Eric Tubbs
Shareholder, attorney, Nyemaster Goode P.C.
Age: 37
Education: Juris Doctor, University of Iowa College of Law; Bachelor of Science in marketing, Iowa State University College of Business
Wife: MacKenzie Tubbs
Children: Matthew Tubbs (2)
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Tell us four of your proudest accomplishments or accolades.
I am a shareholder at Nyemaster Goode P.C. in the business, finance and real estate department.
Recognized by the Best Lawyers in America (3% of lawyers awarded globally) in corporate law and mergers and acquisitions.
Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute (Class 2025) and West Des Moines Leadership Academy (Class 2026) participant.
Nonprofit board member: Polk County Early Childhood Iowa (2020-present); Lead DSM (2025-present; three-year commitment).
What’s an experience or memory that influenced how you saw the world or what you wanted to do in life?
I am fortunate to have three younger siblings. All three are doing amazing things, but two of them are doing so while dealing with serious physical disabilities. Seeing how they have never let their obstacles stop them has always been a source of inspiration to me.
What’s one decision you made early in your career that had an outsized impact?
Since beginning my legal career, I have sought out and learned from many amazing lawyers. They have not only taught me an incredible amount about substantive areas of the law, but also how to be a pragmatic and effective advocate for my clients.
What are your aspirations for the future?
I have always enjoyed living in the Greater Des Moines area (having been lucky enough to live here most of my life). My aspiration is to have a meaningful and lasting impact on the Greater Des Moines community — through work, mentorship and community involvement — so that it can continue to grow and thrive.
What are you still working on to improve as a leader?
One area I am working on is managing my energy as carefully as I manage my time. I don't believe the popular quote that says “90% of success is just showing up.” You can’t be successful unless you also have the right attitude, energy and focus.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a young professional?
One piece of advice I would give to a young professional is that who you work with often matters more than what you work on. Seek out people who challenge you, support you and who you want to emulate.
What’s one regular habit that’s made you successful?
I make it a habit to prepare, whether it’s for meetings, decisions or conversations. Being thoughtful ahead of time allows me to show up more confident, present and effective.
What’s one outdated way of thinking that you’d like to challenge?
One belief I would challenge is that leadership is only something that applies to people who are in charge of an organization. I believe that everyone in an organization has the potential to be a leader and create change. Sustainable success is built through strong teams and shared ownership.
What is one issue you would like to see Central Iowa leaders address, and why?
I grew up in Des Moines, but started my career in Chicago. One of the more influential reasons in returning was that Des Moines is a “Goldilocks” city: all the benefits of a big city without the negatives. As we continue to grow, our leaders need to ensure that we not only retain, but strengthen those Goldilocks attributes including housing affordability and availability, quality education, clean environment and most importantly, our genuine kindness and civility.
What’s one fun fact about you?
During college I worked as an intern for the Iowa Cubs. One of my jobs was on-field promotions. I got to shoot the hot dog and T-shirt gun, and even ran in the mascot races around the bases.
Hobbies: Cyclone athletics, golf and trying to keep up with my 2-year-old, Matthew.
What is one word that best describes you?
Gregarious.
What’s one food you think people must try in the Des Moines area?
Any Iowa State Fair food, but my favorite is pork chop on a stick.
What’s the funniest or most surprising thing that’s happened to you recently?
Seeing peoples’ expressions when I tell them that we took our 18-month-old to Ireland for the Iowa State football game.
What’s your favorite tradition to participate in locally?
Fourth of July celebrations around Des Moines.
What is your go-to snack?
For Christmas, I make everyone I know chocolate fudge using my late grandma’s recipe. I also make an extra batch so I can eat it all year long.