Our Story
Our story

We're proud to be Thrivent financial professionals. We provide personalized financial guidance to people at all stages of life. At Thrivent, we view money not as a goal, but as a tool — one that can afford you a life rich in meaning and gratitude. We believe humanity thrives when individuals make the most of all they've been given. We're here to help you do just that. 

We help clients transition to each next phase of their lives and extend our client relationships to unite generations together.

Let's put your plans in motion. Want to pursue lifelong dreams while supporting people and causes you care about? With our guidance, you can get there. Tell us where you're at today. Driven by your goals and values, we'll draw on our industry expertise to help you map out a path to a more secure financial future. 

We aim to simplify your lives by providing personal and comprehensive service for all your financial service needs. We proudly serve as your main contact and take the extra time and care to support and guide you through anything you may need. 

Team Newsletter

Unity Wealth Advisor Group our story image 1
Brian Anderson
Brian AndersonWealth AdvisorChFC®, FIC

Brian began his career with Thrivent in 1990, immediately after graduating from college, and has dedicated his career to helping individuals and families plan for their financial futures. He provides comprehensive financial planning and investment guidance, offering clients a holistic perspective—whether they are just beginning their financial journey or preparing for retirement. Brian values integrity, truth, security, loyalty, and growth, and works side by side with clients to educate and empower them to pursue their goals. He and his wife, Sheri, have two adult children, Josh and Annika. Outside of work, Brian is an avid fisherman and enjoys watching sports.

Brent Bartell
Brent BartellManager of Investment OperationsFIC

Brent began his career in the investment industry in 1989, spending 18 years at the Chicago Board of Trade, before joining Thrivent in 2006. As part of the Unity Wealth Advisor Group, Brent supports both advisors and clients through equity and fixed-income analysis, due diligence, portfolio modeling, and trading activities. Brent enjoys discussing markets and economic trends with clients. He lives in the Chicago area.

Stan Kottke
Stan KottkeAssociateLUTCF®, FIC

Stan has been with Thrivent since 1974 and joined the Unity Wealth Advisor Group in 2020. He brings decades of experience in guiding individuals and families with tailored advice on financial products and investment advisory services. Stan helps clients understand their insurance coverage, carefully reviews policies, and delivers recommendations designed around their unique goals. Stan and his wife, Ruth, are proud parents of three children and grandparents to two grandchildren.

Jim Allen
Jim AllenAssociateFIC, RICP®

Jim entered the financial services industry in 1994 and joined Thrivent in 2015. He is passionate about helping clients identify and achieve their financial goals, with a focus on insurance strategies, investment planning, retirement income distribution, and tax-efficient approaches. Jim values building meaningful relationships and enjoys collaborating with clients to create strategies that support their unique goals. He and his wife, Janell, have two adult children. In his free time, Jim enjoys being with family and friends and cheering on Chicago’s sports teams— Go White Sox!

Dominic Tommasone
Dominic TommasoneFinancial Advisor

“Dom” began his career in financial services in 2022 and joined Thrivent in 2023. He is passionate about guiding clients toward their goals and building a secure financial future through his knowledge of financial products and investments. Dom was a student-athlete in gymnastics at the University of Iowa, where he earned his degree in 2022. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, watching sports, and spending time with family.

Beth Steeno
Beth SteenoPractice Supt Associate

Beth has been with Thrivent since 2009 and is a vital part of the Unity Wealth Advisor Group team. She plays an integral role in client relationship management while also overseeing the daily operations of the practice. Her work includes managing securities and insurance-related tasks, as well as a wide range of administrative duties that keep the practice running smoothly. Beth and her husband, Patrick, are proud parents of three grown children.

Annika Anderson
Annika AndersonDirector of Operations

Annika began her journey with Thrivent in 2017 and transitioned into a full-time role in 2024. She is proud to be part of the family business and is dedicated to supporting the team’s operations and overall performance. Annika earned her degree in finance from Gustavus Adolphus College and brings both enthusiasm and a fresh perspective to the team. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling and spending time at her family’s cabin in Wisconsin.

