Small Business and Startup Stories DSM Tue, 11 Aug 2026 01:36:54 -0400 https://www.dsmpartnership.com/news-media/podcasts/small-business-and-startup-stories-dsm en-us © 2026 Small Business and Startup Stories DSM yes Des Moines, IA, USA 82b0c70a-f217-586c-9597-226d46843b8c Greater Des Moines Partnership episodic false Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Startup, Entrepreneur, Small Business, Venture Capital, Innovator, Success Stories, Des Moines, Iowa, Greater Des Moines, DSM, DSM USA Greater Des Moines Partnership https://storage.buzzsprout.com/xmyoty10l3v2f175tvm0s4230ik4?.jpg Small Business and Startup Stories DSM https://www.dsmpartnership.com/news-media/podcasts/small-business-and-startup-stories-dsm Sola Insurance: Helping people recover faster Sola Insurance: Helping people recover faster Sola Insurance CEO and Co-Founder Wesley Pergament joins The Partnership's Diana Wright and talks about their mission is to expedite the recovery process for those impacted by natural disasters by utilizing data to provide payouts in a matter of days.

]]> Sola Insurance CEO and Co-Founder Wesley Pergament joins The Partnership's Diana Wright and talks about their mission is to expedite the recovery process for those impacted by natural disasters by utilizing data to provide payouts in a matter of days.

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-16114438 Fri, 15 Nov 2024 13:00:00 -0500 2668 full false The business of art: Olson Larson Galleries celebrates 45 years in business The business of art: Olson Larson Galleries celebrates 45 years in business Susan Watts and Alice Vernon from Olson Larson Galleries join The Partnership's Emily McLain and discuss the 45-year history of their women-owned business in Historic Valley Junction.

]]> Susan Watts and Alice Vernon from Olson Larson Galleries join The Partnership's Emily McLain and discuss the 45-year history of their women-owned business in Historic Valley Junction.

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-15868787 Fri, 04 Oct 2024 10:00:00 -0400 1876 full false One man’s waste is another man’s jet fuel: Rise Energy offers solutions for biomass waste One man’s waste is another man’s jet fuel: Rise Energy offers solutions for biomass waste Ryan Smith, CEO and co-founder of Rise Energy, joins The Partnership's Diana Wright and shares how the company empowers enterprises to become exceptional stewards of their resources. Their proprietary technology converts underutilized biomass into valuable, carbon-negative products to increase revenue and reduce emissions.

For more information on resources for small businesses and entrepreneurs, visit www.dsmpartnership.com/smallbusiness.

]]> Ryan Smith, CEO and co-founder of Rise Energy, joins The Partnership's Diana Wright and shares how the company empowers enterprises to become exceptional stewards of their resources. Their proprietary technology converts underutilized biomass into valuable, carbon-negative products to increase revenue and reduce emissions.

For more information on resources for small businesses and entrepreneurs, visit www.dsmpartnership.com/smallbusiness.

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-15728674 Wed, 11 Sep 2024 11:00:00 -0400 2655 full false Cultivating inclusion: How In Harmony Farm serves social disadvantaged Iowans Cultivating inclusion: How In Harmony Farm serves social disadvantaged Iowans Gina Ross and Andy Behnke of In Harmony Farm join The Partnership's Diana Wright and talk about the organization's commitment to creating an environment focused on inclusion, empowerment, and respect for all, and how the farm bridges the gap between urban gardening and small-scale/conventional farming for historically underserved individuals.

For more information and resources dedicated to small businesses and entrepreneurs, visit www.dsmpartnership.com/smallbusiness

]]> Gina Ross and Andy Behnke of In Harmony Farm join The Partnership's Diana Wright and talk about the organization's commitment to creating an environment focused on inclusion, empowerment, and respect for all, and how the farm bridges the gap between urban gardening and small-scale/conventional farming for historically underserved individuals.

For more information and resources dedicated to small businesses and entrepreneurs, visit www.dsmpartnership.com/smallbusiness

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-15520133 Fri, 02 Aug 2024 10:00:00 -0400 2346 full false Notes on Iowa: Iowa's environmental History Notes on Iowa: Iowa's environmental History Kevin Mason, professional historian and creator of Notes on Iowa, joins Diana Wright and talks about Iowa's environmental history.

Find more resources for entrepreneurs and small businesses, visit www.dsmpartnership.com/smallbusiness

]]> Kevin Mason, professional historian and creator of Notes on Iowa, joins Diana Wright and talks about Iowa's environmental history.

Find more resources for entrepreneurs and small businesses, visit www.dsmpartnership.com/smallbusiness

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-15437456 Thu, 25 Jul 2024 14:00:00 -0400 3073 full false In its third generation of family ownership, Toad Valley Golf Course celebrated its 50th year in 2023 In its third generation of family ownership, Toad Valley Golf Course celebrated its 50th year in 2023 Allison Brady, owner of Toad Valley Golf Course in Pleasant Hill, joins The Partnership's Emily McLain and talks about growing the business in its third generation of family ownership.

For more information and resources on small business and entrepreneurship, visit www.dsmpartnership.com/smallbusiness

]]> Allison Brady, owner of Toad Valley Golf Course in Pleasant Hill, joins The Partnership's Emily McLain and talks about growing the business in its third generation of family ownership.

For more information and resources on small business and entrepreneurship, visit www.dsmpartnership.com/smallbusiness

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-15328718 Tue, 02 Jul 2024 14:00:00 -0400 2181 full false Growing the family business: Kading Properties provides workforce housing in 28 Iowa communities Growing the family business: Kading Properties provides workforce housing in 28 Iowa communities Karie Kading Ramsey, CEO of Kading Properties, joins Emily McLain and talks about growing the workforce housing business her father started to 28 communities in 17 counties.

]]> Karie Kading Ramsey, CEO of Kading Properties, joins Emily McLain and talks about growing the workforce housing business her father started to 28 communities in 17 counties.

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-15284399 Thu, 20 Jun 2024 12:00:00 -0400 1222 full false Tumbleweed helps customers plan ahead for life's transitions Tumbleweed helps customers plan ahead for life's transitions Paul Richardson, Co-Founder and CEO of Tumbleweed, joins The Partnership's Diana Wright on Small Business and Startup Stories DSM and talks about starting Tumbleweed as an end-of-life planning company that offers a thoughtfully curated journey to honor and memorialize loved ones.


Visit www.dsmpartnership.com/smallbusiness for more information and resources about small business and entrepreneurship.

]]> Paul Richardson, Co-Founder and CEO of Tumbleweed, joins The Partnership's Diana Wright on Small Business and Startup Stories DSM and talks about starting Tumbleweed as an end-of-life planning company that offers a thoughtfully curated journey to honor and memorialize loved ones.


Visit www.dsmpartnership.com/smallbusiness for more information and resources about small business and entrepreneurship.

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-15164862 Thu, 30 May 2024 12:00:00 -0400 2298 full false Toggle aims to build a more efficient supply chain focused on independent trucking Toggle aims to build a more efficient supply chain focused on independent trucking Jeremy Spillman, founder of Toggle, joins The Partntership's Diana Wright on Small Business & Startup Stories DSM and talks about how his team has built a new type of end-to-end supply chain management system that aims to automate many of the current manual, labor-intensive processes used in the shipping industry.

]]> Jeremy Spillman, founder of Toggle, joins The Partntership's Diana Wright on Small Business & Startup Stories DSM and talks about how his team has built a new type of end-to-end supply chain management system that aims to automate many of the current manual, labor-intensive processes used in the shipping industry.

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-15075158 Wed, 15 May 2024 15:00:00 -0400 1776 full false Growing his business one waffle at a time: Garrison Goodlett shares the story of GG's Chicken and Waffles Growing his business one waffle at a time: Garrison Goodlett shares the story of GG's Chicken and Waffles His name is Garrison Goodlett, but you might know him as G.G. If you've been to local events or farmers' markets, you've probably seen him selling his southern comfort food. In this episode of Small Business & Startup Stories DSM, Goodlett talks with Emily McLain about starting and growing GG's Chicken and Waffles.

For more information and resources for small businesses and startups, visit www.dsmpartnership.com/smallbusiness.

]]> His name is Garrison Goodlett, but you might know him as G.G. If you've been to local events or farmers' markets, you've probably seen him selling his southern comfort food. In this episode of Small Business & Startup Stories DSM, Goodlett talks with Emily McLain about starting and growing GG's Chicken and Waffles.

For more information and resources for small businesses and startups, visit www.dsmpartnership.com/smallbusiness.

