Redefining Workplace Wellness: VOI vs. ROI in Action
Release Date: 12/19/2024
Fueling Athletes with Frozen Gains: A New Face in Iowa Manufacturing
Iowa Manufacturing Podcast
This episode of the Iowa Manufacturing Podcast features Grant Veenstra, Founder of Frozen Gains, a high-protein gelato company born from personal necessity and entrepreneurial grit. What started as a high school athlete's search for a better-tasting alternative to chalky protein shakes is now a full-fledged business on the rise. Grant shares how CyStarts, Iowa State University’s entrepreneurship accelerator, helped him transform an idea into a market-ready product, providing mentorship, accountability, and access to vital resources along the way. As Grant prepares to graduate in December,...
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Adapt or Fade: Why AI Is Now a Manufacturing Mandate
Iowa Manufacturing Podcast
Artificial intelligence is no longer a buzzword—it’s a competitive requirement. In this episode, Paul Gormley of CIRAS lays out a high-stakes roadmap for Iowa manufacturers. He challenges listeners to think differently about AI—not as a technology project, but as a strategic business decision that will determine who thrives and who falls behind. His three-question framework simplifies the complexity of AI and puts the focus back on value creation. Gormley also warns against the most common trap: trying to do the same with fewer people. The winners, he says, will be those who use AI to...
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More Than Golf: A Blueprint for Corporate Impact in Iowa
Iowa Manufacturing Podcast
The Principal Charity Classic just set a new fundraising record—and in this episode, we reveal why that matters to Iowa’s business and manufacturing leaders. Jo Christine Miles and Ken McCullum share how the tournament leverages corporate power, strategic philanthropy, and community partnerships to uplift youth and strengthen Iowa's future workforce. This is more than a golf tournament—it’s a model of how business leadership can shape the state’s social infrastructure. Whether you're in manufacturing, healthcare, education, or economic development, this episode shows how investing in...
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Solving Iowa's Workforce Crisis: Strategies for Manufacturers
Iowa Manufacturing Podcast
Iowa’s workforce is expected to shrink by 240,000 people by 2030, posing a significant threat to the state’s manufacturing economy. In this episode, Dawn Ealy from CIRAS joins the Iowa Manufacturing Podcast to share how her team is equipping manufacturers to face this challenge head-on. From retention strategies to recruiting Gen Z and crafting age-inclusive leadership approaches, Dawn offers practical guidance grounded in Iowa’s current workforce realities. We also dive into CIRAS’s change management expertise, including the 7 essential concepts of organizational change. Whether your...
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Financial Clarity Without the Chaos: A Smarter Way Forward
Iowa Manufacturing Podcast
In this episode of the Iowa Manufacturing Podcast, Todd Shores of Creative Planning breaks down the benefits of the Fractional CFO model, especially for manufacturers navigating uncertainty, staff turnover, or growth. Rather than relying on a single in-house person, companies gain a full team of experts with deep knowledge in finance, HR, ERP, AI, and operational strategy. Todd also shares how manufacturers are leveraging fractional services to implement more intelligent systems—from real-time reporting tools to ERP modernization—and why partnering with a trusted external team can boost...
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From Classrooms to Cartels: How Policy, Education & Energy Shape Global Well-Being
Iowa Manufacturing Podcast
In this powerful episode of the Iowa Manufacturing Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Ian Roberts, Superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, as he shares his compelling leadership journey and vision for the future of education in Iowa’s largest school district. With responsibility for over 31,000 students and 72 aging school buildings, Dr. Roberts discusses the challenges and opportunities ahead, including a $51 million bond referendum on the horizon. He shares how his leadership team embraces change to create environments where all children can thrive and be "well"—academically,...
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NFC, SEO & Digital Real Estate: Growth Strategies with Sachin Sehgal
Iowa Manufacturing Podcast
In this insightful episode of the Iowa Manufacturing Podcast, digital marketing strategist Sachin Sehgal delves into the parallels between SEO and real estate, emphasizing the importance of owning and optimizing your digital "property" to drive sustainable growth. He discusses NFC's acquisition of Bond Branding, highlighting how strategic branding and digital presence are pivotal in today's market. Sachin shares actionable, measurable strategies for organically enhancing your online footprint, drawing from his success with clients like Fresh Fit Meals. His approach focuses on simplicity and...
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Harnessing AI to Control Health Insurance Cost
Iowa Manufacturing Podcast
Allen Patton, of Patton Benefits, joins the Iowa Manufacturing Podcast to unveil a game-changing AI tool that’s disrupting the way manufacturers approach health insurance. His platform uses artificial intelligence to quote plans faster and more precisely, resulting in average savings of 20–30% for companies. Allen walks us through how the system works, the type of data it leverages, and why it’s a smarter approach compared to traditional quoting methods. We also dive into how manufacturers, particularly in Iowa, are well-positioned to take advantage of this tool amid rising healthcare...
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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...
info_outlineOn 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