2024 genYP Members

Born and raised in eastern Iowa, Daycen now works as an Associate Financial Planner with AO Wealth Advisory in Urbandale. After graduating from Iowa State University, he and his wife, Payton, moved to West Des Moines before embarking on the journey of home ownership with the recent purchase of a home in Clive. They love to explore local eateries and coffee shops in their free time as well as taking their Goldendoodle, Hazel, on adventures.

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. Bryanne is passionate about supporting individuals across Iowa communities to have a voice, seek informed choices & live independently. Since 2024 she has served as the Program Coordinator for Money Follows the Person with the University of Iowa Health Care. Bryanne has been an active member of genYP since 2019 & serves on the genYP Leadership team. If she isn't working or at genYP, you can find Bryanne with her dog, Andy or catching a Cubs game!

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.

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.

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.

David has been with Peterson Painting for over 10 years.  He's a family man who serves in his relationships for personal and professional.  David LOVES Golf.

I have found that my superpower is problem-solving. my passion for it led me to explore different industries and environments. I found myself drawn to roles that allowed me to apply my skills and make a meaningful impact. From production, supervisory, management, director of operations, and being president of a non-profit organization, I embraced every opportunity of these roles to solve complex problems and contribute to the growth of organizations. Just as I learned in my younger years, in order to win the race, you must lead it first. With my vast and varied experiences of leading people, I felt called to give back. I received my certifications in coaching, mentoring, and leadership. Furthermore, became a certified training within industry instructor (TWI). It was exceptionally hard to leave the corporate world. Here we are. Welcome to Mindset Innovations Consulting.

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 4 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 Director of Junior Staff.

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

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.

 

Hello! I am a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner at Syverson Strege. Syverson Strege is an independent Fee-Only Financial Planning and Investment Management firm. Fee-Only means we do not work on a commission basis, we do not sell life insurance or annuity products, and our only compensation is paid by our clients for the services provided.

We offer wise counsel for retirement planning, cash flow and tax planning, estate planning, investment planning, risk management, and philanthropic planning. We provide clarity and peace of mind, knowing your life goals are our biggest priority.

With a background of business management and finance, I'm here to simplify payment processing for businesses all across Iowa and the surrounding midwest. Think of me as your dedicated problem solver and one-stop-shop for processing and point of sale.

I'm a stylist at Salon 86, and I have 7 years of experience with hair and went to the Aveda Institute in West Des Moines. I grew up in Iowa and recently moved back here from Kansas to be closer to family and friends! 

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.

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!

Morgan is a digital marketing account lead at Webspec, a web design and digital marketing agency based here in Urbandale. Before starting at Webspec, she graduated from Simpson College with a degree in Public Relations. She has since been working with clients at Webspec and a part of genYP for over 5 years. In her current role, Morgan works with clients to create their digital marketing strategy, lead their campaigns, and work hand-in-hand with clients and the team to meet their business goals through digital tactics. She leads campaigns that include tactics like PPC advertising, social media management (paid and organic), search engine optimization (SEO), newsletters, reputation management, and more.

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!

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.  

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.

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.

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

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.

I'm a recent graduate of the University of Iowa with a double major in Marketing Management and Entrepreneurial Management, alongside a Certificate in Event Management. Currently serving as an Impact Strategist at Allegra Marketing, I excel in crafting innovative marketing solutions. With a passion for community engagement and social impact, I am dedicated to making a positive difference through my work. 

Clarissa has worked in social media and influencer partnerships within internal marketing teams since her graduation from Iowa State University in the fall of 2021. She received her degree in Journalism and Mass Communication with a minor in Women's Gender Studies and a focus in leadership and video storytelling. She is currently furthering her education by obtaining a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification.

Clarissa recently moved back to Iowa after living in Kansas City post graduation and now works at Homemakers as a Social Media Manager and Project Specialist. In this role, she works to build a digital community of brand advocates both locally and nationwide to tell the story of Homemakers through the partnerships she facilitates and content she strategizes. 

In her free time she enjoys attending local events, group volunteering opportunities and loves participating in anything active from running, to sand volleyball, to yoga.

