Ryan Tousley
Senior business development manager, Weitz Co.
Age: 39
Accomplishments that make you deserving of being a Forty Under 40:
Served on the American Heart Association’s Hard Hats with Heart Committee the last three years and have been one of the highest fundraisers for the Central Iowa Heart Walk the last two years.
Past graduate of the Greater Des Moines Leadership Academy (now LeadDSM)
Help lead, fundraise and fill all of the lanes for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa’s Bowl For Kids’ Sake.
Led the construction of the Hilton Des Moines Downtown hotel, which provided a large economic impact to the community, as well as continues to help bring in large data center work into the surrounding areas.
What's your biggest passion, and why?
My biggest passion is people. People are the backbone of any successful team, company or organization, and I love meeting new people and working with all different kinds to better understand how to make everyone successful.
What are your goals in your role at work?
Currently, I have two main goals at Weitz. I am motivated to continue to increase/diversify our Mission Critical client base (focused on planning and executing data center construction and other Mission Critical facilities), both locally and across the country, while still maintaining the same project experience that has led to the Weitz Co. being named Des Moines’ Best General Contractor for the last 26 years. I am also focused on attracting new and experienced talent to meet our growth and expansion needs. Our Mission Critical group continues to expand at an incredible rate and is constantly looking for people to “Grow with Weitz.”
What are your goals in a role outside of work?
Des Moines has so many amazing nonprofit organizations, and my goal is to continue to get involved and make an impact in as many ways, and with as many organizations, as I can. Des Moines is, and always has been, my home. That means something to me, and it’s something I take seriously. So, if I can do something to help this great community, sign me up.
Tell us about an experience or memory that influenced how you see the world or what you want to do in life.
The experience of playing a team sport (baseball) from when I learned to walk and all the way through college has really taught me a lot of valuable lessons and shaped me into the person I am today. The importance of working on a team, being self-motivated, coachable, accountable and competitive are all things that have created the backbone of who I am today.
What are your aspirations for the future?
I want to continue to take a larger role in business development at Weitz, as well as a large role within our community, whether that be joining the board of nonprofits I am already involved with or getting involved with a new nonprofit altogether.
In the short term, my aspirations are to drive growth and expansion at Weitz by becoming the preferred data center builder by all.
What's one piece of advice you'd give to a young professional?
Try your hardest to blur out the background noise. Don't worry so much about what others are doing and focus on what you can control. Master what is in front of you and try hard things. Have big goals and utilize the people around you. Always continue to build your network, both personally and professionally. Everyone matters!
What is one thing you would like to see Central Iowa leaders address, and why?
With the new Des Moines International Airport terminal that Weitz and Turner Construction are building, our leaders need to be prepared for the economic impact that will have on Des Moines. With the increase in flight options and airlines that could be offered, our city will become a destination and a hub. We need to make sure Des Moines is ready to showcase the best hotels, restaurants, entertainment options and hospitality portfolio that we can – and we need to continue preparing for that today.
What's one fun fact about you?
I am a big dog lover. I have a 7-year-old English bulldog named George, who although he enjoys sleeping 23.5 hours a day, runs my house.
Hobbies: Golf, traveling, country music concerts.
One word that describes you: Loyal.
What is your favorite local restaurant? The Big Steer and Bix & Co.
Name one book, podcast, movie or show you love. “Suits.”
What is your go-to activity to do in Central Iowa in the evenings or during the weekend?
If it's during the day, you can find me on a golf course; otherwise, spending time with my friends and family.