Bruce began his Thrivent career in Montana in 1987 and moved to Spokane in 1994, where he has been ever since. He loves working for a company that gives him the opportunity to positively impact people’s lives and openly live his faith and values. 

Bruce earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Rocky Mountain College in Montana. Over the years, he has served on many teams that help create and implement training for financial advisors. He has also worked in leadership for several years and has helped many new financial advisors launch their careers.  

Whether he’s helping out at church, volunteering at local schools or supporting nonprofit organizations, Bruce loves to be active in his community. He and his wife, Kendra, have two daughters and twin grandsons. Bruce is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys spending time in the mountains and on the water.  

Bruce Schmitt is affiliated with the Legacy Group as a senior market director. A Sr. Market Director is a leader in recruiting efforts and responsible for the launching of new financial advisors, as well as being a mentor to other directors.

Tes joined Thrivent in 2021 and enjoys working with clients to plan for their financial future. She also loves helping new financial advisors launch their careers. 

Tes has a bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis in management. She also has a master’s degree in accounting with a tax emphasis and is a graduate of Pacific Coast Banking School.  

When not at work, Tes enjoys camping, reading, cooking and doing remodeling projects. She has two grown children, Chase and Courtney.  

Tes Sturges is affiliated with the Legacy Group as a market developer. Market Developers provide dedicated resources to search, develop and launch talent as financial advisors.

Joel started working for Thrivent in May 2024. He primarily works from Legacy Group’s Spokane office but also supports Eastern Washington, North Idaho and Western Montana. Before joining Thrivent, Joel spent 20 years in leadership roles for social services and non-profit organizations, most recently serving as director of ministries for Union Gospel Mission in Spokane, Washington.  

Joel has a bachelor’s degree from Western Washington University and a master’s degree in teaching from Gonzaga University with a focus on elementary and middle school education. In addition, he serves on the board of directors for NAOMI Community, which is a safe haven for mothers, daughters and children enduring trauma. 

In his spare time, Joel loves gardening, reading, soccer and spending time with his wife, Lydia, and their three teenage children.  

Joel Brown is affiliated with the Legacy Group as an engagement leader. Engagement leaders provide dedicated resources allocated to strategically invest financial advisor practices interested in building opportunities, deepening relationships and creating experiences which result in client growth.

Shane joined Thrivent in 2022 and feels blessed to work for an organization where he can build long-term relationships with clients and help them make the most of all they’ve been given.  

Shane earned a bachelor’s degree in family ministry from Hope International University. Before joining Thrivent, he worked for Alaska Airlines from 2009 to 2012 and then served as a pastor at Real Life from 2010 to 2022.  

Married for 15 years, Shane and his wife, Jessie, have three kids: Esme (11), Declan (9) and Adah (7). When he’s not at work, Shane loves spending time with his family—especially on their boat in the summer. He also loves hiking, fishing, basketball, golf and good coffee. Shane supports multiple nonprofits and serves at his church.  

Book a meeting with Shane Austin

Kevin joined Thrivent in 2022 because of our organization’s values and commitment to generosity. He loves working with colleagues and clients who share his faith. Kevin also feels blessed to work for a large company that enables its clients to participate in generous works for communities across the country.  

Prior to joining Thrivent, Kevin spent 32 years in education as a teacher, principal, executive director and assistant superintendent. He has a Doctor of Education degree in educational leadership. Kevin serves on the Whitworth University Master’s in Financial Planning Advisory Board and is part of the Whitworth University Community Chorale. He’s also on the St. Luke Lutheran Church Vision Team and is a past president of the St. Luke Lutheran Church Council.  

Kevin is married and has three adult children. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with family, boating and golfing. 

Book a meeting with Kevin Peterson 

Julie started at Thrivent in 2016. She loves the people she works with and feels like the Thrivent community is an extension of her family. Prior to joining Thrivent, Julie was an athletic office administrator, a Sunday preschool teacher and a head varsity volleyball coach for 20 years.  

Julie and her husband, Spencer, have four children and multiple grandchildren. Outside of work, Julie enjoys spending time with her family, playing volleyball, hiking, weight training, biking and wine tasting.  

Crystal started at Thrivent in 2024. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in humanities with minors in international studies, diversity studies, and great books and ideas from California State University, Chico.

Crystal and her husband, William, love to travel. She also enjoys going hiking with her dogs, reading, cooking and watching football — especially the 49ers!