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Echo Boland

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Where did you grow up? 
I grew up in Canal Fulton, Ohio.

When did you decide to make a hobby into a business?  
It’s funny, but baking was never a hobby for me. I didn’t even grow up around baking. My mom couldn’t bake anything but bread. She made her own bread because she didn’t want us to have the “junk” bread at the store. We weren’t allowed to eat sweets growing up, either.

Tell us a bit about Echo’s Cookie Shop.
When my daughter was little, I saw a book that had a cookie bouquet on the cover. I thought it would be fun to make that cookie bouquet with my daughter for her friend’s birthday. The book was called “Cooking with Kids,” so why not? Everybody loved it, and we made several for other friends. Two years later, I moved to Des Moines and asked the guys I worked with if anyone wanted a fun cookie bouquet for their wife for Valentine’s Day. I made about 10 of them, and the rest is history. I’ve probably made thousands of cookie bouquets since that day, as well as cakes, cupcakes and cinnamon rolls. When I retired from the Air Force in 2013, I never thought I would grow my cookie business big enough to own a brick and mortar store, but a friend had just started selling real estate and wanted me to look at some places. Not thinking I would even know how to open a storefront I said yes, with zero intentions on committing to anything. I walked into the first location and I felt it—this was the cookie shop’s new home. The City of Waukee walked me through the process and BOOM, I’ve been in my cookie shop for seven amazing years. This year, we added edible cookie dough—in vending machines! I have one outside my shop, ready to dispense edible cookie dough, monster bars and drinks 24/7. One of the best things about my cookie shop is that I made my first cookie bouquet with my daughter when she was 7, and she’s now 26 and the best baker I have at the shop. She’s moving on to her own career this month, but she’ll still be with me part-time. I have a very sweet life.  

What are your favorite projects at the shop? 
It’s not really a project, but I love, love, love my customers. I just saw a little girl on the 4th of July, who’s now 11, and I’ve been making cookies for her mom since her baby shower. I feel like the cookie shop and my customers are one big family. I’m so very blessed for the original group of customers and the new customers that stop in.

How has Echo’s Cookie Shop adapted during the pandemic?
I’m so grateful for everyone that has supported local business during the pandemic. Wow—I truly know the cookie shop is here to stay if we can make it through a pandemic and come out with a smile, still as busy as ever.

Faces of Waukee : Gray Fredericks

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Where did you grow up?
I was born in New Haven, Connecticut, but I spent most of my formative years between Anaheim, California, and Grand Prairie, Texas. 

Tell us a bit about Waukee Christian Church.
Waukee Christian Church (WCC) is a congregation organized under the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) denomination. As a smaller congregation, a visitor can expect warm welcomes from everyone they meet and opportunities for involvement and volunteerism in the local community. We are the hands and feet of Christ, and we seek to serve Waukee as such. 

When did you find your calling?
I found myself volunteering in a church in 2014 supporting Family Promise, a Colorado Springs-based charity that assists homeless families. One thing led to another, and I was asked to begin leading and teaching in the congregation. Then, when I wrapped up my Bachelor’s degree, I applied to Lexington Theological Seminary and was accepted.

So much of the church-going experience is centered on gathering together.

How has WCC adapted during this pandemic?
At first, we closed down entirely. But then we got creative and taped off pews, made gathering-limit rules, began holding outdoor services, etc. But as Fall approached last year, and things got really bad here in Iowa, we moved to an all-digital platform. We had to learn a lot on the way, but eventually, we were able to create a worship service of which we’re all very proud. We even do Sunday school classes online now! We understand caution in a global pandemic is not a failure of faith, but an opportunity to meet God in creative ways. 

Some of our neighbors need help now more than ever. Would WCC like to call attention to any particular forms of community outreach?
We partner with Waukee Area Christian Services to ensure our neighbors are fed. This past winter, we donated several hundred pounds of food to the food bank as a Christmas offering. We also regularly gather hats, gloves and mittens for local Waukee students who might find themselves without what they need to keep warm. The work of Justice cannot be done through words alone; we strive to represent Christ’s radical generosity and concern for those marginalized people with whom we share space. Action, we believe, is the most sincere form of prayer. 

