WDM Leaders

Class of 2010

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.   EmbarkIT began when Anita incorporated her business in 2005 at her kitchen table designing her logo, sending in for a Trademark, setting up vendors and selling technology solutions.  In November 2011, EmbarkIT  relocated to 1854 Fuller Road, West Des Moines to a facility with 7150 square feet of space to accommodate growth. Anita feels that her employees and past customer relationships are the key to her success with EmbarkIT.  As an Iowa Certified Targeted Small Business (TSB), EmbarkIT is allowed to procure State of Iowa computer-related purchases and service. EmbarkIT has attained WBENC Certification and can offer products and services to clients that include Small–Medium Business and Fortune 500 companies. EmbarkIT enjoys working with Public Sector customers(Government & Education). EmbarkIT has been certified in the U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) 8(a) / SDB Business Development Program and has worked with several Federal Government Agencies, and is a graduate of the SBA's Emerging 200 Initiative (e200 Des Moines), class of 2011.

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 six grandchildren, all age 9 and under.

Anita is a member of several professional and service organizations. Among these are: TAI,  Past President of Kiwanis Club of West Des Moines, Past President of Mu Phi Epsilon Alumni, NAWBO, NWBOC, WBENC,  Breakfast Club Inc., the Des Moines Partnership and West Des Moines Chambers of Commerce, and has served for 10 years as an Ambassador for the West Des Moines Chamber.  In 2010 Anita joined the Board of Directors of the West Des Moines Business Incubator and is currently serving as President of the board.

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 has not changed: “Work hard, treat others in life as you would like to be treated and go have some fun.”