CAPS™ Workshop Attendees Comments

Dan Nickodemus

The sessions moved along well and were valuable. --Tom Perrone, FA, Ann Arbor, MI

Great Class took a while to bring it all together, and second day made the first class worth it. Thanks. --Stephen Schocke, FA, Novi, MI

The concepts were very helpful and something I will practice on my own. --Bryan Knop, FA, Novi, MI

Videos were nice...I really enjoyed the role plays and learned quite a bit during role play. --Jon Munson, FA, Novi, MI

Helped sharpen my saw! --Pat Klenner, FR, Novi, MI

Dave and Tony were great hosts and facilitators. --Tracey Troxel, Partner, Ann Arbor, MI

Fantastic sessions-- Great Job on keeping group engaged. --Michael Witkowski, Partner, Novi, MI

Great Job! I very much appreciated it! --Joe Shaver, Partner, Novi, MI

Interactive video sessions were good. Uncomfortable, but really drove home points ant got us to practice. Very useful and effective. Thanks for the training!

--Marty Hessler, Partner, Novi, MI

David Schairer

This course was the best educational course I have ever taken. I think ALL Trivent FRs should take this! --Ted Ennis, FC, Wyomissing, PA

Could have been longer on 2nd day. --Chris VanHart, FA, Wyomissing, PA

Dave was very professional and knowledgeable. --Gerardo Ventresca, FA, Wyomissing, PA

Excellent overall presentation. I believe I will be able to improve my communication skills and be more effective using these skills. --Rick Wiedner, FA, Wyomissing, PA

Powerful. How can I make sure I don't lose these skills? --Torie Yoder, FA, Wyomissing, PA

Excellent material. I appreciate the focus on a singular skill. --Jeffrey Gilbert, FR, Wyomissing, PA

Dave's presentation skills are professional and extremely effective. Keeps a participant actively involved in the process. Great delivery of great material.

--Marc Spiridigliozzi, Partner, Wyomissing, PA

One of my personal goals was to increase my confidence and I believe this training has helped me to do so. --Marybeth Scott, FA, Wyomissing, PA

Dennis Gorski

Thank you Dave! I came into this training with reservations and leave with a much clearer understanding on how to conduct and manage the interview process. The CAPS System will help me get more appointments to the Close, as well as help me establish trust with my members and prospects. --Josh Pratt, FPS, Chicago, IL

Dave Thesing is a brilliant instructor. --Shannon Foley, FA, Chicago, IL

During ""what if"", encourage FRs to talk about a case study that you can actually learn something, try not to talk about a case that the objection is something completely out of our control (e.g. a sale that did not happen because app was declined so I lost the sale) --Erik Schmidt, FA, Chicago, IL"

Thank you! I will practice these skills and hope to become a top producer by perfecting them. --Darcy Ringhofer, FA, Chicago, IL

This was a great class. I plan to practice and use these skills to improve my performance. --Mark Hanson, FA, Chicago, IL

Very useful in all aspects of the business. Excellent reinforcement of listening and question skills. --Tim Mahnke, FA, Chicago, IL

Great work Dave and company! Very systematic approach. --Mike Writis, FC, Chicago, IL

This is valuable-- need to repeat to ingrain changes to behavior --Jon Theeke, FC, Chicago, IL

Dave you made it very comfortable to learn. You made me think and that is important to me. I also felt you pushed me, in a positive way. It will be enjoyable to use the skills you have taught me. --Rob McGarvie, FR, Chicago, IL

Enjoyed it much and I found it very informative. --Pete Croner, FR, Chicago, IL

I enjoyed this training and will work on these skills to help make me more efficent in client interactions, which shoul produce more quality slaes and referrals. Thank you Dave! --Jason Pratt, FR, Chicago, IL

I really thought this was helpful. --Liz Viau, FR, Chicago, IL

Thank you Dave! Everything was great! I look forward to using the skills learned. --Lana Gore, FR, Chicago, IL

Thank you for startingon time and respecting our time!! --Joe Duea, FR, Chicago, IL

Dave this was the first group interactive role play where I felt comfortable role playing. It was much more efficient than forced one-on-one interaction, and made the learning process smoother. --Joseph Campus, FR , Chicago, IL

Dave- Thank you for your time and insight. Very helpful --Brent Bartell, FR/PA, Chicago, IL

Great workshop! --Aaron Savat, Chicago, IL

Detailed role play is very valuable. Repitition oppurtunities too. --Lee Straumann, Partner, Chicago, IL

Loved it! Need various ways to learn… reading, interactive video, role playing, one on one, great! Need some ways to sock it all in. --Vic Hildebrand, Chicago, IL

