CC - Thursday
The Thursday CC group meets the last Thursday from 11:30 - 1 p.m. in the Aisha R. Syed Board Room
Ben Buenzow
2025 SPONSOR & TRAINER | INSURANCE/FINANCE - AUTO, HOME, LIFE, DISABILITY, SUPPLEMENTAL
Buenzow Insurance Group
Agent/Owner
Twenty years ago Ben Buenzow got his insurance license, and the rest is history…. Just kidding! A lot has happened in the last 20 years! Seventeen of those years Ben owned a captive insurance agency, while simultaneously becoming an expert in his field, and being recognized for his achievements along the way. Ben integrated himself into the Urbandale community serving on the Urbandale Chamber Board, and volunteering with the Urbandale Police Department. Six kids and a puppy later. Ben realized the potential to help even more people! So in May 2021 Ben launched his own independent agency Buenzow Insurance Group.
- Auto Insurance
- Home Insurance
- Property Insurance
- Business Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Health Insurance
Matt Shaw
2025 CHAIR | REAL ESTATE/COMMERCIAL
Caliber Realty
Owner
Commercial real estate agent licensed in Iowa offering services to tenant and landlord rep. for office, retail space, and industrial asset classes.
Riley Schneekloth
2025 VICE CHAIR | IT/COPIERS
MMIT Business Solutions Group
Business Solutions Consultant
As a Business Consultant with MMIT (formally M&M Sales and Imaging Technologies), I help our clients find a realistic approach to smooth out and improve their day-to-day. My services include helping people find practical solutions to everyday problems by offering cutting-edge IT solutions, printing equipment, and network solutions.
Sandee Cook
EMPLOYEE/PLACEMENT & STAFFING
Career Search Associates
Executive Recruiter
I’ve been a Head Hunter since 2015 and love it! Previous to that, I have 25+ years of Human Resources management experience, with Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification. My full range of HR knowledge, coupled with a multitude of business and professional connections, ensures my success in identifying top talent to meet my client's needs. Here at Career Search Associates, we help businesses fill full time positions ranging from the front desk to the CEO. We specialize in Administration, Accounting, Marketing, Sales, Human Resources, Project Management, Call Center Management and Retail Store Management. We are respected recruiters who also help the passive candidate that wants to explore opportunities in a confidential manner.
Monique Elgersma
COUNSELING
Real Connections Counseling
Owner & Couples Therapist
After moving around for most of my life, I settled into Des Moines in 1999, minus a 5-yr stint in Colorado to get my Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. I share a Couples Counseling practice with my husband of 27 years, Rick. We are co-therapists: a team that works with other couples to help build healthy relationships. We moved back in November 2016 with a heart to change marriages for the better here and are actively pursuing that at Real Connections Counseling in Urbandale.
Our counseling office expanded into a group practice the fall of 2022 and have a few other counselors to partner in co-therapy: Alyssa Elgersma and Becca Wolford - and are hoping to hire a few more this year! We also have two shelties that work in our office as therapy dogs: 10-yr female Zylie & 5-yr male Mozzie.
Besides working, I like to travel, watch movies, play board games, read, and go to conferences.
Our counseling office expanded into a group practice the fall of 2022 and have a few other counselors to partner in co-therapy: Alyssa Elgersma and Becca Wolford - and are hoping to hire a few more this year! We also have two shelties that work in our office as therapy dogs: 10-yr female Zylie & 5-yr male Mozzie.
Besides working, I like to travel, watch movies, play board games, read, and go to conferences.
Kathy Evert
SIGNAGE/EVENT DISPLAY EQUIPMENT
Signarama-Ankeny / YESCO Sign & Lighting Service
Owner
Kathy Evert is a small business owner, owning KJ Signs LLC (dba Signarama-Ankeny and YESCO Des Moines) and KJE Solutions, LLC. She started KJ Signs in 2016 and KJE Solutions in 2014. She currently employs 7employees under KJ Signs, LLC and is the sole owner of both companies. She and her team have received several awards and recognitions already from Signarama and United Franchise Group. The business is a Certified Woman-owned Business Enterprise (WBE) and a Certified Iowa Targeted Small Business.
