dsm Magazine

09/30/2026

Walking into Brad and Sundie Ruppert’s Norwalk home and studio feels like stepping into a quirky art museum.

Together, the Rupperts create mixed-media sculptures, often animal portraits and abstract work, made with felt salvaged from the cutting-room floor of Greeley Hat Works in Colorado. Their work has long been rooted in the idea of seeing things for what they could be rather than what they are, and sculptural felt is exactly that, combining creativity and sustainability.

“People always ask, ‘Did you go to college?’ Yeah, but nobody teaches you how to use trash and make it into high-end art in college,” Sundie said.

Brad and Sundie Ruppert assemble thousands of pieces of felt to replicate fur and feathers in their animal portraits. Writer: Mary Boldinova Photos: Courtesy of Brad and Sundie Ruppert Walking into…

09/30/2026

Looking for a workplace where people, purpose and values matter? Discover what it’s like to be part of the team at Sammons Financial Group Companies.

09/28/2026

If there’s anybody who knows the value of rest and relaxation, it’s a mom with three young boys. Krysta Byars is that, plus a physical therapist, spa owner and practitioner of lymphatic drainage and other modalities. In short, she knows her stuff. Byars has poured heart, soul and 18 years of experience in health and wellness into Elm + Hearth, her new rentable property on the north edge of Ames, with the goal of bringing the benefits of deep relaxation and self care to Central Iowa. She bought the property in March 2025 and welcomed its first guests in December.

Writer: Amy Panos Photographer: Joelle Blanchard If there’s anybody who knows the value of rest and relaxation, it’s a mom with three young boys. Krysta Byars is that, plus a physical therapist, sp…

09/21/2026

Teresa Weidmaier opened T. Weid & Co. in late March after years of collecting vintage items and perfecting the craft of curation. It’s at 500 E. Grand Ave., in an 1881 building that originally housed Cottington’s furniture store.

“I’ve always loved the East Village for its historic architecture, walkability and mix of independently owned businesses. There’s a real sense of character and community here that felt aligned with the kind of shop I wanted to create,” she said.

A golden crane adorns a vintage desk at T. Weid & Co., a new shop in the East Village. Writer: Kendra Esau Photos: Paige Peterson The East Village has no shortage of vintage shops and eclectic…

09/17/2026

On the latest episode of the dsm Wealth Podcast, presented by Revol One Financial ®, Foster Group Chief Investment Officer Kent Kramer explains why portfolio diversifiers like private equity, private credit and venture capital should be viewed as long-term assets.

“They are kind of equity-type investments, many of them, but they also have structures in place so that when you invest the dollars in there, the dollars will need to stay there for a while,” Kramer said.

Stream new episodes of the dsm Wealth podcast, presented by Revol One Financial® every month at https://dsmmagazine.com/dsm-wealth-podcast/. Sign up for our twice-a-month newsletter comprised of content for individuals interested in giving, saving, investing and spending money, written by financial expert Steve Dinnen. https://dsmmagazine.com/dsmwealth/

09/17/2026

💟Local Love💟
Former coworkers Jon Miller and Jody Gifford, who is now one of our contributing writers, were married in an intimate ceremony surrounded by their closest friends and immediate family on Jan. 11 at VOWS DSM in the East Village.

Photo: Corah B Photography Former coworkers Jon Miller and Jody Gifford, who is now one of our contributing writers, were married in an intimate ceremony surrounded by their closest friends and imm…

09/16/2026

Sake, sushi, and a pretty good excuse to celebrate. 🍶🍣

Last night, our tastemakers sampled a variety of sake, sushi and raised a glass to 15 years of one of Des Moines’ favorite spots. A big thank you to the Wasabi DSM team for hosting such a fun night and to everyone who helped make it special!

Here’s to good food, good drinks and 15 years of Wasabi. 🥂

Sign up for our dsm Dish newsletter to hear from us and our Tastemakers each week about what we’re eating, drinking, cooking, and sampling. Link in bio 🍴

09/15/2026

Your company’s retirement plan is our life’s work. Contact Darrin Conrad and Joel Drake for a complimentary plan evaluation.