Alec Wilcox
Associate, Cushman & Wakefield Iowa Commercial Advisors
Age: 28
Wife: Maddie Wilcox
Cats: Two cats named Pinot and Cabernet (Cabby)
Accomplishments that make you deserving of being a Forty Under 40:
I led the restructuring of the West Des Moines Chamber's Young Professional Group into what is now West YP.
I currently serve on the board of directors for the Ronald McDonald House Central Iowa.
I have held three different positions on the board of the Rotary Club of Central Iowa.
What's your biggest passion, and why?
My biggest professional passion is professional development. I am particularly focused on supporting development amongst younger generations, providing younger generations access to the same resources and opportunities I was able to access while at Drake University. These experiences ultimately served as a catalyst for my desire to build a career within Des Moines in commercial real estate.
What are your goals in your role at work?
Professionally, I aim to use market data and industry insights to ensure clients are in the best position to make educated decisions.
What are your goals in a role outside of work?
As a board member for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Iowa, I am blessed to support a highly successful and dedicated staff as they execute the mission and vision of the house. At the core, the house takes care of the basic necessities of life, while families focus on their child receiving medical treatment. As a young child, my family and I benefited from these same services when I underwent medical treatment. As a member of the ambassador committee, I am focused on raising awareness and fundraising efforts within the Iowa communities of served families.
Tell us about an experience or memory that influenced how you see the world or what you want to do in life.
One of the major influencing lessons I learned from my parents was something I affectionately call the “effort speech.” My parents always made it clear to me and my siblings that our effort was always more important than the outcome of the game, grade or competition. This speech influenced my motivation when approaching work and pursuit of opportunities to positively influence my community.
What are your aspirations for the future?
I am passionate about furthering professional development opportunities for youths and young professionals. There are organizations and opportunities in Central Iowa that lead this charge, and I would love to engage with those organizations.
What's one piece of advice you'd give to a young professional?
Network, network, network! The access young professionals have to leaders in our community is unmatched by other markets. Start by reaching out to those leaders for coffee or lunch. Simply ask them to share their story with you. You never know how valuable that relationship may become and what you may learn.
What is one thing you would like to see Central Iowa leaders address, and why?
I want Central Iowa leaders to take an active role in positioning Greater Des Moines, and Iowa in general, as an attractive place to live, work and play. Iowa’s population is aging and declining. Iowa benefits from high-quality educational institutions that foster keeping and bringing bright minds into the state. It should be Iowa’s goal to make sure those students want to stay. We have lofty goals as a state and region that are difficult to achieve without growth.
What's one fun fact about you?
My first visit to Des Moines was my college visit to Drake University. I am proud to be from Norfolk, Neb., but have loved making Des Moines my forever home.
Hobbies: Traveling with my wife, Maddie, eating at one of our favorite Des Moines restaurants, hiking Brown's Woods.
One word that describes you: Resolute.
What is your favorite local restaurant? Court Avenue Brewing Co.
Name one book, podcast, movie or show you love. “Forrest Gump.”
What is your go-to activity to do in Central Iowa in the evenings or during the weekend?
Catching a show at the Civic Center and capping off the evening with drinks at the Lift.