"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 Tim 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

Life’s journey is interesting. Like many teenagers, I didn’t have a perfectly mapped-out “when I grow up” plan. I assumed I’d land somewhere in business or finance—until I took an unexpected turn and pursued a medical administrative degree. Looking back, the common thread makes sense: I’ve always been driven to help others. I just needed a little time (and experience) to grow into that role with confidence.Originally from the International Falls area, I spent nine years in Detroit Lakes before finding my home in Alexandria in 2009. Each step of this path helped shape who I am today—and ultimately guided me from a 17-year career in healthcare to a fulfilling role with Thrivent.When I joined Tim Urness and John Severson in 2019 as an office manager, it felt like starting over. I brought strong experience in office management, process development, and caregiving—but very little knowledge of financial services. It didn’t take long to realize the mission hadn’t changed—just the setting. Helping families navigate their future is simply another way to live out that same purpose.My background in both long-term care settings and a rural hospital system gave me a strong foundation for this work. What I value most about our team is that, while we each bring different strengths, we share a commitment to doing what’s right. That allows me to continue to lead with compassion, build meaningful relationships, and help clients plan for what matters most—right where I’m meant to be.That passion led me to earn my life and health insurance license in 2020, followed by my Investment Advisor Representative license in early 2025. Building on what we started in 2019, I enjoy delivering guidance that aligns with the unique situations, values and goals of our clients tailored to each stage of life.Outside of work, life stays busy and fun with my husband, Cord, and our three energetic kids—Brody, Hawken, and Wrenna (affectionately known as “my little weirdos”). Whether we’re at the lake, riding ATV, spending time with family and great neighbors, or cheering at the hockey rink (yes, all three play), we make the most of every season—especially at our family cabin on Rainy Lake. Schedule a meeting with Julie Anderson

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.