Iowa Manufacturing Podcast

On this episode of the Iowa Manufacturing Podcast, Leisa Fox welcomes Todd Shores, Virtual CFO with Creative Planning, to discuss how manufacturers can respond to the financial turbulence caused by expanded tariffs. Shores underscores the importance of transparency—encouraging leaders to openly communicate financial challenges with employees, building trust while aligning teams behind critical decisions. The conversation also dives into practical strategies for adaptation, from targeting new markets to sourcing outside of high-tariff regions. Shores stresses the urgency of reviewing financial data in real time and making swift adjustments. His message is clear: companies that stay agile, honest, and proactive in their financial leadership are the ones best positioned to weather uncertainty and capture growth in this shifting economic landscape. Find this show on your favorite app: https://iowapodcast.com/tariffs

Qore's new facility in Eddyville marks more than production—it's a statement: QIRA is the gold standard in bio-derived materials. Capable of replacing fossil-based inputs with renewable corn-sourced alternatives, QIRA stands as a drop-in replacement for traditional BDO and is already transforming global supply chains. With Cargill and HELM at the helm, QIRA exemplifies how agriculture, industry, and innovation can unite for economic and environmental gain. In this episode, Jon Veldhouse guides us from cornfields to manufacturing floors, illustrating how Qore's partnerships—most notably with LYCRA—are reshaping sustainability standards without sacrificing performance. Discover more through the LYCRA sustainability page and QIRA's company portal to see how this golden opportunity in Iowa is redefining global manufacturing. Find this show on your favorite app: https://iowapodcast.com/qore-qira

Robotics is no longer just for high-volume automotive lines. In this insightful conversation, Mark Barglof of Kinetic Technologies explains how advances in robotic welding are making automation accessible to manufacturers running short batches and tackling complex part geometries. With benefits that extend far beyond labor savings—such as reduced wire and gas consumption, lower scrap, and even floor space optimization—Mark shows how robotic welding is reshaping ROI calculations for modern plants. Looking ahead, AI-powered robots and cobots are poised to rapidly advance quality control and predictive maintenance. Mark also discusses Kinetic's rapid prototyping capabilities and the evolving workforce needs that come with more automation on the factory floor. If you want to understand where manufacturing automation is headed and what skills will be most valuable in the next decade, this episode is a must-listen. Find this show on your favorite app: https://iowapodcast.com/kinetic-technologies

What if you could eliminate waste in your marketing budget and double down on what actually works? August and Alex Severn of Capitol Data Analytics join the Iowa Manufacturing Podcast to explain how manufacturers can do exactly that. By using precise audience targeting and tracking the right metrics—like lifetime customer value—CDS helps clients transform guesswork into growth. But smart data alone isn't enough. The Severns also highlight the dangers of siloed departments, where marketing, sales, and operations don't share insights or goals. When communication breaks down, even the best strategy can fall apart. Check out this video for a vivid example of why alignment matters—and listen in to learn how to bridge the gaps and convert data into real dollars. Find this show on your favorite app: https://iowapodcast.com/eliminate-marketing-wastage

This episode of the Iowa Manufacturing Podcast features Grant Veenstra, Founder of Frozen Gains, a high-protein gelato company born from personal necessity and entrepreneurial grit. What started as a high school athlete's search for a better-tasting alternative to chalky protein shakes is now a full-fledged business on the rise. Grant shares how CyStarts, Iowa State University's entrepreneurship accelerator, helped him transform an idea into a market-ready product, providing mentorship, accountability, and access to vital resources along the way. As Grant prepares to graduate in December, he's diving headfirst into scaling Frozen Gains. But he can't do it alone. In this episode, we explore the partners and connections that could help take Frozen Gains to the next level—grocery and retail distribution, nutritionists serving specialized populations, and logistics experts who can move the product where it needs to go. From student founder to full-time food entrepreneur, Grant is a refreshing new face in Iowa's manufacturing community. Welcome, Grant—we're glad you're here! Find this show on your favorite app: https://iowapodcast.com/frozen-gains

The Principal Charity Classic just set a new fundraising record—and in this episode, we reveal why that matters to Iowa's business and manufacturing leaders. Jo Christine Miles and Ken McCullum share how the tournament leverages corporate power, strategic philanthropy, and community partnerships to uplift youth and strengthen Iowa's future workforce. This is more than a golf tournament—it's a model of how business leadership can shape the state's social infrastructure. Whether you're in manufacturing, healthcare, education, or economic development, this episode shows how investing in nonprofit strength fuels talent development, civic pride, and long-term economic health. Find this show on your favorite app: https://iowapodcast.com/principal-charity-classic-workforce

In this episode of the Iowa Manufacturing Podcast, Todd Shores of Creative Planning breaks down the benefits of the Fractional CFO model, especially for manufacturers navigating uncertainty, staff turnover, or growth. Rather than relying on a single in-house person, companies gain a full team of experts with deep knowledge in finance, HR, ERP, AI, and operational strategy. Todd also shares how manufacturers are leveraging fractional services to implement more intelligent systems—from real-time reporting tools to ERP modernization—and why partnering with a trusted external team can boost both resilience and performance. Whether you're managing complexity or preparing for expansion, this conversation offers compelling reasons to rethink your finance function as a growth engine—not just a back-office task. Find this show on your favorite app: https://iowapodcast.com/from-financial-chaos-to-peace

In this insightful episode of the Iowa Manufacturing Podcast, digital marketing strategist Sachin Sehgal delves into the parallels between SEO and real estate, emphasizing the importance of owning and optimizing your digital "property" to drive sustainable growth. He discusses NFC's acquisition of Bond Branding, highlighting how strategic branding and digital presence are pivotal in today's market. Sachin shares actionable, measurable strategies for organically enhancing your online footprint, drawing from his success with clients like Fresh Fit Meals. His approach focuses on simplicity and effectiveness, making it accessible for businesses at any stage. A passionate advocate for startups, Sachin introduces his book, From Start-Up to Scale-Up, which outlines a seven-step process to elevate marketing efforts. Whether you're building a marketing team or initiating your marketing journey, his insights offer valuable guidance. Explore the book: From Start-Up to Scale-Up on Amazon Contact Sachin at sachin@elevatedigitalsolutions.com Find this show on your favorite app: https://iowapodcast.com/growth-strategies-with-sachin-sehga