Our team

Team member
Jeff Hatlevig
CFP®, ChFC®, FIC, RICP®
Wealth Advisor

As a financial professional licensed to offer advisory services, Jeff takes a comprehensive look at your financial landscape and crafts a plan to help ensure you're well positioned to reach your goals. He specializes in tax-efficient retirement and estate distribution strategies. Jeff has his Series 7 and 66 securities licenses and has been a financial professional at Thrivent since 2007. He earned his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM certification in 2012 and received his Bachelor of Science degree from Iowa State University in 2001.


Jeff is married to Angela, and has three children: Josie, Amelia and Landon. He enjoys spending time with family, golfing and boating, and is a member of Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines, Iowa.

States Licensed: AZ, CA Insurance Lic. #0I44009, CO, FL, IA, IL, MA, MN, MO, NC, ND, NE, OH, OK, OR, SC, SD, TN, UT, WI

About Jeff Hatlevig

As a financial professional licensed to offer advisory services, Jeff takes a comprehensive look at your financial landscape and crafts a plan to help ensure you're well positioned to reach your goals. He specializes in tax-efficient retirement and estate distribution strategies. Jeff has his Series 7 and 66 securities licenses and has been a financial professional at Thrivent since 2007. He earned his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM certification in 2012 and received his Bachelor of Science degree from Iowa State University in 2001.


Jeff is married to Angela, and has three children: Josie, Amelia and Landon. He enjoys spending time with family, golfing and boating, and is a member of Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines, Iowa.

States Licensed: AZ, CA Insurance Lic. #0I44009, CO, FL, IA, IL, MA, MN, MO, NC, ND, NE, OH, OK, OR, SC, SD, TN, UT, WI
Team member
Clark Arons
CLU®, FIC, CLTC®
Wealth Advisor

As a financial advisor, the most important gift we can offer our clients is financial clarity and confidence. The work we perform for our clients is based on what they need and want. We consistently consider their needs first and offer guidance and advice on many levels, as the client sees fit.


Clark spent his first 20 years of employment working in both the financial district and technology industry of Dallas, Texas. His former employers include IBM, ADP and Litton Industries. For the last 30 years, Clark has been with Thrivent, specializing in investment management, retirement financial strategies and estate planning.


Clark and his wife, Suzy, have two children, Amanda and Carrie. But wait, there is more—they have seven grandchildren: Tamrick, Kyler, Kamrin, Teranee, Tiana, TJ and Kade and two great grandchildren, Tyce and Towns. Yes, Clark and Suzy are big on family!


Favorite adage: “I don’t know, what I don’t know.” What better way to serve our clients than to provide them with the knowledge to solve the problems which they express.

States Licensed: AZ, CO, DC, FL, GA, IA, IL, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, NC, ND, NE, NM, NY, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, WI

About Clark Arons

As a financial advisor, the most important gift we can offer our clients is financial clarity and confidence. The work we perform for our clients is based on what they need and want. We consistently consider their needs first and offer guidance and advice on many levels, as the client sees fit.


Clark spent his first 20 years of employment working in both the financial district and technology industry of Dallas, Texas. His former employers include IBM, ADP and Litton Industries. For the last 30 years, Clark has been with Thrivent, specializing in investment management, retirement financial strategies and estate planning.


Clark and his wife, Suzy, have two children, Amanda and Carrie. But wait, there is more—they have seven grandchildren: Tamrick, Kyler, Kamrin, Teranee, Tiana, TJ and Kade and two great grandchildren, Tyce and Towns. Yes, Clark and Suzy are big on family!


Favorite adage: “I don’t know, what I don’t know.” What better way to serve our clients than to provide them with the knowledge to solve the problems which they express.

States Licensed: AZ, CO, DC, FL, GA, IA, IL, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, NC, ND, NE, NM, NY, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, WI
Team member
Joshua Faaborg
FIC
Practice Developer

Josh built a passion for personal finance and became an entrepreneur at an early age. He graduated from Wartburg College in 2009, earning a Bachelor of Business Administration degree, while also playing football. Josh has been with Thrivent for over 10 years with areas of focus in retirement planning, holistic financial plans and tax efficiency solutions. Josh believes the key to a successful plan is two-way trust. He serves clients in our Belmond, Ames and Johnston offices. 


Outside of his practice, Josh enjoys spending time with family and friends. He and his wife, Leigh, have been happily married for 11 years and reside in Belmond. They are proud parents of daughter, Zoey, and son, Ty. Josh is an avid golfer and volunteer for several local organizations. He has always had a passion for athletics, exercise and enjoying the outdoors. 

