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Waukee Community School District: Then, Now, & Beyond

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It’s hard to imagine a time, more than 100 years ago when the Waukee Community School District (WCSD) was a consolidation of four small, rural towns that transported neighborhood kids to school by horse and buggy.

Fast forward to 2019, and Waukee is the fastest-growing school district in the state, with a ninth elementary school welcoming students this fall, one more K-5 school on deck and construction underway for a second high school.

The district’s transformation since its formation in 1916 has been nothing short of monumental. We sat down with Amy Varcoe, WCSD’s Director of Communications, to discuss the evolution of the district—including where it started, how things look now and what the future holds.

Waukee in the Beginning: Small and Rural 

Waukee Community School District was formerly known as Waukee Consolidated District after a petition was signed on July 29, 1916 to merge the Walnut Center, Pleasant View, Floral Valley and Waukee Independent School Districts into the Waukee Consolidated School District. Areas of Boone and Van Meter were also included in the merger. The district was eventually named as we know it today but didn’t experience any significant growth until the late 1990’s, when the Des Moines metro began to expand further west.

The area’s growth from 1992-98 reflected a booming U.S. economy, which increased by an average of four percent with nearly 1.7 million new jobs created, an unemployment rate of four percent, and median household income up by 10 percent.

As a suburb of a growing city, Waukee had an influx of families. During the 1994-95 schoolyear, the WCSD had just three kindergarten teachers for 123 kindergarten students. In total, there were 29 elementary teachers for grades K-5, and 68 seniors graduated that year.

“In 1997, Waukee was still one of the smallest schools in the state,” said Varcoe.

But by the end of the decade, student enrollment numbers started to increase by 450 students annually—a trend that’s continued, and then some, 24 years later—catapulting Waukee to the seventh biggest school district in Iowa.

“My husband and I moved to Waukee in 2006,” said Varcoe.  “LA Grant Parkway was a gravel road back then. There were no other buildings, but we purposefully chose to live here because of the area’s reputation for good schools. Never in my wildest dreams did I think we’d be up to 500-600 new students a year.”

The District Today

Against that backdrop, nearly 11,500 kids will be enrolled in Waukee schools this fall. Radiant Elementary on the west side of 170th Street in Urbandale near Meredith Drive is open for its first year, and construction is in progress for Northwest High School, scheduled to open in 2021.

Despite the extensive changes in the district, Varcoe has been impressed by the consistency in maintaining academic excellence.  “I think what I’m impressed by most is how they’ve kept up with the academic success. My kids will have experiences beyond anything I ever grew up with—work-based, project-based and real-world interactions using technology, etcetera. My kids are doing PowerPoint presentations and coding in elementary schools. These are the types of skills that will land them a job anywhere they go.”

Introducing New Leadership

The new leadership team includes Superintendent Brad Buck, Chief Operations Officer Kirk Johnson, Associate Superintendent Brady Fleming and Chief Financial Officer Sarah Kautz.

Buck is returning to Waukee after serving as the superintendent in the Cedar Rapids School District. He was associate superintendent as well as assistant superintendent for school improvement for the Waukee Community School District from 2006-11. Buck also was the director of the Iowa Department of Education and superintendent of the Saydel Community School District.

Varcoe said administrators participated in an all-staff back-to-school event in mid-August that was centered on connectedness, a theme echoed by Buck in recent media statements.

“Our focus was connecting with each other and staff, students and our community. As we grow, that’ll be so important, ensuring we have a pulse on what our students’ needs are, what staff needs are and what the community’s needs are.”

Diversifying

The number of new families setting down roots in the area also has increased the cultural diversity among students. Over the last 10 years, 90 percent of students enrolled were white or Caucasian. Varcoe said new data shows that number has dropped to 76 percent.

“Because our city is growing so much, we’re seeing more diversity among our student population as well. It’s amazing to have students from all backgrounds together. The district is starting to look like a closer representation of the many different cultures and ethnicities in America’s larger cities.”  

