BPC Streaming Network

Mike Espeset of Story Construction joined the podcast to discuss how strong culture, trusted relationships, and long-term thinking continue to drive one of Iowa’s most respected construction firms. The conversation explored the realities of leadership in construction today, from workforce development and succession planning to maintaining quality and accountability while continuing to grow. Mike shared how Story approaches partnerships with clients, communities, and employees in a way that prioritizes trust over transactions. The episode also highlighted the changing landscape of construction and development across Iowa. Mike reflected on the importance of adaptability, communication, and investing in people at every level of the organization. From attracting younger talent into the trades to navigating economic shifts and evolving customer expectations, the discussion reinforced that successful companies are built intentionally over time. It’s a thoughtful conversation about leadership, culture, and building organizations designed to last. Presenting sponsor: Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield https://wellmark.com/MadeinIowa

Alex Kretzinger, the executive director of the Des Moines YMCA Camp, joined the Fearless podcast to talk about all things masculinity and allyship. We explored issues today’s boys are facing, how masculinity norms are affecting both men and women, and what we can do to grow allyship.

BPC President Chris Conetzkey and Business Record Editor Sarah Diehn host the weekly recap of statewide news you may have missed in the last week. Stories shared were first reported between May 6-12. Registration for our webinar on the new property tax legislation on Friday, May 15 at 9 a.m., is available HERE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-webinar-understanding-the-new-property-tax-reform-bill-tickets-1989114134923?aff=oddtdtcreator Explore the Emerging Leader MBA Scholarship — a full-ride designed to develop Iowa’s next generation of business leaders. Full ride. Full potential. Learn more and apply here: https://www.ivybusiness.iastate.edu/life-at-ivy/academic-services/graduate-student-services/graduate-funding-opportunities/emerging-leader-mba-scholarship/

In this episode, Business Record reporter Lisa Rossi and Knock and Drop Iowa founder Zuli Garcia discuss the new multicultural pantry joining the DMARC Food Pantry Network in partnership with Polk County Global Neighbors. The pantry features culturally relevant food options on a rotating basis to help meet the unique needs of immigrant and refugee households in central Iowa.

This episode of Made in Iowa dives into one of the most fascinating intersections in business today: skilled trades, technology, and human resilience. Leisa Fox sits down with Riana LeJeune, who never expected her path would lead from the police academy to becoming an award-winning upholstery innovator, apprenticeship advocate, and technology founder. After an injury forced a major life pivot at age 24, she found purpose in a trade that quickly became an obsession in the best possible way. What followed was the creation of businesses designed not only to preserve craftsmanship, but to modernize and future-proof an overlooked industry through AI, visualization technology, and workforce development. The conversation moves beyond business strategy into leadership, family, and identity. She shares how being AuDHD has shaped the way she approaches innovation, problem-solving, and entrepreneurship, while also opening up about co-parenting and running a business alongside her former spouse—who also happens to be her first apprentice and master craftsman. From launching Iowa’s only Registered Apprenticeship program in upholstery to challenging the culture of “fast furniture” and advocating for a circular furniture economy, this episode is packed with insight about reinvention, unconventional leadership, and why the skilled trades may be one of the biggest opportunities of the next decade. The Made in Iowa podcast, a Des Moines Business Record product presented by Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield, from the Iowa Everywhere studio. Presenting sponsor: Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield https://wellmark.com/MadeinIowa

BPC President Chris Conetzkey hosts the weekly recap of statewide news you may have missed in the last week. Stories shared were first reported between April 29-May 5. Explore the Emerging Leader MBA Scholarship — a full-ride designed to develop Iowa’s next generation of business leaders. Full ride. Full potential. Learn more and apply here: https://www.ivybusiness.iastate.edu/life-at-ivy/academic-services/graduate-student-services/graduate-funding-opportunities/emerging-leader-mba-scholarship/

