Matthew Gardner

Born and raised in southern Iowa (don't hold that against me) on a farm just outside of Centerville. (Big Reds and Pancake Day). Undergraduate degree from THE Iowa State University. I still bleed cardinal and gold, but I can find a place to help even Hawkeye fans. Drake University to get the degree that allows me have the law license. I spent my initial 16 years at a local medium-sized law firm honing my skills before jumping out of the nest and starting my own firm in 2013. I said this when my girls were younger and still remains true today now that they have both graduated from high school: my most important job is that of a father. Other than that, which covers a lot of different responsibilities, my job focuses primarily on the trust and estate (T&E) world. That focused path and experience has permitted me to be the chairman for the Iowa State Bar Association's Probate and Estate Planning Section (the largest section of the ISBA); become a fellow in the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel; and become a member/director/officer of the Iowa Counsel of Trust and Estate Counsel. I don't like to wear ties and I have a sense of humor (others may disagree that it is humor). I am informal but I do take my work seriously, as this is serious work. Discussing death and disability can be considered bleak, but we all need to plan. Ignoring isn't planning.