Entrepreneur Field Days: Baking a Sweet Success, Thelma's Treats
Join us for the 2026 Entrepreneur Field Days series hosted across Greater Des Moines
It all started with the idea that entrepreneurs learn best from entrepreneurs. Take someone's hard-earned lessons and shared skills to jump-start business success. Seed the next generation of entrepreneurs. Cover a broad range of industries and subject knowledge expertise. Grow your perspective and see new areas across the community.
Baking a Sweet Success: Thelma's Treats
Speakers: Dereck Lewis, Founder & CEO, and Nola Morris, Chief Brand Officer at Thelma's TreatsStep behind the scenes at Thelma's Treats to discover how a family recipe became a beloved brand that's warming hearts across the country. Built on Great-Grandma Thelma's original cookie recipe, Thelma's has transformed a simple ice cream sandwich into an unforgettable customer experience where every treat is made with premium ingredients - and a whole lot of love.
During this Field Day, you'll hear how Thelma's has grown from a local favorite into a nationally recognized brand while staying true to its mission of creating moments of joy and connection.
Learn & Discuss:
- Growing from a local Iowa farmer's market favorite to a national brand without losing the heart of the business
- What it takes to build a manufacturing operation from the ground up for food and consumer package goods
- Creating a brand with award-winning packaging (Little Oven Box) to telling an authentic story with family roots
Thelma's Treats and beverages will be provided.
Open to Everyone! All Entrepreneur Field Days are free and open to the public, with registration required. Not an entrepreneur? No problem – you're invited too! If you’re a creative, mentor, educator, corporate leader, economic developer, investor, or simply curious about how things work – all play a role in building a strong community of support for entrepreneurs across Iowa.
Champion a Spirit of Curiosity! Entrepreneur Field Days is a space to learn from each other first and foremost! Bring a spirit of curiosity, shared respect, a notepad to capture your next idea, and the mindset to make new connections.
