A Real Piece of Work

In this episode of A Real Piece of Work, author, academic advisor, and early career development strategist Ana Homayoun explores how executive functioning skills, technology, and personal energy management are shaping success in today’s world. The conversation examines the growing challenges students and professionals face in balancing focus, productivity, and well-being in an increasingly digital...

In this episode of A Real Piece of Work, leaders from the Quad Cities Chamber join the conversation to discuss the forces shaping economic growth and workforce development in the region. Chris, Vice President of Business Retention, Expansion, and Workforce, and Bill Polley, Senior Director of Business Intelligence, share insights from their work supporting local businesses and analyzing regional t...

Solving a Problem, Building a Brand: Howard White and Constant Mountain

In this episode of A Real Piece of Work, Austin Blunk shares how he built Valley Outdoor from a college side business into a thriving lawn, landscape, and snow removal company serving more than 350 accounts with a team of over 25 employees. What began in 2012 as a way to earn tuition money while studying Landscape Design at Iowa State University eventually became a full-time entrepreneurial pursui...

In this episode of A Real Piece of Work, Lysa Hegland, President & CEO of Junior Achievement of the Heartland, shares insights from her leadership journey and what it means to build opportunity through purpose-driven work.

In this episode of A Real Piece of Work, the hosts sit down with Dan Mitchell, a retired Colonel and West Point graduate, to discuss his career journey and lessons learned through a life of leadership and service. Dan reflects on his path through military service, the skills and values that shaped his professional life, and how those experiences translate beyond uniformed service. The conversation...

In this podcast episode of "A Real Piece of Work", Matt Rebro and Matt Blaylock discuss their new co-hosting partnership, sharing personal career journeys, perspectives on professional development, parenting, and the importance of community engagement through Junior Achievement.

In this episode of A Real Piece of Work, hosts Matt and Joy interview Kurt Spurgeon, a corporate attorney who specializes in general business and corporate law.

In this episode of the podcast, Matt Rebro and Marc Zyla interview Erika Ayres Badan, the CEO of Food52, a home food and lifestyle company.

In this episode of the podcast, hosts Matt and Joy interview Matt Blaylock, the founder and CEO of Cold Penny Marketing.

In this episode of ARPOW, hosts Matt and Joy sit down with Amber Matthews, the Director of Operations and Staff Coach for FC United.

In this episode of the podcast, hosts Matt Rebro and Marc Zyla interview Dr. Liang Wee, the Interim Chancellor of Eastern Iowa Community College. They dive into his career journey and his role as a community college leader.

In this episode, hosts Matt and Joy sit down with Aubrey Barnes, a poet, educator, and entrepreneur from the Quad Cities.

Join hosts Matt and Joy in this podcast episode featuring Jared Johnson, the General Manager/CEO of WVIK, Quad Cities NPR, a nonprofit radio station in Rock Island, Illinois.

Join Matt and Joy on this delicious episode of A Real Piece of Work as they talk with Sarah Bluhm Organ, plant manager at the Davenport Kraft Heinz manufacturing facility.

In this episode of "A Real Piece of Work," hosts Matt and Joy sit down with Charlie Hartig, the CEO of Hartig Drug Company, a family-owned pharmacy chain. Matt and Joy have a personal connection to Charlie, as his father and Joy's father-in-law were pharmacy school classmates, and Joy herself worked with him at a pharmacy during her school years. Charlie takes us through his career journey, explai...

In this episode of "A Real Piece of Work," hosts Matt and Joy sit down with Ashley DuVal, a Senior Scientist at Mars Wrigley, to delve into her fascinating career in developing resilient and productive cocoa plants. The hosts express their enthusiasm to learn about DuVal's role in breeding, integrated pest management, and farming practices that support cocoa farmers and ensure a sustainable cocoa...

Who doesn’t like a good thriller fiction book; one which reminds you to question how safe you are at home, at work and in every step you take? How cool if your REAL daily job was providing security and protection in masses? Well, on this episode of A Real Piece of Work, Matt & Joy have a thriller job interview for you! Shaun Guidebeck, Product Coordinator at Per Mar Security,shares the drive and d...

YOU are the designer of your career story! Have you ever thought about how the approach to life and design can be so parallel? How impactful is the space you live in? Have you ever considered the amount of research, thought, and organization that goes into a well designed and inspirational space? As one of the next ARPOW guests states “once the why is understood, the how becomes far clearer!”

Say YES to this opportunity! Join Matt & Joy LIVE from Forest Grove Elementary as they explore the world of farming and beyond with a curious group of 4th graders and Hans Schneckloth, President of Schneckloth Farms. Note: You won’t just learn about farm life on this podcast episode!