If you’re going to turn - turn, but use your signals. That’s a serious faux pas for Ben Banowetz. If you’re supposed to block the linebacker – make the block. If you’re going to volunteer – show up. If you start RAGBRAI – finish it. If you say you are going to do something – do it. Ben takes this basic, but very effective approach in his work and daily life, but with a sense of great sardonic humor, the wit of a good stand-up comedian, and his personal full-blown involvement.
Banowetz received his political science degree at Iowa State University. Rather than traveling the ski slopes of Colorado for a couple of months upon graduation, as he had once intended, he went to work on legislative campaigns in eastern Iowa and later came to Des Moines and worked as a legislative assistant in the Iowa House of Representatives. He returned to eastern Iowa and, for the next two years, served as the General Manager/Part Owner of one of the largest antique showrooms and dealerships in the Upper Midwest – Banowetz Antiques. But he did love policy and the action that came with it.
Ben returned to Des Moines and worked for the State of Iowa Treasurer’s Office before joining SPPG. His business acumen and policy skills put him in the midst of many projects and initiatives. Under his leadership, the Minority Enterprise Construction Council was named the 2007 Minority Small Business Champion of the year by the SBA.
“I have had the opportunity to be a part of so many different projects at SPPG. Whether it’s addressing local government innovation, tax policy, or managing a large health event, I am able to be in the midst of changing people’s lives for the better.”
Ben lives by his own creed. He is on the Advisory Board of Best Buddies Iowa, the Executive Board of the Ankeny Jaycees, and remains active in his church. And if you see Banowetz on his bicycle, in his hybrid car, on his skis, tailgating or working at an event, rest assured he will be using his turn signals when required.
