Iowa Manufacturing Podcast

Frivolous employment lawsuits are on the rise, thanks to pro-employee rules under the Biden administration, causing increased Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI) claims and skyrocketing premiums. Dani Smid, Chair of the Employment Practice Group for BrownWinick, joins us to discuss these issues and the potential for sweeping changes in employment law under a Trump administration. With possible shifts at the NLRB, OSHA, DOL, and EEOC, the manufacturing sector may soon see a more employer-friendly regulatory environment.

Manufacturers need to be prepared. Dani explains how these changes could relieve the EPLI burden while impacting joint-employer standards, independent contractor classification, and union election procedures. Listen in to learn what adjustments you might consider for a proactive response in the year ahead.

Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/dani-smid-trump-25-employment-changes 

Join us for an in-depth conversation with Ben Coady of Pella Corporation, where we explore his career journey and the transformative role of robotics and automation in manufacturing. Since starting as a process engineer in 2011, Ben’s role has expanded and evolved with Pella’s growth and its adoption of new technologies. Through his experience, he shares how automation is not only reshaping operations but also redefining the skills needed in today’s workforce.

This episode is a must-listen for manufacturing leaders, as Ben provides valuable insights into navigating change, adapting to market demands, and building a future-ready workforce. With authenticity and expertise, Ben’s story illustrates the evolution of manufacturing skills and highlights what executives should consider to remain competitive.

Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/ben-coady-robotics-automation-workforce-changes 

In this episode, Carl Behne, President and Chief Strategy Officer of Hy-Vee Health/Exemplar Care, discusses how their concierge healthcare model is revolutionizing healthcare in Iowa. Exemplar Care’s recent partnership with Hy-Vee has accelerated its expansion, making innovative healthcare more accessible in new communities, including rural manufacturing towns. By prioritizing quality and convenience, Exemplar Care is improving care outcomes and reducing healthcare expenses.

Behne highlights Exemplar’s unique approach to urgent care, which provides fast, effective solutions tailored for rural areas with limited healthcare access. This model saves time, ensures better health outcomes, and supports workforce resilience. Join us to discover how Exemplar Care’s services could benefit your community and workforce. 

For more information, contact Carl at [email protected] or 319-601-9004.

Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/carl-behne-revolutionary-health-care-delivery 

Dave Machovsky, a former 3M executive and expert consultant with Mindset Innovations, discusses the revitalization of the Training Within Industry (TWI) Methodology on the Iowa Manufacturing podcast. TWI, a program developed during World War II, taught millions of workers to perform their jobs with skill, safety, and conscientiousness but fell out of use in the 1980s. Now, through his work with Manufacturing Extension Partnerships, Dave is reintroducing TWI to improve manufacturing standards.

By leveraging TWI’s practical approach, manufacturers across Iowa can benefit from enhanced quality, delivery, cost control, safety, and workforce morale. To connect with Dave for insights or guidance, contact him at 605-695-7372 or [email protected].

Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/dave-machovsky-iowa-manufacturing 

This episode features Newton "Fig" Jensen, founder of Empigo Academy, discussing how his faith-based high school focuses on Career and Technical Education (CTE) to equip students with hands-on skills in technical fields, including manufacturing. Jensen explains the academy’s unique approach to closing Iowa’s skills gap by combining career-readiness training with biblical values.

Jensen also highlights how Empigo Academy is partnering with local manufacturers and using technology to prepare students for the workforce. His insights into balancing technical training with entrepreneurial skills make this a compelling listen for anyone involved in the manufacturing industry.

Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/newton-jensen-empigo-academy 

On this episode of Iowa Manufacturing Podcast, Stephen Coleman from Colewell Automation explains how automation is helping rural manufacturers combat workforce shortages. Stephen discusses how many rural manufacturing companies are unable to meet production needs due to a lack of workers, often turning down projects. Through automation—specifically robotics, assembly, and 3D bin picking—repetitive and sometimes injury-prone jobs are offloaded to machines, allowing businesses to thrive despite limited workforce availability.

The benefits of automation are clear: manufacturers reduce turnover, improve safety, and achieve a return on investment within 18 months. With accurate work and minimal rework, machines can run three shifts, optimizing productivity. Stephen will be a featured speaker at an upcoming MakeDSM event, highlighting automation's role in reshaping rural manufacturing.

Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/stephen-coleman-robotics-and-automation

In this episode of the Iowa Manufacturing Podcast, Leisa Fox interviews Dave Schwartz, Special Projects Director for Lutheran Church of Hope, about the event God's Heart at Work, featuring Mary Andringa, Chair Emeritus of Vermeer Corporation and Rachelle Keck of Grand View University. Building on the conversation with Mary and Jerry Foster about the third phase of life, Dave shares insights from his own post-retirement journey. Despite his initial plans for retirement, he chose to continue making a deeper impact by founding the Agape Empowerment Center to uplift one of the world’s poorest countries.

Dave's story serves as inspiration for aging Iowa manufacturing executives, demonstrating that retirement can be about more than leisure. By shifting focus from personal comfort to serving others, retirees can continue to make significant contributions, both locally and globally.

Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/dave-schwartz-retirement-to-reinvention

This episode of *The Iowa Manufacturing Podcast* features Mike Wagner of White Rabbit Group, discussing the concept of *Response Readiness*. Mike dives into the challenges of effective collaboration when dealing with complex problems, particularly when working with highly skilled individuals. He emphasizes the importance of identifying your natural response type—whether you're a Teller, Accepter, or Guesser—and how these roles impact problem-solving.

Mike introduces a transformative approach to collaboration by encouraging listeners to ""slow down to speed up."" By leading with discovery, translating assumptions, and persuading others to take action, teams can uncover the deeper issues beneath surface-level problems. This method has proven to improve internal collaboration and client relationships by reducing rework and preventing escalations.  

Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/mike-wagner-white-rabbit-group-2 

In this episode of *The Iowa Manufacturing Podcast*, Janice Marquardt, founder of Passwall Solutions, discusses how Iowa manufacturers can optimize their supply chains in a post-COVID world. With tighter margins and the need for improved cash flow, supply chain roles have become more strategic. Janice shares how her audits help companies reduce waste, streamline operations, and achieve on-time, in-full supply chain performance.

She also highlights the benefits of using e-auctions in procurement, showing how they can be used to save time and effort while preserving strong vendor relationships. When managed thoughtfully, e-auctions create a fair and efficient process that benefits both manufacturers and their suppliers.

Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/janice-marquardt-supply-chain-success 

In the latest Iowa Manufacturing Podcast, Scott Turczynski, COO of Heartland Companies, shares his decision to transition from his role in commercial subcontracting to becoming a developer and distiller in Bondurant. With decades of experience in construction, Scott is now focused on transforming Bondurant's historic grain elevators into unique spaces as part of the city's Grain District Downtown Redevelopment Plan. His new distillery will serve as a key feature of this revitalization, blending historical preservation with modern craft spirit production.

Scott discusses the challenges of entering the spirits manufacturing industry, navigating Iowa’s regulatory landscape, and the potential economic and tourism benefits for Bondurant. His shift from COO to distillery owner reflects his entrepreneurial drive to create something extraordinary for the community, positioning the distillery as both a cultural landmark and a competitive player in Iowa’s growing craft beverage market.

Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/scott-turczynski