In this follow-up episode of the Iowa Manufacturing Podcast, we continue our conversation with Dave Zrostlik, CEO of Stellar Industries, along with Drew Larson, Partner at BrownWinick. In the first episode, we explored the remarkable legacy of Frances Zrostlik and his pioneering role in shaping Garner, Iowa's economic landscape. Now, we take a closer look at how that legacy has evolved through the strategic transition of Stellar Industries to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).

Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/stellar-industries-part-2

In this episode of the Iowa Manufacturing Podcast, Stellar Industries' CEO Dave Zrostlik shares the inspiring story of his father, Frances Zrostlik, a visionary entrepreneur who played a pivotal role in shaping Garner, Iowa's economic landscape. The conversation highlights the lasting impact of Frances, who founded Iowa Mold Tool, IMT Transport, and Stellar Industries. Garner now celebrates his legacy annually with Frances Zrostlik Day on August 14th, a tradition set to continue for generations.

This episode is the first of a two-part series that will conclude with a discussion featuring Drew Larson, Partner at BrownWinick, exploring the motivations and advantages of their Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). Through Dave's insights, listeners gain a glimpse into how Frances not only built successful companies but also exemplified leadership by stewarding his family, employees, and community with care and dedication.

Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/stellar-industries-part-1

In today's podcast, Leisa Fox welcomed Nick Ott, an Employment and Labor attorney from BrownWinick, to discuss the recent waivers granted by Iowa Workforce Development, allowing 16- and 17-year-olds to perform hazardous work. Nick provided an in-depth analysis of the interaction between state and federal laws, explaining how state waivers operate within the constraints of federal restrictions. He highlighted the stringent criteria and safety measures required to obtain such waivers, emphasizing the legal and regulatory framework designed to protect young workers.

Nick also addressed the potential reputational risks for employers if violations occur, noting that any incident could significantly impact a company's image and trust within the community. Despite these concerns, he underscored the potential benefits of these waivers in attracting young people to careers in manufacturing. By offering early, hands-on experience, these programs can ignite interest and provide valuable skills, ultimately contributing to a stronger and more skilled workforce in the future.

Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/nick-ott-young-workers-in-manufacturing

In this episode of the Iowa Manufacturing Podcast, we sit down with EHS expert Linden Terpstra to explore critical practices and strategies for ensuring environmental, health, and safety compliance in manufacturing. Linden shares her wealth of knowledge on how companies can effectively navigate the complexities of EHS by adopting best practices. She emphasizes the importance of engaging in best practice sharing peer groups, where manufacturers can learn from each other's experiences and solutions. Leveraging free services from vendors is another key point Linden highlights, as these resources can offer valuable support and insights at no additional cost.

Additionally, Linden delves into specific EHS concerns such as heat regulations and air quality management. She explains how staying on top of these issues not only helps in regulatory compliance but also enhances overall workplace safety and employee well-being. By providing a comprehensive overview of these critical EHS topics, Linden underscores the importance of a proactive and individualized approach to managing the greatest risks facing companies today. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to strengthen their EHS strategies and ensure a safer, more compliant manufacturing environment.

Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/linden-terpstra-ehs-strategies

Throughout our careers, we navigate three distinct phases of life: Foundation, Framework, and Finish. The Foundation phase, encompassing the first 25 years, is where our values and character are shaped. During the Framework phase, we experience personal growth and often face self-imposed pressure for immediate success.

Mary Andringa, Chair Emeritus of Vermeer, emphasizes that the most significant phase, if intentionally planned, is the Finish Phase. While financial status is commonly associated with wealth, Jerry Foster of the Foster Group, in his book *Small Changes, Big Results*, highlights the importance of four other dimensions of wealth: Relational, Physical, Spiritual, and Intellectual. Achieving success in all these areas is key to a fulfilling transition to the third phase of life.

Join us as we engage in a thoughtful conversation with Mary and Jerry, guided by our host Leisa, exploring the holistic approach to finishing well.

Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/andringa-foster-third-phase

There are 1000s of systems in place to analyze and optimize the people side of a business and probably even more systems to optimize processes. Where these two analyses coincide is where the magic happens.

Scott Burgmeyer with Become More Group sits down with Leisa Fox, The Host of The Iowa Manufacturing Podcast to understand the tools available and the impact of truly digging into psychometrics and continuous improvement and the impact the coupled approach has on an operation.

Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/scott-burgmeyer-become-more-group

Non-competes are used to create a competitive playing field for employers all over the world. The FTC has banned their use and a recent lawsuit in Texas is creating challenges to enforcement.

The ban, to come into effect September 4th of 2024, is in question. BrownWinick Employment Chair, Dani Smid and Associate Julie Solis-Alvarado help decipher the FTC's Non-compete ban and offer great advice to Iowa's Manufacturers regarding how to best prepare for either outcome.

Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/smid-and-solis-alvarado-non-competes

So many efforts today are dedicated to building great leadership skills. What if you flip the script and expend just as much effort on followership? It's working for some of the nation's most successful companies. Helping organizations achieve the highest form of leadership, growing new leaders, Mike Wagner and White Rabbit Group are transforming management training by focusing on true connection.

By deploying some simple, but truly meaningful disciplines, retaining employees, even in this tumultuous workforce climate can become much, much easier. The adage that people don't leave jobs, they leave managers couldn't be more accurate than it is today. Learn from one of the greatest leadership gurus of our time in this compelling podcast.

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

Leisa talks to Amner Martinez, founder of Infinite Resources recruiting firm and Amplified DSM, a truly diverse podcast studio, Amner talks about ways to target employees no one else knows exist. Becoming the "cupid" of match making employers and employees, Amner has made "pre-cruiting" the core of what he does.

Targeting applicants that are currently employed, building trust and showing them a better culture exists has been a very successful strategy in identifying a whole new segment of workers. The key, though, is genuine authenticity from the top down. When someone goes to your website and clicks on "Meet the Team" what do they see? If it doesn't reflect the diversity you desire in the workforce, all bets are off.

Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/amner-martinez-infinite-resources

Great Oaks, Iowa's first public charter high school, targeted at kids who have abandoned their education, will fill many needs. The greatest need might be considered a workforce pipeline that equips these oft forgotten kids with skills to immediately plug them into jobs that build financial success and rewarding careers.

Available as an option to anyone in the metro with transportation availability to its campus at Park Fair Mall, this tremendous resource will fill a very critical need not only for employers, but for students who just couldn't make the current educational system work for their needs. While its first campus is in Des Moines, the goal is to expand the model throughout Iowa.

Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/byam-and-farley-great-oaks-high-school