David Harkin

Dad got me investing at age 13 (1984) in Wal-Mart back when it was a small company.  I invested $1,500 of cow-calf money I made at the Warren County Fair, and Dad gave me $1,500.  Over the next eight years, I became interested in the stock market, reading the Des Moines Register’s stock quote page.  The price of Wal-Mart kept climbing.  My $3,000 investment in WMT became $26,000.  I LIKED THAT!  

At 16, I started to think that if I could help others make money, it would allow me to find a career.  Being a stockbroker in the 1980s was a prestigious position, and I began to take an interest in Economics and Government. 

My father came from humble beginnings and showed me hard work, investing money, and the importance of getting a four-year degree. 

Parents play a crucial role in shaping how children perceive and manage money. Yet many young people today still lack essential financial knowledge and confidence. According to a 2025 survey by Pew Research Center, only about 26% of U.S. adults say they are confident they will have enough income and assets to last throughout retirement. At the same time, data from the Federal Reserve shows that Millennials and Gen Z now make up roughly 42% of the U.S. population but hold only around 10% of the nation’s wealth, underscoring the generational gap in financial security.

A Vanguard study found that professional financial advice can enhance net returns by up to 3% annually. The report highlights key drivers of this added value, including the use of low-cost investments, strategic portfolio rebalancing, effective management of taxable and tax-advantaged accounts, behavioral coaching, and a disciplined spending strategy. All of which are the principles of Des Moines Investments.  

After graduating from Truman State in Missouri, I became a Commodity Broker in 1993 at CSI in West Des Moines, IA.  I traded in the futures markets using contracts of Corn and Beans.   

From 1996 to 2006, I joined Ameriprise, earning my 3 educational credentials focused on Financial Planning and Investing.  I have a strong background in Tax and Estate Planning. I enjoy helping clients grow and protect their wealth and design strategies to transfer it across generations with intention, efficiency, and minimal tax erosion.

After Ameriprise, I became an independent advisor working with the custodian Charles Schwab.  Over the years, my focus has been on stocks and ETFs.

Over the course of my career, I have advised more than 800 client relationships and helped steward hundreds of millions of dollars in assets through multiple market cycles.

Sean Kimberley

Sean has managed money in the state of Iowa for 30 years. He worked as a registered representative with Royal Alliance for many years prior to moving into the Registered Investment Advisor platform at Des Moines Investments in 2020.

Sean is an independent wealth management advisor committed to helping you navigate life’s transitions, overcome obstacles and help realize a bright financial future. Sean is dedicated to helping his clients succeed, with 28 years of experience he has seen it all. As an independent financial professional, he is always working in your best interest as your fiduciary.

Sean has two grown children, a daughter Kristine, and a son Dillon, Dillon is also a part of the team here at Des Moines Investments. Sean graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in finance in 1995. He was born and raised in Canada and loves spending time with family up north when he can. Although his roots are in Canada, he has fallen in love with Central Iowa for the last 30+ Years.