"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 a meeting with Timothy Urness

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 ladies in my life who are my world. I live in Alexandria with my wife Lacey and our daughters Maddie, Kenley and Ella. We also have two female doodles, Willow and Maple, that make me way outnumbered at home. We enjoy spending our summer weekends in the Battle Lake area where we swim, boat, fish, and have campfires at night. We are big MN sports fans and follow the Vikings, Timberwolves and Twins closely. Maddie, Kenley and Ella are all in dance and I love being a "dance dad." Maddie also plays volleyball. Lacey and I enjoy the adventure that is parenting teenagers!

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

Schedule a meeting with John Severson

When I was young and thinking about “what do I wanna be when I grow up,” I initially thought I would do something financial or business in nature… then I changed my mind and pursued a medical administrative degree. Looking back, I realize it was because deep down my purpose is to help others. Born and raised near Int’l Falls, spending nine years in Detroit Lakes after graduation, then finding my home in the Alexandria area in 2009 has all been part of my journey to who I am today. This also led me to change my path from over 17 years in healthcare to the financial world.

I thought I was starting over when I joined Tim Urness and John Severson as an office assistant helping them reorganize and build our team in 2019. I had a lot of experience with office work and developing processes, but none with financial services. It wasn’t long before I realized that we are still helping others, just in a different way. And the experience I gained in taking care of a variety of people while working in a variety of roles in a nursing home as well as a position that crossed over into almost every department of a rural hospital system provided a strong foundation to continue with my purpose in this new space. My favorite part of this team is that even though we are all quite different, we all 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.

Being part of this team motivated me to obtain my life & health insurance license in 2020 and later finishing my securities licenses in early 2025. Building on what we started in 2019, I am excited to do the important work of delivering guidance that aligns with our clients’ own unique situations, values and goals.

Away from the office, my three little blessings keep me and my husband Cord very busy. Brody, Hawken and Wrenna all love being outdoors and on the lakes, riding ATV, hanging out with our awesome neighbors and our wonderful families, hunting, fishing and spending time at my family cabin on Rainy Lake! Oh, and did I mention hockey?!? Yep, we are a hockey family and loving it!

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.