Cole McClelland
Vice president, senior commercial real estate relationship manager, Bankers Trust
Age: 39
Education: University of Iowa,, Bachelor of Business Administration; University Missouri – Kansas City School of Law, Juris Doctor; Missouri Bar Association
Wife: Jenna Kimberley
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Tell us four of your proudest accomplishments or accolades.
Served on the Polk County Housing Trust Fund board of directors for six years, including two years as board chair.
Currently serve on the Neighborhood Finance Corp. board of directors and as secretary on the Home, Inc. board of directors.
Volunteer with the Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity and as a member of the capital campaign cabinet, which raised $10.5 million for the Framing Our Future Campaign.
Serve as a senior relationship manager on the Bankers Trust Commercial Real Estate team, with a portfolio totaling $600 million in commitments amongst nine local and regional customer groups.
What’s an experience or memory that influenced how you saw the world or what you wanted to do in life?
Attending law school had an extraordinary effect on my professional work ethic, patterns and routines. UMKC School of Law also fundamentally reshaped how I see the world by training me to understand perspectives beyond my own. My experience in Kansas City and law school revealed how systems (legal, economic and social) impact people unevenly, deepening my respect for others’ experiences.
What’s one decision you made early in your career that had an outsized impact?
Unsure of my next professional step, I attended a 6:30 a.m. Saturday meeting with Suku Radia at the now-closed Panera at Westown Parkway and 42nd, which paved the way for my now 10-plus years at Bankers Trust.
What are your aspirations for the future?
I want to continue doing the work I find rewarding and meaningful: helping the brilliant real estate developers in Des Moines construct the buildings, projects and neighborhoods that shape the way Iowans live and connect. Equally important is maintaining great relationships with my colleagues at Bankers Trust, volunteering with Des Moines’ terrific nonprofits and enjoying this vibrant community with friends and family.
What are you still working on to improve as a leader?
Listening. I know what works best for me, but I need to know what specifically works best for those around me. Listening to others’ ideas, feedback and concerns builds trust and encourages teamwork.
What’s one piece of advice you'd give to a young professional?
Just say yes. Volunteering your time and efforts will yield benefits, both professionally and personally. The experiences and connections one makes from putting themselves out there is immeasurable.
What’s one regular habit that’s made you successful?
Being curious and having diverse interests. The most impressive person I’ve been around professionally could have a conversation with any group on any topic. That ability to connect with the people around you makes every moment of every day more interesting.
What’s one outdated way of thinking that you’d like to challenge?
The loudest voice in the room is not always the right one. This confuses volume with wisdom. The most valuable insights often come from those who speak thoughtfully and value substance over noise.
What is one issue you would like to see Central Iowa leaders address, and why?
Housing affordability. The average age of a first-time homeowner is 41, leaving thousands of families unable to build generational wealth. Through my time on three different nonprofit housing boards, I’ve observed firsthand what a growing problem this is for Central Iowa. Regulations, tax incentives and NIMBY-ism (“Not In My Back Yard”) all contribute to this issue. It will take significant collaboration between the public and private sector to make housing more affordable for a larger group of people.
What’s one fun fact about you?
I have seen a Major League Baseball game in 43 different ballparks. The most memorable being the inaugural Field of Dreams game in 2021 between the White Sox and Yankees.
Hobbies: Golf, travel with my wife, movies.
What is one word that best describes you?
Steadfast.
What’s one food you think people must try in the Des Moines area?
Lachele’s is the best.
What’s the funniest or most surprising thing that’s happened to you recently?
My ideal vacation spot typically involves a golf course. But my wife got to plan our most recent vacation, and she had me crossing the Arctic Circle in a boat. In February. I will admit, I enjoyed it, and Norway in winter is beautiful.
What’s your favorite tradition to participate in locally?
Des Moines Farmers’ Market on a beautiful Saturday morning is tough to beat.
What is your go-to snack?
Anything with peanut butter.