All Things Greater Burlington

Josh Ragar, Business Banking Relationship Manager at U.S. Bank, discusses U.S. Bank’s history in Greater Burlington, his role as a Chamber of Commerce Ambassador, volatility in the banking industry, how U.S. Bank can help entrepreneurs start a new business, life before U.S. Bank as a minor league baseball player, his experience playing in spring training, what it’s like traveling the country playi...

Jerilyn Horn, Owner & Designer of Jerilyn Horn Kitchen & Bath Design Co., discusses the story behind starting her company, growing up knowing she wanted to be in design, staying current in the industry, a customer’s journey with her business, why she opened her business in Downtown Burlington, getting involved in the community, her passion for art, the future of Jerilyn Kitchen & Bath...

Colton Neely, Executive Director of the Des Moines County Historical Society, discusses what the historical society encompasses, the history of the building, their large crinoid collection, how they amass their collection, categorizing and organizing their collection, finding historical letters written by Aldo Leopold, where Colton found his passion for history and museums, changing exhibits, the...

Tim Seibert, P.E., President, and Dan Culp, Director of Business Development, discuss the history of Carl. A. Nelson, their construction footprint, why they love to be involved in the community, upcoming projects, their niche, business during the pandemic, telling their story, and more.

Ryan Nagrocki, Business Person of the Year and President and CEO of Midwest Realty Group, discusses the surprise of winning Business Person of the Year, his journey to starting his business, how he is working to help fill the housing need in our community, upcoming housing developments, homes for Iowa, plans for expansion, the future, and more.

Mercedes Ponce, Young Professional of the Year and Business Manager and Production Director at Titan Broadcasting & Digital Group, discusses the surprise of winning Young Professional of the Year, growing up in Burlington, her career in radio, volunteering in the community, chairing Downtown Partners, Inc., why she loves living in the community, why people should join Young Professionals, her...

Robert Scott, Superintendent of the Burlington Community School District, discusses what attracted him to the area, his passion for education, the role of the superintendent, collaborating with other school districts, implementing the student voice in the schools, school safety, and improvements, communication between schools and parents, connecting students and businesses in the community, and mo...

Heather and Brad Lange, owners of Keystone Home, discuss purchasing the business, winning Best Renovation of the Year, the process of renovating, changing the name to Keystone Home, what sets them apart, their process when remodeling your home, supply chain issues and getting back to normal timelines, finding perfect products for their clients, keeping projects on track, and more.

Mac Holford, Director of Young Professionals and Events Manager at the Greater Burlington Partnership, discusses the Young Professional program, why people join YP, why she moved to the area, what being the events manager is all about, the divide between generations and how YP can help bridge the gap, how to get involved in Young Professionals, and more.

Gregg Mandsager, City Administrator for the City of West Burlington, discusses the community, the economic development future for the community, what brought him back to the community, the role of city administrator, introducing coffee hours with the city government, navigating house and workforce issues, growing the community, and more.

Kevin Glendening, Des Moines County Sheriff, discusses how he got started at the Des Moines County Sheriff’s office, the responsibilities of the Sherrif department, the correctional facility, the difference between the police departments and the sheriff department, community support, the youth academy, crime tendencies they are looking out for, using other communities as a resource, and more.

Nicole Farrier, Great Western Supply Co., discusses the history of Great Western Supply, how they differ from their competition, why they are a leader in their industry, what happened to toilet paper during the pandemic, why educating the public and customers is so important to them, what is in store for the future, and more.

Meg Richtman, Vice President for Strategic Initiatives, and Derek Zander, Vice President for Advancement & Athletics, discuss the history of Iowa Wesleyan, why they are successful in attracting students, the strategic partnership with Southeastern Community College, educating the future workforce, helping students become successful adults, and more.

Elizabeth Pappas, Executive Director of the Art Center of Burlington, discusses taking over the reigns at the Art Center of Burlington, programming, offering art to the entire community, how the Art Center is funded, her vision for the future, celebrating Burlington through art, and more.

Tad Lowary, General Manager, discusses the history of the Burlington Bees, day to day operations, how Prospect League players join the Bees, how they find the souvenirs to offer, the adjustment from going from an MLB affiliate to a member of the Prospect League, the Bees’ success going forward, how people can get involved, and more.

Chris Lee, Executive Director of Des Moines County Conservation, discusses how he found his passion in nature, the disconnect between today’s generation and nature, what areas are managed by DMC Conservation, the vision for future improvements to county parks, and more.

Alex & Sarah Beames, Owners of The Collective Food Hub, discuss taking over the business, what a day looks like running The Collective Food Hub, deciding on what they should bake next, giving back to the community, plans for the future, and more.

Darven Kendell, the Education Coordinator for Des Moines County Regional Solid Waste Commission, discusses what makes of the DMC Regional Solid Waste Commission, what is recyclable and what is not, what happens when you recycle electronics, the origin of the recycling numbers, how much recycling is generated per month, and more.

Bob Huffman, Owner Huffman's Farm & Home and Huffman Welding and Machine, discusses the secret to a successful 50 years, the history of Huffman Welding & Machine and how they expanded into the new Huffman Farm & Home business, being in business with family, and more.

Steve Hexom, On Air Personality for Pritchard Broadcasting, discusses his 50 years behind the mic, how radio has changed over the years, his love for radio, behind the scenes, and more.

Ethan King, Owner of King Kleen, discusses how King Kleen came into existence, the process that goes into a cleaning, knowing everything about windows, repelling off buildings, drone cleaning, and more.

Tracy Dunn, Owner of Traces Boutique, discusses the origins of Traces Boutique, why sustainability, how her products give back, why she wants to promote sustainability, and more.

Libby Bowen, Property Manager of The Burlington Apartments, discusses the history from Hotel Burlington to what The Burlington Apartments are today, floor plans of the building, available commercial spaces, the banquet hall, and more.

Tyler and Melinda Bickel, owners of Bickel’s Cycling & Fitness, discuss the history of the business from Bickel’s Cycling & Chainsaws to what it is today, riding on RAGBRAI, surviving the pandemic, their charitable donations in the community, and more.

Logan Brincks, Young Professional of the Year, Software Engineer at American Ordnance LLC and Founder and Managing Director of It’s Electric Entertainment, discusses why he gives back to the community, the history of It’s Electric Entertainment, the Greater Burlington Leadership Class, and more.