The Chief Creative Officer of Oakstone Homes Katelyn Cheek joins as a guest for this episode of the AmplifIA podcast. Oakstone Homes is a family-owned, premier, custom home builder in the Des Moines area. They obsess over every detail of the building process and the quality shines in their signature style. Katelyn shares about the incredibly fast growth, her favorite parts of the building process, and how to become a respected leader. She also authentically shares perspective and advice on being a business owner, new mom, and wife. 

Gabriel Glynn, Co-Founder and CEO of MākuSafe, joins as our guest on this episode of the AmplifIA Podcast. Gabriel's startup journey began over a decade ago and in that time he has experienced several successful exits. Listen in as he shares how MākuSafe has developed a wearable technology and software platform that gathers human motion and environmental data in order to identify risk to labor workers. MākuSafe's wearable device has draw attention from large companies and insurance agencies both right here in the Midwest and all around the world. 

Executive chef Tom McKern of Zombie Burger joins this episode of the AmplifIA podcast to share how the iconic burger joint got started. Famous for it’s inventive flavor combos in a “post apocalyptic chic” setting, Zombie Burger serves fast food with a culinary edge. A GOREmet eatery evoking classic roadside burger stands of the 1970s, the restaurant pairs fresh ingredients with expert preparation. Listen in to hear what’s coming next for this local restaurant as well as the chef’s favorite concoctions. 

Nate Yoho, trainer and one of the owners of three CrossFit gym locations in the Des Moines area, has been a lifelong athlete passionate about health and fitness. He was introduced to CrossFit by a former Iowa Hawkeye baseball teammate and CrossFit Games athlete. Nate was on a CrossFit team that won the North Central region and qualified for the CrossFit Games in 2013.  Inspired by the profound experience he had with CrossFit, Nate saw this as an avenue for combining his passion for fitness with helping others and opened CrossFit Merle Hay in the spring of 2013.  His passion for helping others and teaching is the driving force behind what makes CrossFit Merle Hay the open and inviting atmosphere it is today. 

Karri Rose takes us on a journey just 20 minutes outside the city of Des Moines where we are greeted by the beauty of serene Rose Farm, family-owned and lovingly managed by Hobby Farmers Karri and Patrick Rose. The sprawling 25 acres of rolling hills includes a charming barn housing The Shoppe, a magazine cover-worthy greenhouse, gardens full of flowers, and wildlife. The farm is a space for families, community-based lectures and education, and special gatherings.

Chris Biagini, the inventory manager for Raygun, shares what makes Raygun a standout brand in the Midwest. He shares how Mike Draper, the founder of Raygun, went from a one-man t-shirt print shop to a multi-store, multi-state business. We hear exactly how Raygun got the name Raygun. This is a place that is truly proud of it's bold DNA and continually shows up as a consistent and authentic brand in the community.