She is a member of the Ankeny Area Chamber of Commerce, Grimes Chamber and Economic Development, Urbandale Chamber of Commerce, Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI), Master Builders of Iowa, Women’s Reciprocity Group (WRG), Central Iowa Networkers, Iowa Commercial Real Estate Association, and an associate member and official sign sponsor of the Iowa Chiropractic Society.
She is a member of the Ankeny Area Chamber of Commerce, Grimes Chamber and Economic Development, Urbandale Chamber of Commerce, Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI), Master Builders of Iowa, Women’s Reciprocity Group (WRG), Central Iowa Networkers, Iowa Commercial Real Estate Association, and an associate member and official sign sponsor of the Iowa Chiropractic Society.
Dee Mable
HOME WARRANTY
First American Home Warranty
Area Manager
Greetings! I'm Dee Mable, the Area Manager for First American Home Warranty! I am eager to help sellers, buyers, homeowners and realtors find the protection they need for their homes and their client's homes. We offer a service contract that protects a home's major systems and appliances. Reach out if you would like more information....thank you!
Kris Howard
SPECIALTY ADVERTISING
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KSH Design Studio LLC
Owner
KSH Design Studio creates personalized and custom gifts. I specialize in personalizing metal and glass items by mechanical etching. I love to do custom designs for our customers. I offer EMBROIDERY services as gifts and for small businesses. I use Heat Transfer Vinyl for any fabric item such as T-shirts, baby bodysuits, pillow covers and even lawn chairs. I enjoy working with small business owners and using their logos to create items they need for their business such as Logos on apparel (Polo shirts, Jackets, Aprons & Hats). All items are completed by a handmade process by KSH Design Studio. I only use the highest quality materials found in the industry. This provides you, the customer with the best product for the money available. I provide the best customer service possible. I answer all emails as quickly as possible, the same day 99% of the time. I want all your questions answered to your satisfaction! In 2020 I received TSB Certification through the SBA.
Jeff Holladay
COMMERCIAL LENDING
Zach Vander Ploeg
JANITORIAL/COMMERCIAL
Noel Medina
ROOFING & SOLAR
Walter Roofing
Senior Project Manager
Noel Medina, a devoted family man and proud father of three, hails from the vibrant culture of Cuba. As a valued member of the Walter Roofing team, he brings a passion for helping others to every project. Beyond roofing, Noel finds joy on the soccer field, where his love for the game ignites his competitive spirit and fuels his enthusiasm for teamwork. Noel embodies both dedication to his craft and a passion for community.
Tara Knight-Ortiz
AUTOMOTIVE/TIRES
Aisha R Syed
REALTOR
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Iowa Realty - Aisha R. Syed Real Estate, LLC
REALTOR® - Broker Associate
Aisha grew up in Iowa (Clive and Urbandale). Graduated from Drake University with double majors in Management and Marketing. In 2004, unfortunate circumstances, brought her back to Iowa, from Dallas, TX. In 2005 she earned her Real Estate License and in 2015 earned her Real Estate Broker License. For 15 years she juggled her real estate career, along with working with her mother, Saloo, at the Downtown and Valley Junction Farmers Markets, selling Indian food (Saloo's India). Since Saloo retired from the farmers market, Aisha has been able to focus solely on ONE full time job (being a REALTOR®) AND now she has quality time to network, take vacations...and just breathe. Aisha said, "I never thought I would ever be coming back to Iowa. But having lived elsewhere, I can truly appreciate what all Iowa and it people have to offer; I am GRATEFUL TO BE HOME, IN IOWA."
