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

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]

Made In Iowa: Open Books, Open Minds - The Culture Behind Paul Mueller’s Performance

Amy Starlin of Paul Mueller Company offers a compelling look inside a highly specialized manufacturer that has built its reputation on precision, customization, and long-term customer partnerships. Serving industries like food, beverage, and pharmaceuticals, the company doesn’t just fabricate stainless steel equipment—it engineers solutions that are critical to its customers’ operations. Amy emphasizes that their success comes from deeply understanding each client’s process and delivering tailored systems that perform at the highest level, reinforcing why customers return generation after generation. What truly sets Paul Mueller apart, though, is its commitment to open-book management, inspired by The Great Game of Business by Jack Stack. Amy explains how this level of transparency—sharing financials, teaching employees how the business runs, and giving them a stake in the outcome—creates a culture of ownership across the organization. When employees understand how their daily decisions impact the bottom line, trust deepens, innovation accelerates, and productivity follows. It transforms the workforce from task-doers into problem-solvers who are actively engaged in the company’s success. In an industry facing constant pressure from supply chain shifts and evolving customer demands, that culture of accountability and shared purpose is a powerful competitive advantage. Presenting sponsor: Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield https://wellmark.com/MadeinIowa