Not all economic issues are fast-moving, market-shifting events — some, like health care, can take years or longer for implications to materialize but then deliver a broader impact. On this episode of the Iowa Economy Podcast, public health economists and leaders join host Chris Conetzkey to share one issue or trend related to health that is affecting the state’s economy followed by discussion of contributing factors, downstream effects and what data is, or is not, available to better understand the economic implications of health on our business community. In this episode: • The unquantified role health plays in workers’ productivity and shaping the needs of the multi-generational workforce • How disparities in access to care disproportionately affect health outcomes and costs in rural areas • The factors leading to nursing home and hospital closures in Iowa and the effect on care and communities • Iowa’s cigarette smoking rate and its economic effects Guests: • Andrea Harding, vice president of population health, MercyOne • Jason Semprini, assistant professor, department of public health, Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences, Ph.D. • Hari Sharma, associate professor, University of Iowa Department of Public Health, Ph.D.

On this episode of the Made in Iowa Podcast, a Des Moines Business Record product presented by Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield from the Iowa Everywhere Studio, Patrick Klemm and Ryan McIntosh share how ALMACO’s deep roots in agriculture have evolved into a forward-looking, globally respected manufacturing operation. Grounded in legacy but driven by innovation, they discuss how the company continues to adapt alongside the ever-changing ag economy—diversifying its capabilities while staying true to the specialized needs of its customers. From advanced technology integration to strategic growth, ALMACO is positioning itself not just as an equipment provider, but as a long-term partner in agricultural progress. A major focus of the conversation is ALMACO’s newest custom contract manufacturing initiative—an expansion that reflects both market demand and internal expertise. Klemm and McIntosh emphasize that while innovation fuels their growth, it’s their culture that sustains it. With a strong commitment to people, precision, and problem-solving, ALMACO has built relationships that span generations, driving customer retention and reinforcing its reputation as a global leader in its “field.” It’s a candid look at how values, vision, and versatility come together to create lasting impact in Iowa and beyond. Presenting sponsor: Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield https://wellmark.com/MadeinIowa

BPC President Chris Conetzkey and Business Record Editor Sarah Diehn host the weekly recap of statewide news you may have missed in the last week. Stories shared were first reported between April 22-28. Explore the Emerging Leader MBA Scholarship — a full-ride designed to develop Iowa’s next generation of business leaders.   Full ride. Full potential. Learn more and apply here.

Jim Hall built Systems Management & Balancing (SMB) into a quiet powerhouse in a niche most people never think about - but rely on every day. What started in 1967 as a small Des Moines operation grew into a multi-state firm focused on testing, adjusting, and balancing (TAB) HVAC systems to ensure buildings actually perform the way they were designed. Jim shares the bet he made when he acquired the company in 2002, leaning into independence and precision as their differentiator. In an industry where comfort, safety, and efficiency are on the line - especially in hospitals, schools, and complex facilities - SMB has become the “truth-teller,” identifying problems others miss and ensuring systems function as intended. Joined by consultant Erin Rollenhagen, the conversation shifts to what it takes to evolve and scale a highly specialized business. Erin brings a strategic lens to leadership, growth, and positioning, highlighting the opportunities - and risks - that come with complexity in today’s built environments. Together, they reflect on Jim’s succession plan, the importance of developing talent in a technical field, and why this behind-the-scenes work offers meaningful, high-impact careers. It’s a conversation about legacy, precision, and the kind of Iowa-built business that quietly keeps the world running. Presenting sponsor: Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield https://wellmark.com/MadeinIowa

BPC President Chris Conetzkey and Business Record Editor Sarah Diehn host the weekly recap of statewide news you may have missed in the last week. Stories shared were first reported between April 15-21. Explore the Emerging Leader MBA Scholarship — a full-ride designed to develop Iowa’s next generation of business leaders.   Full ride. Full potential. Learn more and apply here.

