Brad has worked on behalf of Iowans in the Senate since 2004, fighting to keep our communities safe and create an economy where quality jobs can thrive.
Throughout his time in Des Moines, Brad successfully championed the passage of numerous bills and programs to continue investing in Iowa’s world-class school systems, greatly increase healthcare access, and support small businesses and job creators. He has fought to wrangle in over-spending by both parties and force the government to adhere to a budget – just like everyone else.
Before running for office, Brad was an entrepreneur and local business leader. Brad ran Zaun’s Trustworthy Hardware, a main-street business that produced high-quality jobs for Urbandale. As a former small business owner, Brad understands that main street businesses are the backbone of our Iowa economy. He has always fought for policies that help small businesses prosper.
Brad first became active in local politics when the city of Urbandale seized the parking lanes in front of his hardware store and its neighboring businesses to add additional traffic lanes. This abuse of government power jump-started his civic activism and continues to inspire his commitment to small government policies.
After standing up for local businesses, Brad decided he could not sit on the sidelines any longer. He was elected to the City Council, then Mayor of Urbandale. Under Brad’s leadership, Urbandale achieved the highest national quality of life rankings of any city in Iowa and was recognized as having the lowest taxes in the metropolitan area.
Brad also serves his community as a member of many local boards, including the Urbandale Breakfast Lions Club. He is also a former border member of Iowa Jobs for America’s Graduates and Animal Rescue League of Iowa. Brad has been recognized for his contributions to Iowa’s economy as the 1994 nominee for the Iowa/Nebraska Entrepreneur of the Year and a 2001 40 Under 40 Award recipient. In 2004, I was inducted into the Urbandale Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame after serving as its President.
Brad currently serves as the Director of Sales at Master Dowel. He is married to the love of his life – his wife, Dede. Together they have five children.