Any big plans for Easter?
COVID remains one of those uncertainties in our congregational life. We hope to do something special for the kids, maybe an Easter egg hunt or some outdoor crafts, but if it risks their health and safety, it wouldn’t be worth it. Throughout the pandemic, our incredible Sunday School team (Shari Burgus, Janelle Taylor and Holly Showalter) have found creative solutions to reach kids from a distance. Each week they prepare a Sunday School kit with games, snacks and important spiritual lessons that the kids can reflect on throughout the week. If we cannot meet by Easter, I have no doubt our Sunday school team will make it something amazing for the kids. 

How can our readers learn more about Waukee Christian Church?
Visit WaukeChristianchurch.com or check us out on Facebook, Instagram or YouTube. If you have any questions about our programs or want to know more about how you can serve your community, please email us at waukeechristianchurch@msn.com.

Faces of Waukee : Skyler Olson

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Where did you grow up?

I was born and raised in Central Iowa. I grew up in the Huxley and Slater area and attended Ballard High School before studying exercise science at Iowa State University.

Tell us about your family. 

I’ve been married to my beautiful wife Taylor for five years. We have two little girls, Kennedy (3) and Logan (8 months). We live in the country just outside of Ankeny.

What do you do for a living?

I help people of all ages and abilities better their lives by increasing the effectiveness of their workouts and nutrition. As a personal trainer, I wear many hats. Most days it involves being part friend, therapist, coach and business owner. I’ve trained and helped high school athletes, stay-at-home moms, busy business owners and 85-year-old retirees reach their health and fitness goals.

How has the pandemic affected your job?

A lot of people started to realize how important exercise is to their overall health, while others were too high-risk to come into the gym. The pandemic has kept me having to adjust week-to-week and even day-to-day. Some clients have continued to train and others have decided to stop in the middle of their program. I’ve also branched out into training via Zoom, which is always an adventure.

Optimistically, what changes in personal training do you foresee when we finally come out the other end of COVID?

I think COVID has helped trainers realize all the ways we can reach out and help people get healthy, such as social media, Zoom, using apps and not having to just wait for people to come to the gym. Another positive that I hope we can keep going is helping people realize how important exercise and healthy habits are to staying healthy and fighting viruses naturally.

It’s that time of the year. What advice can you give to those who want to get healthy without burning out after a month or so?

Don’t try to take on all the changes at once. Pick one goal and take consistent small steps to accomplish that goal. It’s a process that will not change overnight. If you feel overwhelmed, reach out to a professional. We can help in so many different ways. Just ask!

How can readers reach you for more advice?

Email me at SkysTheLimit515@gmail.com or message me on my Facebook page (Skyler Olson-Personal Trainer). Please reach out with ANY questions!

Faces of Waukee : Erin Good

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Where did you grow up? 
I’m originally from Clive.

Tell us about what you do.
I’m a registered and licensed Hy-Vee dietitian with 8 years of experience. I counsel customers on a variety of dietary needs, including heart disease, high blood pressure, weight loss, diabetes, food allergies, and more. I also provide personalized nutrition tours, hands-on cooking classes for adults and kids, lunch ‘n’ learn presentations and biometric screenings at Waukee Hy-Vee, and the surrounding community.  I’m an active member of the Iowa Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, where I serve as a media spokesperson providing credible nutrition information (both in-person and virtually).

What made you want to become a dietitian? 
During my freshman year at Waukee High School, I took health class and started strength training for varsity cheerleading. As my interest in exercise grew, so did my love for nutrition and fueling my body with healthier foods.

I enjoy providing inspiration, motivation, and direction to help people become healthier (both mentally and physically). There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing an individual (or entire family) make sustainable and positive lifestyle changes without depriving themselves.

What’s your favorite thing about working in Waukee? 
I enjoy working with the wide variety of people in Waukee—from children to older adults to student-athletes and even entire families ready to make healthier lifestyle changes. I also love the long-lasting customer relationships I have in this community. I enjoy hearing from my previous clients who once struggled with their health now finding success with their improved overall diet on which I coached them.

