Today we’d like to introduce you to Eric Funk.
Hi Eric, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was referred to at the time Lutheran Brotherhood by my pastor and president of my church, East Saint Olaf in Rockdell, MN. I said I would do this until I find the next best thing, still looking 23 years later! Looking back, I prayed for this job, I prayed I wouldn’t have to worry about money. Funny enough now I worry about everyone else’s money! I believe God put me here to help serve my community to help people live abundantly to give abundantly.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it has not been a smooth road! In the beginning it was building up a client base and learning what rejection was, while also learning the industry and the business was quite difficult. I was lucky enough to have a mentor, Colin Aldis, who eventually became my business partner.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Emerald Financial Group?
Thrivent is a Christian based Fraternal organization. We view money as a tool, and not as a goal. We like to make sure clients can live abundantly so they can give abundantly. We specialize in retirement planning that is tax efficient with a charitable component. Most firms don’t know how to teach people to give money effectively, and we specialize in that, whether that is throughout their life, or at end of life.
I am most proud of that we are building an organization that will last throughout multiple generations, and we are giving back to the community that will last and affect multiple generations to come.
One thing I think people should know about our brand is that many clients find us because of our financial expertise, but many stay because of the fraternal component and the way our values are shown throughout the entire process. Many of our clients are lifetime clients because of that.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
I would say the most important lesson I’ve learned is staying consistent with your values attracts likeminded people. It creates a synergy of people that are willing to share their honest opinions, whether that is positive or negative. This allows us as an organization to grow correctly but also gives us the opportunity to tell clients that we might not be the right fit for them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://connect.thrivent.com/emerald-financial-group
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmeraldFinancialGroupThrivent/
