Keynote Speaker | Leadership Development Coach |
Strategic Planner
Aaron is an accomplished author, public speaker, executive coach and strategic plan facilitator.
He’s passionate about continuous improvement in the pursuit of five-star leadership and relationships!
Aaron receives rave reviews from audiences large and small about his personal, down-to-earth and heartfelt storytelling and presentation style.
Event hosts also cite Aaron’s unique ability to connect in a very meaningful way with people representing a diversity of companies, causes, and cultures.
Contact Aaron today to tailor an unforgettable keynote presentation or team leadership workshop (putzeink@gmail.com)!
About Aaron: From baling hay to raising livestock as a youth growing up on northwest Iowa farm, Aaron learned first-hand the importance of hard work, showing up, keeping your word and treating others with respect.
Those lessons continue to serve him well as a husband, dad, volunteer, and team leader. Aaron serves as Chief Officer of Brand Management & Engagement for the Ankeny, Iowa-based Iowa Soybean Association. In this role, he travels the globe – from China and Chile to Egypt and Bangladesh – promoting U.S. agriculture and sustainably produced soy grown by Iowa farmers.
He’s the author of two books: “Destined for Greatness – The Story of Chuck Long & Resurgence of Iowa Hawkeyes’ Football” and “You Are Destined for Greatness – Stories of Inspiration and Empowerment.” Aaron is a popular public speaker, leadership coach and strategist, engaging with thousands of audiences during his 30+-year career as a public relations and communications professional. He’s an accredited public relations practitioner and earned degrees in public relations and communications from the University of Northern Iowa and a Supervisory Leadership Certificate from Drake University.
Aaron enjoys golfing, grilling, gardening, and spending time with family. He and his wife Crystal and children Garrett, Grant, and Jaelyn live in Waukee, Iowa.
Let’s connect!
As an accomplished speaker and someone passionate about leadership and success, Aaron has delivered hundreds of presentations to organizations and groups of all sizes and occasions throughout the Midwest and beyond! From personal experiences, observations made during international travel and one-on-one conversations with dozens of notable Iowans (including university presidents, Fortune 500 CEOs, record-setting athletes and coaches and executive directors of nationally respected associations), Aaron delights crowds small and large and on a variety of topics!
Combining relevant stories, stunning visuals, humor appropriate for all ages and audience participation, Aaron weaves together fun, engaging and memorable entertainment perfect and appropriate for all audiences and event formats — from small-group professional development workshops (1-3 hours or 1-2 days) to banquet keynotes (30-60 minutes)!
Bring stories of inspiration and empowerment to your private business or corporate event, chamber banquet, anniversary dinner or awards ceremony by inviting Aaron as your guest program! Complete this form to request more information or to book a speaking event with Aaron or contact him directly at putzeink@gmail.com.
Recent speaking engagements:
Syngenta Leadership At Its Best (Washington, D.C.)
Senior Insurance Marketing (Lincoln, NE)
North Central Regional Planning Commission (Salina, KS)
Iowa Bankers Association Next Gen Conference (W. Des Moines)
Iowa Society of Association Executives (Des Moines)
USDA Rural Development (Grinnell, IA)
Power South Cooperative (Destin, FL)
National Association of Benefits & Insurance Providers (Des Moines)
Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives (W. Des Moines)
Senior Associates Marketing (Omaha, NE)
Leadership Iowa (Shenandoah, IA)
Leadership Algona (Algona, IA)
Midwest Dairy Association (Willmar, MN)
Testimonials
“Thank you a million times for investing in the 2025 Syngenta Leadership At Its Best cohort and helping us develop our stories! Your professionalism, attention to detail and warmth are so well received and make everyone around you feel at home. You’re such an essential part of our success. Thanks for everything!”
Jasmine Scott, Syngenta Government and Sustainability Affairs Lead (February 2025)
"Thank you so much, Aaron, for helping to make this year's Fall Focus Conference a resounding success with your keynote address! Our attendees appreciated your down-to-Earth leadership insights and your 'always room for improvement' mindset. Thanks again for agreeing to speak!"
