Photographer: Duane Tinkey
“Think bigger.”
That’s almost a mantra for one of this year’s Sages Over 70. But as you’ll see in the following pages, those two words guide each of this year’s honorees. They think bigger, and our community is better for it.
The women and men we honor this year have earned wisdom through decades of purposeful living — leading institutions, raising families, mentoring others and lending their talents to causes larger than themselves. They’ve served on the city council, built a real estate empire and welcomed visitors to Central Iowa. They’ve built schools and orphanages in developing countries and raised millions for charities close to home. One even managed the zoo.
Every year at dsm, we celebrate a new class of Sages Over 70 and share their stories here in print and at a community gathering. This year’s event is set for Nov. 11 at the FFA Enrichment Center on the Des Moines Area Community College campus in Ankeny. (For tickets, visit dsmmagazine.com.) Proceeds benefit the Sages Over 70 Fund at the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, which supports grants that address pressing community needs.
These stories remind us that wisdom isn’t just about age — it’s about the courage to think bigger, step up and leave the world better than we found it.
The Wisdom of Wonder
If you want to age gracefully, stay curious.
Writer: Jann Freed
“Curiosity and wisdom are best friends. Without curiosity, wisdom becomes static. Without wisdom, curiosity doesn’t engage in lifelong learning.” Chip Conley.
In 2004 I read the book “From Age-ing to Sage-ing: A Revolutionary Approach to Growing Older” by Zalman Schachter-Shalomi and Ronald Miller and it changed my life. We live in a youth-centric society that focuses on appearances and the physical body, and many of us try to make ourselves look younger (70 is the new 50!). But “sage-ing” focuses on our internal being, which appreciates as we gain new life experiences. And when we process our life experiences into wisdom, we can leave a legacy worth remembering and passing on to those who matter most to us.
While wisdom can’t be taught, it can be shared, as true sages do.
Based on my research in positive or conscious aging, curiosity is one of the secret ingredients to living a fulfilling life. It keeps us thinking beyond ourselves, beyond our own aches, pains and losses. I’ve never met an interesting person who’s not also an interested person. And when you’re interested, you focus on others and not just yourself. Curiosity involves asking questions, learning, and growing. It is important to keep our child-like sense of wonder.
Elizabeth Gilbert, the author of “Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear,” believes our culture places too much emphasis on “finding your passion.” As she puts it, “Passion can seem intimidatingly out of reach at times — a distant tower of flame, accessible only to geniuses and to those who are specially touched by God. Curiosity, on the other hand, is a milder, quieter, more welcoming and more democratic entity.”
A sage is someone whose company you enjoy. You know you’ll learn something from them, often because they themselves are so interested in learning. Time seems to stand still because you listen so intently. Their age is irrelevant. In fact, because of their curiosity, sages stay relevant, interested and engaged.
For more than 10 years now, I’ve hosted a monthly podcast called “Becoming a Sage” where I interview thought leaders from across the country about work and life wisdom. Local leader Jim O’Halloran was one of my favorite guests to date, because he shared so much wisdom.
He’s best known for building O’Halloran International into a successful enterprise, but he’s also an unsung hero who shares kindness and wisdom behind the scenes. He’s active in his church parish, serves on several nonprofit boards and takes his grandchildren with him when he delivers Meals on Wheels.
On the podcast, he told me how his longtime practice of journaling helps him focus on learning and improvement, both for his organizations and for himself. He’s driven by curiosity, always in the pursuit of growth.
Gilbert, the author who calls for curiosity over passion, says “the trick is to just follow your small moments of curiosity.” She encourages people not to wait for a lightning bolt of passion but instead to follow gentle nudges of curiosity, which she sees as breadcrumbs that lead toward a meaningful life. O’Halloran has followed many of these breadcrumbs through career and volunteer activities, while still making time for his family, for travel and for contemplation.
The psychologist and writer Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, who is known for the concept of flow, believes wisdom often flows from joy. He’s written that “the best recipe for the spread of wisdom is the encouragement of curiosity, respect for the best accomplishments of the past, coupled with a burning desire for improving on them; and all of this within a conception of self that extends to other people, the planet and beyond.”
When these elements are in place, he says a joyful immersion in life’s complexity ensues — an openness to experience, a willingness to dive into issues that matter. “If such an attitude develops far enough, then understanding life becomes increasingly rewarding,” he writes. “The person will be seen as wise, and his or her actions also will be considered wise.”
So how about you? How are you living out your curiosity? Are you meeting new people? Are you learning new skills or topics? It’s easy to become complacent and set in our ways, at any age, so it takes a bit of courage to become comfortable with being uncomfortable.
