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

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.

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.

Commercial real estate agent licensed in Iowa offering services to tenant and landlord rep. for retail  and industrial asset classes.

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.

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."

 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.

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.

With 7 years of Chamber experience and 12 seasons of arena football marketing, I am excited to offer a great game day experiences, group outings, employee appreciation and sponsor packages that fit any business. I want you CHATTING...HEY HEY..WHAT DO YOU SAY....LETS GO BUCS.   

Christmas is AJ's favorite holiday, so it's no surprise that Christmas Lights is his specialty.

His favorite thing about the season is driving around looking at the different light displays and eating holiday treats!

A proud Des Moines native, Anne Triplett brings a rich and diverse background to the Chamber. She earned her degree in Elementary Education and Early Childhood from Drake University and began her career teaching in the Des Moines Public School system.

Anne’s professional journey spans multiple industries, including leadership roles in volunteer coordination and fundraising. Most recently, she discovered her passion for community engagement through the chamber world.

Outside of work, Anne enjoys biking, gardening, reading, cooking and baking, and spending time at Clear Lake. Her greatest joy is time spent with her grandchildren.

Carolyn Vaughn is a Des Moines portrait photographer specializing in elevated branding portraits, professional headshots, families, high school seniors, and personal portraits. She helps business owners, professionals, and families feel confident, prepared, and beautifully seen through a guided portrait experience from planning to finished artwork. Her work is timeless, polished, and personal, with a focus on creating images that feel authentic, refined, and useful across websites, social media, marketing materials, heirloom displays, and professional profiles. Carolyn photographs in her Mainframe Studios space, throughout the Des Moines metro, and in Lake Okoboji.