Q&A with Jonny “Mountain Man” Kallen, Wild Prairie Showdown Competitor
The Wild Prairie Showdown is back. Team Great Outdoors Foundation and Team ICON Water Trails are once again competing in a peer-to-peer campaign, raising money to advance conservation and recreation in the region. The fundraising efforts culminate night-of at the vibrant grassroots event, with both teams participating in a pseudo-pageant to be named MVP — Most Valuable Philanthropist. This year, Team GOF is proudly represented by Jonny “Mountain Man” Kallen. Learn more about Jonny and his passion for the Wild Prairie Showdown below.
Q: Tell us a bit about yourself
A: I am an entrepreneur, attorney and engineer with over 25 years of experience working for large, diversified energy companies, engineering consulting firms and private equity. I currently serve as the Managing Partner for Jennings Kallen Advisors, LLC, a full-service business advisory practice with headquarters in downtown Des Moines.
I have degrees in engineering and law, am a graduate of the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute, and am a member of the Business Record’s 40 Under 40 Emerging Leaders of Central Iowa. In 2021, I was appointed as the Entrepreneur in Residence for the Iowa State University Go to Market Business Accelerator.
My family and I live adjacent to Saylorville Reservoir in Johnston. I have children at Drake University, Iowa State University, Johnston High School and Johnson Middle School. I’m passionate about all things outdoors, and love to climb mountains, trail run, backcountry hike/camp and whitewater kayak. One of my goals is to summit the seven peaks, the highest peaks on each continent. I’ve climbed three and will be trying Denali again in Summer 2026 (In 2021 I was attempting it, and had to turn back because of weather at high camp.)
Q: Why did you decide to compete for team GOF?
A: I have been passionate about the outdoors, conservation and environmental/land stewardship since my formative years in high school. Since that time, I have hiked, camped, climbed, biked and trail run throughout both our nation’s national parks and forests, and those found internationally. I have seen firsthand how impactful the efforts of GOF and other environmental organizations are to preserving public lands, protecting our natural resources and providing opportunities for people to enjoy and embrace the outdoors.
Q: What aspect of Wild Prairie Showdown excites you most?
A: I am extremely excited for the event itself, seeing all my family and friends in one room, rallying for a great cause. Our team has put a lot of work into our night-of performance and persona, and I’m looking forward to sharing that with everyone. As someone who is both competitive and passionate about the outdoors, I’ve also had a great time raising money for Team GOF while telling people about the important work GOF is doing.
Q: What is one thing you wish those not as involved in the conservation space knew?
A: I wish they knew the importance of the work GOF was doing, not just for those in the Central Iowa area, but for the entire state. As a whole, Iowa does not have a lot of public land. Preserving and protecting the limited land we have is crucial for improving Iowan’s quality of life. Access to the outdoors has an incredible impact on health, both physical and mental. It also encourages a growing community, enticing people to stay here, move here, and invest in the land around them. GOF’s work proves that community isn’t just the brick and mortar buildings — it’s the natural environment, bringing us all together.
Fundraising efforts will conclude at the 2025 Wild Prairie Showdown on Thursday, Oct. 16 at Val Air Ballroom. This unique event will highlight the stars of the Wild Prairie Showdown through fun persona segments, competitor interviews, and interactive voting. To learn more, register for the event, or support Jon’s campaign, visit givebutter.com/wps2025.
