Made In Iowa: Culture Before Competence: Building Teams That Last

Made In Iowa: Culture Before Competence: Building Teams That Last

At LDJ Manufacturing, culture isn't a slogan—it's a competitive advantage. President Ben Cox and Brad Jungling share how the company's commitment to promoting from within has created leaders who understand every level of the operation. Rather than simply filling positions, the team invests in people, cross-training employees so they can step into multiple roles while also building redundancy into their equipment and manufacturing processes. That strategy recently proved invaluable when unexpected challenges arose, allowing production to continue with minimal disruption. Their thoughtful approach to automation is equally intentional. Instead of replacing people, LDJ automates the repetitive jobs most likely to cause employee turnover, workplace injuries, and customer dissatisfaction, allowing team members to focus on higher-value work while improving quality and consistency. That same customer-first mindset is evident in Thunder Creek Equipment. Built by listening closely to contractors, farmers, and fleet operators, Thunder Creek has continually evolved to solve real-world challenges in the field. As customer needs changed, so did the company—expanding from innovative fuel and service trailers into truck-mounted solutions that bring even greater flexibility to job sites. Throughout the conversation, one theme rises above all others: technical skills can be taught, but character cannot. Ben and Brad explain why they prioritize culture fit before skill fit, believing the right people—those who embrace the company's values and purpose—are the foundation for innovation, exceptional customer service, and long-term success. 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: 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