Do you have some simple healthy-eating tips you can share with our readers?
Mental health is just as important as your physical health. Find your favorite ways to destress weekly (like yoga, massage, walking, reading, or simply calling a friend)! While short-term stress can help give you a burst of energy and focus to complete deadlines on time, it’s important to avoid prolonged periods of stress. Chronic stress may weaken your immune system, increase blood pressure and blood sugar/worsened diabetes, and lead to unintentional weight gain. Stock your kitchen with nuts, steam-able veggies (edamame is one of my favorites), fresh fruit, and whole-grain crackers or popcorn. These foods will help keep you full and satisfied longer while providing essential vitamins and minerals for extra support during stressful times.

Faces of Waukee : Sara Kappos

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Where did you grow up?

I grew up in rural Boone county, near Ledges State Park, the Iowa Arboretum and the 4-H Camp. I graduated from Boone High School and then got my civil engineering degree from Iowa State University.

You recently started a new position with the City of Waukee. Tell us about that.

I lead the city’s engineering, GIS and stormwater teams, and I oversee the construction of the development and capital improvement projects within the city.  

Which projects are you most excited to tackle?

I am super excited for the construction of the stormwater improvements project at the Waukee Public Library this summer. In addition to the replacement and expansion of the library’s parking lot, which is much needed, there will be a new stormwater pond, permeable pavers and bioretention cells to improve water quality in the area.

What do you enjoy most about working in Waukee?

I’ve really enjoyed the positive working environment. Everyone works together as a team to get things done and seems to genuinely enjoy what they do. The days go by fast!

The world is far from normal right now. How have you and your co-workers adapted to social distancing and other measures during the current pandemic situation?

Luckily, my team is predominantly field-based, so they’re used to working out of their trucks! We’ve transitioned to working remotely, conducting meetings via Zoom, and limiting face-to-face interaction as much as possible. Part of what I love about my job is my co-workers and the feeling that we’re all one big team. Unfortunately, COVID-19 has limited our in-person interactions and eliminated our large group gatherings at public works, but I’m looking forward to reconnecting as a group when this is all over!

Let’s end on a high note! Do you have any special plans for this summer?

I’m hoping we get to take the family vacation we’ve planned in northern Minnesota in July. It’s something my family has done since I was a kid, and we enjoy lots of swimming, fishing, games and laughter, and just spending quality time together!

Faces of Waukee: Ryan West

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Where did you grow up? 

I was born in Red Oak, Iowa, and grew up on the south side of Des Moines. After graduating from Lincoln High School, I left for the Navy, where I served from 1994-1998. My job in the Navy was a Flight Deck Director on board the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln. After the military, I attended and graduated from Simpson College. 

Tell us about your family.

My wife Gayla and I have two children who are 20 and 18. We have lived in Waukee since 2006 and enjoy spending time together as a family. 

Something unexpected happened in your 20’s. Can you share what that was and how it affected you?

When I was 24, I was diagnosed with a pituitary brain tumor and a disease called acromegaly, which is a form of giantism. Among other things, I had brain surgery, radiation and reconstructive jaw surgery as a result of the disease. About 18 months ago, I decided to find a way to use all of this to my advantage.

That led me to becoming a health and wellness entrepreneur, specializing in how to prepare for and overcome adversity. You can read more about my story on my website and in my weekly blog.

More recently, you’ve wanted to help and inspire others. How have you been doing that?

In becoming an entrepreneur, I’ve learned that helping people who are struggling through adversity is actually a great way to help yourself. I created and host the Revealing Healing Motivational Health Story podcast where guests tell their health stories to inspire others. Montel Williams was the guest on my first episode last March, and now we’re closing in on 100 episodes. I’ve also created a fitness app called Resistance Assistance Fitness Made Easy, which is a workout platform that anyone can use.

I use resistance bands to do the training, and we have over 35 weeks of total body workouts, individual body workouts and 20-minute aerobic cardio blasts that anyone can do. In May, I’m launching Adversity University, an online course to help those who have been through adversity use what they have learned to become entrepreneurs themselves. I’m very fortunate to have gone through my own health journey to put me on this path. I wouldn’t have said that two years ago. 

