Made in Iowa, The Manufacturing Podcast

Made In Iowa: Beth Townsend on the Workforce Shift Iowa Can’t Ignore

Iowa’s workforce has changed dramatically in just a few years, and few people have had a closer view of that transformation than Beth Townsend, Executive Director of Iowa Workforce Development. In this episode, Leisa talks with Beth about Iowa’s competitive workforce landscape, the lasting impact of COVID on how, where and why people work, and the speed with which Iowa had to respond to challenges no one could have predicted. Beth also explores the evolution from the Industry 4.0 grants to the new AMP’D Grant, designed to help Iowa employers invest in advanced manufacturing technology careers and prepare workers for the jobs of the future. Employers interested in learning more about eligibility and applying can visit the official AMP’D Grant information and application page: https://workforce.iowa.gov/opportunities/grants/ampd?utm_source=chatgpt.com [https://workforce.iowa.gov/opportunities/grants/ampd?utm_source=chatgpt.com] The conversation also looks ahead as Beth shares how Iowa Workforce Development prepares for a transition to a new administration and what that kind of leadership change means for maintaining momentum in a fast-moving workforce environment. From automation and upskilling to demographic pressures and global competition, this is a conversation about far more than one grant program. It is about how Iowa takes the lessons of COVID, the groundwork laid through Industry 4.0 and the opportunities created through AMP’D to build a workforce strategy capable of competing in the future. Presenting sponsor: ⁨‪‪Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield‬ https://wellmark.com/MadeinIowa [https://wellmark.com/MadeinIowa] Register for Manufacturing Forecast event: https://www.madeiniowabr.com/manufacturing-forecast-event [https://www.madeiniowabr.com/manufacturing-forecast-event⁠]

Made In Iowa: How Kreg Found the Sweet Spot Between Price and Performance

On this episode of the Made in Iowa Podcast, presented by Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield and recorded in the Iowa Everywhere Studio, host Leisa Fox sits down with Jerry Rosenberger of Kreg Tool to explore one of the most ambitious product expansions in the company's history. Known for helping generations of woodworkers build with confidence, Kreg has made a bold move into the power tool market with a complete ecosystem built around its new Ionic Drive battery platform. Jerry shares how the company stayed true to its roots by focusing on the needs of its most loyal customers — passionate DIYers, makers, and weekend warriors who are constantly looking to grow their skills and tackle more advanced projects. The conversation takes listeners behind the curtain of Kreg's product development process, where teams carefully studied the industry's leading competitors, deconstructed products, conducted extensive life-cycle and load testing, and identified opportunities to deliver premium performance at an attainable price point. Jerry explains how thoughtful engineering, intentional design choices, and relentless testing allowed Kreg to create tools that feel professional without carrying a professional-level price tag. It's a fascinating look at innovation, customer obsession, and how an Iowa company is challenging industry giants by putting high-quality solutions into the hands of everyday makers. Presenting sponsor: ⁨‪‪Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield‬ https://wellmark.com/MadeinIowa Register for Manufacturing Forecast event: https://www.madeiniowabr.com/manufacturing-forecast-event

Made In Iowa: Beyond the Diagnosis - Mary Van Heukelom on Hope, Healing, and Survivorship

On this episode of the Made in Iowa Podcast, Above + Beyond Cancer program director Mary Van Heukelom shares the incredible mission behind an organization that is transforming the cancer journey for survivors and their families. What began with a bold vision has grown into a movement focused on survivorship, wellness, connection, and hope. Through outdoor adventures, wellness programs, and a powerful support network, Above + Beyond Cancer is helping people discover that life after diagnosis can still be filled with purpose, challenge, and joy. Mary discusses the importance of treating the whole person, not just the disease, and explains how the organization creates opportunities for survivors to rebuild confidence physically, emotionally, and mentally. From mountain climbs to community support initiatives, the impact reaches far beyond Iowa and continues to inspire cancer survivors around the world. It’s a conversation about resilience, perspective, and the power of surrounding people with encouragement during some of life’s hardest moments. Presenting sponsor: ⁨‪Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield‬ https://wellmark.com/MadeinIowa

Made In Iowa: Your Processes Are Talking. AI Is Listening.

Leisa Fox recently interviewed Jason Greer with Peel Business Design about the growing role AI is playing in operational efficiency and business optimization. Through the Peel Signal Theory software platform, Greer explained how AI is dramatically accelerating constraint analysis, efficiency identification, and process optimization — helping organizations uncover bottlenecks and opportunities much faster and more economically than traditional approaches. One of the most important themes from the conversation was balance. Greer encouraged businesses to be optimistic about the possibilities AI creates, while also recognizing that not all “AI experts” are equal. His advice was simple: do the smell test first. Look for practical experience, operational understanding, and measurable outcomes rather than hype. Used wisely, AI is becoming a transformational tool for organizations looking to improve performance, scalability, and decision-making. Presenting sponsor: ⁨‪Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield https://wellmark.com/MadeinIowa

Made In Iowa: From Osceola Foods to the World - How Hormel Delivers Consistency at 135 Million Pounds

John Kempen, Plant Manager at Hormel Foods’s Osceola Foods facility, brings serious scale to the conversation—over 135 million pounds of product shipped each year. And yes, they make bacon—arguably one of the greatest food inventions of all time. But in a twist that surprises just about everyone, Hormel still sells more Spam than bacon globally. John walks through the complexity behind that volume, explaining how tight operational discipline and standardized processes are essential to delivering the same high-quality product every single time. In food production, consistency isn’t a goal—it’s a requirement. At the same time, Hormel isn’t standing still. John shares how the company has been strategically rolling out AI capabilities since 2009 to better predict demand and optimize production planning—ensuring the right products are made at the right time without waste. That forward-thinking approach extends to product innovation as well, from advancements in pasteurization techniques to consumer-friendly solutions like oven-ready bacon that goes straight from package to pan-free cooking. It’s a balance of precision and progress—where legacy brands stay relevant by continuously evolving how they operate and what they deliver. Presenting sponsor: ⁨ ⁨@wellmarkbcbs⁩  [https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCTlKUjnErflxqm-y_ZVo6Yg] https://wellmark.com/MadeinIowa [https://wellmark.com/MadeinIowa]