Manufacturing
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Mastering Collaboration: Mike Wagner on Response Readiness and Solving Complex Challenges
In this episode of *The Iowa Manufacturing Podcast*, we welcome Mike Wagner, an expert in *Response Readiness* and CEO of White Rabbit Group. Mike shares his insights on tackling the complex challenges manufacturers face when collaborating on high-stakes projects. Drawing on his extensive experience, Mike explains how identifying your natural response type—Teller, Accepter, or Guesser—can…
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Unlocking Supply Chain Success: Cash Flow, E-Auctions, and Optimization
In this episode of *The Iowa Manufacturing Podcast*, Janice Marquardt, founder of Passwall Solutions, shares valuable insights into how Iowa manufacturers can optimize their supply chain operations in the post-COVID world. Supply chain roles have evolved into highly strategic functions, where the focus is on efficiency, cost-saving, and improving cash flow. Janice explains that, with…
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From Grain Bins to Grain Alcohol – Corn Repurposed
In the latest episode of the Iowa Manufacturing Podcast, we sit down with Scott Turczynski, COO of Heartland Companies, to discuss his exciting later-in-life shift from commercial subcontracting to becoming a developer and distiller in Bondurant. Scott, who has spent years leading Heartland, an ESOP company known for its work in the commercial space, is…
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From Brokering Freight to Brokering Energy
On this episode of the Iowa Manufacturing Podcast, we’re joined by Dave Haney, a seasoned entrepreneur who has successfully pivoted from brokering shipping and freight to brokering energy, particularly natural gas, in Iowa. With freight services experiencing a downturn due to economic constraints, Dave saw an opportunity to leverage his business acumen in the largely…
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Navigating Layoffs and Retirement: ERISA, SECURE 2.0, and Your 401(k) Game Plan
Leisa Fox collaborated with BrownWinick to bring Iowa Manufacturing Podcast listeners this exclusive content. Sponsors compensate hosts for their time. In this special episode of the Iowa Manufacturing Podcast, we sit down with Caleb Brus, an expert from BrownWinick, to mark two significant dates in the world of retirement planning: the 50th anniversary of ERISA…
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From Entrepreneurial Vision to Employee Ownership: The Story of Stellar Industries (Part 2)
In this follow-up episode of the Iowa Manufacturing Podcast, we continue our conversation with Dave Zrostlik, CEO of Stellar Industries. 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…
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From Entrepreneurial Vision to Employee Ownership: The Story of Stellar Industries (Part 1)
In this episode of the Iowa Manufacturing Podcast, we sit down with Dave Zrostlik, CEO of Stellar Industries, to explore the legacy of his father, Frances Zrostlik, a pioneer whose entrepreneurial spirit fueled the economic growth of Garner, Iowa. Frances, the founder of Iowa Mold Tool, IMT Transport, and Stellar Industries, was more than just…
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Young Workers in Manufacturing Roles: Opportunity or Risk
In today’s podcast, Leisa Fox welcomed Nick Ott, an Employment and Labor attorney from Iowa Manufacturing Podcast Sponsor BrownWinick, to discuss the recent waivers granted by Iowa Workforce Development. These waivers allow 16- and 17-year-olds to perform high-risk work, despite existing federal restrictions. Nick provided an in-depth analysis of the interaction between state and federal…
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Optimization through A Deep Understanding of Process AND People
In this enlightening episode of The Iowa Manufacturing Podcast, host Leisa Fox delves into the intersection of people and processes—the critical nexus where true operational magic happens. With a multitude of systems designed to analyze and optimize both the human and procedural aspects of business, understanding how these two facets interconnect is essential for achieving…
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Texas Firm Challenges FTC’s Non-Compete Ban
In this crucial episode of The Iowa Manufacturing Podcast, host Leisa Fox dives into the complex and contentious issue of non-compete agreements with two expert guests, Dani Smid and Julie Solis-Alvarado from BrownWinick Law Firm. With the FTC’s recent ban on non-compete agreements set to take effect on September 4th, 2024, the landscape for employers…