2023 genYP Group

I grew up in Northwest Iowa and moved to Des Moines in 2006 after graduating from Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa.  I settled in the Beaverdale area after buying my first home in 2017.  My husband, Jarred, is extremely supportive of my real estate career and respects the time I dedicate to serving my clients. 

I got into real estate because I love connecting with people and wanted a career that could impact the community.  Buying a home is such an exciting time of change and it brings me great joy to see how the plans all come together for my clients.  I'm here to build relationships and help people through a major life change that involves a process I'm passionate about.

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. Since 2016, she has served Mosaic in Central Iowa in various capacities; first with the Mosaic at Home program as an Independent Contract Program Manager for over 5 years then was promoted to the role of Resource Development Manager in March of 2022. Her connection with Mosaic has grown over the last year as her youngest sister now lives in a Mosaic host home setting, allowing her family to see real life, real possibilities each day.

Curvin has joined Comparion Insurance Agency, a Liberty Mutual Company, in August 2022 as a Sales Representative offering Personal & Casualty Insurance as well as Life Insurance. Comparion Insurance Agency helps individuals transfer the risks during life's most uncertain moments. Curvin's goal is to understand his customers needs and align them with the proper products and coverage they deserve; knowing their property and families are protected against uncertainty in the event of a loss. 

Jake is Chiropractor at Active Wellness Chiropractic and Rehabilitation. Jake enjoys working with active people of all ages understand how their symptoms behave and learn how to manage their symptoms outside of the clinic. Jake specializes in pain education, therapeutic exercise, joint manipulation, and soft tissue mobilization. When not working, Jake loves spending time with his wife, Camrynn, and their dogs Luna and Ruthie. He is an avid weightlifter, golfer, and reader.

Morgan is from Algona, Iowa, and joined Webspec after graduating from Simpson College with a B.A. in Public Relations and minors in Psychology and Sociology. She helps clients with their digital strategy, including writing content for their websites and optimizing them for users and search engines. Outside of work, Morgan enjoys running, hanging out with her husband, and trying new restaurants around the metro.

Hey everyone! I graduated from Grand View University in 2018 with my Bachelors Degree in Kinesiology-Health Promotion, with hands on experience in nutrition, strength and conditioning, and physical therapy. Outside of my career at MMIT, my main hobbies are finding house projects to do, woodworking, watching sports, and playing with my dog Gracie, who is a chocolate lab pit bull mix. I also like going to country concerts, festivals, spending time with my family, cooking, and exercising. I am always down for a cup of coffee to learn more about other people's businesses and how we can help support one another in our wonderful community. Let's connect sometime!

Amanda has been an Account Executive at Palmer Group for more than two years and has been in recruitment for nearly 10. Amanda enjoys consulting with hiring managers and HR professionals on their staffing needs, employee retention, and sharing market data for the Des Moines employment scene. In her freetime, Amanda enjoys working out at Krave Gym, reading books and watching movies, and spending time with her two sons.

My name is Kyle Younker, I am originally from Mason City, IA. I was a Track and Field athlete at NIACC for two years before I went on to Iowa State University and graduated in Fall of 2021. I currently am with Financial Architects in Clive, where we focus on helping families, couples and young adults organize their finances, reduce taxes and better their overall financial world. I am excited to be apart of a great group in this Chamber and getting started in meeting other younger and older professionals.

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 two kittens, baking, and traveling.

I have over 15 years of professional experience in my field of expertise! I’m constantly learning about the new market in our industry and ongoing trends in the digital marketing world. I'm also a go-getter and enjoy experimenting with something new every day in my life. Building up a relationship with my clients and team is always the key to success in our world today. If you require someone who can produce quality content for your online presence I'm your guy!

Aaron Colyer comes to Raccoon Valley Bank offering over 10+ years of banking experience. He specializes in Business Banking to provide the best service to his clients. He takes pride in serving his community and exploring options to best suit each business’ needs. Aaron is hands on with getting new and existing local businesses set up with their Banking and Cash Management needs, such as, but not limited to: ACH, Remote Deposit Capture, QuickBooks Integration, Positive Pay, Business Online Banking, and other day-to-day functions. He has a wealth of knowledge to help grow his clients in the banking world to help their success. Aaron has a growing portfolio of clients that attest to his satisfactory customer service, and he would love to meet with you and discuss your businesses banking needs.

