Local Business Brings Community Together by Putting Community First

Elliot Malin

Bob Lieman knew that starting his own company in Paris, Iowa was going to be difficult. He knew
that there would be times of struggle, where things wouldn’t go well, and sometimes even a bit
too much. But, that didn’t stop him from striving for success in his business, as well as in his
community.

Lieman’s company, People’s Company, is a local communication and human relations consulting
business based in Paris, Iowa. But when it’s not consulting, it’s raising millions of dollars for the
greater Iowa community. And when they aren’t doing either of those things, the employees come
together and volunteer in the community.

The idea of ‘community first’ is nothing new to the employees at People’s Company, but they
take it to a whole new level. It is truly impressive to actively watch this company grow and give
back. Having witnessed the sheer magnitude of their mission and what they strive to do is beyond
measure.

Over the last 15 years People’s Company has grown their annual campaign from raising $50,000
the first year, and now striving for $1.3 million this year. They eventually aim to raise $3 million
in order to have their contributions felt in all 99 counties of Iowa.

This is how our companies need to operate within our community. Building up not just
themselves but all of us with them creates a better atmosphere and a better more responsible
population that will take care of our Iowa for today and for the future.

When I had an opportunity to see what they were about and talk to Bob Lieman he said
something that really resonated with me saying “Community is the root of all businesses and
investing into our community and doing service in it will create a lasting impression for a better
and more vibrant Iowa.”

There is nothing more impressive with a local business that has grown from 7 employees to over
100 than when it works at not only being the best business it can, but also being the best people
as well. What they have been able to achieve over the years has given hope to thousands of
Iowans in need of help.

We need to teach our children, and ourselves, to create the same atmosphere within Iowa that
People’s Company does with its employees. Creating a community of service will teach our youth
how to foster better relationships, responsibility, how to give back, and what it means to be a
genuinely good person.

Bob Lieman and People’s Company give me hope for the future, and faith in Iowa.