061524_RV_D01_c

SATURDAY, JUNE 15, 2024 THE N'WEST IOWA REVIEW/SHELDON, IA D2
BUSINESS
Theis’ wealth
of investing
knowledge
gets rewarded
Bodee the Bernese mountain dog poses in a product of American Kennels. Troy Smit of Sioux Center is the owner and sales representative
American Kennels, a business specializing in dog kennels made from 304 stainless steel, a high-quality metal. Photo by Bri Brands
Side gig provides kennels for canines
Gives sturdy home
for man’s best friend
BY BRI BRANDS
BBRANDS@NWESTIOWA.COM
SIOUX CENTER—American
Kennels, owned by Troy Smit of
Sioux Center, has only been in
business for a few months but is
already seeing great success.
Smit has been a sales representative
for over four years for SDI, a
company that sells and manufactures
hog equipment. SDI sells a
wide variety of products for swine
but mostly focuses on feeders,
drinkers and gates made of 304
stainless steel.
In his time with the company,
many of his clients also asked
about dog kennels, indoor and
outdoor varieties.
“In doing that process, I definitely
saw there was a lot of interest
in stainless steel dog kennels,”
Smit said.
American Kennels officially
launched in October and serves
as a side gig for Smit.
His new business specializes
in dog kennels made from 304
stainless steel, which is classified
by levels of corrosiveness it can
handle.
Smit said 304 stainless steel is
durable and corrosion resistant,
which makes it the top of the line
for items like dog kennels and
agricultural products.
Because American Kennels
uses such a high-quality metal,
Smit is confident his business has
the best product on the market.
“Our durability is second to
none,” Smit said.
American Kennels’ slogan of
“Man’s best friend deserves the
best kennel” is a testament to
Smit’s dedication to his craft.
With the help of professional
engineers, Smit can provide standard
kennels and custom-made
kennels with unique features
rarely found elsewhere.
On top of the basic, highquality
kennel, customers can
purchase rotating food and water
bowls to be installed in the kennel,
eliminating the need to open
the door and risk an unplanned
escape.
American Kennels also offers a
solid stainless steel privacy panel
for dogs who may be more territorial
than others.
Also, the poles for the kennels
are manufactured in such a way
that the kennel can be expanded
at a later date.
This option is great for boarding
facilities or customers who get
another dog after buying the kennel.
Smit knows his kennels do not
come cheap, with an average
price of $1600 but also knows
people are willing to invest in
AT A GLANCE:
Business: American
Kennels
Owner: Troy Smit
Address: Sioux Center
Hours: By appointment
Phone: 712-449-7469
E-mail: sale.
americankennels@gmail.
com
Online: americankennels.
net
their furry best friends.
“People that get them say it’s so
well worth it,” Smit said.
American Kennels has gained
attention on social media, with
aspiring dog kennel owners calling
all the way from California.
The business may be new, but
man’s love for his pet is timeless.
Forbes puts Sheldon financial
adviser on its best-in-state list
SHELDON—Jay Theis, a private wealth adviser/financial
adviser with Ameriprise Financial in
Sheldon, was named to the list of “Best-in-State
Wealth Advisers” published by Forbes.
The list recognizes financial
advisers who have demonstrated
high levels of ethical
standards, professionalism,
and success in the business.
The rankings are based on
data provided by thousands of
the nation’s most productive
Jay Theis
advisers.
Theis was chosen based on
assets under management,
industry experience, compliance
record and best practices in his practice
and approach to working with clients.
Theis is part of Graycrest Financial Group, a
financial/private wealth advisory practice of
Ameriprise Financial Services.
He graduated from Briar Cliff University in
Sioux City with a bachelor of arts degree in business
administration and has 22 years of experience
with Ameriprise Financial/in the financial
services industry.
As a private wealth adviser/financial adviser,
Theis provides financial advice that is anchored
in a solid understanding of client needs and
expectations and provided in one-on-one relationships
with his clients.
Ameriprise Financial has been helping people
feel more confident about their financial future
for 130 years. With extensive investment advice,
asset management and insurance capabilities
and a nationwide network of 10,000 financial
advisers, the company has the strength and
expertise to serve the full range of individual and
institutional investors’ financial needs.
FOR MORE INFO:
g To learn more about Ameriprise
Financial, call Jay Theis or Laura Wagner
at 712-324-5292, visit the office at 824
Third Ave. in downtown Sheldon or visit
the website www.ameripriseadvisors.com/
jay.a.theis.