Where are you from originally?

I’m originally from Stratford (north of Boone), but grew up in Alleman (north of Ankeny).

Tell us a little about your family.

My wife Judy and I recently celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary. Together, we have four children—Karin Worth (in St. Louis), Karl Haglund (in Charles City), Lori Konzen (in Grimes) and Brent Long (in Grimes). We have nine grandchildren, ranging in age from 7 to 19.

Tell us about your career.

I started in newspaper work in 1963 as a sportswriter for the Fort Dodge Messenger, and after my Army days, went to work as a sportswriter for the Wausau Daily Record-Herald in Wisconsin. There, I met Dave Marcis, a NASCAR Winston Cup driver. I did some PR and marketing work for him beginning in 1971, and began working as a tire carrier/changer for several drivers in 1974. In the 1980s, I was the editor of Hawkeye Racing News, the executive secretary for the International Motor Contest Association, and a NASCAR Winston Cup gas man. In the 1990s, I became the general manager of the San Antonio Speedway. After open heart surgery, I left the stress of auto racing and returned to journalism as the assistant editor of the Dallas County News in Adel. Later, I served as the sports editor and then editor. I was presented the Master Editor/Publisher Award by the Iowa Newspaper Association in February of 2014 and decided that was a good time to retire. During my time in Adel, I also won three Master Columnist awards, three Best Sports Columnist Awards and many other writing and photography awards.

What do you enjoy about living in Waukee?

My wife and I moved back to Iowa in 2001 and have lived in Waukee since 2003. We live in a senior citizens’ apartment and enjoy the company we’ve found here. We like that Waukee has easy access to any destination. We live between Hickman and University and near the new interchange access.

You recently authored a book about auto racing. Tell us about that.

I’ve had a lifelong interest in automobile racing. My parents took me to my first race at the Hamilton County Fair in Webster City in 1948, and I’ve been hooked ever since. I began the research for my book about 30 years ago and wrote sporadically until my retirement. Then I began working about 5-6 hours every day to complete the work. It covers Iowa racing history from 1900 through 2014. It’s more than 600 pages and has more than 500 photos. Many people don’t realize that Iowa is the nation’s “racing-est” state. In fact, Iowa is blessed with more operating race tracks per capita than any other state.

Since the book was published in December, I’ve had a number of book signing events, and all have been very well-attended. The book has been well-received within the racing community—even more so than I imagined. The book is currently available at the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame & Museum in Knoxville, Kossuth County Ag & Motorsports Museum in Algona and Sardeson Racing in Greenwood, Neb. Several more outlets will be added soon.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Urbandale.

How long have you lived in Waukee?

We moved to Waukee in 2005.

Tell us about your family.

My wife Michele and I have been married for 20 years. We have three children—Michael, a senior at Waukee High School; Sydney, a sophomore at Waukee High School; and Kynzi, a seventh grader at Waukee North Middle School. All three of our children have attended Waukee schools since their kindergarten years.

What are some of things you have enjoyed most about raising a family in a growing community?

We’ve really enjoyed the growth of the school system, the connectivity of the bike trails, shopping at locally-owned businesses, having lots of restaurants choices, having friendly neighbors, living in a safe community, having local Waukee community events, and the fact that Waukee has a progressive plan for the future.

Tell us about ChildServe and what you do there.

ChildServe is a non-profit organization committed to improving the health and well-being of children with special health care needs. We provide services to nearly 3,000 children and adolescents per year by offering pediatric rehabilitation medicine; home, community, and residential care; and family support services. Our mission is to partner with families to help children with special health care needs live a great life.

I’m the Director of Human Resources at ChildServe. I have the privilege of supporting more than 2,600 staff and volunteers who are driven by dedication and their commitment to the children and families we support.

When you’re not busy, we heard you enjoy landscaping. Care to share any tips for those wanting to up their green game this spring?

Don’t be afraid to be creative with your yard. It’s an expression of who you are. Have fun with it!

Where are you from originally?

I grew up in Sioux Center, Iowa. My father owned a Coast-to-Coast hardware store, where I worked as a teenager. My wife Sherri and I managed a Ben Franklin store from 1977 to 1986. I graduated from Dordt College in 1986 and then began my career in public administration. During that time, we also had our three wonderful daughters.

Tell us a little about your current career.

