Best of Des Moines 2025: Learn about this year’s winners
Emily Barske Wood Sep 19, 2025 | 6:00 am
36 min read time
8,525 wordsAll Latest News, Arts and Culture, Best of Des MoinesAs we do each year, we asked our readers to cast votes for what Des Moines has to offer in a variety of business-related categories. These people and organizations make up an ecosystem in our region that supports the local economy and the community at large.
Here’s how it worked: You voted. We checked the data, removed any suspicious or erroneous votes and then tallied the results for all 75 categories. All Greater Des Moines businesses, people and organizations are eligible to win categories. In other words, there was no cost to be listed as an option due to the survey being open-ended. You can’t pay to win a category.
These leaders from varying industries shared with us their new areas of focus, what they think would improve the community and trends in their industries that others should know about. The following is a selection of perspectives from the winners who responded to the questions we posed to them. Answers have been lightly edited for clarity. We hope you enjoy reading them. See a list of all the winners here.
And to our audience, thank you for your continued participation in Best of Des Moines voting.
— Emily Barske Wood, special projects editor
What’s something new your organization is working on?
At EveryStep, we’re investing in our future to better serve Iowans for years to come. We’re implementing a new electronic health record system to enhance care coordination across hospice, home health care and maternal-child health programs. At the same time, we’re upgrading our accounting systems to streamline operations and provide real-time insights for smarter decision-making. These infrastructure improvements require significant time and resources, but they’re essential.
By strengthening how we gather and use data, we can demonstrate our impact, remain responsible stewards of donor support and continue delivering compassionate care through life’s most challenging moments.
Tray Wade – president and CEO, EveryStep
We’re taking intentional steps to integrate AI responsibly across our organization. Recent initiatives include AI training programs, a dynamic internal hackathon and a collaborative “AI Amazon Race,” all guided by our dedicated focus group. These efforts are strengthening our team’s capabilities, streamlining operations and, most importantly, enhancing how we serve our clients. By leveraging AI in thoughtful, innovative ways, we’re driving forward product development, optimizing processes and building a smarter, more sustainable future for our business and people. Our focus remains on delivering exceptional, client-centered solutions through responsible technology adoption.
Brent Vander Waal- president and CEO, ITA Group
We’re constantly expanding and improving our ability to offer clients more video, animation and podcast production capabilities by leveraging new platforms and technology. Our goal is to meet the growing demand for multimedia storytelling that cuts through the noise and builds stronger brand connections.
Jordan Goode – marketing account director, TRIO Agency
Principal is investing in a company-wide AI literacy program to upskill all 20,000 employees by early 2026. This includes foundational training, self-paced learning modules and role-specific learning. The curriculum consists of courses on generative AI foundations, prompt engineering and data foundations. While this is about building skills, it’s also about creating a culture where technology and human capability converge to drive meaningful transformation. By embedding AI fluency across our company, we’re leading change and shaping a future where innovation and responsibility coexist to make financial security more accessible for everyone we serve.
Deanna Strable – president and CEO, Principal Financial Group
One of the things we’re actively working on is maximizing value on every video shoot. By planning with repurposing in mind, we can deliver high-quality assets for TV, digital, social, internal use and more — all in a single shoot. We aim to help clients maximize the return on every production investment.
Bridget Proctor – senior vice president and partner, Locust Motion
We are launching two new master’s programs this fall. The Master of Science in Supply Chain Management is designed to address the needs among Iowa manufacturers and businesses who face a new era of supply chain complexity — labor shortages, material delays and global disruptions now challenge even the most established firms. Also, our new Master of Financial Technology addresses how technology-driven products such as mobile payments, digital wallets and others are rapidly being integrated into the traditional financial world.
Raj Agnihotri – Raisbeck Endowed Dean, Iowa State University Ivy College of Business
Wakonda recently completed a full golf course restoration under the direction of golf course architect Tyler Rae. The restoration included regrassing of all fairways, tees and greens, rebuilding of greens, all new bunkers, a new state-of-the-art irrigation system and new sets of tees on all holes. The results are beyond what we could have imagined. Since the restoration, Wakonda has received numerous accolades. As we have come into our first year, post restoration, the club has thrived with new members, new amenities and events, all led by a team of professionals who are a group of dedicated and skilled individuals, always striving to reinvent, engage and provide our members with a superior club experience every day.
Rheanne Kinney – general manager and COO, Wakonda Club
One of our greatest initiatives is integrating new data intelligence capabilities. As a not-for-profit financial partner, our members rightfully expect us to deeply understand their personal financial needs and offer solutions uniquely tailored to their best interests. That’s our greatest priority, and keeping pace with current data technology is vital to upholding it.
Renee Christoffer – president and CEO, Veridian Credit Union
Our first annual Emerging Professionals Swarm brought together more than 60 interns from all over the county for two energizing days in our Des Moines office. The event featured engaging breakout sessions, dynamic group discussions, formal training and meaningful collaboration. From the very start, this talented group kicked things off with enthusiasm and curiosity, embracing every opportunity to learn and grow. Day two built on that momentum with hands-on team activities that fostered connection and creativity. It was a celebration of our talented interns.
