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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

September 2026 Market Update: Healthy growth sends stocks to new highs
September 2026 Market Update: Healthy growth sends stocks to new highsMarkets continue to navigate a mix of opportunities and challenges. Strong earnings, AI-driven investment and a resilient labor market supported equities, while higher interest rates remain a key consideration for investors. Learn more in Thrivent's September Market Update. ⬇️
Insight image
We all have plenty of time left…until we don’t. Whether it’s months, years, or decades from now, life can change in an instant — for you, a loved one, or a client. And we all want to avoid a frustrating end-of-life scavenger hunt. There are three options to attend this webinar: Legacy Living: Conversations Worth Having Now Sept. 29 at 11:30 am or 6:30pm CT Sept. 30 at 8:30pm CT Register: tinyurl.com/5xf5wacp No products will be sold. Speakers are not affiliated with Thrivent. Views are their own. See thrivent.com/social for additional disclosures.
Your super catch-up window is here
Your super catch-up window is hereBetween ages 60 and 63, you may have an exclusive opportunity to contribute more to your retirement through the super catch-up provision. This means you can: • See if you qualify and how much extra you may be eligible to contribute. • Understand the factors that may influence this decision. • Evaluate if contributing more—or another strategy—makes the most sense for your goals. Learn more about how this limited-time option could help you make the most of your retirement savings if this option is available to you. ⬇️
Join us at an upcoming eventWe’d love to have the opportunity to meet you. We host financial workshops, volunteer opportunities and Thrivent market updates.
Legacy Living: Conversations Worth Having Now image
Legacy Living: Conversations Worth Having NowSep 29, 2026, 4:30 PM UTC - Oct 1, 2026, 1:30 AM UTC
Online Webinar
We all have plenty of time left…until we don’t.Whether it’s months, years, or decades from now, life can change in an instant — for you, a loved one, or a client. And we all want to avoid a frustrating end-of-life scavenger hunt.Closure Mapping helps bring peace of mind — and powerful outcomes.Use our bite-sized approach to create your own unique “Closure Map” to ensure your plans and wishes are honored. This interactive guide walks you through 40 steps — some tactical, some nostalgic, all customizable to your unique situation.There are three options to attend this webinar:Sept. 29 at 11:30 am or 6:30pm CTSept. 30 at 8:30pm CTNo products will be sold. Speakers are not affiliated with Thrivent. Views are their own. See thrivent.com/social for additional disclosures.
Purposeful Legacy with John Busacker image
Purposeful Legacy with John BusackerOct 15, 2026, 10:30 PM UTC - Oct 16, 2026, 12:30 AM UTC
Brackett's Crossing Country Club | 17976 Judicial Road, Lakeville, Minnesota 55044
You built your legacy. Now share its story.During Purposeful Legacy, author and leadership coach John Busacker will help you examine your story and explore how you can communicate your legacy’s purpose with wisdom and grace. Sharing your vision with future generations is important, so don’t miss this opportunity to learn how. Register Below!No products will be sold.John Busacker is not affiliated with or endorsed by Thrivent. The views expressed in this presentation by John Busacker are their own and not necessarily those of Thrivent or its affiliates.Thrivent is the marketing name for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Insurance products issued by Thrivent. Not available in all states. Licensed agent/producer of Thrivent. Thrivent.com/disclosures.7095136.1N10-24
View all events
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