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-14948667 Wed, 24 Apr 2024 10:00:00 -0400 1624 full false Pivotal Business Partners: Helping small businesses and entrepreneurs find capital Pivotal Business Partners: Helping small businesses and entrepreneurs find capital Jim Langin founded Pivotal Business Partners to enhance economic growth in Iowa by partnering with financial institutions to provide funding solutions for small businesses.

For more business resources, visit www.dsmpartnership.com/smallbusiness.

]]> Jim Langin founded Pivotal Business Partners to enhance economic growth in Iowa by partnering with financial institutions to provide funding solutions for small businesses.

For more business resources, visit www.dsmpartnership.com/smallbusiness.

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-14871923 Thu, 11 Apr 2024 12:00:00 -0400 2946 full false Flowstate Health takes a collaborative approach to mental healthcare Flowstate Health takes a collaborative approach to mental healthcare Steven Slye, founder and owner owner of Flowstate Health, joins The Partnership's Diana Wright and talks about reverse engineering mental healthcare to take a collaborative approach.

For more resources supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses, visit www.dsmpartnership.com/smallbusiness.

]]> Steven Slye, founder and owner owner of Flowstate Health, joins The Partnership's Diana Wright and talks about reverse engineering mental healthcare to take a collaborative approach.

For more resources supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses, visit www.dsmpartnership.com/smallbusiness.

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-14788301 Thu, 28 Mar 2024 15:00:00 -0400 2394 full false Starting her own practice: How Courtney Buhrow built Revive Physical Therapy & Wellness Starting her own practice: How Courtney Buhrow built Revive Physical Therapy & Wellness Courtney Buhrow joins The Partnership's Emily McLain on Small Business & Startup Stories DSM and talks about her journey of opening Revive Physical Therapy & Wellness with a focus on women's health.

For more small business and entrepreneur resources, visit www.dsmpartnership.com/smallbusiness.

]]> Courtney Buhrow joins The Partnership's Emily McLain on Small Business & Startup Stories DSM and talks about her journey of opening Revive Physical Therapy & Wellness with a focus on women's health.

For more small business and entrepreneur resources, visit www.dsmpartnership.com/smallbusiness.

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-14721027 Tue, 19 Mar 2024 11:00:00 -0400 1624 full false Downtown Des Moines' Role in the Region's Entrepreneur Ecosystem Downtown Des Moines' Role in the Region's Entrepreneur Ecosystem Renae Mauk, Vice President of Downtown Development at the Greater Des Moines Partnership, joins Small Business & Startup Stories DSM and talks about why a strong downtown is important to the region and how Downtown DSM relates to entrepreneurship.

Find more about small business and entrepreneur resources at www.dsmpartnership.com/smallbusiness.

]]> Renae Mauk, Vice President of Downtown Development at the Greater Des Moines Partnership, joins Small Business & Startup Stories DSM and talks about why a strong downtown is important to the region and how Downtown DSM relates to entrepreneurship.

Find more about small business and entrepreneur resources at www.dsmpartnership.com/smallbusiness.

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-14601649 Thu, 29 Feb 2024 11:00:00 -0500 1852 full false Working to build the music scene in Greater Des Moines Working to build the music scene in Greater Des Moines Sam Summers, a live music and entertainment serial entrepreneur who has built and founded First Fleet Concerts (FFC), Hinterland Music Festival, Wooly’s, Val Air Ballroom, Up-Down Arcade Bars and Des Moines Register 2024 Person to Watch, shares thoughts on growing the music scene in Greater Des Moines (DSM).

Learn more about entrepreneurial and small business support at www.dsmpartnership.com/smallbusiness

]]> Sam Summers, a live music and entertainment serial entrepreneur who has built and founded First Fleet Concerts (FFC), Hinterland Music Festival, Wooly’s, Val Air Ballroom, Up-Down Arcade Bars and Des Moines Register 2024 Person to Watch, shares thoughts on growing the music scene in Greater Des Moines (DSM).

Learn more about entrepreneurial and small business support at www.dsmpartnership.com/smallbusiness

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-14466426 Thu, 08 Feb 2024 14:00:00 -0500 2880 full false Passion and Knowledge of the Apparel Industry Leads to the Creation of Dhakai in DSM Passion and Knowledge of the Apparel Industry Leads to the Creation of Dhakai in DSM Russel Karim, Founder of Dhakai, shares about connecting fashion brands to ethical apparel vendors utilizing a worldwide team while living in Iowa.

