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.

Blake Wenzel

Blake Wenzel

Front-Of-House Executive
Start Date: 7/21/2021
Personal Highlights

I really enjoy a number of different outdoor activities, from foraging to fishing I have learned that Iowa provides ample opportunities for enjoyment throughout every season. Having a three year old son has given me newfound respect for all of my fun activities as well.

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.

Ryan Morrison

Ryan Morrison

Front-Of-House Executive
Start Date: 5/23/2023
Personal Highlights

I love staying active and finding things to do. One of my favorite distractions is spending time with my 4 year old daughter Sloane. When I don’t have her, I have numerous hobbies and interest to keep my distracted. If I had to narrow it down to just a few though I’m usually riding my motorcycle, kayaking, or line and swing dancing.

Michael Dillow

Michael Dillow

Back-Of-House Executive
Start Date: 10/14/22
Personal Highlights

I am a family man and I love our big crew. I really love spending quiet time with my wife and our three dogs a Bullmastiff, a German Rottweiler, and a German Shepherd wolf. We love to travel, and we look forward to exploring Des Moines and all that it has to offer!.

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

Emily Morgan

Emily Morgan

Back-Of-House Executive
Start Date: 12/8/2021
Personal Highlights

I love to go fishing and play just about any sport. I’ve still got one hell of an arm, and I do believe I still hold a few high school records for being the fastest and strongest girl. I did amateur boxing in the service and I was a lifeguard in high school.

Kayla Marquette

Kayla Marquette

Back-of-House Executive
Start Date: 8/1/2023
Personal Highlights

When I am not at work I am spending time with family. I love to cook family meals, but also love to just go outside and soak up the sun and on rainy days I like to stay inside and play the X-Box with my daughter. I spend the summers taking my dog to the dog park, going to the pool and going to a virtual reality arcades with my family.

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