Christopher has been with Homemakers Furniture for over 5 years. Starting in their sales department and transitioning into their marketing/e-commerce department as a Communications Specialist. In this role, he works to optimize their email and SMS communications.

Christopher graduated from Drake University in 2023 with a bachelor’s in journalism and mass communications. He is working towards obtaining his master’s degree from Drake, in communication as well, focusing on brand communication. Christopher will graduate in 2025.

In his free time, he works for WHO 13 News, as a part-time photographer/editor where he films and edits stories for their weekend news shows.
 

Hello, my name is Kris Klabunde, I am originally from Davenport, IA. I played baseball and studied business administration at Iowa Wesleyan University. For the previous 8 years, I was in construction sales. Now at Paychex, we partner with business owners to streamline the responsibilities of HR, Payroll, and Benefits. So, the business owner can focus on the growth of their company and taking care of the client. Excited for the opportunity to connect with you all!

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.

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! 

With a lifelong passion for animals, I've dedicated myself to their care and well-being. Since 2009, I've owned and operated a successful grooming business, where I've nurtured relationships with countless furry friends and their owners. A couple of years ago, I decided to expand my expertise by adding dog training to my repertoire. I thrive on the challenge of working with more difficult dogs and find fulfillment in guiding their owners through the training process. As a single mother of three boys, my life is undoubtedly busy but endlessly exciting. When I'm not with my kids, you'll often find me immersed in nature with my two beloved German Shepherds, Juno and Oden, enjoying the serenity and companionship they provide.

My name is Joseph Herst and I am the Director of Sales at the Stoney Creek Hotel in Johnston. My previous careers were involved with non-profit organizations, restaurants, and some wineries. My wife calls me "aggressively friendly" and getting out and about in the community is a hobby of mine. If you ever need coffee, food, or conversation, reach out. I know a guy. 

Over the past several years, I have taken on various positions within the YMCA of Greater Des Moines. I currently serve as the Associate Executive Director at the Walnut Creek YMCA. In this role, I get to see the impact the YMCA has on the lives of each and every one of our members. Whether it is completing fitness goals, meeting new friends, or learning a new skill the YMCA is for all. Outside of the YMCA, I love spending time with my family and being involved in our community. We love attending events and trying local parks in our area! There is so much to offer! 

I have been licensed by the State of Iowa since 2021 through the Board of Massage Therapy. I offer support to our mental health community and individuals who are struggling with the physical symptoms of anxiety, depression, and/or PTSD. I do this through the use of aromatherapy, hot stone massage, trigger point work, cupping, guided meditation, deep breathing work and coming soon Trauma Touch Therapy. 

I understand how these individuals can feel and how these challenges can affect their daily lives. 

Theodore Craig: Marine Veteran, Iowa National Guard Combat Medic, and Dedicated Realtor

Born and raised in Iowa, I attended Martensdale-St. Marys High School. My military service in the Marines and as a Combat Medic in the Iowa National Guard instilled in me a deep sense of duty, honor, and compassion, which I bring to my role as a Realtor.

Real estate runs in my blood—my parents have been successful realtors for over 40 years. Following in their footsteps, I've committed myself to helping people find their dream homes, with a special focus on assisting military families.

Recently back from Hawaii, I’m excited to reconnect with my home state. Outside of work, I cherish time with family, my brother Chandler, and my Golden Retriever, Maverick. I’m also passionate about community service, especially supporting veterans.

Let’s start this journey together!

I got started in real estate in May 2022 while I was a full-time student at the University of Iowa, selling new construction homes. Being born and raised in Ankeny, I’ve always had a love for the Des Moines metro and helping people find their perfect place to call home.

Now, I’m proud to be part of the Megan Mitchum + Co team, where we focus on creating amazing real estate experiences. Outside of real estate, you’ll find me spending time with family, doing Pilates, enjoying outdoor walks, shopping, cooking, or planning my next trip.

As your agent, your dreams and goals are at the heart of everything I do. I'm here to make the process enjoyable and tailored just for you!