Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
Since 2000.
What is your primary product or service?
Keep Iowa Beautiful is a statewide nonprofit that was founded in 2000 and is affiliated with the nationally acclaimed Keep America Beautiful. KAB has been working for half a century to improve the beauty of our nation. We conduct programs that help communities improve their image, build community pride and facilitate cultural and economic vitality.
How did you first become interested in your line of business? (if owner) - What is your background? (If owner or store manager)
My commitment to Iowa has been my full life. Born and raised on a farm in NW Iowa between the two small communities of Lester and Alvord with our "market town" being Rock Rapids. My father was a farmer and an innovator in conservation practices. My mother took care of the family. As she always said - "We may not have much money but it is no reason not to have polished shoes and clean clothes". My father gave me the assignment of returning borrowed tools from neighbors and his rule was - "return them in better condition than we received them". Those two lessons in life stuck with me.
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
We focus on the concept of "implementation" for communities. Planning tends to be somewhat easy and exciting, however, when it is completed the challenge is the implementation. We work with communities on developing the skills and talent to enable the community to have a strong future and the ability to implement their visions. In addition we have developed a nationally leading education program called "Teachers Going Green" along with a 'Garden Program for Every School' in the central Iowa area. We need to help teach youngsters how to produce food and get their hands dirty. Getting them in the out of doors and away from hand held electronic gadgets is important.
How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
We are in one location with programs and staff statewide and specifically with our Hometown Pride program in Pocahontas, Fremont, Sac, Jasper, Louisa counties and three neighborhoods around the State Capitol.
Provide detailed directions to your location
300 East Third Street in Des Moines. West of the State Capitol in the East Village.
What type of payments do you accept?
Credit Cards and PayPal at www.keepiowabeautiful.com/sponsorships
Which areas do you service?
The State of Iowa and its communities.
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
Non-profit 501c3 Charity with a great 24 member Board.
What are your hours of operation?
M-F 8-5 p.m. and as needed.
What is the best compliment anyone can give you?
To have a neighborhood / community / countryside that everyone can be proud of. Also, to become a sponsor at www.keepiowabeautiful.com/sponsorships
What is your favorite quote or Bible verse?
Those Who Fail to Understand History are Doomed to Repeat It! Alexander Dumas