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What are the similarities between your current position with DeWaay and your job at Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino?

Realizing everyone is your customer; whether a client or a colleague, you are providing a service to someone. That is a priority at DeWaay Capital Management as well as Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino.

What are the differences?

Obviously the two industries are very different; one focuses on entertainment, the other on wealth management. DeWaay embodies the entrepreneurial spirit. We take action and always move forward.

Most people are familiar with the DeWaay business name, but many people might not be aware of what it does. How do you market the range of services that DeWaay provides?

DeWaay is focused on relationships. We offer services that require trust and understanding. The process of trust cannot be rushed. We share what we do through seminars and technology; most importantly, we look for opportunities to visit with people face to face.

What excites you about the job?

The most exciting part of my job is the variety of avenues DeWaay can use to connect with clients and prospects. Our holistic approach to wealth management requires we understand a client’s values and interests. Since our clients and prospects have such varied interests, the way in which we share our message is very broad.

What experiences prepared you for your work with Prairie Meadows and at DeWaay?

My experience is broad and dynamic. I started teaching special education music outside Washington, D.C., went into politics and state government, into newspapers, into higher education, into entertainment, and now finance. However unrelated these industries may seem, they have one thing in common: providing people with a service. I feel I have been able to transition because I focus on fulfilling the needs of the customer, whoever that might be. I enjoy taking the time to learn about a person’s current situation, their goals, and formulating a plan to reach those goals.

This has to be a challenging time to work in the financial services industry. What is daunting about your new job?

The most challenging part of my transition is obtaining knowledge and experience. My previous experience could not have prepared me for the dynamics of the financial industry, even more so with the current economic situation.

What do you find intriguing about your new job?

Fortunately, I am surrounded by people who are experts, and the best part is they understand how to explain what is happening and why it is significant to a lay person.

What do you do in your spare time?

My spare time is devoted to my family. I learn more from my wife and kids than anyone else. We share the love of the outdoors, movies, cooking and being together. Amy, my wife, and I both like to nourish our creativity and share that passion with our kids. Amy is an artist and I record music in my home studio. I am also a commissioner with the Des Moines Music Commission.

What kind of music do you record at home?

I write a variety of music. I have played and recorded hard rock/heavy metal, acoustic folk/folk rock, classical, even dabbled with reggae.

What instruments do you play?

I studied voice at Iowa State University and I have played guitar since I was 13 years old.

Who are your musical influences?

My current influences are Bob Marley, Ziggy Marley, Carlos Santana, BB King, Red Hot Chili Peppers and R&B horn bands.

Are you working longer hours at DeWaay than when you were at Prairie Meadows?

I wouldn’t say so. The demands of each industry are simply different.