]]> Russel Karim, Founder of Dhakai, shares about connecting fashion brands to ethical apparel vendors utilizing a worldwide team while living in Iowa.

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-13717672 Wed, 04 Oct 2023 16:00:00 -0400 2614 full false Finding Your North: Award-Winning Marketing with Northgate Finding Your North: Award-Winning Marketing with Northgate David Tracy, CEO and Founder of Northgate Marketing, shares about what it’s like to run a business like Northgate Marketing in Greater Des Moines (DSM).

]]> David Tracy, CEO and Founder of Northgate Marketing, shares about what it’s like to run a business like Northgate Marketing in Greater Des Moines (DSM).

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-13465639 Thu, 24 Aug 2023 15:00:00 -0400 2829 full false VizyPay Focuses on Helping Rural Small- and Medium-Sized Businesses VizyPay Focuses on Helping Rural Small- and Medium-Sized Businesses During the latest Small Business & Startup Stories DSM podcast, Austin Mac Nab, CEO and Founder of VizyPay, and Frank Pagano, Managing Partner of VizyPay, share about what it’s like to run a business like VizyPay in Greater Des Moines (DSM).  

]]> During the latest Small Business & Startup Stories DSM podcast, Austin Mac Nab, CEO and Founder of VizyPay, and Frank Pagano, Managing Partner of VizyPay, share about what it’s like to run a business like VizyPay in Greater Des Moines (DSM).  

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-13450546 Tue, 22 Aug 2023 11:00:00 -0400 2897 full false Studio Process Goes Beyond the Script to Create a Big Impact Studio Process Goes Beyond the Script to Create a Big Impact Laura Formanek, Owner of Studio Process, talks with The Partnership's Emily McLain about creating meaningful content and founding her business in Greater Des Moines (DSM). 

]]> Laura Formanek, Owner of Studio Process, talks with The Partnership's Emily McLain about creating meaningful content and founding her business in Greater Des Moines (DSM). 

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-13390876 Fri, 11 Aug 2023 16:00:00 -0400 1586 full false Growth of Local Startup OpenLoop Leads to Recognition in Health Technology Industry Growth of Local Startup OpenLoop Leads to Recognition in Health Technology Industry Jon Lensing, CEO & Co-Founder of OpenLoop Health, shares how the company continues to expand through gaining talented employees and creating partnerships to increase care around the country.

]]> Jon Lensing, CEO & Co-Founder of OpenLoop Health, shares how the company continues to expand through gaining talented employees and creating partnerships to increase care around the country.

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-13166253 Wed, 05 Jul 2023 13:00:00 -0400 2370 full false Hyping Up DSM One Energy Drink at a Time Hyping Up DSM One Energy Drink at a Time Chris and Isabella Whalen, Co-Owners of Hyper Energy Bar, share how Hyper is a go-to spot for people around the region to get coffee, energy drinks and more.

]]> Chris and Isabella Whalen, Co-Owners of Hyper Energy Bar, share how Hyper is a go-to spot for people around the region to get coffee, energy drinks and more.

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-12981412 Mon, 05 Jun 2023 12:00:00 -0400 2473 full false Making the World Safer with IntelliSee Technology Making the World Safer with IntelliSee Technology Scott Keplinger, CEO of IntelliSee, headquartered in Coralville and Des Moines, shares about his work creating software that provides surveillance safety for businesses.

]]> Scott Keplinger, CEO of IntelliSee, headquartered in Coralville and Des Moines, shares about his work creating software that provides surveillance safety for businesses.

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-12758634 Mon, 01 May 2023 12:00:00 -0400 1655 full false Musical Artist Lani Joins Mainframe Studios and Makes a Name for Herself in DSM Musical Artist Lani Joins Mainframe Studios and Makes a Name for Herself in DSM Lani, Creative Business Owner and Musician in Greater Des Moines (DSM), shares her business and entrepreneurial journey with Greater Des Moines Partnership Small Business and Member Support Manager Emily McLain.

]]> Lani, Creative Business Owner and Musician in Greater Des Moines (DSM), shares her business and entrepreneurial journey with Greater Des Moines Partnership Small Business and Member Support Manager Emily McLain.

