Made in Iowa, The Manufacturing Podcast

BPC Streaming Network
  • 4.0 (2)
  • Business
  • Updated Weekly

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. Made In Iowa: Open Books, Open Minds - The Culture Behind Paul Mueller’s Performance

    3d ago

    Made In Iowa: Open Books, Open Minds - The Culture Behind Paul Mueller’s Performance

    Amy Starlin of Paul Mueller Company offers a compelling look inside a highly specialized manufacturer that has built its reputation on precision, customization, and long-term customer partnerships. Serving industries like food, beverage, and pharmaceuticals, the company doesn’t just fabricate stainless steel equipment—it engineers solutions that are critical to its customers’ operations. Amy emphasizes that their success comes from deeply understanding each client’s process and delivering tailored systems that perform at the highest level, reinforcing why customers return generation after generation. What truly sets Paul Mueller apart, though, is its commitment to open-book management, inspired by The Great Game of Business by Jack Stack. Amy explains how this level of transparency—sharing financials, teaching employees how the business runs, and giving them a stake in the outcome—creates a culture of ownership across the organization. When employees understand how their daily decisions impact the bottom line, trust deepens, innovation accelerates, and productivity follows. It transforms the workforce from task-doers into problem-solvers who are actively engaged in the company’s success. In an industry facing constant pressure from supply chain shifts and evolving customer demands, that culture of accountability and shared purpose is a powerful competitive advantage. Presenting sponsor: Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield https://wellmark.com/MadeinIowa

    36 min
  2. Made In Iowa: Communication That Works - The Hidden Advantage Driving Altec Forward

    Jun 4

    Made In Iowa: Communication That Works - The Hidden Advantage Driving Altec Forward

    Nathan Grismore of Altec pulls back the curtain on a manufacturing operation built around reliability, not just in its products, but in how its people operate every day. Supporting critical industries like electric utilities, telecom, and tree care, Altec’s equipment keeps essential services running. Nathan emphasizes that this level of performance starts on the inside—by equipping employees with the tools and trust they need to identify issues, raise concerns, and continuously improve both products and processes. It’s a system designed to ensure that what happens on the shop floor directly strengthens what happens in the field. A key driver of that culture is Altec’s commitment to real-time communication across the organization. Employees are empowered with clear, accessible ways to report safety concerns, flag engineering challenges, and raise HR questions without delay. That immediacy removes bottlenecks in problem-solving and ensures issues are addressed before they escalate. More importantly, it builds trust—employees know their voices are heard and acted upon. The result is a more engaged workforce, faster innovation cycles, and stronger retention. In an industry where speed, safety, and precision all matter, this kind of open communication isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a competitive advantage.

    35 min
  3. Made In Iowa: Zach Johnson, Big Dreams, and a Milestone Year at the Principal Charity Classic

    May 28

    Made In Iowa: Zach Johnson, Big Dreams, and a Milestone Year at the Principal Charity Classic

    Leisa Fox sits down with Ken McCullum and Alex McCarty for a conversation centered on one of Iowa’s most impactful sporting and philanthropic events — the Principal Charity Classic. As the tournament celebrates its 20th anniversary, Ken and Alex reflect on how the event has evolved into far more than a golf tournament. With more than $10 million raised last year alone for youth-serving organizations across Iowa, the Principal Charity Classic continues to demonstrate the power of community partnership, corporate leadership, and volunteerism working together toward a common mission. The episode also looks ahead to what could be one of the most exciting years in tournament history. With Iowa native Zach Johnson now eligible for the Champions Tour, anticipation is building for an unforgettable week at Wakonda. Ken and Alex share the vision, energy, and momentum behind this milestone year while highlighting the tournament’s continued commitment to creating life-changing opportunities for Iowa youth. From economic impact to charitable giving to world-class golf, this year’s Principal Charity Classic is shaping up to be a celebration of legacy, community, and possibility. Presenting sponsor: Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield https://wellmark.com/MadeinIowa

    43 min
  4. Made In Iowa: Tariffs, Supply Chains, and Staying Power with Auto-Jet’s John Rapp

    May 21

    Made In Iowa: Tariffs, Supply Chains, and Staying Power with Auto-Jet’s John Rapp

    In this episode of the Made in Iowa Podcast, Leisa Fox sits down with John Rapp, President and CEO of Auto-Jet, for a candid conversation about leadership, resilience, and what it really takes to navigate the highs and lows of manufacturing. As a seasoned entrepreneur who has weathered economic shifts, supply chain disruptions, and changing market conditions, Rapp emphasizes that strong relationships - with employees, customers, and partners - are often the difference between surviving and thriving. His perspective is grounded, practical, and shaped by decades of experience building businesses through uncertainty. The conversation also explores the evolving opportunities within manufacturing and supply chain careers, particularly for younger generations who may not fully understand the innovation and long-term potential within the industry. Rapp shares how recent tariff changes have unexpectedly created positive momentum for Auto-Jet by strengthening domestic manufacturing demand and opening new opportunities for American producers. It’s an insightful discussion about adaptability, workforce development, and why Iowa manufacturers continue to play a critical role in the national economy. Presenting sponsor: Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield https://wellmark.com/MadeinIowa