Real World Opportunities

Currently, the high graduation rate in the school district is 99 percent—number one in the state. Iowa’s average is 91 percent. Varcoe attributes the top scores to the teachers’ commitment to setting up students for success at an early age.

“Starting in elementary, our teachers do a great job of giving students one-on-one attention and delivering on academic indicators. Students are prepared when they walk through the high school’s doors on the first day. And once they’re there, there’s so much that’s available to them.”

Varcoe said through the high school’s advanced placement courses, some students are going to college with at least one year of credits, while others are coming in at a sophomore- or junior-year level.

She said employment and workforce shifts help dictate curriculum for the students, too. Unique to Waukee are programs like APEX, a collaboration between business partners and students that provides real-world experience for high schoolers—another reason why students are excelling.

“We have more than 500 business partners involved in the APEX program from industries like healthcare, business, architecture, accounting and more. Trade businesses also come to us that are willing to pay for students’ continued education to bolster their workforce. For a lot of kids, that’s very appealing. They won’t end up with $100,000 in debt from a four-year college and no job.”

What’s Ahead for WCSD

The most notable changes happening in the district in the coming years include the opening of a 10th elementary school located off Ute Avenue and Ashworth Road. The yet-to-be-named school will be comprised of students from Maple Grove, Waukee Elementary and Woodland Hills.  

Varcoe said the district also will need to add an 11th elementary school, along with another middle school within the next five years. “There’s still a lot to figure out. Do we need to reconfigure our current schools in the meantime, or just purchase the land and get going? The Waukee Middle School bubble is growing, and we need to be ready before it bursts,” she said.

Waukee school district’s enrollment team meets weekly to ensure they are ready.

“We work with a local company to keep an eye on what farmland is being sold, and what type of developments are going there. If it’s commercial, that gives us some time to wait to build,” she said.

Over the next 10 years, Varcoe said there’s potential for Waukee to be one of the three largest districts in Iowa, behind Cedar Rapids and Des Moines. “When you have 40 percent of your land undeveloped, that can be an indicator of growth and the sheer potential that’s possible.”

Preschool Programming

Varcoe said Waukee is now in the statewide four-year-old preschool program, but hasn’t had the capacity to expand the program in any of their buildings. However, the intent over the next three years is to do just that.

“Right now parents take their kids to an elementary school for preschool, but we need to get some of those preschool students their own facility,” explained Varcoe.  “We know we need it. We know it’s in high demand.”

Because preschools require special infrastructure, like tiny desks, chairs, toilets, etc., four-year-olds in the program are able to use kindergarten facilities. “Currently, there’s very limited space where we can put them, but many of our preschool classes will take place at Radiant next year,” said Varcoe.

Northwest High School

This fall, Northwest High School’s mascot and colors will be determined. WCSD administrators sent out a survey to area business leaders and families and will conduct focus groups with parents, community and staff members.

“That will help us narrow down the design options and color pallets, and since current sophomore, freshman and eighth-grade students will be the first class to go to school at the high school, they’ll be the first group we get feedback from, too,” explained Varcoe.

She also said administrators are doing everything they can to ensure an easy transition for students, especially the seniors leaving Waukee High School for Northwest for their final year. “In 2020, we’ll make a huge, fun year out of their last year together,” she said. “Homecoming is going to be awesome as the last of one high school.”

Varcoe said Cary Justmann, Waukee High School’s principal, is “very adamant he will keep everyone as together as possible.  He doesn’t want there to be an ‘us versus them’ division between the two high schools. He wants to ensure we’re getting everyone together as much as possible.”

Varcoe said there will be potential cross-sharing between high school classes and programs of interest for students, so they feel more connected. “To the best of our ability, we’ll better align our resources, so the schools don’t feel divided. Students at both schools will have the same opportunities and some of the sports teams will remain one, too, like our swim team.”

Varcoe said the district’s commitment for any growth moving forward is to ensure Waukee keeps a feeling of togetherness that extends to welcoming new families and opportunities. “Waukee is not big when it comes to the city. There’s a lot of land and a lot of students, but it still feels like a small community.”