Craig Erickson – Des Moines office director, Shive-Hattery
Wellmark is working to address rising prescription drug costs, which now account for more than 25% of health care spending. To help manage these costs, we’re expanding access to biosimilar medications that offer a more affordable option compared to some high-cost brand-name drugs and are FDA approved using the same safety and effectiveness standards. Over the past two years, Wellmark’s direct contracts for biosimilars of Humira and Stelara have saved members about $100 million. As more biosimilars become available, members and employer customers benefit from lower costs while still having access to crucial treatments. This is just one way Wellmark is working to control health care costs for those we serve.
Cory Harris – president and CEO, Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield
We are working on a new economic development strategic action plan. This will be the guiding framework for the city’s economic development efforts over the next five to eight years, providing a post-COVID strategy that, when implemented, will help chart the course of the city’s economy.
Ryan Moffatt – community and economic development director, city of West Des Moines
This year our focus has been centered around launching new product innovations to bring more selection, value and flavor offerings to our customers. We became one of the first grocers in the nation to develop our own energy drink lines with the launch of Hand Stand and Shox and have also developed other beverages in-house including Bunzi tea and Hy-Vee-branded soda and sparkling water. We also continue to expand our line of take-and-heat items with new products like queso, chicken pot pie and meatballs.
Tina Potthoff – senior vice president, communications, Hy-Vee
We’re continuing to expand our offerings in digital component construction through our partnership with Falkbuilt. This technology allows us to deliver smarter, faster and more sustainable interior solutions. It reduces waste, increases flexibility and creates precision-built spaces. It’s one way we’re leading the way and delivering on our promise of comprehensive interior solutions for clients across industries.
Jeannette Smith – vice president of sales and marketing, Pigott
RSM is driving exciting initiatives at every level — local, national and international. We recently announced a $1 billion investment over the next three years to expand our AI strategy, aimed at boosting efficiency and delivering high-quality, strategic solutions faster for our clients. RSM is also preparing to complete a transatlantic merger, creating a partner-owned, multinational organization spanning the U.S., U.K., Canada, Ireland, India and El Salvador. Locally, our commitment remains strong: We recently partnered with Des Moines Public Schools for our annual Volunteer Day, and 170 RSM employees volunteered to spend the day cleaning and painting classrooms at Roosevelt High and Hubbell Elementary.
Doug Roozeboom – partner, RSM
We love bringing as many community events as possible to the venue and recently hosted the MRM 4 ALS “Back to the 90s” benefit, honoring Michael R. Myers’ legacy of supporting Iowans with ALS. With hundreds of guests, live music from the band Final Mix Show — and DJ Chris Coffey — it was a night to remember. We’re proud to support meaningful causes and look forward to more impactful events like the One Iowa Gala as our special events team ramps up for a busy year.
Haleigh Biancalana – general manager, Vibrant Music Hall
We are diligently building the future of air travel in Iowa. With our new terminal set to open in January 2027, construction is officially at the halfway mark. Once complete, the terminal will add six new gates to our existing 13, creating exciting opportunities to welcome more routes and potentially new airlines to Des Moines. This expansion is a critical step forward in enhancing connectivity and supporting continued growth for our region.
Brian Mulcahy – CEO, Des Moines Airport Authority
We’re expanding our outreach and apprenticeship programs to bring more opportunities to local youths and underrepresented communities. We’ve been working closely with schools, like Southeast Polk, to build their Skilled Trades Extension Center. This not only provides those opportunities to learn but also guarantees job placement once their schooling is complete.
David Reid – business manager, IBEW Local 347
Not necessarily new, but perhaps more visible than it has been in years past — many people don’t know that we have a financial arm of our business that provides things like credit card processing to small businesses. For example, if you were at the state fair this summer, there’s a good chance you purchased something delicious from a vendor who uses our credit card processing services!
Traci Galligan – chief human resources officer, NCMIC
UnityPoint Health – John Stoddard Cancer Center is opening a new medical oncology and hematology clinic along with expanded chemotherapy infusion services this September. The new clinic at Stoddard Cancer Center will have a team of experienced providers, including three medical oncologists and two nurse practitioners, ensuring patients receive high-quality, compassionate care. Expanded chemotherapy infusion services will be delivered by certified nurses who specialize in administering cancer treatment with expertise and compassion. This expansion strengthens UnityPoint Health’s ability to provide a full-service, comprehensive cancer center, offering cohesive, expert-driven care for patients at every stage of their journey.
Jon Rozenfeld – president, UnityPoint Health – Des Moines
The next generation of office space focuses on high quality amenities. As we transform office buildings, we are exploring what those next amenities will be. We have redeveloped office buildings with child care centers, high quality coffee kiosks, immersive video walls and rooftop patios. What’s next … resort-style fitness centers and outdoor spaces with firepits, Wi-Fi and giant shade sails are a couple of projects we have in the works.
Adam Kaduce – president, R&R Real Estate Advisors
What’s one issue you’d like the Greater Des Moines business community to address?
We’re encouraged by the continued investment in local arts and nightlife and hope to see even more. Supporting creative spaces and late-night culture helps communities thrive, creating new opportunities for local artists and local businesses alike. A vibrant nightlife scene isn’t just about entertainment; it promotes economic development, cultural enrichment and attracts both residents and tourists to the city.
Haleigh Biancalana – general manager, Vibrant Music Hall
Society needs more and more direct engagement, and the business community is the ideal place to start. Social isolation is a mounting concern, and businesses can take a big step in the direction of bringing people together for more interpersonal interaction. Relationships matter and are still essential to doing great business.
