Cory Bauer

Director, sales and customer relations,
Delta Dental of Iowa

Age: 37

Education: Iowa State University - pre-med degree, B.S. in biology; Upper Iowa University - MBA

Wife: Katlyn Bauer 

Children: Reagan (8), Penelope (5)

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Tell us four of your proudest accomplishments or accolades.

Working at Delta Dental of Iowa to improve the health and well-being of all Iowans. 

Serving our community as a board member and board president for Employee and Family Resources to help an organization that aims to help people manage life’s challenges to reach their full potential. 

Supporting the community through the Delta Dental Foundation’s volunteer activities and initiatives. 

Raising two young girls to grow up and change the world.

What's your biggest passion, and why?

My biggest passion is without a doubt, my family. I have an amazing wife, Katlyn, and two young and healthy girls, Reagan and Penelope. Plus I’m lucky to have great parents, sisters and in-laws.

How do you define success, both personally and professionally?

Being happy, laughing and enjoying life is success to me, both personally and professionally. Happiness is finding joy in everything that comes with life. Happiness in my job, happiness with my work-life balance, happiness with my family and friends all makes me feel successful.

Tell us about an issue you think more people should know about.

More people should know about Make-A-Wish. We all know someone affected by cancer, but when it’s a child, it hits different. Make-A-Wish is an organization that creates transformative experiences that bring happiness, healing and hope to children and their families. They create memories that will never be forgotten.

What's an experience or memory that influenced how you saw the world or what you wanted to do in life?

Volunteering at our Vision OneSite Clinic, I saw firsthand the struggles of underserved communities. A child’s gratitude for a pair of glasses opened my eyes to the health care disparities. That moment ignited my passion for our foundation and for giving back, shaping my commitment to making a difference.

What are your aspirations for the future?

I want to spend more time helping people. I’ve been in individual contributor roles over the years but have always gravitated toward leading people. I want to continue to help others and focus on giving back more to the community and those in need.

What's one piece of advice you'd give to a young professional?

Be curious by embracing new experiences, keeping an open mind and asking genuine open-ended questions. Build relationships by showing empathy, being present and following up on conversations. This will lead to a life of curiosity, impactful conversations and valuable connections.

What's one regular habit that's made you successful?

One regular habit that has contributed to my success is recognizing that life is all about sales. By understanding that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to people, I focus on winning over each individual stakeholder, tailoring my approach and strategy to their unique needs, and building strong, personalized relationships.

What is one thing you would like to see Central Iowa leaders address, and why?

One critical area that leaders should prioritize is improving access to health care. This includes not only having more dentists and optometrists, but mental health services, which remain a significant problem, particularly in rural areas across Iowa. Addressing these gaps is essential for well-being in our communities.

What's one fun fact about you?

I have had two open-heart surgeries. Don’t worry, I’ve got a healthy heart now!

Hobbies:

Golf, Cyclones, and remaining an optimistic fan of “America’s Team,” the Dallas Cowboys.

What is one word that best describes you?

Determined.

What’s one food (meal, snack, dessert, whatever!) you think people must try in the Des Moines area?

Barn Town French onion melt, fries, side of ranch and don’t forget the flight of sours.

What’s the funniest or most surprising thing that’s happened to you recently?

I had a little “culinary adventure” last Christmas. I meant to warm up a dinner roll for 30 seconds, but my brain decided 30 minutes was a better idea. Cue the fire alarms blaring and the kitchen filling with smoke. Let’s just say, my cooking skills are now legendary, for all the wrong reasons.

What’s your favorite tradition to participate in locally?

Our youngest daughter was born on the Fourth of July, so we love all of the traditions with Fourth of July parades and firework shows. It does make things more difficult for our oldest when she asks why she doesn’t get parades and fireworks on her birthday!