Not a big fan of role play. But after this workshop, I have a new-found respect for it as a teaching tool. At first, the class broke me down. But on the second day, I really felt things were coming together. I feel this has been the best workshop I have attended. Thank you. --Gregg Walther, FR, Chicago, IL

Great time spent on the most important area for any advisor-- effective communication. Thanks Dave, great job. --Scott Reffert, Partner, Chicago, IL

Don Knoernschild

Really liked the interactive videos and role play. Good examples were brought forth. --Ana DeCastro, FA, Nashville, TN

Tony did a great job. --David Thielke, FA, Nashville, TN

Very helpful to take apart the Sales Interview.I do appreciate setting aside specific time (1.5 days) to do this. I wuld not have taken the time to study this on my own through CBTs. --Mark Gluckner, FA, Nashville, TN

Very useful information - something that can directly help to improve productivity. --Derek Knoernschild, FA, Nashville, TN

Janelle Fuhrmann

This was of EXTREME benefit to me and my practice. I plan to recommend to management to possibly include this to all new FRs. I strongly believe my first 18 months would have been more profitable is I had seen and LISTENED to this. --Eric Denson, Appleton, WI

Awesome! Have [Dave] come in for new FR Training! --Eric Highlander, Appleton, WI

I really didn’t know what to expect from this course. I can definitely say this course is great. --Landon Wiese, Appleton, WI

I still have a lot of work to so to master these skills. I learn by writing and reading. Role plays can be effective as well. Dave is very knowledegeable and I enjoyed his program. I would work with Dave anytime! --Troy Keesling, Appleton, WI

Thank you Dave! --Dave Mair, Appleton, WI

The facilitatior's and subject materical were excellent and helped review and strengthen my communication skills. --Matt Sell, Appleton, WI

This workshop was a great eye opener and I think Thrivent should include this in the intital training. --Josh Fischer, Appleton, WI

Matt Rauh

Really liked the format, size and pace of the workshop. Felt supported and informed as opposed to pressured. --Ron Sheltra, FA, Littleton, CO

I think this helped my analysis my current communication skills and how I can improve them, always can improve. --Don Miller, FA, Sioux Falls

Thanks for all the pointers and suggestions and even insight on other sales stuff- adding wording that helps with sales but were extras that you didn’t have to add. Example-money instead of coverage.

--Renae Vande Blake, FA, Sioux Falls

Thanks! --Gale Elder, FC, Broomfield, CO

Thank you Dave! Very useful sessions. I have learned and will implement, I thank you! I do! --Thomas Dorr, FC, Littleton, CO

This is the best educational program I've participated in in a long time. --Grag Bickle, FC, Littleton, CO

I like the idea of the CS to play while in the car. The 2 laminate sheets will be most helpful. --Jeff Tveit, FR, Sioux Falls

Thanks Dave - you were great! --Rendi Olson, Denver, CO

Thanks for a challenging and rewarding instructional experience. --Jeremy Schultz, Denver, CO

Felt live role play was more helpful than anything else. More live role play would reinforce what we learned. --Travis Breltinon, Littleton, CO

Thank you Dave! --Stacee Jacobs, Littleton, CO

Scott Schult, now Joel Johnson

Thank you Dave for modeling excellent CAPS™ Skills --Lisa Pierson, Boise

Dave's long experience in the insurance industry significantly added to the quality of the workshop. His deep knowledge of subject also made the content more meaningful. --Bruce Graving, Great Falls

I anticipate the skill improvement numbers on the left will move to 3 and 4's as I practice - lots of information to process!! --Viicki Seedhouse, Great Falls

Role play was scary but good. An additional day would be good, just began to get comfortable with the role play and applying concepts at the end of the session. --Shawn Seedhouse, Great Falls

Great job Dave. Enjoyed the class and the structure --Jeff Works, Spokane WA

I will commit to the process, and without a doubt if the CAPS Skills produce its results, I would continue to seek additional coaching. --Steve Egland, Spokane WA

Role playing is difficult for me but it is effective --Darin Skonord, Spokane WA

Sheri Cooper

Great course work, valuable strategy and practice. Should be included in basic sales training for all FRs --Chad Erickson, FA, Fargo, ND

I REALLY ENJOYED having Dave as the client in the role plays. EXCELLENT FACILITATOR! --Bruce Saum, FA, Fargo, ND

Thrivent should provide the workshops to all new FRs. I think if I would have had the skills taught in the workshop when I started, I would have perfected the skills by now and my production would be much higher. --Bob Mueller, FA, Fargo, ND

