Iowa Manufacturing Podcast

This episode of the Iowa Manufacturing Podcast features Grant Veenstra, Founder of Frozen Gains, a high-protein gelato company born from personal necessity and entrepreneurial grit. What started as a high school athlete's search for a better-tasting alternative to chalky protein shakes is now a full-fledged business on the rise. Grant shares how CyStarts, Iowa State University’s entrepreneurship accelerator, helped him...

Artificial intelligence is no longer a buzzword—it’s a competitive requirement. In this episode, Paul Gormley of CIRAS lays out a high-stakes roadmap for Iowa manufacturers. He challenges listeners to think differently about AI—not as a technology project, but as a strategic business decision that will determine who thrives and who falls behind. His three-question framework simplifies the complexity of AI and puts the ...

The Principal Charity Classic just set a new fundraising record—and in this episode, we reveal why that matters to Iowa’s business and manufacturing leaders. Jo Christine Miles and Ken McCullum share how the tournament leverages corporate power, strategic philanthropy, and community partnerships to uplift youth and strengthen Iowa's future workforce.

This is more than a golf tournament—it’s a model of how ...

Iowa’s workforce is expected to shrink by 240,000 people by 2030, posing a significant threat to the state’s manufacturing economy. In this episode, Dawn Ealy from CIRAS joins the Iowa Manufacturing Podcast to share how her team is equipping manufacturers to face this challenge head-on. From retention strategies to recruiting Gen Z and crafting age-inclusive leadership approaches, Dawn offers practical guidance grounde...

In this episode of the Iowa Manufacturing Podcast, Todd Shores of Creative Planning breaks down the benefits of the Fractional CFO model, especially for manufacturers navigating uncertainty, staff turnover, or growth. Rather than relying on a single in-house person, companies gain a full team of experts with deep knowledge in finance, HR, ERP, AI, and operational strategy.

Todd also shares how manufacturer...

In this powerful episode of the Iowa Manufacturing Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Ian Roberts, Superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, as he shares his compelling leadership journey and vision for the future of education in Iowa’s largest school district. With responsibility for over 31,000 students and 72 aging school buildings, Dr. Roberts discusses the challenges and opportunities ahead, including a $51 million ...

In this insightful episode of the Iowa Manufacturing Podcast, digital marketing strategist Sachin Sehgal delves into the parallels between SEO and real estate, emphasizing the importance of owning and optimizing your digital "property" to drive sustainable growth. He discusses NFC's acquisition of Bond Branding, highlighting how strategic branding and digital presence are pivotal in today's market.

Sachin ...

Allen Patton, of Patton Benefits, joins the Iowa Manufacturing Podcast to unveil a game-changing AI tool that’s disrupting the way manufacturers approach health insurance. His platform uses artificial intelligence to quote plans faster and more precisely, resulting in average savings of 20–30% for companies. Allen walks us through how the system works, the type of data it leverages, and why it’s a smarter approach comp...

In this episode of the Iowa Manufacturing Podcast, we sit down with Aaron Anderson, founder and owner of Fresh Fit Meals. Aaron shares his remarkable journey from stepping into the company’s operations to ultimately seizing the opportunity to purchase the business during a pivotal moment. He discusses how he knew the timing was right, what critical lessons he’s learned as an entrepreneur, the key resources he’s tapped ...

Jeff Kappen brings a sharp perspective to this episode, challenging conventional thinking around manufacturing strategy in America. From the viability of reindustrialization to the true cost of maximizing consumption, he pushes us to ask better questions. We discuss the evolving role of global supply chains, how geopolitical disruptions like tariffs create strategic ripple effects, and why businesses need a firm grasp ...

What do cyber attacks, wild weather, and your factory’s machinery breakdown all have in common? They’re risks that could stop production in its tracks—and too often, manufacturers aren’t as prepared as they think. In this episode, EMC Insurance executives Josh August and Mark Campbell share what’s keeping risk professionals up at night and what your team should be doing right now to protect your business.

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Senator Sarah Trone Garriott joins Leisa for an insightful conversation about Iowa’s legislative climate, from the nuances of school vouchers and budget priorities to the deeper challenges of ensuring effective governance in a fast-changing state. With a deep respect for public service and a commitment to listening across the aisle, Trone Garriott outlines the importance of transparency, balance of power, and sustainab...

When Rusty Rohe took over Dahl Air Conditioning and Heating a decade ago, he inherited a company with strong foundations, built in 1965. But he saw potential beyond traditional HVAC services. By relocating the business and expanding into ductwork manufacturing, Rusty positioned Dahl for long-term growth. Now, he's taking another bold step—wholesale distribution—supplying HVAC companies across Iowa. His journey has been...

Supply chain disruptions are one of the greatest risks facing manufacturers today, but with the right strategies, businesses can turn vulnerabilities into opportunities for growth. In this episode, supply chain experts Janice Marquardt and Marc Schneider share invaluable insights on how manufacturers can protect themselves from tariff abuse, sourcing issues, and logistical disruptions by leveraging smarter supply chain...

In this insightful episode of the Iowa Manufacturing Podcast, host Leisa sits down with Kevin Schlueter and Stephen Smith of Reworc to explore the transformative power of data in shaping workplace culture and driving business success. Kevin and Stephen share how understanding how teams naturally work and collaborate reveals critical insights into workforce gaps and future needs. They emphasize the importance of gatheri...

In this episode of the Iowa Manufacturing Podcast, I sit down with Dan Topf from Topf Business Learning to explore how simulations and business games are transforming leadership development in manufacturing. Dan explains that while many leaders have strong technical skills, they often lack the business acumen needed to make strategic decisions—especially in uncertain times. Through interactive simulations, Dan helps le...

Athena GTX has been at the forefront of innovative medical technology since its founding in 2003, originally developing solutions for military applications. Today, the company serves a diverse range of industries, bringing cutting-edge patient monitoring systems to high-risk environments. Sean Mahoney, VP of Engineering and Regulatory Affairs, joins us to share an exclusive look at Athena GTX’s newest product and the c...

The estate tax landscape is set to change dramatically at the end of 2025, impacting business transitions across industries. Bob Hodges, BrownWinick’s Trust and Estate Tax practice lead, highlights the reduction of the Unified Credit from $13.9 million to approximately $7 million, significantly increasing estate tax liabilities for business owners. This shift could create substantial financial burdens, making proactive...

In this episode of the Iowa Manufacturing Podcast, host Leisa Fox sits down with Jeremy Morris of SwipeJobs to explore how AI-driven recruitment is transforming the hiring process. By blending the efficiency of artificial intelligence with the personal touch needed for cultural alignment, SwipeJobs is revolutionizing workforce placement. Employers benefit from dramatically reduced hiring times, as candidates are seamle...