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

BPC Senior Director of Events Stacey Thompson and Business Record Editor Sarah Diehn host the weekly recap of statewide news you may have missed in the last week. Stories shared were first reported between June 24-30.

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

BPC President Chris Conetzkey and Business Record Editor Sarah Diehn host the weekly recap of statewide news you may have missed in the last week. Stories shared were first reported between June 17-23.

John Kempen, Plant Manager at Hormel Foods’s Osceola Foods facility, brings serious scale to the conversation—over 135 million pounds of product shipped each year. And yes, they make bacon—arguably one of the greatest food inventions of all time. But in a twist that surprises just about everyone, Hormel still sells more Spam than bacon globally. John walks through the complexity behind that volume, explaining how tight operational discipline and standardized processes are essential to delivering the same high-quality product every single time. In food production, consistency isn’t a goal—it’s a requirement.

At the same time, Hormel isn’t standing still. John shares how the company has been strategically rolling out AI capabilities since 2009 to better predict demand and optimize production planning—ensuring the right products are made at the right time without waste. That forward-thinking approach extends to product innovation as well, from advancements in pasteurization techniques to consumer-friendly solutions like oven-ready bacon that goes straight from package to pan-free cooking. It’s a balance of precision and progress—where legacy brands stay relevant by continuously evolving how they operate and what they deliver.

Presenting sponsor: ⁨ ⁨@wellmarkbcbs⁩  https://wellmark.com/MadeinIowa

On the June DSM Wealth podcast, host Suzanna de Baca explores how investors can navigate today’s uncertain markets in the episode “Where Should I Be Investing Now: Asset Allocation for the Modern Age.” The episode features Ed McGill, co-founder of McGill Junge Wealth Management and Dr. Tyler K. Jensen, associate professor of finance at Iowa State University’s Ivy College of Business. Together, they break down what asset allocation really means, why diversification remains one of the most powerful tools for long-term investing and how investors should think about risk, inflation and portfolio strategy in a rapidly changing economic environment. Listeners will gain practical insights on aligning investments with goals and time horizon, maintaining discipline through market volatility and building resilient portfolios designed to evolve with life’s stages and market conditions.

Women were born to be leaders. Deidre DeJear, president and CEO of Oakridge Neighborhood, and Anya Jensen, founder and CEO of Anya’s Reviews, Anya’s Shop and the Barefoot Shoe Expo, joined host LaDrina Wilson to discuss their approach to leadership and how they empower others and themselves to reach their highest potential.

BPC President Chris Conetzkey and Business Record Editor Sarah Diehn host the weekly recap of statewide news you may have missed in the last week. Stories shared were first reported between June 10-16.

Juneteenth event information:

Iowa Juneteenth event

African American Museum of Iowa event 

Presented by the Ivy College of Business at Iowa State University – preparing job-ready talent for businesses and the economy. 

See why Ivy is ranked the #1 Best College for Business in Iowa: https://www.ivybusiness.iastate.edu/ 

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

During this episode, dsm editor Michael Morain meets with Kathy Coady, chief development officer for Hope Ministries, to get a closer look at faith-based hunger support. They discuss the Hope Cafe and how free meals support those in need, no questions asked, and also how the nonprofit balances their faith-based mission within this secular issue.