How can readers follow your work?

Website, podcast, speaking and blog: 

ryanwest.live

Fitness website and app:

fitnessmadeeasy.net

Facebook Group:

facebook.com/groups/RevealingHealingFighters

Faces of Waukee: Bruce Huckfeldt

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Tell us about your family.

My wife Kaylee and I have been together for 11 years. We have two amazing children—Vienna (8) and Hudson (3). We moved to Waukee in 2013 and absolutely love our city. It’s an excellent place to raise children. We love going to movies, eating tacos, family-centered events and attending community activities. 

You have a strong affinity for personal fitness. Where do you think that started? 

It started in high school. I was too small to really participate in any sports, so once I graduated and finally grew, I started lifting weights. I really enjoyed watching mixed martial arts fights and ended up giving it a shot for a few years. Fighting requires you to be in excellent shape, so I ramped up my weightlifting and cardio. I quickly moved from fighting to powerlifting (bench, squat and deadlifting competitions) where I did okay, but injuries were very common when lifting so heavy.

A few years later, I ran a race with friends and did really well and beat all of them. I realized that if I actually trained, I could do well in competitive running. Over the last five years, I’ve run about 70 races and placed in the top 10 in over 40 of them. Even though I’m 39 years old, I’m still getting better. I’ve set some lofty goals to run the Booneville Backwoods 50k in May and then do the Ironman 70.3 in Des Moines in June. I love doing things that people say are impossible or too hard. 

You came up with a really great way to give back to our veterans. Tell us about that.

I spent this summer and fall training for the Des Moines Marathon. When I was just a few days away from running it, I kept wondering what I was going to do once it was over. I love having goals or something on the calendar to look forward to. I was sitting on a stationary bike at the Waukee YMCA, looking out the window, and I began wondering how many streets are in Waukee.

I found out that there were just over 200 miles worth of streets and decided it would be a perfect challenge for myself. Not long after I decided to do it, I thought about Veterans Day and how I could give back. I called the Wounded Warrior Project and they immediately set up a fundraising page. I set a goal of raising $5,000 for our veterans by running every street in the month of November while carrying a huge American flag. I used social media to spread the word, and by the end of the event, we had raised $7,000! 

How can readers follow your progress and/or donate to the cause? 

The fundraiser link is still open and the Wounded Warrior Project told me it will stay open permanently.

If you go to my website, Road2Gold.net, right in the middle of the page is a big star that says DONATE HERE.

The run is officially over and ended up being 208 miles. I will continue to do events in the future and will share on my website or Instagram/Twitter @GoldMedalDad

As someone who maintains an active lifestyle, do you have any tips for those wanting to begin down that road? 

I always tell everyone, JUST GO! If you’re thinking about going to the gym, just go. If you’re thinking about signing up for a race, just go do it. If you dwell or procrastinate, you’re less likely to do it. I follow a lot of champions, Olympians and motivational people on my social media so when I open my social media feeds,

I’m filled with inspiration. It makes me want to be better every day. Don’t spend the money on special clothes, supplements or programs. Just get started and become dedicated first. Earn those special clothes or shoes once you’ve hit monthly or weekly goals. Lastly, throw away the junk food in your cupboards and buy healthy items, natural items and lots of fruits and veggies! Also, drink water—all day, every day. 

Faces of Waukee: Austin Shane

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Tell us a little about yourself.

I just turned 15, and I’m a Boy Scout in Troop 208. I was born in Arlington Heights, Illinois. My family moved to Iowa when I was almost 3 years old, but Chicago will always have a special place in my heart. I have two siblings, Alyssa and Lindsey, and two cats, Cinder and Biscuit. I play drums and piano in my free time, and I especially love playing 80’s music, such as Toto, on both instruments. I also have a job at the Waukee Fareway store, where I’ve worked for almost a year.

When did you first get involved in the Boy Scouts?

I started Cub Scouts in first grade, when I had no idea that I had just started a very long journey to Eagle Scout. I enjoyed Cub Scouts because of all the friends I made, the experiences I had, and the activities we got to do. In third or fourth grade, I learned about the Boy Scouts and what they do, and about the highest rank of Eagle Scout. I knew I wanted to get there someday.