States Licensed: AZ, FL, IA, IL, KS, MN, MO, ND, NE, OH, OK

About Joshua Faaborg

Josh built a passion for personal finance and became an entrepreneur at an early age. He graduated from Wartburg College in 2009, earning a Bachelor of Business Administration degree, while also playing football. Josh has been with Thrivent for over 10 years with areas of focus in retirement planning, holistic financial plans and tax efficiency solutions. Josh believes the key to a successful plan is two-way trust. He serves clients in our Belmond, Ames and Johnston offices. 


Outside of his practice, Josh enjoys spending time with family and friends. He and his wife, Leigh, have been happily married for 11 years and reside in Belmond. They are proud parents of daughter, Zoey, and son, Ty. Josh is an avid golfer and volunteer for several local organizations. He has always had a passion for athletics, exercise and enjoying the outdoors. 

States Licensed: AZ, FL, IA, IL, KS, MN, MO, ND, NE, OH, OK
Team member
AJ Gordon
FIC, BFA™
Financial Advisor

AJ is proud to be a Thrivent financial professional. He provides personalized financial guidance to people at all stages of life. At Thrivent, we view money not as a goal, but as a tool—one that can afford you a life rich in meaning and gratitude. We believe humanity thrives when individuals make the most of all they've been given. AJ is here to help you do just that.


AJ and his wife, Regan, were married in August 2016. They met in college at Midland University in Fremont, Nebraska. Shortly after they began dating, AJ knew she was the one for him, and since then, God has blessed them beyond their wildest dreams. They each gained loving families and have made countless memories. They do have their differences; Regan is from Nebraska and AJ is from Iowa, and she is a Husker fan and he is a Hawkeye fan. But despite their differences, they complement each other wonderfully.


AJ and Regan are blessed with two children, Faye, born in May 2021, and Cal, born in August 2023. They love being Faye and Cal’s parents and know they have been tasked with loving them and raising them to be the best people they can be. AJ enjoys time together outside on family walks, spending time with friends and family, and attending different community events and sporting events.

States Licensed: CA Insurance Lic. #4293688, IA, KY, NE

About AJ Gordon

AJ is proud to be a Thrivent financial professional. He provides personalized financial guidance to people at all stages of life. At Thrivent, we view money not as a goal, but as a tool—one that can afford you a life rich in meaning and gratitude. We believe humanity thrives when individuals make the most of all they've been given. AJ is here to help you do just that.


AJ and his wife, Regan, were married in August 2016. They met in college at Midland University in Fremont, Nebraska. Shortly after they began dating, AJ knew she was the one for him, and since then, God has blessed them beyond their wildest dreams. They each gained loving families and have made countless memories. They do have their differences; Regan is from Nebraska and AJ is from Iowa, and she is a Husker fan and he is a Hawkeye fan. But despite their differences, they complement each other wonderfully.


AJ and Regan are blessed with two children, Faye, born in May 2021, and Cal, born in August 2023. They love being Faye and Cal’s parents and know they have been tasked with loving them and raising them to be the best people they can be. AJ enjoys time together outside on family walks, spending time with friends and family, and attending different community events and sporting events.

States Licensed: CA Insurance Lic. #4293688, IA, KY, NE
Team member
Katie Regan
FIC, RICP®
Financial Advisor

As a woman rooted in small town values, Katie takes great pleasure in helping people explore their financial options in this ever-changing world. She received her undergraduate degree from Iowa State University and went on to receive her Doctorate of Pharmacy degree from Creighton University. Her educational background and experience in a service-oriented world has helped to form Katie with a passion to help others.


In and through the busyness of life, Katie and her husband, Michael, find joy in supporting their children, Brooke, Nick and Jake, in their many activities. In her free time, Katie enjoys going on walks with the family dog, Ellie, reading, traveling and enjoying lake time with family and friends.

States Licensed: AR Insurance Lic. #18513156, AZ, CO, FL, IA, MN, MO, ND, OH, OK

About Katie Regan

As a woman rooted in small town values, Katie takes great pleasure in helping people explore their financial options in this ever-changing world. She received her undergraduate degree from Iowa State University and went on to receive her Doctorate of Pharmacy degree from Creighton University. Her educational background and experience in a service-oriented world has helped to form Katie with a passion to help others.


In and through the busyness of life, Katie and her husband, Michael, find joy in supporting their children, Brooke, Nick and Jake, in their many activities. In her free time, Katie enjoys going on walks with the family dog, Ellie, reading, traveling and enjoying lake time with family and friends.

States Licensed: AR Insurance Lic. #18513156, AZ, CO, FL, IA, MN, MO, ND, OH, OK
Team member
Matthew Heller
FIC, CLTC®
Financial Advisor

Matthew helps his clients define their financial goals and creates a roadmap to help achieve those goals while protecting against life’s unexpected events along the way. He has been with Thrivent since 2010, previously working in banking and as a bank examiner for the state of Iowa. Matthew received his Bachelor of Arts degree in finance and banking from Buena Vista University.


