Marshalltown, IA, is Creating Opportunities

Marshalltown gives family-owned businesses a place to build their dreams.

By Bill Lewis on August 14, 2023

Oliver Beene Designs

Loyal customers who prefer to shop local, along with a wealth of services and expert advice, make Marshalltown the perfect place for entrepreneurs to launch and grow a business.

Some have lived in the Marshalltown area their entire lives. Others are new to Marshalltown, where they’ve found a supportive and welcoming community, which they strengthen by creating jobs and supporting nonprofits and other causes.

“Marshalltown seemed like the perfect place to open our business. It’s very open and accepting,” says Rhonda Braudis.

She and her wife, Lora Braudis, own Oliver Beene Designs in the Marshalltown Mall.

They moved to Marshalltown when Rhonda became E-911 communications director for the Marshalltown Police Department. Lora manages the stores while Rhonda focuses on her duties at the department.

Community Cause

She has some advice for others ready to begin their entrepreneurial journey.

“You have to love it if you’re going to do it. You have to invest the time. Invest in yourself and in your community. Reach out. Network,” Braudis says.

Brother and sister Rolly and Ashley Danner went into business together when the owners of Mama DiGrado’s Pasta & Pizza decided to retire. The Danners purchased the restaurant with the goal of preserving a local institution and jobs.

They also have the goal of creating financial security. Ashley Danner’s children can take over the restaurant one day.

“It was about generational wealth and keeping a staple restaurant in Marshalltown,” Rolly Danner says.

Ashley Danner manages the restaurant’s day-to-day operations, while Rolly Danner continues his career as a farmer and works at the restaurant when he can.

In the future, they are considering expanding with the addition of a food truck as well as a bar that would be a gathering spot for friends.

For the new owners of Mama DiGrado’s, one of the best parts of owning a business is giving back to the community.

Coworking and Caffeine

Husband-and-wife business partners Kurt and Kristin Polley are bringing a big-city amenity to Marshalltown. The couple, who owns Five Star Real Estate Group, is opening a coworking space downtown.

The facility, named The Outlet Co-Work & Space, will provide office and meeting space and services for remote workers as well as entrepreneurs who need space daily or longer term.

The Outlet Co-Work & Space will offer memberships at different levels that include shared rooms or private offices. Amenities include high-speed internet access, quiet Zoom rooms for online meetings, private rooms for in-person meetings and conference space.

“It’s more than just space,” Kristin Polley says.

Planned services include networking events, speakers who can share their business experience, a patio and entertaining space, and a well-equipped kitchen.

The Outlet Co-Work & Space will provide one more amenity that could be vital to success in business – unlimited caffeine.

“The coffee is always hot in the pot,” Kristin Polley says.

The new offices of Five Star Real Estate Group will be located in the same building. The Polleys will have a short commute to their office, which is downstairs from their residence.

“We sold our house and are living in a loft above. Three kids and a dog, doing urban living,” says Kurt Polley, who believes second-story living will become a trend that helps revitalize downtown.

“Working and living downtown means more people going into restaurants and coffee shops,” he says.

It’s part of their commitment to strengthening Marshalltown’s downtown. “This is home for us. Marshalltown is an amazing place to raise your family,” he says.