Matt Diamond, VP, Communications and Member Services, PowerSouth Energy Cooperative (October 2024)
“I was fortunate to attend the Iowa Bankers Association Next Gen Conference. Even more fortunate, I was able to see your presentation. I was not expecting Taylor Swift references (especially to her as a human versus the popstar) and a relatable story about your family trip to the Grand Canyon. Your presentation reminded me that it’s okay, even beneficial, to want to form connections with the people I work with – colleagues and customers. Sometimes it can feel like work is not the time or place to make these bonds. However, I’ve always believed in one of the quotes you used, ‘People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but they’ll never forget how you made them feel.’ Your entire presentation was a rejuvenating reminder to me that getting to know people (not just their business), seeing different perspectives, and acting like a human instead of just a cog in the machine – well, there’s always room for that in the workplace. I could go on and on about how much I got out of listening to you but I really just want to say thank you. So, thank you, Aaron!”
Nicole Thacker, West Bank (August 2024)
“We want to thank you for your presentation at our National Association of Benefits and Insurance Providers Conference! You engaged our audience towards the end of a long day, and that’s no easy task! I received great feedback from attendees about your session. Happy to refer you for other events!”
Sara Bradshaw, NABIP Iowa (April 2024)
"Thank you for the amazing keynote you gave at today's Iowa Society of Association Executives annual meeting. It was truly the best presentation I've listened to! I left with so many key take -aways and things to think about. I plan to reflect and complete the ‘My 5-Star Leadership Plan’ activity. I've made it my priority to improve my positivity mindset and ability to view things from other perspectives. I have many new things to think about now after your presentation and I can’t wait to read your book!"
Mallory Iverson, VP Member Engagement & Communications, Iowa Parks & Recreation Association (April 2024)
“As a leader, I could really identify with being a ‘work in progress.’ In the end, the relationships you build make all the difference. Creating the habit of utilizing daily affirmations to meet people where they are is a game changer. Aaron operationalizes this practice. You’ll be a better leader after engaging with him.”
Susan Seehase, COO, Iowa Association of Community Providers (April 2024)
“Aaron was a very engaging and thought-provoking keynote. He captured the attention of a large audience with his message and visuals, all while encouraging audience participation. Attendees reported thinking differently about their professional relationships and felt challenged to consider what others might be experiencing under the surface.”
Holly Merritt, Regional Manager, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (April 2024)
“Thank you for presenting to our Beck’s sales team. We really enjoyed your presentation as it fit perfectly with our team and where we are and what we want to accomplish. All our guests, including spouses, mentioned how much they enjoyed your talk!”
Randy Timm, Area Team Leader, Beck’s Hybrids (February 2024)
“We can’t thank you enough for all you did to craft a memorable presentation on connecting with others. Your message was powerful and timely. Thank you for investing your time and talent in the next generation of agricultural leaders.”
Mary Kay, Macie, Jasmine and Stephanie, Syngenta Leadership At Its Best, Washington D.C. (February 2024)
“Aaron’s personable, humble, and authentic approach to leadership training is inspirational, motivational, impactful, and empowering. We’ve had many great leadership speakers from around the country present to our staff. Aaron may be the most influential presenter we’ve had the privilege to learn from. His art of storytelling encourages participants to elevate their game in terms of the dedication, commitment, and compassion shown to those whom we serve in our midst. I highly recommend Aaron for your next uplifting keynote address or leadership training workshop without reservation as he hits it out of the park every time.”
Brett Altman, DPT, MBA, FACHE, Chief Executive Officer, Cass Health (Oct. 30, 2023)
“I wanted to end our Midwest Dairy Association leadership program on a high note and have our farmers feeling motivated and inspired as they left our meeting. Aaron came to mind right away for my vision. He went above and beyond to customize his presentation for our group, and he was great to work with leading up to the training. Not only did he provide a stellar presentation, but he took time to connect with our farmers before, during, and after his presentation. The added personal touches made a huge difference, and I look forward to working with Aaron again in the future.”
