About Pathfinder Consultants

At Pathfinder Consultants, we focus on building relationships with everyone we meet with so we can customize a plan to help meet your goals. From protecting families with life insurance, investing for the future, drawing an incoming in retirement, using tax-advantage strategies, to planning how you want to leave your legacy, we are able to provide financial advice that's important to you.

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Our Work in the Community

  • Heavily involved with hosting fundraiser-benefits for various not-for-profit organizations, through our involvement with local events, churches and school auctions.
  • Offering of free educational workshops and events applicable for individuals spanning across various stages of life.
  • Proud sponsor of 2024 Plymouth Ice Festival (Plymouth, MI), Sounds and Sights Festival (Chelsea, MI), and Habitat for Humanity of Greater Plymouth.
  • Ambassador, Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce, Plymouth Community Chamber of Commerce, and Canton Area Chamber of Commerce.

Plymouth Office

Eric VanHevel

Eric VanHevel

FIC

Book a meeting with Eric VanHevel - Plymouth

Book a meeting with Eric VanHevel - Chelsea

Book a meeting with Eric VanHevel - ZOOM

Raised in a Christian family and educated in a Christian school from kindergarten through 12th grade, Eric continued his academic journey at Central Michigan University. After earning his degree, he began a 15-year career in public service, working within various municipalities. In 2014, feeling a strong sense of calling to serve others in a more personal and impactful way, Eric transitioned to his role as a Financial Consultant with Thrivent. Reflecting on that decision, he considers it the most rewarding move of his professional life. Today, he is grateful for the daily opportunity to connect with individuals and guide them through their financial journeys with wisdom and care.

Title

Financial Consultant

State(s) Licensed
AZ , CA Insurance Lic. #4341597 , FL , IA , IL , MA , MI , MN , NC , OH , SD , TN , TX , WI
Location

1250 S Main St. Chelsea, MI 48118

Website
https://connect.thrivent.com/eric-vanhevel
Phone
734-385-7435
Jay Kempf

Jay Kempf

CFP®, CLU®, FIC, RICP®, CLTC®, CEPA

Book a meeting with Jay Kempf - Plymouth

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Jay began his career in the financial industry in 2000 and joined Thrivent in early 2004. With a strong commitment to professional growth, he earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification in 2012. As a Financial Consultant and Million Dollar Round Table* member, Jay especially values the opportunity to help couples and individuals develop personalized strategies for a confident and fulfilling retirement.

Jay and his beloved wife, Kathy, reside in Whitmore Lake, Michigan. Outside of his professional work, he enjoys spending time outdoors—cutting firewood, gardening, and making maple syrup.

*Million Dollar Round Table is an association of more than 62,000 of the world's leading life insurance and financial services professionals who demonstrate exceptional professional knowledge, strict ethical conduct and outstanding client service.

Title

Associate Financial Advisor

State(s) Licensed
FL , MI , MN , OH , WI
Location

9450 S Main St. Plymouth, MI 48170

Website
https://connect.thrivent.com/jay-kempf
Phone
734-455-9272
    Jeremiah Merkau

    Jeremiah Merkau

    FIC

    Book a meeting with Jeremiah Merkau - Chelsea

    Book a meeting with Jeremiah Merkau - Plymouth

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    Book a meeting with Jeremiah Merkau - Genesee Cnty

    Jeremiah is an Associate with Thrivent, dedicated to serving individuals and families with financial guidance rooted in purpose. A proud resident of Genesee County for over a decade, he is deeply committed to the well-being of his local community. Outside of work, Jeremiah enjoys spending his free time on the golf course or out on the water boating.

    Title

    Associate

    State(s) Licensed
    MI
    Website
    https://connect.thrivent.com/jeremiah-merkau
    Phone
    734-455-9272
      Dan Nickodemus

      Dan Nickodemus

      MBA, CFP®, FIC

      Book a meeting with Dan Nickodemus - Chelsea

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      Book a meeting with Dan Nickodemus - Zoom

      Dan is a financial consultant with Thrivent and has been serving clients for over 30 years. He is also actively involved in his community, serving on several boards and holding an officer position at Historic Trinity Lutheran Church in Detroit.

      Title

      Financial Consultant

      State(s) Licensed
      CA Insurance Lic. #0F82248 , MI
      Website
      https://connect.thrivent.com/daniel-nickodemus
      Phone
      734-385-7435
        Cody Borke

        Cody Borke

        FIC

        Cody joined Thrivent in 2022, bringing with him valuable experience from the legal field and a desire to make a more personal impact by working directly with individuals. His education began with a foundation in Christian schooling and continued at Western Michigan University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree and later obtained his Life, Health, and Securities licenses. Cody is proud to be part of a team dedicated to delivering personalized financial strategies that align with each client's unique goals and values. Outside of work, he enjoys staying active and participating in a variety of sports throughout the year.

