CC - Thursday 2026

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

KSH Design Studio creates personalized and custom apparel and customer gifts for small businesses. I offer EMBROIDERY, Heat Printing and Laser Engraving services. 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 in house by a handmade process by KSH Design Studio; No outsourcing. No Minimums! Order what you need when you need them. I only use the highest quality materials found in the industry. This provides you, the customer with the best product for the money available. Customer service is high priority. 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.

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."

As the Sales Executive at The Revel Hotel in Urbandale, Katie Olson is known for her innovative approach and dedication to exceptional hospitality. Starting as a front desk agent, she quickly advanced to sales roles at two downtown Des Moines hotels, showcasing her adaptability and strong work ethic.

Currently pursuing studies at Des Moines Area Community College, Katie is passionate about expanding her expertise in the hospitality industry. At The Revel Hotel, she drives sales initiatives, builds client relationships, and is always thinking outside the box to contribute significantly to the Revel's success.

I am a Business Development Strategist with Blue Compass.  We are a web development and digital marketing company in West Des Moines.  We use cutting edge web design and an SEO first approach to marketing to help companies find prospects and get them to convert.  We think outside the box and stay on top of market trends and changes.  We have a lot of fun doing it too - we've never been accused of being boring!

Jen is an accomplished professional in the field of interior design, holding a Master of Arts degree from Iowa State University and is a Certified Kitchen & Bath Designer®. With her educational background and research in environmental psychology, she has a deep understanding of how the design of a space can influence and enhance the well-being of its occupants.

She is a Designers Today “40 Under 40” honoree, and her work has been featured on Hello Iowa! with WHO13, DSM Magazine, and the International Builders’ Show. She also serves as a Chapter Officer for the National Kitchen & Bath Association and is a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program.

I serve as the Director of Business Development at Discover Ames, where I lead a dynamic team focused on strategic sales, partnerships, and event attraction that drive economic impact and community growth. I am passionate about building strong relationships with meeting planners, stakeholders, and local businesses to position Ames as a premier destination for conferences, meetings, and events.

I am deeply engaged in regional leadership through board and committee service supporting tourism, education, and community development, and I actively champion the Ames Event Center at The LINC as a catalyst for future growth. As a small business owner and lifelong advocate for Ames, I bring a collaborative leadership style, entrepreneurial mindset, and genuine love for this community to everything I do.