Top 12 PR firms in Des Moines
12 PR firms in Des Moines that are operating today, each checked against its own site and at least one independent source. Who leads them, the work they can show, what they cost where they publish it, and the reason each one made the list. Nobody pays to be ranked.
- firms, ranked
- 12
- sources cited
- 35
- median years in business
- 30
- with a named leader
- 12/12
The list at a glance
Scroll sideways →| # | Firm | Based in | Since | Team | Led by | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | LS2groupProfile | Des Moines, IA | 2006 | 51–200 | Charles W. Larson Jr. | Estimated: $3,000–$8,000/mo, typical for Des Moines PR retainers; not a quote. |
| 02 | Wixted & CompanyProfile | West Des Moines, IA | 1989 | 11–50 | Eileen Wixted | Estimated: $3,000–$8,000/mo, typical for Des Moines PR retainers; not a quote. |
| 03 | Hanser & AssociatesProfile | Des Moines, IA | 1996 | 1–10 | C. Ryan Hanser, APR | Estimated: $3,000–$8,000/mo, typical for Des Moines PR retainers; not a quote. |
| 04 | MeyocksProfile | West Des Moines, IA | 1984 | 51–200 | Kelly Ferguson | Estimated: $3,000–$8,000/mo, typical for Des Moines PR retainers; not a quote. |
| 05 | Flynn WrightProfile | Des Moines, IA | 1984 | 51–200 | Paul Schlueter | Estimated: $3,000–$8,000/mo, typical for Des Moines PR retainers; not a quote. |
| 06 | Strategic AmericaProfile | West Des Moines, IA | 1980 | 51–200 | Matt Strawn | Estimated: $3,000–$8,000/mo, typical for Des Moines PR retainers; not a quote. |
| 07 | Strategic ElementsProfile | West Des Moines, IA | 2009 | 11–50 | Christine Stineman | Estimated: $3,000–$8,000/mo, typical for Des Moines PR retainers; not a quote. |
| 08 | The Concept WorksProfile | West Des Moines, IA | 2002 | 1–10 | Eric Woolson | Estimated: $3,000–$8,000/mo, typical for Des Moines PR retainers; not a quote. |
| 09 | Gillette Strategic ResourcesProfile | Des Moines, IA | 1995 | 1–10 | Graham Gillette | Estimated: $3,000–$8,000/mo, typical for Des Moines PR retainers; not a quote. |
| 10 | Concordia GroupProfile | Des Moines, IA | 2007 | 1–10 | Nick Ryan | Estimated: $3,000–$8,000/mo, typical for Des Moines PR retainers; not a quote. |
| 11 | Thelen Public RelationsProfile | Johnston, IA | 2013 | 1–10 | Ann Foster Thelen | Estimated: $3,000–$8,000/mo, typical for Des Moines PR retainers; not a quote. |
| 12 | Luneckas ConsultingProfile | Des Moines, IA | n/a | n/a | Lezli Luneckas Broomhall | Estimated: $3,000–$8,000/mo, typical for Des Moines PR retainers; not a quote. |
Where a firm has not published a price, the figure is a typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.
- 01
Led by Charles W. Larson Jr., Founding Partner
- Des Moines, IA
- Since 2006
- 51–200 people
LS2group is a bipartisan public relations, public affairs and government affairs firm headquartered in Des Moines, founded in 2006, with more than 50 team members spread across Iowa, Washington, D.C. and roughly ten other states. Its services cover media relations, crisis communications, marketing, international counsel, event planning and media training, and its site carries case studies for Holmes Murphy and the Global Insurance Symposium. Clutch lists it with 50-249 staff.
Why it’s hereNamed Best PR Firm by the Des Moines Business Record every year from 2020 to 2025 and an Inc. 5000 honoree in 2016, per its own site.
Best forCompanies, trade groups and insurers that need government affairs and lobbying alongside PR and crisis communications, from a bipartisan Des Moines firm with 50+ staff and people in a dozen states plus D.C.
ls2group.com · homepage on September 28, 2026 - Known for
- public relations · public affairs · government affairs · crisis communications · event management
- Named clients
- Holmes Murphy, Global Insurance Symposium
- Recognition
- Estimated cost
Estimated: $3,000–$8,000/mo, typical for Des Moines PR retainers; not a quote.
Typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.
Site checked live September 28, 2026Sources ls2group.com, expertise.com, clutch.co, inc.comLinkedIn ↗
- 02
Led by Eileen Wixted, Founder, Principal and CEO (Jake Brus is President)
- West Des Moines, IA
- Since 1989
- 11–50 people
Wixted & Company is a strategic communication firm at 4401 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, founded by former television news anchor Eileen Wixted and now listing about 20 staff. It provides crisis communication, communication strategy and writing, media relations, communication training and video services, with Expertise.com noting work in the nuclear, agriculture, healthcare and finance sectors. The firm is WBENC-certified as a woman-owned business.