He has been married to his wife, Kim, for 12 years and they have two children: Bennett and Tessa. Matthew enjoys spending time with family and friends, attending his kids’ games and activities, and golfing. He is a volunteer coach for Ballard Little League.

States Licensed: AZ, CA Insurance Lic. #0I53961, FL, GA, IA, MN, MO, ND, NE, OH, TX

About Matthew Heller

Matthew helps his clients define their financial goals and creates a roadmap to help achieve those goals while protecting against life’s unexpected events along the way. He has been with Thrivent since 2010, previously working in banking and as a bank examiner for the state of Iowa. Matthew received his Bachelor of Arts degree in finance and banking from Buena Vista University.


He has been married to his wife, Kim, for 12 years and they have two children: Bennett and Tessa. Matthew enjoys spending time with family and friends, attending his kids’ games and activities, and golfing. He is a volunteer coach for Ballard Little League.

States Licensed: AZ, CA Insurance Lic. #0I53961, FL, GA, IA, MN, MO, ND, NE, OH, TX
Team member
John Hatlevig
BFA™
Financial Advisor

John provides comprehensive financial data gathering and review, retirement income distribution strategies, investment planning using appropriate asset allocation, and collaboration with your CPA and attorney, to bring clarity to your overall financial picture. He joined Thrivent in 2017, previously working as a developer and vice president in the technology industry. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in management information systems and business management from Luther College in 2000.


John married his high school sweetheart, Jen, in 2001. They have two children: James and Elle’, and a dog named Jingles. They are members of Lutheran Church Hope. In his free time, John enjoys water sports, downhill skiing, playing basketball, and chasing the kids to their next sporting event.

States Licensed: AZ, CA Insurance Lic. #4043187, FL, IA, MN, MO, NC, ND, NE, OH, SD, WI

About John Hatlevig

John provides comprehensive financial data gathering and review, retirement income distribution strategies, investment planning using appropriate asset allocation, and collaboration with your CPA and attorney, to bring clarity to your overall financial picture. He joined Thrivent in 2017, previously working as a developer and vice president in the technology industry. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in management information systems and business management from Luther College in 2000.


John married his high school sweetheart, Jen, in 2001. They have two children: James and Elle’, and a dog named Jingles. They are members of Lutheran Church Hope. In his free time, John enjoys water sports, downhill skiing, playing basketball, and chasing the kids to their next sporting event.

States Licensed: AZ, CA Insurance Lic. #4043187, FL, IA, MN, MO, NC, ND, NE, OH, SD, WI
Team member
Ryan Gerardy
CFP®, CEPA
Financial Advisor

Ryan mostly serves small business owners and families who are aspiring towards a work optional lifestyle. His holistic approach allows Ryan to be the quarterback for his clients’ financial decisions—so they can focus on what matters most. Ryan received his degree in business administration from Wartburg College.


Ryan married Amanda in 2012 and they have two girls, Autumn and Claire. He coaches his daughter’s softball team. In his free time, Ryan enjoys spending time with family, golf and the Iowa Hawkeyes.

States Licensed: AZ, CO, FL, IA, IL, LA, MN, MO, ND, NE, NM, PA, TN, TX, WI

About Ryan Gerardy

Ryan mostly serves small business owners and families who are aspiring towards a work optional lifestyle. His holistic approach allows Ryan to be the quarterback for his clients’ financial decisions—so they can focus on what matters most. Ryan received his degree in business administration from Wartburg College.


Ryan married Amanda in 2012 and they have two girls, Autumn and Claire. He coaches his daughter’s softball team. In his free time, Ryan enjoys spending time with family, golf and the Iowa Hawkeyes.

States Licensed: AZ, CO, FL, IA, IL, LA, MN, MO, ND, NE, NM, PA, TN, TX, WI
Team member
Alicia Spencer
Insurance Supt Associate

Alicia’s responsibilities include greeting clients, answering phones and providing service to clients in our Belmond office. She has an associate’s degree in business administration from Hamilton College.

 

Alicia has been married to her husband, David, for 18 years and they have two children, Nate and Lily. Her interests include spending time with family, camping, nature walks and reading.

States Licensed: IA

About Alicia Spencer

Alicia’s responsibilities include greeting clients, answering phones and providing service to clients in our Belmond office. She has an associate’s degree in business administration from Hamilton College.

 

Alicia has been married to her husband, David, for 18 years and they have two children, Nate and Lily. Her interests include spending time with family, camping, nature walks and reading.

States Licensed: IA
Team member
Kristin Meyer
Associate

Kristin provides client support and is the first point of contact for client questions, transactions, account changes and more. She has worked at Thrivent since 2015 and supports Pathway Wealth Advisors in all aspects of client service, and enjoys coming alongside clients and the team by supporting them in many ways. She received her Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Iowa in 2003.