Sarah DeKock – senior vice president and partner, Flynn Wright
We’d love to see more organizations embrace Design with Impact. At Pigott, we believe that design is more than aesthetics. It’s about creating spaces that support equity, sustainability, well-being and community. As business leaders, we have an opportunity to make intentional choices that result in meaningful change. By prioritizing purpose-driven design, we can improve experiences and outcomes for the people who use our spaces every day.
Jeannette Smith – vice president of sales and marketing, Pigott
The region is home to a number of diverse companies. The large companies that provide regional leadership typically are the ones we most closely follow, but it’s important to remember that over 99% of the businesses in our region are considered small businesses. These small businesses create 46% of the jobs in our region, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Greater Des Moines Partnership. The health of our small businesses is vital to the growth and well-being of our region and it is important to consider doing business locally when making procurement decisions.
Jeremiah Terhark – founder and CEO, Webspec
We’d like to see more businesses prioritize partnerships with union labor. It ensures quality, safety and fair wages — all of which strengthen our local economy.
David Reid – business manager, IBEW Local 347
Critical to our future is engaging our youths in building skills and bright futures, with special attention paid to those at risk along their way to adulthood. It is the right thing to do, and it strengthens the future talent pool, which is necessary for our region’s long-term success. Principal helps advance this work in many ways, including our support of the Legacy Project, a work-based learning program that gives high school students real-world experience and mentorship. Nearly 100 students took part last year, and the program recently launched in additional cities.
Deanna Strable – president and CEO, Principal Financial Group
Continued investment into resources to support women and children navigating difficult times. And mental health resources for under- and uninsured Iowans.
Buck Olsen – CEO, Foster Group
I’d love to see the Des Moines business community come together to address food insecurity. The crisis affects people in every part of the city, often quietly. At Catering by Cyd, we make sure no good food goes to waste — and if everyone did just one small thing, the collective impact could be huge.
Cyd Koehn – chef/owner, Catering by Cyd
We have offices in Des Moines, West Des Moines and Ames, so we are committed to Central Iowa as a region. However, it is critically important to maintain and grow a vibrant core in downtown Des Moines. We support the efforts of the Partnership, city council and many others in this regard, and fully agree that we are better together.
Lori Chesser – president, Dentons Davis Brown
I hope Greater Des Moines businesses all realize what our competition is doing in big-box stores and online ordering and to give better service than them and show our appreciation.
Tom Boesen – owner and president, Boesen the Florist
Iowa is facing challenges in attracting and retaining young professionals. In 2024, it ranked seventh nationally for net outmigration of bachelor’s degree holders aged 25–29. Among Midwestern states, Iowa had the highest rate of young graduates leaving, according to the Common Sense Institute.
Craig Erickson – Des Moines office director, Shive-Hattery
The high vacancy rate for office space in the metro is a concern to everyone, and the majority of the space is downtown. There has been some backfill of existing buildings, but it has mostly been companies moving around the metro area, which then leaves other older properties vacant. The solution would be to have new companies relocate to the DSM metro area, filling office space and bringing new jobs here. Every city has the same wish, but it is not easy since companies have roots, relationships and employees in their own communities and relocating a company is not possible for every business. But they could expand here.
John Irving – president – Central Iowa division, Tri-City Electric Co.
With so many workforce needs in our community, it’s essential that businesses help introduce students to potential career pathways. We have long emphasized our internship program for college students, as well as hosting high school interns through the Waukee APEX program. Some of our current staff were interns before they started full-time careers with us.
Sarah Lukan – partner, LS2group
Define what makes the Des Moines coffee scene unique. Highlight local roasters, flavors and traditions that set it apart from bigger metro coffee cultures.
Krista Bennett – owner, Smokey Row
Traffic. When I leave my driveway until I pull into our company parking lot, there are only 3 miles of road out of the 22-mile trip to work that are not under construction.
Edward McGreen – CEO, Kreg Tool
It is my hope our community will continue to embrace partnerships in developing facilities and events that accommodate children with special health care needs. ChildServe, and many other wonderful organizations, have made great progress in spreading awareness on this topic through sensory events at the Iowa State Fair, Iowa Cubs games and the Sunflower Hidden Disability partnership with the Des Moines International Airport. We are witnessing so many organizations and community members step up to the plate to make our community more inclusive of others who may need additional support, and it’s wonderful to see.
Dr. Teri Wahlig – president and CEO, ChildServe
Make Des Moines a more welcoming place for diverse workforce.
Rowena Crosbie – president, Tero International
What changes or uncertainty is your organization facing, and how are you navigating them?
The “enrollment cliff,” which refers to a projected significant decline in college and university enrollments starting around 2025. It stems from a decrease in the number of traditional-age students due to lower birth rates after the 2008 recession.
Raj Agnihotri – Raisbeck Endowed Dean, Iowa State University Ivy College of Business
Like many, Hubbell is facing uncertainty surrounding tariffs and their unknown impact on the real estate, construction, development and home building industries.
Claire Brehmer – communications manager, Hubbell Realty Co.