Working For A Miracle

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In just a few years, children and adults who require special accommodations for outdoor play and leisure time will have access to an all-inclusive fishing pier, playground and adaptive ball field in Waukee. 

The $2.5 million project is being developed in partnership with the Waukee Betterment Foundation, Miracle League and City of Waukee. 

Matt Jermier, Waukee Parks and Recreation Director, said the department will oversee the operations and programming of these facilities. He anticipates The Miracle League of Waukee Ball Field and Play Area plus all-inclusive fishing pier will open by 2022 and that it will attract residents who live far beyond the city limits.

“We believe it will draw in families from around the Central Iowa region,” he explained.

The Miracle League baseball and softball field will have custom programs specifically for children and adults with cognitive and physical disabilities.  It will also accommodate wheelchairs and other assistive devices.

According to the organization’s website, the program was created to be a space where athletes with special needs are treated similarly to other athletes. A buddy system is used during games. Each player is paired with an able-bodied peer, and “the result is a bond that cannot be described,” said Jermier.

Jermier hopes those connections are apparent on the accessible playground, as well. “The way many parks are set up makes it difficult for adults with disabilities to accompany their children or grandchildren,” he said.  “Typically, they have to watch from the sidewalk. This playground will give them the chance to bring their family members and have fun right alongside them.”

The ballpark and playground will be located next to Waukee Northwest High School—the school district’s second high school—and within the 80-acre Waukee Youth Sports Complex and Park.  Jermier said it will be strategically placed front and center in the complex and will include a customized rubber surface for the ball field and playground, sensory equipment, a picnic and shaded area, concession and restroom enhancements and more. 

Liz Mount, a special education teacher at Walnut Hills Elementary, said the playground will be a truly special place for her students and their families. “Parents with kids with disabilities want to have the same accessibility as every other family and enjoy a day at the park,” she said. “That’s not always possible when the playground isn’t accommodating to all kids, and I love the idea of having one nearby. A structure that serves kids in wheelchairs, kids who can’t walk up steps, those who need sensory play and kids without disabilities who are still developing—it’s all necessary, because play is crucial for everyone,” she explained.

Paul Bird, a special education teacher with two sons—Max, a sophomore with special needs at Waukee High School (where Bird teaches), and Mitchell, a sixth grader at Waukee Middle School—said the playground is a game-changer. “It will level the playing field,” he said. “When Max and Mitchell were younger, this type of facility would have given them the opportunity to play together on the same piece of equipment, and I wouldn’t have had to worry about which child was where, knowing they could both navigate the playground independently or together. We’re already a growing community, and it just makes Waukee even more attractive.”

In addition to the ballpark and playground, there will be an adaptive fishing pier that looks out on a 14-acre pond stocked with a variety of fish. Jermier said the pond will be used as a recreational area for kayaking, non-motorized boating and other activities. 

The design of the pier will include a feature that allows it to raise and lower depending on the water level. It will also have ample parking, guard rails and other features to allow residents with mobility issues to fish safely.

Board Members from the Waukee Betterment Foundation. From L to R: Matt Jermier, Rick Arnold, Rachel Scheve, Don Blum, Jim Miller, Michelle Renkin, Todd McDonald,
Amie Kuntz, Josh Fleming, Nile Hicks, and Tim Moerman.

Jim Miller, president of the Waukee Betterment Foundation, a local non-profit that led fundraising efforts for the pergola at the Raccoon River Valley Trailhead is spearheading fundraising with fellow board members for the Miracle League of Waukee Ballpark and Play Area.

With more than 1,000 children with special needs in the Dallas County area, Miller said a significant need exists for an all-inclusive park.  “Each Miracle League field has a capacity of about 250 children in the leagues,” he said. “Heartland AEA tells us there are 1,220 children currently enrolled in nearby schools with special needs of Level Two or Three.  That is the profile of children who use a Miracle League field.”

“Other Miracle League fields tell us they get kids traveling in from rural Iowa, so this will easily operate at capacity,” he continued.  “The city of West Des Moines does not intend to build a Miracle League field, so we will also see participants from that area.”