Several years ago, I attended a conference where Schachter-Shalomi asked us, “Are you living longer or taking longer to die?” He told us to get busy living because there’s so much to do and to learn. The world needs more sages now. This is the time to be curious and wise.
Jann Freed, Ph.D., is a leadership coach, speaker, 2024 Business Record Woman of Influence and a certified Sage-ing Leader through Sage-ing International. She writes about nonfinancial aspects of retirement for Forbes.com, and her books are available in stores and online at jannfreed.com.
Greg Edwards
Greg Edwards began his hospitality career as a hotel restaurant bar manager in Peoria, Illinois. This August he retired after 25 years as president and CEO of Catch Des Moines. He acknowledges it’s taking some getting used to, realizing he’s not just on vacation.
During his tenure with Catch Des Moines, Edwards never gave much thought to accomplishments or accolades. He said that’s because he only saw himself as a member of the team that works day in and day out to raise the profile of Des Moines to attract more visitors and events.
“I never gave it any thought as I worked through all those years,” he said. “Whether it was helping to get the new Hilton hotel built or the convention center expansion, turning Vets Auditorium into Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center, bringing in major events like the NCAA and all that stuff — I never stopped once and said, ‘Oh my gosh, this is going to change Des Moines. This is going to help me look good.’ I was always just one of many who helped do all those things.”
Edwards, a married father of four, came to Des Moines in late 2000 after holding the top job at the Peoria Convention and Visitors Bureau. Before that, he worked at the convention and visitors’ bureau in Overland Park, Kansas. He also spent time with Marriott, working at hotels in Des Moines and in Overland Park.
He said he’s been overwhelmed and humbled by the support he’s received since he retired.
He also said he was always motivated to do the job, inspired by the camaraderie around the office and the ability to meet and be introduced to people almost every day. “That was always just a fun thing for me to do,” he said. “You get to know the people and make them feel comfortable with you, and that’s just what always worked well with me.” — Michael Crumb
HIGHLIGHTED ACHIEVEMENTS
- Received the 2025 Iowa Tourism Legacy Award.
- Served as president of Iowa Travel Industry Partners from 2022-2023 and continues to serve on the board of directors.
- Chaired the board of directors for Destinations International in 2012.
- Helped Catch Des Moines triple the number of bookings for conventions, sports and other events since 2000. The list includes the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, AAU Junior Olympic Games, National Senior Games and Dew Tour skateboarding competition.
- Helped guide transformational projects, including the construction of Casey’s Center and the downtown Hilton.
HIS ADVICE
“You know how to do it. You want to do it better than anybody else. My first job [was] cleaning toilets at a country club, cleaning restrooms, and the owner came in and pointed out spots I missed, and from that day on, I thought, I’m never going to miss that spot again. I don’t know if people think that way anymore. You have to do it right and do it right the first time or don’t do it at all.”
COMMUNITY VOICE
“Greg is not only Des Moines’ biggest cheerleader but a cheerleader for the entire tourism and hospitality industry. His impact permeates every touch-point of this community, and he’s had a lasting impact locally, regionally, statewide and nationally throughout his career. Over 25 years, he has driven billions in visitor spending, led the development of key venues and secured major events that have boosted the region’s economy and reputation.”Alex Wilson, communications & PR manager, Catch Des Moines
Christine Hensley
“Everyone picks up when she calls.” “I know she’s always on time.” “‘No’ is not the answer.”
These are the things you hear when talking about Christine Hensley. It’s quite the reputation to uphold, and you don’t build up that kind of star power overnight.
Indeed, Hensley has spent decades serving Des Moines from nearly every angle, notably as a six-term member of the city council. Those few who don’t know her by name certainly know the imprints she’s left on the city. She’s helped champion projects including Gray’s Lake, Lauridsen Skatepark, the Pappajohn Higher Education Building and Pappajohn Sculpture Park.
“I decided early on in my community involvement that there were two things that nobody really felt comfortable doing: public speaking and fundraising,” she explained. “So I said, you know what? I’m not as good or as comfortable with that, but I’m going to use this as an opportunity to gain some experience.” She has focused her efforts on projects that matter most to her, notably housing, and arts and culture. Those priorities were evident during her service on the city council, where she promoted economic development. “I loved working to make sure people and businesses were aware of what the city could do for them, and what the city had to offer,” she said. “I have a ‘can do’ attitude. Walking into meetings, the staff knew I always wanted to try and make things work.”
Hensley is a born-and-raised Des Moines native. She went to Drake University and considered becoming a nurse before she found her niche in public service. As she put it, “I just loved working with all different people and helping them solve problems.” — Hailey Evans
HIGHLIGHTED ACHIEVEMENTS
- Served 24 years on the Des Moines City Council (1994- 2018).
