Josh Woodvine
Chief distribution officer, Sammons Financial Group
Age: 36
Education: Bachelor’s, Central College; Master of Business Administration, Iowa State University
Wife: Beth Woodvine
Children: Charlie Woodvine (5), Henry Woodvine (3) and Emmy Woodvine (1)
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Tell us four of your proudest accomplishments or accolades.
I am an active participant in United Way of Central Iowa and a Tocqueville Society member.
I serve as a board member with Des Moines Performing Arts.
I have spent a lot of time in trade associations and industry efforts to increase retirement readiness with underserved markets and communities.
I really enjoy volunteering at our church, Lutheran Church of Hope.
What’s an experience or memory that influenced how you saw the world or what you wanted to do in life?
I enlisted in the Iowa Army National Guard after college. You get exposed to a lot of people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives from all over the country. It was one of the most interesting and rewarding chapters.
What’s one decision you made early in your career that had an outsized impact?
I was given advice early in my career to say yes to as many opportunities professionally as I could. This ended up allowing me to be exposed to many people and events. These relationships and experiences were and continue to be extremely impactful in my personal and professional life.
What are your aspirations for the future?
My goal and drive would be to have a significant impact in my local community, state and across the U.S. There is such an opportunity to help people in their daily lives and with access to information we can give people opportunities to live and ultimately retire well.
What are you still working on to improve as a leader?
With each new role it always amazes me how much new content there is to learn and new perspectives I can obtain. Continually surrounding yourself with a great team and leaning on other experts is a must.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a young professional?
Align yourself with organizations and people who you can provide value to but also are interested in providing value to you while ultimately developing your knowledge, perspective and skill set.
What’s one regular habit that’s made you successful?
I am an avid reader. My mom always required me and my siblings to read 100 pages a day. I still read quite a few books, but that has carried forward primarily into avidly reading articles and other interesting sources of information.
What’s one outdated way of thinking that you’d like to challenge?
Titles can be fun to earn but I don't think we should get caught up in them. An entry-level role with a steep learning or opportunity curve will always beat a great title with a flat one. The goal is to always grow, learn and never get caught up in titles.
What is one issue you would like to see Central Iowa leaders address, and why?
I feel like there is much work to be done to take care of and support the next generation. Creating experiences, work and education events, and ultimately opportunities for young children will not only benefit our community, but it will absolutely change lives.
What’s one fun fact about you?
I had a pet bear growing up that we rescued and ultimately found a sanctuary for.
Hobbies: Reading, family time and activities, and watching my favorite shows.
What is one word that best describes you?
Intentional.
What’s one food you think people must try in the Des Moines area?
The cheese curds at Great White Buffalo in Adel.
What’s the funniest or most surprising thing that’s happened to you recently?
Unknowingly going through DSM airport security five minutes after my identical twin and TSA not believing me that I had a twin.
What’s your favorite tradition to participate in locally?
Sweet Corn Fest in Adel.
What is your go-to snack?
Beef sticks.