Under Oath: Bob Andeweg
January 26, 2022
Bob Andeweg is a Nyemaster shareholder in our Des Moines office. In addition to a thriving real estate law practice, Bob has been mayor of Urbandale, Iowa, since 2005. While finding time to balance those two roles is a constant challenge, Bob finds great reward in each. Read more about Nyemaster’s “Mayor Bob” below.
Q: Why did you decide to practice law?
BA: I honestly did not intend to go to law school until my senior year in college. I had a Political Science Major in college, and it wasn’t until my senior year that I pursued law school. I wasn’t sure if I was cut out to be a lawyer, but once I got to law school, I loved it. It has been a great profession for me.
Q: What is your “elevator pitch” for the work that you do?
BA: I provide solutions to real estate issues. I concentrate on negotiating and closing large commercial real estate transactions.
Q: What’s the one trend you want all your clients to be thinking about today?
BA: There is a trend in the legal world to get deals done quickly and move one. This has put a strain on everyone, and sometimes details and nuances can be missed. I work very hard to meet deadlines, but sometimes there needs to be the bigger picture of doing things correctly, even if that means it takes a little more time.
Q: What was your dream job as a kid? Is being a lawyer anything like it?
BA: When I was a kid, I thought I wanted to be an architect. I thought I wanted to design buildings. I don’t think what I do as a lawyer is quite like that, though!
Q: What is one thing about Nyemaster that everyone should know?
BA: We care about each other and we care about our clients. Every one of our lawyers works very hard every day to find the bests results for our clients. We do that by working well together as a team.
Q: Tell us about something outside of work that brings you joy?
BA: The thing outside of work that brings me joy is my role as mayor. I like paying my “civic rent” by making a real difference in our community.
Q: You were recently elected to a fifth term as Mayor of Urbandale. What has been the most rewarding part of being mayor?
BA: Seeing real change in our community and knowing that I had a very real part in making it happen. Real change can happen at the local level.
As mayor I have had the opportunity to be involved not just in Urbandale, but in the entire metro area. I have had the privilege to be a part of a lot of big issues in our metro area.
Q: What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever done?
BA: The hardest thing I’ve done is to be Mayor of Urbandale during the time one of our police officers lost his life in the line of duty. I love my role as mayor, but finding a way through that very difficult and dark time took a toll. Our community has come out of it stronger, though.
Q: What issues are passions for you?
BA: I am always looking to collaborate with other communities so that we can all enjoy first-class services at a very competitive cost.
Q: What do you do for fun?
BA: I love to bike. It’s my favorite form of exercise. I also enjoy cooking!
Some may also not call this fun, but it is fun for me to be Mayor of Urbandale. It is my way of giving back to my community.
Q: Where is your favorite vacation destination and why?
BA: I love Washington, DC. I am a political junkie and a history buff, so I can always find plenty to see and do there. An added bonus is that my older daughter lives there now!
Q: What are some of the challenges of balancing a legal career with public service?
BA: Time is certainly my biggest challenge. I can fill a day with a lot of city-related meetings, but I still need to do my day job! One thing I truly appreciate about Nyemaster is its commitment to community service. The environment we have at Nyemaster values my public service and allows me the opportunity to fulfill both roles.
Q: What advice would you give to someone thinking about running for office?
BA: Think of the real reason for taking it on. This is not a “resume-builder”. It is a true commitment. It is a labor of love, but it is very fulfilling.