- Served on boards for Bravo Greater Des Moines, DART, Des Moines Symphony and YWCA of Greater Des Moines. Currently serves on the Iowa Board of Regents.
- Inducted into the Iowa Women’s Hall of Fame in 2017.
- Inducted into the Iowa League of Cities Hall of Fame in 2011.
- Named a Business Record Woman of Influence in 2001.
HER ADVICE
Strive for balance in your personal and professional life.
Take opportunities to develop skills you don’t use in your everyday work. Become well-rounded.
Don’t be afraid to try different opportunities or walk away to spend time making a difference elsewhere. “I’ve resigned from boards when I’ve felt like I’ve given all I could to that area at that moment.”
Build a reputation of integrity. “If you say you’re going to do something, you do it.”
COMMUNITY VOICES
“Christine’s leadership is marked by her remarkable ability to balance pragmatism with compassion. She has brought people together to find solutions to complex challenges, earning the respect of colleagues and constituents alike.” Dan Houston, retired CEO and executive chairman, Principal
“Chris has been a mentor to me for several years. Her guidance has been invaluable in my professional development, and I’ve witnessed firsthand how she has nurtured countless other emerging leaders in our community.” Sophia Ahmad, vice president of philanthropy, WesleyLife
“I can think of no one whose wisdom, experience and continued engagement have more profoundly shaped the Des Moines we know and love today.” Steve Lacy, retired executive chairman, Meredith Corporation (now People Inc.)
Terry Rich
Terry Rich doesn’t show up small. When it’s time to do something, he does it big. He went viral before “going viral” was in the lexicon. He cracked down on lottery fraud. He sold tiger poop to raise money for the zoo.
Take, for instance, the time when he was just 29 and appeared on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.” It all started when he received a call from someone in his tiny hometown of Cooper who asked him to help promote its centennial. Rich decided the town needed a famous native son or daughter, so he wrote a contest to “adopt” a celebrity for one day. He sent out 44 press releases, which received national coverage and eventually landed Rich a spot on TV with Carson. “Twenty million people watched that,” he said. “Talk about viral.”
His career took many twists and turns before he ended up as president and CEO of Blank Park Zoo. It was in financial trouble, losing $600,000 a year. But Rich grew up on a farm and thought: “Raising a giraffe can’t be that much different than raising cows.”
The zoo needed ideas. He asked his team: What can we do with no money to get more people? They asked around and learned one thing that millennials liked: booze. “So we started Zoo Brew,” he said. On certain nights, the zookeepers left the animals out and the 21-and-over crowd came out without their kids and bought beer.
One idea that came and went was the sale of tiger poop that homeowners used to keep deer away from their gardens. It made money until the U.S. Department of Agriculture shut it down.
Later, as president and CEO of the Iowa Lottery, he helped lock up a vendor insider in the largest lottery fraud case in U.S. history.
Everything was always just part of the job. “I always want to leave a place better than I found it,” he said. — Lisa Rossi
HIGHLIGHTED ACHIEVEMENTS
- Established a $12 million endowment for Blank Park Zoo, enhancing financial stability and enabling new exhibit construction.
- Boosted Iowa Lottery sales 163%, from $240 million to $391 million. Helped bust the biggest lottery fraud case in U.S. history and chronicled it in a documentary film.
- Wrote the books “Dare to Dream, Dare to Act” and “The $80 Billion Gamble” and became an international keynote speaker.
HIS ADVICE
“There are two lessons I tell people as they’re coming out of college. One is to raise your hand; volunteer for as much as you can. … The other is to learn how to relax. I didn’t even have that on my own list until I retired, but I’m trying to figure it out.”
“I learned from a professor at Iowa State that it’s better to have tried and failed than to succeed at doing nothing. The bottom line is, if you don’t try it, you’re not going to succeed.”
COMMUNITY VOICES
“Terry’s impact can be felt across many sectors. … His leadership at Blank Park Zoo was nothing short of transformational. He took the helm during a time of significant financial challenge and helped turn the zoo around — restoring stability, building public support and setting it on a course to become one of Iowa’s most beloved cultural institutions.” Benjamin Page, director of Parks and Recreation, City of Des Moines
“Terry was called upon to lead [the Iowa Lottery] during one of the most critical moments in the lottery’s history … His unwavering leadership over the 7-year investigation was a testament to his commitment to doing what is right in public service, setting a high standard for accountability and ethical governance.” Terry Branstad, former Iowa governor and retired U.S. ambassador to China
Bob Stewart
Bob Stewart’s return to Iowa was marked by a moment of prayer on the steps of the Iowa Capitol.
