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
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.
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.
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®
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.
Meet My Team
Minneapolis Office
Voyageur Consultants
- Title
Team Practice
- Location
Burnsville Office Location 3000 Country Road 42, Ste. 201, Burnsville, MN 55337
- Website
- https://connect.thrivent.com/voyageur-consultants
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!
- Title
Office Professional
- Phone
- 952-277-2620
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.
- Title
Marketing Coordinator