Compiled by Mathany Ahmed and Emily Barske Wood

As 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 businesses 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 69 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 stories about developing a strong culture in the workplace, what they hope for Des Moines’ future and what role technology — especially artificial intelligence — will play in that future.

The following is a selection of perspectives from the winners who responded to the questions we asked them. 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

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What is one wish you have for the Greater Des Moines business community?

I hope the metro-area cities and counties continue to work together with each other and with the business community on public-private partnerships. Collaboration and cooperation are what set us apart from other metro areas in the U.S. The ICON Water Trails and the Des Moines International Airport terminal are current examples. Partnerships have resulted in many successful economic development projects in the region. 
John Irving, president of the Central Iowa division, Tri-City Electric Co.

Continue to collaborate with each other and with the public and nonprofit sectors for the betterment of all in Central Iowa. Look how far we’ve come since drafting the Des Moines Vision Plan back in 1990. We are benefiting today from what was planned all those years ago. By agreeing on a vision for our community and working together over several decades, we achieve much more than each sector working independently. Having an established road map means any organization, leader or individual can join in anytime, easily understand where we’re headed and identify how they can help us get there. 
Dan Houston, chairman, president and CEO, Principal Financial Group

This community has always benefited from having highly engaged and deeply active business leaders around every corner. As the torch gets passed on to new generations, our sincere hope is that this dynamic continues with new leaders. We have immense creative talent in Central Iowa, and we need to attract more. More entrepreneurial talent. More innovators. And our community’s engaged leadership has always been a backbone of talent attraction. 
Sarah DeKock, senior vice president and associate partner, Flynn Wright

My wish is for pricing stability. Rising costs are making it harder for people to afford basic necessities, let alone the joy of fresh flowers. By bringing prices under control, we can ensure that everyone in the Greater Des Moines community has the opportunity to support local businesses and enjoy the little things that brighten their lives. 
Tom Boesen, owner, Boesen the Florist

One wish I have for the Greater Des Moines business community is to continue its efforts to reinvigorate downtown. As our community grows and evolves, maintaining the vibrancy of downtown Des Moines is essential. The city has already made significant strides in filling vacant spaces and adapting areas to meet the changing needs of businesses and residents. By sustaining this momentum, we can ensure that downtown remains a thriving hub for businesses, culture and community engagement. 
Mike Tousley, executive vice president and general manager, the Weitz Co.

One wish I have for the Greater Des Moines business community is to continue fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. By supporting local startups, investing in cutting-edge technology and creating opportunities for networking and mentorship, we can ensure that businesses of all sizes thrive. This approach will not only attract top talent to our region but also create a sustainable and prosperous economic environment for everyone. 
Doug Roozeboom, office managing partner, RSM US

Greater Des Moines is a vibrant, diverse and connected community with so much to offer to people and businesses of all backgrounds and aspirations. That doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of intentional collaborations and partnerships that have been focused on creating the kind of environment where everyone can thrive. My wish is that we always proactively pursue innovative ways to work together for the greater good of our communities and everyone in them.
Renee Christoffer, president and CEO, Veridian Credit Union

One strength of our business community is a sense of shared connection and purpose, even among competitors. This is an attractive market for a law firm because of the depth of interesting clients, great lawyers and strong law firms. I hope the spirit of “coopetition” remains a core value in our community, especially as we adjust our strategies to meet ongoing cultural and generational changes. 
John C. Pietila, president and shareholder, Dentons Davis Brown PC

Des Moines is one of the most supportive communities, with individuals and businesses who understand the importance of lifting each other up. The challenges that animal shelters face is a community issue that requires a community solution. Our wish is that businesses know how appreciated they are and recognize how vital their role is in building a stronger community for animals and the people who love them. 
Tom Colvin, CEO, Animal Rescue League of Iowa Inc.

Raise the standards when it comes to food. While many businesses already embrace the fresh and local movement when they choose their caterer, I wish even more would do so. Sharing high-quality food is a great way to show your clients and employees how much you value them. It’s also a great way to lead by example — when you buy from a local caterer who buys local ingredients, you’ll truly demonstrate your company’s commitment to your community. 
Cyd Koehn, chef and owner, Catering by Cyd

To keep up the commendable work done on public-private partnerships. Government organizations are financially strained as much as ever, and private and business donations and contributions will play an increasing role in getting local quality-of-life projects over the finish line. 
Ryan Moffatt, community and economic development director, city of West Des Moines

We all know that the Des Moines metro is a great place to live, work and play. My one wish is that we keep it that way. Local business and community leaders must stay engaged in what is happening within our metro to ensure our communities remain safe and thriving. 
David Leto, president and CEO, Palmer Group