Mount has two students who participate in Miracle League and has found it to be just as beneficial for the families of the children as it is for the kids. “I believe the program has helped them build social skills and confidence. I think it’s also important for the families as they can be resources and support each other,” he explained.

Echoing Jermier’s hopes about the structures having a wide-reaching impact, Miller said, “This will be a destination for people to visit. Same with the fishing pier, it will draw people from a significant radius. The Miracle League games depend on volunteers, and we are hearing from many corporations that want to have their employees come out to help.  All of that creates economic growth for local businesses.”

Miller said he is most excited about the opportunity the park will create for the western metropolitan area. “It is such a needed addition to the whole area, not just Waukee. It will be a regional facility that will be top-quality and quite unique.  It will be something Dallas County can be very proud of,” he said.

Miller said fundraising efforts are just getting started, and they’re waiting to hear back from numerous potential donors. As of right now, the estimate for each amenity is $750,000 for the Miracle League ballpark and the all-inclusive fishing pier. The play area would cost around $1 million. 

The Waukee Betterment Foundation is accepting donations at waukeebetterment.org.  

Community Spotlight: Waukee Arts Festival

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For the fifth year in a row, the Waukee Area Arts Council is putting on the city’s largest and best-attended summer event. The Waukee Arts Festival will be held in Centennial Park on Friday, July 12 and Saturday, July 13.

Residents can look forward to more than 100 artist exhibits, kids’ activities, craft beer from Barn Town Brewery, food truck vendors and live music all day Saturday. As part of the Arts Council July concert series, there will be special evening performances during the festival featuring local artists The Brazilian 2wins and The Nadas.  

Cody Kilgore, President of the Waukee Area Arts Council, said the festival will feature an even wider variety of artists than previous years, including artists from around the Des Moines metro and across the country. 

“We had so many quality artists apply that we had to add spaces under a festival tent for more exhibition space,” he explained.  

Kilgore estimates nearly 4,000 people attended the festival last year, and said this year’s festival will offer something for everyone. 

“We’ll have art from across the country and along the price spectrum. There will be food and music you don’t often find in Waukee. The student art on exhibit from the Waukee schools is reason enough to attend— the students are incredibly talented,” said Kilgore. “Plus, there’s always a chance you might meet our mascot, Tucker.”  (Tucker is Kilgore’s five-year-old dog.)

Festival-goers can also expect more selection for various dietary needs this year as well.

“Our food vendors will have vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free fare,” explained Kilgore.  “And you have to check out the tables in the food court that the high school art classes created for us.” 

“In short, we’ve really upped our game this year,” he added.  “We’ll have more artists, more art, more music, more food and more time to enjoy it all.”

For more information on the Waukee Arts Festival, visit waukeearts.org.

Faces of Waukee: Kirk Johnson

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Where did you go to school?

I graduated from Tripoli High School (in Northeastern Iowa), earned my B.A. in Business Education at Northwestern College, and my Master’s of Education at the University of Nebraska. 

Tell us a little about your family.

Living and working in this great district gives me an ongoing sense of pride. My wife Nicole also works in the district and we are very thankful to be part of this great community! Our four kids all attend Waukee schools.

We enjoy time together as a family, including attending Lutheran Church of HOPE in West Des Moines and watching our kids grow up and participate in activities.

Going into this upcoming school year, you are taking on the new position of Chief Operations Officer for the Waukee School District. Tell us about your new position.

As Chief Operations Officer (COO), I will provide the leadership, management, and vision necessary to ensure the district has effective and efficient operational controls in place to effectively grow the organization.  In order to do so, I will work day-to-day with the Operations, Construction, Nutrition, Information Technology, and Community Education departments.

What are your goals in your new position?

My goals are to demonstrate effective leadership via collaboration and communication for the purpose of increasing student achievement and enhancing the learning and working environment for all Waukee Community School District students, staff and teachers.

The school district certainly has big changes coming in the next few years. What are you most excited about as the district continues to grow?

Given that our school district is comprised of four growing communities (Waukee, West Des Moines, Clive, and Urbandale), we will continue to see enrollment increases. With that will come opportunities to learn from and work with more great students, staff, and teachers.

