Iowa Manufacturing Podcast

Whether it's Kaizen, TQM, 5S, or the Toyota method, Brian has used them.  Taking some of the most complex challenges, breaking them down into bite sized chunks, reimagining them and eliminating waste, Brian has helped Fortune 100 companies and small Iowa manufacturers become more lean, competitive and successful.  His seemingly simple strategies on their face seem simple.  Trust me, they are not....

The pandemic had many lingering side effects. One of those is loneliness. A little-known fact is that loneliness has such far-reaching consequences that the health impact is comparable to smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day, according to one study published in the journal PLOS Medicine. Loneliness, coupled with increasing obesity and its detrimental effects on health are making it hard to make solid...

Bob Riley, known to many as Doc Fat, has been innovating in Central Iowa since 1986 when the founders of Feed Energy passed suddenly and he purchased the company.  Bob stepped in and began his journey with Feed Energy - providing safe, energy-based nutrition solutions for the poultry, cattle and pork industries.  Growing the company from 11 to 124 in the last 37 years hasn't been easy, but it's be...

The impression you make on your new hire in the first 15 minutes could predict whether or not they stay.  With 87% of Zoomers (gen z) self admitted job hoppers, retention strategies matter more than ever!  Learn how four simple tactics can make the difference between staying and going. Full show details are at https://iowapodcast.com/jim-roy-manufacturing                       *** You just got a f...

What do you get when you cross a gregarious, passionate, articulate woman with a passion and love of science? One of the most amazing advocates for careers in STEM in the world.  We're lucky enough to have her in a highly influential role with kids all across the state as the Director of Innovative STEM Teaching at The Science Center of Iowa.  I believe this treasure is a gateway for kids into STE...

Our focus today is on manufacturers getting back to basics when it comes to marketing and data management.  Often the sexy topics like AI, cybersecurity, cloud computing and 3D CAD get the attention, but so many manufacturers and dealers are making missteps with brand, marketing, dealer channel relations and websites.  Full show details are at https://iowapodcast.com/michael-bird-manufacturing    ...

We'll start with understanding the difference between Private Equity and Venture Capital and learn how to position your company to receive it, how the process works and when it makes sense.  John Mickelson and his firm Midwest Capital Partners are on their third round of funding spanning 10 years.  They've helped their clients manage through change, rebuild and grow.  Every client has different ne...

What was it that Einstein said? "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results." In recruiting this is all too accurate. Periodically, employers need to retool their recruiting process to tap into new pools. Bill Raine, a thirty year recruiting veteran offers four solid tips to immediately apply to open up the recruiting flood gates for new candid...

Sheri Penney, Director of the Iowa Women's Foundation Employment Engagement, works with communities across Iowa to develop childcare solutions driving thousands of working parents back into the workforce.  With over 300,000 childcare openings statewide, there's a long way to go.  Funded by the Iowa Economic Development Authority through a three-year grant, Sheri has already seen success.  Communit...

After years in nursing, both patient care and management and a final move to a cubicle removed from all that gave her joy, Kris Howard made a bold move to a career in manufacturing.  Testing the market first, with friends and close colleagues, she found a niche for herself in fast turnarounds and no minimums when ordering.  Starting her business just prior to the pandemic could be seen as ill-fate...

Mike Helak - 25 year banking veteran who recently retired from US Bank reveals how he helped his clients navigate complex decisions throughout his tenure.  Now retired, he is still passionate about being a resource in Central Iowa.  In a dynamic interview with the "new regime," Mike, Karla Rendall and Ryan Mortier discuss all the ways manufacturers should be using their bankers,  but likely aren't...

When you combine constant, real-time communication with and end-to-end blockchain security to empower independent truckers to compete with the large firms, you get cost savings, an unmatched customer experience and a new level of competition when transporting goods.  Jeremy Spillman, CEO of Toggle discusses the emerging technology that stands to revolutionize the options for shipping goods of all...

In manufacturing, when the economy has potential for volatility, it is even more critical that you hire the RIGHT people, not just warm bodies. This is especially true in higher level roles within the organization. Moving beyond the "hire anyone who can fog a mirror" to hire only those who make a positive impact on my organization is hard… Especially in the current workforce environment. Full show...