We’re in a period of rapid, purposeful growth — driven mostly by organic expansion and selective acquisitions that truly fit our people and values. Global expansion is now a core part of our strategy, and our larger footprint outside the U.S. means we’re positioned to meet client needs wherever they are. Integrating new teams and embracing diverse business cultures pushes us to invest in local expertise, leadership development and cross-cultural collaboration. While change presents challenges, I am excited about the opportunities it brings and confident in our team’s ability to grow with purpose — always staying people-focused and true to ourselves.
Brent Vander Waal – president and CEO, ITA Group
Construction activity in the metro area has definitely declined in the past year. It is a combination of factors including high interest, inflation, banks requiring more equity in projects, worries about the effects of tariffs, high office vacancies, a surplus of rentable warehouse space and a sluggish farm economy. We continue to add affiliate companies to expand the menu of services we offer so that we are not dependent on a single division.
John Irving – president – Central Iowa division, Tri-City Electric Co.
Erratic policy shifts by the current administration are creating uncertainty, prompting our clients to delay decisions. This “wait and see” approach is slowing projects and disrupting our pipeline. In response, we are taking a cautious approach, focusing on preserving stability rather than pursuing aggressive growth.
Rowena Crosbie – president, Tero International
In our organization, as well as the restaurant industry, the biggest uncertainty in my eyes is the labor force: how to keep recruiting new staff, keeping them engaged and working with the nontraditional hours in the workday. We are looking at different hours of operation, expectations of managers and staff, new and current employee incentives.
Dominic Iannarelli – chef/owner, Prime & Providence
Audiences are scattered across so many platforms – TikTok, YouTube, OTT, Meta and more. With that, demand for vertical, short-form and platform-specific video content is growing. With a strategic approach to pre-production, we collaborate with clients to plan and optimize single shoots for capturing content for multiple formats.
Bridget Proctor – senior vice president and partner, Locust Motion
The uncertainty that we are facing is the same that we always have always faced, costs and labor. We at Boesen’s treat our employees as a priority. We continue to nurture and make them feel like they are part of the family, because they are.
Tom Boesen – owner and president, Boesen the Florist
Our former CEO Mike McCoy is retiring and our new CEO David Siebert is taking the helm. David has been with NCMIC for more than 30 years, so we’re not facing any uncertainty — just excitement over what comes next and how we will continue to drive our “We take care of our own” mission in this next chapter.
Traci Galligan – chief human resources officer, NCMIC
There is a significant need for additional pediatric clinicians and specialists in Iowa. Training, attracting and retaining pediatric providers with additional residency programs, incentives and/or student loan forgiveness initiatives would bolster the scope and breadth of pediatric services available to families.
Dr. Teri Wahlig – president and CEO, ChildServe
Some of our clients have been facing economic and market uncertainty due to factors out of their immediate control. We are navigating this simply by focusing on building and maintaining relationships for the long term and working to add value to our clients regardless of the current stresses facing their organization. We are here to help our partners solve their most unique challenges, whether they have current talent needs or not. We have a 27-year history of success, focusing on true client partnerships, and that won’t change despite the economic uncertainty some organizations are currently facing.
David Leto – president and CEO, Palmer Group
Like many agencies, we’re adapting to shifts in social platform algorithms and AI-driven content creation. We stay ahead by doubling down on authenticity, creativity and data, ensuring our clients’ messages resonate regardless of medium.
Jordan Goode – marketing account director, TRIO Agency
More competition makes us look for creative ways to stay competitive in a growing market.
Krista Bennett – owner, Smokey Row
There is a lot of uncertainty impacting the construction industry due to high interest rates and uncertainty around tariffs. These two issues are having a significant impact in the private sector of our industry. We have been successful in navigating this uncertainty due to the diversity of our business, which has been a focus of the company for the past decade. We are blessed to have a growing national presence in the aviation and data center sectors of the industry, which has helped us weather the storm in Iowa.
Mike Tousley – executive vice president, Weitz Co.
There has been a lot of concern about the increased demand for mental health services in Iowa. A huge step toward addressing this issue is opening our new UnityPoint Health – Eyerly Ball building across from Iowa Lutheran Hospital. With its proximity to Iowa Lutheran, this new building brings a full continuum of mental health services together, improving access and coordination of care. The new building houses the Eyerly Ball – Behavioral Health Access Center that serves as a centralized entry point for individuals at any stage of their mental health journey — whether in crisis, seeking an urgent or timely appointment or needing support in connecting to community resources.
Jon Rozenfeld – president, UnityPoint Health – Des Moines
The way people use office space continues to change, with remote and hybrid work still part of the landscape. At R&R Realty Group, we’re leading that transition by creating high-quality, flexible spaces that support both productivity and in-office connection. While shifting market conditions and higher interest rates add some uncertainty, we’re navigating this by reimagining how properties are used, investing in adaptive reuse and designing spaces that meet the needs of today’s workforce.
Adam Kaduce – president, R&R Real Estate Advisors
We’re a high-end gourmet caterer in an Instacart world —where “need it now” is the default setting. But some of our best dishes simply can’t be rushed. Still, we get it. Our clients juggle tight timelines, last-minute meetings and pop-up celebrations, and we do everything we can to meet them where they are.
The biggest challenge? Balancing urgency with the excellence our clients expect from us. We’re constantly finding new ways to deliver standout food and service, even on a shorter clock. Because in the end, we can make fast and fabulous happen if we have to. (Though a little lead time will always be better — for everyone!)
