Navigating Entrepreneurship in the Iowa Tech Scene with Force Fitters
Release Date: 02/04/2025
Unlocking Innovation: How Zymosense is Revolutionizing Enzyme Measurement with Cutting-Edge Technology
Iowa Tech Podcast
In a recent episode of the Iowa Tech podcast, host Micah Walker engaged in a compelling conversation with Nigel Reuel, the founder of Zymosense, a pioneering company emerging from Iowa State University. Nigel, an innovator and entrepreneur at heart, shared his journey of establishing Zymosense to revolutionize enzyme activity measurement. With a robust background in chemical and biological engineering, Nigel explained how his experience with global enzyme development leaders inspired him to tackle the challenges of enzyme activity measurement. Zymosense's cutting-edge sensors provide a...
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How Iowa's APEX Program is Shaping Young Entrepreneurs
Iowa Tech Podcast
The Iowa Tech podcast episode features an engaging conversation between host Micah Walker and guest Russell Goerend, a key figure in the Waukee APEX program, which stands for Aspiring Professional Experience. Broadcasting from the Jethro’s Barbecue Digital Studio, the episode dives into the innovative educational model at Waukee, designed to provide high school juniors and seniors with authentic career experiences. Russell explains how Waukee's approach, inspired by the CAPS program in Kansas, allows students to immerse themselves in real-world professions like graphic design, construction...
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A Fellows Perspective of the Iowa Entrepreneurial Ecosystem with Gabe Howard
Iowa Tech Podcast
In this episode of the Iowa Tech podcast, host Micah Walker welcomes Gabe Howard, the third fellow of the InnoVenture Iowa Fund, to discuss his experiences and insights into the Iowa entrepreneurial ecosystem. Gabe, a finance major at Drake University, shares how his background in a small town and family business sparked his interest in venture capital. He recounts his journey from a high school student dabbling in the industry to becoming a fellow, emphasizing the importance of personal interactions and mentorship from influential figures like Kaylee Williams. Gabe highlights the role of...
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From Dorm Room Dreams to Startup Success: Unleashing Entrepreneurial Spirit at Iowa State with Megan Grettinger
Iowa Tech Podcast
The Iowa Tech Podcast, hosted by Micah Walker, recently featured an insightful discussion with Megan Grettinger, the Program Director of the Cystarters Business Accelerator at Iowa State University. In this episode, they explored the intricacies of the Cystarters program, which is designed to support student entrepreneurs in developing their business ideas. Megan shared her journey from being an undergraduate at Iowa State to becoming a key figure in the entrepreneurial ecosystem there. Her firsthand experience as a former Cystarter herself offers a unique perspective on how the program has...
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Casmium: High School Innovators Revolutionizing Baseball Analytics
Iowa Tech Podcast
In a recent episode of the Iowa Tech podcast, hosted by Micah Walker, the spotlight was on Henry and Nikhil, co-founders of Casmium, a baseball analytics app created by a group of high school students. The app originated from a school project aimed at transforming paper-based statistics into a digital format, prompted by their high school varsity baseball coach. Initially, the project was just a means to secure a good grade, but as the pandemic hit and the students had more time, they realized its potential beyond the classroom. By January 2021, they recognized the app’s promise and decided...
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From Des Moines to Seattle: The Journey of Julio Delgadillo and BuoyClub
Iowa Tech Podcast
In this episode of the Iowa Tech podcast, Micah Walker takes over as host while Kaylee Williams is on maternity leave. Micah introduces Julio Delgadillo, an entrepreneur born in Des Moines, Iowa, who has a passion for creativity and design. Julio shares his journey from growing up in Iowa, developing his artistic skills in school, to eventually founding Buoyclub, a clothing brand he started during the COVID-19 pandemic. Julio explains how his time in Des Moines and his experiences in spoken word poetry influenced his creative spirit and entrepreneurial drive, eventually leading him to study...