Mo is a financial advisor for Wells Fargo in Johnston. His favorite about being an advisor is getting to know clients on a personal level and learning about what matters to them. Outside of work, Mo enjoys reading, grilling and running. Him and his wife Elma live in Urbandale with their two daughters Neyla and Sofia. 

I am an Optometric Assistant for the doctor team at Urbandale Eye Care, located on 70th and Douglas. My job includes medical testing on patients needing additional testing and scanning, assisting doctors with basic office tasks, and working with our team to provide the best contacts, glasses, and care to our patients. I am active in GenYP, and enjoy building connections with other local young professionals. If you are due for your yearly eye exam, or a new pair of glasses unique to you, give me a call at (515)-278-0123. 

I am passionate about helping small businesses grow!

As the Small Business Banking Officer at Community State Bank, I am in a position to partner with small businesses to help get them access to the capital that they need to grow. I also work closely with our retail and treasury management teams, so I am able to offer holistic solutions to any financial needs.

Outside of working hours, you can find me out and about with my two year old daughter, reading books, sipping cocktails, or doing something outdoors.

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!

Home Finder. Dog Mom. Jeep Driver. I grew up in SW Iowa where I learned that hard work pays off. You learn to respect animals as they provide a food source and sometimes they were your best friend or even your county fair project. You’ll most likely master driving a stick shift by age 13! I hold a Bachelors of Science in Management and worked in the corporate world before pursuing my dream job in real estate. I excel in resolving challenges with innovative solutions to increase customer satisfaction. I strive to be the best full-service REALTOR by building a reputation of choosing the ethical way by my commitment to honesty and integrity for my clients. I have 2 crazy but loveable goldendoodles Gigi & Roxy.  In my free time I enjoy trying new restaurants and traveling to new places.

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.  

Energetic and highly effective award wining Sales Director. Promoted to leadership after 6 years in Sales Rep role. I am looking to network with other Sales professionals in order to continue to learn and grow in the world of Sales.

My responsibilities include executing financial plans and assisting clients. I also help clients create personal and business budgets focused on achieving their financial goals.

Experienced HR Business Partner with a demonstrated history of working in the environmental and managed services industries. Skilled in multiple HR platforms, Teamwork, Leadership, Microsoft Excel, and Strategic Planning. Strong human resources professional who graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato for Business with an emphasis in Human Resources.

My name is Laura Palmer, and I am a physical therapist at Core Physical Therapy in West Des Moines. Core is a PT-owned business providing 1:1 sessions in private treatment rooms and has been voted the Cityview Best Local Physical Therapist the past 3 years! We specialize in myofascial release and craniosacral therapy. I love developing strong relationships with my patients and assisting them in getting back to doing the things they love!
The Des Moines metro is home to me, since I grew up in Adel, IA. I attended Luther College for my undergrad degree and Des Moines University for my Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. Being involved in the community is something I am very passionate about. I have volunteered with Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership since 2014 and am serving this year on the Corporate Board and as Program Director.

I strive toward a balance of Faith, Family, Career, Contribution, and Growth! I spent 14 years in direct sales. I reached the highest sales rank and opened several offices (My first IA office was in Urbandale) which is the most successful office in IA history. I developed over a dozen individuals to do the same. I dabbled in technology sales then started my career in fleet management March of 2022. I am excited to build my network and find business owners/executives to help. Personally, I was born and raised in the suburbs of Minneapolis. My wife (Lera) and I moved down to IA in 2015. We had our son (Lex) in 2019. We built our forever home in Urbandale in 2020 and purchased our first investment property 2022. We love to Travel and have been blessed to have an abundance of opportunity to do so. We excited for the future and proud to call Urbandale our home.

