About Us

Ben grew up in small town Northeast Iowa, he moved to the big city and attended college at The University of Northern Iowa. Graduating with a BA in Criminology & Sociology. Ben is a proud UNI Panther Football alum, this is where his nickname “Big Ben” was coined! Now Ben is an Ankeny resident, and married to his beautiful wife Kristen. He is a loving father to 4 children and 2 step children. With 6 kids and a business to run, Ben's free time is limited but he makes the most of it by coaching youth sports including football, basketball, and baseball. When he's not coaching or working he's out on the lake catching walleye. Ben has been a licensed insurance agent since 2004! He's got a list of accomplishments and awards a mile long, we won't bore you with the details but swing by the office and he will proudly show them off!

Taylor was born and raised in central Iowa and grew up in the thriving community of Waukee! She attended Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, working towards her Associate Degree in Liberal Arts & Sciences, General Studies, and Humanities. After two years, she continued with her education and attended Grand View University in Des Moines. All throughout her educational career, Taylor served as the middle hitter for Kirkwood Eagles and Grand View Vikings volleyball teams, earning many notable awards in the process. Taylor completed her Bachelor of Arts in Communications & Media Practice with a Minor in Business. She is now beginning her professional career working alongside Ben to learn all things corporate! When Taylor isn’t in the office, she enjoys being outdoors, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.

Originally from the Des Moines Metro, Jay is a hardworking Iowan through and through! Jay started his career as an entrepreneur in high school, owning and operating his own business successfully for many years. He was later licensed in insurance in 2003, and has since spent his career in the industry. Jay and his wife Michele have been married an impressive 34 years! When Jay isn’t consulting for Buenzow Insurance Group he and Michele own and operate an antique furniture business, refurbishing and refinishing antique pieces from across the country. In his free time Jay enjoys the simpler things in life like spending time with the new kittens Archer & Abby that he and Michele just adopted! If you can't find Jay working his tail off its almost a guarantee that he's out on the water undoubtedly setting up for an epic waterfowl hunt!

Jason took a B.I.G. leap and landed as an Agent here at Buenzow Insurance Group! Previously, Jason’s impact could be felt throughout the Des Moines metro serving as an athletic trainer. Taking a break from physical care, he is continuing to impact the metro by obtaining his insurance license and providing excellent care and service to the B.I.G. family of insureds. Jason is ready to hit the ground pedaling! Yes Pedaling, when Jason isn't in the office you will find him and his wife Shelby riding and racing their bikes across the Midwest! Jason has a background in athletic training, as well as spending a decade coaching college baseball! As you're rounding the bases of your insurance coverage trust in Jason for the home run!

Chad grew up in the small town of Humbolt Iowa where he attended DMACC and graduated with his associate degree in criminal justice. Chad’s B.I.G. passion for helping people is what led him to the insurance industry. Chad is excited to make an impact in the community and build a long-term book of business with Buenzow Insurance Group. Him and his wife Hillary are on their toes raising two amazing children, who are 5 and 4 years old. His family loves staying busy, whether that be going to his sons wrestling meets, golfing, watching sports, or taking the kids for golf cart rides around the neighborhood! Chad is all about enjoying life to the fullest, so give him a call and make sure you’re correctly protected!

Originally from Minnetonka Minnesota, Brian graduated from Minesota Community College with his associate degree in Hotel Management and a minor in marketing. Brian’s passion for the Hotel industry followed him as he made the move to the Des Moines Metro. He began working as General Manager of Hotels & Resorts throughout the entire U.S. along with working in personal and commercial lines Insurance! Brian has always been a B.I.G. hustler in his career and in our community, which guided him to Buenzow Insurance Group! Brian and his wife, Ellen, raised 4 wonderful children and enjoy time with their 8 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren! A wise man himself, he focuses on spending time and mentoring his family to be the best they can be!

