Small Business and Startup Stories DSM

Sola Insurance CEO and Co-Founder Wesley Pergament joins The Partnership's Diana Wright and talks about their mission is to expedite the recovery process for those impacted by natural disasters by utilizing data to provide payouts in a matter of days.

Susan Watts and Alice Vernon from Olson Larson Galleries join The Partnership's Emily McLain and discuss the 45-year history of their women-owned business in Historic Valley Junction.

Ryan Smith, CEO and co-founder of Rise Energy, joins The Partnership's Diana Wright and shares how the company empowers enterprises to become exceptional stewards of their resources. Their proprietary technology converts underutilized biomass into valuable, carbon-negative products to increase revenue and reduce emissions. For more information on resources for small businesses and entrepreneu...

Gina Ross and Andy Behnke of In Harmony Farm join The Partnership's Diana Wright and talk about the organization's commitment to creating an environment focused on inclusion, empowerment, and respect for all, and how the farm bridges the gap between urban gardening and small-scale/conventional farming for historically underserved individuals. For more information and resources dedicated...

Kevin Mason, professional historian and creator of Notes on Iowa, joins Diana Wright and talks about Iowa's environmental history. Find more resources for entrepreneurs and small businesses, visit www.dsmpartnership.com/smallbusiness

Allison Brady, owner of Toad Valley Golf Course in Pleasant Hill, joins The Partnership's Emily McLain and talks about growing the business in its third generation of family ownership. For more information and resources on small business and entrepreneurship, visit www.dsmpartnership.com/smallbusiness

Karie Kading Ramsey, CEO of Kading Properties, joins Emily McLain and talks about growing the workforce housing business her father started to 28 communities in 17 counties.

Paul Richardson, Co-Founder and CEO of Tumbleweed, joins The Partnership's Diana Wright on Small Business and Startup Stories DSM and talks about starting Tumbleweed as an end-of-life planning company that offers a thoughtfully curated journey to honor and memorialize loved ones. Visit www.dsmpartnership.com/smallbusiness for more information and resources about small business and entrepreneu...

Jeremy Spillman, founder of Toggle, joins The Partntership's Diana Wright on Small Business & Startup Stories DSM and talks about how his team has built a new type of end-to-end supply chain management system that aims to automate many of the current manual, labor-intensive processes used in the shipping industry.

His name is Garrison Goodlett, but you might know him as G.G. If you've been to local events or farmers' markets, you've probably seen him selling his southern comfort food. In this episode of Small Business & Startup Stories DSM, Goodlett talks with Emily McLain about starting and growing GG's Chicken and Waffles. For more information and resources for small businesses and...

Jim Langin founded Pivotal Business Partners to enhance economic growth in Iowa by partnering with financial institutions to provide funding solutions for small businesses. For more business resources, visit www.dsmpartnership.com/smallbusiness.

Steven Slye, founder and owner owner of Flowstate Health, joins The Partnership's Diana Wright and talks about reverse engineering mental healthcare to take a collaborative approach. For more resources supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses, visit www.dsmpartnership.com/smallbusiness.

Courtney Buhrow joins The Partnership's Emily McLain on Small Business & Startup Stories DSM and talks about her journey of opening Revive Physical Therapy & Wellness with a focus on women's health. For more small business and entrepreneur resources, visit www.dsmpartnership.com/smallbusiness.

Renae Mauk, Vice President of Downtown Development at the Greater Des Moines Partnership, joins Small Business & Startup Stories DSM and talks about why a strong downtown is important to the region and how Downtown DSM relates to entrepreneurship. Find more about small business and entrepreneur resources at www.dsmpartnership.com/smallbusiness.

Sam Summers, a live music and entertainment serial entrepreneur who has built and founded First Fleet Concerts (FFC), Hinterland Music Festival, Wooly’s, Val Air Ballroom, Up-Down Arcade Bars and Des Moines Register  2024 Person to Watch , shares thoughts on growing the music scene in Greater Des Moines (DSM). Learn more about entrepreneurial and small business support at www.dsmpartnership.com/sm...

Russel Karim, Founder of Dhakai , shares about connecting fashion brands to ethical apparel vendors utilizing a worldwide team while living in Iowa.

David Tracy, CEO and Founder of Northgate Marketing, shares about what it’s like to run a business like Northgate Marketing in Greater Des Moines (DSM).

During the latest Small Business & Startup Stories DSM podcast, Austin Mac Nab, CEO and Founder of VizyPay, and Frank Pagano, Managing Partner of VizyPay, share about what it’s like to run a business like VizyPay in Greater Des Moines (DSM).  

Laura Formanek, Owner of Studio Process , talks with The Partnership's Emily McLain about creating meaningful content and founding her business in Greater Des Moines (DSM). 

Jon Lensing, CEO & Co-Founder of OpenLoop Health , shares how the company continues to expand through gaining talented employees and creating partnerships to increase care around the country.

Chris and Isabella Whalen, Co-Owners of Hyper Energy Bar , share how Hyper is a go-to spot for people around the region to get coffee, energy drinks and more.

Scott Keplinger, CEO of IntelliSee , headquartered in Coralville and Des Moines, shares about his work creating software that provides surveillance safety for businesses.

Lani, Creative Business Owner and Musician in Greater Des Moines (DSM), shares her business and entrepreneurial journey with Greater Des Moines Partnership Small Business and Member Support Manager Emily McLain.

Bill Menner, Founder of the Bill Menner Group in Grinnell and executive director of Iowa Rural Development Council discussed his Greater Des Moines (DSM) business and entrepreneurial journey

Toney and Sarah Chem, Co-Owners of 5 Borough Bagels (13435 University Ave., Clive), discussed their Greater Des Moines (DSM) business and entrepreneurial journey