2026 genYP Members

Daycen Douglass
AO Wealth Advisory
Born and raised in eastern Iowa, Daycen now works as an Associate Financial Planner with AO Wealth Advisory in Urbandale. After graduating from Iowa State University, he and his wife, Payton, moved to West Des Moines before embarking on the journey of home ownership with the recent purchase of a home in Clive. They love to explore local eateries and coffee shops in their free time as well as taking their Goldendoodle, Hazel, on adventures.
Jessica Verwers
Home Builders Association of Des Moines
Director of Membership
Jason Kane
Kane Company Wealth Management
Toni Scott
Soper Automotive Repair
Service Advisor
Dustin Hogan
Ekman Painting
Salesman
Taylor Ruoho
Dupaco Community Credit Union - Grimes
Jie Jung
Shaul & Associates PLC
Accountant
Jie is a tax advisor and an IRS certified enrolled agent with Shaul and Associates PLLC in West Des Moines. Originally from the Guangxi providence of China, Jie moved to Des Moines in 2012 where she took accounting and finance classes at DMACC. Today, she has over 6 years of experience with personal and business taxes. Jie is also proficient in bookkeeping and instructs clients on accounting with Quickbooks. On her free time, she enjoys cooking, gardening, running, playing table tennis, and traveling with her husband, Geoffrey.  
Ben Geiger
Simplified Planning and Investments
Owner/ CFP

At Simplified Planning and Investments, everything begins with my passion for people. I’m Ben Geiger, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and founder of the firm. I believe financial planning is about more than numbers—it’s about building trust, understanding your story, and helping you live with greater peace and purpose.

I take a holistic, fee-only approach that focuses on you, by creating clear, confident financial plans and investment portfolios tailored to your unique goals. I strive to simplify complexity, bring clarity to uncertainty, and provide a roadmap that balances today’s priorities with tomorrow’s vision.

Brennan Jones
Northwestern Mutual - Urbandale
Agent
Kayla VanHorn
Texturious Designs
Interior Designer
Jack Lohman
Strategic Retirement Partners
Retirement Plan Advisor
I am a Retirement Plan Advisor based in Iowa who helps employers design and maintain 401(k) and other workplace retirement plans that employees actually use. With around seven years of experience, I focus on simplifying fiduciary duties, improving employee outcomes, and keeping plans aligned with changing regulations. Outside of work, I enjoy time outdoors, tending the yard, staying on top of markets and investing trends. Most importantly, spending time with my wife and two children.
Caitlin Cronin
Cronin, Caitlin
Individual Member
Baylie Boyer
Midland Credit Union - Urbandale
Loan Officer II
Baylie is a seasoned loan officer for us. If you need a loan, she's the rockstar who can help you! She adores her family and 2 cats, and lights up any room with her smile and laugh!
Blake Austin
Midland Credit Union - Urbandale
Executive Administrative Assistant
Blake is the Executive Administrative Assistant at Midland Credit Union. Their job involves supporting the CEO and CFO, coordinating projects, marketing, and IT support. In their free time, Blake enjoys playing with their 4 cats, reading, playing video games, and traveling.
Sarah Poznanski
Century 21 Signature Real Estate
Realtor
Residential Realtor with Century 21 Signature Real Estate. Specializing in relocation and first time home buyers.
Christopher Spring
Valpak of Central Iowa
I am a versatile communications professional with a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail. I just obtained a Master of Arts in Communications with a focus on Brand Communication at Drake University, building on my Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Mass Communications, also obtained from Drake University.
Matthew Morris
Metro Waste Authority
Compliance Coordinator
Annie Klatt
Hive Marketing House
Owner
Dustin Barrett
Midland Credit Union - Urbandale
Logan Street
Vermillion Midwest Valuations
Certified General Appraiser
David Lewis
Firefly Building Performance
CEO
Alejandro Hernandez
The Avanti Group, Insurance Broker
Insurance Broker
Tyler Fromm
Buenzow Insurance Group
Account Executive
Taylor Carey
Buenzow Insurance Group
Communications Manager
Stephanie Baeth
Cutting Edge Success
Cody Smith
Edward Jones - Cody Smith
Financial Advisor
At Edward Jones I work to help clients grow, protect and organize their wealth. Outside of work, I am a Father to three amazing children and a husband to my wonderful wife Allison. I also coach high school football for DMCS
Nathan Kneifl
Edward Jones - Kneifl Wealth Management
Financial Advisor
Kyle Younker
Envision Wealth
Clarissa Merschman
Homemakers Furniture
Managing Director
Allison Miller
Homemakers Furniture
Disa Erickson
Iowa Bankers Association
Marketing Coordinator
Spencer Sheaff
Paychex HR
Regional PEO Business Development Manager
Catherine Merrill
Prairie Meadows Racetrack & Casino
Renato Firmento
Spraytec Fertilizers, LLC
Operations Manager
Elisa Omerovic
UMB Bank
Personal Banker I
Brooklyn Purkeypile
Zedoda K-Pop
Angela Mulvihill
Discover Strength West Des Moines
Exercise Physiologist
Luke Sesker
Restoration Chiropractic
Doctor of Chiropractic
Josh Roberts
The Dana Company
Kate Brockmeyer
Homemakers Furniture
Community & PR Specialist
Hi, I'm Kate, the Community & PR Specialist with Homemakers Furniture! I run our Volunteer Time Off program and our Sponsorships/Donations requests and would love to share more with anyone looking to partner! I love all things Des Moines Metro, and can be found attending arts & culture events and festivals, shopping at local businesses, and enjoying local restaurants and coffee shops!
McKenzie Friedman
Vision Park Family Eye Care
Shealynn Sara
Optimize Wellness
Sean Presnall
ATW Training Solutions
Business Development Executive

