Dig It – A Real Estate Podcast

As rural towns across Iowa work to attract residents, support employers, and strengthen local economies, housing has become one of the most important pieces of the puzzle. In this special re-release of Dig It, Origin Homes revisits a timely conversation about how community-led housing development is creating new opportunities for families and helping small towns invest in their future. Since this...

We're replaying one of our fan-favorites from the most recent season as we look to bring you new stories in the near future! Get your hard hat on—this is where the blueprints meet the big ideas. Join Hubbell Realty’s VP of Development, Matt Weller, and Grow Omaha development guru Jeff Beals as we dive into the heart of the city: evolving skylines, transformative communities, and the bridges—li...

Buying a home doesn't have to feel overwhelming. In this episode, we take a closer look at today's Iowa housing market alongside our Senior New Home Sales Pro, Taylor. We're chatting current real estate trends, opportunities for buyers, market challenges and smart strategies for making confident homeownership decisions and how AI/social can play a role in it all. Whether you're a f...

Iowa's rivers aren't just flowing. They're becoming destinations.   In this episode, we talk with ICON Water Trails about the exciting transformation happening across Central Iowa, including 21 completed access sites, two major downtown attractions opening in just SIX months, new youth-focused outdoor programming and ambitious water quality improvements. Learn how this once-in-a-genera...

As Easterseals Iowa prepares to celebrate 100 years of impact, the organization is investing in an even bigger future.   In this episode, we discuss Easterseals Iowa's upcoming centennial celebration, major capital improvement campaign and plans to expand camp and program offerings for individuals with disabilities across Iowa. Learn how the organization continues to create opportunities for indep...

Recovery is about more than healing. It's about reclaiming your life. In this episode, leaders from On With Life share how specialized neuro rehabilitation helps individuals recovering from brain injury, stroke, spinal cord injury, Parkinson's disease and other neurologic conditions regain independence, purpose and hope. Learn how innovative rehabilitation programs, family support and comm...

On the final part of this  Dig It  series, we’re coming to you live from Gray’s Clubhouse for a conversation about the events, experiences, and sense of community that make Gray’s Station a unique place to live and gather. Our guest is Laura Meinert, Events and Marketing Coordinator at Hubbell Realty Company, who shares the story behind Gray’s Station’s growing lineup of free community events. Fro...

This week on  Dig It , we're coming to you live from Gray’s Clubhouse for a conversation about the evolving rental market and the lifestyle that’s attracting residents to LINC Apartments in Gray’s Station. Joining us is Jeremiah French, Senior Assistant Property Manager at Indigo Living, who shares insights on the community’s growth, the successful launch of a new phase, and the amenities and...

Join us as we're live from the Gray's Clubhouse in this three part podcast drop !  This week on  Dig It , we’re coming to you live from Gray’s Clubhouse for an inside look at Telus Condos, a boutique condominium development bringing a fresh homeownership opportunity to Gray’s Station starting at just $230k! Project Manager Michael Bialas joins the show to discuss the evolution of Telus, wh...

From updates on Valley West Mall and The Grand Experience to the city’s proposed “blended neighborhood” zoning district, we break down how West Des Moines is rethinking suburban development to support more attainable, walkable housing options and how Hubbells' here to help. We also discuss the potential impact of Iowa’s property tax legislation and what it means for cities, developers, and homeown...

How does landscaping impact the value and livability of a new home? In this episode, Cody Keibler ( President, CLK Lawn Care & Landscape ) and Pat Fox (Director of Operations,  Embarq Signature Homes ,) share expert insights on the powerful role of landscaping in new construction, specifically for  September's Home Show Expo in Norwalk. From enhancing curb appeal to designing functional ou...

In this episode, we’re joined by Dan Knoup, Executive Officer of the  Greater Des Moines Home Builders Association , and Pat Fox, Director of Operations at  Embarq Signature Homes , for a behind-the-scenes look at the  2026 Home Show  — celebrating its 50th anniversary. They break down what makes this year’s event unique, including its single-site format, cashless ticketing system, and transportat...

What does it take to create lasting growth inrural Iowa communities? In this episode, Origin Homes and Sara Robertsfrom Knoxville's Sundance Realty, shares insights from selling Origin Homes inKnoxville’s Veterans District, highlighting buyer demand for walkable,revitalized neighborhoods and what this redevelopment has proven about housingpotential in smaller markets.   Production Team: Amplif...

