Gratitude is a Critical Element in Effective Leadership
Release Date: 06/20/2024
Tackling Workforce Shortages: How Automation is Revolutionizing Rural Manufacturing
Iowa Manufacturing Podcast
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...
info_outline
From Retirement to Reinvention: Dave Schwartz on Building a New Legacy
Iowa Manufacturing Podcast
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 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....
info_outline
Mastering Collaboration: Mike Wagner on Response Readiness and Solving Complex Challenges
Iowa Manufacturing Podcast
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,...
info_outline
Unlocking Supply Chain Success: Cash Flow, E-Auctions, and Optimization
Iowa Manufacturing Podcast
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....
info_outline
From Grain Bins to Grain Alcohol - Corn Repurposed
Iowa Manufacturing Podcast
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...
info_outline
From Brokering Freight to Brokering Energy
Iowa Manufacturing Podcast
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...
info_outline
Navigating Layoffs and Retirement: ERISA, SECURE 2.0, and Your 401(k) Game Plan
Iowa Manufacturing Podcast
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...
info_outline
From Entrepreneurial Vision to Employee Ownership: The Story of Stellar Industries (Part 2)
Iowa Manufacturing Podcast
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:
info_outline
From Entrepreneurial Vision to Employee Ownership: The Story of Stellar Industries (Part 1)
Iowa Manufacturing Podcast
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...
info_outline
Young Workers in Manufacturing Roles: Opportunity or Risk
Iowa Manufacturing Podcast
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...
info_outlineMatt Strawn has played an important role in championing progress and prosperity in Iowa. A visionary leader whose impact on Iowa's business landscape and community well-being has been transformative, now the CEO of the Iowa Lottery, Strawn's dynamic leadership has not only enhanced the Lottery's operational success but also driven significant economic benefits for the state. His tenure is marked by innovative strategies that have bolstered Iowa's business and industry sectors, fostering a thriving economic environment.
In this episode of the Iowa Manufacturing Podcast, Matt makes many business parallels to manufacturing when it comes to competition, margins, return on investment, and perhaps most importantly, creating a lens of gratitude in the workforce that brings teams, vendors and communities together to accomplish more than they could individually. Take a listen. You won't be disappointed.
Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/matt-strawn-effective-leadership