Made in Iowa, The Manufacturing Podcast

BPC Streaming Network
BPC Streaming Network
  • 4.3 (3)
  • 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. 8h ago

    Made In Iowa | E41 | Building Iowa’s Workforce of Tomorrow: Connecting Students with Careers

    Leisa Fox sits down with Wendy Mihm-Herold of iJAG to talk about how the organization is connecting Iowa students with businesses, careers and real-world experiences while helping employers build the workforce of the future. Wendy shares examples of students learning about skilled trades and leadership, putting their skills to work alongside employers like MidAmerican and participating in iJAG’s Career Development Conference, which brings together more than 600 students from across Iowa for competitions, workshops and direct interaction with businesses. Wendy also discusses the importance of giving young people meaningful exposure to career opportunities while helping Iowa employers better understand, attract and develop Gen Z talent. She expresses appreciation to the Iowa Legislature and Governor Kim Reynolds for their support of iJAG and its work across the state. Wendy also introduces an important new resource for Iowa employers: the Work-Based Learning Business Playbook, available September 1, 2026. Designed as a practical guide for businesses, the Playbook walks employers through using work-based learning as a talent development strategy, Iowa’s WBL framework, connecting with learners at every stage, designing a WBL strategy and creating high-quality experiences. It also tackles practical issues employers need to understand, including liability and hazardous occupations for students under 18 and Iowa’s Career and Technical Education system. The goal is to help businesses address workforce shortages, develop the next generation of talent, strengthen their communities and achieve measurable ROI from work-based learning. Employers interested in the Playbook or partnering with iJAG can contact Wendy Mihm-Herold directly at wendy.mihm-herold@ijag.org. Presenting sponsor: ⁨Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield https://wellmark.com/MadeinIowa

    Made In Iowa | E41 | Building Iowa’s Workforce of Tomorrow: Connecting Students with Careers

  2. Aug 27

    E40 | The Iowa-Made Process Behind Fighting Hunger | Made in Iowa

    Debby Hudson with Meals from the Heartland joins the Made in Iowa Podcast to share how the organization turns volunteer power into millions of meals for people in Iowa and around the world. Much of its work mirrors manufacturing: teams of 10 volunteers, carefully selected ingredients, efficient packaging lines, quality standards and distribution partnerships—including Convoy of Hope. These meals are designed to do more than fill a belly. Their nutritional content helps children grow, learn and thrive—feeding minds as well as bodies. Debby also shares how listeners can join the mission by signing up for Meals from the Heartland’s volunteer events coming up in September. Presenting sponsor: Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield https://wellmark.com/MadeinIowa

    E40 | The Iowa-Made Process Behind Fighting Hunger | Made in Iowa

  3. Aug 24

    E39 | Iowa manufacturers’ stories of adaptation | Made in Iowa

    As Iowa manufacturers confront evolving economic dynamics and technological growth, a successful future relies on adaptation in all aspects of the organization. A focus on reinvention and being proactive across workforce, automation and succession strategies are key to keeping pace with the industry. After the Business Record’s annual Manufacturing Forecast event, we asked our panelists to stick around to go deeper on the themes and stories they shared during the live event. Watch the full Manufacturing Forecast webinar now. Guests: • Daniel Doderer, economist and senior consultant, ITR Economics • Brad Jungling, vice president of operations, LDJ Manufacturing Inc. • Lori Mason, president, Seneca Foundry Co. • Ton Stam, co-founder, Chocolaterie Stam Presenting sponsor: ⁨Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield https://wellmark.com/MadeinIowa

    E39 | Iowa manufacturers’ stories of adaptation | Made in Iowa

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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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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