Rob Sand is the State Auditor of Iowa and a gubernatorial candidate with deep roots in the state, growing up in the northeastern town of Decorah. As a statewide elected official and a parent, he brings a unique perspective to the challenges and opportunities facing Iowans today.

In this conversation, Rob shares his thoughts on the state of Iowa's economy, the urban-rural divide, and his vision for fostering economic growth through value-added agriculture and pragmatic leadership. Additionally, he discusses the critical issues of water quality, brain drain, and the state's budget, while also offering a personal look into how he manages the pressures of public life, his approach to handling criticism, and the core values that drive his commitment to public service.

This podcast is sponsored by MidWest One Bank, the proud partner for doers and entrepreneurs in the corridor and beyond. As an SBA preferred lender, the team at MidWest One Bank is ready to help you reach your business goals. It's empowered money management. It's MidWest One Bank, Member FDIC. For more information, visit midwestone.bank.

This is the Real Success podcast, produced in partnership with former NFL athlete and entrepreneur Nate Kaeding. This monthly podcast is a collection of conversations with Iowa-connected doers about success, purpose, and what makes them tick. Our hope is that you’ll learn something new about these notable leaders and that the conversations will perhaps play some small part in helping you further define what real success means to you.

This is a Corridor Media Group podcast: Bringing critical business news, thoughtful analysis, and valuable strategic insights for business leaders throughout Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and the Quad Cities. For more information, visit corridorbusiness.com.

This episode was produced by Upload Media Group in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. For more information, visit UploadMediaGroup.com.

Britton Langdon is the Founder and CEO of the startup BuildFactory, an off-site construction ecosystem that is connecting teams, streamlining procurement, and cutting risk.

Britton shares the story behind building a cutting-edge software ecosystem for construction prefabrication, drawing on his experiences founding and scaling MSuite before a successful exit to Stanley Black & Decker. He offers insights into the challenges and opportunities of launching a tech company in the Midwest, the impact of artificial intelligence and data centers on the local and national economy, and his vision for making Cedar Rapids a hub for technology-driven businesses. Along the way, Britton discusses the evolution of AI in business, the importance of building strong regional talent networks, and what it takes to create lasting change in a traditional industry.

I learned a lot from this conversation, and I think you will too.

This podcast is sponsored by MidWest One Bank, the proud partner for doers and entrepreneurs in the corridor and beyond. As an SBA preferred lender, the team at MidWest One Bank is ready to help you reach your business goals. It's empowered money management. It's MidWest One Bank, Member FDIC. For more information, visit midwestone.bank.

This is the Real Success podcast, produced in partnership with former NFL athlete and entrepreneur Nate Kaeding. This monthly podcast is a collection of conversations with Iowa-connected doers about success, purpose, and what makes them tick. Our hope is that you’ll learn something new about these notable leaders and that the conversations will perhaps play some small part in helping you further define what real success means to you.

This is a Corridor Media Group podcast: Bringing critical business news, thoughtful analysis, and valuable strategic insights for business leaders throughout Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and the Quad Cities. For more information, visit corridorbusiness.com.

This episode was produced by Upload Media Group in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. For more information, visit UploadMediaGroup.com.

Nate Kaeding, the former University of Iowa All-American and NFL All-Pro kicker who has since become a prominent real estate developer and entrepreneur, is interviewed by J.R. Ogden, celebrated journalist and sports columnist for the Corridor Business Journal.

Nate shares the vision behind his group's latest passion project: a new, destination-style golf club in the Corridor. He explains the "naturalist" design philosophy driving the project, the unique hybrid "national club" business model they plan to implement, and why he believes there is a significant unmet demand in the market. Additionally, Nate offers a look into the property itself, the focus on a hyper-local food and beverage program, and how the club aims to support the broader amateur golf community.

This podcast is sponsored by MidWest One Bank, the proud partner for doers and entrepreneurs in the corridor and beyond. As an SBA preferred lender, the team at MidWest One Bank is ready to help you reach your business goals. It's empowered money management. It's MidWest One Bank, Member FDIC. For more information, visit midwestone.bank.

This is the Real Success podcast, produced in partnership with former NFL athlete and entrepreneur Nate Kaeding. This monthly podcast is a collection of conversations with Iowa-connected doers about success, purpose, and what makes them tick. Our hope is that you’ll learn something new about these notable leaders and that the conversations will perhaps play some small part in helping you further define what real success means to you.

This is a Corridor Media Group podcast: Bringing critical business news, thoughtful analysis, and valuable strategic insights for business leaders throughout Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and the Quad Cities. For more information, visit corridorbusiness.com.

This episode was produced by Upload Media Group in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. For more information, visit UploadMediaGroup.com.

Jeremy Wilhelm is working to reshape the agricultural landscape in Eastern Iowa as the Co-Owner of Lamb’s Quarter Livestock and Rhubarb Botanicals.

