Business
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From Rural Roots to National Beans: Ross Street Roasting Journey
Guest host Greg Bailey interviews Brian Gumm, founder of Ross Street Roasting, a rural Iowa coffee tradition turned national brand. Gumm shares the company’s origin, tracing its humble beginnings to the essence of its creation and the early days’ customer reception. He delves into the roots, motivations, and initial challenges faced while establishing the specialty…
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Why Iowa’s largest mall is growing, while other US malls are dying.
Did you know many national retailers designate one central Iowa mall as their top 5 retail location by revenue? Did you also know as malls across the country are dying, one Iowa mall is growing rapidly? Randy Tennison, General Manager of Jordan Creek Town Center tells us what he’s doing differently, fun Holiday plans, and…
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Future Iowa workforce isn’t into big cities and flashy lifestyles.
Upon graduation or entering the workforce, previous generations wanted to move to the big city, seeking excitement and adventure. But Iowa students today are built different. Seeing their parents go through financial trouble, and starting their adult life as governments responded to COVID, they see things differently. They’re focused on stability, low mortgage payments, and…
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Why Iowans visit Story City to celebrate Scandinavian Heritage
Scandinavian Days happen every year in Story City and to celebrate Scandinavian immigrants, culture and traditions. This year, the event is June 2nd and 3rd. Shanon McKinley, Executive Director of the Story City Greater Chamber Connection explains the history of this annual tradition and how it’s evolved through the years. We also talk about Story City’s…
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Five day “camp” to prepare high schoolers for A.I. economy
The AI economy is coming. Parents want to know if AI training for Iowa students is something they should consider. Iowa high schoolers want to know how to prepare for the new generation of work. Jessi McQuerrey with the Association of Business and Industry explains how the Business Horizons program has pivoted to prepare students…
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One Iowan’s take on tax strategy is so aggressive it needs a disclaimer!
Everyone should pay their taxes and abide by the law, but Drew Pells, co-owner of JT Pells Accounting Services says there’s no need to tip! Tipping is for your server, not Uncle Sam. It’s important to know this episode is informational and not tax advice for you specifically. Your situation is unique, so make sure…
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Bank Iowa CEO on SVB Crisis and Impact on Iowans
The collapse of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and takeover by Federal regulators sparked concern in the banking industry causing the DOW to lose 500 points early today (Wednesday). Jim Plagge, the CEO of Bank Iowa explains what happened, why it happened, and what impact this will have on Iowans. In just 30 min you will…
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Blk & Bold Turns 5. Founder, Pernell Cezar explains specialty coffee
Blk & Bold Specialty Beverages co-founder Pernell Cezar reached national distribution in Target in less than 2 years. As the Iowa-based Blk & Bold celebrates its 5th anniversary this year, we revisit this interview with him before they became a national sensation. What is specialty coffee? Even as a coffee fanatic, I had to ask…
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$30M fund investment director: the surprising state of Iowa startups
How many startups do you think are launching in Iowa? Would you have guessed Kaylee Williams, Investment Director of the InnoVenture Iowa Fund has spoken to 60 in the last 3 months? And that represents a tiny percentage! What on earth is going on? She breaks it all down. Williams explains why startups are drawn…
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She raised $1 million and shares digital marketing tactics you can use
Emily Steele is the founder of Hummingbirds based in Iowa. She shares tactical ideas and strategies your small business can utilize to grow your following, and grow your business today. This interview is like a small business cheat code. What is Hummingbirds? Steele just had a successful raise of $1M to grow Hummingbirds and expand…