Andrew Mertens
Executive director, Iowa Association for Justice
Age: 39
Wife: Carrie Mertens
Children: Will Mertens, Henry Mertens
Accomplishments that make you deserving of being a Forty Under 40:
I am the director of the Iowa Association for Justice, which is a statewide bar association for Iowa trial lawyers and a major player in state politics.
My grassroots lobbying work has been recognized by Campaign & Elections magazine and the American Association of Political Consultants.
My association's Justice In Deed community service initiative has completed more than 75 projects in my time here, ranging from hands-on volunteer projects to fundraisers that have generated more than $125,000 in total contributions for worthy organizations and causes.
I serve on the boards of the Iowa Freedom of Information Council and the Iowa Newspaper Foundation, among others.
What's your biggest passion, and why?
I'm obsessed with (audio) books about why we make the decisions we do. “Thinking, Fast and Slow,” or books by Richard Thaler, Leonard Mlodinow, Robert Sapolsky and others. It's actually applicable to the world of lobbying and politics, but I just love trying to learn about why people behave the way we do.
What are your goals in your role at work?
Our association's leaders have a long history of public service. Among our past presidents are former Iowa Supreme Court justices, a member of Congress, a cabinet secretary and numerous judges, state legislators and community leaders. I want to continue that tradition of developing future leaders of Iowa.
What are your goals in a role outside of work?
I was raised by a newspaperman and I suppose I inherited a zeal for open records and an open government. The Iowa Freedom of Information Council aggressively pursues that singular mission, regardless of who is in power in state or local government. On their board, I want to help them continue that pursuit.
Tell us about an experience or memory that influenced how you see the world or what you want to do in life.
I was the kid who tried to win every raffle sales or Boy Scouts popcorn competition, so working the doors as a political canvasser was in my wheelhouse. But that job had an impact on me. I learned better persuasive communications skills and got to see the broad scope of what matters to real people.
What are your aspirations for the future?
More than anything, I want my kids to grow up to be happy, independent adults, whatever that looks like for them.
What's one piece of advice you'd give to a young professional?
Listen to Obama's advice on this. He says, “I've seen at every level people who are very good at describing problems … but I'm always looking for somebody who says, ‘Let me take care of that.’” In short, demonstrate that you can get stuff done and people will notice.
What is one thing you would like to see Central Iowa leaders address, and why?
When I read about investment firms buying up mobile home parks, then immediately raising rents by 60%-plus, or buying up most of the affordable houses in Central Iowa and putting in rentals, it feels like Pottersville. I was lucky enough to buy a home when mortgage rates were low, and before predatory investors began scooping up the homes young families could afford. I don't know the answer, but I hope we're electing leaders who do.
What's one fun fact about you?
I've broken my nose twice. In fourth grade attempting a trick off the monkey bars. That was a bad one, nine stitches. Then in a junior high sledding accident. There was a lot of blood and I was wearing all white to look like Storm Shadow from G.I. Joe.
Hobbies: I play basketball every chance I get. I love bike trips to and from Central Iowa bars. My kids and I go on a couple mini-vacations to small towns around Iowa every year.
One word that describes you: Bald.
What is your favorite local restaurant? El Rey Burritos – get the steak torta.
Name one book, podcast, movie or show you love. “Them: Adventures with Extremists” by Jon Ronson (book).
What is your go-to activity to do in Central Iowa in the evenings or during the weekend?
My wife, kids and I love to go on long hikes, we call them stomps, usually along the Racoon River in Polk or Dallas County. We don't fish or hunt or do anything productive, just get dirty.