Business Record Iowa News Headlines: Episode 29 - Week of May 20-26

Business Record Iowa News Headlines: Episode 29 - Week of May 20-26

BPC President Chris Conetzkey and Business Record Editor Sarah Diehn host the weekly recap of statewide news you may have missed in the last week. Stories shared were first reported between May 20-26. Vote in Best of Des Moines poll before 5 p.m. Friday, May 29: https://www.businessrecord.com/best-of-des-moines/ [https://www.businessrecord.com/best-of-des-moines/]  Presented by the Ivy College of Business at Iowa State University – preparing job-ready talent for businesses and the economy.  See why Ivy is ranked the #1 Best College for Business in Iowa: https://www.ivybusiness.iastate.edu/ [https://www.ivybusiness.iastate.edu/]

Made In Iowa: Tariffs, Supply Chains, and Staying Power with Auto-Jet’s John Rapp

In this episode of the Made in Iowa Podcast, Leisa Fox sits down with John Rapp, President and CEO of Auto-Jet, for a candid conversation about leadership, resilience, and what it really takes to navigate the highs and lows of manufacturing. As a seasoned entrepreneur who has weathered economic shifts, supply chain disruptions, and changing market conditions, Rapp emphasizes that strong relationships - with employees, customers, and partners - are often the difference between surviving and thriving. His perspective is grounded, practical, and shaped by decades of experience building businesses through uncertainty. The conversation also explores the evolving opportunities within manufacturing and supply chain careers, particularly for younger generations who may not fully understand the innovation and long-term potential within the industry. Rapp shares how recent tariff changes have unexpectedly created positive momentum for Auto-Jet by strengthening domestic manufacturing demand and opening new opportunities for American producers. It’s an insightful discussion about adaptability, workforce development, and why Iowa manufacturers continue to play a critical role in the national economy. Presenting sponsor: Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield https://wellmark.com/MadeinIowa

dsm Wealth: Her Wealth, Her Way - Women Transforming Money and Legacy

On the dsm Wealth Podcast, host Suzanna de Baca explores the powerful shift happening as women earn more, inherit more and increasingly influence how wealth is managed and passed on in the episode “Her Wealth, Her Way: Women Transforming Money and Legacy.” Suzanna is joined by Jana Weiler, estate planning attorney at Dentons Davis Brown; Erica Axiotis, president of the UnityPoint Health Des Moines Foundation; and Michelle Mahoney, CFP®️, senior vice president at CAPTRUST Wealth, who discuss how women are shaping financial decisions within families, philanthropy and long-term legacy planning. The conversation highlights how growing financial influence is changing wealth conversations, emphasizing financial confidence and literacy, intentional legacy planning and aligning wealth with personal values to create meaningful impact for future generations.

Business Record Iowa News Headlines: Episode 28 - Week of May 13-19

BPC Senior Director of Events Stacey Thompson host the weekly recap of statewide news you may have missed in the last week. Stories shared were first reported between May 13-19. Presented by the Ivy College of Business at Iowa State University – preparing job-ready talent for businesses and the economy.  See why Ivy is ranked the #1 Best College for Business in Iowa: https://www.ivybusiness.iastate.edu/ [https://www.ivybusiness.iastate.edu/]

Made In Iowa: Strong Foundations - The Leadership Philosophy Behind Story Construction

Mike Espeset of Story Construction joined the podcast to discuss how strong culture, trusted relationships, and long-term thinking continue to drive one of Iowa’s most respected construction firms. The conversation explored the realities of leadership in construction today, from workforce development and succession planning to maintaining quality and accountability while continuing to grow. Mike shared how Story approaches partnerships with clients, communities, and employees in a way that prioritizes trust over transactions. The episode also highlighted the changing landscape of construction and development across Iowa. Mike reflected on the importance of adaptability, communication, and investing in people at every level of the organization. From attracting younger talent into the trades to navigating economic shifts and evolving customer expectations, the discussion reinforced that successful companies are built intentionally over time. It’s a thoughtful conversation about leadership, culture, and building organizations designed to last. Presenting sponsor: Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield https://wellmark.com/MadeinIowa