Meet the Board

Even as a little boy, I've enjoyed cars. There is a picture of me when I was five years old, in my Sunday best, holding as many toy cars as I could. I eventually graduated to pedal cars, go-karts, and finally the real things. I inherited the interest in cars from my father, who bought his first antique car in 1969. The Model A was out in a field with a bee's nest inside. The next year, the family was off to Hershey, PA, for the AACA Eastern Region meet for parts. We would go back year after year with fellow car club members, not necessarily for parts, but for the camaraderie among enthusiasts. These memories are why I joined the Des Moines Region AACA. I signed up for the club at the Des Moines Concours in the fall of 2014 and was warmly welcomed. The people were knowledgeable and had a high degree of engagement in the hobby. I knew this was home for me. From a personal perspective, I've grown a lot through experiences and the people in the club. I'm proud and honored to be the president and aim to grow what those before have carefully created.

My husband and I left the church on our wedding day in his 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass. The rest of the wedding party traveled in my brother’s purple 1967 Oldsmobile Toronado and my father-in-law’s 1968 Chevy Camaro. My first exposure to antique cars, however, was long before marrying into my husband’s car family. As a youth, I would accompany my best friend Ellen and her family to Model T meets. Ellen was excellent at driving the T, and I was always so impressed. I couldn’t even drive a stick! I am pleased to be the club’s treasurer.

Cars have been at the front of my consciousness since I was a boy. It was easy to buy Christmas presents for me—buy me a model car or a cowboy gun. I still like both. My dad bought me a '50 Plymouth that had been abandoned in the driveway of a house that a friend of his bought. We bought it for $10, and since I wasn't able to get it running, it went to the boneyard. When I was 19, my dad knew a Chevy dealer who said he owed my dad a favor, so I ordered my 1968 Chevelle convertible, which I still own, and my brother Kent ordered a hardtop that went to the boneyard about 15 years later. Of us four boys, I'm the only one that was "bit" by the car bug. My dad did all the repairs on our cars (mostly Fords in the '50s, then Chevies and Buicks in the '60s), and whenever a hood was open, I was under it with him. My parents' first car was a 1933 Plymouth PD Rumble Seat Coupe that they bought new in the fall of 1933 when they got married. Dad always said it was the sharpest car he ever owned. When I started seeing '33 Plymouth Coupes at car shows, I agreed with him. In 1998, I was able to locate one '33 Plymouth PD Rumble Seat Coupe in Kinnelon, NJ. (We lived in Michigan at the time), and a buddy of mine and I drove out and picked it up on June 6, 1998. I finished a rotisserie restoration on it 2 years ago, and I have fun showing both of my cars when I get the chance. I joined the AACA when I started selling parts at Hershey 7 years ago, and it only made sense to get involved in the local chapter, which I'm really glad that I did.

Classic cars have been a part of my life since I was 16 years old, when I purchased a 1931 Ford Model A Fordor Sedan, which I restored. In 1974, I found a 1939 Plymouth 1/2-ton pickup, which I also restored. Since then, I've owned another Model A, a 1939 Plymouth Coupe, a 1961 Plymouth Fury Convertible, and a 1995 Mazda Miata. I've attended car shows and swap meets from Hershey, PA to Utah and Wyoming.

I am a professional commercial photographer and videographer with over three decades of experience capturing the elegance of classic cars. I opened my business, Brent Isenberger Photography, in 1989, and my genuine interest in classic cars was strong from the start. I believe my passion for automobiles shines through in my work, as I spent 20 years photographing classic cars that were printed in vintage car calendars by an Iowa-owned advertising specialty company. As the official photographer for the Des Moines Concours, my work has been instrumental in showcasing the beauty and history of classic cars to enthusiasts and collectors alike. I strive to showcase my expertise and enthusiasm for car shows in every photo I take. In my personal life, I enjoy the thrill of driving my father-in-law's 1969 Firebird Convertible, a car that holds a special place in my heart. Alongside my wife, Julie West, I actively participate in the AACA Des Moines Region's activities and gatherings, enjoying the camaraderie and shared passion for classic cars within the club. I am honored to serve on the club's board.