My entire public administration career has been in Iowa. My first position was as Finance Officer with the City of Jefferson in 1986.  I managed the cities of Sibley and Jefferson from 1988 to 1995, I served as the Assistant City Manager of Dubuque from 1995 to 2001, and I managed the City of Mason City from 2001 to 2005. My career changed course in 2005, when I became the Economic Development Director for the City of Ankeny. I was then Assistant City Manager in Ankeny prior to starting as City Administrator of the City of Waukee in 2013.

What do you do with your free time?

My wife and I dabble in biking and golfing. I follow college and pro football during the fall. We have 11 grandchildren living in Iowa, so there are many weekends devoted to birthdays, sporting activities, and other celebrations. We are also active in our church.

With the city’s continued changes, there’s always something new. Care to share any updates?

One challenge for Waukee in the next three years will be the widening of Alice’s Road from University Avenue to Hickman Road. It will take a significant amount of coordination, communication, and patience by Waukee residents and city staff. Discussions are already taking place on how to engage and inform motorists throughout the project. Residents will hear more about it as the project planning begins in 2016.

  Is there any one thing you are particularly excited about for our growing community?

I’m excited that Waukee and its neighbors are growing to a point where new businesses are interested in investing in Waukee. The opening of Grand Prairie Parkway will provide new development land to Waukee. Combined with the land on the Hickman Corridor, businesses have a variety of development options for retail, personal and professional services, restaurants, and hotels. Additionally, Waukee will have ideal land for office buildings and be able to offer opportunities for Waukee residents to work in Waukee. With a stable economy, the next several years should result in new services and career opportunities for Waukee residents.  

In this issue, we talk about making smart choices when cooking at home or going out. What are some of your go-to meals when you want a healthy option?

The evening meal is often a scramble. The healthiest options for us are grilling fish, chicken, or a lean cut of pork or beef.  

Any New Year’s Resolutions for 2016 that you’d like to share?

I am sort of a New Year’s resolution curmudgeon. My approach to making change is to commit to the change regardless of the time of year.

Where are you from originally?

I grew up in a small town in northwest Iowa called Odebolt. It has a population of 1,000 on a holiday weekend when everyone is home to visit, but I absolutely loved growing up there. I have lived in the Des Moines area for just over a year now, and I’m very excited to call it my new home.

Tell us a little about your career.

I attended school at Odebolt Arthur High School before heading to the University of Iowa, where I majored in Integrative Physiology and minored in Psychology. After a tough decision between Palmer College of Chiropractic in Florida and Logan College of Chiropractic in St. Louis, I decided to stay in the Midwest and move to St. Louis to attend chiropractic school at (what is now) Logan University.

What do you do with your free time?

I spend the majority of my free time with my husband, Aaron. We both enjoy staying active with sports or any outdoor activity. We play on a few different softball, kickball, and volleyball leagues, which usually keeps us entertained and busy. We also like to play with the Aerobie and go hiking when we can. When we’re not being active somewhere, you can usually find us with our families. We both have several siblings—I have six, and he has eight! We are truly blessed!

What are some of the things you like most about living and working on the west side of the metro?

One thing I like is the camaraderie. Everyone is very proud of being from the west side, and they absolutely should be. Although I am not native, I know how much things have changed in the last few years. It’s amazing how much everyone has embraced the change. The possibilities in this area are endless! Another thing I enjoy is the young families. This is truly a great place to raise a family of our own someday, and also to be a pediatric and family chiropractor that can help these families grow in health.

What should a person new to chiropractic care know before coming into your office?

The most common fear of new patients is whether their adjustment will hurt. Adjustments are not typically painful. More commonly, there is an almost immediate sense of relief. Your chiropractor will talk you through your first adjustment and make you feel comfortable. Another important thing to know is that it’s never too early or too late to start chiropractic care. So many people are surprised when I tell them I treat several kids! They are even more surprised when I tell them I have adjusted babies that were only a couple days old.

In this issue, we talk about making smart choices when going out to eat. What are some of your go-to restaurants when your family doesn’t eat at home?

Going out to eat truly is about making smart choices. I find that you can go almost anywhere and still choose to eat smart. You can always replace fries with veggies; get grilled instead of fried; skip the bread; skip the fancy drinks; skip dessert; box half of your meal before you even start; and drink lots of water before, during and after! But if I must say, one of my favorites lately is Fresh Mediterranean Express. It’s so delicious and pretty healthy! I also like places where I can make it myself, like Qdoba, Chipotle, and Pita Pit. Tripling the veggies always makes me feel better about going out to eat.

Care to share any of your 2016 New Year’s resolutions?

Some things my husband and I are working on for next year are spending more time in the gym and decreasing our stress levels.

Where are you from originally?

