love to have the opportunity to meet you. We host financial workshops, volunteer opportunities and Thrivent market updates.
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4 Truths of Extended CareAug 24, 2026, 5:00 PM UTC - Sep 24, 2026, 9:30 PM UTC
Virtual
With a strategy, you can let your family care about you rather than for you. If you’re thinking “it won’t happen to me” when it comes to needing help as you age, you aren’t alone. But the need for care often comes anyway. Attend this workshop to learn how best to prepare for the kind of care you want. •    Understand what extended care is (and isn’t)•    Look at where extended care is received•    See the personal and financial costs of care•    Explore options for your extended care strategyChose the date that works for you:Sept. 9 or 24 at 12:30 p.m. or 4:30 p.m.No products will be sold at this event. No products will be sold at this event. If requested, a licensed insurance agent/producer may contact you and financial solutions, including insurance, may be solicited.Long-term care insurance may not cover all of the costs associated with long-term care. You are advised to review your contract carefully. The contract has exclusions, limitations, and terms under which the benefits may be reduced, or the contract may be discontinued. For costs and complete details of coverage, contact your licensed insurance agent/producer.THRIVENT IS THE MARKETING NAME FOR THRIVENT FINANCIAL FOR LUTHERANS. Insurance products issued by Thrivent, Appleton, WI. Not available in all states. Licensed agent/producer of Thrivent. Thrivent.com/disclosures.Insurance products, securities and investment advisory services are provided by appropriately appointed and licensed financial advisors and professionals. Only individuals who are financial advisors are credentialed to provide investment advisory services. Visit Thrivent.com or FINRA’s BrokerCheck for more information about our financial advisors.©️ 2025 Thrivent ICC25 31525W N10-25
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Building a Life, Not Just a Net WorthMay 14, 2026, 1:00 AM UTC - May 2, 2027, 4:00 AM UTC
Livestream Recording
Unlock a Better Life by Asking the Right QuestionsSahil shares the insights and frameworks that have guided millions toward a healthy, wealthy, and meaningful life. In this recorded presentation, you’ll discover battle-tested principles, tools, and frameworks to help you live your best life—physically, mentally, and financially. Don’t miss this chance to learn from someone on a mission to positively impact one billion lives.No products will be sold 
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Ready to connect?

We'd love to answer any questions you may have and start learning about your goals. We can meet however you're most comfortable—phone, virtual or in person.

Or call us directly: 763-754-2670

Licensing is available through your State Insurance Department’s website, which can be located through the National Association of Insurance Commissioners website.

Thrivent financial advisors and professionals have general knowledge of the Social Security tenets. For complete details on your situation, contact the Social Security Administration.

Not all team members may provide all products, programs and services in all states.

Not all team members may office at the locations listed.

* as of December 31, 2024

** Thrivent and its financial advisors and professionals do not provide legal, accounting or tax advice. Consult your attorney or tax professional.

Rating is based on Thrivent’s financial strength and claims-paying ability. Does not apply to investment product performance. For information on this rating, visit the rating agency's website.

Designations
For additional information on professional designations and the requirements to earn them, visit https://www.thrivent.com/designations

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization's initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.