S p e c i a l S p r i n g E d i t i o n 2 0 1 4

w w w . i o w a . b b b . o r g

A quarterly newsletter brought to you by the Better Business Bureau

Better Business Bureau Serving Greater Iowa, Quad Cities and Siouxland Region2

Brad VanWeelden Co., Inc.Brad Van Weelden Company is a high-quality roof repair, roof replacement and siding installation provider to homeowners in Greater Des Moines and Central Iowa.

The company started as a small two-man roofing company, and has grown tremendously since 1999. They are licensed, bonded and insured in the state of Iowa, OSHA Certified and come recommended by national insurance companies. They take great pride in being a top rated BBB Accredited Roofer by the Better Business Bureau. Brad and his team recognize that they work in an industry that is often viewed negatively because of a few bad contractors by acknowledging that the BBB seal of Accreditation sets them apart because of their proven track record.

A Platinum Level Contractor with Owens Corning®, the highest level attainable and a Preferred Remodeler with James Hardie®, Brad Van Weelden has over the years, been a top choice among many homeowners. They even install “green” roofs, which can be Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certified. Additionally, as an Owens Corning Preferred Recycling Contractor, they have pledged to recycle all their old torn-off shingles.

Brad VanWeelden has built his business on doing things right and refusing to cut corners. Referrals and word of mouth testimonials are at the heart of his business. His work and efforts have not gone unnoticed by all those they have helped.

The company has been instrumental with the success of the Miracle Park Project in Ankeny, by playing a vital role in the construction of the concession stand located next to the ball field and the all inclusive playground that just opened this spring.

They have also donated their time, resources and talents to other organizations including the Young Women’s Resource

Center, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Iowa and the American Heart Association.

2013

Brad Van Weelden Company

WITH DISTINCTION

The Torch Report • Special Edition • 2014 3

The Rasmussen Group, Inc.Based in Des Moines, Iowa, The Rasmussen Group represents twelve multi-faceted design-build heavy construction companies. Rasmussen is an industry leader throughout the middle of America. With a group of companies that specialize in bridge construction, marine contracts, concrete and asphalt supply, paving, heavy hauling, dump trucks, crane operations and fabricating steel, the Rasmussen Group can provide complete customer service with one phone call. Jensen Construction, Grimes Asphalt & Paving, and Hallet Materials are just a few of the trade names you might be familiar with.

Jensen Construction Company has been in business since 1912 and is the oldest operating subsidiary of The Rasmussen Group. It is a privately held company that is owned, operated and managed by the 4th generation of Jensen family members.

Their strong financial standing has endured through a hundred years of economic changes. The relationships they have built and the quality of their employees have sustained them throughout the years and are a testament to their fortitude. In return, The Rasmussen Group believes in treating their employees fairly and giving back to the community that has supported them over the last century.

In their application, President, Kurt Rasmussen stated, “My father always believed it was best to fly below the radar. Do a good job on your projects, stay hungry for the next one, and be flexible enough to move with the times. There was no importance placed on having your name in the paper or having the public at large know who you are or what you do. The people that matter- DOT officials, inspectors, general contractors and material suppliers- will learn our reputation as being a top tier company by the evidence of our past projects and the relationship we have built with them. That is a good philosophy to remember.”

Better Business Bureau Serving Greater Iowa, Quad Cities and Siouxland Region4

Gratias Homes has been building dreams in Central Iowa since 1972. Over the last 42 years, Gratias has developed over 1000 lots and has constructed over 1000 single family homes. Gratias understands that few purchases are more valuable or precious to their clients than buying a new home. Thus, their motto, “We Build Dreams,” is the singular outcome they strive to achieve in every house they build.

President and founder, Tom Gratias credits much of the company’s success to family involvement. This family affair starts with their daughter Jenny, managing the marketing aspect of the business. Her brother, Craig is in charge of all accounts payable and office management, and son-in-law, Al, superintends all jobs and coordinates trades. Last but not least, husband and wife team, Tom and LaDonna are personally involved with the finalization and walk-thru of each and every home.

