Machine Shed Urbandale - Heart Of America Group

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

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

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

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

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

About Heart Of America

Starting with one, 100-seat restaurant in 1978, Heart of America Group has grown to include a portfolio of award-winning owned and operated restaurants, hotels and commercial developments. Noteworthy brands developed and operated by Heart of America Group include the Machine Shed Restaurant, Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse, The Republic on Grand, Hotel Renovo, Wildwood Lodge, Thunder Bay Grille, and The J Bar. We pride ourselves in building long-lasting properties that bring value to the consumer and to the communities in which we build.

Locations

Operations Support Center - Moline
1501 River Drive
Moline, Illinois 61265
P: 309.797.9300
F: 309.797.8700

Operations Support Center - Des Moines
515 E Locust Street, Suite 100
Des Moines, IA 50309