Over the years, we have added elementary and middle-level school buildings. I’m excited to see our district have two high schools. Having two comprehensive high schools will give students more opportunities and access to find their passions.

Faces of Waukee: Kyle & Diana Nielsen

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Where did you grow up?

My wife Diana and I are both Iowa natives. She grew up in Ankeny and graduated from Saydel. I went to Johnston. 

Tell us about your business, Relics Awry, and how it came about.

In 2009, I built a bar stool as a shop chair. A family friend saw it and asked if I could make one for a charity auction. I gave her the one I had just made, and then built another one for her husband’s office. The stool went across the auction block for $1,700. We were amazed! 

The person who bought it asked me to build another stool and a pub table so they’d have a usable set. I had never made a pub table, but I was happy to give it a shot. This was when the creativity took off. After building that set, my mind went “awry” with ideas of how to turn useless unwanted items into functional art.

I started making lots of small pieces for Diana as gifts. As she displayed them in her salon, everyone wanted to know if I could make the same items for them. Orders started rolling in. From there, I was building for fun as I enjoyed it so much, and as I built more pieces, I needed a place to sell them. 

Diana suggested getting a booth at a show to sell my creations, so I did that back in 2011 at the Valley Junction farmers market. We couldn’t believe the response we got from the shoppers.

Eventually, I signed up for more shows across the country. The business grew pretty quickly as people had never seen furniture like mine and they were really drawn to it. These days, Relics Awry is my full-time job. 

This will be your first year as a vendor at the Waukee Arts Festival. What are you most excited about? 

We’re very excited to do a show here in Iowa since I spend so much time traveling. I love being part of a show with other local artists right here in our own backyard. 

Business Spotlight: B-Bop’s Waukee

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Des Moines fast food institution B-Bop’s has been delivering fast food with a retro flair to central Iowa residents for decades.  Now, Waukee residents will have a B-Bop’s location right in their backyard, as construction nears completion on the franchise’s newest location.

Construction began in the fall of 2018 on the 2,200-square-foot restaurant, which will be located at 855 East Hickman Road, near the Waukee Hy-Vee.  The location will offer seating for 60 inside, as well as eight tables on the patio and, of course, a drive-thru. The layout will be very similar to the B-Bop’s location on Stagecoach Drive in West Des Moines.  With the addition of the new store in Waukee, B-Bop’s will have a total of nine locations in Iowa, joining the existing stores on Fleur Drive, Southeast 14th, and East 14th in Des Moines, as well as their locations in West Des Moines, Altoona, Ankeny, Urbandale and Ames.

B-Bop’s is a much-loved fixture in the metro fast food landscape, but its owner got his start one state over.  B-Bop’s owner Bob Johnson embarked on his career in the fast food industry with the Mr. Quick franchise in Bollingbrook, Ill., in 1970.  He began as an assistant manager, a position he held for eight months. Impressed with Johnson’s ambition and skill, Mr. Quick’s corporate office offered him the opportunity to become a franchise partner in the business.  Johnson accepted this offer in 1973, moving to Newton, Iowa, and opening a Mr. Quick there. He later opened stores in Fairfield and Muscatine as well. In 1983, Johnson and his partners changed the restaurant name from Mr. Quick to Sizzlin’ Sam’s.

During the mid-1980s, as Johnson continued to open businesses, he took note of a new, burgeoning concept: the double drive-thru.  These were popping up throughout the Sun Belt states and encountering great success, and Johnson was interested in the possibility of opening one himself.  In 1988, Johnson found a building at 1500 East Euclid Avenue in Des Moines that he felt would be an ideal location for a double drive-thru. Within six months, the first B-Bop’s was opened on that spot, and the rest, as they say, is history.  (The original Euclid location has since been demolished—a new B-Bop’s was built around the corner on East 14th Street to replace it in 2016.)