Why it’s hereA crisis-communication and media-training specialist operating in the Des Moines market for more than three decades, with Clutch and Expertise.com both recording a 1989 founding.
Best forAgribusiness, finance, insurance, healthcare, manufacturing and nuclear or energy companies that need crisis communication counsel, media relations, spokesperson training and video from a WBENC-certified Iowa firm.
thinkwixted.com · homepage on September 28, 2026 - Known for
- crisis communication · media training · media relations · communication strategy · video
- Estimated cost
Estimated: $3,000–$8,000/mo, typical for Des Moines PR retainers; not a quote.
Typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.
- Office
- 4401 Westown Parkway, Ste. 116 · West Des Moines, IA · 50266 · 515.226.0818
Site checked live September 28, 2026Sources thinkwixted.com, expertise.com, clutch.coLinkedIn ↗
- 03
Led by C. Ryan Hanser, APR, President and Principal
- Des Moines, IA
- Since 1996
- 1–10 people
Hanser & Associates is a public relations firm at 500 Locust Street in downtown Des Moines, founded in 1996 by Ronald Hanser, APR and C. Ryan Hanser, APR. It offers media relations, crisis management, public affairs, product launches, reputation management, research and social media for clients in agribusiness, financial services, healthcare, energy, education and other sectors. Clutch lists it with 2-9 employees.
Why it’s hereA PR Council member since 2001 and the Iowa partner in the IPREX global agency network, giving a small Des Moines firm access to more than 115 partner offices.
Best forIowa companies and associations that need crisis communications, public affairs, media relations and reputation work from a PR firm founded in 1996 with partner offices worldwide through the IPREX network.
hanser.com · homepage on September 28, 2026 - Known for
- public relations · public affairs · crisis management · media training · reputation management
- Estimated cost
Estimated: $3,000–$8,000/mo, typical for Des Moines PR retainers; not a quote.
Typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.
- Office
- 500 Locust Street #142 · Des Moines, IA · 50309 · 515-224-1086
Site checked live September 28, 2026Sources hanser.com, clutch.co, themanifest.com
- 04
Led by Kelly Ferguson, President + Chief Executive Officer
- West Des Moines, IA
- Since 1984
- 51–200 people
Meyocks is a full-service agency at 6800 Lake Drive in West Des Moines whose services include public relations alongside advertising, brand strategy, market research, package design, SEO and social media. Its client roster is weighted toward agriculture and food, including ADM, Farm Credit Services of America, Grinnell Mutual, Hy-Vee and the Iowa Pork Producers Association. Clutch records the agency as founded in 1984 with 50-249 staff.
Why it’s hereA 40-year West Des Moines agency whose longest client relationship spans 36 years and whose named PR and brand clients include ADM and Hy-Vee.
Best forAgriculture, Farm Credit lenders, and food and grocery brands (clients include Hy-Vee, Topco, ADM and Farm Credit Services of America) that want branding, campaigns, PR and digital from one Iowa agency.
meyocks.com · homepage on September 28, 2026 - Known for
- public relations · brand strategy · agriculture and food marketing · advertising · social media
- Named clients
- ADM, Farm Credit Services of America, Grinnell Mutual, Hy-Vee, Iowa Pork Producers Association, Hass Avocado Board, Practical Farmers of Iowa, YMCA
- Selected work
- Seed Consultants. Integrated campaign aimed at eastern Corn Belt farmers that reached a 95% site engagement rate. case study ↗
- Hy-Vee. Named and launched Vivid Clear Rx, Hy-Vee's pharmacy benefits manager with a transparent pricing model. case study ↗
- Iowa Pork Producers Association. Nine-week retail push with Hy-Vee to lift pork sales during an industry downturn. case study ↗
- Recognition
- Estimated cost
Estimated: $3,000–$8,000/mo, typical for Des Moines PR retainers; not a quote.
Typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.
- Office
- 6800 Lake Drive, Suite 150 · West Des Moines, IA · 50266 · 1.515.225.1200
Site checked live September 28, 2026Sources meyocks.com, clutch.coLinkedIn ↗
- 05
Led by Paul Schlueter, CEO
- Des Moines, IA
- Since 1984
- 51–200 people
Flynn Wright is a full-service advertising agency founded in 1984 with offices in Des Moines, Sioux Falls and Portland. Its about page lists a dedicated six-person PR and content team alongside 30 account-service, 26 creative and 16 media staff, and describes strategic communication campaigns built on research before strategy. The Manifest lists it with 50-249 employees.
