Chaz Black is proof that life’s detours can lead to purpose. A country kid from Ohio who hunted, fished, and trapped his way to Wheaton College to play football, Chaz never imagined his path would run through Hollywood before circling back to Wheaton for what he calls his “comeback tour.” After Chaz graduated from Wheaton with a Business/Economics degree, he did football stunts and celebrity training before he returned to coach football at Wheaton College.

Today, Chaz lives in Winfield with his wife, Hillary, and son Charles (IV), building a life centered on faith, family, and service. When he’s not portaging the Boundary Waters in Canada, you’ll find him tackling grueling fitness races, enjoying a carnivore diet (with a healthy side of pizza), and making sure his son is part of every adventure. Chaz and Hillary love being engaged with their community, family, and friends, but equally love a quiet night on the couch with a good show.

At Thrivent, Chaz is passionate about empowering clients’ generosity, achieving clarity for dizzied pre-retired and retired sojourners, equipping churches and not-for-profits to thrive financially and helping business owners realize the potential in what they’ve built.

For Chaz, success means serving and encouraging others-a stadium with unlimited end zones.

Sam Roller is a Financial Advisor committed to helping individuals, families, churches, non-profits, and business owners make confident financial decisions grounded in clarity, purpose, and long-term stewardship. His approach is shaped by a diverse professional background—spanning higher education at Moody Bible Institute, mortgage lending with D.R. Horton, and now personalized financial planning at Thrivent—which allows him to guide clients through complex financial decisions while keeping their values and priorities at the center.

Sam lives in Hampshire, Illinois with his wife, Ava, their three children—Avery, Henry, and Kennedy—and their dog, Piper. He enjoys gathering with family and friends around a bonfire, playing the occasional round of golf, and staying actively involved in his church and local community.

At the heart of Sam’s work is a passion for walking alongside clients in life’s most meaningful financial seasons—helping young families establish a strong foundation, guiding pre-retirees into a confident transition, and equipping retirees to navigate tax-efficient strategies and create a lasting legacy for the next generation.

Sam believes that true financial guidance goes beyond numbers—it’s about serving people well, leading with integrity, and making a lasting impact.

Dan is passionate about not leaving any individual where they are, but coming alongside them and encouraging growth to reach their fullest potential.

Dan has served with Thrivent for many years wearing many different hats.

Now being a part of the Grove Financial Group, Dan is utilizing his financial advisor hat to make connections with others and serve them well.

He brings a relationship-focused, team-oriented approach to financial advice. He believes in being intentional, staying disciplined, and helping people move forward with confidence. Outside of work, Dan enjoys staying active with his kids, Golfing, and spending time with family and friends.

Eric Christopherson is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional with The Grove Financial Group in Wheaton, Illinois. Raised just next door in Batavia, Eric graduated from Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Illinois. He began his career at Thrivent, serving families in the Chicago suburbs, before he and his wife, Grace, a fourth-year medical student, relocated to West Virginia for several years while she pursued her medical training. Now working with clients in over 15 states, Eric focuses on bringing simplicity and clarity to complex decisions, building practical plans that align money with what matters most.

Eric is most passionate about helping pre-retirees with tax-efficient planning, guiding graduate students in managing significant debt, and partnering with small business owners. Outside of work, Eric values his faith, family, and serving his community. You’ll often find him and his wife out golfing or exploring with their golden retriever, Blue.

I joined The Grove Financial Group because I feel deeply called to serve others with excellence and to create meaningful connections. My background as both a small business owner and a mom of three has shaped how I approach my work- with energy, a “get it done” attitude, and a passion of connecting others to solutions.

Faith and family are at the center of my life. I’m a passionate follower of Jesus, wife to my college sweetheart Allan, and mom to three wonderful kids who keep me busy cheering from the sidelines, celebrating recitals, and enjoying time together. Assisting Chaz and Eric in this role allows me to use my skills and experiences to support our clients and team, making sure each person feels cared for and valued.

Bradley Kuehn is a Thrivent financial professional who provides personalized financial guidance to individuals and families at every stage of life. Based in the Bartlett community, he serves clients throughout the Northwest and Western suburbs of Chicago, as well as Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

With more than 30 years of experience in the banking industry, Brad background brings insight, depth, clarity, and perspective to every client relationship.

Brad believes money is not the goal, but a tool—one that supports a life rich in meaning and gratitude. He finds great fulfillment in helping young families establish strong financial foundations, protect against unexpected setbacks, and create clear strategies for long‑term success. For pre-retirees and retirees, he focuses on retirement and estate planning strategies tailored to their individual goals and circumstances.

Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his children and grandchildren, sharing in their active lifestyles, laughter, and friendships.

Brad firmly believes humanity thrives when individuals make the most of all they’ve been given—and he is dedicated to helping clients do exactly that.

Christina Mittlestaedt serves as an Office Professional, bringing a proactive approach to client service, team collaboration, and office operations. She is committed to fostering efficient processes and meaningful connections that support organizational success. Through her dedication to excellence and attention to detail, Christina helps create an environment where both clients and colleagues feel supported and valued.

Outside of the office, Christina values faith, family, and meaningful relationships, and she brings that same servant-hearted approach to her work each day.