On this episode, Ellen Hines, Director of Workplace Experience, and Justin Woods, Chief Manufacturing Officer at ALMACO, share a candid look into the company’s evolving safety journey. In an environment where no two projects are the same, ALMACO has made a deliberate decision to embed safety into every layer of its operations. They discuss how variability in manufacturing demands a proactive mindset—one where processes, communication, and accountability are continuously refined to protect their team. A cornerstone of that culture is empowerment. Hines and Woods emphasize the importance of creating an environment where every employee feels responsible—and safe—to speak up: “If you see something, you say something.” That mindset has helped ALMACO earn recognition as one of only five companies in Iowa to achieve OSHA SHARP (Safety & Health Achievement Recognition Program) certification, a distinction that reflects not just compliance, but excellence. For ALMACO, safety isn’t a box to check—it’s a strategic advantage and a key driver of long-term success.

In this month’s episode of the dsm Wealth Podcast, “Giving While Living: Making an Impact With Your Money Today,” we explore philanthropy through a more immediate and personal lens. We’ll explore how to think of estate planning and giving not as something reserved for the future but as a powerful tool for creating meaningful change right now, while strengthening the legacy we leave behind. The episode examines how intentional, values-driven giving can enrich both the giver and the community. Joining the discussion are experts Kristi Knous, president of the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines; Mike Deege, a partner at Wilson Deege Despotovich Riemenschneider and Rittgers; and Carla Hughes, vice president and senior fiduciary trust officer at Bankers Trust. Join us to learn how giving while living can help you create impact, meaning and lasting change starting today. The dsmWealth Podcast is presented by Revol One Financial®.

Julie Martin launched enerj Balls in Bettendorf after making healthy and convenient snacks for her family that she thought others might like. We talked with her about being a mom and a business owner, and how those two areas of her life coexist.

BPC President Chris Conetzkey and Business Record Editor Sarah Diehn host the weekly recap of statewide news you may have missed in the last week. Stories shared were first reported between April 8-14.

Business Record reporter Lisa Rossi chats with Luke Elzinga, DMARC’s policy and advocacy manager, about how policy decisions and legislation can affect people experiencing hunger — directly or indirectly. They discuss the repercussions of H.R. 1, the “Big Beautiful Bill,” and Iowa’s new regulations on SNAP purchases and the revamped Summer EBT program.

What if workplace safety didn’t start after an accident—but before it ever happened? On this episode of the Made in Iowa Podcast—presented by Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield—Leisa sits down with Tom West of Makusafe to unpack the shift from reactive safety models to a proactive, data-driven approach. For decades, companies have relied on insurance and incident response to manage risk—but Makusafe is flipping that model. Through wearable technology and real-time data collection, organizations can now identify risk patterns, intervene earlier, and prevent injuries before they occur. The company’s origin story is just as compelling as its impact. Founded by Gabe Glynn after a conversation with his father—who oversaw 1,800 employees in a high-risk environment—Makusafe was built to ease the burden of safety leadership. Today, it’s helping companies reduce costs, improve outcomes, and build stronger safety cultures rooted in awareness and prevention. This conversation is packed with practical insights for business leaders ready to move beyond compliance and into a smarter, more proactive way of protecting their people. Presenting sponsor: Wellmark https://wellmark.com/MadeinIowa

Business Record Editor Sarah Diehn hosts the weekly recap of statewide news you may have missed in the last week. Stories shared were first reported between April 1-7. Explore the Emerging Leader MBA Scholarship — a full-ride designed to develop Iowa’s next generation of business leaders.   Full ride. Full potential. Learn more and apply here.

