CONTRIBUTED PHOTO — Kara Wildman of Happy Tails is the recipient of the 2026 Woman in Business Award from the Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce. Kara is pictured above with her family.

Kara Wildman, owner of Happy Tails in Marshalltown, was presented the 2026 Woman in Business Award during the Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce Women in Business Luncheon held at Iowa Valley Business & Community Solutions Dejardin Hall on Thursday, May 14.

Presenting Kara with the award was Stella and Jonas Wildman, Kara’s children. It was a very special moment as they surprised Kara with the honor of 2026 Woman in Business. Happy Tails officially opened in 2004 located in a strip mall and Stella talked about growing up in the business and having a front row seat to all that her mother has built today. Happy Tails is now a 6,144 square foot building where happy clients and even happier dogs visit every single day. Stella and Jonas both lauded Kara’s hard work and dedication to being a business owner and great mom.

Keynote speaker during the annual Women in Business luncheon was Lisa Even. Lisa is a nationally recognized keynote speaker, bestselling author of Joy Is My Job, and host of the Have Good Ripple Effect podcast. Lisa has partnered with hundreds of organizations across the country to help teams lead with intentional presence, build trust, and shape a culture that fuels performance.