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 now embarking on a bold new venture—establishing a distillery and transforming Bondurant’s historic grain elevators into one-of-a-kind spaces.

This episode dives deep into Scott’s decision to step away from his role at Heartland Companies and his ambitious plan to enter the spirits manufacturing industry. As Bondurant moves forward with its Grain District Downtown Redevelopment Plan, Scott shares his vision of transforming the town’s core into a vibrant destination, with the distillery as a cornerstone of this revitalization effort. He details the creative and logistical challenges involved in repurposing the elevators and how his development will create a unique blend of historical preservation and modern craft distilling. Click here for more information regarding the project. 

Scott’s journey is not just about building a distillery but about revitalizing the heart of Bondurant, drawing on his decades of experience in construction and development. We also explore Iowa’s regulatory landscape for distilleries, the potential economic and tourism impacts, and what it takes to compete in Iowa’s growing craft beverage market. His transition from COO of a commercial subcontracting company to a distillery owner highlights his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to creating something extraordinary for his community.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in manufacturing, entrepreneurship, and the evolving craft beverage scene in Iowa. For more information, contact Scott at scottt@hrtlnd.us.