"Entrepreneurial, Resilient and No Weeds!” The Top7 Conversation with Fairfield/Jefferson County, Iowa

The smallest community in terms of population this year, Fairfield, Iowa not only thinks globally – but deep and universally! A unique place in America’s heartland, Fairfield has the advantage of being in a rural setting with natural beauty and is a place where people know each other and are quick to lend a helping hand. But its leaders were among the first in the intelligent community movement who learned that its future depends on the digital infrastructure, education and – yes - the world around it. Fairfield’s influence and core economic output is based on historic entrepreneurship brought forward. It is a fascinating place where the digital, practical and spiritual blend. The place has five times more small businesses per 100 people than the average for USA city. It gives transcendental meditation partial credit for its innovation and, if you like a tidy downtown, it does not have a single weed because of the tenacious goal of one person!  You must hear Fairfield/Jefferson County’s inspiriting story.

Bob is a social entrepreneur and community leader in his native Fairfield Iowa. He is CEO of Applied Intelligence Coaching, a consulting and coaching company, as well as managing partner of his family’s health products business, founded in 1970. Bob conceived and coordinates the ten-county Southeast Iowa Food Web initiative, and is one of the authors of the Food and Farm Business Chapter of the Iowa Food System Coalition Setting the Table for All Iowans plan. He coordinates the programming and publicity for Traction Thursdays in partnership with Newbo.co and serves on the Fairfield Beautification Commission. Bob has led Fairfield’s participation in the Intelligent Community Forum Intelligent Communities Competition since 2023. Based on Bob’s work with economic development and political leaders, Fairfield/Jefferson County has been named as one of the ICF Smart 21 cities in 2023-25, and in 2025 won a spot among the Top 7 Intelligent Cities, chosen from the Smart 21. Fairfield is the smallest city to be named to the Top 7 in the competition’s 25-year history.

Bob is also an avid gardener, tennis player, and classical guitarist, a father of four and grandfather of five amazing human beings.