Our founder, Donald Tietz has always believed that financial success is followed by the challenge of what to do with it.
Don's father taught him very early in life that 'to whom much is given much shall be required' (Luke 12:48). This means we are all held responsible for what we have. If we have been blessed with talents, wealth, knowledge, time, and the like, it is expected that we benefit others. "Our youth are the future leaders of tomorrow, who will then be held responsible with the same challenge."
Don's passion is Algona and our community resources. He believes we must teach and retain our youth while attracting others to our area. True economic development is the creation of new wealth.

You have to start out with a vision. You have to see things that other people don't see."
– DONALD TIETZ

Don was born and raised in Lone Rock, Iowa and refers to himself as a “country boy”. He graduated high school and went on to study engineering and business in college. Don has worked in several fields and has many talents. He’s completed pilot training, worked as a police officer and is a certified master electrician. In 1962 Don became interested in real estate. He started Tietz Construction Company and later founded Build-A-Rama, a commercial real estate development company. He developed a residential subdivision and various developments in Iowa and Minnesota. Don has also been founder and past president of West Gate Development in Osceola, Iowa and Barco Development Company. In 1986 he founded Heartland Industries, focusing on additional commercial, industrial and residential developments.
Current projects:
Owner of Tietz Perpetual Farms ( approx. 3,000 acres choice Iowa farm land)
Developer of various residential and commercial subdivisions
Owner and manager of Heartland Industries
Major owner of Eastland Senior Apartments
Owner and developer of motels
Co-promoter of the film “Silent Night in Algona”
Don has active affiliations with:
Young Presidents Organization, World Presidents Organization, Defense Orientation Conference Association, Masonic Order, Shrine & Jester, Des Moines Consistory, American Institute of Management, President’s Council of Management, World Business Council, Who’s Who Worldwide, Algona Industrial Development Corp., Region 3 Economic Development, Past Director of Economic Development, Governors Leadership Award, Several Governors Committees, Outstanding Young Man of America award 1965, Des Moines Area College of Architectural Advisor, Honorary Colonel Iowa Militia, Iowa Board of Correction, 3 terms, appointments by two Governors, 12 years.