Made in Iowa, The Manufacturing Podcast

BPC Streaming Network
BPC Streaming Network

The Made in Iowa podcast celebrates the people, products and power behind Iowa’s manufacturing economy. Each episode brings together the state’s most innovative makers, manufacturers and business leaders to share their stories, strategies and visions for the future. From factory floors to classrooms, Made in Iowa honors our makers, elevates their stories and powers the future of Iowa’s largest industry.

  1. Aug 13

    E38 | The Third-Generation Advantage: Reinvention, Relationships, and Results | Made In Iowa

    Universal Printing is a rare success story in American manufacturing—a third-generation family business that has continued to evolve rather than rely on past success. Brian and Sarah Springer shared how thoughtful decision-making, a willingness to challenge long-held assumptions, and a commitment to continuous improvement have helped the company remain competitive in a rapidly changing industry. They discussed the unique dynamics of leading a family business, honoring the legacy built by previous generations while making the difficult decisions necessary to position the company for the future. Throughout the conversation, one theme rose above all others: an unwavering focus on the customer. Whether investing in new equipment, embracing emerging technologies, streamlining operations, or expanding capabilities, every decision is filtered through a single question—how does this better serve the customer? Rather than viewing technology as a replacement for people, Universal Printing sees it as a way to deliver greater quality, faster turnaround, and more innovative solutions. Their story is a reminder that longevity isn't achieved by resisting change, but by continually reinventing your business while staying true to the relationships and values that built it in the first place. Presenting Sponsor: Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield https://wellmark.com/MadeinIowa

    E38 | The Third-Generation Advantage: Reinvention, Relationships, and Results | Made In Iowa

  2. Aug 6

    E37 | The Foundation to Flourish: Percival Scientific’s Evolution | Jake Oakland | Made in Iowa

    Percival Scientific’s story is one of legacy, evolution and continued excellence. Gary Wheelock led the Perry-based company for nearly 50 years, building a remarkable foundation and establishing Percival as a trusted manufacturer of environmental growth chambers used in research, science and agriculture around the world. His legacy is deeply woven into the company, and today Percival is continuing to evolve while building on the strength, reputation and values established over decades. In this episode, Leisa talks with Jake Oakland about how his 16 years at John Deere helped shape his leadership perspective, from developing people to learning and applying worldwide best practices in pursuit of a best-in-class team in Perry. There is a powerful parallel between Jake’s own evolution as a leader and Percival’s evolution as a company. Percival is flourishing because of the foundation Gary Wheelock built and the fresh perspective Jake brings to its next chapter, showing how legacy and new leadership can work together to strengthen culture, drive performance and position an Iowa manufacturer for the future. Presenting sponsor: ⁨‪‪Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield ‬ https://wellmark.com/MadeinIowa

    E37 | The Foundation to Flourish: Percival Scientific’s Evolution | Jake Oakland | Made in Iowa

  3. Jul 30

    E36 | From Burnout to Breakthrough - Atlantic Coca-Cola’s Warehouse Transformation | Made in Iowa

    Before automation, Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling was facing serious challenges in its warehouse operations. Dan McNutt, Senior Director of Warehouse Operations, shares how repetitive-motion injuries, employee burnout, picking errors and a staggering 120% turnover rate were affecting both the workforce and the customer experience. The company knew it needed more than an incremental fix. After studying operations in Hartford and Indianapolis, the team selected the Vertique semi-automated picking system, and the results have transformed the operation. But this conversation is about much more than technology. Dan talks about the importance of communication, employee input and bringing people along when a major operational change reshapes how work gets done. We explore how the system has reduced physical strain, improved picking accuracy, strengthened the customer experience and dramatically impacted turnover. It is a compelling look at what happens when an Iowa company pairs automation with thoughtful change management, using technology not simply to increase efficiency, but to create a safer, more sustainable workplace and a stronger operation for the future. Presenting sponsor: ⁨‪‪Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield‬ https://wellmark.com/MadeinIowa

    E36 | From Burnout to Breakthrough - Atlantic Coca-Cola’s Warehouse Transformation | Made in Iowa

  4. Jul 23

    E35 | Culture Before Competence: Building Teams That Last | Made in Iowa

    At LDJ Manufacturing, culture isn't a slogan—it's a competitive advantage. President Ben Cox and Brad Jungling share how the company's commitment to promoting from within has created leaders who understand every level of the operation. Rather than simply filling positions, the team invests in people, cross-training employees so they can step into multiple roles while also building redundancy into their equipment and manufacturing processes. That strategy recently proved invaluable when unexpected challenges arose, allowing production to continue with minimal disruption. Their thoughtful approach to automation is equally intentional. Instead of replacing people, LDJ automates the repetitive jobs most likely to cause employee turnover, workplace injuries, and customer dissatisfaction, allowing team members to focus on higher-value work while improving quality and consistency. That same customer-first mindset is evident in Thunder Creek Equipment. Built by listening closely to contractors, farmers, and fleet operators, Thunder Creek has continually evolved to solve real-world challenges in the field. As customer needs changed, so did the company—expanding from innovative fuel and service trailers into truck-mounted solutions that bring even greater flexibility to job sites. Throughout the conversation, one theme rises above all others: technical skills can be taught, but character cannot. Ben and Brad explain why they prioritize culture fit before skill fit, believing the right people—those who embrace the company's values and purpose—are the foundation for innovation, exceptional customer service, and long-term success. Presenting sponsor: ⁨‪‪Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield https://wellmark.com/MadeinIowa Register for Manufacturing Forecast event: https://www.madeiniowabr.com/manufacturing-forecast-event