Cyd Koehn – chef/owner, Catering by Cyd
What’s one new trend in your industry that other business leaders should be aware of?
In our industry, it is all about service. Added services such as the free airport parking we offer, or our Wakonda Kid’s Club. It’s all about adding services beyond the property amenities.
Rheanne Kinney – general manager and COO, Wakonda Club
The rising demand for immersive, nostalgia-driven experiences is a current trend in live entertainment. Audiences today want more than just a concert; they’re looking for bold visuals and interactive elements, in addition to more personal connections with the artists they love. We place a strong emphasis on delivering exceptional hospitality to ensure every fan feels like part of the experience and continuously explore innovative ways to elevate each show into a truly unforgettable moment.
Haleigh Biancalana – general manager, Vibrant Music Hall
Rural Iowa is losing attorneys at an alarming rate. As the baby boomer generation retires, many rural communities are struggling to recruit and retain practitioners. Because of the key role rural attorneys play, this loss endangers community cohesion. Lawyers and other business leaders throughout the state, rural and urban, need to come together to find creative solutions to maintain access to justice and vitality in our rural communities.
Lori Chesser – president, Dentons Davis Brown
Personal financial choices can be a big stressor for people because the future is hard to predict, and the available solutions can seem complex. Everyone wants to make smart decisions that get them on track toward financial security and keep them on track to achieve their personal goals. A focus within the financial services industry is to help employers and their employees reduce this stress. This is increasingly being addressed through options such as individual investment advice at the worksite or voluntary benefits that help employers offer packages employees can tailor to their life stage.
Deanna Strable – president and CEO, Principal Financial Group
Our industry trend is to provide stateside customer experience and offshore the technical work, which can have unintended consequences and provides little value back to our region here at home. We’re going against the trend by keeping talent in-house and collaborative and are focused on creating jobs and opportunities here in our region. Talented technology team members are difficult to find and train, but have immense value to our clients. It’s important to know where your technology team is located and make sure you can effectively work together to meet your needs for your online presence.
Jeremiah Terhark – founder and CEO, Webspec
Wellmark continues to support members and employer customers as Iowa’s new pharmacy benefit (PBM) reform law takes effect. Among the law’s requirements is a mandate that Iowa retail pharmacies are paid a $10.68 dispensing fee per prescription, plus the national average drug acquisition cost. This dispensing fee is higher than pharmacies were paid before the law and will likely increase out-of-pocket costs on prescription medications for many Iowans solely because of the new law passed by the Iowa Legislature. The law is currently being challenged in federal court, with a preliminary injunction blocking enforcement of key provisions for certain health plans. The court’s decision is temporary while the case proceeds. Wellmark is closely monitoring the situation and remains committed to advocating for solutions that protect access to affordable health care coverage.
Cory Harris – president and CEO, Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield
There has been an increase in the diversity of terminology used to describe talent-related services as of late. Knowing the differences in the service offerings will help business leaders purchase the best possible solution for their business needs. Picking a trusted partner to help provide guidance through this selection is critical to selecting the most appropriate model for your needs.
David Leto – president and CEO, Palmer Group
The flight to quality in office space continues as customers move to modern buildings with an array of amenities. As expectations shift, companies are prioritizing spaces that go beyond function. We’ve redeveloped office buildings to include on-site child care, high-end coffee kiosks, immersive video walls and rooftop patios. Employees have preferred a variety of work spaces where they can focus on heads-down work or collaborative spaces, indoors and outdoors. Quality office space also supports mental and physical well-being, incorporating outdoor walking trails, healthy food options, and most recently, we included two pickleball courts at an office development. High-quality office space requires nearby child care services, and employers are coming to the table to support having accessible and affordable child care onsite.
Adam Kaduce – president, R&R Real Estate Advisors
Consolidation, private equity and ownership succession, and what consumers should be aware of regarding how this economic-driven ownership model could overcome the historically relationship-driven approach of advisory firms. When firms are internally owned, they have the luxury of a long investment horizon. External buyers do not often have that choice.
Buck Olsen – CEO, Foster Group
The thing that’s on a lot of business leaders’ minds today, tariffs. The changing tariff environment and its impact on the global supply chain has our team looking at how we organize ourselves and our practices to reduce risk and volatility while ensuring Kreg is sustainable well into the future.
Edward McGreen – CEO, Kreg Tool
As construction leaders, we see AI not as a trend, but a transformative force shaping how we plan, build and manage. From predictive scheduling to drone-powered site monitoring, it’s enabling smarter, safer work. With this shift comes a duty to lead responsibly, building AI literacy, forging tech partnerships and aligning with ethical standards. We’re embracing AI to enhance and empower our people, not replace them. It’s not just future-proofing the industry, it’s laying the foundation for a better-built world.
Mike Tousley – executive vice president, Weitz Co.
Smart buildings and integrated systems are becoming the norm. Electrical work now requires not just power wiring, but also knowledge of automation, data systems and energy management.
David Reid – business manager, IBEW Local 347
One trend we’re seeing in the airport world is how technology is being used to personalize and streamline the customer experience. From facial recognition at security, to mobile apps that guide you through the terminal, airports are finding smarter ways to make travel easier and less stressful.
At DSM, as we build our new terminal, we’re also looking at how to use new technology to make the whole experience smoother from curb to gate. No matter the industry, people expect things to be fast, easy and stress-free.