“I’m looking out over the city, and I just prayed, ‘Lord, help me to make a difference in this city in some way,” he said.
Since then, the native of Laurens, Iowa, has forged a path built on connections and community service. He left his law practice and became a commercial real estate broker, which better suited his skillset and spirit. “I’m more of a conciliator, connector, deal maker than I am an adversary,” he said.
The new job also opened up space to make a mark outside of his work. For 16 years, he raised funds for mission trips through the First Assembly of God and traveled to Africa, Eastern Europe and Asia to help build orphanages and schools.
A complicated hip replacement ended his mission trip days and paused his career. But after three years of recovery, he launched a new chapter, joining Stanbrough Realty and putting himself to work as a volunteer and connector across Des Moines. His influence as a mentor is perhaps best understood by the fact that others have joked about “being Bobbed,” meaning he’s introduced them to someone else with common interests. His three professional development groups, which he continues to oversee, have all been meeting for more than 15 years helping people of all ages stay connected and engaged in the community. “I never dreamed that they’d all be going that strong,” he said.
Stewart and his wife, Karen, have three children and are getting “another bite at the apple” by helping to raise their six grandkids.
Stewart didn’t have a plan when he prayed on the Capitol steps. Rather, he made connections and took opportunities as they came. “I’d like to think that’s leadership, if you can rally people to a cause that everybody believes in,” he said. — Sarah Diehn
HIGHLIGHTED ACHIEVEMENTS
- Received the 2024 Heroes for Homeless Volunteer of the Year from Central Iowa Shelter & Services.
- Received the 2014 Distinguished Service Award from the Johnston Economic Development Corp.
- Received the 2013 Community Visioning Award for Connecting from Lead DSM.
- Volunteers at Central Iowa Shelter & Services; Freedom for Youth, where he leads a team that serves a monthly dinner; and Meals from the Heartland, where he coordinates 40 volunteers who package food several times a year.
- Raised over $2.9 million for 16 major mission projects around the world, including Bible colleges, Christian elementary schools and orphanages.
HIS ADVICE
“Don’t serve on any board unless you can bring something to the agenda.”
“Write at least one handwritten thank-you note per week. It’s very thoughtful and sets you apart from others.”
“It’s good to build on the work of others, but also look for ways to meet a need that others may have overlooked.”
“What I’d really like to stress is people should not only get involved but get their hands dirty. To not just serve on the board or write a check … but to get in there and get to know people, get to know how other people are living and empathize with that because everybody can bring something to the table.”
COMMUNITY VOICES
“While Bob’s career achievements are notable, his selfless promotion of and dedication to others are what make him a true sage.” Tony Dickinson, president, NCMIC Finance Corp.
“Bob’s mentorship extends beyond a mere passing of knowledge or advice. He invests his time and energy in cultivating meaningful relationships and creating opportunities for others to thrive.” Hannah Inman, CEO, Great Outdoors Foundation
“Bob’s career has been a master class in how to help develop the next generation of community leaders while also demonstrating the skills to be successful in his own career.” Chris Costa, president and CEO, Knapp Properties
Rick Tollakson
Over the last four decades with Hubbell Realty Company, Rick Tollakson has built much more than buildings with brick and mortar. As president and CEO, he’s built a sprawling empire that extends far beyond Central Iowa. He’s transformed the 170-year-old building company into a diversified enterprise with more than 750 employees across three states. According to retired CEO Jim Hubbell III, Tollakson has grown the company twelvefold.
And how, exactly? The Hampton native spelled it all out in a new book called “Think Bigger, Lead Better,” which explains how he’s guided projects from downtown’s Kaleidoscope, Hub Tower and Riverpoint Business Park to master-planned communities like Gray’s Station and the Bridge District in the East Village. Under his leadership, Hubbell expanded into multifamily housing, senior living, industrial development and property management, making it one of the region’s most influential companies.
Tollakson’s vision has always stretched beyond blueprints and profit margins. He pioneered Hubbell’s “Extreme Builds” — ambitious charity projects that happen over just a few days. From nine homes for nine families with Anawim Housing, to new lodges at Easterseals Camp Sunnyside, to a new 20,000-square-foot Ronald McDonald House, each project demonstrated how teamwork and generosity can change lives.
“The best projects involve helping kids,” Tollakson said, noting that he’s seen construction workers tear up when they see the final results. “I’ve had adult men bawling when they’re talking to me about it.”
