Made In Iowa: A Second-Act CEO - How Loras Schaul Rebuilt and Diversified Douglas Machine

On this episode of the Made in Iowa Podcast, I sit down with Loras Schaul, whose career story is anything but conventional. After decades of success in executive-level sales leadership, Loras made a bold, later-in-life pivot—cashing in all his chips to purchase Douglas Machine & Engineering. What followed was not a quiet transition, but an energizing leap into ownership, vision-setting, and hands-on leadership that allowed him to fully unfurl his leadership wings and shape the future of the organization. Under Loras’s leadership, Douglas Machine & Engineering has focused on expanding market segments, diversifying its customer base, and reorganizing internally to support long-term growth. By intentionally reducing reliance on any single sector—particularly the cyclical swings of agriculture—Loras has strengthened the company’s resilience and created a more stable, future-ready business. His story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to take a calculated risk, lead with purpose, and make a meaningful impact. Tune in to hear Loras’s inspiring journey and the lessons he’s learned along the way.