Finding a job can be particularly challenging for individuals with visible and invisible disabilities and other barriers. At Optimae LifeServices, we have found a way not only to bridge that gap but also to do it in an unconventional way.
Optimae offers our customers a clear path to employment through nine microbusinesses we own and operate throughout Iowa. From farms to bakeries, bookstores and more, we help our customers find meaningful work and build valuable skills.
We listened to our customers. We heard the types of places where they wanted to work and the types of experiences they wanted to have. Because of this, our customers have thrived in a variety of roles, from antique trading and retail to recreation, kitchen help and food service preparation. These positions not only help our customers grow but also bring new services to the communities our customers call home.
Our nine microbusinesses include:
Working at Plain Talk can enrich a customer’s life because they work on skills they wouldn’t otherwise work on or have the assistance they would if they were just working at Starbucks. There’s just a little bit more attention to detail and a lot more support. I think that helps customers excel and succeed at the goals they have in the workplace.
Ford Eastman | Plain Talk Manager
Our microbusinesses in central Iowa include Plain Talk Books & Coffee, Railroad Bill’s Dining Car (and associated food truck), Raccoon Forks Farms, River to River Bakery & Pizza and Raccoon Forks Trading Company. We also operate Coal Palace Cafe and Books, Nature Nook Miniature Golf and Candy Caboose in Ottumwa.
Plain Talk Books & Coffee is a coffee shop and bookstore located at 602 East Grand Avenue in Des Moines’ East Village. Established in 2009 as Optimae’s first microbusiness, Plain Talk offers coffee and a large food menu, as well as a sophisticated selection of new and used books. In 2020, the coffee shop underwent a comprehensive historic building renovation.
Raccoon Forks Trading Company is an antique store that specializes in furniture, primitives, prints and other vintage items. The store, which opened in 2011, is located at 621 Des Moines Street in the northeast corner of Des Moines’ East Village. The trading company’s carefully curated inventory will appeal to antique aficionados and interior designers looking for a unique piece.
Candy Caboose is the most recent microbusiness to join the Ottumwa community, having opened in April of 2022. Located at 226 West Main Street in Ottumwa, Candy Caboose brings an ambiance of nostalgia to its customers by providing old-fashioned candies, sodas and popcorn that span multiple different eras.
Coal Palace Cafe and Books is the first of Optimae’s microbusinesses to be opened outside of the Central Iowa Region. Located at 226 West Main Street in Ottumwa, the Coal Palace offers a typical cafe breakfast and lunch menu, as well as organic coffee and freshly made desserts. It has a growing selection of used books for sale and offers an inviting atmosphere in the heart of the Ottumwa community.
Nature Nook Miniature Golf, located south of Ottumwa on Highway 63, provides individuals and families with outdoor recreation and entertainment. A concession stand is available on site. Optimae began operation of the grounds in 2020.
Railroad Bill’s Dining Car is a breakfast and lunch diner located in the storefront next to Raccoon Forks Trading Company at 621 Des Moines Street, in the northeast corner of Des Moines’ East Village. The restaurant features a classic diner menu along with vegan options. It expanded to include a patio in spring 2018.
Railroad Bill’s Food Truck started in August 2018 as an extension of Railroad Bill’s Dining Car. It showcases the classic diner cuisine from Railroad Bill’s, as well as spotlights excellent food from other microbusinesses and new menu items created just for the food truck.
Raccoon Forks Farms, located at 28770 El Paso Avenue in Redfield, sells locally grown, fresh produce and free-range eggs through Community Supported Agriculture shares and at retail outlets across central Iowa. Raccoon Forks has two farms, one in Redfield and another in Runnells, which were established in 2009 and 2014, respectively.
River to River Bakery & Pizza, located at 109 North Ninth Street on the west side of Adel’s historic courthouse square, opened in 2016 as Brick Street Bakery to meet the growing demand for the fresh baked goods and pastries at Optimae’s former Brick Street Books and Cafe, as well as Optimae’s other microbusinesses. In July 2021, the bakery added pizza to its menu, and in October 2021, cafe operations merged with River to River. The building features its own dining room, as well as a patio built in 2018 from reclaimed bricks from city streets.
At Optimae, we’re more than just a service provider — we’re a patient partner in helping our customers achieve their goals and contribute to their communities. We’re especially proud of our job coaches, who work closely with our customers to help them succeed. Through our microbusinesses, we offer roles that help our customers become valued members of their communities, whether they remain employed at our microbusinesses or later secure outside employment.
A mental health journey through loss, community — and pizza
In his job at a local pizzeria and bakery, Mike Ripperger serves up more than dough and toppings.
“I like to put smiles on people’s faces,” he says. “I bring not only pizza, but I bring smiles to the bakery.”
Despite his infectious laugh and joyful personality today, the road here wasn’t easy.