Jeremy shares the story of returning to his family’s land near Springville and Mount Vernon, transforming it from decades of monocrop corn into a regenerative, pasture-based operation focused on lamb, flowers, and botanicals. He offers insight into the science and business of rotational grazing, the challenges and rewards of building soil health with livestock, and the importance of community connections in supporting local food systems. Jeremy also discusses the evolution of his farm store, collaborations with local chefs and businesses, and his vision for a more resilient, community-centered approach to agriculture in the Corridor.

This podcast is sponsored by MidWest One Bank, the proud partner for doers and entrepreneurs in the corridor and beyond. As an SBA preferred lender, the team at MidWest One Bank is ready to help you reach your business goals. It's empowered money management. It's MidWest One Bank, Member FDIC. For more information, visit midwestone.bank.

This is the Real Success podcast, produced in partnership with former NFL athlete and entrepreneur Nate Kaeding. This monthly podcast is a collection of conversations with Iowa-connected doers about success, purpose, and what makes them tick. Our hope is that you’ll learn something new about these notable leaders and that the conversations will perhaps play some small part in helping you further define what real success means to you.

This is a Corridor Media Group podcast: Bringing critical business news, thoughtful analysis, and valuable strategic insights for business leaders throughout Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and the Quad Cities. For more information, visit corridorbusiness.com.

This episode was produced by Upload Media Group in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. For more information, visit UploadMediaGroup.com.

Luke Eustice is the director of the Iowa City Area Sports Commission where he leads the charge in recruiting, supporting, and executing sporting events across Johnson County and the Corridor.

In this episode, Nate is also joined by J.R. Ogden, a veteran sports journalist who spent 48 years as an editor and contributor at the Gazette in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and now brings his wealth of experience to the Corridor Business Journal as a regular columnist.

Luke shares his firsthand perspective on the business of sports, the economic impact of major events, and the unique qualities that set the Corridor apart as a destination. He discusses the growth of local facilities, the challenges of hosting national tournaments, and the collaborative spirit that fuels the area’s success. Additionally, J.R. reflects on the changing landscape of sports coverage, the business side of athletics, and the stories that resonate most with readers. He offers insights into the region’s sporting culture, the rise of youth sports, and the people and places that make the Corridor a special place for athletes, fans, and the local economy.

This podcast is sponsored by MidWest One Bank, the proud partner for doers and entrepreneurs in the corridor and beyond. As an SBA preferred lender, the team at MidWest One Bank is ready to help you reach your business goals. It's empowered money management. It's MidWest One Bank, Member FDIC. For more information, visit midwestone.bank.

This is the Real Success podcast, produced in partnership with former NFL athlete and entrepreneur Nate Kaeding. This monthly podcast is a collection of conversations with Iowa-connected doers about success, purpose, and what makes them tick. Our hope is that you’ll learn something new about these notable leaders and that the conversations will perhaps play some small part in helping you further define what real success means to you.

This is a Corridor Media Group podcast: Bringing critical business news, thoughtful analysis, and valuable strategic insights for business leaders throughout Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and the Quad Cities. For more information, visit corridorbusiness.com.

This episode was produced by Upload Media Group in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. For more information, visit UploadMediaGroup.com.

Taylor Getting is a pilot, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Calyx Creek Lavender & Lodging, an innovative agritourism destination just outside North Liberty, Iowa.

Taylor shares the story of how he and his wife transformed a sand-laden Iowa farm into a thriving lavender oasis complete with thousands of plants, on-site product lines, and architecturally unique treehouses. He discusses the challenges and surprises of starting a small business, the importance of community and creativity in agriculture, and how Calyx Creek has become a sought-after experience for both locals and visitors. Taylor also dives into the nuts and bolts of growing lavender in Iowa, developing new products, and building a team.

I learned a lot and I think you will too.

This podcast is sponsored by MidWest One Bank, the proud partner for doers and entrepreneurs in the corridor and beyond. As an SBA preferred lender, the team at MidWest One Bank is ready to help you reach your business goals. It's empowered money management. It's MidWest One Bank, Member FDIC. For more information, visit midwestone.bank.

This is the Real Success podcast, produced in partnership with former NFL athlete and entrepreneur Nate Kaeding. This monthly podcast is a collection of conversations with Iowa-connected doers about success, purpose, and what makes them tick. Our hope is that you’ll learn something new about these notable leaders and that the conversations will perhaps play some small part in helping you further define what real success means to you.

This is a Corridor Media Group podcast: Bringing critical business news, thoughtful analysis, and valuable strategic insights for business leaders throughout Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and the Quad Cities. For more information, visit corridorbusiness.com.

This episode was produced by Upload Media Group in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. For more information, visit UploadMediaGroup.com.

On Today's Episode: Nate sits down with Mike Hlas, a sports journalist who has spent more than 40 years chronicling Eastern Iowa athletics and beyond for the Gazette in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Mike looks back on his legendary career including his perspective on the changing journalistic landscape, what he believes makes a good story, and how he approaches telling sports stories today. Additionally, Mike shares a look into his new work with the Iowa Writers Collaborative, what he sees as the biggest stories in sports right now, and what the future holds for both him and sports journalism as a calling.

