Dave LaGrange is a Registered Representative and Registered Investment Advisor known for his dedication to helping people and his individualized approach to client service. He brings skills in active listening and problem-solving, making his career one he describes as helping, rewarding, and challenging.
Educational & Professional Background
Dave's highest level of education is a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Mount Mercy College, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude between 1988 and 1992. He was drawn to his major due to his enjoyment of mathematics and working with numbers, and he was able to attend fully on scholarships and grants, in part due to his participation on the pitching staff for the Mount Mercy College baseball team. During this time, he was also a student member of the Iowa State Education Association (ISEA) and student taught at Cedar Rapids Jefferson High School.
The most valuable lesson he took from his education was to never give up on a person, learned by the example of his cooperating teacher who consistently provided extra help to his students.
Dave LaGrange chose his current role because it allows him to combine his enjoyment of helping people with his passion for working with numbers and problem-solving. He finds the job rewarding because he enjoys helping people and each day brings unique successes and challenges. His proudest professional accomplishment is working with clients through the 2008 Great Recession.
Throughout his career, Dave has held several positions, primarily in education and coaching, including:
- High School Math Teacher
- Assistant Varsity Baseball Coach and Head Freshman Baseball Coach
- Head Varsity High School Swim Coach for Cedar Rapids Prairie and Assistant Varsity Swim Coach for Indianola High School
- Head Swim Coach for the Amana Swim Club and Assistant age group coach for the Des Moines Swim Federation and Indianola Swim Club
Personal Background
Dave was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and spent his childhood with early aspirations of becoming an astronaut or a professional baseball player. His educational journey began in Amana, Iowa, with grade school and high school completed in Norway, Iowa.
He is married to Barb, and they have three children: Kaitlyn, Tim, and Brad. Dave and Barb currently reside in Winterset, having previously lived in Cedar Rapids and Williamsburg, Iowa. Their home is busy with two dogs (Winnie and Wrigley), two cats (Tilly and Stella), and two fish tanks, including a Congo Puffer named Norm.
Dave is passionate about supporting the community in Winterset and the Madison County area, where he actively volunteers. His community involvement includes serving with the Winterset Airport Authority, the Madison County Development Group, the Winterset Community Band, as a St. Joseph Trustee, and as a St. Joseph Religion Education Teacher. An interesting fact from his past is that his high school jazz band once performed for President George H.W. Bush.
In his free time, Dave's favorite hobbies are flying and playing the trumpet. When traveling, he enjoys visiting Gulf Shores, Alabama, Nashville, Tennessee, or Ely, Minnesota. As a sports fan, he roots for the Chicago Cubs (Baseball), Chicago Bears (Football), and the Iowa Hawkeyes (College).