Brian Mulcahy – CEO, Des Moines Airport Authority
One positive trend for accounting firms in Iowa is the recent change to CPA licensure requirements. We’re now one of a dozen states approved to reduce the required credit hours from 150 to 120. That’s a big deal — it means candidates can enter the profession sooner, without needing an extra year of education. It also helps open doors for people from more diverse social and economic backgrounds who might not have had the resources to pursue additional coursework. I think it’s a smart move that will help firms build more inclusive and well-rounded teams.
Doug Roozeboom – partner, RSM
In the restaurant industry we are seeing a lot of scaling down menu offerings and scaling up quality. Not only for labor management but enhanced guest experience. So basically less is more.
Dominic Iannarelli – chef/owner, Prime & Providence
Our industry needs to be cognizant of the increasing price to acquire and develop land and home lots in Central Iowa. As prices continue to increase, we could see a wider gap in the attainability of homes for homebuyers.
Claire Brehmer – communications manager, Hubbell Realty Co.
We recently launched coffee buckets and they are a big hit for our customers that want a larger drink size in a fun, easy-to-carry 34-ounce bucket.
Krista Bennett – owner, Smokey Row
Private equity is investing in the architecture, engineering and design industry. In fact, 44% of acquisitions in architecture and engineering were by private equity.
Craig Erickson – Des Moines office director, Shive-Hattery
Brands are shifting from curated perfection to real, relatable content, especially on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. It’s less about polish and more about personality. That shift is reshaping how companies build trust online.
Jordan Goode – marketing account director, TRIO Agency
We’re seeing a growing focus on inclusive design. Creating environments that support neurodiversity, well-being and belonging is not just a trend; it’s a shift in mindset. Business leaders have the power to create spaces that meet a wider range of human needs. With the right tools and knowledge, design can become a catalyst for connection, productivity and equity.
Jeannette Smith – vice president of sales and marketing, Pigott
Companies are looking for more localized video content. At Locust Motion, we specialize in tailored storytelling. Often, we aren’t just creating a single video; rather, we are creating multiple versions of a video that are localized to specific markets, unique audience segments and more. This makes the message more relevant, and viewers are more likely to act when they feel spoken to directly.
Bridget Proctor – senior vice president and partner, Locust Motion
Could the tariffs bring a wave of onshoring investment and foreign direct investment to the United States? If this phenomenon plays out, Iowa would be wise to try to capitalize on attracting relevant cluster industries to the state.
Ryan Moffatt – community and economic development director, city of West Des Moines
The state of Iowa and the local school districts are ramping up their efforts to promote career pathways in the skilled trades through apprenticeship programs. During and after the pandemic, many realized the construction trades were front-line workers and will always be needed. Technology will continue to help us better design and implement projects, but people still have to build them.
John Irving – president – Central Iowa division, Tri-City Electric Co.
This is a prediction that likely goes against the grain a bit, but we’re betting that the ongoing convergence of more and more AI across the marketing landscape will bring about a “sea of sameness” that renders much of what you’ll see out there less effective. If most of the money runs to content and delivery machines that optimize for what works best, won’t all brands in a given sector all sound the same and appear in the same spots?
Sarah DeKock – senior vice president and partner, Flynn Wright
The recent passage of the GENIUS Act (or Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins Act) establishes federal regulations for stablecoins, paving the way for the digital currency to become a more reliable, mainstream form of payment. Financial institutions are now tasked with exploring their place within a growing stablecoin market.
Renee Christoffer – president and CEO, Veridian Credit Union
For more than 55 years, we have served patients across the Midwest through our retail pharmacies. We’ve continued to expand further into health care and recently became a joint owner of a direct primary care practice in the metro called Hy-Vee Health Exemplar Care. Hy-Vee Health Exemplar Care is unique because it reimagines health care as we know it. Instead of copays and other fees, patients and/or employer groups can purchase a monthly health care membership that includes unlimited primary and walk-in care visits, as well as labs, X-rays and more. The model is designed to deliver greater price transparency and health care access.
Tina Potthoff – senior vice president, communications, Hy-Vee
Sustainability is a big trend in the tourism, meetings and events space. Whether it’s landfill diversion, recycling cardboard and plastics, locally sourcing food or reducing energy consumption, there is a market there to attract additional events that make sustainability a part of their bid requirements to host their group.
Chris Connolly – general manager, Oak View Group – Iowa Events Center
Like many industries, financial institutions are finding more ways to make it easier for customers to do their banking. Bankers Trust is taking this to a new level by not only investing in these kinds of tools and products for retail customers, but also for commercial customers through innovative solutions that make cash management more efficient while mitigating the risk of fraud. We’ll continue to invest in new technologies that support an even stronger customer experience across all business lines.
Don Coffin – CEO, Bankers Trust Co.
Fun facts.
We’re incredibly excited to celebrate RSM’s 100-year anniversary next September! By then, we will have moved our Des Moines office into our new office space in the Riverview building, and we’re planning a big open house to welcome clients and friends. It’ll be a great opportunity to showcase our new space and celebrate this major milestone in RSM’s history with everyone that is part of the RSM story.
Doug Roozeboom – partner, RSM
West Des Moines is the only city in the state of Iowa that is located in four separate counties.
