Anita Messerschmidt’s passion is her Computer Information Technology Company, EmbarkIT, Inc. located in West Des Moines. EmbarkIT offers Consultative Sales, Network Integration & Support, PC Repair, Apple Repair, Printer Repair, Maintenance Contracts, Managed Services, Technical Training & Testing, and even “Recycling for Green.” Anita has worked in Computer IT for over two and a half decades splitting her time as sales account executive and in management. After years of working for other local and national IT companies, Anita decided to strike out on her own. EmbarkIT began when Anita incorporated her business on 3/31/2005 at her kitchen table designing her logo, sending in for a Trademark, setting up vendors and selling technology solutions. Today, over 4 ½ years later, Anita has 15 employees and is located at 1303 50th Street. Anita feels that her employees and past customer relationships are the key to her success with EmbarkIT. Anita is very proud to say that EmbarkIT is a Certified Targeted Small Business in the State of Iowa. In October 2009, EmbarkIT became approved for the Federal Government 8(a) Program. In October, Anita was also nominated for 2009 Iowa Women of Innovation honoring her for excellence in Entrepreneurial Innovation and Leadership and Small Business Innovation and Leadership by the Technology Association of Iowa (TAI).
Anita was born and raised in South Dakota, where she attended the University of South Dakota and received a BFA Degree, (after which Anita taught music in Iowa schools for 10 years.) Anita married her college sweetheart, Rick Messerschmidt, a West Des Moines, Iowan and after college graduation they decided that Iowa would be their home. Rick and Anita raised two boys, Tony and Dan and are now proud grandparents of four grandchildren, all age 7 and under.
Anita is a member of several professional and service organizations. Among these are: Past President of Kiwanis Club of West Des Moines, Past President of Mu Phi Epsilon Alumni, NAWBO, NWBOC, Breakfast Club Inc., the Des Moines Partnership, Urbandale and West Des Moines Chambers of Commerce, and Ambassador for the West Des Moines Chamber. Anita had the great privilege on August 11, 2009, through the Business Record to honor another woman-owned business, Tero International’s, Rowena Crosbie, the “Woman Business Owner of the Year Award” at the Women of Influence.
Outside of work and family, Anita enjoys her membership in the St. Boniface church choir, singing and playing guitar, writing music, reading, swimming and even once in a while playing golf. Anita’s motto is: “Work hard, treat others in life as you would like to be treated and go have some fun.”
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