Volunteer Leaders: Andy Reimer

Clayton County Foundation for the Future 

Advisory Board Chair

• Hometown: Grew up on a farm near Garnavillo
• Education: B.A. in political science and economics, University of Northern Iowa
• Career: Financial advisor and owner of Reimer Financial Group
• Board member since: 2013

Tell us about yourself!

Being from Clayton County, and from a family that has been here for 152 years, it feels community service is part of my responsibility. I live in Garnavillo and own a business in Guttenberg. I have served on many boards and committees over the years because I believe in giving back and making our home a better place. 

I'm married to Mindy, and have two kids, Hayden and Jack. I enjoy being outdoors, cheering for the Iowa Hawkeyes and traveling. 

What inspires you to serve on the Foundation board? 

In 2013, I drove by Plagman Barn and I thought to myself, “What will happen to entities like this when my parents' generation is gone?” MJ Smith asked me to join shortly after, and the timing couldn't have been better. Getting involved with the Foundation seemed like a great way to help keep traditions alive and make sure our local organizations keep going for a very long time. 

I am also inspired by all of the amazing organizations throughout Clayton County and all of the time volunteers put in to make Clayton County a better place. The most memorable grant project we've supported would be the Elkader Depot Project. I'm pretty sure the first time they applied we denied them because the project was in its infancy. They kept moving on and it turned into the most interesting project I have visited. I didn't realize the history of the railroad in Clayton County, and also have a personal connection because my parents' house came in via train from Chicago.