"To take a journey one must begin with Step 1." 

I love this quote... when we need to get started it seems that often the fear of the unknown paralyzes us...sometimes where we never even take step one.  

I am grateful that I have been on many journeys in my life that have often been surrounded with loving people to hold me up.  

Growing up with my parents and two older siblings in Winona I was encouraged to "go for it" (whatever "it" may have been... a new sport or traveling to other countries...). I am thankful that I had support for each one. In the beginning it was mainly my parents and siblings...as I got older there were also many friends and mentors. Now, today with my career and my most important journey as husband to Carrie and dad to Christian, Nora and Gracie, I feel that I am always part of a team. Along the way I've had a support system, whether I knew it or not.   

I've found that I also love joining others alongside their journey where I can pass along support. Relationships of trust and honesty are very important to me. I value the people in my life and I am thrilled when I can help others in their lives... no matter where they are: step one, halfway through or towards the final steps...it's truly an honor to be able to help and support.   

This is one reason I love my role at Thrivent. I get to be part of the support system for many who range in age from 2 weeks old to 97 years young! The confidence that people have placed in me to help and support them means so much. 

I am motivated by being part of a community. Organizing a cribbage tournament for the VETERANS HONOR FLIGHT, emceeing a local 5k race for suicide awareness, or hosting the Jingle Bells Telethon each Christmas season for families that could use a hand up during the holidays makes me feel like I'm serving my purpose. 

Our family enjoys friendly competition during our game nights. My wife Carrie and I also love to support our kids in their adventures and activities...whether that's watching Christian at a mountain bike race, Nora booting a soccer ball, or Gracie going in for a layup in hoops. I'm excited to see where our support leads them. 

What can I do to help and support you?

Schedule time with Tim Urness:

In-Person-- Thrivent Office

Online via ZOOM-- ZOOM

I grew up outside Battle Lake in west central MN. We owned the local drugstore where I learned at an early age the importance of working together and building relationships. When I started working at the drugstore, my mom stressed the importance of getting to know our customers and calling people by name. Names are a part of who we are and our story. I found that I enjoy getting to listen to people’s stories…we all have one, each is unique and each allows us the opportunity to learn something new and to help understand a little more of people's "why." For most of our clients their "why" revolves around their families, careers, and how they choose to spend their downtime. Building solid relationships is the foundation of what we do. 

My journey to Thrivent was inspired by my experience as an elementary teacher for ten years. I wanted to use my education background to help others make wise financial decisions that make a difference for their families and their future. Losing both of my biological parents by the time I was 23 years old gave me the conviction to make sure that families have a solid financial plan in place. It is also important that people have a plan. It doesn’t have to be rigid or perfect, but a path that starts with sound advice and finding clarity and the confidence that those you cherish most will be taken care of. 

I have four girls in my life who are my world. My wife Lacey and our three daughters Maddie, Kenley, and Ella. We live in Alexandria and enjoy spending time in the Battle Lake area in the summertime where we fish, swim, boat, and enjoy campfires at night. The Severson crew is up for adventures. Some of our past adventures have been a "mystery" road trip to the state of Washington, an RV trip to the Michigan UP, and trips to some of Minnesota's state parks. We are also big MN Twins and MN Vikings fans. Lacey and I bond over fantasy football and watching NFL games (she is probably a bigger football fan than I am). Maddie, Kenley, and Ella are all in dance and I guess I am as well, being a "dancing Dad" the last 10+ years. Kenley also plays basketball and Maddie plays volleyball while Ella is in softball. Lacey and I enjoy the adventure that is parenthood! 

"The most important things in life aren't things."- Anthony J. D'Angelo 

Schedule time with John Severson:

Schedule ZOOM

Schedule at Thrivent Office

Growing up in Loman, a very small town near International Falls, I realized that I needed to quit being so shy and go somewhere new. So after high school, I moved to Detroit Lakes to further my education and found myself beginning a journey in healthcare. Starting out as a CNA, I learned some very important life skills—relationship building, compassion and the power of simple kindness... and that it's ok to talk to people you don't know! Upon moving to Alexandria, working a variety of roles in a hospital allowed for more connections and opportunities to meet many wonderful people and families. It's a privilege to care for others and the relationships that developed were very special and unforgettable. Being able to help someone makes me feel like my work is meaningful. 

This journey led me to Thrivent. I made a tough decision to completely change my career path (or so I thought) and joined Tim and John in October of 2019. I found that all of the experience I had in caregiving, relationship building, and many other skills I used in the healthcare world align very well in my new role. My favorite part of this team is that even though we are all quite different, all three of us have a strong desire to do the right thing. This means that I can continue to lead with compassion, I can continue to help others, and I can continue building relationships... which feels like I'm right where I need to be.   

My husband Cord and I have been blessed with three spirited children—Brody, Hawken and Wrenna. We enjoy watching our boys play hockey and soon enough our little girl will be keeping up with them! We even build a small rink in our backyard each winter. And we truly love where we live! This area provides many opportunities to enjoy time spent with family, friends and wonderful neighbors. We also enjoy making memories way up north at my family cabin on Rainy Lake (my little slice of heaven).  

I provide organization and planning support to Tim & John and I love learning new ways to help our clients and our team. 

Meet Lynn……..Lynn joined the team in May 2021 to provide front office support. Her warm smile, kind demeanor, knowledge and experience are the perfect addition to our team.

Lynn and her husband, Brad, moved to Alexandria in 2019 to enjoy their “pre-retirement” years. Lynn also assists her husband with their retail business of buying and selling antiques and collectibles. They currently sell their items in the local antique stores in downtown Alex. They enjoy living near the Central Lakes Trail, walking and biking, and the summer concerts offered by RWAC and Legacy of the Lakes. Stop in sometime and say hi!

Janet grew up in Montevideo and enjoyed camping in the Alexandria area as a child and as an adult. She and her husband Kevin loved the area so much they moved here in 1996!

She became a professional clown in 1998… many have known her as Giggles the Clown or more recently as Clueless the Balloon Twister. She entertains at many events in the area – fairs, festivals, company picnics, walks and more.

We enjoy Janet’s upbeat personality and her drive to jump in and get stuff done. Janet joined the team in April 2022 as our front office counterpart to Lynn and has wowed us with her wide range of knowledge and her positive energy.