Education: Bachelor’s in journalism and mass communication (majors: public relations and business communications) from Iowa State University 

Hometown: grew up in Marshalltown, live in Urbandale 

Family: Husband Kevin Baeth, daughters Stephanie and Emily 

Hobbies: Ironmans, triathlons, marathons, half marathons, swimming, biking, running, scrapbooking, traveling, decorating for holidays, boating, writing, reading, skiing, I love EVERYTHING!

Three notable accomplishments: 

• Honored by the United States Chamber of Commerce with its Dream Big Small Business of the Year in 2017! We also received their Community Excellence Achievement Award, for community service and volunteering, the same year. (We were the only company to ever win both awards!)
• I was recently selected to be on a TV show called “Legacy Makers” streaming on many major TV platforms. The show will be filmed in September and aired later this year or early 2026. I am being featured for going from Central Iowa Fair Queen to inventing big scissors to a legacy. I was the first person to invent and patent giant working scissors that cut after working at the North Hennepin Chamber of Commerce out of college and learning there was no such thing that existed. I went on to create several other ribbon-cutting, groundbreaking, keys to the city, grand opening and ceremonial products that did not exist and helped countless businesses open their doors in style! 
• I helped set a “Guinness Book of World Records” record for the longest ribbon cutting in the world — 4.5 miles of ribbon in Cutler Bay, Fla.. Then helped break it two more times with two other clients.

How have you helped improve organizations you’ve been a part of?

I don’t do anything halfway. I go above and beyond my call of duty, delivering ahead of deadlines and more than anyone asked for, no matter if it is business or volunteer related.

To whom much is given, much is expected. I have been blessed to have grown such a strong group of employees and volunteers that want to make a difference in the communities we serve. One example of our community service is the work we did in support of John Stoddard Cancer Center. Golden Openings hosted a Regional After Hours, “Cutting Out Cancer in Our Community” at our Urbandale office. This event was in memory of Tom Carder, past president of Quality Manufacturing (the Urbandale Business of the Year in 2014 and a relative and business partner of Golden Openings) who passed away from brain cancer. There were over 55 local food and beverage sponsors, business tables and vendors, a live band, silent auction, giveaways, 21 chambers and our members were at this community event. Most importantly, we raised over $22,000 for the care coordinator program. 

What motivates you?

Giving back, helping others reach their dreams and goals, pivoting, learning and trying new things and saying, “Yes, I can!”

Is there a memory or experience from your formative years that continues to influence your approach to life?

My father started his own successful construction business with a hardhat and shovel at age 14. It is called LeRoy Morford Construction, and he is the “Concrete King.” He still works 10-hour days today, at age 78 and says he might retire when he’s 100 for a day and if he doesn’t like it, he’s going back to work. He always taught me nothing is insurmountable and instilled a strong work ethic in me.

I grew up building our own 10,000-square-foot home, brick-by-brick, with my two sisters, mom and dad. It is a unique house, on top of a big hill, with waterfalls, limestone archways, a brick stage for a Baby Grand piano, ponds, spiral staircases, balconies, open floors and more. Because we had to move in before the house was ready, for my 16th birthday, I asked for a door to my bedroom. My mom made meals in the fireplace, and we lived without carpet for five months. 

My mom passed away from sepsis in less than 15 hours, very suddenly in 2017, leaving us all puzzled where it came from and how it happened to a healthy 65-year-old happy grandma and mom. My mom taught me to encourage and help each person I meet. To live colorfully and wear polka dots. Stand up for yourself. Decorate for each holiday and if there isn’t a holiday, find something to celebrate. Never bake sugar cookies from a tube that was purchased at a store. (She made the best thick, melt-in-your-mouth, cut-out, holiday, frosted, sugar cookies in the world). Have a collection or two. Save your photos and keep scrapbooks. Find happiness in meaningful work that helps people and makes memories. Find beauty in everything and everyone. Enjoy the ride and remember the journey is the joy. Life must be lived as we go along; the end will come soon enough. 

What piece of advice would you give to others who hope to make a difference in their communities?

There is only one chance to make a first impression, which is critical to a business’s long-term success with customers, officials, neighbors, vendors, employees, executives, etc. Opening your doors with a groundbreaking, ribbon cutting and grand opening is necessary!

If a business makes a successful first impression at their grand opening the business is instantly known and respected across the community. 

What’s a current goal or accomplishment you’d like to achieve?

Help the Business Record more with their programs, in person presentations, panel discussions, articles and more by making a difference for the community with my knowledge, experiences and expertise.

What is a favorite book, show, movie, podcast, etc., that you’d encourage others to consume?

“Oh, the Places You’ll Go” by Dr. Seuss. I love and encourage everyone to CELEBRATE everything! This book is the perfect gift to celebrate and motivate others to celebrate all special milestones!

How do you try to find balance and joy in the many activities you take part in?

Life is a journey, and I do my best to play my part and help others along the way, every day. I love what I do and do what I love. I love to work and haven’t ever called it “work” a day in my life, but make sure I always make myself take time for family, friends, vacations and personal hobbies. I try to do something nice for someone every day. 

Regret and fear are twin thieves who would rob us of today. “Relish the moment” is a good motto I live by, especially when coupled with Psalm 118:24, “This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” 

There is no finish line in work or play! Enjoy the ride and remember the journey is the joy.

What is one of your guilty pleasures?

I love to spend time outdoors in the sun and hosting friends, family, neighbors and others with theme parties at our lake house, or at our pool/hot tub and sauna in our backyard. During the spring, summer and fall one will have a challenging time pulling me inside on the weekends, as I love the sun and spending time with others laughing and enjoying the moment! 

What’s something many people don’t know about you?

I recently founded Cutting Edge Success to help businesses achieve long-term growth and reach their dreams and goals! My experience in business innovation, branding, networking, customer engagement and growth positions me as a key resource for entrepreneurs and organizations looking to elevate their success, no matter what stage of business they are in.

Anything else you want to add about yourself?

My heart bleeds red and gold! I am extremely thankful for my alma mater – ISU. Thank you for being a sponsor and such a wonderful university. I was very active on campus and gave back. I was named the General Motors Volunteer of the Year, Greek Woman of the Year, on the ISU Homecoming Court, a football recruiter and vice president of my sorority Chi Omega. They helped me carve a proud past to a bright future! Go Cyclones!

Read about all of the 2025 Women of Influence honorees