Our team

With thirty years of experience as a Financial Advisor with Thrivent, Bill strives to help clients identify their goals and dreams while developing financial plans toward achieving them. Bill is a Certified Financial Planner^® with an MBA from the University of Notre Dame and has attended the Wharton School of Business for additional training in tax efficiency and advanced retirement concepts. Bill helps clients throughout the Indiana/Illinois Region and is also active in several states. Bill serves on the Board of the MAAC Foundation, the Finance Committee of Porter County Community Foundation (PCCF) and is PCCF Board emeritus member. Bill grew up in Hammond, Indiana and lives in Valparaiso with his wife. Their four young adult children remain a continuing source of joy and keep them busy.

My passion includes walking alongside our members, guiding them through their financial journey. With more than 30 years in the Financial Services Industry and more than 15 years with Thrivent, my greatest strengths include the ability to listen and understand our clients' goals. I enjoy growing through challenges and succeeding together. The financial confidence we have provided our members is validated as we receive introductions to their family and friends.

My husband and I were married in 1998 and have two adult children, Michael and Christina, that make us proud every day. My time is fulfilled as I participate in community events and serve on the boards of our local police department’s pension fund and our park district.

Erica Maar is the Director of Operations of Maar Financial Group with a focus on driving organizational efficiency and strategic growth. As a graduate of Valparaiso University School of Law with magna cum laude honors, Erica combines her legal experience with her passion for operational excellence. In addition to her professional role, Erica serves on the United Way of Northwest Indiana Board of Directors where she contributes to community outreach and development. Balancing her career with her dedication to her family, she is committed to making a meaningful impact at work and in her community.

Kylee graduated magna cum laude from Valparaiso University where she majored in finance and minored in business analytics. Throughout her time at Valparaiso University, she actively participated in several organizations including The Financial Management Association (FMA), The Society of Women in Business (SWIB), The Student Managed Investment Fund (SMIF), Delta Sigma Phi (DSP), Beta Gamma Sigma (BGS), and The Dean’s Leadership Council (DLC). In her spare time, Kylee loves parrots and helps rescue parrots in need of a new home. Currently, she cares for a delightful flock of five parrots. 

Monica has been a customer service professional for over 19 years and a licensed insurance professional for the past seven years. Monica enjoys assisting our clients and strives to help them with whatever they may need. Monica loves to spend time with her family. She and her husband Dave adopted a beautiful baby boy who is now 6 and they also have a sweet baby girl who is now 4. Monica and Dave have also opened their home and hearts to several foster children over the years, who may no longer physically be with them but who are always in their hearts. 

As an Office Professional for 20 years, I’ve always enjoyed assisting Members reach their financial goals. Working along-side our clients, at coffee hours, fundraisers, golf outings and dinner auctions have supported building a pre-school playground, a Christian school, and a parsonage My husband of 43 years, Dale, our children Kyle and Kelly, and our granddaughter Lyric share my enthusiasm of serving, sharing and community involvement.

I have 11 years experience in the financial services industry, first as a municipal bond trader and later as a senior executive at one of the largest firms on Wall Street. I then began a 25-year career teaching writing and professional communication. My wife Olga and I celebrated our 52nd anniversary last year. We have been blessed with two children, four grandchildren, and a black cat that adopted us. We named him Pyewacket. We love our life here in Valparaiso.

With over 13 years of experience in events and marketing, Michelle Michaels enjoys working alongside the Maar Financial Group team to create meaningful experiences and connections that bring value to both clients and the community. She has a proven track record of organizing impactful events such as the Popcorn Festival during her time with Valparaiso Events. Michelle is also deeply connected to the community through her involvement with local nonprofits like Hilltop Neighborhood House, The Caring Place, and Dressed for School. Michelle enjoys spending time with her husband of 30 years, Steve, and is the proud mother of three adult children. In her free time, Michelle loves traveling with her family and practicing yoga. 

Cindi brings over twenty-five years of client service experience to Maar Financial Group. Dedicated to helping others, she takes pride in assisting clients and ensuring their questions are answered with care. She strives to create a positive impact on those around her and in her community. Outside of work, Cindi enjoys spending time with her two adult children, three cherished grandchildren, and two adopted cats. She also loves connecting with friends and diving into a good suspense novel.  

Jackson graduated from Western Michigan University's Haworth College of Business with a degree in Personal Financial Planning with minors in Marketing and General Business. He is passionate about helping others and committed to assisting clients in achieving their financial goals. During his time at Western Michigan University, Jack served as President of the WMU Bass Fishing Team where he strengthened his ability to strategize, adapt, and lead effectively. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time in the great outdoors.