Contacts 269

Celebrated its 40th anniversary in April 2026 (founded in Boone in 1986, moved to Ames in 2010, rebranded 2019); now a multi-disciplinary firm licensed in 15 states and led by four principals (Kevin Barber, Sam Stagg, Chad West, Eric Vermeer).

1st Interiors was awarded commercial drywall, heavy gauge metal framing, and architectural ceiling packages for regional commercial developments in Waukee and West Des Moines. Operating from SE Westbrooke Drive, the specialty trade contractor employs skilled union carpenters and drywall finishers delivering multi-million dollar projects.

Executive leader Mark Allen was awarded the 50-Year Distinguished Service leadership honor by ASHRAE at its national conference in June 2026. Under Allen's leadership, the commercial mechanical and piping firm secured federal mechanical service contracts and expanded its regional workforce.

Absolute Concrete Construction, Inc. dba Absolute Group was awarded a $270,204 municipal infrastructure and corridor revitalization contract for the 6th Avenue Phase 3 project by the City of Des Moines. Construction commenced in spring 2026 to install concrete paving, pedestrian ramps, and streetscape infrastructure with completion in fall 2026.

Academy Roofing & Sheet Metal was awarded major commercial reroofing contracts across Central Iowa school facilities and municipal buildings in early 2026. The contractor deploys a fleet of commercial service vehicles and over 80 roofing technicians across the state.

Access Systems ranked #137 on the CRN 2026 Solution Provider 500 Fast Growth list (company LinkedIn post), citing continued investment in people and capabilities.

The Iowa Economic Development Authority Board approved $1.08 million in Business Incentives for Growth tax credits in September 2026 to assist Accumold's $33.25 million capital investment in Ankeny. The project entails constructing a 53,000-square-foot facility addition to expand micro-injection molding production capacity and tool maintenance operations, creating 150 jobs.

BUILD Des Moines June 2026 feature 'Family Business' on Accurate Development's 35th anniversary: founder/President Kevin Johnson says his children Cari (residential) and Jared (land development, lot sales, commercial) now make the decisions, his own role is 'pretty small,' and 'there's been no need for a succession plan at this point.' Company expects to develop about 175 lots in 2026.

Plumber magazine (Jan. 6, 2026): founder-owned APS has grown to 18 service trucks and 30+ employees serving Greater Des Moines and 'continues to expand.' It made a friendly acquisition of another local commercial HVAC company in 2023, moved into a larger building and added a residential plumbing/HVAC division; founder Rod Brace has ~40 years in the trade

Founder Al Myers' son Mike Myers became President in Jan 2026 (previously VP Finance & Engineering). Al Myers has said publicly that he gets weekly investment/acquisition inquiries, that his sons will own the company, and that he is setting it up to run after he steps away.

Ag Leader Technology launched its next-generation InCommand Go display and automated steering architecture across its international dealer network. The capital rollout expands high-precision electronic assembly and manufacturing throughput at its Ames global corporate campus.

AgCertain Industries completed an expansion of its specialty oil processing plant and broke ground on a new industrial wastewater treatment and water reuse facility at its Boone campus. The multi-million dollar capital investments expand production capacity for bio-based industrial fluids while establishing sustainable on-site water recycling infrastructure.

Founder/owner Charlie Schafer (co-founded with brothers in 1976) hired Scott Lukan as President in Aug 2023 and promoted him to CEO in Oct 2025, stepping back from day-to-day leadership while keeping ownership.

Air-Con Mechanical Corporation was awarded major municipal and commercial mechanical contracts including HVAC, boiler systems, and electrical integration across Des Moines public facilities. The contractor deployed union pipefitters and service technicians from its SE 14th Street headquarters to deliver complex multi-trade installations.

AKD Plumbing & Boilers expanded its fleet of commercial mechanical service vans and invested in specialized diagnostic equipment for high-pressure hydronic and commercial boiler systems in Ames. Operating from South Dayton Avenue, the firm manages industrial piping, commercial water heating, and facilities maintenance across Story and surrounding counties. The tooling investment accelerates rapid-response service calls for regional commercial facilities.

Started in 1991 by buying a 5-bay, 5-employee Urbandale shop. It has grown to 6 Des Moines-metro locations with 30 bays and 28 employees. The Nigon family has led it since founding (Gerard C. Nigon is the registered agent; Gary Nigon is listed as VP since 1991).

Business Record 'Made in Iowa' podcast (May 1, 2026): CEO Patrick Clem and Ryan McIntosh describe ALMACO's new custom contract-manufacturing initiative, an expansion beyond seed-research equipment.

Iowa Grocery Industry Association names Chair and CEO Miriam Erickson Brown its 2026 Lifetime Achievement honoree, to be recognized at the Oct 28, 2026 Hall of Fame Dinner.

Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling Company deployed new fuel-efficient commercial route delivery tractors and automated warehouse palletizing systems at its central manufacturing and logistics facility at 3400 Corporate Drive in Des Moines. The family-owned independent bottler and distributor expanded its vocational vehicle fleet to support high-volume beverage distribution across Central Iowa. The fleet additions and automated material handling equipment enhance distribution efficiency across multiple regional customer hubs.

In Aug 2026 ATW acquired the Iowa Employment Conference, an annual HR/employment-law event founded 20+ years ago by Nan Boland, from HireQuality Solutions, with plans to expand it.