Manufacturing
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Redefining Workplace Wellness: VOI vs. ROI in Action
In the latest episode of the Iowa Manufacturing Podcast, host Leisa engages with Troy Vincent of Navigate Wellbeing Solutions and Whitney Kolbe of Kemin to explore the evolving landscape of workplace wellness through the lens of Value on Investment (VOI) versus Return on Investment (ROI). As companies strive to balance employee wellbeing with business outcomes,…
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How Co-Warehousing is Transforming Manufacturing
In this episode of the Iowa Manufacturing Podcast, host Leisa sits down with Levi Cermak, Co-Founder of Elevator Spaces, to explore the transformative impact of co-warehousing on the maker and manufacturing communities in Omaha—and soon, Central Iowa. Elevator Spaces has reshaped how over 100 companies operate by providing dynamic warehousing, kitting, docking, and comprehensive business…
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From Advanced Manufacturing to ETR: Reimagining Careers in Waukee and Beyond
The APEX program (Aspiring Professional Experience) at Waukee Community School District’s Innovation Learning Center is reshaping how high school students in Iowa engage with potential career paths. Directed by Michelle Hill, APEX empowers students to gain practical, hands-on experience in a variety of industries, preparing them for the workforce while they’re still in school. Established…
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From Pro-Labor to Pro-Employer? What a Trump Administration Could Mean for Manufacturers
In a recent conversation with employment lawyer Dani Smid we dive into significant employment law changes that may arise under a Trump administration, with potential impacts across the manufacturing sector. Dani highlighted a sharp increase in frivolous employment lawsuits, spurred by pro-employee and pro-labor rules enacted under Biden’s watch. This uptick has led to a…
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A Window into the Future: How Automation is Shaping Careers at Pella Corporations
In this engaging episode of the Iowa Manufacturing podcast, Ben Coady from Pella Corporation shares his journey from joining the company as a process engineer in 2011 to navigating a changing landscape of roles and responsibilities. Ben highlights how his skillset has evolved alongside the company’s increasing emphasis on robotics and automation. As manufacturing technology…
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Hy-Vee Health and Exemplar Care: A New Era in Urgent and Concierge Healthcare
In this episode of the Iowa Manufacturing Podcast, Carl Behne, President and Chief Strategy Officer of Hy-Vee Health/Exemplar Care, joins us to explore how their innovative concierge healthcare model is transforming the landscape of healthcare in Central Iowa and beyond. Behne discusses Exemplar Care’s recent partnership with Hy-Vee, a collaboration that allows them to expand…
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TWI Methodology’s Comeback: Transforming Iowa Manufacturing with Dave Machovsky
In this insightful episode of the Iowa Manufacturing podcast, host Leisa Fox sits down with Dave Machovsky, a former 3M executive and consultant with Mindset Innovations, to discuss the enduring power of the Training Within Industry (TWI) Methodology. TWI, a training program developed during World War II, enabled millions of employees to be quickly trained…
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Closing the Skills Gap: Empigo Academy’s Impact on Iowa Manufacturing
In this episode of the Iowa Manufacturing Podcast, we sit down with Newton “Fig” Jensen, founder of Empigo Academy, a faith-based high school in Des Moines focused on Career and Technical Education (CTE). Jensen shares his vision for equipping the next generation with the skills necessary to thrive in post-secondary education or technical careers, with…
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Tackling Workforce Shortages: How Automation is Revolutionizing Rural Manufacturing
In this episode of the Iowa Manufacturing Podcast, host Leisa Fox sits down with Stephen Coleman, co-founder of Colewell Automation, to explore the innovative role automation plays in addressing rural workforce shortages in the manufacturing sector. Stephen shares insights into how many rural manufacturers are finding it increasingly difficult to meet production demands due to…
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From Retirement to Reinvention: Dave Schwartz on Building a New Legacy
In this insightful episode of the Iowa Manufacturing Podcast, Leisa Fox sits down with Dave Schwartz, Special Projects Director at Lutheran Church of Hope, to explore the powerful intersection of faith, work, and retirement. Dave introduces God’s Heart at Work, a meaningful event featuring keynote speaker Mary Andringa, Chair Emeritus of Vermeer Corporation. The event…