Kimberly Baeth (’93) loves parties and multitasking, so while she’s a fan of pulling off surprises, no one was shocked when she quit her first job to start a business. She set out to solve a simple problem and ended up creating Golden Openings, a multimillion-dollar event business that forever changed the special events industry. Baeth sold Golden Openings in 2024 and started Cutting Edge Success in 2025 to help entrepreneurs achieve their dreams. Baeth reflects on her entrepreneurial path and how she stays connected to her alma mater.
How did you get the idea to start Golden Openings?
I was working at a chamber of commerce and was sent to a ribbon cutting where I was given a small ribbon and a pair of rusty, gross scissors. I am always about making things magical but when I got to the event, there was no excitement, no pizazz. I thought, “gosh, we could at least have a big pair of scissors.” For my 26th birthday, I asked my dad, (the “Concrete King” of Marshalltown) to make me a big pair of wood scissors with razor blades. Word got out and our chamber phone rang off the hook for ribbon cuttings and scissor rentals. Eventually my dad said he couldn’t keep making them; thankfully, we had a relative who worked in manufacturing and was able to help me patent and trademark my first pair of large stainless-steel scissors. From there it took off fast: we started making keys to the city and other props that no one was using before for ceremonial events.
What was your most memorable moment during your time at Golden Openings?
We worked with nearly all of the Fortune 500 companies, Disney, the White House, professional sports teams, celebrities, thousands of cities, universities, franchises, and more. I’ve spent an entire day with Warren Buffett — not many people can say that! It is difficult to single out one favorite customer or memory. Over the years, we were honored with over 35 awards, including the U.S. Chamber’s Dream Big Small Business of the Year and Community Champion Award, for all of America. That was surreal!
You have stayed involved with Iowa State in a variety of ways; what does it mean to you to return to campus?
It means the world to me to give back to ISU. I have spoken with numerous clubs, organizations, and workshops over the years. I have also donated several pairs of cardinal and gold scissors, custom ribbons, ceremonial shovels, and more. It has been so exciting to see ISU and the students grow and thrive. I’ve enjoyed helping support new programs and opportunities in Ivy, Greenlee, and the Pappajohn Center that I would have loved to have had during my time at ISU.