Fuel price fluctuations stemming from the war in Iran are shaping near-term business strategy and consumer decision-making, according to industry leaders in trucking and convenience retail. This episode of the Iowa Economy Podcast, hosted by BPC President Chris Conetzkey explores how energy markets influence freight demand, purchasing behavior and broader economic expectations. In this episode: Cost pressures facing trucking firms and downstream industriesWhere there are signs of recovery after a multi-year freight recession The relationship between oil prices and consumer mood Long-term implications for logistics efficiency, pricing and customer expectations GUESTS: • Jeff Lenard, vice president of media and strategic communications, National Association of Convenience Stores • Brenda Neville, president and CEO, Iowa Motor Truck Association

Renee Crowell, Executive Director of The Ingersoll, shared the deeply personal story of how she and her husband Chris found their way to Des Moines — and how the timing felt undeniably right. What stood out most wasn’t just a career move, but their genuine love for the community and their desire to invest in something meaningful. The Ingersoll isn’t just a venue to them — it’s a treasure. A gathering place. A piece of living history that deserves to be protected and celebrated. Their passion for stewarding this space is rooted in a belief that places like this strengthen the cultural heartbeat of a city. Renee spoke with reverence about the meticulous historic preservation of the 1939 theater — the painstaking collaboration with providers who were committed to honoring its roots while preparing it for the future. She described the “happy accident” that brought a large group of talented Americana employees into the fold at exactly the right moment, calling it one of the greatest blessings in the journey. From the incredible team and world-class talent on stage to the glow of the gorgeous marquee lighting up Ingersoll Avenue, you can feel it: this isn’t just a project. It’s a calling. And under Renee and Chris’s leadership, The Ingersoll is not only preserved — it’s alive.

BPC Senior Director of Events Stacey Thompson and Business Record Editor Sarah Diehn host the weekly recap of statewide news you may have missed in the last week. Stories shared were first reported between March 25-31. Explore the Emerging Leader MBA Scholarship — a full-ride designed to develop Iowa’s next generation of business leaders.   Full ride. Full potential. Learn more and apply here.

On this episode of Made in Iowa, John Mickelson lays out a hard truth: many of America’s strongest manufacturing and industrial companies face a two-fold threat. First, founders and long-time owners are aging out without clear succession plans. Second, many of these businesses—while profitable—have never been fully operationalized. They’ve grown on grit, relationships, and instinct, but lack the systems, structure, and leadership depth required to thrive in their next chapter. John explains the distinction between venture capital and private equity, emphasizing that his firm isn’t chasing startups. With up to $500 million to invest, they focus on acquiring proven companies and strengthening what’s already working. Out of 700 to 800 businesses reviewed, only five or six make the cut. Once acquired, the work begins—professionalizing operations, installing scalable systems, building leadership infrastructure, and preparing the company for long-term sustainability. This isn’t about quick exits; it’s about disciplined transformation. When asked if he ever wants to keep the companies they acquire, John answered without hesitation: “YES!” But their mandate is clear—deliver strong returns for investors while leaving each company healthier, more valuable, and better positioned for the future. It’s a practical, powerful strategy for preserving America’s industrial backbone while creating measurable growth. Presenting sponsor: Wellmark https://wellmark.com/MadeinIowa

BPC President Chris Conetzkey and Business Record Editor Sarah Diehn host the weekly recap of statewide news you may have missed in the last week. Stories shared were first reported between March 18-24. Explore the Emerging Leader MBA Scholarship — a full-ride designed to develop Iowa’s next generation of business leaders.   Full ride. Full potential. Learn more and apply here.

In a recent episode of Made in Iowa, Stacey Sime, CEO of LifeServe, shared the remarkable preservation effort behind reclaiming the hardwoods used in their new headquarters. She pointed us directly to the creative force behind that transformation — Megan Aronson of Aronson Woodworks (https://www.aronsonwoodworks.com/). In this episode, Megan joins us in studio alongside her self-proclaimed “greatest asset,” Jon Kallen of Jennings + Kallen Real Estate (https://www.jenningskallen.com/), to talk about what it truly takes to build something extraordinary from the ground up. Together, Megan and Jon unpack the power of relationships, the discipline of surrounding yourself with people smarter than you, and the courage required to scale a dream into a formidable player in the woodworking industry. Aronson’s signature “Claze” process — which isolates and enhances wood grain in a bold, graphic way — is redefining how we see and experience reclaimed hardwoods. This conversation is about craftsmanship, innovation, and the kind of partnership that turns vision into legacy. Presenting sponsor: Wellmark https://wellmark.com/MadeinIowa

