Our background in chambers of commerce and nonprofit  leadership success gives us a great view of your world.

Our Roots

Zig Zag Institute exists to help you - Dream big. Think big. Do Big. We help communities, economic developoment organizations, chambers of commerce, nonprofits, churches, associations and businesses become future ready when they THINK DIFFERENT and zig when everyone else zags.

The Institute is located atop the beautiful Loess Hills on Iowa's west coast overlooking the Missouri River Valley.

Our founder, Dennis Houston, a proud 4th generation Iowa native, has successfully led nationally-recognized chambers of commerce, economic development and nonprofit associations as the CEO or as a board member for the last 25 years.

Prior to his career in nonprofit leadership, he co-founded a multi-million branding firm focused on Fortune 500 clients that he led for 12 years.

Dennis started his career in corporate branding and public relations with American Express and First National Bank during his first 10 years in business.

We don't just teach what we say. We've lived it as a chamber and association CEO and community leader for the last 13 years. We've lived it as a business CEO. We've also lived it as a board member on several nonprofit boards for the last 25 years.

The famous Steve Jobs quote below best sums up our philosophy at the Zig Zag Institute.

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