Justin Mikos is the current store manager of Mikos and Matt Furniture, and is the son of John Mikos, the owner. He has made his mark on the community by helping run the fixture of Fort Dodge that is Mikos and Matt, but also has made an impact by being a key member of the Fort Dodge Young Professionals.

“I was born and raised here in Fort Dodge, went to St. Edmond for schooling,” he said. “I graduated from St Ed’s in 2011, then I went to college at UNI (University of Northern Iowa) and graduated with a marketing degree in 2015. Afterwards, I did an internship at a Lay-Z-Boy store, and then moved back here to work for the family business.”

One major aspect of Mikos’ community work is his involvement with the Fort Dodge Young Professionals. This is a group dedicated to helping improve the economic quality of Fort Dodge by working with and providing opportunities for young professionals.

“I’m the vice president, VP, of Young Professionals this year,” said Mikos, “and we’ve been working on a bunch of different things. Last month, we did a networking event with the Growth Alliance at the new Stella’s coffee shop, and that went over well. We had a good attendance there. Then we also volunteer at the Kennedy Christmas lights. We help set up and then I’ve helped during the light displays, and I’ve even helped tear down, too.”

Mikos said the Young Professionals group members like to have fun, but also enjoy networking, volunteering and giving back to the community.

“We do volleyball teams down at Amigos,” Mikos said, “and about a month ago, in kind of the early part of May, we had a golf outing out at the country club, and the proceeds are going to the United Way.”

His work with the community also has roots that go back to his family’s store. Mikos and Matt Furniture opened in 1953 and has been a staple in the Fort Dodge community since.

“We’ve been around a long time; we’re on the third generation,” he said. “We’ve always given back to the community. We’re happy to support local foundations, whether it’s the fireman’s ball or like the St. Ed’s or Fort Dodge’s balls they have. We’ve also donated items to the animal shelter, the Almost Home, when they have their Fur Ball.

“It’s fun to attend those events, too,” he added. “That’s a good way to stay connected with people in the community and see where your donations go.”

When asked if he had any advice for someone looking to become more involved in the community, Mikos said, “I would say, don’t be afraid to get active in the community, and don’t be intimidated by it, either, because once you do, that’s when you either meet new people or get reconnected with people that you already knew.

“Don’t be afraid … because everybody has been very inviting and appreciates young people getting involved.”

In his free time, Mikos enjoys golfing, fishing and using the trail system in Fort Dodge. “I’m an outdoors guy, and I really enjoy the advantage of all the outdoor things that Fort Dodge has to offer,” he said.

Mikos also likes promoting his hometown.

“Since I grew up here, and our business has been here for a long time, and Fort Dodge has treated us very well,” Mikos said, “I feel very fortunate to be a part of this community and a part of my family business.”