You just recently completed an Eagle Scout project. Tell us how you came to work on that.

This past February, I started brainstorming project ideas. It took about three years of scouting to get to this point because of all the hard work I had to do with the six ranks below Eagle. For my project, I didn’t want to just get it over with and forget about it; I wanted it to mean something to me, and to be something I was passionate about. After about two weeks of searching, Matt Huth, the choir director at Prairieview School, pitched me the idea to construct drum and equipment carts for the show choirs in the Waukee school district. This idea was right down my lane since I’m a drummer, and I play drums for my grade’s show choir.

What was Mr. Huth’s reaction to your completed project?

Mr. Huth was very thankful, as will be the other choir directors in the district when their carts are delivered to them very shortly. And I am certainly thankful that this project is coming to a close after countless hours of planning, more planning, and finally executing.

We’re in the season of being thankful. What are you most thankful for during all your years in the Scouts?

I am most thankful for the opportunities and skills that scouting has given me. In the past six months, I was able to be the Senior Patrol Leader of my troop, which means I was pretty much the leader of our troop, which gave me a ton of leadership skills. I’ve also had the opportunity to do things I never would have imagined. For example, last summer, I went on a high adventure trip to Colorado where I climbed the tallest mountain in Colorado and went white water rafting the next day. I hope to stay active in my troop and have more amazing opportunities going forward.

Faces of Waukee: Sarah Kautz

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Where are you from?

I was born and raised in the Quad Cities—specifically, East Moline, Illinois.  I graduated from United Township High School in East Moline and also from St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and an MBA. We have been in the Des Moines metro area for three years.

You’re a mother of three; what does your family do for fun?

I have three kids—ages 16, 14 and 8—all students in the Waukee School District.  We love to travel and go on adventures. The kids have been to more than 40 states.  I also stay busy cheering on the kids in their activities, including football, show choir, track/field and cheerleading.  

Tell us about your role in the Waukee School District.  

As of July 1, I am the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for the school district.  I have a responsibility to ensure proper fiscal management for all aspects of the district, including capital and operational budgeting, health insurance, property/casualty insurance, payroll, financial reporting, grants, compliance reporting, internal controls, and advising the board and superintendent regarding financial policies.  It’s a very fun, fast paced, dynamic role and certainly more exciting due to the growth of the district. No two days are the same at Waukee Schools!

What’s your favorite thing about working in Waukee?

We have the best educators, administrators and staff, and they’re all working toward the same goal—to provide the best possible educational experience for our students.  I am proud to be a part of such an amazing team. I truly enjoy coming to work every day.

The growing district has had its share of difficulties in the past few years. What would you say are your biggest goals in your role as CFO?

My biggest goals for the coming year are continuing the great work we have done in the last few months around strengthening our internal control environment and business procedures, developing relationships with building administrators and staff, and ensuring that the district has a strong financial position to support our day-to-day operations and the growth we are experiencing.  Our best days are ahead of us.

Faces of Waukee: Mindi Heitland

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Where did you grow up? 

I grew up on a farm outside of Zearing and graduated from Colo-Nesco. After high school, I earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Coe College and a master’s degree from Drake University. 

Tell us about your family. 

My husband, Brent, is also a teacher and coach in the district. Our two elementary-aged sons have been raised in the bleachers and on the sidelines as Waukee Warrior fans. Outside of school, we enjoy attending our own boys’ sports and activities, time at the lake and traveling.

Tell us about what you do for the Waukee School District. 

As a school-to-work coordinator, I organize and coordinate internships for high school seniors in career fields they are interested in pursuing after graduation. I’m always working to establish partnerships with local businesses and organizations to provide meaningful and authentic internship experiences.

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

The number of quality opportunities offered through Waukee Schools is tremendous. It’s very rewarding to watch students find what interests and excites them, and then see them build on those skills to use in the future. 

What are you most looking forward to in the 2019/2020 school year? 

So many exciting changes are happening at Waukee Community School District. I’m looking forward to helping develop great experiences to support both high schools and continued connections within the community.

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