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Michael Skillrud

Advisor Image
Michael Skillrud
Associate Financial Advisor
.
MBA, FIC, RICP®
Part of the Voyageur Consultants practice
What I am all about - CLIENT RELATIONSHIPS and SERVICE
What I am all about - CLIENT RELATIONSHIPS and SERVICE

I started my career in the financial services industry after I decided a career in media advertising sales wasn’t for me. A former colleague of mine made a similar change and encouraged me to consider it. I started working for a fraternal benefits company in 2012 and have been helping clients with their finances ever since. After a couple years I realized I wanted to work for a company that includes faith as part of their mission and provides a wide range of financial solutions as well. When I started looking at other companies that met those needs Thrivent stood alone, and it all came together for me. 


I enjoy providing value-based retirement planning that is unique to each client and fits their personal values, needs, and goals. Success to me is when I meet with a client and help them take the first steps towards finding a financial plan that works for them. When people ask what I do for a living, I answer, “I provide stress relief.” My goal is to reduce their level of stress when it comes to their finances and bring confidence and clarity to their financial future. I feel blessed that I have found a career that fills my desire to help others and includes faith as part of the process.

What matters to me –FAMILY, PEOPLE and CONVERSATIONS
What matters to me –FAMILY, PEOPLE and CONVERSATIONS

I was married to my wife Theresa for 40+ years before she passed away in 2023. I have been a resident of the east metro for 35 years and have two adult children, a daughter and son. I recently became a grandpa for the first time with the addition of Sophia to our family. As a family we enjoy getting together to experience good food and thought-provoking conversations. We enjoy playing games like cribbage or any board game my son brings along (“Flapjacks and Sasquatches,” anyone? ??). A good day for me is a day where I can go biking, walk the dog, or spend the day reading news and editorials to get good insights on other points of view.

What fills my soul - SERVICE, IMPACT and COMMUNITY

Growing up in Sauk Rapids, Minnesota helped establish my small town midwestern values including being charitable minded and giving back. I enjoy mentoring, giving something of myself and inspiring people to come together for a common cause. 

Here are some of the causes and projects I am proud to be part of…

Annual December Food Drive

Each year I organize a food drive to help support the needs of the community. In the past we raised almost three-quarters of a ton (1446 pounds) of groceries and $225 for St. Vincent de Paul Food Shelf. More than doubling what we have raised over the past four years. This wouldn’t be possible without the efforts and support of Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church, Scout Troop 67, community volunteers and Widmer’s & Oxendale’s Market. I am grateful for all of their efforts and support.

Nativity Men’s Club – The Men’s Club’s goals are to advance fellowship and camaraderie, promote and support programs for the youth of our community and support the Church, School, Early Learning Center through fundraisers, volunteers, and grants. I am an active volunteer and past president of this club. I co-founded the Booya Fundraiser Event that raises funds for the school’s scholarship fund for Nativity of the Lord Catholic Church and annual pancake breakfast, which raises funds for our church-sponsored Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.

Learn more about the Men’s Club

Learn more about the school

Boy Scouts of America and Girl Scouts – My children were both involved in scouting; my son advanced to the level of Eagle Scout. Throughout these formative years I saw the phenomenal growth of boys and girls as they grew during the many learning experiences associated the organizations. I found great joy in mentoring these youngsters as they became young adult leaders. And, the experience provided us all the opportunity to enjoy outdoor camping and cooking activities that one typically won’t find living in a big metro such as the Twin Cities. I was a Scout briefly in my younger years, but was honored to be invited to join the Scouts Order of the Arrow and served as our local troop’s Committee Chair and other oversight positions. Each December a highlight for me is to attend the Twin Cities’ (North Star Council) annual fundraising breakfast and hearing the inspiring words from the year’s chosen Scouts.

Learn more about Boy Scouts of America 

Why I can help - DESIGNATIONS, LICENSES and LEADERSHIP
  • Series 7, 63 and 65, health, life and Disability insurance. CA Insurance Lic. #0K47535, CO, MA, MN, PA, SD, UT, WI
  • RICP® Retirement Income Certified Professional
  • FIC (Fraternal Insurance Counselor)
  • MBA – Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
  • The Advertising Federation of Minnesota – Member, Leadership Team Member (President 2000-2001)
  • Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church, St. Paul – Member, Leadership Team (Past), Volunteer
  • Norther Star Council Boy Scouts of America – Asst. Scout Master, Den Leader, Troop Chairman, Fundraiser, Volunteer
  • Serving Our Troops - Volunteer


Why I became a Retirement Income Certified Professional®
Why I became a Retirement Income Certified Professional®

When you choose a financial advisor, you’re looking for a partner to help you achieve your goals.

The RICP® (Retirement Income Certified Professional) is the nation’s leading credential for building integrated and comprehensive retirement income plans. A key focus is understanding, choosing, and executing a sustainable retirement income strategy.

