Dave Arens
Founding Partner
Historical Relationship Tenure:
Years of Experience:
Educational Background
- University of Iowa, MA, Economics
- University of Iowa, BA, Zoology
Designations/Certifications/Classes
- Graduate, ABA School of Banking Colorado
- Graduate, Cannon Trust School I & II
- Graduate, Wells Fargo Business Succession Planning I & II
- Graduate, Wells Fargo Family Dynamics Training
Community Involvement
- 22-gallon blood donor
Other Notable Information
- Niche is business owners and succession planning
- Trust and estate planning expertise
- Tax planning and management expertise
- P&C/health insurance management expertise
- Budgeting and bill pay expertise
Personal Q&A
What quality/qualities make you stand out to your clients or coworkers?
Because I am trustworthy, patient, reliable and knowledgeable.
What do you consider your biggest accomplishment at Private Wealth?
Being a part of the founding partner team that set up our firm three years ago with no clients. Today, we proudly have hundreds of clients and $2 billion in assets under management.
Where are you from? Where did you grow up?
Waverly, Iowa
What are your hobbies or favorite things to do in your free time?
Handyman, gardening, reading
Favorite TV show, movie, or band?
Marvel series, Star Wars series
What motivates you or makes you happiest in your role?
I love satisfying our clients’ needs, helping their families and bringing helpful ideas to them.
What is the best piece of financial advice you ever received?
Your ability to create a wedge between what you earn and what you spend will enable you, over time, to have financial freedom.
Where is the coolest place you’ve ever visited, or want to visit?
Boundary Water Canoe Area
Tell us about your family, pet(s) or give a fun fact about yourself!
When I moved to Des Moines 40 years ago, I fully expected to move again in 3-5 years expecting to find a more exciting place. It turns out that I have and it is still in Des Moines! I’ve loved the growth and vibrancy of our community and have found friends and associates who have supported me and our family in so many ways.
Fun fact–I once was about 20 feet away from an 8-10 foot hammerhead shark and had to fight to control my panicking dive buddy so that she didn’t launch to the surface and look like the next tasty meal for that creature!