Jenna Finch, Agriculture Affairs Manager, Midwest Dairy Association
(August 2023)
“I had the opportunity to hear Aaron Putze give his It’s Always Personal presentation to a group of health care leaders. In this time of constant change and stress at every turn, he delivered for our members. His message fit perfectly with what our members are going through. It showcased the value of ‘why’ with heart-touching and humorous stories from right here in Iowa. I highly recommend Aaron if you want a presentation that will uplift and reaffirm the values you want your participants to focus on.”
Corey Martin, Sr. Vice President, Education Services, Iowa Hospital Association
(June 2023)
“Aaron did a wonderful job presenting at our leadership workshop for Chamber members. His presentation on relationships in leadership was relevant, engaging, and fun and his energy, passion and positivity fill the room, making it an ideal learning environment. I’ve sat through many presentations on leadership and when I saw Aaron’s message I was impressed and knew I had to get him to come present to our members. In addition to the half-day workshop he led, he also gave a great keynote on gratitude to our graduating Leadership North Iowa class. I highly recommend Aaron to anyone looking for a speaker who can relate to your audience – he tailors his presentation to your needs and does an all-around fantastic job!”
Allyson Krull, Vice President, Mason City Chamber of Commerce (May 2023)
“Every year, the team selects a theme. For 2023, it’s ‘Building Better Together.’ Aaron keynoted our most recent quarterly celebration. He hit a home run! His message tied in with our annual theme and his Iowa farming roots. Aaron immediately connected with our team, touching on valuable lessons that will make us better while stressing the importance of encouragement and relationships. His message will help us improve as individuals and with each other. I highly recommend Aaron to any business or organization looking for an authentic speaker that connects with his audience!”
Bob Allen, President & CEO, Home State Bank, Jefferson, Iowa (April 2023)
“Aaron Putze has fantastic energy and does an excellent job of engaging students at all grade-levels. His message for students regarding leadership was important for all students to hear. Aaron's message for adults was both personal and relevant - attitude is a choice! It was an incredibly fast 45 minutes!"
Dr. Kimberly Lingenfelter, Superintendent, Cherokee Community School District (March 2023)
“I’m reaching out to express my gratitude to you for sharing such a valuable message with many other students and myself at the Iowa Professional Ag Students annual meeting. You challenged my perspective and ways of thinking about all things in life. I truly appreciated connecting with you!”
Jackie Miller, Iowa State University (Ag Communications & International Agriculture) (Feb. 2023)
"Huge shout out to Aaron for keynoting our annual banquet. He not only entertained nearly 200 ag students but taught us valuable lessons, like being in the moment and following our dreams. Thank you for your time and wisdom and for the personalized books gifted to the outgoing officers. Highly recommend Aaron for your next keynote!"
Coley Reed and Kirsten Schaefer, state officers, Iowa Professional Ag Students (Iowa PAS) (Feb. 2023)
“Thanks for your wonderful presentation last night. We’ve received tremendous feedback and so many of our customers were so happy it was ag related. Such a powerful message!”
Ronda Stout, Stout Seed Company, Washington (Iowa) (Feb. 2023)
“Aaron — Your remarks to students (Buena Vista University Business Ethics and Social Responsibility) were “spot on.” The personal encouragement comments were also perfect. Students in general are dealing with wellness issues. They need your message!”
Gary Sterling, Director, The Donald F. and Charlene K. Lamberti Center for Rural Entrepreneurship, Instructor, Harold Walter Siebens School of Business (Sept 2022)
“Thank you for speaking, motivating and encouraging the Western Sales Division of Stine Seed Company. Your words left a mark on many of our team members, including senior management. I love how you referenced your inspirational and motivational quotes while weaving in your personal stories. That was amazing! We appreciate you traveling all that way for us and delivering a lovely presentation.”
Stine Seed Company (July 2022)
Mason City Chamber of Commerce Leadership Workshop (May 3, 2023).