My interest in cars has been a lifelong passion. I had all the cars in my Rockford, IL neighborhood memorized, which briefly included a '56 T-bird, a V12 E-type, and a '63 Avanti. The new model introductions at shopping malls were a time to stock up on brochures. Although I really wanted the gold XJ6 I saw at the Cherryvale Mall, my first car was a red 1970 Mustang Grande that I paid $350 for. For Christmas, I found a complete exhaust system under the tree. That was the first and last time I did exhaust work! Having no mentors in the hobby, I cut my teeth on a '68 Cougar, then a '73 TR6 fitted with a Moss supercharger—both poorly vetted impulse buys. The TR6 is where I learned how to pull a transmission out, rebuild a rear suspension, discover hidden rust, and... go back to correct my mistakes (I think that car spent more time on jack stands than on the road). I did not join the AACA until after I moved to Des Moines. It's been a great way to meet others with the same affliction—love of old cars. After having spent decades going to car events organized by others, the AACA board has been one way for me to give back to the hobby. Though my 1990 Miata needs little-to-no repairs (for which I'm grateful, btw), I will eventually dive back in and acquire something pre-war. Until then, my jack stands await.

As the Social Media Manager for the Des Moines AACA chapter, I've found a unique way to blend my passion for connecting with people and my newfound interest in classic cars. My journey into this world began far from the heartland of Iowa, in the rolling hills of North Carolina. Growing up, I wasn’t deeply involved with cars. Instead, my love for community-building and storytelling was the driving force in my life.

By profession, I am an educator, working closely with special needs students. This role, combined with my pursuit of a master’s degree in professional counseling, has honed my skills in empathy, communication, and fostering meaningful connections. These experiences are invaluable in my role managing our chapter's social media presence, where every post is a chance to connect, inspire, and build our community.

My husband and I proudly own a 1941 Cadillac Series 62 Deluxe, a stunning piece of automotive history that has ignited my fascination with vintage automobiles. The sleek lines and elegant curves of our Cadillac often become the subject of my photographs, capturing the essence of an era gone by.

I revel in the opportunity to connect people through stories and images, crafting content that not only highlights the beauty of these classic machines but also the vibrant personalities within our community. Each member’s journey with their vehicle is unique, and I aim to tell these stories through our social media channels, bringing to life the rich tapestry of experiences that make up our chapter.

Joining the AACA has been a transformative experience. It has allowed me to merge my storytelling abilities with the rich history of classic cars. Through our social media platforms, I strive to highlight the unique journeys of our members, promote our events, and welcome new enthusiasts into our vibrant and supportive community.

As I continue to serve on the AACA Des Moines Chapter Board, I am excited about the future. I hope to grow my skill set, not only in storytelling and social media but also in building meaningful connections that will keep the love for classic cars alive for generations to come.

For as long as I can remember, I have loved old cars. I remember going to the junkyard with my dad and sitting in a 1958 Buick Roadmaster that had been parked in the back of the lot. Sitting behind the wheel of that car felt like I was the captain of a ship, its long black tail-fins gleaming like two blades reaching up towards the heavens. That car started my love of old cars, a passion that eventually led me to the Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA).

I was drawn to the AACA when I reached out to our local chapter to help with a car show I was putting on at our high school. My personal mission is to share the hobby and inspire the next generation of car collectors. There is something for everyone in the car community, and I have found that car people are the best kind of people. I joined the AACA to have a place to enjoy old cars, but I stay for the relationships that my wife Kristie and I have built with many of the club members.

My passion for the AACA extends far beyond just club events. I am also heavily involved in the Des Moines Concours d’Elegance and the Iowa Red Flag Tour. My wife and I enjoy taking our 1941 Cadillac out to events, sharing our love of classic cars with others. There's a new generation out there with an appreciation for old cars, and the AACA gives them a place to connect, learn, and share their passion. I see myself continuing to be involved with the club for many years to come, helping to ensure that the love of classic cars continues to cruise down the road.