Originally from Ankeny, Iowa, Doug graduated as a proud alum from The University of Northern Iowa with his BA in Economics. Doug has been making a B.I.G. impression in the community from the very start of his professional career! You may recognize Doug from being a successful Vice President, Commercial Loan Officer in the Des Moines Metro! Although he didn’t want his knowledge to stop there, so he obtained his insurance license. Doug joined the B.I.G. team to bring more value to further meet the needs of current and new clients. Doug and his daughter love being outdoors, especially accompanied by his four B.I.G. Great Danes named Beau, Harley, Maverick, & Goose!

Steve was born and raised in Des Moines, Iowa where he attended Drake University with a degree in theater arts and speech. He then moved to Las Vegas where he graduated from the Jon Gregory Talent Center, which is when Steve’s career took off B.I.G. in the entertainment business! Steve worked 30 years as an entertainment agent/ promoter representing high profile celebrities and sport stars! He is best known for being the personal manager of Tiny Tim as well as being the author for “Tiny Time & Mr. Plym”. After settling back down in Des Moines, Steve shares memories that seem like they come straight out of a movie, and that you could listen to for hours! Steve is a great public speaker; has the voice that draws your attention while connecting with you on a personal level, which is why we are grateful to have him connecting with clients! A fun fact around the office is that Steve is actually an ordained minister and conducted Ben and Kristens wedding!

Kelly is originally from Overland Park Kansas and ended up moving to Iowa where she graduated from Ankeny High School. As a recent first-time home buyer, Kelly and her Wife decided to put their roots down in Mitchellville, Iowa, alongside their husky and hairless Siamese cat! Kelly has been working in the insurance and finance industry for 5 years where she has obtained her Series 7 and Series 66 license, as well as her Life & Health Insurance License. Kelly places B.I.G. importance on continuing to improve her education, which is why she is excited to learn in an insurance brokerage setting. Her ambitious personality keeps her busy as she is also the owner of a luxury picnic and event planning company which she spends most of her time doing on the weekends throughout the summer! If it is warm and sunny outside you will generally find Kelly doing some sort of outdoor activity!

Faith began her career in the Des Moines Metro and has been residing in Urbandale ever since! Faith has been working in the commercial insurance industry for 45 years where she has received many notable awards. Faith has been a leader over the years with Manufacturing, Restaurants, and the Hospitality/Hotel Industry in assisting them with their insurance programs. Faith was most recently awarded the 2023 Champion of the Year for Iowa’s Hotel and Lodging Association where she also serves as the director for IHLA. Since the beginning of her career, Faith’s B.I.G. focus has been forming relationships with clients, which is where her passion stems from! Faith and her wonderful husband Allen love spending quality time with their 3 children and 5 grandchildren combined! They also enjoy taking their 2 Pomeranians, Daiquiri, and Drambuie, for a walk around the neighborhood!

Driven by a passion for helping clients make informed insurance decisions, Paul brings over 30 years of experience in the insurance industry to B.I.G. After earning his Associate of Health Science degree from California College for Health Science, he started and owned Pella Insurance and developed a deep understanding of insurance products and their value to clients. Although enjoying his retirement, Paul still wanted to stay involved in the insurance industry to continue making a difference. He joined B.I.G. to apply his extensive knowledge and ensure clients are well-informed when selecting coverage. Outside of work, Paul values family above all else. He and his wife of over 40 years have four children and 14 grandchildren, and they make time for monthly family meals and annual camping trips. When not spending time with his loved ones, Paul enjoys traveling—whether it's exploring the mountains in the summer or relaxing on Florida beaches in the winter. He is excited to bring his expertise to B.I.G. and build lasting relationships with clients.

Growing up in Ankeny, Iowa, Tyler pursued his college education at Iowa State University, where he earned a degree in Finance. During high school, Tyler was active in sports, playing both basketball and football, and continues to carry that team-oriented mindset into his professional life. Tyler joined B.I.G. for the opportunity to learn from Ben and contribute to the agency’s exciting growth. With a passion for building strong relationships and working collaboratively, he’s eager to help establish B.I.G. as a leading agency while growing his own skills in the insurance industry. Outside of work, Tyler enjoys cheering on his favorite sports teams, golfing with friends, traveling when time permits, and spending quality time with his dog, Bandit. Tyler is excited to start his career with B.I.G. and looks forward to contributing to its success.