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SwineTech: Revolutionizing Pig Production with Matthew Rooda
Iowa Tech Podcast
In this episode of the Iowa Tech podcast, host Kaylee Williams converses with Matthew Rooda, CEO and co-founder of SwineTech, about his entrepreneurial journey and the evolution of his company. Matthew shares his background in pig production, emphasizing the challenges he encountered, such as labor shortages and piglet crushing, a significant issue leading to billions in losses annually. SwineTech originally tackled piglet crushing using voice recognition technology to alert sows to stand up, preventing piglet suffocation. However, during COVID-19, the company pivoted to a broader approach,...
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Embracing Cycles: Harnessing Female Empowerment and Entrepreneurship with Alyx Coble-Frakes
Iowa Tech Podcast
In this episode of The Iowa Tech Podcast, host Kaylee Williams engages with Alyx Coble-Frakes, the founder and CEO of The Agenda, at the Jethro's Barbecue Studio. Alyx shares her unexpected path from aspiring educator to businesswoman, highlighting her early experiences with the Girl Scouts and her educational background in social entrepreneurship. Her pivotal moment came from an observation about her sales conversions peaking during the ovulation phase of her menstrual cycle, which led to the formation of The Agenda Period. This discovery fueled her mission to create tools for women to...
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How AI is driving the future of healthcare with Dr. John Cromwell and Buddy Lyons of ENTAC Medical
Iowa Tech Podcast
In this episode of the Iowa Tech Podcast, host Kaylee engages in an insightful conversation with Buddy Lyons and Dr. John Cromwell, the co-founders of ENTAC Medical. The discussion delves into the innovative journey of ENTAC Medical, a company that has pioneered the use of acoustic biomarkers and artificial intelligence to predict adverse medical events. Buddy and John share the fascinating origin story of their company, which began with the development of a predictive medical device aimed at addressing postoperative ileus. With a strong commitment to transforming healthcare from a reactive to...
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From Venture Capitalist to Startup Founder of Pitchly with Ryan Gerhardy
Iowa Tech Podcast
In the latest episode of the Iowa Tech podcast, host Kaylee Williams sits down with Ryan Gerhardy, the co-founder and CEO of Pitchly, a company revolutionizing the way content is created from data. Recorded in the vibrant Jethro's Barbecue Studio, the conversation explores the exciting new developments at Pitchly, including the introduction of a freemium model that allows users to experience the power of Pitchly's autonomous content agents. Ryan shares his journey from investment banking and venture capital to co-founding a startup, highlighting the strategic decisions and lessons learned...
info_outlineIn a recent episode of the Iowa Tech podcast, host Kaylee Williams sat down with Justin Schoen, the CEO and co-founder of Force Fitters, to discuss his entrepreneurial journey and insights into the startup ecosystem in Des Moines. Justin, a native of West Des Moines, has been deeply embedded in the local entrepreneurial landscape for over a decade. He shared his background in marketing and digital marketing consultancy, a field he entered when digital marketing was still nascent in the early 2000s. His initial foray into entrepreneurship involved establishing a consultancy that specialized in digital marketing, where he worked with a diverse array of clients. This experience laid the foundation for his current venture, Force Fitters, a company that specializes in managing uniforms and corporate apparel for businesses. Justin's story highlights the evolution of digital marketing over the years and how his consultancy work with startups and established companies alike paved the way for his current entrepreneurial endeavor.
Force Fitters began in 2018, following the sale of GNL Clothing, where Justin had established an e-commerce platform. Recognizing an opportunity in the work apparel space, he and his partners founded Force Fitters to address the needs of clients who were underserved after the retail transition. With a focus on specialized apparel like flame-resistant clothing, Force Fitters operates as a B2B SaaS platform that streamlines the management of corporate uniforms and safety gear. The company has grown by leveraging Justin's existing network and relationships while maintaining a high retention rate by building features in step with customer needs. Justin also reflects on the importance of work-life balance, mentorship, and the supportive startup ecosystem in Iowa, emphasizing that successful entrepreneurship does not necessarily require constant hustle but rather a focus on efficiency and healthy boundaries. As Force Fitters looks toward future growth, Justin's experience and philosophy offer valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs navigating similar paths.
Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/justin-schoen-iowa-tech-entrepreneur