It’s fair to say that B-Bop’s is known just as much for its atmosphere as for its food.  The old-school vibe inside each location, with the carefree music of an era gone by and the distinctive, colorful décor, take customers back to what many consider a golden, simpler time.  The beloved local chain, with its simple, tried-and-true menu, has won Cityview Magazine’s Best of Des Moines award in the Best Burger category for an astonishing 26 years in a row. B-Bop’s has also been a runner-up for Best French Fry in Cityview’s annual poll for the past five years, and its quarter- and half-pound burgers and fries also earned it the 2016 runner-up for Best Hangover Food.  

With the new store in Waukee set to open soon, residents will soon be able to satisfy their craving for a classic burger with a side of fries and a soundtrack that will take them right back to the olden days.  B-Bop’s represents just the latest exciting addition to the boom of new restaurants in Waukee!

Community Spotlight: Eric Kress

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Eric Kress, Executive Director of the Waukee YMCA and long-time community organizer and volunteer, has been named Waukee’s 2018 Citizen of the Year by Mayor Bill Peard.

Kress began working at the Waukee YMCA in 2002 as the Youth Program Director. Several years and positions later within the Y, he moved to Waukee in 2007 with his family. In 2019, he became the Executive Director.

Local photographer Terry Snyder, Executive Director of the Waukee Leadership Institute and 2014 Waukee Citizen of the Year, nominated Kress, whom she’s known for 15 years.

“Eric is a very easy-going person,” said Snyder. “He can get along with anyone. And he’s fun, even though he’s a Cubs fan,” she joked. (Snyder is a diehard Cardinals fan.)

“Eric is the type of person where if you need something, he’ll be there for you if he can,” she said. “He’s always there to volunteer and works well with others. He’s very involved in coaching his girls’ basketball and softball leagues and does Girls on the Run, a YMCA sponsored event, with his daughter.”

In addition to his community work through the YMCA, Kress served on the Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce Board for several years and currently sits on the Waukee Betterment Foundation Board. He’s given his time as a Sunday school teacher, volunteered as a youth sports coach, packed meals for Meals from the Heartland and helped with the Blank Children’s Hospital Festival of Trees and Lights.

Kress said the accomplishment of which he is most proud is watching the youth he’s worked with grow into young adults.

“I think of the families I’ve gotten to know, and it’s so rewarding to see those kids prospering as adults, contributing to our community or being successful elsewhere. You don’t always know the outcome when you work with youth—whether you made a difference or not,” he said. “When you know it pays off, or when they look back on their childhood and remember you, that feels awesome. It makes me proud to have had a part in that.” 

Kress and his wife, Danielle, a kindergarten teacher at Grant Ragan Elementary, have two daughters—Lilah, 10, and Jillian, 8. In their free time, they like to stay active. Kress said some of their favorites include watching baseball together (especially the Chicago Cubs), riding their bikes to get ice cream, and playing sports. 

His advice for others who feel called to make an impact in the community? Don’t wait to be asked. 

“Keep your eyes and ears open and take the initiative,” he said. “Recognize your skill sets, whatever they may be—from gardening to accounting skills for a non-profit. There are so many great organizations in our community. There’s a place for you.”

Kress was presented with a Key to the City during a public open house reception on Wednesday, April 24 at the Waukee Community Center. He will also be recognized as Citizen of the Year while riding in Waukee’s Fourth of July parade.

Continued Growth

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Waukee Community School District will open its ninth elementary school, named Radiant Elementary School, at the start of the 2019/20 school year. Located at 5050 170th St. in Urbandale, it will serve students in preschool through fifth grade.

Allison Salow will be the school’s principal. She is currently the assistant principal at Shuler and Walnut Hills Elementary Schools. Dr. Lindsay Law will be Radiant’s assistant principal, as well as the Director of Curricular Arts & Student Equity for Waukee Community School District.

“I am passionate about my work and feel fortunate to be able to work with some of the most talented and dedicated people in our community,” said Salow.

This is Salow’s third year as an administrator in the Waukee Community School District and her 20th year in education. Her experience includes teaching preschool, first and second grade. She was also an instructional coach and instructional mentor for eight years, as well.