In meeting with leaders throughout our 11-county region, I have heard the desire for even more connections among rural, suburban and urban communities. All are facing many similar challenges, and we know we are stronger together. The Greater Des Moines region has a history of working together as one region with one voice, and that is what sets us apart. My wish is that we can continue to cultivate relationships across jurisdictional boundaries. The Partnership’s Regional Community Integration Plan and upcoming Regional Summit scheduled for Oct. 3 are just two of the steps our team is taking to advance this goal.
Tiffany Tauscheck, president and CEO, Greater Des Moines Partnership

That businesses continue to increase their investment in our local economy and our nonprofit organizations. This investment is key to future economic growth of the Greater Des Moines area as well as building a stronger community where everyone can thrive. 
Mark Rupprecht, president, R&R Realty Group

We wish the Greater Des Moines business community to remain committed to prioritizing personal relationships. By building strong networks and partnerships, we can collectively drive innovation, create more job opportunities and enhance the overall economic health of our region.
Gary Bridgewater, CEO, Baker Group

As someone who has been in the property and casualty insurance business for a long time, I wish more local businesses would focus on being aware of risks and proactively addressing them. When businesses have solid risk management plans in place, they can protect their assets and workers even when unexpected events happen. That goes beyond simply having insurance coverage. Our most resilient commercial customers use EMC’s personalized loss control services, which include online training and safety consultations, to help prevent incidents from occurring. This gives policyholders ownership in their own risk, but also helps to reduce their insurance costs. 
Scott Jean, president and CEO, EMC Insurance

Our wish for the Greater Des Moines business community is to see continued growth in digital infrastructure, enabling businesses to thrive through faster, more reliable internet services. This would foster innovation, attract new talent and support the overall economic development of the region.
Ben Ruzick, regional vice president, Metronet

I wish for a Greater Des Moines business community that fosters an inclusive environment to attract and retain a diverse young workforce.
Jenna Kimberley, CEO, Kimberley Development Corp.

I hope UnityPoint Health and other members of the business community are able to solve the ongoing problem of workforce shortages. Like most businesses, finding good people to become part of our team remains our top challenge. We continue to invest in solutions to help retain our remarkable staff, attract new team members and train the next generation of health care professionals. We’re offering flexible scheduling, financial incentives for working evening and weekend shifts and a great work environment so that UnityPoint Health is a place where people want to work and stay for their career. 
Jon Rozenfeld, president, UnityPoint Health – Des Moines

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What advice do you have on building a strong organizational culture?

Every organization has a culture. You must define your culture with input from your team and identify the core values in your organization. Those values need to be constantly communicated. Recognize and reward individuals who demonstrate those values. Encourage teamwork and collaboration to create positive experiences that will strengthen relationships among co-workers. 
Mark Rupprecht, president, R&R Realty Group

Culture is the shared values, beliefs and systems that influence decision-making, behavior and actions in the organization. Culture is how employees, clients, vendors and stakeholders experience the organization and its brand. To build and foster a strong organizational culture, strong leadership and communication is essential. Provide leadership development at all levels of the organization, hold leaders and employees accountable for their performance, and seek and listen to feedback. 
Rowena Crosbie, president, Tero International Inc.

A highly engaged culture starts with listening to your employees and helping them trust their voices will be heard. At Bankers Trust, we call this, “You Spoke, We Listened.” While we have achieved top quartile engagement scores consistently since we started surveying employees, I’m most proud of our 98% participation rate. Our team members know that when they share feedback, leaders take their suggestions to make positive changes. It’s an important part of our culture and a key driver of our success. 
Don Coffin, CEO and president, Bankers Trust

Give staff the autonomy to make work projects their own; allow people to do things their way and show their creativity and talent to improve processes. Do social outings on a semifrequent basis. Volunteer to do good things in the community as an employee group to help build teamwork. 
Ryan Moffatt, community and economic development director, city of West Des Moines

My mantra is “positive, always.” Assume good intent and enter each day with a positive mindset. At Hubbell, we emphasize our culture of positivity. In a volatile market, where capital markets have created a level of uncertainty for some, I want to make sure our associates, and our leaders, are keeping their eyes on the positive attributes of our region. 
Kyle Gamble, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Hubbell Realty Co. 

Workplace culture is vital in health care as we are caring for patients and their families, often in their greatest time of need. A culture of caring is the result of our dedication to our mission and our values. It takes time and commitment not just from leadership but from our team members on the front lines to build a strong culture. In addition, creating opportunities for team members to get involved and recognize one another is key. It builds morale and creates a greater sense of community and loyalty to your organization. 
Jon Rozenfeld, president, UnityPoint Health – Des Moines

Building a strong organizational culture starts with clear and effective communication and ensuring that everyone is aligned with the organization’s vision and values. It’s crucial to place the right people in the right roles at the right time, leveraging their unique strengths and personalities to foster a dynamic and productive environment. When team members’ individual talents are recognized and used effectively, it enhances collaboration and drives collective success. Cultivating a culture where everyone feels valued and connected to a shared vision helps create a supportive and innovative workplace that thrives on mutual respect and a unified purpose. 
Larry Feeback, general manager, Hilton Des Moines Downtown