        Book a meeting with Cody Borke - Plymouth

        Book a meeting with Cody Borke - Zoom

        Title

        Associate

        State(s) Licensed
        MI
        Website
        https://connect.thrivent.com/cody-borke
        Phone
        734-455-9272
          Monica William

          Monica William

          Book a meeting with Monica William - Plymouth

          Book a meeting with Monica William - Zoom

          Monica joined Thrivent in 2024, bringing a strong background in ministry through her work with The United Methodist Church. Guided by a deep sense of calling, she is committed to equipping individuals with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to make sound financial decisions. Monica is especially passionate about empowering women and clergy to develop holistic strategies that support long-term well-being and success. She holds degrees from the University of Michigan and Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary and embraces lifelong learning as a core value. Actively engaged in her community, Monica serves through the Greater West Bloomfield Faith & Community Alliance and the West Bloomfield Police Department, advocating for campus ministry and hunger relief. A dedicated mother of three school-age children, she enjoys running, gardening, music, boating—and occasionally, a moment of stillness.

          Title

          Associate

          State(s) Licensed
          MI
          Website
          https://connect.thrivent.com/monica-william
          Phone
          248-560-6556
            Laura Goodman

            Laura Goodman

            Deeply rooted in the Lutheran community from birth, Laura and her family have long been connected with faith-based organizations such as the Aid Association of Lutherans, Lutheran Brotherhood, and Thrivent. She takes great pride in Thrivent’s commitment to generosity within communities, churches, and Christian schools—a core value that defines the company and resonates personally with her.

            Fully licensed in life, health, and securities, Laura is dedicated to delivering exceptional service to her clients. Working alongside Pathfinder Financial Consultants, she looks forward to partnering with you to achieve your financial goals and philanthropic aspirations.

            Title

            Practice Supt Associate

            State(s) Licensed
            MI
            Phone
            734-455-9272
              Emma Goodman

              Emma Goodman

              Having been immersed in Lutheran education from preschool through 12th grade, Emma has been acquainted with Thrivent for much of her life. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and brings a diverse professional background, including seven years of experience in the banking industry. Emma is enthusiastic about contributing to a company she knows and values.

              As a licensed Practice Support Associate in Securities, Life, and Health, she is well-equipped to assist both clients and financial advisors with a wide range of needs. Emma looks forward to supporting clients in achieving their long-term financial goals.

              Title

              Practice Supt Associate

              State(s) Licensed
              MI
              Location

              9450 S Main St. Plymouth, MI 48170

              Phone
              734-385-7435
                Rachael Byers

                Rachael Byers

                Rachael joined Thrivent in 2025, bringing a strong foundation in client service and a heart for faith-based community. She grew up in a strong Christian community and earned her associate’s degree in business from Concordia University in Ann Arbor. She is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business management and data analysis through Liberty University, a Christian university based in Virginia.

                As an office professional, Rachael is committed to delivering exceptional support to both clients and the Pathfinder Financial Consultants team. Her warm, detail-oriented approach helps ensure that every client interaction is thoughtful, efficient, and rooted in care.

                Outside of work, Rachael enjoys spending time with family, serving in her local church, and continuing her education as she grows in both her career and faith.

                Title

                Office Professional

                  Michell King

                  Michell King

                  Michell is a valued team member specializing in remote support. As a familiar and trusted voice frequently assisting clients, she manages appointment scheduling for the Pathfinder Financial Consultants team. Additionally, Michell prepares client appointment materials to ensure financial advisors are fully equipped for each meeting.

                  Title

                  Office Professional

                  Phone
                  (734) 927-3484
                    Whitney Small

                    Whitney Small

                    Whitney is a digital marketing specialist who expertly plans, develops, and executes integrated campaigns across multiple digital channels and social media platforms. Her primary focus is driving brand awareness and promoting our services and products through strategic email marketing and targeted social media initiatives.

                    Residing in North Carolina’s tri-city region, Whitney makes her home in North Carolina’s tri-city region with her husband Ryan, their one-year-old son, and their English Cream Golden Retriever. A native of Ohio, Whitney holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from The Ohio State University. She and Ryan’s shared passion for competitively showing quarter horses brought them together. Whitney is also deeply committed to supporting and advocating for a variety of nonprofit organizations.

                    Title

                    Office Professional