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-12639418 Wed, 12 Apr 2023 16:00:00 -0400 1897 full false Working to Give Rural Communities the Opportunity to Thrive Working to Give Rural Communities the Opportunity to Thrive Bill Menner, Founder of the Bill Menner Group in Grinnell and executive director of Iowa Rural Development Council discussed his Greater Des Moines (DSM) business and entrepreneurial journey

]]> Bill Menner, Founder of the Bill Menner Group in Grinnell and executive director of Iowa Rural Development Council discussed his Greater Des Moines (DSM) business and entrepreneurial journey

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-12581095 Mon, 03 Apr 2023 17:00:00 -0400 2938 full false 5 Borough Bagels serves up bagels while focusing on community partnerships that strengthen their customer base 5 Borough Bagels serves up bagels while focusing on community partnerships that strengthen their customer base Toney and Sarah Chem, Co-Owners of 5 Borough Bagels (13435 University Ave., Clive), discussed their Greater Des Moines (DSM) business and entrepreneurial journey

]]> Toney and Sarah Chem, Co-Owners of 5 Borough Bagels (13435 University Ave., Clive), discussed their Greater Des Moines (DSM) business and entrepreneurial journey

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-12164311 Wed, 01 Feb 2023 13:00:00 -0500 1482 full false Music League Connects Friends + Helps Them Discover New Music Music League Connects Friends + Helps Them Discover New Music During the latest Small Business & Startup Stories DSM podcast, Eric West, CEO/Co-Founder of Music League, discussed his entrepreneurial journey with Greater Des Moines Partnership Startup Community Builder Diana Wright. Music League is a competitive, objective game to discover new music, build community among colleagues, family, and friends, and ultimately find out if you or your friends have the best taste in music. 

]]> During the latest Small Business & Startup Stories DSM podcast, Eric West, CEO/Co-Founder of Music League, discussed his entrepreneurial journey with Greater Des Moines Partnership Startup Community Builder Diana Wright. Music League is a competitive, objective game to discover new music, build community among colleagues, family, and friends, and ultimately find out if you or your friends have the best taste in music. 

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-11988162 Thu, 05 Jan 2023 15:00:00 -0500 2745 full false Small Business & Startup Stories Podcast | Northern Vessel Coffee | T.J. Rude Small Business & Startup Stories Podcast | Northern Vessel Coffee | T.J. Rude During the latest Small Business & Startup Stories DSM podcast, T.J. Rude, Founder of Northern Vessel Coffee, discussed growing up in Johnston, Iowa and his entrepreneurial journey. Hosted by Greater Des Moines Partnership Startup Community Builder Diana Wright.

]]> During the latest Small Business & Startup Stories DSM podcast, T.J. Rude, Founder of Northern Vessel Coffee, discussed growing up in Johnston, Iowa and his entrepreneurial journey. Hosted by Greater Des Moines Partnership Startup Community Builder Diana Wright.

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-11414402 Fri, 30 Sep 2022 11:00:00 -0400 3066 full false Small Business & Startup Stories Podcast | Wake Up Every Day + Pursue the Meaning | Travis Shelton Small Business & Startup Stories Podcast | Wake Up Every Day + Pursue the Meaning | Travis Shelton During the latest Small Business & Startup Stories DSM podcast, Travis Shelton, Founder and Owner of Meaning Over Money, author and podcast, discussed starting his business and how beliefs about money affect your life with Greater Des Moines Partnership Startup Community Builder Diana Wright.

]]> During the latest Small Business & Startup Stories DSM podcast, Travis Shelton, Founder and Owner of Meaning Over Money, author and podcast, discussed starting his business and how beliefs about money affect your life with Greater Des Moines Partnership Startup Community Builder Diana Wright.

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-11088175 Fri, 05 Aug 2022 14:00:00 -0400 2838 full false Startup Stories | Lake Label Swim Protective Swimwear | Megan Luchtel Startup Stories | Lake Label Swim Protective Swimwear | Megan Luchtel During the latest Small Business & Startup Stories DSM podcast, Megan Luchtel, Founder and of Lake Label, a children’s sun-protective swimwear company, spoke with Greater Des Moines Partnership Startup Community Builder Diana Wright about her path to creating an impactful small business, built locally and selling nationwide.

]]> During the latest Small Business & Startup Stories DSM podcast, Megan Luchtel, Founder and of Lake Label, a children’s sun-protective swimwear company, spoke with Greater Des Moines Partnership Startup Community Builder Diana Wright about her path to creating an impactful small business, built locally and selling nationwide.

