Rachel Pfundstein

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Associate vice president, client service - employee benefits
Holmes Murphy & Associates

Age: 31

Mentor: Brent Macke, senior vice president, employee benefits/shareholder, Holmes Murphy & Associates

Why she’s a Forty: 

She serves as secretary on the board of directors for the Waukee Leadership Institute and also sits on the board’s curriculum committee. She is one of the youngest employees who will become a shareholder for Holmes Murphy & Associates in July 2021. She is a graduate of the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute Community Leadership Program class of 2016. She is a longtime volunteer for the United Way of Central Iowa’s Book Buddy program and more recently engaged as a volunteer with Meals from the Heartland.

What are your goals in your role at your company? 

The insurance industry, especially health care, is in constant flux, which can create a challenging environment. For clients, my goal is to always provide exceptional customer service and consultation, and to simplify benefits strategies and programs. For team members, it is to mentor and support the development of our internal talent.

What are your goals for your community involvement? 

As a board member for the Waukee Leadership Institute, my goal is to continue supporting the growth and promotion of our leadership program, as well as create a curriculum to encourage learning and connectedness. I’m passionate about this organization and believe it can make an impact on Waukee’s developing community.

What’s your biggest passion, and why? 

My biggest passion is making a direct, positive impact on others’ lives. Both personally and professionally, I am committed to finding ways to help teach, coach, develop and support those around me. I believe strongly in “paying forward” what others have so generously shared with me.

What is it that drives you? 

As a lifelong learner, I believe there is always room for self-betterment. I make a conscious effort to surround myself with people who strive for success, whether that be personal, in family, community or career. Seeing others pursue their goals and passions drives me to want to achieve my own.

What are your future aspirations? 

I aspire to be a young, developing leader others can look to for mentorship and motivation. If my drive for success and involvement can inspire someone else to blaze their own path, I would love to share this. Additionally, I hope for the continued opportunity to connect with like-minded community and business leaders.

Three hobbies: 

Boating and Jet Skiing at the lake, live music and concerts, playing sand volleyball.

ONE word: Ambitious.

Fun fact: 

Rachel has seen over 100 artists/bands live in concert, many on multiple occasions. One year, she attended three concerts in five days at the Iowa State Fair.

What is your wish for the Central Iowa business community? 

Two “fun” passions I have are music and sports. I would love to see Central Iowa continue to attract and promote large events in these areas. I’m hopeful talks of new entertainment district(s) in our community will come to fruition.

What is one issue you would like to see Central Iowa leaders address, and why?

Attracting, recruiting and retaining young talent in Central Iowa is an area leaders should remain focused on. With this comes enhanced opportunity for creativity, innovation, entrepreneurship and transformation. As the spectrum and needs of businesses continue to evolve, investing in young talent is imperative to the growth and sustainability of our communities.

What's one piece of advice that you would give to a young professional looking to become a leader in your community and/or company? 

Be proactive in finding ways to get involved and take initiative in connecting with people who are already involved. Do not assume they will find you. And make sure you are connected to or passionate about your involvement — your time, talents and treasures should not be wasted.