This podcast is sponsored by MidWest One Bank, the proud partner for doers and entrepreneurs in the corridor and beyond. As an SBA preferred lender, the team at MidWest One Bank is ready to help you reach your business goals. It's empowered money management. It's MidWest One Bank, Member FDIC. For more information, visit midwestone.bank.

This is the Real Success podcast, produced in partnership with former NFL athlete and entrepreneur Nate Kaeding. This monthly podcast is a collection of conversations with Iowa-connected doers about success, purpose, and what makes them tick. Our hope is that you’ll learn something new about these notable leaders and that the conversations will perhaps play some small part in helping you further define what real success means to you.

This is a Corridor Media Group podcast: Bringing critical business news, thoughtful analysis, and valuable strategic insights for business leaders throughout Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and the Quad Cities. For more information, visit corridorbusiness.com.

This episode was produced by Upload Media Group in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. For more information, visit UploadMediaGroup.com.

In this episode of Real Success, Nate is joined by Alexandra Olsen and John Lohman, the editor and CEO/Owner of the Corridor Business Journal, respectively, to discuss the biggest business-related news stories of 2025 and take a look ahead at what’s in store for the corridor in 2026.

This podcast is sponsored by MidWest One Bank, the proud partner for doers and entrepreneurs in the corridor and beyond. As an SBA preferred lender, the team at MidWest One Bank is ready to help you reach your business goals. It's empowered money management. It's MidWest One Bank, Member FDIC. For more information, visit midwestone.bank.

This is the Real Success podcast, produced in partnership with former NFL athlete and entrepreneur Nate Kaeding. This monthly podcast is a collection of conversations with Iowa-connected doers about success, purpose, and what makes them tick. Our hope is that you’ll learn something new about these notable leaders and that the conversations will perhaps play some small part in helping you further define what real success means to you.

This is a Corridor Media Group podcast: Bringing critical business news, thoughtful analysis, and valuable strategic insights for business leaders throughout Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and the Quad Cities. For more information, visit corridorbusiness.com.

This episode was produced by Upload Media Group in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. For more information, visit UploadMediaGroup.com.

Audrey Wiedemeier is the Executive Director of the Iowa City Bike Library, a grassroots nonprofit dedicated to making bicycling accessible, sustainable, and fun for everyone in the Iowa City and Cedar Rapids Corridor.

Audrey shares the story of how she discovered the Bike Library as a University of Iowa student, her path from volunteer to leader, and the organization’s mission to empower community members through bikes. She offers insight into the Bike Library’s youth and senior programs, its creative approach to fundraising, and the importance of building a more bike-friendly community through advocacy and infrastructure. Audrey also discusses the impact of volunteers, the challenges and rewards of running a nonprofit, and her vision for the future of cycling in the region.

I learned a lot and I think you will too.

This podcast is sponsored by MidWest One Bank, the proud partner for doers and entrepreneurs in the corridor and beyond. As an SBA preferred lender, the team at MidWest One Bank is ready to help you reach your business goals. It's empowered money management. It's MidWest One Bank, Member FDIC. For more information, visit midwestone.bank.

This is the Real Success podcast, produced in partnership with former NFL athlete and entrepreneur Nate Kaeding. This monthly podcast is a collection of conversations with Iowa-connected doers about success, purpose, and what makes them tick. Our hope is that you’ll learn something new about these notable leaders and that the conversations will perhaps play some small part in helping you further define what real success means to you.

This is a Corridor Media Group podcast: Bringing critical business news, thoughtful analysis, and valuable strategic insights for business leaders throughout Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and the Quad Cities. For more information, visit corridorbusiness.com.

This episode was produced by Upload Media Group in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. For more information, visit UploadMediaGroup.com.

Bennett Stirtz is the Iowa native who has transferred to the University of Iowa to spend his senior year playing guard for the Iowa Hawkeyes Men’s Basketball Team. 

Bennett shares a look into his unique journey from Northwest Missouri State to the University of Iowa, his relationship with his coaches, and how he is approaching the upcoming season. He also gives a detailed perspective on his NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) experiences, how he is managing his finances, and how his high school lawn mowing business prepared him for future endeavors. 

This podcast is sponsored by MidWest One Bank, the proud partner for doers and entrepreneurs in the corridor and beyond. As an SBA preferred lender, the team at MidWest One Bank is ready to help you reach your business goals. It's empowered money management. It's MidWest One Bank, Member FDIC. For more information, visit midwestone.bank.

This is the Real Success podcast, produced in partnership with former NFL athlete and entrepreneur Nate Kaeding. This monthly podcast is a collection of conversations with Iowa-connected doers about success, purpose, and what makes them tick. Our hope is that you’ll learn something new about these notable leaders and that the conversations will perhaps play some small part in helping you further define what real success means to you.

This is a Corridor Media Group podcast: Bringing critical business news, thoughtful analysis, and valuable strategic insights for business leaders throughout Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and the Quad Cities. For more information, visit corridorbusiness.com.

This episode was produced by Upload Media Group in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. For more information, visit UploadMediaGroup.com.