Sheena Green
WELLNESS
Flourishing Roots Wellness LLC
Owner
I am a passionate advocate of holistic wellness and natural living. As the founder of Flourishing Roots Wellness in Des Moines, I offer Intuitive Wellness Sessions and Package Programs to help clients achieve balance, healing, and inner peace. In my free time, you can find me tending to my garden, spending time with my son and fur baby Daisy, or exploring the great outdoors with friends.
Tucker Morrison
ADVERTISING
WHO 13 Des Moines
My name is Tucker Morrison.
I am an Account Executive with WHO 13 / Nexstar Media Group. In this role, I work to implement advertising and marketing campaigns for local businesses to continue their outreach and growth within the state of Iowa and beyond. Via TV Commercials/Sponsorships, Digital Advertisement and Marketing, Comprehensive Digital Marketing Strategies such as search engine optimization, email integration, geofencing and many more, the opportunities are aplenty for you and your business!
I am an Account Executive with WHO 13 / Nexstar Media Group. In this role, I work to implement advertising and marketing campaigns for local businesses to continue their outreach and growth within the state of Iowa and beyond. Via TV Commercials/Sponsorships, Digital Advertisement and Marketing, Comprehensive Digital Marketing Strategies such as search engine optimization, email integration, geofencing and many more, the opportunities are aplenty for you and your business!
Andrew Dean
MORTGAGE
U.S. Bank
Mortgage Loan Originator
No matter where you are in the home buying process, I can help. As a mortgage loan officer right here in Urbandale, I work with you to help find the right mortgage for your unique situation. My beautiful wife and two daughters and I live in Urbandale. During my free time, I enjoy camping (glamping really...), barbecuing, and cheering on the Dallas Cowboys!
Weston Hefel
CREDIT CARD PROCESSING
Payteva
Sales Director
With a background of business management and finance, I'm here to simplify payment processing for businesses all across Iowa and the surrounding midwest. Think of me as your dedicated problem solver and one-stop-shop for processing and point of sale.
Colby Dawes
VENTURE CAPITAL
ET Capital Partners, Inc.
Business Development Manager
At ET Capital Partners we help qualified individual participants find opportunities with experienced commercial partners to help diversify their portfolio with fixed rate returns and equity opportunities.
Tony Ekman
PAINTING
Ekman Painting
Owner
Ekman Painting, LLC has earned a reputation as a trusted leader in the local painting industry. We specialize in delivering flawless painting results for property owners across the area, always with an eye toward exceeding expectations. From initial design concepts to the final brushstroke, our experienced team ensures each project is completed swiftly and with precision.
We prioritize clear, consistent communication throughout the process to guarantee your satisfaction with the finished product. Whether you're looking to refresh a single room or transform an entire property, we offer top-tier painting services at competitive rates.
Tiffany Menke
STAFF
Urbandale Chamber of Commerce
President
Since 2004, Tiffany Menke, IOM, has been the President of the Urbandale Chamber of Commerce. She has served on the boards of and is a Past President/Past Chair of ICCE, CITR, and IMA. She currently represents Iowa on the MACE Board of Directors and serves on the Diversity and Inclusion Council through the Greater Des Moines Partnership as well as participates in a pilot program through the Evelyn K Davis center to mentor exoffenders.
In 2017, Tiffany was honored as a Woman of Influence through the Des Moines Business Record. Other honors include 40 under 40, and Ovation award from the Iowa Women's Foundation. She grew up in Newton and went on to Grand View University in Des Moines where she earned a degree in Mass Communications, Journalism and a minor in Photography.
To schedule a meeting with me, calendly.com/tmenke
In 2017, Tiffany was honored as a Woman of Influence through the Des Moines Business Record. Other honors include 40 under 40, and Ovation award from the Iowa Women's Foundation. She grew up in Newton and went on to Grand View University in Des Moines where she earned a degree in Mass Communications, Journalism and a minor in Photography.
To schedule a meeting with me, calendly.com/tmenke