Why it’s hereA 100-person shop operating since 1984, and among the few Des Moines agencies that publish a standing PR department headcount.
Best forRegional brands in utilities, ag, healthcare and tourism that want research-driven campaigns plus media, direct marketing and PR from one Des Moines shop founded in 1984, with offices in Sioux Falls and Portland.
flynnwright.com · homepage on September 28, 2026 - Known for
- public relations · research · media planning · creative · direct marketing
- Selected work
- South Dakota Corn. Research-led ethanol promotion campaign; sales of Unleaded 88 rose more than sixfold on Unleaded 88 Day. case study ↗
- Estimated cost
Estimated: $3,000–$8,000/mo, typical for Des Moines PR retainers; not a quote.
Typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.
- Office
- 1408 Locust Street · Des Moines, IA · 50309 · (515) 243-2845
Site checked live September 28, 2026Sources flynnwright.com, themanifest.com, businessrecord.com
- 06
Led by Matt Strawn, President and CEO
- West Des Moines, IA
- Since 1980
- 51–200 people
Strategic America is a full-service marketing agency at 6600 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, founded in 1980 and employee-owned through an ESOP since 2021. Its service list includes a named strategic communications and PR practice built around research-based key messages, alongside media planning, digital advertising, SEO, web design and multi-location marketing. The Manifest lists it with 50-249 employees.
Why it’s hereAn employee-owned West Des Moines agency operating since 1980 with a distinct strategic communications and PR practice.
Best forNational and multi-location brands, franchises and manufacturers with dealer networks that need local marketing, co-op programs and media run from one employee-owned agency.
UpdateFounded in 1980 and employee-owned through an ESOP since 2021; Matt Strawn became CEO in June 2026 after John Schreurs retired.
strategicamerica.com · homepage on September 28, 2026 - Known for
- strategic communications and PR · media planning and buying · multi-location marketing · digital advertising · social media
- Selected work
- Exmark. Built a dealer channel marketing program with co-op budgets that grew dealer participation from about 300 dealers to more than 1,500. case study ↗
- American Heart Association. Ran an integrated stroke awareness campaign, "Stroke Can Strike Anyone." case study ↗
- Estimated cost
Estimated: $3,000–$8,000/mo, typical for Des Moines PR retainers; not a quote.
Typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.
- Office
- 6600 Westown Parkway, Suite 100 · West Des Moines, IA · 50266 · 515-599-9058
Site checked live September 28, 2026Sources strategicamerica.com, themanifest.comLinkedIn ↗
- 07
Led by Christine Stineman, Co-founder
- West Des Moines, IA
- Since 2009
- 11–50 people
Strategic Elements is a public affairs firm founded in 2009 by Christine Stineman and John Stineman and headquartered in West Des Moines, with additional locations listed in Washington, D.C., San Francisco, Miami, Houston, Atlanta, Pierre and Savannah. It offers market environment assessment, stakeholder mapping and customised strategy design, and is a certified woman-owned small business. Clutch lists it with 10-49 employees.
Why it’s hereA woman-owned Iowa public affairs firm with eight listed offices and memberships in the Public Affairs Council, PRSA and the American Association of Political Consultants.
Best forTrade associations, corporations and advocacy groups running public affairs, grassroots and coalition campaigns that need earned media, digital advocacy and government affairs support.
UpdateCertified woman-owned public affairs firm co-founded by Christine and John Stineman, with offices listed in West Des Moines, Washington DC and six other cities.
strategicelements.com · homepage on September 28, 2026 - Known for
- public affairs · stakeholder mapping · campaign strategy · public relations · digital advocacy
- Selected work
- Muscular Dystrophy Association. Produced accessibility videos for MDA's air travel advocacy during FAA reauthorization; the campaign won the Public Affairs Council's 2024 Communications Innovation award. case study ↗
- Estimated cost
Estimated: $3,000–$8,000/mo, typical for Des Moines PR retainers; not a quote.
Typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.
Site checked live September 28, 2026Sources strategicelements.com, clutch.co, themanifest.com, pac.orgLinkedIn ↗
- 08
Led by Eric Woolson, President and Chief Executive Officer
- West Des Moines, IA
- Since 2002
- 1–10 people
The Concept Works is a public relations and government relations firm at 1001 Office Park Road in West Des Moines, founded in 2002 and led by president Eric Woolson. It handles media relations, crisis management, public affairs and marketing for corporate, retail, nonprofit and individual clients, and Woolson has run Iowa communications for the Huckabee, Pawlenty, Bachmann and Walker presidential campaigns. Clutch lists the firm with 2-9 employees.
