Member Spotlight

Jeff Koudelka

President, Iowa Plains Signing, Inc.

What does a typical day at work look like for you?

• I try to plan my day the best I can, but with the industry we are in adjustments are always needed. I just try to be available for anything I can do to help my team succeed. Along with that reviewing bids daily, reviewing financials daily, and trying to keep the company running smooth.

What do you like most about your job?

• I enjoy winning close bids the most. When the team puts so much time and effort into something, it is always nice to win every now and then.

What aspect of your job do you find the most challenging?

• Getting the public to stop texting and driving.

How did you get into the heavy highway construction industry?

• It’s at least a 2-beer story 😊😊

What is your favorite moment of your career so far? 

• When we converted our company into 100% Employee Owned, the looks on our employees’ faces was by far the best.

What are your hopes for our industry?

• Keep improving the safety for our workers and the traveling public.

If you could provide one piece of professional advice, what would it be?

• Just listen, you always don’t need to be the one talking. Amazing how much you can learn by listening.

Who has been the most influential person in your career?

• My high school football coach, Coach Dvorak and my college professor, Mr. Clark.

What did you want to be when growing up?

• I was going to own hotels and restaurants. I went to school for travel and hospitality.

What was the first job you ever had?

• Picking rock and baling hay for the local farmers.

Before working at your current company, what was the most unusual or interesting job you have ever had?

• Working at the local meat locker in town, Polashek’s Locker; cutting up deer, pork and beef.

If you could go back and tell your 18-year-old self one thing, what would it be?

• Don’t drive on that snowmobile trail with your car. IT IS NOT A GOOD IDEA.

What is one skill/ability you wish you had?

• I wish I could sing, I am terrible at it.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?

• Hunt, fish, spend time with my 3 girls.

Do you have any hidden talents? If so, what are they?

• Nothing here, pretty basic guy.

If you could be anyone (past or present) for just a day, who would you be?

• Warren Buffet.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

• My daughters on their phones when I am trying to talk to them.

Favorite restaurant?

• ​Sushi at the Waterfront.

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