While the Brandon and Katie Cramer family was not unhappy living in the metro area of Des Moines, they are enjoying many amenities of living in Clarion and Wright County. “We were both from smaller communities,” said Brandon, “So we knew that ultimately we wanted to live in a smaller town.”
Brandon, a 2006 Clarion-Goldfield graduate, graduated from Iowa State University in 2010 and Palmer Chiropractic in 2014. “I started my business in Grimes after I graduated,” he said. He sold the business and started Clarion’s Cramer Chiropractic, at 1123 East Central Avenue, in September 2017.
Katie, a 2007 West Delaware High School graduate, grew up in Manchester. “Even though Manchester has a population of about 6,000,” she said, “it is still a small town.” She attended Daytona State in Florida for two years and the University of Georgia for two years, studying business and real estate. For the past eight years, she has been employed by Principal in Des Moines. “I worked in commercial real estate,” she said. Recently Katie switched to work for Situs AMC, also based out of Des Moines, continuing with commercial real estate and appraisal management. While she did some work from home and commuted to Des Moines two days a week, since COVID-19, she has been working from her home. “I am classified as a remote employee,” she said. “I am really enjoying not having commutes so I can have more time with our family.”
Clarion is a good fit for Brandon’s business and for the couple to raise their three sons – Harrison, 4; and twins Henry and Robbie, 2. “Small communities and schools give our kids more opportunities to be involved with many more things as they grow up,” said Brandon. Harrison attends four-year-old pre-school; Henry and Robbie are in Kids Korner daycare center. Brandon, who currently serves on the Kids Korner Board of Directors, is involved not only in overseeing the daily operation of the center but also working to secure a new location for the facility.
Brandon reiterated how well his chiropractic business has been received since locating in Clarion. “The chiropractic business continues to evolve like all businesses,” he said. “Besides adjustments and tractions, we now are doing cold laser which uses light to help decrease pain and inflammation.” He said he is pleasantly surprised by the area he serves- from Humboldt to Hampton, or Kanawha, and Algona, along with some clients who are willing to drive here from Des Moines.
Number one on the Cramer family’s ‘fun’ list is being close to family. “My grandma also lives an hour from here on a farm,” said Katie. “The boys love visiting her there. We find simplicity in small things. Playing with the kids and going to the parks are great fun. Being active with family and friends are just the best.” Brandon enjoys fishing and golfing. The couple tries to work out at home and enjoys running. “We really like sports,” said Brandon.
Clarion is turning out to be a good fit for Brandon, Katie and their boys. “We love being back here,” said Brandon. “It’s a nice change of pace from Des Moines.”
