Urbandale
Nancy Shepard
Chief Operating Executive
Start Date: 9/10/2017
Personal Highlights
I love spending time with family and friends. My husband Tony also works for Heart of America as the COE of the West Des Moines Holiday Inn & Suites and Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse. We have three daughters, Alex is studying engineering at Iowa State, Gaby a junior in high school and Sam is in 7th grade. In my free time I enjoy watching my girls play softball, taking vacations near the ocean and cheering on the Cyclones.
John Weiler
Executive Chef
Start Date: 12/5/2018
Personal Highlights
When not at work you will find me with my family riding and racing bikes. We also love to entertain family and friends. We also are involved in many volunteer activities that support our communities less fortunate individuals.
Jessica Gabel
Front-Of-House Executive
Start Date: 3/16/2014
Personal Highlights
Through my years at The Shed, I have gotten married to my wonderful husband Rusty and had 2 beautiful children, Russell and Jessalynn. As for my free time, having young ones pretty much occupy that space for now. I look forward to continuing to grow with HOA.
Nick Kaperka
Front-Of-House Executive
Start Date: 7/16/2021
Personal Highlights
When I’m not at work I love spending time with my wife and friends. I also love cooking and watching movies. You can also catch me trying to find new places to go in Des Moines.
Julie Stepp
Front-Of-House Executive
Start Date: 4/17/2024
Personal Highlights
Outside of work I’m a Mother of 2 amazing girls and 3 as equally amazing grandchildren. I’m a hippie at heart, I love nature, hiking and chilling in my hammock. Get me to a music festival or concert though and I’m ready to go!
Kevin Rinehart
Back-Of-House Executive
Start Date: 11/4/2019
Personal Highlights
When I am not at work I am attending my daughters many activities. We love to travel. We try to have movie night once a week and we like to follow the Iowa Hawkeyes
Emily Rice
Back-Of-House Executive
Start Date: 2/17/2025
Personal Highlights
Since I was little, I’ve been food-obsessed—I’m constantly reading about food, whether it’s exploring new trends or discovering ingredients and techniques that are new to me. When I’m not working with food, you’ll find me dining with friends, exploring new culinary trends, or experimenting in my own kitchen. In my free time, I love exploring places and trying new experiences with my nieces and friends, whether it’s discovering hidden gems or embarking on fresh adventures together. Whether by myself or with friends, I’m always up for visiting a local restaurant or hunting for unique finds at a thrift store.