For us, our focus is how we deliver success for our clients, which means not stopping until we reach their goals. At the office, we work to emphasize a spirit of collaboration and trust among our team members. We have found that valuing different perspectives and tapping into the unique skills of each of our employees makes us stronger as a team and makes our work for our clients the best it can be. 
Sarah Lukan, partner, LS2group

Wellmark’s culture is the catalyst to achieving our mission to make health care better. It reflects a set of shared values and behaviors that empower our employees to do their best work. Building a great organizational culture is intentional. It must define what makes your company unique and why employees love working there. If done well, employees will feel connected and committed to each other, the company and your customers. 
Cory Harris, president and CEO, Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield

Lead by example and be deliberate in keeping your primary expertise close to the work. At Flynn Wright, we’re committed to being very present, and having a leadership team that works from the bottom-up alongside key talent. This gives us immense day-to-day connection to our team of nearly 100 employees and serves as a focal point for the creation of our unique culture.
Sarah DeKock, senior vice president and associate partner, Flynn Wright

Communicate effectively, empower employees, recognize and reward. 
Trent Ainsworth, owner, Beeline and Blue

A strong organizational culture is ultimately the responsibility of the top company leaders, but they cannot do it alone. It starts by ensuring you have the right people in the right seats who align with your company’s values, who will get behind your company vision and who will do everything possible to help turn that vision into reality. Having leaders who are visible and accessible to all employees is critical. Leaders must be present, have genuine conversations with team members and make sure they know you care. 
David Leto, president and CEO, Palmer Group

We have a strong team of employees that does a great job of creating a positive culture in the workplace through collaboration. We have charity; diversity, equity and inclusion; employee experience; and sustainability committees with representation from all departments and our tenant teams. We recognize full- and part-time employees each month, and host outings for both groups to recognize and acknowledge hard work.
Chris Connolly, general manager, Iowa Events Center

Trust is a foundational element to high-performing teams. Never take trust for granted. If you have trust, work hard to keep it. If you lose trust, work urgently to earn or build it back. 
John C. Pietila, president and shareholder, Dentons Davis Brown PC

Your employees should reflect the same level of polish as the clients you serve — and they should be given the tools and training to learn how to do this. For example, I’ve had my staff take etiquette classes from Tero International, which helps them develop a keen understanding of both business etiquette and table manners. This training equips them with the finesse our clients expect and deserve. I also take my employees to high-end resorts like the Broadmoor in Colorado. Giving my Iowa team a taste of world-class food and service helps spark their desire to offer similar levels of greatness in their work.
Cyd Koehn, chef and owner, Catering by Cyd

A strong organizational culture is built upon a strong foundation of communication. For RDG, this starts with listening to the needs and wants of our people. One example is our long-held tradition of administering an annual engagement survey. When we listen to understand the why behind a request, a concern or a challenge, we learn more about the person and in the aggregate, ourselves as an organization. We then act to make improvements and strive to communicate the why behind the change being made. 
Justin Platts, managing principal, RDG Planning & Design

Find and hire people who are or will be better than you. Teach the next generation but also learn from them. Great ideas can come from anyone’s desk, and they are essential building blocks for our organization. We do a lot to foster creativity without creating boundaries. Building a strong culture is about finding individuals who want to do something great and setting expectations that everyone is responsible for that core idea. Everyone has freedom, ownership and accountability. 
Bridget Proctor, senior vice president and associate partner, Locust Motion

That’s a really hard question that we as RSM Des Moines ask ourselves all the time. You can’t just snap your fingers and now you have the culture that you want. Culture starts at the top, but everyone needs to buy in. It was a lot easier to maintain culture pre-COVID when we were all together. Time will tell how our new hybrid workforce will affect our culture long term.
Doug Roozeboom, office managing partner, RSM US

We empower our employees, celebrate together and provide opportunities for personal and professional growth. We build relationships to ensure that we safely do what it takes to anticipate and respond to each customer’s unique needs. We strive to provide our customers with the confidence in our quality, knowledge and wide range of services to consistently exceed their expectations.
John Irving, president of the Central Iowa division, Tri-City Electric Co.

