About Lakeside Legacy Wealth Advisors

We're proud to be Thrivent financial professionals. We provide personalized financial guidance to people at all stages of life. At Thrivent, we view money not as a goal, but as a tool — one that can afford you a life rich in meaning and gratitude. We believe humanity thrives when individuals make the most of all they've been given. We're here to help you do just that.
Ben Ollila

Ben Ollila

CFP®, FIC

Ben is a local Centennial alum with deep roots in the community. He attended Gustavus Adolphus College where he received his accounting degree and played college hockey all 4 years. After graduation in 2008, Ben joined Thrivent and has been enthusiastically helping people make wise financial decisions, grow their wealth, give back in ways that matter, and plan for an enjoyable retirement. Ben, his wife Ashley, and their hockey-playing son Deacon live in Blaine and attend Eagle Brook Church. Ben serves on various boards in the community, coaches youth sports, and can be found on the golf course during the summer months.

Title

Wealth Advisor

State(s) Licensed
CO, FL, IL, MN, MO, NC, OR, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, WA, WI,
Website
https://connect.thrivent.com/ben-ollila
Phone
651-288-7580
    Mike Trudeau

    Mike Trudeau

    CFP®, FIC

    Mike has been with Thrivent since 2009. While Mike does financial planning for all types of families and businesses, his areas of specialization include retirement income planning, investment management, and wealth transfer strategies.

    He is actively involved in the community as a Charter Member of the Chain of Lakes Rotary Club, as a coach for his kids' community sports teams, and is a member of the Board of Directors for SMW Credit Union.

    Mike and his family (wife Erin, and sons Tucker and Gunnar) live in Lino Lakes and are members of Bridgewood Community Church in Blaine where they serve in children's ministry. When not working, Mike enjoys spending time with his family, golfing, hunting, and fishing.

    Title

    Wealth Advisor

    State(s) Licensed
    AZ, CA Insurance Lic. #4150818 , CO, FL, GA, HI, IA, KS, MI, MN, MO, MT, NM, NY, OH, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA, WI,
    Website
    https://connect.thrivent.com/mike-trudeau
    Phone
    651-288-7580
      Matthew Merrick

      Matthew Merrick

      Matt grew up in Shoreview and graduated from the University of Minnesota Duluth where he majored in Finance and minored in Financial Planning. Financial Planning has always been a passion of his; he specializes in retirement income planning, accumulation strategies, and helping families and individuals make wise financial decisions.

      Matt is involved in local community education and plays in a weekly basketball league. Matt, his wife Rachel, and their son Weston enjoy traveling around the county in their camper with their golden retriever Nash during the warmer months and cheering on their favorite sports teams year round.

      Title

      Financial Advisor

      State(s) Licensed
      CA Insurance Lic. #4217120 , CO, KS, MN, NC, OK, WA, WI,
      Website
      https://connect.thrivent.com/matthew-merrick
      Phone
      651-288-7580
        Benjamin Prchal

        Benjamin Prchal

        Ben P officially joined Lakeside Legacy in January 2023, after working closely with our team the second half of 2022; bringing enthusiasm and new ideas for community involvement to Lakeside Legacy.

        Ben attended the University of Wisconsin – River Falls and has an interesting background in community and city planning. Ben is passionate about helping people lean into ways that will bring fulfillment and joy into their lives while being increasingly generous to make a positive difference in the world around them while growing their wealth and having a strong plan for retirement.

        Ben, his wife Brit, their daughter Scarlett, and their goldendoodle, Teddy, live in Chisago City and are deeply committed to their home church. Community is important to them and they love to socialize and vacation with their friends and family. Ben is a botanical hobbyist who enjoys bringing struggling orchids back to bloom. Beyond this he also has aspirations to pick up beekeeping again, and hopefully they will contribute to the success of his flower garden.

        Title

        Financial Advisor

        State(s) Licensed
        FL, MN, WI,
        Website
        https://connect.thrivent.com/ben-prchal
        Phone
        651-504-8910
          Ben Mielke

          Ben Mielke

          ChFC®, CLU®, FIC

          Ben Mielke is our Lakeside Legacy remote advisor, currently working out of Saint Cloud and joining us often for team meetings and client events.

          Ben attended the University of Minnesota and has a Bachelors in Economics. He has always had a knack for money and personal finance and enjoys sharing that passion with others. Ben has been with Thrivent since 2008 and is especially enthusiastic about helping people improve their rate of return through tax efficient investing.

          Ben has a passion for pinball and has over 5 machines that he has restored to pristine condition. Ben also enjoys collector cars, traveling to warm places, and staying fit and active outdoors or at the gym. Ben regularly attends Bridge Church in Rice, MN and has a beautiful Siamese cat named Zoe.

          Title

          Financial Advisor

          State(s) Licensed
          AR Insurance Lic. #10781540 , AZ, CA Insurance Lic. #0G55544 , CO, FL, IA, IL, IN, LA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, ND, NE, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OR, PA, SC, SD, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI,
          Website
          https://connect.thrivent.com/ben-mielke
          Phone
          612-314-5180
            Kati Koch

            Kati Koch

            Kati joined the Lakeside Legacy team in March 2022 with 15 years of administrative/office management experience. She is passionate about being a helpful resource for clients and cultivating a fun and connected team culture.

            Kati grew up in Northern MN, moving to the twin cities to attend the University of Northwestern - St. Paul. She and her family (including two kiddos who attend Centennial Elementary and sweet rescue pup, Beanz) live in Circle Pines where she enjoys her ever-growing list of artsy hobbies like knitting, painting, and henna. Kati’s church community is Real Life Church in Roseville.

            Title

            Office Manager

            Phone
            651-288-7580
              Steven Popowitz

              Steven Popowitz

              Steven joined Lakeside Legacy in May 2023 and we're so glad to have him on the team!

              Steven grew up in Maple Grove and graduated from the University of Minnesota Duluth with a degree in Business Marketing. He started his career working with local health insurance carriers and is now eager to join the LLWA team. He has a passion for helping individuals & families find health plans that meet their personal and financial needs.

              Steven, his wife Erin, son Beau, and daughter Remi live in Maple Grove and are members of Lord of Life church. They enjoy playing sports, spending time outdoors, and staying active in the community.

              Title

              Licensed Office Professional

              Phone
              651-288-7598
                Abby Nelson

                Abby Nelson

                Abby joined our team in February 2023, and excels at scheduling client meetings! She has proven herself to be an essential part of Lakeside Legacy in all the ways she supports our team.

                Abby grew up in Lino Lakes, attended Centennial schools, and graduated in December 2022 from the University of Wisconsin River Falls with degrees in Criminology and Spanish. She recently spent 5 months in Spain getting more real-world experience with the language and culture and visiting beautiful historical sites.

                Abby loves to go on walks with her dog Winston, read, and bake. She is an involved member of Eagle Brook church and serves in children’s ministry, Alpha, and small groups on a regular basis

                Title

                Office Professional

                Phone
                651-288-7589