Ryan Moffatt – community and economic development director, city of West Des Moines
I founded Tero in 1993. People often assume Tero is an acronym, but it’s actually a blend of names. I’m the “Ro”, and my late husband, Ted, was the “Te.” While he wasn’t involved in the day-to-day operations, he was always our biggest supporter and unwavering cheerleader.
Rowena Crosbie – president, Tero International
In August of 1923, when my grandparents came to Des Moines to look at an existing flower shop, Beaver Ave Floral in the heart of what is now Beaverdale, they got off the train and could not believe how many people were at the train station compared to Evanston, Ill., where they were traveling from. They saw the shop and the land was perfect. They went back to Evanston to pack up their belongings and when they returned in mid-September they found out that they had come to Des Moines in August during the Iowa State Fair and there were not many people at all. They knew then they had to roll up their sleeves and start working hard. They taught us hard work pays off.
Tom Boesen – owner and president, Boesen the Florist
When our clients come in from out of town, we enjoy showing off the Iowa State Capitol and our East Village neighborhood. We’re lunch-time regulars at the Latin King and Lucca, two east-side Italian restaurants. For coffee, we are often at Daisy Chain or Scenic Route.
Sarah Lukan – partner, LS2group
We have a corporate tradition that involves ripping shirt sleeves off and pinning them to a “clothes line” of sorts. We’ve been maintaining a “dictionary” of colleague word fumbles for over 20 years. We have a traveling internal reward called the Golden Skate. It’s literally a golden roller skate! It’s the trophy that no one wants, but everyone loves to see awarded.
Buck Olsen – CEO, Foster Group
We’re a relatively small company, but collectively, we donated $1 million to local nonprofits and organizations last year. We’re very proud of our culture of giving back and showing up for others, and the monetary donations are just a component. What our employees give in terms of time and talent is truly impressive.
Traci Galligan – chief human resources officer, NCMIC
The Wellmark Foundation is proud to financially support the University of Iowa’s Simulation in Motion-Iowa (SIM-IA) program to help strengthen health care delivery in rural Iowa communities. SIM-IA is a mobile education initiative that brings hands-on, on-site training to health care providers and first responders, giving them valuable experience to improve patient outcomes. With the support from the Wellmark Foundation, SIM-IA will be able to offer this important training more often and, in more places, beginning this fall, furthering our shared commitment to better health for underserved rural areas.
Cory Harris – president and CEO, Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield
Food and hospitality are in my blood. Before I was out of high school, I was flipping pancakes and frying eggs for guests from Norway, the Soviet Union, Spain and across Africa — all at my parents’ bed-and-breakfast on a working dairy farm in northeast Iowa. Growing up, I genuinely thought everyone had fish for breakfast. And not just any fish — trout we’d caught ourselves, fresh from the Turkey River. After milking the cows at sunrise, we’d cast our lines, clean our catch and fry it up. I didn’t realize that wasn’t on everyone else’s breakfast menu until much later!
Cyd Koehn – chef/owner, Catering by Cyd
Dessert is my favorite food group. If you have ever been seated by me at a community event, you’ll know I also believe in eating dessert first. Why save the best part of the meal for last?
Don Coffin – CEO, Bankers Trust Co.
Wakonda Club was established in 1922 and had a polo club where our golf range currently is.
Rheanne Kinney – general manager and COO, Wakonda Club
We just wrapped up our second year participating in the Des Moines Corporate Games, and we’re proud to share that we took home first place in Division 2! This friendly competition brings together local companies for a variety of athletic and team-based events, promoting wellness, teamwork and community engagement. The real reward has been strengthening camaraderie across departments and cheering each other on.
David Leto – president and CEO, Palmer Group
Kreg was literally created at the kitchen table here in Huxley, Iowa. Our founder, Craig Sommerfeld, developed the first Kreg jig when remodeling the family kitchen. That act has changed the way thousands of woodworkers join wood.
Edward McGreen – CEO, Kreg Tool
Our story is anchored in people and passion. ITA Group started as a family-owned company in the 1960s, with our founders hosting wine tastings at Wakonda to see if incentive travel would resonate with clients. That dedication to bringing people together still defines us today — and it’s one of the reasons we’re now proud to be 100% employee-owned. I’ve even fired up the grill at midnight to personally BBQ for our team — living proof of our people-first culture. Our people inspire every decision, guiding us as we transform how business feels for employees, channel partners and customers through events, incentives, recognition, loyalty, research and learning. We help brands motivate audiences, drive purposeful change and always put people first.
Brent Vander Waal – president and CEO, ITA Group
During our most recently completed fiscal year (July 2024-June 2025) we donated 21,120 pounds of food to our food rescue program with Supply Hive, which has contributed to 52,186 pounds of carbon mitigation while providing food for those who are food insecure in Central Iowa.
Chris Connolly – general manager, Oak View Group – Iowa Events Center
Hubbell turns 170 years old in 2026!
Claire Brehmer- communications manager, Hubbell Realty Co.
Our firm has always been ahead of the curve. We hired our first woman attorney in 1942 (Lucille Schwilck, who later went on to a distinguished career in the U.S. Department of the Interior). We established a London office in the 1980s and later formed an affiliation with Vizards, a well-established London firm (now Veale Wasbrough Vizards) in the 1990s. We are now majority woman-owned and part of the world’s largest global law firm.