Sarah Nielsen has always had a passion for design. With her father working construction and a woodworker on the side, she began building and designing at a young age. She attended Iowa State University, graduating in 2013 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree emphasizing in Woodworking and Photography with a Minor in Business. In 2014, she started at Showplace Cabinetry Design Center as an Assistant Designer/Customer Service representative. This allowed for Sarah to learn the design process from measuring a space, selecting design details, to finishing the project. She became a designer in 2016 and has since exceeded her expectations in sales, won a prestigious NKBA Thirty under 30 award, and is working towards her first accreditation and 'Aging in Place' certification. With her background in woodworking, she strives for a function-oriented design to create one of kind spaces that work well for the particular client.

 

I was born and raised in Urbandale, IA, and attended Dowling Catholic High School. I then moved to Iowa City to attend the University of Iowa. I recently graduated with a degree in Communication Studies and a minor in Human Relations. Post-graduation, I move back to the Des Moines area and began working at Palmer Group as a recruiter. I enjoy spending my free time with my dogs, at the lake, or binge-watching Netflix.

Hi my name is Emma and I am a recruiting associate with the Palmer Group where I am on the office administration team focusing on candidate intake. I have been at Palmer Group since October 2022 and joined full time the first of the year in 2023. I joined genYP shortly into 2023 in the hopes of meeting like minded young professionals such as myself.

I graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in 2022, getting my degrees in history and anthropology. In my free time I enjoy reading or crafting at home with my 2 cats. I'm also an avid hiker and will travel wherever and whenever possible. I can often be found at a golf course, tying out new patio bars or restaurants, or seeking out trivia nights. I'm a big sports fan especially when it comes to baseball and football. I always love talking about different interests with new people! 

Nicole has been a Physical Therapist Assistant with Champions Recovery Room and Physical Therapy for two years, with four years of total experience in the outpatient PT setting. Nicole enjoys working with individuals of all ages to help improve their pain, strength, flexibility, and overall quality of life. Nicole is a new mom and enjoys spending her free time with her husband Jacob, and their twin boys, Jackson and Lincoln.

I am a physical therapist at Core Physical Therapy. I joined Core because of their emphasis on using manual techniques to help reduce pain and improve mobility for their patients. I enjoy getting to combine learning, healthcare, and movement to help people return to the things they love to do. I particularly enjoy working with patients experiencing chronic pain as well as first responders and their unique needs.

Outside of work, I enjoy visiting new places with my wife and our son, all kinds of music (particularly country), and anything outdoors.

Estate planning and probate attorney in the Urbandale area. 

We host casino-themed events across the entire state of Iowa and also cover Omaha and Kansas City.  For our corporate parties, after-Prom events, and special events - Birthday/Retirement/Holiday parties - are 100% zero-risk, no gambling allowed and we party it up with funny money chips! 

Casino Parties are one of the best fundrasing tools ever designed and our clients are very happy with the funds we are able to help them raise during one of our events!  We work with the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals for our fundraiser events, making sure our clients have the proper licensing in place to throw the best fundraising event possible!
Regardless of the event, our casino parties all receive the full casino experience, as we provide actual casino quality and size gaming tables, chips, cards, dice, equipment and professionally trained dealers - you just provide the guests! 

Megan is chiropractor at Yost Family Chiropractic which has served Urbandale and the surrounding metro the past 18 years. 

She realizes that many people suffer from pain that just won't go away and strives to take a personalized, whole-body approach to identify and treat the source causing discomfort so you can do all of the things you love pain-free.

When she's not in the office she enjoys running, exploring hiking trails, volunteering at her church & the Food Bank of Iowa, coaching with Girls on the Run, reading, and supporting & experiencing all things local in Des Moines!

Recruiter at Palmer Group with 7 years of experience placing professionals in a variety of positions throughout the Des Moines Metro. Graduated from Iowa State with a degree in Communication Studies, Go Cyclones! Outside of work, I like to volunteer, hike, collect houseplants, and ride bikes and horses.

Andrew was born and raised in a family that is crazy about coffee. His first experience with coffee came when he got a job as a barista in high school. Since then, he graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with degrees in finance and real estate. As time went on, his interest in Friedrichs Coffee grew, and he now has many roles from retail management to marketing innovation.  