In this month’s episode of the DSM Wealth Podcast, we ask a powerful question: What if your investments could do more than just perform and also reflect what matters most to you? In “Aligning Your Investing With Your Values,” we explore how values-based investing has evolved over the years, and how this type of strategy can enhance your overall portfolio while creating meaningful impact. Joining the conversation are wealth and investment experts Cathy Adams, senior vice president and leader of the Wealth Management team at Community State Bank; Chris Cook, CPA, CFA, partner and chief investment strategist at Gilbert and Cook Private Wealth Management, and Liz Ulrichson, financial adviser and relationship manager at CAPTRUST. Join us to learn how aligning your investments with your values can help you invest with greater purpose and confidence.

BPC Senior Director of Events Stacey Thompson and Business Record Editor Sarah Diehn host the weekly recap of statewide news you may have missed in the last week. Stories shared were first reported between March 11-17. Explore the Emerging Leader MBA Scholarship — a full-ride designed to develop Iowa’s next generation of business leaders.   Full ride. Full potential. Learn more and apply here.

When women negotiate they’re often labeled, perhaps called too direct or too soft. How can women gain confidence in negotiating, and what can be done to overcome stereotypes that create barriers for women during negotiation? In this episode of the Fearless podcast, co-hosts LaDrina Wilson and Macey Shofroth talk about negotiation with Cristy Tackett-Hunt, general counsel of Perfusion Solution Inc., and Beth Livingston, the Sheets associate professor of industrial relations at the University of Iowa Tippie College of Business.

Iowa State University distinguished professor and historian Pamela Riney-Kehrberg joins us once again to discuss the Farm Crisis of the 1980s. American farmers and agricultural communities nationwide — and especially in Iowa — were thrown into economic turmoil after several missteps coalesced into a farming bust. Policies and practices that helped the nation recover continue to shape the agricultural sector today.

In this episode, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig joins me for a wide-ranging conversation about the forces shaping the future of Iowa agriculture. We discuss global trade dynamics and the ways tariffs and international relationships influence Iowa’s agricultural economy. Secretary Naig also shares how the state is actively recruiting food manufacturers and expanding food production capacity, explaining why Iowa remains uniquely competitive in agriculture and food systems. From workforce and infrastructure to innovation and supply chain advantages, he outlines the long-term vision for strengthening Iowa’s role in feeding both the nation and the world. We also explore the importance of expanding year-round, nationwide access to E15 to support Iowa’s biofuels industry and the critical role international partnerships play through trade missions and growing export relationships. Secretary Naig highlights emerging opportunities for specialty crop producers and explains how the Iowa Farm Act and the Choose Iowa program are helping elevate locally produced food and farm products. When asked about his greatest accomplishment, Naig points to the momentum behind Choose Iowa—an initiative designed to make it easier for consumers to identify and support products grown and made in Iowa while creating new opportunities for farmers, food producers, and rural communities across the state.

BPC President Chris Conetzkey and Business Record Editor Sarah Diehn host the weekly recap of statewide news you may have missed in the last week. Stories shared were first reported between March 4-10. Explore the Emerging Leader MBA Scholarship — a full-ride designed to develop Iowa’s next generation of business leaders.   Full ride. Full potential. Learn more and apply here.

