Top Corporate Offices in Iowa: Where Innovation and Opportunity Converge
Iowa might be known for its rolling farmlands, friendly communities, and famous State Fair, but the Hawkeye State also boasts a robust business ecosystem. With a pro-business environment, strong agricultural roots, and growing tech and finance sectors, Iowa is home to both household-name corporations and trailblazing startups. In this post, we’ll explore some of the top corporate offices that call Iowa home and look at how they’re shaping the state’s future.
1. Principal Financial Group (Des Moines)
Industry: Financial Services & Insurance
Why They Shine:
Founded in 1879, Principal Financial Group has become one of the nation’s leading providers of retirement services, insurance, and asset management. Headquartered in Des Moines, Principal plays a significant role in the city’s emergence as a finance and insurance hub, while also contributing to local community initiatives and economic growth throughout the region.
2. Hy-Vee (West Des Moines)
Industry: Grocery & Retail
Why They Shine:
Hy-Vee is an employee-owned grocery store chain operating in several Midwestern states. Known for its wide range of products, in-store dining, and customer-focused service, Hy-Vee’s presence is deeply woven into Iowa’s culture. The company’s innovative approaches to online grocery shopping, pharmacy services, and health-focused programs underscore its commitment to evolving consumer needs.
3. Casey’s General Stores (Ankeny)
Industry: Convenience Stores & Fuel
Why They Shine:
Casey’s has become a Midwestern icon, operating convenience stores in small towns and bigger cities alike. Headquartered in Ankeny, just north of Des Moines, Casey’s is famous for its made-from-scratch pizza and robust community involvement. With thousands of locations across multiple states, it continues to demonstrate how a local Iowa brand can successfully scale while staying true to its roots.
4. Collins Aerospace (Cedar Rapids)
Industry: Aerospace & Defense
Why They Shine:
Formerly known as Rockwell Collins, Collins Aerospace is a major player in avionics and mission systems for commercial and military use. The company’s facility in Cedar Rapids is integral to its global operations, contributing advanced aviation technologies and high-skilled jobs. Collins Aerospace exemplifies Iowa’s growing foothold in high-tech manufacturing and innovation.
5. Pella Corporation (Pella)
Industry: Window & Door Manufacturing
Why They Shine:
Pella Corporation has specialized in premium windows and doors for nearly a century. Headquartered in the charming town of Pella, the company combines Dutch heritage with modern engineering to deliver innovative building products. Pella’s commitment to craftsmanship and sustainability has helped it become a trusted name in home construction and remodeling.
6. HNI Corporation (Muscatine)
Industry: Office Furniture & Hearth Products
Why They Shine:
HNI Corporation, with brands like HON and Allsteel, is one of the largest office furniture manufacturers in the world. Based in Muscatine—often referred to as the “Pearl of the Mississippi”—HNI’s emphasis on design, ergonomics, and workplace efficiency keeps it competitive in global markets. Its presence underscores Iowa’s significant manufacturing tradition.
7. John Deere (Waterloo & Other Iowa Locations)
Industry: Agricultural & Construction Machinery
Why They Shine:
Though headquartered across the river in Moline, Illinois, John Deere maintains a massive footprint in Iowa, particularly in Waterloo, where large-scale tractor production takes place. Deere’s agricultural machinery is integral to farming communities worldwide, and its Iowa facilities underscore the brand’s longtime connection to the heartland’s agricultural heritage.
8. Meredith Corporation (Des Moines)
Industry: Media & Publishing
Why They Shine:
Meredith Corporation, recently acquired and reorganized as part of larger media entities, remains a significant name in Des Moines. Known for household magazines like Better Homes & Gardens and Parents, Meredith has been a cornerstone of Iowa’s publishing landscape for decades. Its innovations in digital media and content marketing illustrate how a traditional publisher can adapt to modern consumer trends.
9. MidAmerican Energy Company (Des Moines)
Industry: Utilities & Energy
Why They Shine:
Part of Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway family of companies, MidAmerican Energy provides electricity and natural gas to customers throughout Iowa and parts of surrounding states. The company has invested heavily in wind energy projects, making Iowa one of the top wind-generating states in the country. MidAmerican’s focus on sustainability and modern infrastructure positions Iowa as a leader in renewable energy.
10. Kum & Go (Des Moines)
Industry: Convenience Stores & Fuel
Why They Shine:
Kum & Go is another major convenience store chain that calls the Des Moines metro area home. Known for its sleek store designs and philanthropic efforts, Kum & Go has expanded across multiple states while maintaining a family-owned ethos. The brand’s continued growth highlights Iowa’s strong tradition of building successful retail and service-oriented businesses.
Iowa’s Strategic Advantages
Iowa stands out for its blend of agricultural legacy, educational opportunities, and entrepreneurial spirit. Key benefits of establishing or expanding a business in the Hawkeye State include:
- Robust Agricultural Sector: Iowa’s fertile soil and extensive farming heritage foster agribusiness innovation, creating numerous opportunities for collaboration and expansion.
- Growing Tech & Finance Hubs: Des Moines is recognized as a financial powerhouse, while cities like Cedar Rapids and Ames increasingly support tech ventures and startups.
- Strong Education & Workforce: Home to multiple universities and community colleges, Iowa cultivates a skilled talent pool—especially in fields like engineering, life sciences, and business.
- Quality of Life & Affordability: Low cost of living, safe communities, and accessible outdoor recreation attract both young professionals and established families.
Neighboring & Competing States
While Iowa excels in agriculture and emerging tech, a few nearby states also present robust competition—and opportunities for cross-border collaboration:
- Illinois: Home to major players in finance, manufacturing, and agribusiness, Illinois (with Chicago as a global hub) naturally intersects with Iowa in trade, logistics, and talent acquisition.
- Minnesota: Anchored by the Twin Cities, Minnesota hosts corporate giants like 3M, Target, and Best Buy. Its strong healthcare and tech sectors can vie for talent, but also partner with Iowa-based firms.
- Nebraska: Another agriculturally rich state, Nebraska (headquartered around Omaha and Lincoln) competes with Iowa in areas like agribusiness, logistics, and finance. The proximity often fosters synergy in research and development, too.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur scouting the Midwest for new opportunities, an investor eyeing Iowa’s growing sectors, or simply curious about the state’s economic landscape, the Hawkeye State’s top corporate offices showcase its capacity for innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth.
Know any other standout Iowa-based companies? Drop a comment below and share what makes Iowa a prime destination for business, agriculture, and beyond!