Regional Leaders 2025: Leaving their mark

The Quad Cities Regional Business Journal is proud to share some of the profiles found in our second annual Regional Leaders, published in January. This special publication recognizes 150 business and community leaders who we consider to be among the most noteworthy and impactful across the bistate region. Last week, the QCBJ held a reception for these leaders and now we will be highlighting their profiles in our newsletters a few at a time. You can still purchase a copy of the glossy, full-color print edition here. The QCBJ team identified those we believe are leaving their mark on the Quad Cities through their careers, mentorship or philanthropy. We recognize, however, that it is not an inclusive list and urge readers to reach out to us for suggestions for 2026. The profiles are excerpts from surveys the Regional Leaders completed and/or biographies compiled from information our reporters gathered from company websites, LinkedIn profiles and other accounts. Today’s collection come from the Construction category: Jennifer DeWitt CHRIS BEASON, PRESIDENT  RUHL&RUHL REALTORS & NAI RUHL COMMERCIAL, DAVENPORT 

Chris Beason represents the fifth generation to lead the family business since its founding in 1862. Born in Davenport, he earned his real estate and finance degree from the University of St. Thomas and honed his professional skills at the Norton Agency in Georgia and The Group, Inc. in Colorado. He returned to the QC, where he began his career as sales associate in 2009. Beason fosters partnerships that drive innovation and efficiency across the company. His leadership has been instrumental in expanding market presence, enhancing operations, and delivering a seamless, one-stop shopping experience. He and his wife, Stefanie, live in Bettendorf with their four children. FAVORITE PART OF LIVING IN QC: It's the perfect size – large enough to provide plenty of opportunities and activities, yet still maintaining a small town feel where people are genuinely friendly. The strong community ties and profound sense of belonging make it not just an ideal place for business but also a great place to call home.  FAVORITE PLACE IN QC: I love the amazing parks and recreational areas – Lost Grove Lake, Illiniwek Forest Preserve, and Maquoketa Caves. If I had to choose just one, the Mississippi River. BIGGEST MENTOR/ROLE MODEL: My grandfather, Charles Ruhl, Sr. PROUDEST CAREER MOMENT: Leading a fifth-generation family business that has been a community staple for over 160 years is a huge honor, and continuing to build on that legacy has been incredibly rewarding. BEST CAREER ADVICE: “People don’t care what you know until they know that you care.” The key to strong relationships is listening first and understanding others’ needs.  DREAM JOB AS KID: Fighter jet pilot, professional skier, marine biologist, and fishing guide. CIVIC INVOLVEMENT: River Bend Food Bank, Quad Cities Cultural Trust, Quad Cities Chamber, and multiple Realtor Associations.    PAUL BOFFELI  PRESIDENT, BUILD TO SUIT INC., BETTENDORF

Paul Boffeli is the co-founder and president of Build to Suit, Inc., a general contractor that provides a design-build approach to construction and prides itself on character and strong Midwest work values. Boffeli counts making the leap to co-launch the company in 2002 as his proudest career moment.  He says “Our plan was to stay small with less employees and manage the process as design builders. Additionally, treat employees like we want to be treated where titles are obsolete and to this day, there are no titles on any business cards. Our people are our No. 1 customer as we need them to take care of all our other customers.” With 30 employees and locations in Bettendorf and Coralville, Iowa, Build to Suit’s annual sales are more than $100 million. Born in Dubuque, Iowa, Boffeli earned a construction technology degree with a minor in business from the University of Northern Iowa. He resides now in Eldridge.  APPEAL OF HAVING YOUR BUSINESS IN QC: With its bi-state affiliation and population, the QC offers many opportunities for different project types and sizes. Also, it has some of the most respected and hardest working people in the construction trades. FAVORITE PLACE IN QC: Any place that has a golf course. BIGGEST MENTOR/ROLE MODEL: My father. He taught me a lot about work ethics growing up on our family farm in eastern Iowa. BEST CAREER ADVICE: Ask questions – no question is a dumb question and the only way you are going to learn is to ask! DREAM JOB AS A KID: To become a professional baseball player. ALTERNATE CAREER: Farming. I am very intrigued by the size of farm equipment these days compared to what we had on the family farm in 1979.   GREG BUSH CEO, MCCARTHY BUSH CORPORATION, DAVENPORT 

After fulfilling his childhood dream and becoming an A-10 fighter pilot (and instructor) in the U.S. Air Force, Greg Bush returned home to join the family business. First joining Linwood Mining & Minerals in 1985 as the VP of development, his leadership and success with Linwood led to his promotion as EVP of operations and then president. He held that post from 1998-2003 before being appointed CEO of McCarthy-Bush, the holding company for the 126-year-old family business. Today, he oversees all operations within the family of companies including McCarthy Improvement Co., Bush Construction, Linwood Mining & Minerals, Oertel Metal Works and Clinton Engineering and more. Bush earned a BS in management from the U.S. Air Force Academy, graduating on the Dean’s List and garnering awards in football and wrestling. He received an MBA from Golden Gate University, San Francisco, with a 4.0 GPA. Board roles include president of the Iowa Limestone Producers (1996) and National Lime Association (1998-2001); and board chairman of the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (2001-2002). He currently sits on the boards of J.F. Brennan Company, Robinson Family Management, Carolina Sunrock, and Genesis Health System.   APPEAL OF HAVING YOUR BUSINESS IN THE QC: I think the best part of having our business in the Quad Cities is the work ethic of the people. You can always find excellent help here. FAVORITE QC PLACE: To spend the day on the Mississippi River. What an awesome feeling! BIGGEST MENTOR/ROLE MODEL: Without question, my father, Jack Bush. He was one of a kind and personable with everyone. BEST CAREER ADVICE: My father said the secret to success was showing up every day, working your hardest and not giving up. It has served me well.   THAD DENHARTOG DESIGNATED MANAGING BROKER & PRINCIPAL MEL FOSTER COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE SERVICES LLC, DAVENPORT  

Looking back on his real estate career, Thad DenHartog counts his proudest moments as his role in the development and marketing of the 210-acre Elmore Corners in Davenport and The Bend, a 100-acre development in East Moline. Respectively, the projects led to a $250 million economic impact and $100 million of investments. Born in Sheldon, Iowa, he graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a B.A. in finance and real estate. A Quad Citian for two decades, DenHartog has dedicated himself to the community’s growth.  He has held the Top Commercial Real Estate Sales Associate at Mel Foster Commercial Real Estate Services for 24 consecutive years. He uses his extensive knowledge of a vast number of properties, their history, and values as well as his community knowledge to serve his clients. DenHartog was inducted into the Midwest Commercial Real Estate Hall of Fame in 2015. Other awards and memberships: Blackhawk College Foundation Leaders Under 40 Award; the National, Iowa and Illinois associations of REALTORS, and The Society of Industrial and Office REALTORS. FAVORITE PART OF LIVING IN QC: The Quad Cities area is a mid-size market with a small-town feel with diverse opportunities for work and play, and a balanced blend of urban amenities, and a more relaxed pace of life.  APPEAL OF HAVING YOUR BUSINESS IN THE QC: The community is enriched with exceptional individuals to collaborate with. FAVORITE PLACE IN THE QC: Crow Valley and Short Hills golf courses. BIGGEST MENTOR/ROLE MODEL: Peter Marty, Larry Anderson, and Bill Fitzsimmons. BEST CAREER ADVICE: Work as hard as you can and do what's best for your client/customer. The rest always works itself out. FAVORITE VACATION: Naples, Florida. It's relaxing with waterfront dining, pristine beaches, golfing, and a vibrant cultural scene.