7. Mike Whalen: From Iowa Eats to Country Music Beats

Mike Whalen, President, CEO, and Founder, of the Heart America Group, is well-known by Iowans for many things—his multi-location Machine Shed and Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse Restaurants, envisioning and then creating Wildwood Hills Ranch, an equine therapy camp for at risk youth and veterans suffering from PTSD, as well as his run for federal office as a 1st District Congressional candidate.  However, this multidimensional hospitality pro still has a few surprises up his sleeve.  Heart of America’s portfolio of properties recently expanded beyond food and beverage concepts which pay homage to Midwest culture and cuisine. Their wildly successful Hyper Drink Bars cater to the made-to-order energy drink crowd. Think there’s nothing left to learn about this colorful two-time Iowa Restaurateur of the Year? Turn on the radio and you may hear a tune or two composed by this unexpected country-music songwriter.