In this episode of the Iowa Economy Podcast, economist Bryce Kanago and Directors Council Executive Director Jerrica Marshall join host Chris Conetzkey to explore how the conflict involving Iran, shifting consumer behavior and workforce changes could influence inflation, interest rates and business activity. Marshall also shares insights from regional economic data and her experience as an adviser to the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. In this episode: How geopolitical conflict could disrupt energy markets and economic stability The policy dilemma facing the Federal Reserve as inflation and slower growth collide Growing financial pressure on lower- and middle-income households The potential for artificial intelligence to change job availability and workforce training GUESTS:  Bryce Kanago, economics professor, University of Northern Iowa Jerrica Marshall, executive director of The Directors Council and member of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago’s Advisory Council on Small Business, Community and Economic Development, Agriculture and Labor

On this episode of Made in Iowa, host Leisa Fox sits down with entrepreneur Billie Asmus, founder of Repaint Studios, to share the story behind a simple frustration that turned into a national retail brand. Billie didn’t plan to become an inventor or retail entrepreneur. As a busy mom trying to pause a painting project when her daughter woke up from a nap, she grew tired of using plastic wrap and wasting brushes. After searching Amazon for a better solution — and realizing it didn’t exist — she decided to create one herself. In this inspiring conversation, Billie explains how necessity sparked innovation, how she developed her product from scratch, and what it really takes to break into major retail stores. She also shares behind-the-scenes insight on funding a product-based business, navigating manufacturing, pitching to retailers, and scaling a brand from Iowa to a national audience.

BPC President Chris Conetzkey and Business Record Editor Sarah Diehn host the weekly recap of statewide news you may have missed in the last week. Stories shared were first reported between Feb. 25-March 3. Explore the Emerging Leader MBA Scholarship — a full-ride designed to develop Iowa’s next generation of business leaders.   Full ride. Full potential. Learn more and apply here.

In my conversation with Erin Rollenhagen, CEO of Entrepreneurial Technologies, and Ann Staudt, the dynamic duo behind Water Rocks!, listeners discover how a passion for Iowa’s natural resources has been transformed into an innovative educational movement. These two leaders are on a mission to make water science exciting and accessible for learners of all ages. Through engaging online games, captivating videos, original music, and interactive events, Water Rocks! brings awareness to the importance of clean water in ways that resonate with students, teachers, families, and even adults. Their energy and creativity demonstrate how education can be fun, relevant, and deeply connected to the world around us. Iowa’s future — including the strength of its manufacturing industry — depends on having clean, abundant water. Erin and Ann explain how Water Rocks! supports that future by fostering stewardship and curiosity across communities statewide. From classroom resources to statewide challenges, their work connects environmental science with everyday life and economic vitality. For more about their programs and how they’re inspiring the next generation of water leaders, visit https://www.waterrocks.org/.

BPC President Chris Conetzkey and Business Record Editor Sarah Diehn host the weekly recap of statewide news you may have missed in the last week. Stories shared were first reported between Feb. 18-24. Explore the Emerging Leader MBA Scholarship — a full-ride designed to develop Iowa’s next generation of business leaders.   Full ride. Full potential. Learn more and apply here.

Three-quarters of parents with children under 6 work outside of the home in Iowa, making child care a significant need for Iowa parents. But affordability and lack of access causes significant barriers for many families. In this episode of the Fearless podcast, co-hosts Emily Wood and LaDrina Wilson talk with Iowa Women’s Foundation interim CEO Claudia Schabel and former executive director of Postville Childcare Services Kristy Turner about systemic solutions to the child care crisis. Then, host Macey Shofroth talks with Natalie Mahoney and Anna Squier about their real-life experiences navigating their families’ child care decisions.

In this episode of Made in Iowa, we sit down with Will Rogers, founder of Monks Brandy, to talk about what it looks like to take a bold leap later in life. Will shares the story behind the name Monks Brandy, why he chose brandy as his spirit of focus, and what motivated him—in his 50s—to step into the adult beverage world with confidence and intention. Rooted in memories of growing up when Brandy Alexanders were all the rage, Monks Brandy blends nostalgia with a modern sensibility, honoring tradition while inviting something new. Will also introduces listeners to Monks Brandy’s newest addition, The Liberty—a modern twist on the classic Sidecar and a refreshing summer-ready cocktail. As the brand begins to find its way into retail spaces across Iowa and beyond, this conversation offers a ground-floor look at an entrepreneur who proves that timing, experience, and courage matter more than age. It’s a story about trusting your instincts, building something meaningful, and pouring your past into a product designed for the future.

