Reel focused on controlled growth, volunteer efforts

When told he would share the spotlight with Barry Griswell, Sam Carrell, Ron Pearson and Bill Kerr as a winner of a Des Moines Business Record Business Leaders of the Year award, Josh Reel was ecstatic to find himself in such good company.

“I get a fair share of recognition for things, but to be mentioned in the same sentence with the other winners is an honor,” said Reel, president of NexGen Integrated Communications, who was named New Business Leader of the Year.

The recipient of the annual award is someone who has led his or her company for three years or less and has a proven track record in community service, economic growth and business success. Reel, at age 34, more than meets those requirements.

Reel has already founded three successful companies: Communication Management Services, International Telecom and NexGen Integrated Communications. After graduating from college, Reel left Iowa for the sunny prospects of California. But he returned to his home state with his wife Pam to raise their two children, Dylan and Grant. Reel co-founded NexGen with Tom Stewart in 2000.

“I always wanted to start a local company and get involved with the community,” said Reel, who is a 1996 graduate of the University of Iowa’s Henry B. Tippie College of Business.

While many telecommunications companies experienced financial problems over the past year, NextGen continued to add employees and acquire assets. Reel said the hallmarks of his company have been customer service and quality employees.

“We’re a small company and I kind of hope we stay that way,” Reel said. “We focus on what the customer tells us they want. But NexGen wouldn’t be where it’s at without the dedication of its employees. I’ve surrounded myself with talented, dedicated people.”

Reel said the company’s goal is to serve more customers along the Interstate 80 corridor, but at a controlled rate of growth. The company recently expanded into the Omaha area with the acquisition of Prolinx Communications and Global Lynx. It also acquired NewPath’s digital subscriber line customers and equipment and began offering DSL capabilities as an in-house service.

“A lot of telecommunications companies grow wide, but not deep,” he said. “We want to be the best telecommunications provider in Iowa and be deep in the markets we serve. We want to expand and be profitable, but not until we’re the best provider in our market.”

Ask Reel what motivates him outside the office and he’ll tell you his family and volunteer work. He is involved with Variety Club of Iowa and Junior Achievement of Central Iowa. He is also a board member for Big Brother/Big Sisters of Central Iowa and is a member of St. Francis Church. Reel said each group offers him a unique way to give something back to the community.

“I want to be involved with the community, especially with children’s charities since I have two children of my own,” he said. “Des Moines is such a philanthropic community. It’s unbelievable.”