Growing up I learned how to serve client interests from my father and grandfather, who are both attorneys in northeast Iowa. They taught me to take a hands-on approach to learning and to work hard to understand the underlying causes of a conflict, not just address the immediate problem. I applied that philosophy throughout my academic and professional education by learning the construction industry beginning as a carpenter and then architectural intern at OPN Architects, SOM, and Kahler Slater Architects. After I earned my Bachelors of Architecture from Iowa State University and my Juris Doctorate from the University of Iowa, I took a position as General Counsel with a contractor in eastern Iowa. Those experiences give me a pragmatic legal view based in developing and tailoring solutions to each client’s unique problem.
I was born and raised in Oelwein, Iowa. Today I live in Iowa City with my wife Brooke and two Great Danes. I traveled extensively throughout my life, including living in and studying architecture in Rome for five months, but Iowa has always drawn me back. When I am not working or traveling, I spend my free time giving back to my community through volunteer opportunities and helping to further ballroom dancing in the Cultural Corridor through Hawkeye Ballroom and USA Dance. I believe my diverse experiences and interests help me better understand my clients’ needs and serve each client more effectively.