Tom and LaDonna are long standing and active members of the Greater Des Moines Home Builders Association and the National Association of Homebuilders. Each has earned numerous awards and accolades for their quality of work, industry leadership and personal integrity.

Gratias Homes is serious about giving back to the community. They have built a number of charity homes where the proceeds go to various causes. They have also donated their material and/or labor for various projects such as the Waukee Shelter House, 4 Habitat for Humanity homes and the African Boardwalk at the Blank Park Zoo.

Tom Gratias knows the importance of building strong relationships with his subcontractors and suppliers. These long standing relationships are based on mutual trust and respect. Tom gives them huge credit as an integral part of their success.

Gratias Homes has an A+ rating with the BBB for their exemplary marketplace behavior and professionalism. However, it is their integrity, morals and sense of civic duty that make them a worthy Integrity Award recipient.

Gratias Homes, LLC.

The Torch Report • Special Edition • 2014 5

The Pioneer Group has been in the commercial printing and custom publishing business in downtown Waterloo since 1943. Current CEO, Jim Slife purchased the company in 1995 and subsequently opened

offices in Cedar Rapids and Des Moines.

They are truly Iowa’s premier custom publisher for a number of different high quality, well received magazines that capture human interest stories with a local flair. Some of these publications include Treasures, Standing Ovation, Iowa Golf, Iowa Gardening and Boomer.

Perhaps the most widely recognized is The Iowan. This national quality magazine offers high caliber articles and photographs giving readers the best slice of life Iowa has to offer. The 62 year old publication has a fiercely loyal following giving us nostalgic peeks at our past while serving as a present day gateway to the best culture, adventure, travel, people, food and events around the great state of Iowa.

Pioneer has many long term employees and little staff turnover. However, there’s no luck involved here. Pioneer Graphics has been able to retain much of their talent due to an open and hands on President and CEO and a close knit group of employees who take tremendous pride in their work and the finished product. Monthly meetings, office parties and various outings help create camaraderie and teamwork. In fact, Pioneer Graphics was selected by the Waterloo Courier as one of the top 25 places to work in the Cedar Valley.

Employees are active members in the communities they serve. Pioneer encourages civic involvement and can be found donating

printing services to many of the organizations that their employees are involved in.

From conception to finished product all under one roof, Pioneer offers a variety of different products and services for all of your design, printing and publishing needs.

Pioneer Communications, Pioneer Graphics

6 Better Business Bureau Serving Greater Iowa, Quad Cities and Siouxland Region

Bush Construction offers construction services for commercial building projects. You could say they are in the business of building– building buildings, careers, relationships, project teams and loyal customers. They lead with the promise that they won’t settle for “good.” They aim for “great” every project, everyday.

Amongst some of their many awards and achievements, in 2011 Bush Construction received the Master Builder of Iowa award. In 2012 they were one of the top 3 finalists for the Best Place to Work award by The Network: Young Professionals of the Quad Cities. And in 2013 they received the Illinois Affordable Housing award.

Bush Construction defines business ethics and integrity as taking the moral high ground. Their policies and procedures ensure that they remain honest and respected with clients and subcontractors.

One particular policy, the “Subcontractor Bidding- Rules of Engagement” policy was put in place to ensure that they do not participate in “bid shopping.” Bid shopping is the practice of revealing bid prices to subcontractors before a contract is awarded to the General Contractor in order to obtain lower bids. At Bush Construction, they are committed to keeping all bid information confidential by giving all subcontractors a fair chance on each project.

In an industry that generates much attention for those who don’t stand by their promises and are out for the quick buck, the BBB is tremendously impressed with all the policies and procedures in place at Bush Construction to ensure a project is done honestly, right the first time and with the highest quality possible. While they could cut corners and profit more, it is clear that Bush Construction is earning their business based on their proven track record of reliability.

