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Business: We repair all major brands of garage doors and operators, and also offer a wide range of new garage doors and openers, for commercial and residential customers.

Background:

In 2008 we realized the business was too large to control as one entity and we sold various locations and each kept one. I chose to keep the Des Moines location and renamed the company to Hicklin Garage Door.

Notable achievements: We were selected in 2012 to be the sole exclusive dealer and distributor for Garaga garage doors in the Des Moines area. In 2013 we were awarded the certificate of excellence from Garaga for superior sales and service based on customer reviews and volume of sales with an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars.

Skill I’ve developed most on the job: Customer service.

What people should know about my industry: Garage doors are dangerous and only a skilled professional should attempt to install or repair them. All garage doors are not the same and people should be aware of the major differences in quality that are available in today’s market.

How I give back to the community: Each year we sponsor a charity event or provide donations. We have contributed to the annual Bacon Ball softball event sponsored by the Des Moines Police Department and we donated the garage door openers to the new Amanda the Panda house.

How I get away from work: I love the outdoors, so I try to fish & hunt whenever I get a chance. I also play as much golf as my wife will allow me. But spending time with my family is most important to me.

My family: I have been married to my wife Wendy for six years. We have two boys. Brayden is 4 and Brennan is 1.

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Business: Beemer Landscaping is a landscape contracting company specializing in hardscapes and water features.

Background: I was born and raised in Bedford, Iowa and grew up on a family fish farm, Beemer Fisheries. I graduated from Iowa State University and ran siding after graduation before buying into Water Designs of Iowa with my brother, Kolby Beemer. The name was changed to Beemer Landscaping and I am now the sole owner, along with my wife, Keenan.

Why I love what I do: I love to meet people and give them a quality, lasting product in their backyard. I enjoy forming relationships with customers and watching them enjoy what we have created for them. Having quality employees makes it easier to love what I do every day. I have foremen who work alongside me and help run my business. Beemer Landscaping wouldn’t be able to provide as good of a product without our knowledgeable and quality driven staff.

Skill I’ve developed most on the job: How to construct a product that is functional and attractive and that will last a lifetime for each customer. I’ve also learned to train, lead, and motivate my employees. I have found that I really thrive in a fast-paced work environment.

How I get away from work: I enjoy golfing, playing basketball in the winter, and spending time with my family. As a small business owner, you really never get away from work.

My family: My wife, Keenan, and I have 3 kids ages 4, 3, and 8 months. We enjoy visiting our parents and grandparents in different areas of the state.

The most significant recent change in the landscaping industry: Social media like Pinterest and Houzz have allowed customers to have some really interesting ideas for recent projects. These websites and pinboards help us get a great feel for their tastes and really allows us to tailor the job to what the customer wants.

Also, the look of pavers is really changing. Pavers are allowing customers flexibility in designs, vibrant color options and blends that weren’t previously available, and it’s an amazingly durable product that can withstand our radical season changes and still look amazing with minimal maintenance.

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Business: Hannah Homes is a home building company based in Des Moines, established in 2013. Our homes are built with a high level of craftsmanship and care. I am a very hands-on builder, giving each of our homes the attention it deserves, which ensures that the final product meets our high standards.

Background: I grew up in Granger, and graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Landscape Architecture. I worked as a professionally licensed Landscape Architect at Shive-Hattery in West Des Moines prior to owning Hannah Homes.

Family: My wife, Erin, and daughters, ages 2 and 5.

Why I love what I do: As a detail-oriented person, I enjoy seeing the little details of a project come together to make the final product. It’s very rewarding to see each project go from concept to completion.

Skill I’ve developed most on the job: As a builder, I’ve really developed my time-management skills to coordinate subcontractors efficiently, and keep my project timelines on schedule.

How I give back to the community: Recently, I have volunteered through my church for Habitat for Humanity, and am excited to continue working with this important organization.

How I get away from work: I’ve always enjoyed golfing. My dad was the superintendent at Jester Park golf course for more than 25 years, so I’ve grown up playing the game.

The most significant recent change in the home building industry is: Energy efficiency has become much more important in the home building industry. Advancements in insulating and air sealing practices have made it possible for homes to be much more energy efficient.

What makes me unique: When designing a home, I use a 3D computer modeling process that helps make blueprints come to life before construction even begins. Clients are able to see what their home will look like from any angle, helping to ensure that their needs and desires are being met.

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Owner, Energy Efficiency Solutions

Business: Our goal is to make homes more energy efficient. We do that with home inspections. We start by doing all the preliminary work so the builder can pull the building permit. We do a framing and insulation inspection before drywall, then go back to do HVAC testing. When the home is move-in ready, we go back and do whole-house testing, which is done by doing a blower door test—that’s measuring the infiltration rate of the home. My business is six years old.

Background: I was born and raised in Rockwell City, Iowa. I went to Iowa Lakes Community College and then Iowa State. I built and framed homes and went into the energy efficiency business when I moved to the Des Moines metro area. I saw that there were businesses doing this type of work, so there was a niche where a person could get involved in it and make a good living. I already had the experience of seeing how homes were being insulated and constructed.

Notable achievements: Since 2008 to the present, we have received the ENERGY STAR for Homes Leadership in Housing award.

Why I love what I do: It’s a necessity for sustaining the economics for houses—that’s what it basically boils down to. It makes for better quality craftsmanship of homes.

Skill I’ve developed most on the job: Probably customer service. Meeting the needs of what has to be done to further yourself in the industry.

What people should know about the energy efficiency field: There are rebates. There are tax credits. There are all kinds of things you can benefit from if you construct your home properly.

How I give back to the community: We have built Habitat for Humanity houses. We’re doing a house with the building trades class at Dallas Center-Grimes High School. We’re also providing our services to a nonprofit charity organization. We give to the youth baseball programs in Grimes. We try to do a lot of giving back.

How I get away from work: I like to hunt.

The most significant recent change in the energy efficiency industry is: The 2012 International Energy Conservation Code, regarding the construction of homes. There are 17 whole pages of energy performance changes just for home builders.

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Featured Stories

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A Conversation With

In-Depth

Giving Back

In Remembrance

Observations

Owner, Energy Efficiency Solutions