Engaging Volunteers: Meet Neil Quellhorst

Neil Quellhorst was looking for the “perfect” volunteer opportunity—something flexible that would also stimulate his intellectual side—and the retired engineer seems to have found his niche as a TRAIL volunteer.

As a service volunteer since 2023, Neil has helped TRAIL members with computer hardware, software, smart phones, and other technology issues. He even assembled a wheelbarrow for one member.

“I enjoy the challenge of solving problems for the members, helping them with technology they need or want to use,” says Neil. And, providing the services at times that are mutually convenient to Neil and members allows him flexibility for international travel with his wife Nancy and visiting family members, including their two adult sons.

Full member Valerie Scher is very grateful for Neil’s work installing software on her new laptop computer. “I didn’t even know TRAIL offered that service, but I was so impressed when Neil came to help me. He really went above and beyond to make sure everything was done right and was very kind and patient. He is a tech superstar!”

Quellhorst gained his technology, leadership, and entrepreneurial skills throughout his career at small start-up companies, as well as Honeywell and Rockwell Collins, designing electrical equipment such cell phone systems, avionics and public safety radios. Shortly after retiring from Collins in 2014, he embarked on a passion project, becoming one of the founders of Protostudios. The not-for-profit organization promotes Iowa’s economic development by supporting entrepreneurs, inventors, and University of Iowa faculty in creating proof-of-concept devices using advanced 3D design and manufacturing tools.

For TRAIL, in addition to being a service volunteer, Quellhorst was recently elected to the TRAIL Board of Directors, which meets monthly to oversee operations. “I am just really impressed with the organization. We do so much with such little overhead,” Neil says.

If you, or someone you know is looking for a perfect volunteer opportunity, contact the TRAIL Office at 319-800-9003 or membersupport@trailofjohnsoncounty.org.