About Ryan Bartel

I grew up in a small town in Southeastern Minnesota, where values like hard work, honesty, and looking out for your neighbor weren’t just taught—they were part of everyday life. That kind of upbringing really shaped how I see the world and how I approach the work I do today.

I moved to Grand Forks to attend the University of North Dakota, originally planning to become a teacher. I’ve always loved helping people learn and feel more confident, and for a few years, that meant working as a paraprofessional in elementary and middle school classrooms. During that time, I also found myself drawn to personal finance. I saw how many people around me—friends, family, coworkers—felt overwhelmed or uncertain when it came to money, and I realized I wanted to be someone who could help make things clearer and less stressful.

That’s what led me to financial advising. I get to blend my passion for teaching with my interest in finance, and more importantly, I get to walk alongside people as they make big decisions about their future. I care deeply about building real relationships and making sure the people I work with feel heard, supported, and informed—not just given a plan, but truly understanding it. Whether you’re starting from scratch or facing a major life change, I aim to be a calm, steady presence you can rely on.

Outside of work, I try to live out the same balance I help my clients work toward. I’m married to my amazing wife, Elise, and we have a dog named Diggs who keeps life interesting. We love getting outdoors—hiking, biking, camping, or just enjoying some fresh air. I’m also a lifelong sports fan and rarely miss a chance to cheer on UND or catch a Vikings, Wild, Wolves, or Twins game.

At the end of the day, I simply enjoy connecting with people and helping them feel more confident about their path forward—financially and otherwise. It’s a privilege to do this work, and I’m grateful for every opportunity to be part of someone’s journey.

Licenses and Education

Bachelors degree in General Studies from the University of North Dakota

ND state Life & Health Insurance

Securities Industry Essentials (SIE)

General Securities Representative (S7)

Uniform Combined State Law (S63)

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.

Thrivent is the marketing name for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Insurance products issued by Thrivent. Not available in all states. Securities and investment advisory services offered through Thrivent Investment Management Inc., a registered investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC, and a subsidiary of Thrivent. Licensed agent/producer of Thrivent. Registered representative of Thrivent Investment Management, Inc. thrivent.com/privacy-and-security/disclosures.

Insurance products, securities and investment advisory services are provided by appropriately appointed and licensed financial advisors and professionals. Only individuals who are financial advisors are credentialed to provide investment advisory services. Visit Thrivent.com or FINRA’s Broker Check for more information about our financial advisors.

Designations

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

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization's initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.