With the unemployment rate lower than it's been in recent memory, increasing the graduation rate for those students on the cusp is huge.  Learn how Iowa's Jobs for America's Graduates is increasing Iowa's workforce productivity and bettering the lives of over 800 students every year.  As the bridge between public education and the world of work, IJAG is the model others should use in empowering st...

With the workforce challenges at an all-time high, knowing where to turn for guidance on recruiting international talent is critical.  Understanding what types of visas are available and more plentiful is super helpful.   Kailey Blazek-Naranjo and her team at Dentons Davis Brown have deep international resources that can guide Iowa manufacturers who depend on an international workforce through the...

Whether it is filling the talent pipeline for technical jobs like tool and die makers, welders and automation specialists or offering leadership development for emerging manufacturing professionals, DMACC is rolling up their sleeves to deliver.  Filling the gaps that exist in providing continuing training and development for all phases of the workforce is DMACC's specialty. Learn about their Schol...

Marni Hockenberg spent 15 years building a vibrant network of manufacturers in the Twin Cities.   FuseDSM , Your Chamber of Commerce, is privileged to have her as our Membership Director. Learn how she built the group in Minnesota and the wonderful resources she was able to bring to the robust manufacturing community there.  We are so excited for the future and what it means to bring resources, be...

Whether you're building with it, making food out of it, using it as fuel to haul your freight, or rubber in your tires, the future looks bright for the 40,000 soybean producers in Iowa.   Trailing only Illinois in soybean production, Iowa is on the forefront in growing, distributing, making scientific advancements and selling soy products internationally.  Aaron Putze, Chief Officer, Strategy and...

Most people wouldn't consider a blood center to be a manufacturer… until you tour the facility and learn about their complex and logistically challenging distribution process.   Stacy Sime and her team have taken the challenges of the post-covid blood collection environment and turned it into a well-oiled machine. Full show details are at https://iowapodcast.com/stacy-sime-manufacturing  

Longtime Iowa manufacturer Kemin Industries made the leap into Canibas two years ago. Lucas Nelson explains why and how they determine new markets.   He also delves into what it's like competing with Big Pharma.  While there is limitless opportunity, many things remain uncharted. Full show details are at https://iowapodcast.com/lucas-nelson-manufacturing  

When Bob and Andy Lashier saw the market for copiers and printers diminishing, they were able to use existing equipment to use those printers in a BIG WAY.  If you've been to a Cyclone or Hawkeye Football game, you've seen their products.   These large format printers have given new life not only to Lashier Graphics & Signs, but also to vehicles, stadiums and buildings all over Iowa. Full show det...

Iowa Manufacturing is a resource that connects Iowa's manufacturing community. We are gathering to collectively solve problems, leverage resources and amplify our voice.  If you have a product you would like to promote, a service you'd like to explore or a manufacturing challenge you'd like to solve, begin the conversation here. Full show details are at https://iowapodcast.com/lawrence-cunningham-...

Varsha Jayade uses her experience building efficiencies, eliminating bottlenecks and predicting profitability with companies like Whirlpool and Pella Corporation to increase margin and create sustainable business models with her clients all over Iowa. Learn how to implement IOT (Internet of Things) and real time analytics to enhance workflow and increase productivity in this mind-blowing episode....

In this podcast episode, Leisa Fox explores the significance of manufacturing in Iowa with guest Debbie Durham , Director at Iowa Economic Development Authority and Iowa Finance Authority. Iowa has a rich history of supplying the world with various products, and manufacturing holds the largest share in the state's GDP. The industry has a substantial impact on employment, with 3.6 supportive jobs c...

Nicky Wallace highlights the various ways to outsource recruiting in your operation.  Whether you choose an RPO (Recruiting Process Outsourcing), traditional recruiting or a staffing agency, all means can be a huge help in getting the right candidate in the door.  Oftentimes, the cost savings will more than pay for their services.  Full show details are at  https://iowapodcast.com/nicky-wallace-st...