 

The program, developed by more than 45 of the nation’s top financial retirement advisors, provides RICP® credential holders with best practices in areas including:

• Social Security claiming

• Evaluating and addressing risks faced in retirement financial planning

• Choosing distributions from employer sponsored retirement financial plans

• Medicare and other health insurance choices

• Planning for long-term care needs

• Choosing appropriate housing

• Retirement income tax and legacy planning

 

The American College of Financial Services is the premier educational institution dedicated to the development of financial services professionals. Graduates and designees of The American College of Financial Services have studied, passed rigorous exams, and proven that they not only have the technical knowledge to serve their clients, but have sworn to practice ethically and in the best interest of the people they serve.

My Client Care Team
Getting your finances in order isn’t always easy or clear. That’s why I’m here to provide the expertise and support you need. Whether you’re just starting out or preparing for a meaningful retirement, you deserve personalized financial guidance driven by what’s important to you. Together, we’ll assess your financial picture and explore how you can achieve your goals.

Tina Peterson

Tina has worked for Scot and the team in the Burnsville Office since 2019. She enjoys helping to make sure they have a smooth and efficient running practice. She has a wide range of duties from clients scheduling, meeting prep and follow up, to planning client events for all to enjoy. She is often the first-person clients see when they come to the office, always greeting them with a smile.

She has been married to Brett since 1995. They have two adult children and currently lives in Lakeville, MN (although she grew up in SE Washington State and has lived in Philadelphia, Boston, Kansas City and Washington DC over the years as well). Tina enjoys supporting her kids in their activities and sports, hiking, running outside and is learning to enjoy yoga! 

Theresa Janechek

Theresa has a driving passion to help others by utilizing her talents and gifts in a positive and impactful way. She enjoys helping with my marketing efforts, planning fun events for clients and providing an exceptional client experience. 

Theresa has lived in Woodbury with her husband Jeff since 1993. She enjoys hoping on her e-bike and going for a long ride with Jeff, volunteering, 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.

MEETING OPTIONS:
MEETING OPTIONS:

In Person | Virtual – Zoom | Phone

Lake Elmo Office

8519 Eagle Point Blvd Suite 102, Lake Elmo, MN 55042


Burnsville Office

3000 County Road 42, Suite 201, Burnsville, MN 55337



To schedule a complimentary consultation, select preferred option below:

Lake Elmo Office | In Burnsville Office | Zoom | Phone or call 651-287-9417

My qualifications
  • Masters in Business Administration
  • Fraternal Insurance Counselor
  • Retirement Income Certified Professional®
  • Series 7 - General Securities Representative
  • Series 63 - Licensed Securities Agent
  • Series 65 - Investment Adviser Representative
My state licenses
  • California(Insurance Lic. #0K47535)
  • Colorado
  • Florida
  • Massachusetts
  • Minnesota
  • Pennsylvania
  • South Dakota
  • Texas
  • Wisconsin

Insights

Insight image
Rapid advances in AI and semiconductor chips could reshape markets in the months ahead. Add an unsettled geopolitical landscape, and more surprises may be on the horizon. Learn what Thrivent Chief Investment Strategist Steve Lowe is watching: https://bit.ly/4eh5DWv
Insight image
A Multi-Year Guarantee Annuity™ allows you to lock in a guaranteed interest rate for a set period, making it a popular option for those looking to help add stability, predictable earnings, and reduced market uncertainty. Reach out if you'd like to discuss whether this type of solution could help support your retirement goals. For additional interest rates and other important information: https://bit.ly/4fIaSQk See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
Insight image
A Multi-Year Guarantee Annuity™ allows you to lock in a guaranteed interest rate for a set period, making it a popular option for those looking to help add stability, predictable earnings, and reduced market uncertainty. Reach out if you'd like to discuss whether this type of solution could help support your retirement goals. For additional interest rates and other important information: https://bit.ly/4qauUq7 See thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.

Join us at an upcoming event

We’d love to have the opportunity to meet you. We host financial workshops, volunteer opportunities and Thrivent market updates.
Grief Support - Resources to help navigate loss. image

Grief Support - Resources to help navigate loss.

Nov 1, 2026, 10:00 PM UTC - Dec 31, 2026, 6:59 AM UTC
Thrivent Member Benefit
Coping with grief and lossLosing 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 – EmpathyThrivent 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 MoreGrief Care – Infant Loss GrantThrivent 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 GrantTo learn about Empathy and the other grief member benefits we offer, click here.
Homethrive - For Caregivers image

Homethrive - For Caregivers

Nov 1, 2026, 10:00 PM UTC - Dec 31, 2026, 6:59 AM UTC
Thrivent Member Benefit
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 care 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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Office locations
Licensing is available through your State Insurance Department’s website, which can be located through the National Association of Insurance Commissioners website.

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

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

Thrivent provides advice and guidance through its Financial Planning Framework that generally includes a review and analysis of a client’s financial situation. A client may choose to further their planning engagement with Thrivent through its Dedicated Planning Services (an investment advisory service) that results in written recommendations for a fee.

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