In an industry often defined by numbers and net worth, Jovan Barrington of Thrivent takes a different approach. For him, money is not the goal, it’s a tool.
“I help people plan, build, manage and protect their wealth,” Jovan says. “And ultimately, transfer that wealth to the next generation.” The work, he explains, goes far beyond portfolios and performance. “When we talk about money, we talk about what it’s meant to do in your life. It’s a tool, not the finish line.”
As a member-owned, purpose-driven organization, Thrivent operates without shareholders. That structure shapes Jovan's relational philosophy. “I’m not a salesman with products. I’m an advisor with ideas,” he says. “I’m a coach. My clients gain financial confidence and begin to see the impact they can have on the people and communities they care about.”
For Jovan, the word “invest” reaches beyond the markets. “Investing isn’t just about stocks and bonds,” he explains. “It’s about your assets, your time and your taxes. It’s being intentional in all three areas.” He encourages clients to think long term — not only about retirement, but about the experiences they hope to share. “Every person’s goal is travel,” he says. “And usually it’s traveling with someone. Investing gives you options to share experiences. Financial success alone can still leave you wanting.”
In addition to his work in financial services, Jovan has served as a pastor for 23 years, 10 of those at Littleton Church. It’s a role that continues to shape his approach today. “Money conversations are rarely just about money,” he says. “They’re about fear, responsibility, trust. They’re about life transitions — marriage, children, job loss, even grief.”
His first meetings are intentionally low pressure. “We talk very little about money,” he says. “It’s trust-building.” He often asks clients, “What’s your first memory with money?” The answers, he notes, reveal more than spreadsheets could.
Transparency is another cornerstone. “I’m very clear about how people can do business with me and how I get paid,” he says. “When both parties understand the relationship, it builds trust.”
A significant part of Jovan's practice includes working with small business owners. “Entrepreneurs pour everything into their business, and that’s a real strength,” he says. “But it can also become a blind spot.” His role, he explains, is to help create structure. “When there’s a clear plan in place, it removes the guilt and the guesswork,” he says. “It gives business owners confidence about how to support their company while building stability for themselves and their families.”
If he could encourage readers to invest in one thing this year, it would be simple: “Invest in planning. When everything is organized in one place, it reduces anxiety and builds confidence.”
At home, Jovan's world revolves around his wife, Ana of 20 years, their three daughters and Scruffy, the family’s rescue dog. “I’m a family person,” he says. “Everything I do is grounded in that.”
“Investing isn’t just about markets. It’s about your time, your values and the legacy you leave behind.”