At Pigott, we believe that building a strong organizational culture starts with a clear commitment to our core values: Do the right thing, lead the way, choose your voice and create exceptional experiences. By embedding these core values into our daily practices, we cultivate a culture that is collaborative, ethical and driven by a shared vision. This strong cultural foundation enables us to achieve our goals and support each other as we grow together. 
Jeannette Smith, vice president of sales and marketing, Pigott

Building a strong organizational culture starts with aligning the company’s values with its actions. At Kreg Tool, we emphasize communication, transparency, trust and commitment to our customers. We believe that when employees feel valued and are given the tools to innovate, they naturally contribute to a positive culture because they feel empowered to do so. Regularly celebrating both individual and team achievements helps build a sense of ownership and pride in the work we do.
Davis Rowe, chief revenue officer, Kreg Tool

We talk about our core values all the time. Big Grove has a strong company culture that encourages collaboration and practicing candor. We spent a lot of time figuring out what our values are, putting those into a clear and concise format and then reinforcing those values by focusing on one per week during our pre-shift meetings. 
Shauna McKnight, taproom marketing manager, Big Grove Brewery

For increased collaboration and knowledge sharing between like-minded businesses and institutions within the same industry. This would foster a more innovative environment and accelerate technological advancements that benefit everyone. Per Mar belongs to an organization that allows us to do this, and it has been incredibly beneficial for us to come together monthly and share best practices, overcome issues we’ve faced, network, etc. 
Brad Duffy, president, security officer division, Per Mar Security

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In your industry, what is one new trend that other business leaders should be aware of?

We’ve seen increasing demand for user-friendly, smarter tools that accommodate both beginners and professionals. Consumers are looking for solutions that make complex tasks easier and more accessible. This shift is driving innovation in tool design and technology integration, while also breaking down barriers of entry into woodworking. That’s one of our primary goals, to make wood projects approachable and fun for people of all skill levels. 
Davis Rowe, chief revenue officer, Kreg Tool

Fiber-optic networks are becoming the backbone for smart city infrastructure, enabling advanced applications such as intelligent traffic systems, energy-efficient buildings and enhanced public safety measures. These developments are driving demand for robust, high-speed internet connectivity, making fiber-optic networks essential for cities looking to modernize and improve quality of life for residents. Business leaders should consider how this trend could affect their operations and explore opportunities to contribute to or benefit from these smart city initiatives. 
Ben Ruzick, regional vice president, Metronet

We’ve seen the desire for convenience post-COVID, as have many other industries. Consumers are looking for more accessible health care options. We have been focused on expanding our telehealth care options, including virtual urgent care. Telehealth allows us to reach patients where they are, enabling some patients to overcome barriers to accessing care. 

While we increase availability of telehealth care options, we also understand the need to continue to prioritize communicating to patients as unique individuals and maintaining the trusted provider-patient relationship. There are disruptors trying to completely automate, which could have a negative effect on the care a patient receives. 
Jon Rozenfeld, president, UnityPoint Health – Des Moines

A major trend in our industry is the transition of skilled trade work moving off job sites to pre-fabrication facilities, particularly for complex hyperscale projects such as data centers. For facilities like these, it is imperative for contractors, like Baker Group, to construct and assemble equipment off-site, speeding up project delivery while optimizing the use of limited resources, like skilled tradespeople. 
Gary Bridgewater, CEO, Baker Group

Fragmentation of media channels continues to diversify the media landscape to an extent that understanding performance is a significant challenge for our clients. In fact, this is a challenge for all product and service marketing. We address fragmentation and the implications on media strategy with continued investment and constant engagement across the entire media landscape, from planning through implementation and evaluation. 
Sarah DeKock, senior vice president and associate partner, Flynn Wright

With nearly 70% of people having a pet, they are more a part of our lives now than ever before. We continue to see Des Moines grow as a pet-friendly city in so many ways, including restaurants, dog parks and events that help to make room for our four-legged loved ones. 
Tom Colvin, CEO, Animal Rescue League of Iowa Inc.

Regulators – whether it’s the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Department of Labor or the Internal Revenue Service – are all very active, such that some CPA firms recently have left working for public companies. With the continued activity of private equity groups buying family-owned businesses, the level of behind-the-scenes work that’s involved in maintaining independence is astronomical. 
Doug Roozeboom, office managing partner, RSM US

The increasing demand for flexible and adaptable living spaces is a significant trend in the housing industry. Homebuyers are seeking properties that can easily accommodate changing lifestyles, work-from-home arrangements and aging in place. 
Jenna Kimberley, CEO, Kimberley Development Corp.

“Buy local” isn’t just about supporting local retail. You can choose locally based nonprofit organizations to provide health care for your family, too. Our in-home EveryStep Hospice program has been around since 1978, and we offer 24-hour support at our Des Moines-based Kavanagh House hospice home. Thousands have received our compassionate end-of-life care, and we never turn anyone away who is without insurance or the means to pay. But, in recent years, out-of-state venture capitalist companies have been launching for-profit pop-up hospice programs throughout Iowa. If you care about supporting local business, be sure to turn to local nonprofits when you need trusted health care, too. 
Tray Wade, president and CEO, EveryStep 

Iowa, and Des Moines in particular, has a strong brewery culture. With so many choices, simply making beer doesn’t cut it anymore. As a taproom, we focus on combining culinary excellence with craft beer to stand out from other brands. 
Shauna McKnight, taproom marketing manager, Big Grove Brewery