I grew up on the northwest side of Chicago, and then Grayslake/Gurnee, Illinois. I’m a Cubs fan all the way.

For new residents who may not be familiar with you, can you tell us a little about your career?

I studied business through high school and college. After going to community college, I went to work for my father at Warmouth Family Trucking. Later, when he retired, I ran the company. When my wife, Anne, received a job offer to relocate to central Iowa, I closed the business and we chose Waukee—and the Waukee Hardware & Rent It Center! I’ve been in retail for almost 25 years now, and I love it, love it, love it—except for the hours.

What do you do with your free time?

I usually work between 54 and 60 hours a week, but I find time to golf one or two rounds a week and play three or four ping pong matches a week. I also work on projects around the house, and I like to cook.

In this issue, we focus on giving back to our community. What causes are you passionate about?

Cancer and diabetes have affected my family. So far, we’re all doing fine, but when fundraising supports those causes, I do what I can. I’m also passionate about volunteerism—giving back in whatever capacity I can, whether it’s a “boots on the ground” role or a leadership role. I was a charter member of the Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce and served in a few different roles for that organization.

A little elf told us you’ve been known to don a white beard and red coat this time of the year. Can you tell us about that experience?

Playing St. Nick was a great time. That was the beginning of, or pre-WinterFest. I had a great ten-year run before turning it over to a jollier soul. I really enjoy being around kids during the holiday season.

Last question and possibly the most important: Any big plans for the holidays?

I’m going to do as I always do—spend time with my family. I’ve also been known to tip back a glass of holiday cheer with close friends and customers. I’m the youngest of ten in my family, so holidays present the best chance for all of us to be in the same place at once. I look forward to that. Happy holidays to all!

Photo by Laura Wills

Where are you from originally?

I grew up on a farm near Merrill, Iowa and attended LeMars Community Schools before heading off to Iowa State University. I’ve lived in the Des Moines area since 1992, so I definitely consider this home.

Tell us a little about your family.

My husband, Lauren, and I met at Iowa State and just celebrated our 25th anniversary. We have two children—Abbey, who graduated from Waukee in 2013, and Jonah, who will graduate from Waukee this year.

How do you spend your free time?

In the summertime, we love to spend as much time as possible on our boat. Otherwise, I enjoy working out and relaxing with friends.

Tell us about the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines.

We’re a charitable foundation serving the Greater Des Moines area and 39 counties and communities throughout Iowa, including Dallas County. We hold 1,400 charitable funds and $390 million in assets—all for important charitable causes. We improve quality of life by promoting charitable giving, connecting donors with causes they care about, and providing leadership on important community issues.

What are some keys to your success?

I’ve been fortunate to have been able to follow my passions. Initially, that was by working with hospitalized children, and later, that passion evolved into giving back and building our community. I’ve furthered my education along the way to prepare for the work I do, and I’ve used mentors every step of the way. And of course, I’ve tried hard to follow God’s lead.

Do you have a favorite motivational quote?

Do what you love. Love what you do.

What are your favorite book(s) to read?

“The Purpose Driven Life” brought incredible clarity to my journey and inspired me to “go for it” in my career, because I realized the path was created on purpose, for a purpose.

What are you most looking forward to this fall?

I’m looking forward to watching some Waukee and Iowa State football games, spending some final days on patios, and sleeping with the windows open!

Photo by Laura Wills

Where are you from originally?

I’m originally from Boone, Iowa.

Tell us a little about your career.  

I’ve been a shareholder with Nyemaster Goode, P.C. for the past 17 years.  Before that, I was a member of Whitfield & Eddy, P.L.C. for nine years. After earning my law degree from the University of Iowa in 1987, I clerked for Iowa Supreme Court Chief Justice W. Ward Reynoldson and then U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Russell J. Hill. My practice area is creditor rights and bankruptcy law.

What do you do with your free time?  

I enjoy family activities, golf, Hawkeye sports, and politics. I’m also involved in the Des Moines A.M. Rotary, the University of Iowa Alumni Association Board, and the Dowling Foundation Board.

With the weather cooling off, what are you most looking forward to this fall?

I’m looking forward to playing some golf, and spending Saturdays in Kinnick Stadium, cheering on the Hawkeyes.

In this issue, we profiled Langel and Woods Clothiers. We heard you are a loyal customer. What keeps you going back?

They provide great quality and selection, and their service is second to none. Nothing fits me off the rack, so I started buying my suits and shirts from L&W 16 years ago, and I’ve been a very satisfied customer ever since.