Tony Tandeski

Data analytics and SEO manager, DHI Group Inc. / owner, the Rook Room

Age: 37

Reasons he is a Forty: Tony serves on several community boards, including the Drake University Central Iowa Regional Alumni Board, Drake LGBTQ+ Board, Beaverdale Fall Festival Board and previously the Urbandale Community Theatre Board. Through the Rook Room, he has provided 500 hours of free programming to local nonprofit organizations, libraries and schools. He has curated and run more than 20 free gaming and learning events for kids at local libraries and schools, and he created the Prism Tabletop Club. He has also worked with multiple local organizations to develop ways to improve accessibility in gaming and play.

What are your goals in your role at your company? 

I plan to work to build out our data and analytics capabilities, especially using new and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, to not only solidify our position in the industry, but also stay on the cutting edge of data and search engine optimization. 

What are your goals for your community involvement? 

Whether it’s through my small business, the nonprofit boards I serve on, or the community organizations I volunteer with, I plan to help build connections, create safe spaces and develop unique experiences that add to the growth and success of our community. 

What's your biggest passion, and why? 

I’m passionate about building community. I love bringing people together over shared experiences and interests while breaking down barriers, improving accessibility and making sure people feel like they belong exactly as they are. Whatever they’re into, I love helping people connect in lasting and meaningful ways.

What is it that drives you? 

Starting a small business has been an overwhelming experience, but business and community leaders were willing to help every step of the way. Not because they felt obligated, but because that’s at the heart of this community – making things happen. Wanting to mirror that drive to help is what pushes me to support others to grow, connect and reach their goals.

What are your future aspirations? In the (hopefully, not too distant) future, I would love to make the Rook Room into the Des Moines area’s first board game cafe – creating a safe, welcoming space for game lovers to come, hang out, play games, make new friends and build community.

Three hobbies: Cycling – including a not-so-small trip on RAGBRAI each year. Traveling – especially road trips. Playing all types of games.

Fun fact: Tony loves taking random road trips – setting out without destinations or reservations and letting the road (and oftentimes dice) decide where he ends up. His random road trips have taken him over 10,000 miles through more than 20 states and four provinces.

One word to describe you: Adventurous.

What is your wish for the Central Iowa business community? My wish is for Central Iowa to lean into what makes it unexpectedly unique and exciting to attract creative, ambitious, enterprising individuals from all across the country wanting to be a part of a forward-looking, one-of-a-kind community.

What's one piece of advice that you would give to a young professional? Be open. Des Moines is full of opportunities and ways to make meaningful change in your community, and there are tons of exceptional people more than willing to help you reach your goals and support you along the way. You just have to be open about your goals and ready to take that first step. 

What is one issue you would like to see Central Iowa leaders address? I would like to see Central Iowa leaders focus on making our area a national leader in green initiatives, including prioritizing green infrastructure, renewable energy resources, environmental justice, cleaner transportation options, sustainable agriculture, water quality, and public green spaces that help to build community and bring people together. I would love for other cities to look at what Central Iowa is doing as an example for the future.