Meet Stephanie Colgate

We had the good fortune of connecting with Stephanie Colgate and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Stephanie, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I have always wanted to get back to helping people around their finances. I had done an internship with my father who was an independent Property and Casualty insurance agent when I was in college. I worked with Thrivent back then, and also saw how my father ran his business. That started my interest in the financial business, but it was also scary to me to be responsible for your entire income from sales. I went back to school that fall and really enjoyed teaching, as well as the security it would provide me as an income, so enjoyed 2 decades in the classroom. I incorporated financial education into my math classroom to help align with the Colorado State Math standards, and really fell back in love with educating people about smart financial decisions. I got to the point that I really wanted to return to that calling that I’d explored 20 years before, and I returned to Thrivent! I feel like I get the best of both worlds; I get the opportunity to teach people about how to make smart financial decisions and educate them around their options, as well as run my own business and keep my values close.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I love that I am able to approach my work truly from the heart of an educator! I truly believe the 21 years in the classroom has shaped me to be the Advisor I am now. I am a lifelong learner, which helped me to get through the licensing required for this position, as well as continuing to grow and become more of an expert in my craft.

This business is definitely not easy, it has a very high attrition rate, but I am so thankful for all the advisors in the Peak Legacy Group as well as my mentor Mona Lara. They have all encouraged me when I’ve needed it, taught me so much about how to run a successful business and how to craft a financial plan that is truly looking at it from our client’s best interest. The decisions I help my clients make are ones that will help them work towards their goals while also focusing on their personal values. This helps me to sleep well at night and know that they are better off working with me.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love our house, as well as just hanging out here with friends and family, so I’d definitely plan to have this be home base and enjoy time here just relaxing.

We’d need to take several hikes, I really enjoy the 7 Bridges hike and then around Garden of the Gods. I’d also love to wander through any greenhouses.

I LOVE ice cream, so I’d want to make sure we go to Josh ‘n John’s and Lolley’s. Walter’s Pizza is super yummy and also has super fun beer you can try in smaller amounts! Black Forest Deli and Arlene’s Beans are both great casual dining that are fun to meet for lunch! If we’re out driving around, Kangaroo Coffee is a family favorite drive through spot, but if we were going somewhere to sit and catch up, Wesley Owen’s Coffee or Loyal Coffee are a couple of my favorite to meet people at.

For family fun, we have a ton of fun going to Overdrive, Top Golf or Lost Island Mini Golf.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Oh my goodness, there are so many, I don’t think I could pick just one! My father was my initial educator in this space and led by example on how to create a successful business. I have amazing colleagues, but one in particular, Mona Lara, has helped shaped me into the caring Advisor I am. Probably most notably is my husband, Andy, who has stood by my side through thick and thin in our last 21 years. We have 3 amazing kiddos, have survived multiple health scares and complications, as well as both of us jumping out of our comfort zones to try careers we have dreamed about pursuing. He has been my biggest cheerleader and shoulder to cry on.

Website: https://connect.thrivent.com/stephanie-colgate

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Stephanie.Colgate.Thrivent

Image Credits
Lynse Michael Photography – professional family picture