Relocating for romance also led to “the coolest” career opportunity
The series of events that brought Kelsey O’Connor to Iowa sounds like the plot of a romantic comedy. Her love story started with a whirlwind meet-cute at a wedding on the East Coast. Sparks flew with an Iowan named Colton, but one night on the dance floor wasn’t enough to cement a long-distance relationship. Kelsey was living in her home state of North Carolina, and the man of her dreams was proudly rooted in the Midwest.
The pair met again a few years later at a celebration of life. Colton invited Kelsey to visit him in Des Moines, and they began dating. Eventually, their undeniable connection (and an exciting career opportunity with the Iowa Association of Business and Industry) convinced Kelsey to make her move to Iowa in 2023, where they eventually got married and recently welcomed a daughter.
Q: As a North Carolina native, did moving to Iowa resolve any misconceptions you had about the Midwest?
Growing up on the East Coast, and having limited exposure to the Midwest, I considered everywhere in the region—Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri—to be the same. Now, I can see the clear distinctions. Colton did such a good job selling [me on] Des Moines. Prior to officially dating, he said, “You have to come to Iowa to visit. It’s the greatest place on Earth.” I booked a direct flight from CLT to DSM and the first thing we did when I got off the plane was drive downtown. He gave me the grand tour, starting with our beautiful state Capitol. I joked that he should give tours of Des Moines for a job. Now I love Des Moines too! Although Southern Hospitality can come across as not always being genuine, ‘Iowa Nice’ has proven to be true. Everybody I meet makes me feel welcome in this community.
Q: How did you choose where to live in Central Iowa?
We rented a townhome in West Des Moines for almost two years. Colton’s mom still owns his childhood home in Norwalk, and we used her backyard for our garden. We would give vegetables to all the neighbors, including the couple across the street.
One day, the lady who owned the house told us she would be moving. We let her know we were interested in a private sale, and we ended up being able to purchase it as our home. We felt extremely lucky because Norwalk has grown dramatically over the last several years.
To this day, we still maintain the garden in my mother-in-law’s backyard and give away buckets of fresh veggies every summer! It’s a great way to get to know your neighbors.
We also own land in Decatur County, where Colton proposed to me and where we hope to build our dream home one day.
Q: How did you land your role promoting Iowa’s robust manufacturing industry?
When I knew that I was moving to Des Moines, I started looking for jobs here. The local market was really good. Nicole Crain, who was the [Iowa Association of Business and Industry] VP and is now our President, messaged me after I submitted an application on LinkedIn. She followed up to ask, “You do know this role is in person, right?“ Luckily, I already had a visit planned and was able to do an in-person interview with the team. I didn’t get those usual interview jitters. It felt like I belonged there from the very beginning.
Q: Why do you enjoy working on ABI’s Coolest Thing Made in Iowa competition?
It feels so good to celebrate manufacturing [through the competition]. My first job out of college was at the same manufacturer where my dad, grandpa and great grandpa worked, so this work honors my roots. Growing up, I saw the impact manufacturers can have on driving the economy in a small town. And that can be said for so many manufacturers and the small towns they operate in here in Iowa.
Q: The John Deere CP770 Cotton Picker won the contest in 2025. Were there any small businesses in the running?
Yes! Three of the four finalists were small, growing companies. Country Maid, Inc. from West Bend makes the Butter Braid® Pastry. They’re delicious and such a fun treat to share. I love that they bring people together and support fundraising efforts across communities.
The Moose Fireplace Grill in Red Oak is family-owned. I think it’s incredible that they made it to the final four with zero full-time employees. That really shows their creativity, passion and dedicated fan/customer base.
From Cedar Falls, we had the CHC Chocolate Pump by Viking Pump, Inc. These pumps help move chocolate all over the world, including in Hershey’s facilities and the Bellagio’s famous chocolate fountain.
We’re kicking off a manufacturing tour of Iowa in a Winnebago RV and stopping at Vermeer, the 2024 Coolest Thing Made in Iowa winner.
Q: Since your husband Colton works in grain origination, what have you come to appreciate about Iowa’s agricultural industry?
Being married to someone who is ingrained (no pun intended) so deeply into the agriculture industry has taught me so much. It’s taught me where my food comes from – literally from farm to table. He purchases grain from farmers to feed hogs who then feed the world. We are passionate about the process and the people in both of our careers that we get to support and celebrate every day.
North Carolina has mountains and the coast. Those are beautiful. When I go past fields of corn or soybeans just popping through the ground in early summer, or I see a farmer running a combine on a crisp autumn day, that’s beautiful. They are feeding the world. When I drive downtown every day, and I see the glimmer of the golden dome, that’s beautiful, too. This is truly a special place.
