2023 NAWBO Iowa
Woman Business Owner of the Year
Jean Jones, Owner
Lil Brother Construction
Jean M. Jones is the owner of Lil Brother Construction, a remodeling, handyman and home maintenance company that has been servicing Polk, Warren and Dallas Counties since 2008. She is a graduate of Upper Iowa University with degrees in Human Services and Public Administration. She is the proud daughter of Joseph and Genevieve Conley. She and her twin sister werethe youngest of nine children. Jean come from an entrepreneurial family. Her father was the owner of the Conley Funeral Homes and her mother built and sold Celestial Candle Cherubs in the 50s. Her mother Genevieve later was one of the original founders of Hospice of Central Iowa, bringing the concept of hospice with Sister Eve Cavanaugh from Ireland to Des Moines, Iowa.
Jean worked 20 years in non-profit management before being led to a career in business-to-business sales. Jean was blessed to be united in marriage in 1990 to Steve Jones and they have two wonderful sons Christopher and Brian both of Des Moines. In 2004 Jean started Jones & Associates assisting local businesses with their employee benefits. Steve and Jean started Lil Brother construction in 2008. Reorganizing the business in 2012 when Jean became president and later becoming 100% owner in 2021. Steve is Jean’s biggest support and the best business partner she could have asked for by providing emotional and spiritual encouragement.
Lil Brother Construction maintains the top ratings with the Better Business Bureau and has received countless rewards including The People’s Choice award in 2022 for the best remodeler and in 2023 the top home maintenance company. They are active members of the National Association of Remodeling Industry, The Home Builders Association of Iowa and Des Moines, the National Association of Women Business Owners – Iowa Chapter and they work hard at promoting integrity in the industry and women in business.
Jean has been an ally of local businesses and economic development as current member of the and past president of the Des Moines West Side Chamber and a member of the FUSE Chamber of Commerce as well as the Beaverdale, Waveland and the Fairground Neighborhood Associations. Jean is an Alumni of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program. She is also very active in her church helping in counseling department and assisting in feeding the homeless with the Hot Dog Ministry.
Most importantly, Jean is the daughter of our most high God. She strives every day to live her life and run her business under Biblical principles of transparency and putting God’s priority into practical practice and balance by putting God 1st, family 2nd, and then business for both her and the Lil Brother staff. Jean gives all the glory to her Lord Jesus Christ for any success she or her business may experience.