    E35 | Culture Before Competence: Building Teams That Last | Made in Iowa

  5. Jul 16

    E34 | The Workforce Shift Iowa Can’t Ignore | Beth Townsend | Made in Iowa

    Iowa’s workforce has changed dramatically in just a few years, and few people have had a closer view of that transformation than Beth Townsend, Executive Director of Iowa Workforce Development. In this episode, Leisa talks with Beth about Iowa’s competitive workforce landscape, the lasting impact of COVID on how, where and why people work, and the speed with which Iowa had to respond to challenges no one could have predicted. Beth also explores the evolution from the Industry 4.0 grants to the new AMP’D Grant, designed to help Iowa employers invest in advanced manufacturing technology careers and prepare workers for the jobs of the future. Employers interested in learning more about eligibility and applying can visit the official AMP’D Grant information and application page: https://workforce.iowa.gov/opportunities/grants/ampd?utm_source=chatgpt.com The conversation also looks ahead as Beth shares how Iowa Workforce Development prepares for a transition to a new administration and what that kind of leadership change means for maintaining momentum in a fast-moving workforce environment. From automation and upskilling to demographic pressures and global competition, this is a conversation about far more than one grant program. It is about how Iowa takes the lessons of COVID, the groundwork laid through Industry 4.0 and the opportunities created through AMP’D to build a workforce strategy capable of competing in the future. Presenting sponsor: ⁨‪‪Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield‬ https://wellmark.com/MadeinIowa Register for Manufacturing Forecast event: https://www.madeiniowabr.com/manufacturing-forecast-event

    E34 | The Workforce Shift Iowa Can’t Ignore | Beth Townsend | Made in Iowa

  6. Jul 9

    E33 | How Kreg Found the Sweet Spot Between Price and Performance | Made in Iowa

    On this episode of the Made in Iowa Podcast, presented by Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield and recorded in the Iowa Everywhere Studio, host Leisa Fox sits down with Jerry Rosenberger of Kreg Tool to explore one of the most ambitious product expansions in the company's history. Known for helping generations of woodworkers build with confidence, Kreg has made a bold move into the power tool market with a complete ecosystem built around its new Ionic Drive battery platform. Jerry shares how the company stayed true to its roots by focusing on the needs of its most loyal customers — passionate DIYers, makers, and weekend warriors who are constantly looking to grow their skills and tackle more advanced projects. The conversation takes listeners behind the curtain of Kreg's product development process, where teams carefully studied the industry's leading competitors, deconstructed products, conducted extensive life-cycle and load testing, and identified opportunities to deliver premium performance at an attainable price point. Jerry explains how thoughtful engineering, intentional design choices, and relentless testing allowed Kreg to create tools that feel professional without carrying a professional-level price tag. It's a fascinating look at innovation, customer obsession, and how an Iowa company is challenging industry giants by putting high-quality solutions into the hands of everyday makers. Presenting sponsor: ⁨‪‪Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield‬ https://wellmark.com/MadeinIowa Register for Manufacturing Forecast event: https://www.madeiniowabr.com/manufacturing-forecast-event

    E33 | How Kreg Found the Sweet Spot Between Price and Performance | Made in Iowa

  7. Jul 2

    E32 | Beyond the Diagnosis - Hope, Healing, and Survivorship | Mary Van Heukelom | Made in Iowa

    On this episode of the Made in Iowa Podcast, Above + Beyond Cancer program director Mary Van Heukelom shares the incredible mission behind an organization that is transforming the cancer journey for survivors and their families. What began with a bold vision has grown into a movement focused on survivorship, wellness, connection, and hope. Through outdoor adventures, wellness programs, and a powerful support network, Above + Beyond Cancer is helping people discover that life after diagnosis can still be filled with purpose, challenge, and joy. Mary discusses the importance of treating the whole person, not just the disease, and explains how the organization creates opportunities for survivors to rebuild confidence physically, emotionally, and mentally. From mountain climbs to community support initiatives, the impact reaches far beyond Iowa and continues to inspire cancer survivors around the world. It’s a conversation about resilience, perspective, and the power of surrounding people with encouragement during some of life’s hardest moments. Presenting sponsor: ⁨‪Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield‬ https://wellmark.com/MadeinIowa

    E32 | Beyond the Diagnosis - Hope, Healing, and Survivorship | Mary Van Heukelom | Made in Iowa

  8. Jun 25

    E31 | Your Processes Are Talking. AI Is Listening. | Made in Iowa

    Leisa Fox recently interviewed Jason Greer with Peel Business Design about the growing role AI is playing in operational efficiency and business optimization. Through the Peel Signal Theory software platform, Greer explained how AI is dramatically accelerating constraint analysis, efficiency identification, and process optimization — helping organizations uncover bottlenecks and opportunities much faster and more economically than traditional approaches. One of the most important themes from the conversation was balance. Greer encouraged businesses to be optimistic about the possibilities AI creates, while also recognizing that not all “AI experts” are equal. His advice was simple: do the smell test first. Look for practical experience, operational understanding, and measurable outcomes rather than hype. Used wisely, AI is becoming a transformational tool for organizations looking to improve performance, scalability, and decision-making. Presenting sponsor: ⁨‪Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield https://wellmark.com/MadeinIowa

    E31 | Your Processes Are Talking. AI Is Listening. | Made in Iowa
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Ratings & Reviews

4.3
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

The Made in Iowa podcast celebrates the people, products and power behind Iowa’s manufacturing economy. Each episode brings together the state’s most innovative makers, manufacturers and business leaders to share their stories, strategies and visions for the future. From factory floors to classrooms, Made in Iowa honors our makers, elevates their stories and powers the future of Iowa’s largest industry.

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