Caden Blazing
Caden BlazingFinancial Advisor

Caden began his Thrivent journey in 2025, driven by a passion for helping clients build purposeful and secure financial futures. He earned his degree in International Business Management from Gustavus Adolphus College in 2021 and spent several years working abroad, gaining valuable cross-cultural and professional experience. Outside of work, Caden enjoys spending time with family and friends, golfing, and watching sports.

Elise Forner
Elise FornerOffice Professional

Elise joined Thrivent in June 2026 following a career in education, bringing a passion for organization and service. She plays a key role in the team by managing scheduling, processing forms, generating reports, and supporting client communications. Elise and her husband, Ryan, have a young, energetic daughter. In her free time, she enjoys reading, exploring new music and podcasts, and traveling.

Join us at an upcoming eventWe’d love to have the opportunity to meet you. We host financial workshops, volunteer opportunities and Thrivent market updates.
Leaving a Thriving Legacy image
Leaving a Thriving LegacyOct 7, 2026, 11:00 PM UTC
Virtual
We are dedicated to helping you make thoughtful plans for your future—and for the people you care about most. Join us as we discuss strategies to navigate life’s unexpected challenges with confidence as we address:Estate planning documents everyone should haveSECURE Act 2.0 and its impact on retirement accountsThe purpose and role of a willEstate taxes and annual gifting limitsHow the probate process worksAdvantages of naming beneficiaries on accountsLong-term care planning: costs and optionsCharitable giving strategies and opportunitiesHow qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) workLife insurance: Creating stability for every stage of lifeThis event is designed for our clients and their adult beneficiaries. Together, we’ll address common concerns about planning for aging parents and protecting family assets. We encourage you to invite your beneficiaries to attend this educational opportunity.Special guest speaker:Eric W. Bilger, FIC Financial Advisor, ThriventNo products will be sold. Thrivent and its financial advisors and professionals do not provide legal, accounting, or tax advice. Consult your attorney or tax professional. See Thrivent.com/social for additional disclosures. 31374FB N12-25
Economic Update - Live Guest Speaker image
Economic Update - Live Guest SpeakerOct 20, 2026, 5:15 PM UTC
Biaggi's Ristorante Italiano | 1524 South Randall Road, Algonquin, IL 60102
Learn Thrivent’s perspective on the markets and economy to help you invest with greater confidence.Attend Economic Update to learn Thrivent’s perspective on the markets and economy. If you’re concerned about market fluctuations, interest rates and economic uncertainty, don’t miss this opportunity to help you invest with greater confidence.How should I react to economic headlines?How have fiscal measures changed in the past quarter?How often should I review my investment strategy?A live guest speaker from Thrivent Asset Management will present. Registration is required, and guests are welcome. A complimentary lunch will be served. For more information or to register, please call our office at 630-598-2103.No products will be sold. Securities and investment advisory services offered through Thrivent Investment Management Inc. A registered investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC, and a subsidiary of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Registered representative of Thrivent Investment Management Inc. Advisory services available through investment adviser representatives only. Thrivent.com/disclosures.9072726.1
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Ready to connect?

We'd love to answer any questions you may have and start learning about your goals. We can meet however you're most comfortable—phone, virtual or in person.

Or call us directly: 630-598-2103

Licensing is available through your State Insurance Department’s website, which can be located through the National Association of Insurance Commissioners website.

Thrivent financial advisors and professionals have general knowledge of the Social Security tenets. For complete details on your situation, contact the Social Security Administration.

Not all team members may provide all products, programs and services in all states.

Not all team members may office at the locations listed.

* as of December 31, 2024

** Thrivent and its financial advisors and professionals do not provide legal, accounting or tax advice. Consult your attorney or tax professional.

Rating is based on Thrivent’s financial strength and claims-paying ability. Does not apply to investment product performance. For information on this rating, visit the rating agency's website.

Designations
For additional information on professional designations and the requirements to earn them, visit https://www.thrivent.com/designations