He aces member recruiting and is having a ball

RICK BALL IS MANAGING member and principal of the Ball Team of Urbandale, IA, which engages in general contracting and commercial construction projects. A graduate of Iowa State University, Ball has more than 30 years of experience in all phases of commercial construction.

Rick and his wife, Nancy, have been members of Legatus’ Des Moines Chapter since 2007. At the Summit in January, Rick received the 2021 ACE of the Year Award for his success in recruiting new members. He also is president of the operating board of Iowa Catholic Radio, which o«ers Catholic content online and on four Iowa AM-FM stations.

How did you get involved in Legatus?
In the Des Moines area, we have a strong Catholic high school and a strong Catholic network. I know many Catholic people, and I’m involved in my local parish. A few Catholic professionals in Legatus knew me and invited me to attend a meeting. I was very impressed by the caliber of speakers as well as the membership, and so I joined.

Tell me about the Des Moines Chapter and the growth you’ve enjoyed.
Our chapter was founded in 2001. We have 40 members, an increase of 22 members over the past several years. Our goal is to reach 50 members. When I started, we had an older membership, but we now have members in a wide age range.

What are some of your favorite events?
Our most popular speakers in recent meetings have included an exorcist-priest from Colorado and a Vietnam vet who was imprisoned with the late Sen. John McCain. We’ve also welcomed some local businessmen who have had a good message. These include Tim Jameson, who has been working with our local bishop on a healing ministry.
Some of our member trips have also been well received, including a trip to Paso Robles in California to tour the wine country there. We’ve also added some social hours that have been working well as people wanted more time to visit with one another.
I credit our recent chapter presidents Scott Prickett and Joe Teeling for pulling together some outstanding events.

How have you been successful in recruiting new members to Legatus?
My involvement with Iowa Catholic Radio has exposed me to many Catholics in our area. When I meet people whom I think would be a good fit for Legatus, I invite them to our meetings. We allow guests to attend our meetings twice at no charge, because they’ll understand the organization better by attending our events than by having me explain it. At a typical chapter meeting, two to four of our participants will be guests being introduced to our organization.
When I do invite prospective members, I describe it to them as a “faith-based date night” for them and their spouses. I also encourage them to try it for a year to see if they get value out of it. If they don’t, they can move on. We’ve discovered that when new members do try it for a year, we have an excellent retention rate of over 95 percent.

Your volunteerism with Iowa Catholic Radio blends well with Legatus.
Yes, as I meet so many people who want to get more out of their faith than just going to Mass on Sundays. For example, I host a men’s event for the radio, which brings me into contact with nearly 400 active Catholics.

How has Legatus benefited you?
It has truly been a pleasure to be a part of it. I’ve made some great friends, enjoyed camaraderie, and learned a lot about my faith. I plan to be involved with it as long as I am able.
I’m grateful to have played a role in growing the chapter, and I’m honored to have been recognized with an ACE award.