About

Max is originally from Denver, Colorado, but has lived and worked across the country, most recently in the Boston metro area, where he managed pricing and product strategy for Liberty Mutual and Homesite Insurance. In 2020, Max pivoted toward client service, building a financial planning practice with Northwestern Mutual.

A proud alumnus of UNC’s Kenan-Flagler Business School and Oklahoma State University, Max is also a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^® professional. Now, as a founding member of Thrive Financial Partners, he brings his strategic and technical expertise to help enterprising, forward-thinking professionals achieve more than they thought possible.

Max is a devoted father of two incredible children, whom he hopes will inherit his love of music and the outdoors.

​Lynn Bowser is the Founding Partner of Thrive Financial Partners, established in 2023. With more than a decade of experience in financial services, Lynn is passionate about helping clients create meaningful, vision-centered financial plans.

After attending Syracuse University, Lynn began her career as a Financial Advisor with Northwestern Mutual in her hometown of Syracuse, NY. During her first five years, she became a sought-after national speaker on leadership, growth, and high achievement as a woman in finance. In 2019, she and her family relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina, where she became the Managing Director of the Lake Norman office for Northwestern Mutual.

Lynn’s leadership and impact have been widely recognized. She was named one of Charlotte’s 50 Most Influential Women in 2020 and America’s Women Magazine Woman of the Year in 2021. She has emceed the Charlotte Business Journal’s Women in Business Awards (2019–2023) and 40 Under 40 Awards (2022), and has spoken at numerous industry events, including the Northwestern Mutual Annual Meeting, Regional Meetings, the Women’s Affinity Summit, and network offices nationwide.

Lynn and her husband, Ryan, were married in 2005 and live in Huntersville, NC with their three children—Caitlyn, Michael, and Emily. The Bowser family is deeply rooted in the Lake Norman community, where volunteerism is a core value. They support local food banks and shelters, sponsor children in developing countries, and remain active in their church. In their spare time, they enjoy traveling, hiking, and making memories with family and friends.

Paige grew up in Syracuse, New York, and now lives in Huntersville, North Carolina. She began working with Lynn in 2013 as a family nanny and, in 2015, transitioned into the role of Associate Financial Representative at Northwestern Mutual. In May 2023, Paige joined Lynn at Thrive Financial Partners as Director of Operations. Known for building strong client relationships, Paige ensures every client enjoys a seamless and welcoming onboarding experience. Outside of work, she enjoys working out, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends.

Emily Barnwell is a Charlotte, North Carolina native who began her career in Juvenile Justice, working both in a secured juvenile facility and supervising youth in the community. After welcoming her son, Hudson, in 2021, she shifted her career path and joined Northwestern Mutual in Lake Norman under Lynn’s leadership. There, she served first as Director of Development and later as Director of Talent Acquisition.

In April 2023, Emily joined Lynn at Thrive Financial Partners as a Founding Member and Chief Growth Officer. She is passionate about helping people achieve their own definition of success.

Emily lives in Huntersville, North Carolina, with her husband, Chad, their children, Hudson and Allie, their dog, Lucy, and their cat, Kimber. She is an active advocate in the infertility community and loves spending time in the mountains of North Carolina.

As a seasoned financial leader with over a decade of experience, Drew has established a reputation for excellence in financial analysis, strategic planning, and operational optimization. With a background as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operations Officer in diverse industries, Drew has a proven track record of driving substantial revenue growth, implementing data-driven solutions, and forging key partnerships to maximize profitability.

Drew brings a unique blend of financial acumen and communication skills to the role of Financial Advisor, where he leverages his expertise to provide tailored financial solutions and empower clients to achieve their financial goals with confidence.

Drew has two wonderful children, Hudson and Peyton, and he is a proud alum of The University of Tennessee (Go Vols!).  Drew has been active members in the Lake Norman community for the past 10 years.

Thomas Fichter is a financial professional who helps individuals and families pursue clarity and peace of mind in their financial lives. He takes a personalized, values-driven approach to planning, focusing on long-term goals, risk mitigation, and investment strategy.. Thomas is committed to serving others with integrity, purpose, and care, letting his faith guide the way he builds relationships and supports clients.

Outside the office, Thomas enjoys spending time with his wife, Amanda and their two dogs. They love getting outdoors together and finding new places to explore. An avid fisherman, Thomas especially enjoys chasing striper and shoal bass in rivers across Tennessee and Georgia. He also values staying active and engaged, whether on the water, in the gym, or simply relaxing with family. Whatever he’s doing, Thomas brings a deep sense of passion and intentionality to both his personal life and professional work.

Carri has accomplished many things in her life – a college basketball athlete, a B.S from UNCG in Exercise and Sports Science , an M.A from Pfeiffer University in Practical Theology, a Certified Fitness Instructor with Revelation Wellness, a run coach with RRCA, and a long-distance runner; but the greatest joy of her life is being a mother to sons River Jordan and August Xavier.  Watching them grow into young adult men has been both rewarding and challenging. However, another joy of her life is being a long-distance running. She started her running journey in 2020, never imagining how far it would take her and how much it would grow her into the person she is today. Both motherhood and long-distance running taught her to keep going no matter the challenge; so, in one word – perseverance. Because of this, the greatest passion of her life is walking alongside of others to encourage them that the impossible is possible- that showing up and running the race set before you is all that is required.