Building In A Small Town

Episode 34: From Shabby Chic Barn Sales to Brick & Mortar - Brenda & Neal Schwager

Hi Friends! Welcome back to Building in a Small Town. My guests today are Brenda & Neal Schwager of JB Knacker/Gin & Tarnish on Main Street in Jewell. Brenda is an O.G. in the junkin and repurposing industry. You’ll hear all about how the business was born out of necessity and has morphed to fit their lives over the years. She is FULL of knowledge & experience. I really enjoyed this episode, and I know you will too. A quick note to say, the audio quality of this episode isn’t up to my usual standard - needless to say, the long break has left me rusty. I’m not sure what happened, but the mic track for Brenda’s mic is silent. Thankfully, the other mics were able to pick up what she said, but it might be harder to hear than normal. I’ll be troubleshooting before the next episode is recorded. Please don’t let my screw up keep you from listening to this episode - it’s fully of nuggets! Before we get into the episode, I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you for listening and ask you to make sure that you’re subscribed on whatever your listening platform. I recently heard a wild statistic that over 50% of podcast listeners start listening to a new podcast after being recommended by a friend. On that note, could you share this show with someone that might enjoy it? It’s a simple, free way to help support the show.

Episode 33: The Milford Schoolhouse - Mollie & Josh Boersma

Hi Friends! Welcome back to Building in a Small Town. My guests today are Mollie & Josh Boersma. They are the owners of The Milford Schoolhouse on the outskirts of Ames. In this episode, you’ll find out who started their first business when they were 10 years old, what it was like to walk away from the schoolhouse 3 times, and what their plans are for 27,000 square feet of one-of-a-kind space. I really enjoyed this conversation, and I know you will too. Before we get into the episode, I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you for listening and ask you to make sure that you’re subscribed on whatever your listening platform. I recently heard a wild statistic that over 50% of podcast listeners start listening to a new podcast after being recommended by a friend. On that note, could you share this show with someone that might enjoy it? It’s a simple, free way to help support the show. Learn more about The Milford Schoolhouse: Website: https://www.themilfordschoolhouse.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/milfordschoolhouse Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themilfordschoolhouse/ AirBnB: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1157324431400128259?guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=148a9250-1be2-41a6-983d-e45db9e9c3c1

Episode 32: From 'Just fine' to Living the Dream & the Local Movement- Hanna Nuss

Hi Friends! Welcome back to Building in a Small Town. My guest today is Hanna Nuss of Denver, Iowa. Hanna is the founder of Local - which I would call a movement more so than just a business. She is a dedicated author, speaker, and social entrepreneur. Starting her journey with a personal journal podcast, she transformed her passion for storytelling into two impactful books and a mission to uplift and empower small towns. Hanna & I probably could have gone on for a few hours and I definitely see recording more episodes in our future. I really enjoyed this conversation and I know you will too.. Before we get into the episode, I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you for listening and ask you to make sure that you’re subscribed on whatever your listening platform. I recently heard a wild statistic that over 50% of podcast listeners start listening to a new podcast after being recommended by a friend. On that note, could you share this show with someone that might enjoy it? It’s a simple, free way to help support the show.

Episode 31: From an independent grocery store to economic development to Empower Rural Iowa

Hi Friends! Welcome back to Building in a Small Town. My guest today is Robin Bostrom. Robin is the Director of Empower Rural Iowa, a program housed within the Iowa Economic Development Authority. Robin was born & raised in Hawkeye and still resides in rural northeastern Iowa. You’ll hear about her time running a rural independent grocery store & how she started looking at data before it was cool, How she got into economic development, and details about grant programs that have just launched for Empower Rural Iowa. Stay tuned until the end of the episode to find out what her side hustle is! Before we get into the episode, I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you for listening and ask you to make sure that you’re subscribed on whatever your listening platform. I recently heard a wild statistic that over 50% of podcast listeners start listening to a new podcast after being recommended it by a friend. On that note, could you share this show with someone that might enjoy it? It’s a simple, free way to help support the show. A special reminder that my next adventure, The Back Yard is opening September 27th, 28th, & 29th. I’m excited to be a stop on the map for the 2024 Fall Central Iowa Junk Jaunt. Come check out the shop & the beautiful back space that is being landscaped by my husband while I record this. Hope to see you there!

Episode 30: Collins Area Crime Update, We Bought 4 Acres, & The Back Yard - Shelby & Willie

It's another husband and wife special! We update you on the crime situation in Collins, tell you about a recent land acquisition, and the upcoming opening for The Back Yard.