Why it’s hereIts founder has been named one of Iowa's top ten political operatives by National Journal and a top Iowa political strategist by Campaigns & Elections, per the firm's site.
Best forCandidates, advocacy groups and organizations with business before Iowa government that need media relations, public affairs, government relations or crisis communications from a political veteran whose past campaigns include Huckabee, Pawlenty, Walker and Branstad.
theconceptworks.com · homepage on September 28, 2026 - Known for
- public relations · government relations · crisis management · public affairs · media relations
- Estimated cost
Estimated: $3,000–$8,000/mo, typical for Des Moines PR retainers; not a quote.
Typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.
- Office
- 6855 Woodland Ave. #1308 · West Des Moines, IA · 50266 · (515) 681-3967
Site checked live September 28, 2026Sources theconceptworks.com, expertise.com, clutch.co
- 09
Led by Graham Gillette, Founder
- Des Moines, IA
- Since 1995
- 1–10 people
Gillette Strategic Resources is a small strategic communications consultancy in Des Moines led by Graham Gillette. It advises public, private and nonprofit organisations on communications planning, message development and alignment, issue and reputation management, and support during periods of change. Clutch records the firm as founded in 1995 with 2-9 employees.
Why it’s hereA Des Moines PR-only consultancy that Clutch dates to 1995, making it one of the longer-running independent counsel practices in the metro.
Best forPublic agencies, nonprofits and private organizations that need senior counsel on messaging, stakeholder engagement and reputation issues during a change or controversy.
UpdateSolo communications consultancy founded and run by Graham Gillette, a former White House staffer and Des Moines Water Works board member.
gillettestrategies.com · homepage on September 28, 2026 - Known for
- strategic communications planning · message development · issue and reputation management · advisory counsel
- Estimated cost
Estimated: $3,000–$8,000/mo, typical for Des Moines PR retainers; not a quote.
Typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.
- Office
- 635 Harwood Drive · Des Moines, IA · 50312 · (515) 238-1225
Site checked live September 28, 2026Sources gillettestrategies.com, clutch.co, themanifest.com
- 10
Led by Nick Ryan, Founder & CEO
- Des Moines, IA
- Since 2007
- 1–10 people
Concordia Group is a public affairs and strategic communications firm at 215 10th Street in Des Moines, led by founder and CEO Nick Ryan. It offers public affairs strategy, regulatory and policy counsel, stakeholder engagement, grassroots campaigns, research, advertising and creative services, and operates a direct mail subsidiary, Global Direct Mail. Clutch records the firm as founded in 2007 with 2-9 employees and previously listed it at an Urbandale address.
Why it’s hereA Des Moines public affairs shop with an in-house direct mail operation, listed on Clutch's Des Moines PR rankings and in the Greater Des Moines Partnership directory.
Best forEnergy, agriculture, infrastructure, utility and data-center interests that need public affairs strategy, coalition building and advocacy communications in Iowa, with direct mail handled in-house.
cgdelivers.com · homepage on September 28, 2026 - Known for
- public affairs · coalition building · grassroots campaigns · message development · direct mail
- Estimated cost
Estimated: $3,000–$8,000/mo, typical for Des Moines PR retainers; not a quote.
Typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.
- Office
- 215 10th Street, Suite 100 · Des Moines, IA · 50309 · (515) 344-4128
Site checked live September 28, 2026Sources cgdelivers.com, clutch.co
- 11
Led by Ann Foster Thelen, President
- Johnston, IA
- Since 2013
- 1–10 people
Thelen Public Relations is a Johnston-based consultancy run by president Ann Foster Thelen, who has more than 25 years in corporate and executive communications, including spokesperson and media strategy roles at the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives and Berkshire Hathaway Energy. It provides strategic planning, media relations, issues management, crisis communications, stakeholder communications and copywriting. The Manifest records the firm as founded in 2013 with 2-9 staff.
Why it’s hereIts principal was PRSA Iowa's 2015 Public Relations Professional of the Year, per the firm's site, and Expertise.com lists it among the top six Des Moines PR firms.
Best forIowa utilities, associations and corporate leaders (past work includes MidAmerican Energy and the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives) that need senior-level help with executive communications, media relations and crisis response.
thelenpr.com · homepage on September 28, 2026 - Known for
- corporate and executive communications · media relations · issues management · crisis communications
- Estimated cost
Estimated: $3,000–$8,000/mo, typical for Des Moines PR retainers; not a quote.
Typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.