Kristin is married to Nick, and they have two children, Madilyn and Logan. Kristin and her family attend Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines, IA and she is involved with volunteer activities that support John Stoddard Cancer Center. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, attending her kids’ activities, cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes, reading and enjoying the outdoors.

States Licensed: IA

About Kristin Meyer

Kristin provides client support and is the first point of contact for client questions, transactions, account changes and more. She has worked at Thrivent since 2015 and supports Pathway Wealth Advisors in all aspects of client service, and enjoys coming alongside clients and the team by supporting them in many ways. She received her Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Iowa in 2003.


Kristin is married to Nick, and they have two children, Madilyn and Logan. Kristin and her family attend Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines, IA and she is involved with volunteer activities that support John Stoddard Cancer Center. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, attending her kids’ activities, cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes, reading and enjoying the outdoors.

States Licensed: IA
Team member
Ruthann Cantile
FIC
Practice Supt Associate

After spending 14 years in higher education as a college hockey coach, adjunct professor and registrar, Ruthann joined the financial service industry and Thrivent in 2011. Her first role at Thrivent was serving as a financial rep for nearly 10 years and now she helps reps be most efficient. Ruthann handles all new business applications, fulfills all aspects of client service, including transactions. She graduated from Western Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science degree and from Minnesota State University with a Master of Science degree.


She and her husband, Deric, have three adult children, two granddogs and three grandcats. In her spare time, Ruthann enjoys coaching and playing ice hockey, traveling, boating, fishing, camping, biking, and board games with family and friends. She volunteers with the city of Cheboygan Parks and Recreation Department, the Cheboygan Area Hockey Association and Northern Ice Women’s Hockey.

States Licensed: IA, MI, MN

About Ruthann Cantile

After spending 14 years in higher education as a college hockey coach, adjunct professor and registrar, Ruthann joined the financial service industry and Thrivent in 2011. Her first role at Thrivent was serving as a financial rep for nearly 10 years and now she helps reps be most efficient. Ruthann handles all new business applications, fulfills all aspects of client service, including transactions. She graduated from Western Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science degree and from Minnesota State University with a Master of Science degree.


She and her husband, Deric, have three adult children, two granddogs and three grandcats. In her spare time, Ruthann enjoys coaching and playing ice hockey, traveling, boating, fishing, camping, biking, and board games with family and friends. She volunteers with the city of Cheboygan Parks and Recreation Department, the Cheboygan Area Hockey Association and Northern Ice Women’s Hockey.

States Licensed: IA, MI, MN
Team member
Tara Manson
Director of Dedicated Planning and Investment Operations

Tara joined Thrivent in 2019 and has worked in the financial industry since 2005. She works remotely and specializes in investments and paraplanning. Tara studied accounting and business management at North Iowa Area Community College. 


Tara is married to Cam, and they have one son together, Myles. Tara has a passion for serving youth, combating food insecurity, and animals. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, hiking, walking her two dogs (Stella and Tootsie), traveling, spending time with family and reading.


States Licensed: MN, ND

About Tara Manson

Tara joined Thrivent in 2019 and has worked in the financial industry since 2005. She works remotely and specializes in investments and paraplanning. Tara studied accounting and business management at North Iowa Area Community College. 


Tara is married to Cam, and they have one son together, Myles. Tara has a passion for serving youth, combating food insecurity, and animals. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, hiking, walking her two dogs (Stella and Tootsie), traveling, spending time with family and reading.


States Licensed: MN, ND
Team member
Gail White
Insurance Office Professional

Gail manages the Ames office, helping greet clients and assisting with service transactions. She has been with Thrivent for 16 years. Gail has been married to her husband, Rob, for 43 years and they have one daughter, Lacy. In her free time, Gail enjoys sewing, camping and restoring a 1958 VW Bug.

About Gail White

Gail manages the Ames office, helping greet clients and assisting with service transactions. She has been with Thrivent for 16 years. Gail has been married to her husband, Rob, for 43 years and they have one daughter, Lacy. In her free time, Gail enjoys sewing, camping and restoring a 1958 VW Bug.

Team member
Office Professional
Office Professional

Julie has been with Thrivent since 2018 as an office professional in our Bettendorf, Iowa office. Though this was a new opportunity at the time, she had a long-standing relationship with Thrivent, dating back to the days of Lutheran Brotherhood. Julie supports all aspects of client service in the Bettendorf office and enjoys interacting with and helping clients.

About Office Professional

Julie has been with Thrivent since 2018 as an office professional in our Bettendorf, Iowa office. Though this was a new opportunity at the time, she had a long-standing relationship with Thrivent, dating back to the days of Lutheran Brotherhood. Julie supports all aspects of client service in the Bettendorf office and enjoys interacting with and helping clients.