Our Platforms & Purviews
You Hire a Driver - We Drive (Planning & Advice Relationship)
1. Determine & prioritize non-negotiables, financial goals, and concerns
2. Review income & expenses
3. Inventory assets, liabilities, and net-worth
4. Validate financial and retirement trajectory utilizing planning software
5. Evaluate employer retirement and insurance options as well estate & legacy strategies
6. Revisit regularly
You Hire a Navigator - We Navigate (Managed Investment Advice Relationship)
1. Nest egg implementation of bucketing strategy to asset allocation
2. Validate income strategy and withdrawal rate utilizing planning software & Monte Carlo simulation
3. Income & Growth focused
4. Asset rebalancing and Tax efficient strategies
5. Estate & legacy Strategies
6. Review semi-annually
You Hire a Passenger - We Ride (Transactional Relationship)
1. Recognize what you need & want
2. Identify solutions
3. Determine Best Interest
4. Educate & Execute
5. Review when you want
Meet Our Team

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, IA, ID, IL, IN, MI, MN, NC, NV, SC, TN, TX, WI,
- Website
- https://connect.thrivent.com/eric-himmel
- eric.himmel@thrivent.com
- Phone
- 219-627-3371

Jason Gena
FIC, RICP®
Jason started at Thrivent in 2016 and became a partner with TCG in 2018. 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 their 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.
- Title
Financial Advisor
- State(s) Licensed
- AK, CO, FL, GA, IL, IN, ME, MO, NC, OH, SC, TN, VA,
- Website
- https://connect.thrivent.com/jason-gena
- jason.gena@thrivent.com
- Phone
- 219-627-3371

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 joined TCG in 2020. 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.
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 TCG.
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 pastel orange cat, Yume.
- Title
Operations & Processing Manager
- Location
Saint John Office
- Phone
- 219-627-3371
- Fax
219-558-0903

Amy Sandona
Amy graduated from Purdue Calumet in 2015 with a bachelor’s degree from the school of business in accounting. Amy has eleven years of customer service experience working in the food service industry, two years working for Aldi, and most recently, four years in a cardiology office coordinating the calendars of seven doctors.
Amy joined TCG in 2026 with the purpose of providing additional administrative support and helping clients with service-related needs while contributing to a positive client experience.
Amy has three daughters with her husband John. Amy’s free time is spent coordinating extracurriculars for the kiddos and that keeps her busy and her heart full. Her family attends First Chirstian Church in Griffith, IN.
- Title
Client Service & Relationship Manager
- Phone
- 219 627 3371