I was born and raised in Waterloo, Iowa and left in 1988 to study English and Music Performance (cello) at the University of Iowa.  After graduating in four years with a double major, I took a weekend off and started law school in May 1992.

I clerked for the Dutton, Braun, Staack & Hellman law firm in Waterloo during the summer of 1994, which led to a permanent position as an Associate in February 1995 after completing the bar exam.  I've been with the Firm ever since, currently as a Partner.

I married my wife Michelle in 1996 and together we settled in Cedar Falls, her hometown.  She is an Instructor at the University of Northern Iowa, teaching elementary music methods.  We have two children, Elizabeth and Matthew.  We love music, traveling and cheering on the Iowa Hawkeye football team and staying active at Prairie Lakes Church.