Awesome training on very important skills. Great break-up of each portion to easily learn the individual skills. --Jess Foss, FR, Fargo, ND

Really good class. --Charlie Banks, FR, Fargo, ND

Great job Dave! Good insights. --Cary Knudson, Partner, Fargo, ND

Thank you Dave for all of your knowledge, skill and passion. --Arika Johnson, Partner, Fargo, ND

This course exceeded my expectations. It made me think about my interaction with clients and my overall listening skills. Thank you very much. --Benjamin Weerts, Partner, Fargo, ND

The class was great and informative. Very relevant info. --Steve Asche, Fargo, ND

Steve Mechling

Extremely beneficial experience and will benefit my practice. --Marcellino Porcello, FA, Strongsville

Good visual tools and review materials. --Dave Zastaway, FA, Strongsville

Great combination of learning methods. Role play on first day lost effectiveness because of length. Video sessions were also lengthy. But I could see the determination of everyone to get the answers correct.
--Tammy Miller, FA, Strongsville

Wonderful workshop. I wish after learning each skill, we could see the entire exchange continuously.
--Steven Hill, FA, Strongsville

Great program. I would recommend a way to hold participants accountable through the 21-day program through ema.is partnering up to check on progress. I hope to increase my production through these proven techniques. --Colin Bell, FC, Strongsville

The sales process is not complete until you replace that prospect with a new one. --Joe Zastrow, FC, Strongsville

I appreciate anything that will actually help me. --David Neff, FR, Strongsville

Very good information. Really enjoyed the class, very informative. I look forward to putting this to use. --Richard Baas, FR, Strongsville

Great 2 days - very useful. --Scott Berghaus, Partner, Strongsville

Steve Molen

Dave was awesome! This was a good use of my time! --Mark Mueller, Reston, VA

Dave was an excellent instructor!! The class was very helpful to me. I am hoping that I can really take these skills and implement them. Always the most difficult thing for me. I would liked to see more "scripts" of objections and examples of things. A sheet of lots of quotes or statements to reference.
--Zac O'Brien, Charlotte, NC

Great learning exercise! --Gary Brewer, Charlotte, NC

I see great value in what I have learned from CAPS and I am also very excited to implement new techniques in my practice. I love how the instructor puts students on the spot to answer questions. I believe this helps students stay more alert and focus on the class. --Colby Bolick, Charlotte, NC

Dave did an excellent job of modeling the skills (communication) being taught.
--Chuck Anderson , Columbia

David did a great job as a facilitator --Don Goldsmith, Columbia

Enjoyed class and David as facilitator --Paul Reid, Columbia

Dave did an excellent job facilitating our sessions. Program is simple and easy to use. To the point, looking forward to improving on items learned. --Adria Rosebrock, Reston, VA

Dave was great! --Greg May, Reston, VA

I didn’t pre-qualify what we'd be learning in this class and I was pleseantly surprised with learning quite a bit. I can always enhance and tweak my extemporaneous skills while meeting clients and the CAPS skilld will hopefully enable me to get to more successful closes. Thanks Dave! --Sheri Swackhamer, Reston, VA

One of the best training sessions that Thrivent has offered. --Walt Morgan, Reston, VA

Very effective facilitator skills and knowledge. Thanks! One of the best training programs we have offered to newer advisors and much needed. --Anne Johns, Partner, Reston, VA

Terry Wold

I came with a "another training" attitude. This is not training, this is life changing. Thanks
--Boone Jackson, Partner, St. Louis, MO

Great job! Learned a tremendous amount of new communication skills. Thanks!
--Sherry Holtmeier, St. Louis, MO

Tony and Dave are credible. Their own experience and confience helped a lot in bridgeing from the scripts and videos to the real world. The training model is simple & can be incorporated into [my practice].

--Ken Bickel, St. Louis, MO

Tim Campbell

Thanks for providing the next layer of skills set I have been missing in my business. I am very excited to use what I have learned ASAP. Thanks for the knowledge.

--Peter Manke, FA, Seacaucus, NJ

Outstanding training. Great presentation, tools. Will need follow-up support/retraining as time passes.
--Richard Kane, FA, Albany, NY

Excellent facilitator. Background info page should be introduced up front/earlier. Great content and materials. --Robert Sunbury, FC, Seacaucus, NJ

I think the course will reach its potential when/if Thrivent allows the (?) to be presented within the Advisory Process framework (company specific). Good job!

--Wayne Grant, FR, Seacaucus, NJ

Good job, your style and communication skills were awesome. Well done.
--Terry Leiendecher, Partner, Albany, NY

Tim Schmidt

I wasn’t sure about videos at first, but it was a great learning tool. Only brining up accepted benefits at the close was worth the 2 day investment!

