Letter from the president and CEO: Business Record Senior Staff Writer Joe Gardyasz to retire

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After 19 years at Business Publications Corp., Business Record Senior Staff Writer Joe Gardyasz has announced he will be retiring from journalism. Gardyasz began working at BPC as a reporter in 2003 and has been an integral part of the Business Record’s award-winning newsroom.


“Joe has been instrumental to the Business Record newsroom for the better part of two decades,” said Business Record Editor Emily Barske. “Known affectionately as ‘Ticker Joe’ by our newsroom (tickers are what we internally call our news briefs, which Joe has produced in the thousands), his hard work day in and day out has made each of our news products better. We cannot thank him enough for his work.”


Gardyasz’s focuses have included key industries in Iowa, including banking and finance, insurance, manufacturing, and health and wellness. His role has also encompassed producing a variety of business stories for the Business Record’s print and digital editions. During his tenure, he has interviewed CEOs of nearly every major corporation located in Central Iowa, penned countless profiles of new-to-town leaders, and has delved into critical and often complicated topics that deeply affect Iowa’s economy.


Additionally, Gardyasz has made significant contributions to BPC’s diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, in particular through his extensive coverage and support of mental health. His writing on this topic has helped to raise awareness and reduce stigma around mental health in the workplace. 


The majority of Gardyasz’s journalism career has been here at the Business Record, covering key industries and chronicling the development of the business community. His career, which began at the Wyoming Tribune-Eagle in Cheyenne in December 1992, also included time there as the military and education reporter. He has also worked as a business reporter with the Bismarck Tribune in North Dakota and with the Wyoming Business Report in Cheyenne. He served in the Air Force as a cost analysis officer before working as a reporter. He has a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Colorado and a bachelor’s degree in finance from Stetson University in Florida.


“It’s truly been an amazing ride with the Business Record since moving here in the summer of 2003. I am proud to have contributed to the growth and success of our company over nearly two decades, and with it the growth of our community,” said Gardyasz. “And as many of our members have expressed, I know that you are grateful to have the Business Record covering Greater Des Moines’ business community. Thank you sincerely for welcoming me into your offices and places of business over the years, and I wish continued success to you along with all of the team at Business Publications Corp.”


Gardyasz’s dedication to the highest journalistic standards has been unwavering. During his tenure, the Business Record has received numerous awards and much recognition for excellence, and Joe’s commitment to excellence is a large part of that recognition. 


“We are so grateful to Joe for his many contributions to our newsroom and we congratulate him for an amazing career in journalism and with BPC,” said BPC founder Connie Wimer. “Through his work, he has elevated people, places and critical business and issues, and has truly made a difference in our company and our community.”


Gardyasz plans to continue with BPC as an occasional contributor in the future. He and his wife, Emily, will be relocating to Cedar Falls. A dedicated volunteer, Joe will likely be found continuing to be of service to the community. And we can only imagine he will spend time traveling to new places or pursuing entrepreneurial ventures with his adventurous spirit. 


Thank you for everything, Joe. You will be missed.


– Suzanna de Baca, president and CEO of BPC