When Kristin Thompson Poelker first stepped into the world of finance, she didn’t picture herself as a financial advisor, especially not one leading the way for women and minorities. A St. Louis native with a love of math and economics, Thompson Poelker didn’t see many advisors who looked like her. But after taking a wealth management class in college, something clicked.
“I kind of fell into it,” Thompson Poelker recalls. “But once I realized the impact I could make, I knew it was where I was supposed to be.”
Today, Thompson Poelker is a financial advisor and shareholder at Renaissance Financial, where she’s spent more than 14 years helping clients take control of their financial futures. But her story—and her success—is anything but traditional.
A Black woman in finance, redefining the norm
When Thompson Poelker was interviewing for the right place to begin her career, she found that her professional peers at most firms were predominantly white males in their mid-50s. “It crosses your mind, Is this really the environment for me?” she recalls. “But then I connected with the team at Renaissance. The people, the training, the willingness to invest in me—I knew I could build a future here.”
As a Black woman in finance, Thompson Poelker is not only breaking glass ceilings but also opening doors for other women and minorities in the industry. Her presence, confidence, and relatability give clients, especially those from underrepresented communities, a sense of comfort and possibility.
Amy Hill, manager of marketing operations at Renaissance Financial, describes Thompson Poelker as a “natural vehicle of change and relatability.”
“I’ve had the honor of witnessing her over the last six years, not just from a professional sense but as a friend as well,” Hill says. “Her presence as an outspoken, confident woman is just awesome. Even though she never intended to go this route professionally, I believe she had this inner knowing—that female intuition—that this was the path for her.”
And Thompson Poelker’s ability to connect with clients goes far beyond professional polish. Her personal journey through IVF has become a powerful bridge to those navigating similar paths. “It’s such a vulnerable, emotional, and financially intense experience,” she says. “Once I started talking about it openly on LinkedIn, women started bonding with me. It opened this whole new level of trust. I’m learning more and more that if I bring my authentic self to my work, I’ll never be disappointed by it.”
Having gone through IVF, Thompson Poelker understands not only the emotional roller coaster but the financial hurdles. Now, she helps clients prepare for the costs of fertility treatments, from egg freezing to family planning, with financial strategies tailored to each journey.
“This is just one example where my personal experience makes me a better advisor. I can tell them exactly what kind of financial commitment to expect and even what to ask in a consultation,” she says. “I’ve lived it. I’m not just your advisor—I’m a resource.”
Serving entrepreneurs, retirees, and women with vision
Thompson Poelker’s practice focuses mostly on helping entrepreneurs, self-employed professionals, and individuals navigating retirement transitions. With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by independent contractors and small business owners—many of which she observed while growing up with entrepreneurial parents—Thompson Poelker brings firsthand insight into building wealth.
She also has a growing number of clients in their 50s and 60s who are seeking the freedom to walk away from corporate life to enjoy passion projects or early retirement. Whether it’s tax planning, wealth transfers, or legacy building, Thompson Poelker helps them take control of their financial futures.
And for younger clients, especially women who are just beginning their wealth-building journey, she offers patience, accessibility, and guidance. “I don’t believe there should be any barriers of entry to financial information, and financial literacy can be a barrier when it comes to upward mobility,” she says. “No one should feel like they need to be rich or a certain age to have a financial advisor.”
Now a shareholder at Renaissance Financial, Thompson Poelker continues to invest in future generations of advisors, often mentoring young professionals who are just beginning to picture themselves in the field. She also recently took over the book of a retiring advisor, a woman who mentored her and believed in creating a women-led wealth experience.
As Thompson Poelker reflects on her journey, she says, “I’ve been fortunate to have people in my corner. Now, I want to be that person for someone else, whether they’re a client or someone just thinking about this path.”
Whether you’re starting a business, navigating IVF, planning for retirement, or just want someone who understands where you’re coming from, Thompson Poelker is here to help.
This post was created by SLM Partner Studio on behalf of Renaissance Finanical. Book a consultation, and experience the difference of personalized, empathetic financial guidance at Renaissance Financial.
Kristin Thompson Poelker, Financial Advisor
5700 Oakland Avenue, Suite 400, St. Louis, MO 63110 (314) 932-4300
Securities offered through Cetera Wealth Services, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services offered through Cetera Investment Advisers LLC, a registered investment adviser. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity. Renaissance Financial Corporation is independently owned and operated.
