After graduation from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD in 1981, I moved to Des Moines. My wife, Mary, and I have four adult children, three of whom live close by. Prior to serving clients with Edward Jones, I worked in the buying offices at Younkers Department Store.

I began my career with Edward Jones in 1987 and opened the firm's first office in Des Moines. At that time, the firm consisted of approximately 1,000 financial advisors. In addition to my role as a financial advisor and the rewarding work and friendships with my clients, I volunteer with the firm and help new financial advisors improve their skills with personal coaching and leading workshops.

Besides my work as a financial advisor, I am a member and elder at Christ Community Church. I coached my kids in youth sports for many years. I am also a member of the Golden K Kiwanis Club, which serves the youth in our community. I have been a reader with 2nd graders in the Des Moines Public Schools for 20 years.

My wife and I like to travel together in the U.S. and abroad. I work out almost daily to keep my mind and body healthy. I wish I didn't love chocolate as much as I do. I relax by gardening and working in the yard. I own an antique John Deere two-cylinder tractor with a mower, and I pretend to do work with it several times a month.

The most enjoyable part of my work are the friendships developed with our clients as we help them achieve and stay on track with their personal and financial goals. My Branch Office Administrators, Val and Patti, work hard to be sure our clients have a warm and friendly experience as they work with us. We are dedicated to providing the highest level of service possible. We know we make a difference in our clients' lives when their children come to us for assistance to help them accomplish their financial goals. For the past 20 years, our practice has qualified for our firm's Managing Partners Conference, an honor reserved for the firm's top 400 offices.