What does it take to create lasting growth inrural Iowa communities? In this episode, Origin Homes explore howcommunity‑led housing development is helping small towns like Panora andKnoxville overcome barriers to homeownership, attract workforce talent, andinvest in long‑term vitality across Iowa.  In this conversation, you’ll hear from: Bill Menner - Executive Director, Iowa Rural Development Cou...

In this cheerful episode, we welcome longtime resident Bob from Edencrest senior-living communities to share a candid, fun-filled conversation about making the shift from his home to a vibrant senior-living-community lifestyle across central Iowa. Together, they explore how Edencrest’s all-in-one lifestyle—renting a worry-free home, joining clubhouse events, making new friends, and replacing home...

Ta-Da! It's the dream team from Embarq Signature Homes, pulling back the curtain on what it really takes to build a truly custom home in Central Iowa — from the first sketch to handing over the keys. You’ll hear about: How Embarq’s “Consultation + Initial Design” meeting kicks off the process by aligning vision, lot and timeline. The collaborative workflow of plan finalization, bidding, constr...

In this episode, host Claire sits down with leaders from Master Builders of Iowa (MBI) and Hubbell Construction Services to dive into the full spectrum of support resources available to Iowa’s commercial-construction community. We’ll explore the many ways MBI empowers firms—from robust training platforms and dynamic conferences to influential lobbying and workforce-expansion programs. You’ll hear...

Join host Claire and Matt Weller, Vice President of Development, as they explore the ongoing transformation happening at Gray's Station in downtown Des Moines, a 75-acre master-planned community. In this episode, you will discover: - **Overview of Gray's Station**: Learn about the various elements that make up this thriving community, from for-sale homes and townhomes to multifamily rental...

Searching for a new home in Central Iowa? We've got you covered on today's episode of Dig It! Join  Rob Burditt, Pat Fox, and Sydney Rudd from Hubbell Homes as they share their unique journeys into the industry and insights on the current housing market. In this episode, we explore: **The Hubbell Homes Experience**   Discover how Hubbell Homes has made its mark as a premier local builder i...

High Five! We have a special guest joins us on this episode of the Dig It Podcast, Rick Tollakson, CEO of Hubbell Realty Company. He discusses his remarkable 40-year journey and his exciting new venture: a book titled "Think Bigger, Lead Better: Eight Great Principles for Organizational Success." In this engaging conversation, Rick shares insights from his extensive career, including: -...

On this episode of Dig It, we have two distinguished guests: Kyle Gamble, President and COO of Hubbell, and Tiffany Tauscheck, President and CEO of the Greater Des Moines Partnership. Together, they discuss the critical role of economic development in our fast-growing region and how close we are to reaching the coveted 1 million population. In this episode, we dive into several key topics: - **Gre...

Get your hard hat on—this is where the blueprints meet the big ideas. Join Hubbell Realty’s VP of Development, Matt Weller, and Grow Omaha development guru  Jeff Beals  as we dive into the heart of the city: evolving skylines, transformative communities, and the bridges—literal & metaphorical—that tie them together. Each episode, we’ll explore: New projects rising  across Omaha: residential, c...

Join us for an insightful discussion with Norwalk's Mayor Tom Phillips and Executive Vice President Joe Pietruszynski as they explore the dynamic growth of Norwalk, Iowa. In this episode, discover how strategic planning and community collaboration are shaping the future of this rapidly expanding city.... and how a Buc-ee's may just change the way we look at this little suburb! Key topics c...

Welcome to Dig It: A Real Estate Podcast by Hubbell Realty Company, where we dive into the fascinating world of real estate education and development. In this episode, we explore the groundbreaking Master of Real Estate Development (MRED) program at Iowa State University with Professor James Spiller and Hubbell market analyst John Schmitt. Join us as we uncover the unique aspects of the MRED progr...

Surfs up for the newest episode of Dig It: A Real Estate Podcast, where we dive into the transformative ICON Water Trails project and the newest addition: The Hubbell Trailhead! In this episode, we welcome Monica Converse from ICON Water Trails, a non-profit organization dedicated to activating and connecting communities through over 150 miles of waterways. Discover how ICON aims to enhance recrea...