A significant trend in the office furniture industry right now is design with impact. This trend presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to fundamentally redefine the workplace to better meet the evolving needs of employees. Design with impact emphasizes creating workspaces that address the human needs of employees. This involves designing environments that foster a sense of community and connection, while also supporting a range of activities — from collaborative meetings and social interactions to focused, quiet work. By integrating spaces that cater to diverse needs, organizations can enhance employee satisfaction, improve productivity and facilitate a more adaptive and resilient workplace. 
Jeannette Smith, vice president of sales and marketing, Pigott

Live video monitoring. Per Mar Security has designed an exclusive live video monitoring service called Intelligent Video Monitoring. This service detects intruders as soon as they arrive on your property, automatically alerting our agents to dispatch authorities. Our live video monitoring system combines video analytics, an audio deterrent and 24/7 monitoring agents to stop loss before it happens. 
Brad Duffy, president, security officer division, Per Mar Security

Civility matters as much as ever. We see this each year when we go to Washington, D.C., to advocate for regional priorities. We see this when we advocate for priorities at the state level that advance our economic development work. We see this when public, private and nonprofit leaders come together to take on major projects or solve community challenges. The ability to work together across sectors, across jurisdictional boundaries and across political affiliations means we can accomplish things that make Greater Des Moines a best-in-class place for businesses and people. 
Tiffany Tauscheck, president and CEO, Greater Des Moines Partnership

With onshoring, reshoring, food production, semiconductor manufacturing, EV battery manufacturing, data centers and more, industrial prospects are out there in abundance scouting markets like ours that can meet their electrical and utility load demands. Communities are wise to position themselves and their industrial sites as best as possible to land some of this activity while the market remains hot.
Ryan Moffatt, community and economic development director, city of West Des Moines

In public relations, it’s important to understand the quickly changing media landscape and where different generations and demographic groups get their information. What was true last year isn’t necessarily true this year. Changing audience behaviors and emerging social media trends mean it’s increasingly important to cut through the noise with compelling information and images if you want your message to be heard. It’s not enough to put out a press release — organizations that want to tell their stories should be able to provide compelling multimedia content to go alongside it. 
Sarah Lukan, partner, LS2group

While we have seen continual changes in the employment landscape these last several years, organizations still seek skilled talent to care for their customer base. Labor participation rates have continued to drop, with an increase in retirements being a significant driver and extremely low unemployment rates. Finding talent with the right skills to hire continues to be challenging. Given this, organizations are utilizing multiple models to get work done, including traditional full-time employees, temporary or contract labor, statement of work or consulting arrangements and fractional employment. Regardless of your hiring makeup, a company’s brand must be strong to attract its desired talent. 
David Leto, president and CEO, Palmer Group

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AI and machine-learning trends

(Editor’s note: Many of the winners talked about artificial intelligence and machine learning in their response about industry trends. We’re grouping those answers together below.)

One key trend emerging in our industry is the integration of robotics and artificial intelligence to enhance operational efficiencies. By leveraging these technologies, hotels can streamline routine tasks, allowing team members to focus more on high-quality guest engagement and delivering on the customer promise. 
Larry Feeback, general manager, Hilton Des Moines Downtown

Of course, the growth of artificial intelligence and machine learning is on everyone’s mind in the design industry. For several years, RDG has been wading, and sometimes trudging, further into these waters. We’ve learned the key to developing useful tools that help us to do our most meaningful work is to understand the desired use case, define what success looks like and start with high-quality data. Without these three, you’ll only swim in circles. 
Justin Platts, managing principal, RDG Planning & Design

I likely won’t be the only one to say artificial intelligence, but I believe we are on the cusp of a revolution that fundamentally changes how we work. And it’s a golden opportunity. As our [chief information officer] Kathy Kay says, “AI isn’t going to replace humans. It’s going to make us superhumans.” Some jobs will change as a result, but new ones will emerge. We all need to develop skills that enable our continued success. At Principal, we’re focused on harnessing AI, ethically, to advance in ways that matter to our customers and support their financial goals. 
Dan Houston, chairman, president and CEO, Principal Financial Group

Automation and AI are affecting every industry and will continue to. Financial services are no exception. The difference will be in how each organization chooses to deploy the technology. For a people-first organization like Veridian, we’re focused on the role machine-learning can play in improving our member experience by making financial products and services more secure and frictionless for all, and more accessible to those who experience barriers.. 
Renee Christoffer, president and CEO, Veridian Credit Union

AI and machine learning are transforming business processes, including in the insurance industry. These technologies can change how we assess risk, process policies and claims and personalize customer experiences – making everything more efficient and helping us make better decisions. At EMC, we embrace these innovations to enhance our services while ensuring a thoughtful, empathetic approach. For example, if we can use AI to streamline certain policy renewals, that allows our team members to focus on providing a more hands-on approach for accounts needing it most. 
Scott Jean, president and CEO, EMC Insurance