Sean Presnall joined ATW in 2025 as a Business Development Executive. Sean brings a strong background in helping businesses grow, educate, and reach their full potential. He has an extensive background in sales and relationship management and enjoys matching solutions to customer needs. Sean excels in building relationships and fostering partnerships to ensure innovation for your business needs.

Sean is an Iowa native who enjoys time with family, involving himself in the community, and enjoying his favorite sports teams. When time allows, he likes to go hunting, fishing, running, and being outdoors.

Danielle Frye
DE Designs Inc.
Owner
Bryanne Hensley
University of Iowa Health Care
Program Coordinator for Money Follows the Person

Bryanne is a storyteller, advocate, leader & community connector who finds unique ways to motivate others. She is known for having a connection in any setting. Bryanne is passionate about supporting individuals across Iowa communities to have a voice, seek informed choices & live independently. Since 2024 she has served as the Program Coordinator for Money Follows the Person with the University of Iowa Health Care. Bryanne has been an active member of genYP since 2019 & serves on the genYP Leadership team. If she isn't working or at genYP, you can find Bryanne with her dog, Andy or catching a Cubs game!

Max Schaefer
The Dana Company
Account Executive
Alicia King
Walnut Creek YMCA
Associate Exec. Director
Over the past several years, I have taken on various positions within the YMCA of Greater Des Moines. I currently serve as the Associate Executive Director at the Walnut Creek YMCA. In this role, I get to see the impact the YMCA has on the lives of each and every one of our members. Whether it is completing fitness goals, meeting new friends, or learning a new skill the YMCA is for all. Outside of the YMCA, I love spending time with my family and being involved in our community. We love attending events and trying local parks in our area! There is so much to offer! 
Holly Hook
Walnut Creek YMCA
Youth & Family Program Director
Lars Warth
Raccoon Valley Bank
Portfolio Manager
Garrett McFarland
Team Temple Training
Owner
Ray Hanysh
Shade Tree Auto - Urbandale
Shane Feller
Raccoon Valley Bank
Credit Analyst
Kris Klabunde
Best Portable Toilets
Business Development Rep
Miranda Bixby
L. Grace Brands
Cody Kuebler
CLK Landscape Construction
Preident
Mike Murtha
Green Home Solutions
General Manager