About Third Coast Group

Third Coast Group is a team of Financial Professionals who are willing and able to help you with all your personal financial planning and dedicated planning needs. Most of the time, it is difficult and overwhelming to handle or search for Financial Guidance, Strategies and Clarity by yourself. Sometimes, even with the help of the internet, it can even be very stressful and overwhelming!


Now it is time to put that all behind you! With our team, whether it's assisting you in wealth accumulation, wealth management, or wealth transfer strategies, we focus on the client as a whole! We take the time to get to know you, understand your personal financial goals, and educate before any decisions or actions are taken. We want you to feel comfortable to leave your worries in our hands!


We are a group of individuals who provide personalized financial guidance to people at all stages of life. Each of us is a qualified and licensed professional in our field and can help provide top notch service and advice through a process not a product.


During this process, we are here to answer any and all questions that you may have along the way. These questions may be, “How much do I need to retire?” Or “How much Life insurance do I Need?” or maybe even “What is the Difference between a Fixed Annuity and a Variable Annuity?" Don’t worry! We are here to help clear up your questions and provide you with the Advice, Knowledge and products that you need to achieve Financial Clarity.

Impacting Lives Near and Far

  • Operation Care, a ministry of Family Christian Center in Munster, Indiana
  • Annual Valentine's Day Widows' and Widowers' Brunch
  • Thrivent Action Teams
  • Thrivent Communities - Document Sheading Event
  • Thrivent Communities - Salvation Army Packing
  • Lansing Lions Club
  • St. Paul Lutheran Church in Munster, IN.
  • St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lansing, IL.
  • Humane Indiana, Dyer IN
  • Love INC of Greater Hammond
  • PASS, Lansing & Tinley Park
  • Welcome Network, Hammond, IN
Eric Himmel

Eric Himmel

MBA, CFP®

Eric has been a dedicated professional in the financial services industry since 2012, spending his entire career with Thrivent. In 2017, he founded the Third Coast Group at Thrivent to enhance the service and support he provides to clients. After earning his CFP® designation in 2023, Eric focuses on helping individuals and couples make informed financial & investment decisions, emphasizing a strategic approach that considers cash flow, asset location, and tax implications. Outside of work, Eric enjoys golfing when the weather permits and plays basketball when it doesn't. He also cherishes quality time with his wife, Jasmin.

Title

Financial Consultant

State(s) Licensed
AZ, CA Insurance Lic. #0I11525 , IA, IL, IN, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NV, SC, TN, TX, WI,
Website
https://connect.thrivent.com/eric-himmel
Phone
219-627-3371
    Jason Gena

    Jason Gena

    FIC, RICP®

    Through his experiences working with professionals, individuals in and approaching retirement, and young families, Jason has learned that the word "money" has different meanings for different people. One thing that Jason has found, however, is that there is one commonality for everyone when it comes to money: being intentional when it comes to money can have a life changing impact for them, their future, and family. When working with clients, Jason uses an effective three step process: Goal Understanding, Cooperative Plan Collaboration, and Strategy Implementation. In his spare time, Jason enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters, coaching his daughters' basketball and softball teams, and being an active member of his church. Jason has been working for Thrivent since 2016.

    Title

    Financial Advisor

    State(s) Licensed
    AK, CO, IL, IN, MO, OH, SC,
    Website
    https://connect.thrivent.com/jason-gena
    Phone
    219-627-3371
      Melissa Eggleston

      Melissa Eggleston

      Melissa went to Indiana University Northwest. After 5 years in retail management and 6 years in banking she transitioned into her role here at Thrivent. She was a ballet dancer and a gymnast for 15 years, so she has a solid foundation and understanding of leadership, teamwork and how important it is to work together. She puts her all into her work and building genuine connections and relationships with the clients that she works with. When she’s not working, she enjoys spending time with her family and close friends. She loves traveling and going to basketball games as often as she can! She also enjoys volunteering, making sure she can give back to the community is very important to her. 

      Title

      Financial Associate

      State(s) Licensed
      IL, IN,
      Website
      https://connect.thrivent.com/melissa-eggleston
      Phone
      219-226-5924
        Gavin Gescheidler

        Gavin Gescheidler

        Gavin graduated from Indiana University Northwest in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a minor in Marketing. He joined the Third Coast Group in 2022 as a licensed insurance agent, bringing with him a background in sales from his previous role at a local KIA dealership. This experience has fostered his passion for working with people and his commitment to putting a smile on everyone’s face.

        At TCG, Gavin helps young professionals, car enthusiasts, business owners, and individuals at various stages of life develop personalized plans to achieve their goals. His excellent time management skills, both in and out of the office, are a valuable asset to the team.

        In his free time, Gavin enjoys golfing, working out, attending sporting events, cycling, riding his motorcycle, and spending time with family and friends, especially with his girlfriend, Ariana.

        Title

        Financial Advisor

        State(s) Licensed
        IL, IN,
        Website
        https://connect.thrivent.com/gavin-gescheidler
        Phone
        219-627-3371
          Mike Corson

          Mike Corson

          Title

          Financial Advisor

          State(s) Licensed
          CO, FL, HI, IL, IN, MD, MI, MN, MO, NC, NY, PA, TX,
          Website
          https://connect.thrivent.com/michael-corson
          Phone
          630-240-0360
            Ashley Richy

            Ashley Richy

            Ashley graduated from Benedictine University, Lisle IL in 2008 with a bachelor’s in Psychology and Art. Most of her work experience has been in the retail setting with her focus being on customer service.

            Ashley Is a highly organized and friendly individual who brings a new perspective to the group. Her purpose with the team is to oversee our systems, marketing and social media to ensure that our clients are getting the best experience possible, as well as to stay connected with us in creative and fun ways. She has been with The Third Coast Group since 2020.

            Being a daughter of a Lutheran Pastor, she believes that love and respect is something everyone is entitled to. She hopes to bring that into her work with the Third Coast Group.

            In her free time, she loves to Craft (Knit, Crochet, Sew, Scrapbook), learn about languages and cultures, takes Belly Dancing lessons, and has an extensive Doll Collection. She also loves to play with her 2 Fur-children: a Dachshund, Suzu, and a Pastel Orange cat, Yume.

            Title

            Office Professional

            Location

            Saint John Office

            Phone
            219-627-3371
            Fax

            219-558-0903

              Connor Howard

              Connor Howard

              Connor is a recent graduate of Indiana University Bloomington, where he earned his bachelor's degree in Informatics with a business cognate. He joined the Third Coast Group in 2024, eager to apply his diverse knowledge of technology and business in a dynamic, professional setting. As the youngest of three siblings, with two older brothers, Connor has developed a strong sense of resilience and determination, qualities that he brings to his role at TCG. He is enthusiastic about the opportunity to grow and expand his expertise with TCG, where he looks forward to contributing to the team and learning from experienced professionals.

              Outside of work, Connor enjoys spending time outdoors, whether it’s golfing, hiking, or engaging in a friendly game of cornhole with family and friends. His passion for building connections and his commitment to continuous learning make him a valuable asset to the TCG team.

              Title

              Office Professional

              Phone
              219-627-3371