BPC President Chris Conetzkey and Business Record Editor Sarah Diehn host the weekly recap of statewide news you may have missed in the last week. Stories shared were first reported between Feb. 11-17. Explore the Emerging Leader MBA Scholarship — a full-ride designed to develop Iowa’s next generation of business leaders.   Full ride. Full potential. Learn more and apply here.

Deb Fenton-Roe is a Wapello County Veterans Affairs Commissioner and co-coordinator of the Veterans Mobile Food Bank in Wapello, one of only two veteran-specific distributions in Iowa. As a United States veteran herself, she feels passionate about helping others who served to access benefits they need. She talks us through how she gets involved and how others can help veterans in their area.

Stepping out on your own takes courage—especially when your reputation, relationships, and livelihood are built on trust. In this episode of Made in Iowa, we sit down with Laura Peterson, co-founder of Unison Design Studio, to talk about the bold decision to launch a purpose-driven architecture and design firm rooted in clarity, collaboration, and care. With more than 90 years of collective experience across healthcare, education, and community spaces, Laura and her partners didn’t set out simply to start a firm—they set out to serve their clients more fully and more authentically. In Iowa, business is personal. It’s built on long-term relationships, earned trust, and doing what you say you’re going to do. Those values anchor Unison and show up in the buildings they design—spaces that reflect the people, missions, and communities they serve. Laura shares what it means to lead with intention, why bravery and trust go hand in hand, and how truly listening to clients results in buildings that are not only beautiful, but deeply representative of the organizations inside them. This conversation is a powerful reminder that when you design in unison with your clients, the results endure.

BPC Senior Director of Events Stacey Thompson and Business Record Editor Sarah Diehn host the weekly recap of statewide news you may have missed in the last week. Stories shared were first reported between Feb. 4-10. Explore the Emerging Leader MBA Scholarship — a full-ride designed to develop Iowa’s next generation of business leaders.   Full ride. Full potential. Learn more and apply here.

At the end of our Economic Forecast event, there are always questions and discussions that there isn’t time to cover. So, the day after the event, host Chris Conetzkey asked several of the panelists back along with an event attendee to hear what questions and thoughts lingered for them after hearing the panel’s insights. In this episode: The landscape of ongoing uncertainty facing Iowa businesses, including global trade dynamics and uneven consumer affordability How health care, cancer rates and water quality are emerging as core economic and workforce issues Iowa’s long-term challenges around workforce attraction, population growth and housing, and what it means for Iowa’s economic future GUESTS:  Robin Anderson - state chief economist and division administrator, research & policy division, Iowa Department of Revenue Sarah Diehn, Business Record Editor Eric Lohmeier - president, NCP Joe Murphy, president, Iowa Business Council

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.

Director of BPC Events Stacey Thompson and Business Record Editor Sarah Diehn host the weekly recap of statewide news you may have missed in the last week. Stories shared were first reported between Jan. 28-Feb. 3. Explore the Emerging Leader MBA Scholarship — a full-ride designed to develop Iowa’s next generation of business leaders.   Full ride. Full potential. Learn more and apply here.