When he retires at the end of March — 17 years later than he originally planned — he’ll approach his next chapter as he always has. “Figure it out,” he said. “There are plenty of opportunities out there.” — Michael Morain
HIGHLIGHTED ACHIEVEMENTS
- Expanded Hubbell Realty Co. twelvefold, with more than 750 employees in three states and 18 divisions.
- Launched Hubbell’s Extreme Builds for several local nonprofits.
- Served on boards and committees for dozens of organizations and projects, including the Greater Des Moines Partnership, ICON Water Trails, and Plan DSM.
- Inducted in 2022 to the Iowa Business Hall of Fame.
HIS ADVICE
“Think bigger.” Those words start the title of his new book for a reason. (It was released Nov. 4.)
Learn from your peers. “I meet with a lot of people in similar businesses. You get kind of competitive, and you figure out what they’re doing. And if they’re doing it, why aren’t we? That’s how a lot of opportunities came about.”
Look beyond the bottom line. With Hubbell’s Extreme Builds, “you develop a whole different relationship. You don’t sell any more houses or rent any more apartments. It’s not about business profits. It’s all about team-building and giving back to the community.”
COMMUNITY VOICES
“Rick’s leadership helped transform our city’s landscape. Under his direction, Hubbell developed thousands of homes and revitalized entire neighborhoods — efforts that have supported inclusive growth, expanded housing access and elevated the quality of life across Central Iowa.” Dan Houston, retired executive chairman, Principal Financial Group
“What makes Rick truly special is his unwavering commitment to getting the job done, even when faced with adversity. Whether driving large-scale community initiatives or investing in his employees, Rick leads with vision and commitment.” Hannah Inman, CEO, Great Outdoors Foundation
“Rick Tollakson is best known for his ability to diversify, strategically grow and develop real estate entities throughout his career. … He leads with integrity, vision and a steadfast commitment to our community.” Jim Hubbell III, retired CEO, Hubbell Realty Co.
Marcia Wanamaker
Marcia Wanamaker’s mom always said if you work hard, you can help people.
“My little brother was, I think, in kindergarten and he wasn’t going to have a Christmas,” Wanamaker said. “So the people at her work at Methodist Hospital got together and put a fund together so they could give my brother a Christmas, which really meant the world to me and . . . our whole family … You think about . . . things like that, and that’s what made an impact on me.”
Wanamaker is an award-winning real estate agent who has dedicated herself to service. “I like the causes where I can really be hands-on and really make a big difference in somebody’s life,” she said.
These days, she helps a Waukee family from Uganda that has suffered multiple tragedies. The mother in the family died in childbirth, leaving behind five kids. Then the children’s father died in a car accident. Today their grandparents are taking care of them, with the help of Wanamaker, who drives them to soccer practice and tournaments and recently took the kids to the Iowa State Fair.
She gave each child $30 each to spend at the fair and one of the little boys won a “teeny tiny” little stuffed animal, which he gave to Wanamaker. (She gets choked up recounting this story.) “It just really made me feel like I’m doing something right,” she said.
In addition to her service, which has ranged from helping homeless youth to serving on the board of the American Heart Association, Wanamaker has distinguished herself in her career as a real estate agent.
The secret to sales is being a “good listener and really listening to what people say and really being genuine with them,” she said. “If there’s a problem, you can’t just push it under the rug. ” — Lisa Rossi
HIGHLIGHTED ACHIEVEMENTS
- Received a Top 250 Latino Agents Award from the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals in 2021 and 2022.
- Named the Des Moines Area Association of Realtors Realtor Salesperson of the Year in 2001.
- Advocates for women’s heart health and stroke prevention and recovery. As a key volunteer for the American Heart Association, locally and nationally, she has received several AHA honors for fundraising campaigns.
- Worked on a Junior League project with the Iowa Homeless Youth Center; helped organize Sunday dinners for the youth in one of the homes.
HER ADVICE
“There’s a lot of compassionate people here and I think Des Moines does a great job of getting the word out that people need help. When they do, there’s always people around to help. They just need to ask for it.”
“Don’t be afraid to make a call, because sometimes as a salesperson, you kind of get complacent. And you don’t maybe want to get on the phone and call somebody that you don’t know and say, ‘Hey, I heard you were moving and wondered if you needed a realtor.’ … The worst thing they can say is ‘no.’”
COMMUNITY VOICE
“Marcia Wanamaker is the very definition of a sage: a humble yet impactful leader whose decades of community service and mentorship have quietly reshaped our region. She earns the respect of all who know her, not because she seeks acclaim, but because she consistently works behind the scenes to lift others and build a brighter, more connected community.” Margo Nahas, multimedia artist at Mainframe Studios
