Hunting Home

In this episode of Hunting Home, Blake Hunter sits down with Travis Castle, President of Vision Treynor Group, to discuss the story behind Vision Treynor and the creation of the new Vision Treynor Subdivision in Treynor, Iowa.
Blake and Travis talk about how Vision Treynor Group started, why housing and community growth became such an important focus, and how a small group of local leaders came together to make a major impact on the future of Treynor. Travis shares the early conversations, challenges, and vision that helped turn an idea into a real subdivision project designed to support growth while keeping Treynor’s small-town character intact.
This conversation is a great look at what can happen when community members step up, work together, and invest in the future of their town.
Topics covered include:
Treynor, Iowa growth
Vision Treynor Group
Vision Treynor Subdivision
New residential lots in Treynor
Community development in small-town Iowa
Housing development near Council Bluffs and Omaha
How local leadership can shape the future of a community
Whether you live in Treynor, are interested in building a home in southwest Iowa, or just enjoy hearing how small communities grow with purpose, this episode gives a behind-the-scenes look at a project years in the making.

In this episode of Hunting Home, Blake Hunter sits down with Michael Holton, City Administrator for Treynor, Iowa, to talk about what makes Treynor such a unique and growing community in southwest Iowa.
Blake and Michael discuss the current state of Treynor, including community statistics, local growth, quality of life, and why Treynor is not your typical small town. From strong schools and community involvement to thoughtful planning and steady development, this conversation gives a closer look at why Treynor continues to stand out.
The episode also touches on the Vision Treynor Subdivision and how new residential lots may impact the future of the community. Blake and Michael discuss how housing growth can help support local businesses, schools, families, and the long-term health of a small town while still protecting the character that makes Treynor special.
Topics covered include:
Treynor, Iowa community growth
Michael Holton, Treynor City Administrator
Treynor city statistics and demographics
Vision Treynor Subdivision
New residential lots in Treynor
Small-town development in southwest Iowa
Housing growth near Council Bluffs and Omaha
Why Treynor is not your typical small town
Whether you live in Treynor, are considering building a home in southwest Iowa, or are interested in how small communities plan for smart growth, this episode offers a valuable look at the people, data, and decisions shaping Treynor’s future.

In this episode of Hunting Home, Blake sits down with Chad Brown—a seasoned CPA and co-owner of multiple tax-focused businesses—to dive into the world of taxes, business strategy, and the often-overlooked power of smart financial structure. Whether you’re a small business owner, a W-2 earner eyeing your first rental, or someone still trying to write off that Corvette, this one’s got you covered.

Chad shares:

• Why clean books are the foundation of business success
• The truth about writing off boats, cars, and even coffee runs
• When it’s time to switch from an LLC to an S-corp
• The real tax benefits (and limits) of owning real estate
• Why being responsive builds trust in both tax and real estate
• What the future might hold for taxes under shifting political winds

This episode is practical, eye-opening, and packed with actionable insights (without the boring IRS-speak). Don’t miss it.

In this episode of Hunting Home, Blake sits down with Dessie Redmond, co-owner of Full Fledged Brewing Company, Council Bluffs' first and only brewery. From building their brewery from a dirt-floor shell to navigating the challenges of COVID-19, Dessie shares the journey of building a local business that’s deeply rooted in community.

Discover how Full Fledged is growing its distribution across Iowa and Nebraska, creating award-winning craft beers (like Council’s Kolsch and Floyd the Barbarian), and hosting unforgettable local events—from dog washes to DJ nights and charity cornhole tournaments. Plus, get a behind-the-scenes look at their Mug Club, beer-making process, and why community impact is at the heart of everything they do.

Whether you're a small business owner, craft beer lover, or passionate about community development, this episode is packed with inspiration and insights.

Todd Studer Joins Blake Hunter on this episode to talk about the current state of the local market in Omaha and Council Bluffs. Listen in for some key insights on what's actually going on and how using real facts can guide buyers and sellers to success in todays real estate world.

In this episode of Hunting Home, Blake sits down with mortgage lender Josh Yost of Churchill Mortgage for a candid conversation about the realities of real estate and lending. They dive into the importance of building lasting relationships, earning trust, and balancing work with personal life—all while navigating the fast-paced, unpredictable nature of the industry. Whether you're in real estate, sales, or any client-focused business, this episode is packed with insights on how to stand out, serve your clients well, and stay resilient in a competitive market.

Tune in for an authentic discussion about the grind, the rewards, and the mindset it takes to succeed.

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In this episode of Hunting Home, Blake Hunter sits down with Rich Bales of the Bales Insurance Team at Phillips Stafford Insurance Group. Rich shares his inspiring journey from running track at Iowa State to navigating the corporate world of medical device sales, and ultimately transitioning into insurance. They dive into the importance of value over cost, creating unforgettable client experiences, and building a strong network that ensures lasting success. Rich offers practical insights into the changing landscape of homeowners insurance, key tips for real estate agents, and how he's making insurance more accessible and educational. Whether you're in real estate, insurance, or just looking to up your networking game, this episode is packed with actionable advice!

In this episode of Hunting Home, Blake Hunter welcomes back Dylan Dravland from Neo Home Loans for an insightful discussion on the current real estate market. They dive into mortgage rates surpassing 7%, shifting buyer mindsets, and why waiting for the "perfect time" to buy might cost you in the long run. Dylan shares his approach to helping clients navigate the homebuying process, the importance of focusing on long-term financial goals, and how to leverage real estate for building wealth.

From debunking myths about renting versus buying to breaking down the true value of proactive advice in real estate transactions, this episode is packed with actionable insights for buyers, sellers, and investors alike. Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned homeowner, this conversation highlights why it's not just about the interest rate—it's about the bigger financial picture.

In this episode of Hunting Home, Blake sits down with Ian Green and Cody Wellington of Rally Appraisal to shed light on the often-misunderstood world of property appraisals. Together, they delve into the nuances of residential and commercial appraising, the challenges of navigating market fluctuations, and how appraisals impact real estate transactions.

Discover the processes behind appraising homes and commercial properties, the differences between market analysis and appraisals, and how current interest rates are shaping the industry. With personal stories, industry expertise, and a touch of humor, Ian and Cody provide a rare behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to determine a property's true value.

Whether you're a real estate professional, a buyer, or just curious about the appraisal process, this episode is packed with valuable insights you won't want to miss!

In this episode of Hunting Home, Blake Hunter dives into the complexities of today’s real estate market. Joined by Todd, they discuss why the current market feels unpredictable, with some homes selling quickly while others sit unexpectedly. Blake offers valuable insights on navigating high interest rates, strategic pricing, and how both buyers and sellers can benefit in this evolving landscape. They also explore the long-term advantages of real estate investments and the importance of setting realistic budgets. Plus, Blake shares exciting news about winning the 2024 Reader’s Choice Award for best real estate agent in Council Bluffs.