During his free time, he enjoys traveling and anything that brings him outside.

Logan joined the Nelsen Appraisal Associates team in December of 2020, following his graduation from the University of Northern Iowa where he double majored in Real Estate and Finance.  Logan is registered with the state of Iowa as an Associate Real Estate Appraiser and is currently working towards general certification.  During his time at Nelsen Appraisal Associates, Logan has gained experience working with appraisals over a variety of property types including office, retail, industrial, agriculture land, commercial land, and residential subdivisions.  Outside of work, Logan enjoys riding his bicycle, going to the gym, reading, and trying out local coffee shops and restaurants.

Residential Realtor with Century 21 Signature Real Estate. Specializing in relocation and first time home buyers.

Howdy y'all I'm the Owner/Head Chef at cajun belle in Johnston Iowa. I started the business in May of 2022 and have been working each day to continue it's growth. I played football for Grand View University from 2011-2015 and graduated with my Bachelors in Psychology. I grew up homeless, living off the land in Beaumont Texas where I was fortunate to be able to learn how to hunt, process and care for nature, which fueled my love for food and people! Today, me and my wife live quietly in West Des Moines on Racoon River with our 2 Aussies and 6 Cats. I'm a simple country fella and do my best to meet people where they're at in their lives, feed them, and love them. Can't wait to connect with all y'all! 

My name is Ryan Bishop and I have been practicing TKD since August of 1998. I am currently hold a 5th Degree Black Belt and 2nd Degree Kukkiwon Black Belt. I start instructing in October of 2008 and call this my full time position as of May 2013. My passion is to impact the community through the tenets of Taekwon-Do; Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control, and Indomitable Spirit.

 

I graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with an Elementary Education degree and spent many of my college years involved in my sorority and volunteering at schools. The past few years, I have been teaching middle school math in Des Moines. I cannot be happier to join the Chamber and pursue my passion of event planning.

While I am not at the chamber, I attempt many DIY projects around my house, take my dog to the park and spend the majority of my time brewery hopping around Des Moines with my friends and family!

Gina has spent the majority of her professional career in hospitality and working with the community. For the last 8 years she has been a Franchise Business Coach with the corporate entities of Subway and Pancheros. Gina values working with a team that is committed to impacting change. This makes her a great match with the Urbandale Chamber of Commerce. As the Vice President, she is excited to get involved with your organization and start building strong, lasting relationships. 

I was born and raised in Hawkeye country- Iowa City! Go Hawks! While attending the University of Iowa, I was involved in many student organizations, where my passion for event coordinating began. After 5 years primarily in the wedding industry, I was ready to take on a different and new avenue of events, leading me to the Chamber world! I am dedicated to bringing impactful event opportunities to life for our community's professionals. 
When I’m not running around Urbandale, you might find me trying to keep my flower garden alive, in the kitchen cooking an extravagant meal, boating at the lake with my family, or at a country concert. A few of my favorite things include iced coffee, any form of pasta, cats, Kenny Chesney, and gnomes (solely because they’re cute).

I am a born and bred central Iowan, growing up in the North Polk School District before attending DMACC. In my free time I enjoy staying active with activities like riding my bike and golfing. I understand the struggles and opportunities facing Iowa business owners, my wife and I own and operate a small storefront in Indianola- Core Nutrition. Before joining CertaPro Painters of Des Moines my background was in traditional media, working at iHeartRadio Des Moines and Des Moines Radio Group. I enjoy creating lasting business-to-business relationships, and that strength is a large portion of my job at CertaPro. You will see me at chamber of commerce and community events, or maybe dropping off a paint can full of goodies at your office! ​I love being in a role where I am a part of local outreach and community engagement. When you're ready to give us a call for an estimate, I'm happy to sit down with you over a lunch where I can learn more about your specific needs.

I graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelors in Sports and Recreation Management. The beginning part of my career has been spent working in the sports industry as a sales professional including for a few of the local Des Moines teams. I am looking forward to transitioning my career to serving my hometown and having a positive impact on the Urbandale community through the chamber! In my free time I enjoy spending it with my family, my girlfriend and our dog Suzie.