Bush Construction Company, Inc.

Black Hawk College Student Services Addition

RIHA - Award Presentation

Zimmerman Honda

WIU Riverfront Campus

The Torch Report • Special Edition • 2014 7

For over 75 years, DeWitt Bank & Trust has been Iowa’s quintessential locally owned bank. President and CEO Greg Gannon said he was completely confident his Bank deserved this award– not so much that the company or management should be honored– but rather because the employees have earned it. Every day he watches the 47 employees provide outstanding customer service, find solutions to financial issues, and help their customers grow their wealth. He knows this commitment is based on genuine integrity- and more than likely customers will take their advice and return because the team at DeWitt Bank & Trust are, simply stated… trustworthy.

The company defines and demonstrates business ethics and integrity by practicing their motto: “Advice, Answers, Action… Always.” As a diversified financial services company that operates in a competitive environment, it is important that they distinguish themselves from their competition, not just by their products and services, but also by the manner in which they serve their customers and conduct business.

DeWitt Bank & Trust employees care about their community. In 2013, 97% of their employees were active in a variety of organizations and in that year alone, volunteered approximately 2,300 hour towards their causes. Employee involvement and support is not for recognition or accolades but rather because they want to continue to make DeWitt, Iowa a great place to live.

Even though so much of their business is dictated by a highly regulated industry, each day the employees of DeWitt Bank & Trust find new ways to exceed the government and regulatory minimum standards to provide a better service to their clients, who in this community are also their family, neighbors and friends.

DeWitt Bank & Trust Company

Better Business Bureau Serving Greater Iowa, Quad Cities and Siouxland Region8

At Quad City Dentistry, Doctors, Joseph D’Souza and DeNae Krutzfeldt make your smile their top priority.

Dr. D’Souza is a 1983 graduate from the University of Iowa’s College of Dentistry. In addition to his full time private practice, Dr. D’Souza is an adjunct professor in

the Department of Endodontics at the University of Iowa. He is also a violinist, a mountaineer and has his private pilot’s license. A native of India, he was born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya, where his parents still reside. His first job, while applying to University studies, was a tour guide for East African Safaris.

Dr. Krutzfeldt attended Iowa State University and received her Bachelor of Science degree in Hotel, Restaurant and Institutions Management. After several years in the restaurant industry, Dr. Krutzfeldt determined that dentistry was her true calling– following in her father’s footsteps. She returned to school to gain her Doctorate of Dental Science from the University of Iowa in 2007. Dr. Krutzfeldt’s care, compassion and desire to help people inspired her to gain employment as the primary dentist at an Iowa community health center for two years, serving the needy. New opportunities lead Dr. Krutzfeldt to the Quad Cities in 2009, where she joined Dr. D’Souza in private practice.

Dr. D’Souza, Dr. Krutzfeldt and all the clinicians and staff are committed to customer trust and loyalty. The clinic opened during a time when the Quad Cities’ economy was in a difficult slump. With many families struggling, Dr. D’Souza knew that people would only spend their limited resources with people they trusted and services that were based on integrity. Consequently, the practice now has over 4,000 active patients.

Growth came from almost no advertising, but rather, word of mouth. In fact, Quad City Dentistry is proud to say that they are now treating their “great-grand patients.”

Quad City Dentistry

The Torch Report • Special Edition • 2014 9

Humility of Mary Housing began as a humble four-plex building that housed four young mothers and their four infants. The director’s office was in the basement. Today, HMHI has 49 apartments in 15 different locations around Davenport. Another site houses the staff offices, a food pantry and a repository of furniture and household items for the participating families.

The Catholic Sisters of the order of the Humility of Mary founded Humility of Mary Housing in response to the unmet need for affordable housing in the Quad City area. The Sisters of the Humility of Mary is a contemporary religious

community of women serving the Quad Cities since 1887 and has been based in Davenport since 1982.

