John Rapp, President of Auto-Jet Muffler Corporation, joins the Iowa Manufacturing Podcast to share his entrepreneurial journey and the principles that guide his decision-making. From launching ventures to building synergies with his sister company, Heartland Harness, John explains how discernment shapes which projects move forward and how he maintains a competitive edge.

He also explores the critical role of workforce and supply chain in manufacturing success. With pride in leading one of the most technically skilled teams in the country, John emphasizes that talent is the foundation of resilience and growth. His reflections provide both practical takeaways and inspiration for leaders across Iowa and beyond.

Find this show on your favorite app: https://iowapodcast.com/john-rapp

In this episode of the Iowa Manufacturing Podcast, host Leisa Fox sits down with Lori Mason and Steph Kruger of Seneca Foundry—two leaders shaping one of Iowa's most resilient manufacturing companies. They discuss the foundry's evolution amid industry consolidation, agricultural downturns, and global supply chain challenges. Instead of retreating, Seneca has embraced innovation, modernizing operations and integrating smarter technologies while staying true to its roots of craftsmanship and community.

Lori and Steph share how they've built a culture that attracts and retains a young, diverse, and loyal workforce—one that takes pride in hard, meaningful work. By focusing on what truly drives progress, Seneca Foundry has become a model of how legacy manufacturers can thrive through modernization and mission-driven leadership. This episode celebrates the power of purpose, innovation, and people in shaping the future of American manufacturing.

Full show notes: https://iowapodcast.com/seneca

On this episode of the Iowa Manufacturing Podcast, host Leisa Fox welcomes University of Iowa engineering student and entrepreneur Keegan Fogarty, founder of General Robotics. His groundbreaking simulation software could revolutionize how smaller manufacturers approach automation — simplifying programming, cutting costs, and accelerating implementation.

Keegan shares how Iowa JPEC helped him bridge the gap between technical talent and business strategy, transforming his classroom experience into a startup with real-world potential. His story captures the next generation of Iowa innovation — where engineers aren't just building machines, they're building the future of manufacturing itself.

Find this show on your favorite app: https://iowapodcast.com/keegan-fogarty

This week, Leisa Fox welcomes Tim Gifford, Co-Founder of Lean TECHniques, to discuss how the company's people-first approach to innovation has positioned it as a trusted partner in business transformation. From humble beginnings to a nationally respected consultancy, Lean TECHniques has helped organizations evolve by combining lean principles with modern technology and human-centered leadership.

Tim also explores how AI and automation are influencing the next chapter of their work—demonstrating that successful innovation comes not from replacing people, but from empowering them. It's an insightful, hopeful conversation about growth, adaptability, and the future of smart, purpose-driven business.

Find this show on your favorite app: https://iowapodcast.com/tim-gifford

In this episode of the Iowa Manufacturing Podcast, host Leisa Fox talks with Alex Parker, Eide Bailly's Director of Tax Legislative Affairs, about what's really happening in Washington as the government shutdown stretches on. With years of experience as a journalist covering tax and policy at the Capitol, Alex explains how we got here, what's at stake, and which services could be disrupted if the gridlock continues.

He also explores Iowa's growing role as an energy cornucopia, breaking down the incentives and opportunities tied to the One Big Beautiful Bill (OB3). His combination of insider knowledge and plainspoken insight makes complex legislative issues understandable and actionable for manufacturers across Iowa.

Find this show on your favorite app: https://iowapodcast.com/alex-parker

Manufacturers are operating in a world where insurance markets are anything but stable, and the stakes have never been higher. In this episode, Risk Management Consultant Katie Hensley joins host Leisa Fox to demystify the shifting Property & Casualty landscape. From the shrinking property market to nuclear liability verdicts, Katie explains how manufacturers can adapt, update valuations, manage open recommendations, and strengthen communication to protect themselves against emerging risks.

The conversation ranges from property, business interruption, and E&O, to workers' compensation, fleet, cyber, and management liability. Katie emphasizes proactive risk management, smarter use of data, and a team-based approach to claims and compliance. Whether you're a business owner, risk manager, or operations leader, you'll leave this episode with actionable insights to help your company weather today's insurance challenges while positioning for tomorrow's opportunities.

Find this show on your favorite app: https://iowapodcast.com/katie-hensley

On this episode of the Iowa Manufacturing Podcast, Leisa Fox welcomes Eide Bailly's Emma Brock and Jim Donovan to break down the One Big Beautiful Bill (OB3) and what it really means for manufacturers. Together, they tackle the myths and misconceptions surrounding tax changes, uncover opportunities hidden in plain sight, and highlight the critical importance of thoughtful planning.

A major focus of the conversation is on R&D tax credits and how they apply far more broadly than many business leaders realize. From documenting time studies to capturing data on process improvements, the right strategy can unlock significant value—but only if it's pursued with clarity and efficiency. Emma and Jim stress that with a trusted tax partner, businesses can determine if "the juice is worth the squeeze" and ensure their innovation efforts are both compliant and profitable.

Find this show on your favorite app: https://iowapodcast.com/one-big-beautiful-bill

This week's Iowa Manufacturing Podcast explores how manufacturers can cut through the noise of endless measurements to focus on what truly drives performance. Guest Jason Greer of Peel Business Design explains that while data is powerful, too much of it can distract and overwhelm. By narrowing focus to just three to five meaningful metrics, companies can make smarter decisions, improve cost accuracy, and strengthen pricing strategies.

More than just numbers, Jason emphasizes the role of data in building trust and communication inside an organization. With the right measures in place, teams gain clarity and alignment, making even the most complex challenges manageable. This episode is a roadmap for leaders who want to simplify their approach while amplifying their results.

Find this show on your favorite app: https://iowapodcast.com/jason-greer-data

This week, Leisa Fox and EOS Implementer Loraine Hardin reflect on three significant events that highlight the momentum of Iowa's business and manufacturing community: the Traction Table, the CBJ Manufacturing Conference, and the Manufacturing Masterminds tour at Seneca Foundry. Together, they explore the common challenges companies are facing—from workforce transitions to economic pressures—and the EOS tools and leadership strategies that are helping them adapt.

Listeners will also hear behind-the-scenes stories from the Seneca Foundry tour, including the molten metal demonstration, advances in automation, and a focus on culture and succession. With themes of innovation, resilience, and leadership woven throughout, this episode offers valuable takeaways for anyone looking to strengthen their business and gain fresh perspectives on Iowa's manufacturing future.

Find this show on your favorite app: https://iowapodcast.com/loraine-hardin

The live CBJ Manufacturing Conference podcast brought together three leaders—Dawn Ealy, Steve Coleman, and Wendy Mihm-Herold—to map out strategies for addressing Iowa's looming workforce crisis. With 240,000 Baby Boomers set to retire by 2030, the conversation underscored the need for employers to proactively leverage automation, retain senior workers through flexible arrangements, and intentionally engage the next generation of Gen Z talent through workplace learning initiatives.

This episode made clear that manufacturers cannot afford to choose one approach over another. Automation alone will not close the gap, nor will simply retaining retirees or hiring more Gen Z. Instead, success depends on a comprehensive, three-pronged strategy. The panel's message was unequivocal: all manufacturers must act now to invest in technology, people, and partnerships—or risk being left behind as the talent pipeline shrinks and demand continues to grow.

Find this show on your favorite app: https://iowapodcast.com/CBJ-manufacturing-conference