As President of QA Graphics, Dan McCarty knows the value of community. Having benefited from the relationships he's cultivated in town, he has grown his business into a premiere technology resource that helps organizations around the world explain their green initiatives to the public.
"Having grown up in Ankeny it gives me a sense of pride to have my business located here."
When Dan was still a junior in high school, his parents moved to Malibu, California. Dan chose to stay behind. He completed his junior and senior years in Ankeny before continuing his education at DMACC and finishing at the University of Iowa. Dan returned in 2006 to establish QA Graphics.
"I have friends and family ties in Ankeny," Dan says. "I think it is important to give back to a great community. Having grown up in Ankeny it gives me a sense of pride to have my business located here."
The advantages of basing his business in his hometown has given Dan an advantage when it comes to building relationships. "[There is greater] networking availability due to my relationships in Ankeny," he says. "[There is also] access to potential investors and advisers who know me personally."
When it comes to managing his business, Dan recognizes Ankeny's geographic location as an advantage for recruiting talent.
"Ankeny has a lot of allure being between Des Moines and Ames," he shares. "Eighty percent of my employees are graduates from Iowa State University. It is an easy commute for those still living in Ames [and] those living in Des Moines Metro."
Education is important to those McCarty hires. "Having access to well educated employees from either ISU and or the surrounding colleges, Drake, Grandview and DMACC" has also helped his business prosper, he says.
When it comes to helping his business grow, Dan credits local government for their involvement. "The City of Ankeny has been so helpful helping us stay in Ankeny and providing incentives for continued growth."
Dan even finds value in Ankeny's cultivated appearance as a resource. "The City has a clean and professional atmosphere," he notes. "Everyone that visits our office from outside of the state is very impressed."
Ankeny Works for a wide range of people and businesses! Ankeny works for young professionals and experienced executives leading organizations. Ankeny works for global organizations like John Deere and emerging technology companies like QA Graphics. Ankeny works for a balanced work and home life.
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