Our team

Michael joined Thrivent in 2018 and is the founding member of Trailhead Financial Group. He is responsible for portfolio management and investment services. He also helps our clients plan for retirement, develop wealth transfer strategies and address complex business structuring.   

Prior to joining Thrivent, Michael served in the U.S. Army as an airborne infantryman. After attending the Special Forces Assessment and Selection and the Special Forces Qualification Course, he served as a senior medic until he retired.  

Michael earned his bachelor’s degrees in philosophy and Spanish from the University of North Carolina – Asheville and graduated magna cum laude. He now serves on the UNC Asheville Foundation Board of Directors and the Alumni Board of Directors and is the Philanthropy Committee Chair.   

Outside of work, Michael loves spending time with his beautiful wife, Vicky, their two sons, Oliver and Benjamin, and their dog, Georgie. His hobbies include hiking, camping and volunteering. He currently volunteers for the Boys and Girls Club of Henderson County. In addition, he is working toward his MBA at the UNC Kenan-Flagler School of Business.  

Jennie joined Thrivent in 2024, driven by her desire to empower women, particularly those who are widowed or divorced, to achieve financial clarity and confidence by building security and wealth. She also enjoys supporting small business owners in the areas of cash flow, debt management, retirement planning and succession planning. 

Before joining Thrivent, Jennie earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and secondary education from the University of Tennessee and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. She then worked in business-to-business sales and sales leadership, where she found great fulfillment in fostering the personal and professional growth of her team. 

Outside of work, Jennie is actively involved in her church's kids’ ministry and has a keen interest in studying the biochemistry of herbal medicines and their physiological effects. She enjoys hiking and is an avid reader. Jennie resides in a historic home in West Asheville with her husband, Josh, their sons Gunner and Griffin, and their Chihuahua mix, Archer. 

Michael Austin joined Thrivent in April of 2025, bringing with him a diverse background rooted in leadership, service, and financial insight. He retired from the U.S. Army in 2022 after a distinguished career serving in roles ranging from Infantry to Logistics Operations Management. Following his military service, Michael spent three years as a consultant with Wells Fargo, where he gained valuable experience in the financial industry before becoming a licensed financial advisor. He holds a bachelor’s degree in organizational management and is passionate about helping others, particularly fellow veterans who may be facing financial or personal challenges.

Michael is proud to share life with his wife, Heather, and together they have raised two children, Jordyn and Gage. Family is at the heart of everything Michael does, and his values of integrity, discipline, and compassion are deeply influenced by his roles as both a husband and father. Whether it’s supporting his clients or spending quality time with loved ones, Michael is guided by a commitment to service and a desire to make a meaningful impact.

Outside of work, Michael enjoys camping and taking beach trips with his family, embracing the outdoors to recharge and connect. He is also active in veteran outreach efforts and finds great fulfillment in giving back through nonprofit organizations like Shepherd’s for Sheepdogs, a veteran’s nonprofit that matches service animals to veterans who suffer with PTSD. Whether he is advising clients or supporting his community, Michael leads with purpose, heart, and a deep respect for those he serves.

Vicky joined Thrivent in 2019 as an office professional supporting Michael’s growing practice. In 2024, she earned her Life and Health insurance licenses and now serves as an Insurance Associate for Trailhead Financial Group. She specializes in serving young families, single mothers, business owners, and nonprofits within the Hispanic and Latino communities through financial education and the implementation of insurance strategies.

Vicky previously worked as a Spanish language interpreter in medical and community settings, ensuring meaningful access for Hispanic individuals during appointments, community events, and educational interactions. She also served Buncombe County Schools as both an interpreter and coordinator of the Language Services Office, supporting effective communication among families, students, and school staff.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in modern Languages teaching English as a Foreign Language in Colombia. Vicky later completed a master’s degree in Audiovisual Translation from the University of Cádiz in Spain and has worked as a freelance translator for nine years.

Outside of work, Vicky enjoys spending time outdoors with her sons, Oliver and Benjamin, her husband Michael, and their dog Georgie. She volunteers in her church’s kids’ ministry, assists Hispanic community members navigating school and healthcare systems, and enjoys reading and watching documentaries about fashion history and design.

Brittany joined Thrivent in 2026 as an Executive Assistant at Trailhead Financial Group, where she’s passionate about making a meaningful difference in people’s lives—even in the small, everyday moments. She was drawn to Thrivent’s client first approach and Trailhead’s focus on clear, actionable next steps. She loves helping clients feel cared for, informed, and confident before and after every meeting.

Before joining Trailhead, Brittany spent five years as a realtor and broker serving Western North Carolina, guiding individuals and families through important decisions with clarity and compassion. She also brings two years of experience as a legal assistant, strengthening her background in documentation, organization, and client communication. She supports the Trailhead team with scheduling, workflow coordination, and Salesforce documentation, and is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Health Science.

Outside of work, Brittany finds the most joy in spending time with her two children, Eli and Olive. Whether they’re hiking local trails, discovering hidden scenic spots, or simply soaking in Asheville’s natural beauty, time outside is where she feels most grounded. She’s also passionate about health and fitness and enjoys staying active, traveling, and finding new adventures to share with her kids.