Member Spotlight: Mark Gelbman

Name: Mark Gelbman

Hometown: West Des Moines

Education: Bachelor of liberal arts from Simpson College

Job: Owner of Strategic Wealth Solutions

Q&A

Q: What do you do for a living?

A: I help people differentiate between a goal and a hope by using the financial planning process. Numerous studies have shown that those with a plan in place are far more likely to achieve their goal than those that hope they will get there. Every plan created is distinctly unique to the client or organization we are working with.

Q: How are you involved in the community?

A: I serve as the co-chair for the Volunteer Committee for Young Professionals Connection (YPC) and serve on the Professional Development Committee. Through YPC I have had many wonderful opportunities to not only impact the community, but impact the world.  I’m currently the president-elect of the Financial Planning Association for the state of Iowa. For the second year in a row, I will be the co-chair of the Iowa Chapter of the American Lung Association Fight for Air Lung Walk.

Q: What are your favorite things to do in Greater Des Moines (DSM)?

A: I love running and many days you can find me running on the numerous trail systems through Central Iowa. I also enjoy running in two of the biggest road races in Iowa: Dam to Dam and the Des Moines Marathon. 

Q: What don’t people know about you?

A: Both my sister and I had destination weddings in Jamaica. Also, if I was not a financial advisor, I would rather be in international business living overseas.

Q: Anything else?

A: Get involved and make an impact. We are at a point in our community where we can have a tremendous impact on the future of our community. If there is something that you’re passionate about, go after it and reach out to those that can help you get there. People are willing to help you get to where you want to go and all you have to do is ask.