In 2008 they responded to the need to reopen the local homeless shelter. After in-depth dialogue, community input and planning, the Congregation of the Humility of Mary gave its approval and Humility of Mary Shelter, Inc. was incorporated.

The Humility of Mary Shelter, Inc. provides emergency shelter 24 hours a day 7 days a week /365 days a year for adult men and women. Their mission is to provide emergency shelter as well as transitional and permanent supportive housing programs that offer opportunities for men and women experiencing homelessness to become emotionally, mentally and physically more stable.

The community’s overwhelming support played a vital role in the development of Humility of Mary Shelter, Inc. and it is this support that will ensure the continuation of shelter services to the homeless men and women in the Quad City area well into the future.

Humility of Mary Shelter and Humility of Mary Housing

Better Business Bureau Serving Greater Iowa, Quad Cities and Siouxland Region10

Kaplan University’s number one core value is integrity, stating, “We hold ourselves to the highest ethical standard in everything we do. We place being ethical above all else– because doing things right is the only path to long-term growth. Our ethics and integrity MUST be irreproachable.”

It was the late 1930s and the country was still feeling the effects of the Great Depression. Men and women alike needed to work and companies were looking to hire employees with formal schooling.

In 1937, a small school named the American Institute of Commerce (AIC) in Davenport, Iowa, opened its doors. In the years that followed, the leaders of the school remained dedicated to providing the coursework that would prepare students for the workplace.

While the proprietors of this small groundbreaking school were changing lives of many in the rural Midwest, a man named Stanley H. Kaplan was creating access to education in his own right.

In 1938, Stanley H. Kaplan started as a small business offering tutoring services to immigrant families eager to expand their opportunities in America and improve their education. He believed that everyone deserved an education, which had typically been reserved for an exclusive class of society.

Meanwhile, AIC was making its mark in the education sector in Iowa. A momentous turning point occurred in 1999 when the school was included as 1 of only 15 participants in the U.S. Department of Education’s Demonstration Grant, allowing them to offer distance education courses via the Internet.

Kaplan, with its experience in creating and fostering innovations in educational access was the answer. In 2001, the home-grown AIC became Kaplan College. That year 34 students were enrolled to take all of their courses exclusively online.

Today Kaplan boasts nearly 400 locations in more than 30 countries and enrolls more than one million students each year.

Kaplan University

The Torch Report • Special Edition • 2014 11

MidAmerica Basement Systems serves Iowa, Illinois, and Southwestern Wisconsin. They offer a variety of services in addition to basement waterproofing, including, crawl space repair, foundation repair, sump pumps, egress windows, mold problems and radon mitigation.

The company was founded in 1990. MidAmerica Basement Systems is the exclusive dealer for Basement Systems International, the largest crawl space environment and basement waterproofing contractor network of over more than 300 contractors worldwide. Additionally, MidAmerica Basement Systems has exclusive access to more than 25 patented products, comprehensive training and support through the international company.

Owner and General Manager, Howard Tatge is a basement expert. He has worked his entire career in the repair field and has designed over 7,500 solutions for homeowners.

MidAmerica Basement Systems has committed themselves to transparency with their customers by fully educating them on all aspects of a job so there are no surprises, concerns or frustration when the project is done. Howard Tatge states, “It is fair to say that we have a passion and are on a quest to provide the best customer service possible.” The goal of MidAmerica Basement Systems is not just to provide good, honest service but rather they strive to set and keep improving the standard for customer service and integrity in their industry.

In regards to being a BBB Accredited Business, Howard states, “We want to remain a Better Business Bureau Accredited Business and do our best to maintain our A+ rating. We know it means something to our prospective customers because standards mean something to the BBB and everyone knows that no one gets an A+ without a proven track record of success and ethics.”

MidAmerica Basement Systems

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