In the marketing industry, one new trend that business leaders should be aware of is the rise of AI-powered personalization. This trend leverages artificial intelligence to deliver highly tailored customer experiences by analyzing vast amounts of data to understand individual preferences and behaviors. AI-powered tools can optimize content, recommend products and create personalized marketing messages in real time, enhancing customer engagement and driving conversions. Embracing this trend can significantly improve the effectiveness of marketing campaigns and provide a competitive edge. 
Renee Schneider, president, Trio Agency

Artificial intelligence is a business trend that is finding its way to strategic boardrooms in most industries. Corporate education is no exception. AI delivers many benefits. There are also risks. While fully embracing automation is tempting, business leaders must remember that the humans entrusted to their care are social creatures. Learning experiences are a productive way to bring people together. In increasingly remote work environments, finding unique ways to foster in-person collaboration is a winning strategy. 
Rowena Crosbie, president, Tero International Inc.

The market for legal services is increasingly stratified and competitive. Emerging legal markets and emerging technologies (like AI) provide lawyers with a fantastic opportunity to make the most of who they are and to deliver value on a scale law firms and clients couldn’t have imagined 10 years ago.
John C. Pietila, president and shareholder, Dentons Davis Brown PC

The power of AI is being studied and, in some cases, realized in development, construction, homebuilding and management sectors. While not a new trend, it’s a quickly evolving, innovative tool that deserves our time and attention. Another evolving trend is the rate and availability of property insurance. There has been a material increase in the price of property insurance, and in some cases, the number of insurers offering coverage has decreased. This dynamic affects building operating expenses, and in some cases, pressures the underwriting of potential new developments. 
Kyle Gamble, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Hubbell Realty Co.

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One fun fact.

EveryStep’s dozens of nonprofit services would not exist without the persistent efforts of women and their passion for accessible health care and support services for families in need. More than a century ago, our organization was founded by a group of registered nurses concerned about the lack of public health nursing services. In July 1908, they sent their first employed nurse, Luella Bristol, into the community. Within minutes, she responded to a local woman in distress and helped her deliver a healthy pair of twins – the very first patients of what would one day become EveryStep. 
Tray Wade, resident and CEO, EveryStep 

Our organization is unique. We have 400-plus investors who want to make Greater Des Moines a top place for businesses and people, 23 affiliate chambers of commerce who are part of our network, more than 6,500 members, and we represent 11 counties. This model makes us the fourth-largest regional chamber of commerce in the country. We have peers across the country that look to emulate our model. We believe we are stronger because we work as one region and one Partnership. 
Tiffany Tauscheck, president and CEO, Greater Des Moines Partnership

West Des Moines is the only city in Iowa that is located in four different counties. 
Ryan Moffatt, community and economic development director, city of West Des Moines

In 2023, Wellmark made a long-term commitment to improve the health of all Iowans. When an individual’s basic needs are not met, a long, healthy life becomes increasingly difficult to attain because of unequal access to many of the “upstream” factors that shape our communities. Rural Iowans are more likely to die earlier and experience greater rates of preventable diseases than their urban counterparts. It’s why we helped create the Iowa Rural Vitality Coalition to pool resources and expertise and ensure that rural communities comprehensively plan and strategically execute initiatives that improve the health and the economy of rural communities. 
Cory Harris, president and CEO, Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield

EMC’s very first insurance claim was a workers’ compensation incident that happened when an ice delivery worker dropped a block of ice on his toe and was injured. That was all the way back in 1914. 
Scott Jean, president and CEO, EMC Insurance

I recently celebrated my 40th anniversary with Principal, and our company celebrated its 145th anniversary. Longevity like this is not necessarily the norm, but Principal is different. I join a long list of employees who are members of our unofficial “40-year club.” That speaks to the type of environment we’ve created at Principal — people genuinely enjoy working here and want to stay. Today we have a great mix of long-tenured individuals with vast institutional knowledge and individuals who have joined more recently, bringing new ideas and different experiences.Together we continue to evolve Principal for our customers and communities. 
Dan Houston, chairman, president and CEO, Principal Financial Group

In 2023, we shot 50 terabytes of footage for 50 unique projects that played in all 50 states. 
Bridget Proctor, senior vice president and associate partner, Locust Motion

One of R&R’s core values is “we before me.” Our team mentality helps us accomplish our goals each year as well as achieve success during our annual participation in the Des Moines Corporate Games, a company-based competition. We are proud to have placed first in our division for the sixth straight year in 2024.  
Mark Rupprecht, president, R&R Realty Group

