Michael's Approach as a Leader

As Market Director at Thrivent, I am proud to lead a dynamic team of Financial Advisors dedicated to transforming the way our clients experience financial planning. We believe that money is a powerful tool for doing good, enabling our clients to make confident decisions aligned with their deepest values. Our mission is to help individuals and families achieve true financial clarity, so they can live purpose-driven lives filled with meaning and generosity.

Every day, our advisors partner with clients to identify what matters most, designing personalized strategies that help them steward their resources to make a lasting impact—both for themselves and their communities. We approach our work with integrity, compassion, and a commitment to excellence, ensuring each client receives thoughtful guidance and unwavering support.

We are actively seeking passionate and driven financial professionals to join our growing team. If you are motivated by accomplishment, oriented toward goals, and deeply committed to making a positive difference in people's lives, you will find a home with us. The ideal candidate has a strong growth mindset, thrives on challenge, is eager to develop through coaching, and is excited by the opportunity to build and own their own business within a supportive, mission-driven environment.

If you are ready to help others unlock the potential of their resources and empower them to live generously, let's connect. Together, we can make a meaningful impact—one client, one family, and one community at a time.

Michael's Approach as a Financial Advisor

As a husband, father, brother, son, and someone with firsthand experience riding the rollercoaster of small business ownership, Michael is passionate about helping families and small business owners gain financial clarity and establish a solid financial foundation through planning and advice.

When working with clients, Michael uses a holistic approach which focuses on six areas of a clients financial situation:

Income and Expenses/Debt Management
What are the clients goals (i.e., retirement, travel, caring for a loved one)
Invest with Purpose - Develop an Accumulation/Investment Strategy that aligns with the clients goals.
Risk Management
Tax Efficiency
Estate Planning & Wealth Transfer

Each of these areas are interconnected and should be looked at holistically to uncover potential blind spots and make sure all six areas are working together.

Professional Background

Prior to becoming a Financial Advisor, Michael worked in sales and leadership roles at General Electric (GE). While at GE, Michael and his wife MeiLani started a real estate investing “side business” that eventually grew enough to allow him to leave GE to focus full time on their real estate business. They specialized in real estate rehabbing (fix & flip), new construction, long-term, mid-term, and short-term rentals.

Education & Licenses

Michael earned his BS from the University of Utah (09) and his MBA from Gonzaga University with an emphasis on Finance (10). Michael currently holds Series 7, 66, Life Insurance, Annuity & Long-Term Care Insurance licenses.

Community Involvement

As a young man, Michael participated in the Boy Scouts of American where he earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Through this and other experiences, Michael learned firsthand the importance of community service. Michael has served as a member of the Town of Cary Youth Sports Athletic Committee. He has served many years as a volunteer youth baseball, basketball, and flag football coach with both the Town of Cary and the YMCA. Michael has also served as volunteer instructor/group leader with the Triangle Real Estate Investors Association (TREIA).

Personal

When not working with clients and volunteering Michael enjoys spending time with his wife MeiLani and their five children. Michael also loves playing sports (Basketball, Slow-Pitch Softball, Flag Football, Golf), traveling with his family, and learning new things.