Lori Chesser – president, Dentons Davis Brown
Thanks to generous donors at last year’s Sip, Savor & Support event, EveryStep was able to purchase a therapy dog. Louie joined the team in December and is now training for his therapy certification. He also shares wellness tips and grief support on Instagram (@pawswithlouie), featuring “Mindful Mondays” and “Wellness Wednesdays.” His posts, written by a licensed mental health therapist, offer thoughtful guidance in an approachable way. We hope Louie’s voice helps people feel more comfortable exploring important topics like grief, healing and emotional wellness.
Tray Wade – president and CEO, EveryStep
Did you know, our Portermill Restaurant just past TSA, goes through 100 kegs of Iowa Craft beers per month? We’re proud to showcase and support local breweries while giving travelers a true taste of Iowa before they take off.
Brian Mulcahy – CEO, Des Moines Airport Authority
Prime & Providence is the only certified importer of Kobe beef in the state.
Dominic Iannarelli – chef/owner, Prime & Providence
Webspec was started with an entrepreneurial spirit while I was in high school and has since been a launchpad for other small businesses. Past and present team members have gone on to start a bike-and-coffee shop, a boutique clothing store, a pop-up craft business and a dog rescue nonprofit. Others run side businesses in exteriors, flower farming, fireworks, CBD and photography. We love a good side hustle and try to incorporate flexibility into our work day to allow for employees to explore their passions in addition to their work here.
Jeremiah Terhark – founder and CEO, Webspec
Our apprentices log over 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and classroom instruction — that’s more than most college degrees!
David Reid – business manager, IBEW Local 347
Is there anything else that you think the business community would be interested to learn about you or your organization?
Our new terminal has been a long time coming, and we’re excited to be moving closer to the finish line. Navigating the construction process is never easy, but we want to thank Iowans who chose to fly DSM, and have been patient with us throughout the construction process. We can’t wait to open our doors to the new terminal in 2027 and connect our region to the world.
Brian Mulcahy – CEO, Des Moines Airport Authority
We come from many differing viewpoints, both political and cultural, which makes us a stronger team. Understanding someone else’s point of view can help eliminate blind spots in your thinking. That is particularly important when advising clients on messaging or brand strategy.
Sarah Lukan – partner, LS2group
Since our founding in 1855, Weitz has prioritized the betterment of the communities where we live and work. Nationwide, we proudly support more than six dozen organizations through time, resources and financial contributions. In Central Iowa alone, we partner with 28 organizations. While it’s difficult to choose a favorite, we are especially passionate about supporting children and families in our community. From the Boys & Girls Club of Central Iowa to ChildServe, and Junior Achievement, we’re honored to contribute to these impactful causes and grateful for the opportunity to make a meaningful difference.
Mike Tousley – executive vice president, Weitz Co.
More than half of our senior leaders are female. In fact, including me, three of the partners at Flynn Wright are women who built our entire careers working at Iowa’s top advertising firm. I’m very proud of that.
Sarah DeKock – senior vice president and partner, Flynn Wright
There is increasing need for specialty pediatric health care services to address medically complex conditions. This prompts ChildServe’s commitment to advance our expertise and continue to expand access to services that address complex medical care, pediatric rehabilitation, autism and behavioral health services and community-based care.
Dr. Teri Wahlig – president and CEO, ChildServe
Part of our success as a 100-year-old-plus institution is how we plan for the future. We take the long view on relationships with customers and communities, building strong partnerships that provide stability through any environment. Stability is important within our leadership, too, which is why the bank annually conducts internal succession planning for executive, management and key leadership roles. This process ensures team members see opportunities and create development plans that prepare them for the future. As a result, our executive team is as strong as ever, particularly with our recent promotion of Samantha Mosser to president.
Don Coffin – CEO, Bankers Trust Co.
EveryStep serves over 50,000 Iowans each year through more than 20 programs — but many people only know us through one experience: a hospice nurse, a parenting class or a visiting provider. When they learn the full scope of our work, the response is almost always, “I had no idea.” That’s why we’re working to change that. From pregnancy and early childhood to serious illness, hospice care and grief support, EveryStep is there through life’s most important moments. We want more people to know who we are, so they can turn to us for care or stand with us in support.
Tray Wade – president and CEO, EveryStep
Community giving continues to play an integral role in our operations, and in 2024, we gave a record of nearly $70 million to local nonprofits, charities and food banks across the Midwest. We believe in supporting the people and communities that support our stores. Here in the metro, we have invested in several recent projects including the Hy-Vee Multiplex Powered by the City of Grimes and are also providing multi-year donations to the Legacy Woods Project in West Des Moines.
Tina Potthoff – senior vice president, communications, Hy-Vee
Veridian is recognized as a Low-Income Designated (LID) credit union by the National Credit Union Administration, meaning the majority of our members earn 80% or less than the median income for their area. Serving and supporting this demographic of our membership requires a unique, layered approach – from community giving and partnerships to customized products and services. As a not-for-profit financial institution, earnings are returned to the people who use our products and services through better rates, lower fees and the development of products and services designed to meet the unique needs of our communities.
Renee Christoffer – president and CEO, Veridian Credit Union
Emily Barske Wood
Emily Wood is special projects editor at Business Record. She covers nonprofits and philanthropy, HR and leadership, and diversity, equity and inclusion.
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