Episodes
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On this episode of the Iowa Manufacturing Podcast, Leisa welcomes Troy Vincent of Navigate Wellbeing Solutions and Whitney Kolbe of Kemin for a deep dive into workplace wellness. They unpack the concept of Value on Investment (VOI) versus Return on Investment (ROI), exploring how wellness programs can drive both business success and employee wellbeing.
Whitney details how Kemin’s wellness initiatives are changing lives by creating a supportive and health-focused culture. Troy discusses how HR professionals can better manage wellness programs using data while balancing various stakeholder needs. Their combined expertise provides a roadmap for companies aiming to enhance their wellness strategies.
Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/vincent-kolbe-creating-value-through-wellness
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Levi Cermak of Elevator Spaces joins the Iowa Manufacturing Podcast to discuss how co-warehousing has revolutionized Omaha’s manufacturing scene—and how it’s coming soon to Des Moines. With over 100 companies benefiting from services like warehousing, kitting, docking, and operational support, Elevator Spaces is creating more than logistics solutions; they’re building thriving business communities.
Levi shares how their new Des Moines location, set to launch at 12th and Mulberry this spring, aims to support Central Iowa’s makers and manufacturers. He breaks down how shared logistics services reduce costs, streamline operations, and create opportunities for collaboration.
Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/levi-cermak-co-warehousing-in-des-moines
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The APEX program in Waukee is changing the game for manufacturing education by reimagining how students and parents perceive the industry. A simple yet powerful change—renaming the course Engineering Technology and Robotics (ETR)—has led to a threefold increase in student enrollment. Paired with innovative partnerships with local manufacturers and nonprofits, APEX is equipping students with skills for both today’s careers and those still to come.
APEX Engineer Instructor Tyler Wright joins us alongside standout students Jeev Matthew Maliyil and Nikhil Vaduguri to discuss their hands-on learning experiences. Their recent project, adapting toys for children with special needs, highlights how real-world applications of skills keep students engaged and committed to their work. Learn how this program is cultivating talent and inspiring the next generation of manufacturing leaders.
Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/APEX-waukee-manufacturing
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Frivolous employment lawsuits are on the rise, thanks to pro-employee rules under the Biden administration, causing increased Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI) claims and skyrocketing premiums. Dani Smid, Chair of the Employment Practice Group for BrownWinick, joins us to discuss these issues and the potential for sweeping changes in employment law under a Trump administration. With possible shifts at the NLRB, OSHA, DOL, and EEOC, the manufacturing sector may soon see a more employer-friendly regulatory environment.
Manufacturers need to be prepared. Dani explains how these changes could relieve the EPLI burden while impacting joint-employer standards, independent contractor classification, and union election procedures. Listen in to learn what adjustments you might consider for a proactive response in the year ahead.
Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/dani-smid-trump-25-employment-changes
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Join us for an in-depth conversation with Ben Coady of Pella Corporation, where we explore his career journey and the transformative role of robotics and automation in manufacturing. Since starting as a process engineer in 2011, Ben’s role has expanded and evolved with Pella’s growth and its adoption of new technologies. Through his experience, he shares how automation is not only reshaping operations but also redefining the skills needed in today’s workforce.
This episode is a must-listen for manufacturing leaders, as Ben provides valuable insights into navigating change, adapting to market demands, and building a future-ready workforce. With authenticity and expertise, Ben’s story illustrates the evolution of manufacturing skills and highlights what executives should consider to remain competitive.
Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/ben-coady-robotics-automation-workforce-changes
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In this episode, Carl Behne, President and Chief Strategy Officer of Hy-Vee Health/Exemplar Care, discusses how their concierge healthcare model is revolutionizing healthcare in Iowa. Exemplar Care’s recent partnership with Hy-Vee has accelerated its expansion, making innovative healthcare more accessible in new communities, including rural manufacturing towns. By prioritizing quality and convenience, Exemplar Care is improving care outcomes and reducing healthcare expenses.
Behne highlights Exemplar’s unique approach to urgent care, which provides fast, effective solutions tailored for rural areas with limited healthcare access. This model saves time, ensures better health outcomes, and supports workforce resilience. Join us to discover how Exemplar Care’s services could benefit your community and workforce.
For more information, contact Carl at [email protected] or 319-601-9004.
Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/carl-behne-revolutionary-health-care-delivery
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Dave Machovsky, a former 3M executive and expert consultant with Mindset Innovations, discusses the revitalization of the Training Within Industry (TWI) Methodology on the Iowa Manufacturing podcast. TWI, a program developed during World War II, taught millions of workers to perform their jobs with skill, safety, and conscientiousness but fell out of use in the 1980s. Now, through his work with Manufacturing Extension Partnerships, Dave is reintroducing TWI to improve manufacturing standards.
By leveraging TWI’s practical approach, manufacturers across Iowa can benefit from enhanced quality, delivery, cost control, safety, and workforce morale. To connect with Dave for insights or guidance, contact him at 605-695-7372 or [email protected].
Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/dave-machovsky-iowa-manufacturing
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This episode features Newton "Fig" Jensen, founder of Empigo Academy, discussing how his faith-based high school focuses on Career and Technical Education (CTE) to equip students with hands-on skills in technical fields, including manufacturing. Jensen explains the academy’s unique approach to closing Iowa’s skills gap by combining career-readiness training with biblical values.
Jensen also highlights how Empigo Academy is partnering with local manufacturers and using technology to prepare students for the workforce. His insights into balancing technical training with entrepreneurial skills make this a compelling listen for anyone involved in the manufacturing industry.
Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/newton-jensen-empigo-academy
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On this episode of Iowa Manufacturing Podcast, Stephen Coleman from Colewell Automation explains how automation is helping rural manufacturers combat workforce shortages. Stephen discusses how many rural manufacturing companies are unable to meet production needs due to a lack of workers, often turning down projects. Through automation—specifically robotics, assembly, and 3D bin picking—repetitive and sometimes injury-prone jobs are offloaded to machines, allowing businesses to thrive despite limited workforce availability.
The benefits of automation are clear: manufacturers reduce turnover, improve safety, and achieve a return on investment within 18 months. With accurate work and minimal rework, machines can run three shifts, optimizing productivity. Stephen will be a featured speaker at an upcoming MakeDSM event, highlighting automation's role in reshaping rural manufacturing.
Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/stephen-coleman-robotics-and-automation
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In this episode of the Iowa Manufacturing Podcast, Leisa Fox interviews Dave Schwartz, Special Projects Director for Lutheran Church of Hope, about the event God's Heart at Work, featuring Mary Andringa, Chair Emeritus of Vermeer Corporation and Rachelle Keck of Grand View University. Building on the conversation with Mary and Jerry Foster about the third phase of life, Dave shares insights from his own post-retirement journey. Despite his initial plans for retirement, he chose to continue making a deeper impact by founding the Agape Empowerment Center to uplift one of the world’s poorest countries.
Dave's story serves as inspiration for aging Iowa manufacturing executives, demonstrating that retirement can be about more than leisure. By shifting focus from personal comfort to serving others, retirees can continue to make significant contributions, both locally and globally.
Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/dave-schwartz-retirement-to-reinvention
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This episode of *The Iowa Manufacturing Podcast* features Mike Wagner of White Rabbit Group, discussing the concept of *Response Readiness*. Mike dives into the challenges of effective collaboration when dealing with complex problems, particularly when working with highly skilled individuals. He emphasizes the importance of identifying your natural response type—whether you're a Teller, Accepter, or Guesser—and how these roles impact problem-solving.
Mike introduces a transformative approach to collaboration by encouraging listeners to ""slow down to speed up."" By leading with discovery, translating assumptions, and persuading others to take action, teams can uncover the deeper issues beneath surface-level problems. This method has proven to improve internal collaboration and client relationships by reducing rework and preventing escalations.
Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/mike-wagner-white-rabbit-group-2
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In this episode of *The Iowa Manufacturing Podcast*, Janice Marquardt, founder of Passwall Solutions, discusses how Iowa manufacturers can optimize their supply chains in a post-COVID world. With tighter margins and the need for improved cash flow, supply chain roles have become more strategic. Janice shares how her audits help companies reduce waste, streamline operations, and achieve on-time, in-full supply chain performance.
She also highlights the benefits of using e-auctions in procurement, showing how they can be used to save time and effort while preserving strong vendor relationships. When managed thoughtfully, e-auctions create a fair and efficient process that benefits both manufacturers and their suppliers.
Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/janice-marquardt-supply-chain-success
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In the latest Iowa Manufacturing Podcast, Scott Turczynski, COO of Heartland Companies, shares his decision to transition from his role in commercial subcontracting to becoming a developer and distiller in Bondurant. With decades of experience in construction, Scott is now focused on transforming Bondurant's historic grain elevators into unique spaces as part of the city's Grain District Downtown Redevelopment Plan. His new distillery will serve as a key feature of this revitalization, blending historical preservation with modern craft spirit production.
Scott discusses the challenges of entering the spirits manufacturing industry, navigating Iowa’s regulatory landscape, and the potential economic and tourism benefits for Bondurant. His shift from COO to distillery owner reflects his entrepreneurial drive to create something extraordinary for the community, positioning the distillery as both a cultural landmark and a competitive player in Iowa’s growing craft beverage market.
Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/scott-turczynski
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In this episode of the Iowa Manufacturing Podcast, we talk with serial entrepreneur Dave Haney, who shares his strategic pivot from brokering shipping and freight to brokering energy, specifically natural gas, in Iowa. With the current economy causing revenue shortfalls for many manufacturers, Dave explains how Iowa’s unique unregulated natural gas market offers significant opportunities for cost savings. Many manufacturers are unaware that they can separate their natural gas supply from their existing provider and shop for a better fit, and Dave sheds light on how this little-known strategy can help reduce expenses.
Dave’s foresight in transitioning from the tightening freight industry to energy brokerage showcases his adaptability and deep understanding of market dynamics. Beyond brokering energy, his services include energy management with a sophisticated dashboard that tracks usage and flags inconsistencies, enabling companies to better control their energy costs. This conversation highlights how innovative solutions and proactive pivots can help manufacturers weather economic challenges while optimizing their operations.
Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/dave-haney-brokering-energy
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In the podcast episode with Caleb Brus, we explored the significance of ERISA’s anniversary on September 2nd and the upcoming National 401(k) Day on September 6th. The conversation began by distinguishing between qualified and non-qualified retirement accounts. Caleb provided insights into how each type of account operates under different tax structures and the benefits and limitations associated with each. We discussed the critical role of ERISA in protecting employees’ retirement savings and highlighted how manufacturers can strategically navigate their retirement offerings.
The discussion also covered the implications for employees recently impacted by layoffs, particularly regarding how to manage their retirement accounts during uncertain times. Caleb shared advice on what laid-off employees should consider when deciding whether to roll over or cash out their 401(k). We also dove into the SECURE 2.0 Act, emphasizing how the legislation has adjusted retirement plan rules, especially for manufacturers. These updates include provisions that expand auto-enrollment and improve access to emergency savings, which can benefit both employers and employees in the manufacturing sector.
Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/caleb-brus-layoffs-and-retirement
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In this follow-up episode of the Iowa Manufacturing Podcast, we continue our conversation with Dave Zrostlik, CEO of Stellar Industries, along with Drew Larson, Partner at BrownWinick. In the first episode, we explored the remarkable legacy of Frances Zrostlik and his pioneering role in shaping Garner, Iowa’s economic landscape. Now, we take a closer look at how that legacy has evolved through the strategic transition of Stellar Industries to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/stellar-industries-part-2
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In this episode of the Iowa Manufacturing Podcast, Stellar Industries' CEO Dave Zrostlik shares the inspiring story of his father, Frances Zrostlik, a visionary entrepreneur who played a pivotal role in shaping Garner, Iowa’s economic landscape. The conversation highlights the lasting impact of Frances, who founded Iowa Mold Tool, IMT Transport, and Stellar Industries. Garner now celebrates his legacy annually with Frances Zrostlik Day on August 14th, a tradition set to continue for generations.
This episode is the first of a two-part series that will conclude with a discussion featuring Drew Larson, Partner at BrownWinick, exploring the motivations and advantages of their Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). Through Dave’s insights, listeners gain a glimpse into how Frances not only built successful companies but also exemplified leadership by stewarding his family, employees, and community with care and dedication.
Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/stellar-industries-part-1
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In today's podcast, Leisa Fox welcomed Nick Ott, an Employment and Labor attorney from BrownWinick, to discuss the recent waivers granted by Iowa Workforce Development, allowing 16- and 17-year-olds to perform hazardous work. Nick provided an in-depth analysis of the interaction between state and federal laws, explaining how state waivers operate within the constraints of federal restrictions. He highlighted the stringent criteria and safety measures required to obtain such waivers, emphasizing the legal and regulatory framework designed to protect young workers.
Nick also addressed the potential reputational risks for employers if violations occur, noting that any incident could significantly impact a company's image and trust within the community. Despite these concerns, he underscored the potential benefits of these waivers in attracting young people to careers in manufacturing. By offering early, hands-on experience, these programs can ignite interest and provide valuable skills, ultimately contributing to a stronger and more skilled workforce in the future.
Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/nick-ott-young-workers-in-manufacturing
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In this episode of the Iowa Manufacturing Podcast, we sit down with EHS expert Linden Terpstra to explore critical practices and strategies for ensuring environmental, health, and safety compliance in manufacturing. Linden shares her wealth of knowledge on how companies can effectively navigate the complexities of EHS by adopting best practices. She emphasizes the importance of engaging in best practice sharing peer groups, where manufacturers can learn from each other’s experiences and solutions. Leveraging free services from vendors is another key point Linden highlights, as these resources can offer valuable support and insights at no additional cost.
Additionally, Linden delves into specific EHS concerns such as heat regulations and air quality management. She explains how staying on top of these issues not only helps in regulatory compliance but also enhances overall workplace safety and employee well-being. By providing a comprehensive overview of these critical EHS topics, Linden underscores the importance of a proactive and individualized approach to managing the greatest risks facing companies today. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to strengthen their EHS strategies and ensure a safer, more compliant manufacturing environment.
Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/linden-terpstra-ehs-strategies
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Throughout our careers, we navigate three distinct phases of life: Foundation, Framework, and Finish. The Foundation phase, encompassing the first 25 years, is where our values and character are shaped. During the Framework phase, we experience personal growth and often face self-imposed pressure for immediate success.
Mary Andringa, Chair Emeritus of Vermeer, emphasizes that the most significant phase, if intentionally planned, is the Finish Phase. While financial status is commonly associated with wealth, Jerry Foster of the Foster Group, in his book *Small Changes, Big Results*, highlights the importance of four other dimensions of wealth: Relational, Physical, Spiritual, and Intellectual. Achieving success in all these areas is key to a fulfilling transition to the third phase of life.
Join us as we engage in a thoughtful conversation with Mary and Jerry, guided by our host Leisa, exploring the holistic approach to finishing well.
Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/andringa-foster-third-phase
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