--Jeff Engebose, Partner, Rochester, MN

This was very well done and I realized a lot that I'm missing in appointments.
--Justin Espenson, FC, Mankato, MN

Exceeded my expectations --Matthew Brozik, FR, Mankato, MN

I look forward ro follow exercise and oppurtunities. Thanks for putting these skills together and sharing them in the valuable methodology I'll begin to practice.

--Char Scurry, FA, Mankato, MN

This was very well done and I realized a lot that I'm missing in appointments.
--Justin Espenson, FC, Mankato, MN

Exceeded my expectations --Matthew Brozik, FR, Mankato, MN

I know time becomes a constraint. It would be heloful to practice the skills more in the classroom to sharpen our skills so we can comfortably put these skills into practice in the field.
--Tim Reinke, FR, Mankato, MN

We need ongoing training of this so I don't forget. --Martha Vrieze Morrison, FR, Mankato, MN

The intimate setting provides an environment for safe experimentation and application of new skills. I was particularly impressed with the mix of ways we were asked to learn the new concepts-- it keeps your brain sharp and focused and allows you to retain the information better.

--Lisa Johnson, Mankato, MN

I look forward ro follow exercise and oppurtunities. Thanks for putting these skills together and sharing them in the valuable methodology I'll begin to practice.
--Char Scurry, FA, Mankato, MN

Wonderful! Rfs (and I) greatly benefited and will continue to benefit. Please make sure all of our FRs attend. Vets and nFRs all benefit! Thank you!
--Cynthia Steiner, Partner, Mankato, MN

Tom Brandt

I have been looking for active listening skills training and this is what I've been looking for.
--Sam Caps, Renton WA

These sessions were extremely helpful. I have a lot of practice to to in order to put these skills into procatice so I appreciate the tools we were given to continue our efforts after these sessions.
--Stefanie Kaminski, FA, Tukwila, WA

Thank you. I appreciate your comments and will try to apply these skills --Charlie Owen, Lake Oswego

"Dave did an excellent job of explaning some of the gaps and video imperfections, therefore I have no other criticison of the training. Excellent!!! I will implement many of the new skills that have been part of my system but not as ""smooth"" as CAPS. --Sherryl Adair, Maplewood"

"Would have liked more time and importance on the ""What If"" --Nanci Rosella, Maplewood"

More time for sharing! Great job done by Dave-reallly listened to us and had valuable feedback and helpful comments. Nice to have plaque in office for recognition.

--Silvia Greuter, Reaton WA

Thanks Dave! --Cory Cox, Renton WA

Exceptional presenter. Thank you! --Jason Burley, Salem

Great class! Very helpful --Robin Wela, Salem

Great job, Iiked the course. Definitely will be able to apply. Full 2 days would be preferred. --Clayton Camper (sp), Salem

I think my expectation of skill development was unrealistic. This was harder than I expected but very much needed! I will need to spend time praticing and reviewing the materials. Thank you for balancing the formal training with our need to share and discuss.

--Tim Barthlow, Salem

Never knew how much I did not know --Shawn Ryan, Salem

Outstanding Program! Follow-up is essential, however. --Douglas R Martin, Salem

Awesome Job Dave! I learned a lot and might benefit from taking this course later in my career as well
--Joey Mertlich, Tukwila, WA

Tom Dobberstein

Dave did a great job. Good program! Practical. --Dan Weeks, FA, Indianapolis, IN

Dave was very professional. Is one of the best presenters…makes sure we are learning exactly what he is teaching and what we expected to get out of this learning seminar.

--Keith Mensendiek, FA, Indianapolis, IN

I liked the way the skills were presented. --Robert Lawson, FA, Indianapolis, IN

The material was very useful. I can use these skills to build on my skill basics! Thank you for the opportunity! --Brenda White, FA, Indianapolis, IN

Very good course. I think all new reps need to take it within the first 3 months on the job. I will highly recommend it to peers. --Todd Williamson, FA, Indianapolis, IN

Coffee could be available sooner in room. Great session and I will be using this almost immediately. Hard to get lost in thought during questions. Session should be 2 full days. --Jonah Besch, FA,

Overall, useful training that will improve my skills and business. --Michelle Walker, FR, Indianapolis, IN

Very good material. --Bonnie McCurdy, FR, Indianapolis, IN

I liked the way the skills were presented. --Robert Lawson, Partner, Indianapolis, IN

I wish we had this for brand new FAs. --Dave Koch, Partner, Indianapolis, IN

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