When LMT Defense made the move from Illinois to Eldridge, Iowa five years ago, they didn’t just relocate a factory—they planted a mission. “We provide tools for individual soldiers to protect themselves and to try to come home at the end of their mission,” says Mike Neff, VP of Operations. That sense of purpose isn’t marketing language; it’s lived every day inside the walls of LMT, where one in five employees is a veteran or active reservist. The work is personal, the stakes are real, and the responsibility—to the people who will carry their equipment into harm’s way—drives every decision they make. That responsibility shows up in uncompromising standards. What once passed as elite performance in defense manufacturing has been redefined. Endurance expectations have tripled, weapons are tested across brutal temperature extremes, and reliability isn’t optional—it’s assumed for decades of service in sand, mud, cold, heat, and chaos. LMT has scaled alongside those demands, growing from 85 employees in a cramped facility to 215 people in a state-of-the-art operation, supported by a strong Iowa workforce and a community that believed in what they were building. Today, their precision-made products serve nearly 40 countries around the world. Yet what truly sets LMT apart isn’t just growth or global reach—it’s how they treat their customers. While larger competitors push one-size-fits-all solutions, LMT builds relationships through customization, flexibility, and service. They’ve never lost a military customer to a competitor. Even in an industry marked by volatility and uncertainty, the company’s north star remains clear. “Integrity is the foundation of our moral structure,” says COO and CFO Jim Jestile. Doing right by the customer. Doing right by employees. And ultimately, doing right by the soldiers who depend on them. That’s the heart of this Iowa success story—and why it’s worth listening to.

BPC President Chris Conetzkey and Business Record Editor Sarah Diehn host the weekly recap of statewide news you may have missed in the last week. Stories shared were first reported between Jan. 21-27. Explore the Emerging Leader MBA Scholarship — a full-ride designed to develop Iowa’s next generation of business leaders.   Full ride. Full potential. Learn more and apply here.

In this episode of Made in Iowa, Leisa Fox visits Electrical Power Products in Des Moines to spotlight the people and innovation behind the systems that quietly keep our world running. Featuring Amanda Haugen, SHRM-CP, Human Resources Manager, and Riley Knutson, Director of Engineering and second-generation leader, the conversation reveals how this modern manufacturing facility produces highly specialized—but absolutely essential—products responsible for delivering reliable power to homes and communities. While their work may be largely unseen, its impact is undeniable. Riley shares insights into engineering, innovation, and the company’s long-term vision, highlighting how Electrical Power Products continues to evolve in a rapidly changing industry. Amanda brings the workforce perspective, candidly discussing the challenges of sustaining rapid growth while protecting a strong, people-first culture. Together, they illustrate how intentional leadership, investment in employees, and a commitment to quality have allowed the company to scale without losing its soul. This episode is a powerful reminder that Iowa manufacturing isn’t just about products—it’s about people, purpose, and powering the future.

BPC Senior Director of Events Stacey Thompson and Business Record Editor Sarah Diehn host the weekly recap of statewide news you may have missed in the last week. Stories shared were first reported between Jan. 14-20. Explore the Emerging Leader MBA Scholarship — a full-ride designed to develop Iowa’s next generation of business leaders.   Full ride. Full potential. Learn more and apply here.

In this episode of Made in Iowa, Leisa Fox sits down with leaders from Accumold to explore what modern manufacturing looks like in today’s business and cultural climate. The conversation begins with Accumold’s evolution as a company and its role in serving highly specialized global markets, including medical technology, micro-electronics, optics, and emerging technologies. As products continue to get smaller and more precise, Accumold’s capabilities—and the demand for them—are only expanding, even as advancements like additive manufacturing reshape the broader industry landscape. A significant focus of the discussion centers on people and workforce development. Accumold leaders emphasize that their success is driven by culture, long employee tenure, and intentional career pathways—standing in stark contrast to national manufacturing turnover trends. The episode candidly addresses the challenges facing the skilled trades, including the aging workforce, skills gaps, and outdated perceptions among younger generations. Accumold’s response is proactive and hopeful, highlighted through programs like Accumold Scholars, Iowa Learns, and deep partnerships with schools such as DMACC. Together, these initiatives showcase manufacturing as a viable, future-proof career path offering strong wages, hands-on learning, educational support, and long-term opportunity—right here in Iowa.

All too often, we reflect on history with a look in the rearview mirror. On this episode of Fearless, we take a look at the history being made right in front of us. We spoke with Ella Schmit, a senior at the University of Iowa and a member of the women’s wrestling team, and her experience advocating for the growth of women’s wrestling in Iowa.