The primary focus of Radiant Elementary will be the academic and social-emotional growth of its students. The school will offer additional support services in the areas of Reading Lab, Special Education, Extended Learning and English as a Second Language. With its strong emphasis on meeting the needs of all students through differentiated instruction and research-based practices, its teachers and staff will work to ensure all children fulfill their full learning potential.

The name Radiant Elementary honors the community’s coal mining history. There were coal mines all over the state of Iowa in the late 1800’s. By 1920, there were five coal companies in operation in Dallas County, one of which was named Radiant Coal Company. The others were Dallas Coal Company, Norwood-White Coal Company, Scandia Coal Company and Shuler Coal Company.

The school district’s tenth elementary school is slated to open for the 2022/23 school year, one year after the second high school opens. These new schools have not yet been named, but there is a plan to name the high school by this summer.

Faces of Waukee: Hassan Atarmal

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Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Morocco, in a very small town with limited opportunities and minimal access to modern conveniences. My parents worked hard to ensure my siblings and I could go to school and have better futures. During my first few years of college, I lived with my uncle who ran his own business. I worked there during my time off from school, and that’s where I was inspired to embrace entrepreneurship. 

In 1998, I came to the U.S. in search of better opportunities and landed in New York, where I managed a bagel shop for several years. In 2004, I met my wife, who happened to be from Iowa, and after a few years, we moved here so I could get a business degree from UNI. I worked for a few years as a home mortgage underwriter, which I enjoyed, but deep down I wanted to do something that brings people together. So, I went for something that did just that—fresh and tasty food. Hence, Fresh Mediterranean Express was born. 

When did you first realize you had a passion for food?

I grew up watching my mom cook and I remember helping her peel vegetables or adding spices to a dish and the outcome was always amazing. I’ve become even more passionate about cooking and experimenting with fresh ingredients as I’ve gotten older. I enjoy the creative aspect of what you can do with fresh ingredients to create a flavorful dish. 

How did you end up in Waukee?

When I was looking to open Fresh, my research showed that Waukee was on trend to grow exponentially, and there were very few healthy eating options here. So my wife and I decided Waukee would be a perfect fit for our concept and we opened Fresh Mediterranean Express in 2014. 

You make an effort to give back through various programs and charities. Tell us about that.

We are passionate about giving back. We support organizations that improve the well-being of children, including those with a focus on literacy.

What is the most popular item on your menu?

It’s hard to limit it to just one, but Gyros are a top seller, and ours are some of the best in town. Oh, and you can find our fresh hummus at Hy-Vee, too. That’s definitely a customer favorite!

Faces of Waukee: Brian & Peggy Willard

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Where did you both grow up?  

We both grew up on farms in Minnesota—Brian near Bemidji, and Peggy near Worthington. We moved to Iowa in 1994.

Tell us a little about your family.  

We have a son who works as a project engineer in Des Moines. Our daughter is a business owner/bookkeeper, is married and resides near Spearfish, SD. Our youngest daughter will graduate in May from college with a degree in Music Performance for violin.

The two of you run a family-owned business. Tell our readers about that.  

Owning our own business became a reality in September 2014.  For three years prior to our opening, Brian was doing repairs from our home garage in West Des Moines and working for Principal Financial Group’s aviation department.  Because of the number of people requesting his services, we researched and financially prepared to see if we could open a real repair shop. 

Peggy went from managing the family of five to being the Willard Garage owner/office manager.  Brian is the owner/technician. We aim to treat people the way we want to be treated. It’s been good to add more technicians and office assistants as we grow.  

What do you enjoy most about working in the Waukee community?  

Waukee is a great community of “Iowa nice” people. It has a small-town feel, but it’s growing!  Meeting locals and new residents is one part of our job that is so enjoyable. 

Summer travel season is fast approaching. Do you have any tips for folks gearing up to hit the road for summer travel?

Make sure your spare tire has adequate air in it. Also, every oil change at Willard Garage includes a good safety inspection to make sure you’re good to roll down the road. This includes checking all fluids, tires, battery, hoses/belts and brakes.

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