Recruiting and retaining employees through accessible, affordable healthcare.
Release Date: 05/25/2023
Healthy Growth: The Entrepreneurial Story Behind Fresh Fit Meals
Iowa Manufacturing Podcast
In this episode of the Iowa Manufacturing Podcast, we sit down with Aaron Anderson, founder and owner of Fresh Fit Meals. Aaron shares his remarkable journey from stepping into the company’s operations to ultimately seizing the opportunity to purchase the business during a pivotal moment. He discusses how he knew the timing was right, what critical lessons he’s learned as an entrepreneur, the key resources he’s tapped into along the way, and the aspects he would approach differently if given the chance. His candid insights offer a valuable look into the mindset and decision-making...
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Reindustrialization & Reality: A Candid Look at America’s Industrial Future
Iowa Manufacturing Podcast
Jeff Kappen brings a sharp perspective to this episode, challenging conventional thinking around manufacturing strategy in America. From the viability of reindustrialization to the true cost of maximizing consumption, he pushes us to ask better questions. We discuss the evolving role of global supply chains, how geopolitical disruptions like tariffs create strategic ripple effects, and why businesses need a firm grasp of the entire value chain to remain resilient. Kappen also unpacks how AI, workforce readiness, and national policy intersect — especially in a state like Iowa that’s rich...
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Hard Market, Hard Questions: Insurance Insights for Iowa Manufacturers
Iowa Manufacturing Podcast
What do cyber attacks, wild weather, and your factory’s machinery breakdown all have in common? They’re risks that could stop production in its tracks—and too often, manufacturers aren’t as prepared as they think. In this episode, EMC Insurance executives Josh August and Mark Campbell share what’s keeping risk professionals up at night and what your team should be doing right now to protect your business. With insight from decades in the industry and a direct line to what’s happening on the ground, Josh and Mark break down the hardening market, the hidden gaps in traditional...
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Balance, Vouchers & Government Realities: A Grounded Talk with Sen. Trone Garriott
Iowa Manufacturing Podcast
Senator Sarah Trone Garriott joins Leisa for an insightful conversation about Iowa’s legislative climate, from the nuances of school vouchers and budget priorities to the deeper challenges of ensuring effective governance in a fast-changing state. With a deep respect for public service and a commitment to listening across the aisle, Trone Garriott outlines the importance of transparency, balance of power, and sustainable decision-making. She also shares a personal side—how she envisioned Iowa before moving from Virginia, and how her perspective has evolved through public service and life...
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Building Beyond the Basics: The Evolution of Dahl Air Conditioning and Heating
Iowa Manufacturing Podcast
When Rusty Rohe took over Dahl Air Conditioning and Heating a decade ago, he inherited a company with strong foundations, built in 1965. But he saw potential beyond traditional HVAC services. By relocating the business and expanding into ductwork manufacturing, Rusty positioned Dahl for long-term growth. Now, he's taking another bold step—wholesale distribution—supplying HVAC companies across Iowa. His journey has been marked by strategic decisions, including adopting the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), which has been a game-changer in streamlining operations and fueling expansion....
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From Tariffs to Transparency: Protecting Your Supply Chain
Iowa Manufacturing Podcast
Supply chain disruptions are one of the greatest risks facing manufacturers today, but with the right strategies, businesses can turn vulnerabilities into opportunities for growth. In this episode, supply chain experts Janice Marquardt and Marc Schneider share invaluable insights on how manufacturers can protect themselves from tariff abuse, sourcing issues, and logistical disruptions by leveraging smarter supply chain planning and mapping strategies. From fractional supply chain support to supply chain mapping tools and strategic training, we cover the best resources available to...
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Data-Driven Culture Shifts: Why Knowing How Your Team Works Matters
Iowa Manufacturing Podcast
In this insightful episode of the Iowa Manufacturing Podcast, host Leisa sits down with and of to explore the transformative power of data in shaping workplace culture and driving business success. Kevin and Stephen share how understanding how teams naturally work and collaborate reveals critical insights into workforce gaps and future needs. They emphasize the importance of gathering the right data and acting on it—because surveying your team without delivering on their needs can be more damaging than not asking at all. This conversation highlights how aligning culture with business...
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Navigating Uncertainty: How Business Games Build Strategic Thinking
Iowa Manufacturing Podcast
In this episode of the Iowa Manufacturing Podcast, I sit down with Dan Topf from Topf Business Learning to explore how simulations and business games are transforming leadership development in manufacturing. Dan explains that while many leaders have strong technical skills, they often lack the business acumen needed to make strategic decisions—especially in uncertain times. Through interactive simulations, Dan helps leaders experience the consequences of business decisions in a low-risk environment, sharpening their ability to think critically and strategically. This hands-on learning...
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From Battlefield to Breakthrough: How Athena GTX is Revolutionizing Medical Tech
Iowa Manufacturing Podcast
Athena GTX has been at the forefront of innovative medical technology since its founding in 2003, originally developing solutions for military applications. Today, the company serves a diverse range of industries, bringing cutting-edge patient monitoring systems to high-risk environments. Sean Mahoney, VP of Engineering and Regulatory Affairs, joins us to share an exclusive look at Athena GTX’s newest product and the complex journey of bringing it to market. With stringent FDA regulations and a responsibility to safeguard personal health data, Athena GTX operates within one of the most...
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The Clock is Ticking: Estate Tax Changes and Their Impact on Your Legacy
Iowa Manufacturing Podcast
The estate tax landscape is set to change dramatically at the end of 2025, impacting business transitions across industries. Bob Hodges, BrownWinick’s Trust and Estate Tax practice lead, highlights the reduction of the Unified Credit from $13.9 million to approximately $7 million, significantly increasing estate tax liabilities for business owners. This shift could create substantial financial burdens, making proactive estate planning essential. For an Iowa manufacturer with a $30 million operation, this change could result in millions in additional taxes. Under current rules, only $16.1...
info_outlineDirect Primary Care Coupled with technology, better plan designs and transparent partners creates an affordable, accessible and convenient health care plan that brings personalized medicine to industries that are the heart and soul of Iowa’s economy, like manufacturing and construction. BJ Spyksma, founder of Aplos Health describes this revolutionary system and explains how it saves employers money and time, creates peace of mind and powerful recruitment and retention tool.
Have you dreamed of a world where you have a dedicated care provider who is available 24/7 and an urgent care that will prioritize your employees to be seen quickly and efficiently? Through a partnership with Exemplar Care and Aplos Health, your dreams are now a reality and Spyksma unpacks the issue.
Full show details are at https://iowapodcast.com/manufacturing