Meet the Owners
James and Lorie Machamer are the passionate husband-and-wife team behind Walk Your Plans Des Moines. With decades of combined experience in construction, safety, sales, and customer service, they bring unmatched insight and dedication to every client interaction.
James, a retired Navy Veteran with significant residential and commercial construction experience, pairs perfectly with Lorie’s dynamic background in sales leadership and operations. Together, they are redefining how Central Iowans plan and visualize their building projects—one immersive and collaborative experience at a time.
James Machamer
President & Chief Experience Officer, Walk Your Plans Des Moines
Meet James Machamer – President & Chief Experience Officer, Walk Your Plans Des Moines
With decades of construction experience and nearly 23 years of distinguished Naval Service, James Machamer brings a rare blend of expertise, leadership, and client-focused passion to Walk Your Plans Des Moines. As a retired Veteran who served with the SeaBees, Marines, and Operational Medical Units—earning multiple deployments and citations—James is no stranger to precision, pressure, and planning.
Following his military career, James served nearly 13 years as a Senior Medic and Firefighter with the Des Moines Fire Department, before becoming Safety Director for a General Contractor. His deep commitment to safety, communication, and delivering top-tier client experiences now drives the mission at Walk Your Plans.
James understands construction from every angle and knows the frustrations that often arise on both sides of the planning table. His industry knowledge, strategic mindset, and trusted relationships throughout Central Iowa make him the ideal leader to introduce this innovative technology to builders, homeowners, and professionals alike.
Together with his wife Lorie, a seasoned sales leader, James is committed to transforming how clients visualize and plan their projects.
Lorie Machamer
Co-Owner, Walk Your Plans Des Moines
Meet Lorie Machamer – Co-Owner, Walk Your Plans Des Moines
Lorie Machamer is a dynamic sales and operations leader with a proven track record across multiple industries. From her early days co-owning a pet store in Windom, Minnesota, to her leadership roles in retail, hospitality, furniture, and HVAC, Lorie has built a career rooted in client service, team development, and business growth.
Her career highlights include launching and revitalizing Walgreens stores in Iowa and Arizona, leading high-performing teams in the furniture and HVAC industries, and spending the past 11 years as a District Manager for Nabisco—home to iconic brands like Oreos and Ritz—where she continues to lead with empathy, foresight, and precision.
Lorie’s ability to anticipate challenges, organize for success, and truly care about the customer experience makes her an ideal fit for Walk Your Plans Des Moines. Alongside her husband James, a decorated Veteran and construction expert, Lorie is transforming how Central Iowans plan and visualize their building projects.
Mila
Studio Manager
Meet Mila – Studio Manager, Walk Your Plans Des Moines
Mila is a three-year-old purebred German Shepherd and proud Studio Manager at Walk Your Plans Des Moines. Rescued through the German Shepherd Dog Rescue of Iowa, she joined the Machamer family after being rehomed due to a family situation. The connection was instant—and felt meant to be when they learned Mila was born on James and Lorie’s wedding anniversary.
While Mila has the bark of her breed, she’s gentle, playful, and full of charm. At the studio, she keeps James on schedule (especially for breaks and treats) and brings joy to everyone she meets. Her presence adds warmth, energy, and a unique touch to the client experience.
Lorie’s partnership with her husband James—a decorated Veteran and seasoned construction professional—rounds out a powerful leadership team dedicated to changing the way Central Iowans plan their projects.