- Office
- 515-720-8907
Site checked live September 28, 2026Sources thelenpr.com, expertise.com, themanifest.com
- 12
Led by Lezli Luneckas Broomhall, Founder, Owner and CEO
- Des Moines, IA
Luneckas Consulting describes itself as a full-service Iowa public relations and marketing firm serving the Des Moines and Cedar Rapids areas. It builds PR plans and programmes for businesses and professionals, handles media relations and produces websites, video and podcast or TV scripting, and Expertise.com notes it has been a PRSA member since 2018.
Why it’s hereListed on both the Des Moines and Cedar Rapids Expertise.com PR rankings, one of the few small firms in the state covering both markets.
Best forIowa businesses, nonprofits and political campaigns that want one consultant to handle PR, social media, copywriting, video and website work.
luneckasconsulting.com · homepage on September 28, 2026 - Known for
- public relations plans · media relations · marketing · website design · video production
- Estimated cost
Estimated: $3,000–$8,000/mo, typical for Des Moines PR retainers; not a quote.
Typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.
Site checked live September 28, 2026Sources luneckasconsulting.com, expertise.com, crunchbase.comLinkedIn ↗
53,000 professional and business services jobs in the Des Moines–West Des Moines metro, September 2026 (preliminary).
Every firm here was checked twice.
- 01Find
Firms come from industry directories, business press, award lists and the client rosters of firms already known to do the work.
- 02Verify
A firm's own site has to be live and describe the work. A second, independent source has to agree that it exists and does it.
- 03Record
Leaders, addresses, founding years, awards and case studies are copied from a page we loaded, and each carries its link. A field stays blank until a source states it.
- 04Rank
The order is editorial: longevity, named clients, scale and a clear specialism, in roughly that weight. Firms cannot buy a position.
- 05Re-check
Every entry was re-checked on September 28, 2026, homepage captured, ownership confirmed. Firms that closed, stopped doing this work or changed hands are removed or noted in the change log below.
The featured card is paid placement for Fracs, which shares this list’s publisher. It sits outside the ranking. Read the full editorial standards, or write to lists@primortul.com with a correction or a firm we missed.
What changed at the September 2026 check
- Removed · AdelmanDean Group
Removed. Its site has not changed since about 2019 and we could not confirm it still takes clients.
Questions before you hire a PR firm in Des Moines
- How many PR firms in Des Moines are on this list, and where are they?
- 12. All 12 are based in the Des Moines metro — Des Moines, West Des Moines, Johnston. Each was checked against its own site and at least one independent source. Nobody pays to be ranked.
- How do I choose between PR firms in Des Moines?
- Write down what done looks like. Read why each firm is on the list and keep the two or three whose reason matches your job. Ask each for one piece of work like yours, and the name of the person who would do it. 7 of the 12 here are under 50 people, so the people you meet are usually the people who do the work.
- Did any of these firms pay to be listed?
- No. Nobody pays to be ranked. The order weighs how long a firm has done the work, clients it can name, its size, and how clear its specialism is. This list has no paid card.
- How long have these PR firms been around?
- The oldest firm on this list states 1980 as its founding year. A year is shown only when the firm states one.
- What should I bring to a first call with a PR firm?
- What you sell, what is not working, what done looks like, a budget range, and when you want to start. The form on this page asks for those. Asking is free. You do not have to hire anyone.
- How is this list kept current?
- Re-checked September 28, 2026. Dead sites come off. Mergers and renames are updated. Firms that belong are added. Send a correction to lists@primortul.com. If you are the firm, use the For partners form.
What is being written about PR firms and about Des Moines.
Headlines, the source, the date, and a link. The article stays on the site that published it. If a feed is down, it is left off.
In Des Moines
Business Record, Des Moines Register, and Iowa Economic Development, via their public feeds. Headline and link only.
- Iowa, FTC sue restaurant tech firm Toast over cancellation feesThe Des Moines Register · today
- Big Easy Sod Releases Educational Article Covering Commercial Sod Installation for Business and Multifamily PropertiesThe Des Moines Register · today
- PromoTech Marketing Launches AI Training Course and Certification for Small BusinessesThe Des Moines Register · today
- Guest column: Growing our region by investing in talentBusiness Record · today
- Employers urged to rethink hiring practicesBusiness Record · today
- Nine Iowa charter schools receive $8.5 million in grantsBusiness Record · today
How to choose, what it costs, and where these firms are based.
Describe the job. One PR firm writes back.
Tell us what you sell, what is not working, and what done looks like. We read it and ask one provider — from this list, or from the publisher’s bench — to contact you within a business day. Asking is free. You do not have to hire them. Nobody else gets what you wrote.