Generational Wealth Partners Operations Director and Community Liaison Lenah Oltman, left, pictured this past May with her boss, GWP co-founder Kyle Rasmussen, in their downtown Reinbeck office. Oltman previously served as director of the Reinbeck Public Library. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

REINBECK – It’s been two years since financial planning firm Generational Wealth Partners celebrated its grand opening in downtown Reinbeck with a ribbon cutting at 421 Main Street. The office space had been renovated and modernized using locally sourced materials, including wood reclaimed from trees damaged during the derecho.

In addition to the office in Reinbeck, it has locations in Cedar Falls, Charles City and Allison.

Co-founded by Kyle Rasmussen and Nick Blasberg, the business is an Ameriprise Private Wealth Advisory Practice. Its newest employee is Lenah Oltman, who previously headed up the Reinbeck Public Library and in the past worked at the Kling Memorial Library. And, says Rasmussen, he felt she’d be an asset to his company. Her role as operations director and community liaison focuses on strengthening community partnerships, outreach and marketing.

“I was on city council, for eight years or so, and every year we have to do the budgeting process. I was so excited about all the wonderful things Lenah was doing at the library that I was like, ‘gosh, we should pay this gal more.’ And of course, you know city budgets. There’s just no room for this. So I said, ‘Lenah, why don’t you just come work for me if the library thing doesn’t work out?'” Rasmussen recalled.

A couple of years later, the two broached the topic again. He said he admired how she’d expanded the library’s services and attendance rate. During her time at the library (May 2022 to May 2026), the facility went from 8,000 door counts a year to 17,000, and 40 activities a year to 365 a year.

“So unfortunately, to the community’s detriment, I said ‘let’s use that same passion and let’s bring you onto the team,”’ he said.

She added that a genuine conversation followed.

“I met with Kyle first…I said ‘why would you want a librarian?’…But when you’re a library director, you’re pretty much running a business,” she said.

Oltman said she’s gotten to know many people in Reinbeck through her work.

She gave her notice at the library, working her final full-time day there on March 20 (starting at GWP three days later) then staying on in a part-time capacity with the library until May 31. The 2026 Summer Library Program was her final event.

Rasmussen said the public might have a generic perception of what financial advisors offer. He recently earned the Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA®) designation, which, he says, strengthens the ability to help business owners maximize business value, prepare for ownership transitions, and align business, personal and financial goals. He likens his approach to a doctor conducting a physical on a patient.

“Investments are a tool – we have to just identify how best to utilize that tool – how to write the prescription properly,” he said. “We want to be different, and different is good sometimes.”

Oltman noted there are seven areas of financial planning:

*Financial Management (budgeting and cash flow)

*Investment Planning (growing wealth through investments)

*Retirement Planning (saving for retirement and income strategies)

*Tax Planning (minimizing taxes legally)

*Risk Management & Insurance Planning (protecting against financial risks)

*Estate Planning (transferring assets and legacy planning)

*Education Planning (saving for college or other education goals)

Generational Wealth Partners had conducted storytime at the library, giving away free ice cream cones, which showcased its volunteerism in the community, Oltman says. Collaboration has brought Movies on Main to fruition, sponsored by the Reinbeck Lions Club, Reinbeck Public Library and Generational Wealth Partners. The next film “Tom & Jerry” will be screened September 19 at 7 p.m. followed by “E.T.” on October 10 at 6:30 p.m.

“I think it’s just what makes a small town life charming – to have things like this. It’s a value close to our hearts and a fantastic way for us to give back and serve the community,” Rasmussen said. “Lenah decides the dates, decides the movies. Gets it figured out. She does all the fancy stuff. She’s running the show, and she’s popping popcorn with a smile.”

Oltman said the Lions Club provides the insurance and labor; the library secures the licensure for the film; GWP provides the projector and pops the popcorn.

GWP staff participate in other local causes and initiatives including: Reinbeck Community Development Board, Little Rebels Daycare Board, Grundy County Memorial Hospital, Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, Grundy County Community Foundation and 100+Women Who Care of Grundy County.

“At our first meeting I said I just couldn’t see this, but I’m glad I (took the job). I have no regrets. And I still go to the library everyday,” Oltman said with a laugh.

Other employees of GWP include financial advisors Mark McCombs and Hunter Bell, plus Client Service Coordinator Russell Pierpont.

GWP may be reached at: 319-391-6533.