Something that really drives home the why behind our existence is the company’s origin story. The very first product was born out of a simple desire to solve a problem. Our founder, Craig Sommerfeld, created the original Kreg Jig to help him build his own home cabinets more efficiently. What started as a personal project has since evolved into a leading brand known for empowering DIYers and professionals alike. Innovation is in our DNA, and we’re proud to have built a community that shares that passion. 
Davis Rowe, chief revenue officer, Kreg Tool

Big Grove Brewery is now the official craft beer sponsor of the Iowa Hawkeyes. This is one of the first partnerships of this kind in the entire country, and we’re excited to bring the party to Des Moines this football season. 
Shauna McKnight, taproom marketing manager, Big Grove Brewery

Bankers Trust has 104 employees that serve on more than 190 nonprofit boards and committees across the markets we serve. With approximately 600 employees across our markets, that means over 17% of our team members are volunteering in leadership roles. As a community bank, we believe it’s part of our responsibility to help the communities we serve thrive, and we proudly encourage team members to get involved in this way. 
Don Coffin, CEO and president, Bankers Trust 

I’ve been working at Boesen the Florist since I was 12 years old, and it’s the only job I’ve ever had. Except for my college years, I haven’t missed a single paycheck. Growing up surrounded by flowers and our loyal customers has made this place not just my career, but my lifelong passion. 
Tom Boesen, owner, Boesen the Florist

RDG has a demographic mix that spans generations: Among the 235 employees who make up our firm, 11.5% belong to the baby boomer generation, 31.9% are Generation X, 43.8% are millennials and 12.8% represent Generation Z. This rich blend of perspectives has cultivated an environment where the average age is 42.6 years old, signaling a balance of seasoned expertise and fresh, dynamic ideas. 
Justin Platts, managing principal, RDG Planning & Design

A fun and unique fact about Trio Agency is that we operate on a unique principle called the “Three Musketeers” philosophy. This means that for every project, we ensure there are three dedicated experts collaborating closely: one focusing on strategy, one on creative development and one on client service. This trio ensures that every campaign is well-rounded, innovative and executed with a high level of client engagement and satisfaction. 
Renee Schneider, president, Trio Agency

I’ll follow my clients just about anywhere. Recently, I’ve catered beautiful events at Lake Okoboji, Pine Lake State Park, Saylorville and Lake Panorama. Further afield, I’ve catered a wedding in the Cascade Mountains in Washington state. I love delivering memorable experiences for clients wherever they wish to enjoy beautiful, fresh, seasonal food with people they cherish. 
Cyd Koehn, chef and owner, Catering by Cyd

We love to host meetings and events at our office, which has panoramic views of the Iowa State Capitol. LS2group moved to the East Village in 2012, and we have watched as the neighborhood around our office developed rapidly into the vibrant cultural district it is today. Ultimately, it was the view of the Capitol, where many of us have worked and forged relationships over decades, that sold us on our office location. 
Sarah Lukan, partner, LS2group

The ARL was founded by a group of local women whose efforts were focused on rescuing homeless dogs and cats from the streets. Nearly 100 years later, the ARL has evolved into so much more. While our primary mission remains finding loving homes for pets and protecting the welfare of animals, we continue to provide vital services to the community, supporting both ends of the leash — people and pets. This includes our community outreach programs, legislative efforts and serving as a destination for people across the state of Iowa. 
Tom Colvin, CEO, Animal Rescue League of Iowa Inc.

Hubbell is in the midst of its sixth “extreme build,” a 24/7 build consisting of two 5,000-square-foot family homes benefiting On With Life. Our internal teams, our amazing trade partners and hundreds of volunteers will, over time, affect the lives of thousands of Iowans who rely on On With Life’s rehabilitative services. We are making this community a better place one extreme build at a time.  
Kyle Gamble, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Hubbell Realty Co. 

We have a few employees who have been here over 40 years.
Trent Ainsworth, owner, Beeline and Blue

An interesting fact that reflects Pigott’s rich history and enduring commitment to excellence: Pigott started as a school supply company in the 1940s, and we’ve been a staple in the same building on Ingersoll Avenue since 1942. In the 1970s, we partnered with Herman Miller, marking our transformation into a leading office furniture provider. Our long-standing presence in the community and evolution over the decades illustrates our dedication to both heritage and innovation.
Jeannette Smith, vice president of sales and marketing, Pigott

In September, Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield celebrated its 85th birthday. We are proud to be a deeply rooted, locally based company that serves nearly 1 in 2 Iowans. Wellmark has protected the health of our families, friends and neighbors for generations. And while we’ve seen a lot of change in 8½  decades, we remain committed to making health care better for the next 85 years and beyond.
Cory Harris, president and CEO, Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield

Our innovative design elements were inspired by the many data centers in the region and Des Moines emerging as a tech hub. For instance, our hotel features windows arranged in a binary pattern reminiscent of barcodes, which symbolizes our commitment to technology and data. Additionally, our custom-designed carpets are inspired by circuit board patterns, and our light fixtures mimic the appearance of computer circuitry. These design choices not only enhance our workspace aesthetics but also celebrate DSM’s growing reputation as a center for technological advancement and creativity.
Larry Feeback, general manager, Hilton Des Moines Downtown

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We’ve taken our in-house design offerings to the next level recently by bringing 3D interior renderings to life to help clients visualize their dream home during the design process. 
Jenna Kimberley, CEO, Kimberley Development Corp.

