What is your hometown? Nevada, IA.
Occupation and company you work for? Sr. Vice President, Mid-States Companies
What is a fun fact about your business or something you’re doing at your business that you’re excited about? We’ve been very fortunate at Mid-States Companies over the years and especially in the last five years. We’ve seen significant growth due to our leadership and the entire team’s commitment and dedicated efforts in making us one of the best millwright companies and metal manufacturing companies in Iowa and the country.
What is your role with the NEDC, and how long have you been involved? Board Member since 2019
What is the most interesting or incredible thing you have learned about local economic development by being involved in the NEDC? The incredible growth in Nevada and the involvement of the NEDC and City of Nevada in helping existing companies and new companies grow in Nevada.
Why do you continue to be involved in local economic development? Why is this an important issue for you? I think it’s important to stay in touch with what’s happening in our local communities and offering input from a local company’s perspective on what things are important to help companies grow locally.
What other involvements do you have in the local community/county? Mid-States Companies and our Team are involved in many of Nevada’s school fundraising events, golf tournament sponsorships, and sponsorships with many other Nevada and Story County-based organizations.
What are your favorite pastimes/hobbies? Staying active by exercising with weights, spin cycling, snow skiing in Colorado, traveling, and spending time with my family.
Who are the members of your family? My wife, Kari, is a 5th-grade teacher in the Ankeny School District. We have a son, Tyler, who lives in Colorado and works for a Cyber Security Company. He’s engaged to be married to an Iowa girl in October. We have twin daughters, Juliana and Olivia, who are seniors in college. Juliana is at Allen College studying to become a radiographer with an additional degree from UNI in Health Sciences. Olivia is at ISU majoring in Business Marketing, and she’s a Realtor.
What is something fun about you that only your high school or college friends would probably know? I was very active in baseball, football, basketball, and track in high school and an active participant in scooping the loop (ask someone who’s 55–65 years old) in cars around Nevada as a teenager.
If you had only one hour a week to watch TV, what would you watch? Fox News
What has 2020 taught you? Life is fragile. Have “faith” in God and love for family and friends.