YPC 2016 Impact Downtown Coordinator

Ryan Bruner

Young Professionals Connection (YPC) Board Position: Impact Downtown Coordinator

Hometown: Carroll, IA

Alma Mater: University of Iowa

What do you do? Client Solutions Coordinator at The Members Group

Q&A

What’s a day in your job like? Well I would have to say each day brings new challenges and opportunities to learn more about the finance sector. My role at The Members Group centers around finding resolutions for my client’s credit card portfolios. I offer a consultative service to help maximize the  credit card profitability for both banks and credit unions. Whether it's helping set up a holiday promotion or transitioning to a new cards program, working with people to help solve their problems is the core of my current position. Each day I have the ability to work for a company that encourages personal and professional development, and I feel very blessed to have that opportunity to grow at The Members Group.

What are your passions outside of work? When you’re not at work, what will we find you doing? Outside of work, I enjoy politics, theater/live music, and great local restaurants. In Greater Des Moines (DSM), we are very fortunate to be able to see all of the politicians that will one day lead our country. I make it a point to see a diverse group of candidates, and volunteer for the person that I feel will best lead lead our government. I hope to organize events in 2016 that will allow YPCers the platform to respectfully discuss issues impacting their daily lives. Theater and live music are other big interests of mine and Des Moines truly has invested in both of them. My favorite musicals are The Book of Mormon, Rent and Jersey Boys. The Des Moines Civic Center is an outstanding place to see a show in Downtown Des Moines (DSM) just two blocks from my apartment. My favorite musical artists are Ryan Adams, Dawes and The Avett Brothers. 80/35 is definitely in my top three unique-to-Des Moines events. I also have fallen in love with Des Moines' food scene. If I am looking to impress a date if I go to Hoq, but if I am in the mood for a more casual no frills joint I am most likely headed to B&B Deli on the south side.

Where’s your favorite (something) in Des Moines? This one is easy for me, the Des Moines Farmers' Market. I live in Downtown DSM and my Saturdays usually involve me wandering the different streets dodging strollers and giant dogs. It is such a great opportunity to get to know the vendors and support small businesses from around the state.

What role has mentorship played in your career? Mentorship has been the most important aspect of my professional career so far. My managers have always been willing to take time out their schedules to help guide me toward my professional goals. I always held in high regard the critiques given to me by my managers because at this stage in my career I must be looking to better myself on a daily basis. I have had managers that have exhibited outstanding business and ethical skill sets so it has been easy to follow their examples. The best words of advice in the workplace have been simple, to get respect, you must give respect. I hope to use this advice to advance in whatever role I may hold going forward.

What are your words to live by? "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give," Winston Churchill.  I just truly believe this quote represents something I am striving for. I am certainly not perfect and I can always be working to do more, but it just rings true to me. I don’t know if I will ever find the perfect job for me that fulfills every aspect of who I am and I am fine with that. What I do know is that when I am involved in a project with the end result not being a paycheck, I find myself so much happier. My parents have always taught me how important giving back to your community is, and I am lucky to have them as role models. Volunteering for a campaign, collecting signatures for a local environmental cause, or working to plan the next big YPC events are what I want to be donating back to my community. For now, these are my metaphorical thank you notes  to the great city of Des Moines in which I now call home.

What projects have you been involved with in YPC? I have been involved with the Impact Downtown Committee, as well as in planning the debate watch parties, Sips, Sights and Samples tour in the Historic East Village and  the Downtown Scavenger Hunt.