Veridian is one of eight credit unions across the United States selected by the Filene Research Institute to lead a Racial Economic Equity Incubator. These incubators are designed to take a unique, collaborative approach with local partners on efforts to close the racial wealth gap. The Veridian-led incubator specifically focuses on closing gaps in homeownership and access to consumer lending with existing community partners in Waterloo, including Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity, 24/7 BLAC and House of Hope. Veridian is also currently ranked fifth among all financial institutions in the United States for returning value to members. 
Renee Christoffer, president and CEO, Veridian Credit Union

While Baker Group works on large-scale construction projects, our full suite of services includes everything from small commercial electrical work, building maintenance, security system installation and cloud-based facility management. Despite the scale of some of our more notable projects, our average project size is $65,000.
Gary Bridgewater, CEO, Baker Group

Locust Motion is a full-service video production company. We can take a project start to finish or slot into any part of a client’s pipeline: writing, directing, shooting, casting, 2D and 3D motion design, editing, visual effects, coloring, sound design, radio production and more. We love every part, and we put our whole heart into executing our craft. 
Bridget Proctor, senior vice president and associate partner, Locust Motion

We have outgrown our office on Ingersoll Avenue, so we will be starting construction this year on a building addition that will allow us to add 24 more offices and conference space. We are in lease negotiations to add another 10,000 square feet of space at our warehouse and prefabrication facility on Thomas Beck Road, which will give us a total of 40,000 square feet at that location. 
John Irving, president of the Central Iowa division, Tri-City Electric Co.

Bankers Trust has been family-owned since it was founded 107 years ago. Local ownership enables us to take the long view on how we build strong partnerships with our customers and community. This stability has helped us weather economic downturns and times of uncertainty, allowing us to support customers through any environment. 
Don Coffin, CEO and president, Bankers Trust

We added a vehicle install location off Beaver Avenue in Johnston.
Trent Ainsworth, owner, Beeline and Blue

A unique and interesting fun fact about Trio Agency is that we have a tradition called “Innovation Fridays.” Every Friday, team members dedicate a portion of their day to brainstorm and experiment with cutting-edge marketing techniques and emerging technologies. This initiative not only fosters creativity and keeps the agency at the forefront of industry trends but also often results in breakthrough ideas that are implemented in client campaigns. 
Renee Schneider, president, Trio Agency

Industry surveys report that organizations budget 1% to 5% of payroll expenses for training and development. The time and energetic investment is in addition to the financial spend. Clients investing in professional development are encouraged to ask their training departments and training providers to produce tangible metrics to measure the impact and effectiveness of training. Tero has been measuring the effectiveness of training for nearly three decades, long before it was popular to do so. There are a variety of data collection methods to demonstrate what’s working, what’s not working and return on investment. 
Rowena Crosbie, president, Tero International Inc.

Our family has always said, “Take care of employees and customers; the results will take care of themselves.” This philosophy is still a guiding principle of our business today. 
Brad Duffy, president, security officer division, Per Mar Security

We host a wide variety of events that benefit the community directly and indirectly. For many of these events or meetings, we work in collaboration with Catch Des Moines and local hotels to attract, execute and retain large groups that drive economic impact to Central Iowa. For our community to continue growing in this sector it takes everyone in the hospitality community to partner together. 
Chris Connolly, general manager, Iowa Events Center

Our decision to expand by opening an office in Sioux Falls, S.D., South Dakota was informed, in part, by how much that rapidly growing city to our northwest reminded us of what is unique and special about Des Moines.  
Sarah DeKock, senior vice president and associate partner, Flynn Wright

We’re incredibly proud to be a family-run business with over 100 years of history, spanning three generations. What makes us unique is our ability to grow and adapt while staying true to our roots. We’ve changed with the times, evolving our offerings and services to meet the needs of our community – all while preserving the traditions that have kept us at the top of our industry for so long.
Tom Boesen, owner, Boesen the Florist

Certified doulas provide support, advocacy and education during pregnancy and delivery, which we know often translates into more positive outcomes for parents and babies. EveryStep offers culturally competent doula services for pregnant people served by our programs, so it was only natural we do the same for our employees. This past spring, EveryStep implemented a new policy that covers the cost of doula services for pregnant staff — or their pregnant partner. Full-time employees who have worked for EveryStep for at least one year can qualify for up to $1,000 in covered doula services. 
Tray Wade, president and CEO, EveryStep