    43 min
  5. Made In Iowa: Strong Foundations - The Leadership Philosophy Behind Story Construction

    May 14

    Made In Iowa: Strong Foundations - The Leadership Philosophy Behind Story Construction

    Mike Espeset of Story Construction joined the podcast to discuss how strong culture, trusted relationships, and long-term thinking continue to drive one of Iowa’s most respected construction firms. The conversation explored the realities of leadership in construction today, from workforce development and succession planning to maintaining quality and accountability while continuing to grow. Mike shared how Story approaches partnerships with clients, communities, and employees in a way that prioritizes trust over transactions. The episode also highlighted the changing landscape of construction and development across Iowa. Mike reflected on the importance of adaptability, communication, and investing in people at every level of the organization. From attracting younger talent into the trades to navigating economic shifts and evolving customer expectations, the discussion reinforced that successful companies are built intentionally over time. It’s a thoughtful conversation about leadership, culture, and building organizations designed to last. Presenting sponsor: Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield https://wellmark.com/MadeinIowa

    38 min
  6. Made In Iowa: Reinventing the Trades - AI, Apprenticeships, and the Future of Furniture

    May 7

    Made In Iowa: Reinventing the Trades - AI, Apprenticeships, and the Future of Furniture

    This episode of Made in Iowa dives into one of the most fascinating intersections in business today: skilled trades, technology, and human resilience. Leisa Fox sits down with Riana LeJeune, who never expected her path would lead from the police academy to becoming an award-winning upholstery innovator, apprenticeship advocate, and technology founder. After an injury forced a major life pivot at age 24, she found purpose in a trade that quickly became an obsession in the best possible way. What followed was the creation of businesses designed not only to preserve craftsmanship, but to modernize and future-proof an overlooked industry through AI, visualization technology, and workforce development. The conversation moves beyond business strategy into leadership, family, and identity. She shares how being AuDHD has shaped the way she approaches innovation, problem-solving, and entrepreneurship, while also opening up about co-parenting and running a business alongside her former spouse—who also happens to be her first apprentice and master craftsman. From launching Iowa’s only Registered Apprenticeship program in upholstery to challenging the culture of “fast furniture” and advocating for a circular furniture economy, this episode is packed with insight about reinvention, unconventional leadership, and why the skilled trades may be one of the biggest opportunities of the next decade. The Made in Iowa podcast, a Des Moines Business Record product presented by Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield, from the Iowa Everywhere studio. Presenting sponsor: Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield https://wellmark.com/MadeinIowa

    32 min
  7. Made In Iowa: The Science (and Business) of Making Systems Work

    Apr 23

    Made In Iowa: The Science (and Business) of Making Systems Work

    Jim Hall built Systems Management & Balancing (SMB) into a quiet powerhouse in a niche most people never think about - but rely on every day. What started in 1967 as a small Des Moines operation grew into a multi-state firm focused on testing, adjusting, and balancing (TAB) HVAC systems to ensure buildings actually perform the way they were designed. Jim shares the bet he made when he acquired the company in 2002, leaning into independence and precision as their differentiator. In an industry where comfort, safety, and efficiency are on the line - especially in hospitals, schools, and complex facilities - SMB has become the “truth-teller,” identifying problems others miss and ensuring systems function as intended. Joined by consultant Erin Rollenhagen, the conversation shifts to what it takes to evolve and scale a highly specialized business. Erin brings a strategic lens to leadership, growth, and positioning, highlighting the opportunities - and risks - that come with complexity in today’s built environments. Together, they reflect on Jim’s succession plan, the importance of developing talent in a technical field, and why this behind-the-scenes work offers meaningful, high-impact careers. It’s a conversation about legacy, precision, and the kind of Iowa-built business that quietly keeps the world running. Presenting sponsor: Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield https://wellmark.com/MadeinIowa

    33 min
  8. Made In Iowa: From Compliance to Culture - Why Safety Drives Success at ALMACO

    Apr 17

    Made In Iowa: From Compliance to Culture - Why Safety Drives Success at ALMACO

    On this episode, Ellen Hines, Director of Workplace Experience, and Justin Woods, Chief Manufacturing Officer at ALMACO, share a candid look into the company’s evolving safety journey. In an environment where no two projects are the same, ALMACO has made a deliberate decision to embed safety into every layer of its operations. They discuss how variability in manufacturing demands a proactive mindset—one where processes, communication, and accountability are continuously refined to protect their team. A cornerstone of that culture is empowerment. Hines and Woods emphasize the importance of creating an environment where every employee feels responsible—and safe—to speak up: “If you see something, you say something.” That mindset has helped ALMACO earn recognition as one of only five companies in Iowa to achieve OSHA SHARP (Safety & Health Achievement Recognition Program) certification, a distinction that reflects not just compliance, but excellence. For ALMACO, safety isn’t a box to check—it’s a strategic advantage and a key driver of long-term success.

    41 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4
out of 5
2 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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