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-10793282 Wed, 29 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0400 2503 full false Learn about spending money to make money with Propel, new subscription-based CMO service | Greg Bailey and Haley Stomp Learn about spending money to make money with Propel, new subscription-based CMO service | Greg Bailey and Haley Stomp During the latest Small Business & Startup Stories DSM podcast, Greg Bailey, Founder and CEO of Propel, a business strategic marketing organization, and Hailey Stomp, Founding Partner, Principal and Fractional Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), spoke with Greater Des Moines Partnership’s Diana Wright about spending money to make money by staying competitive when it comes to marketing thought leadership. 

]]> During the latest Small Business & Startup Stories DSM podcast, Greg Bailey, Founder and CEO of Propel, a business strategic marketing organization, and Hailey Stomp, Founding Partner, Principal and Fractional Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), spoke with Greater Des Moines Partnership’s Diana Wright about spending money to make money by staying competitive when it comes to marketing thought leadership. 

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-10687487 Thu, 26 May 2022 13:00:00 -0400 2793 full false Small Business & Startup Stories Podcast | Sevelyn – Mental Wellbeing for Latinos | Carlos Arguello Small Business & Startup Stories Podcast | Sevelyn – Mental Wellbeing for Latinos | Carlos Arguello During the latest Small Business & Startup Stories DSM podcast, Carlos Arguello, founder of Sevelyn, a mental wellbeing platform based out of Greater Des Moines (DSM), spoke about emotional wellbeing and challenges related to the Latino community. 

]]> During the latest Small Business & Startup Stories DSM podcast, Carlos Arguello, founder of Sevelyn, a mental wellbeing platform based out of Greater Des Moines (DSM), spoke about emotional wellbeing and challenges related to the Latino community. 

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-10420116 Wed, 20 Apr 2022 10:00:00 -0400 3123 75 full false Small Business & Startup Stories Podcast | Helping Bioscience Startups In Iowa | Anne McMahon Small Business & Startup Stories Podcast | Helping Bioscience Startups In Iowa | Anne McMahon At BioConnect Iowa, Anne McMahon works to help bioscience startups succeed. As the SBIR/STTR statewide program coordinator, she helps Iowa entrepreneurs apply to an SBIR/STTR Outreach Program, which awards funds to startups and small businesses who can help develop and research innovative solutions. 

]]> At BioConnect Iowa, Anne McMahon works to help bioscience startups succeed. As the SBIR/STTR statewide program coordinator, she helps Iowa entrepreneurs apply to an SBIR/STTR Outreach Program, which awards funds to startups and small businesses who can help develop and research innovative solutions. 

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-10144421 Thu, 03 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0500 2124 74 full false How Venture Capitalists (VCs) Find Entrepreneurs | Matt Kinley, ManchesterStory Group How Venture Capitalists (VCs) Find Entrepreneurs | Matt Kinley, ManchesterStory Group During the latest Small Business & Startup Stories DSM podcast, Matt Kinley, co-founder and manager of ManchesterStory Group, a venture capital firm based out of Greater Des Moines (DSM), spoke about how the company assists startups in the following sectors: 

– Insurance 

– Healthcare 

– Financial services

]]> During the latest Small Business & Startup Stories DSM podcast, Matt Kinley, co-founder and manager of ManchesterStory Group, a venture capital firm based out of Greater Des Moines (DSM), spoke about how the company assists startups in the following sectors: 

– Insurance 

– Healthcare 

– Financial services

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-9928850 Fri, 28 Jan 2022 00:00:00 -0500 2419 full false 2021 Year End Review 2021 Year End Review During the last Small Business & Startup Stories DSM podcast of 2021, Partnership’s Christina Moffatt, director of small business development, and Diana Wright, startup community builder, shared their thoughts on 2021 and what’s to come in 2022.

]]> During the last Small Business & Startup Stories DSM podcast of 2021, Partnership’s Christina Moffatt, director of small business development, and Diana Wright, startup community builder, shared their thoughts on 2021 and what’s to come in 2022.

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-9756118 Mon, 20 Dec 2021 14:00:00 -0500 1546 full false Opportunity in the Ag Tech Industry | Nadilia Gomez, Chief Technology Officer with Iowa State University Opportunity in the Ag Tech Industry | Nadilia Gomez, Chief Technology Officer with Iowa State University During the latest Small Business & Startup Stories DSM podcast, Nadilia Gomez expanded on her journey to chief technology officer (CTO) with Iowa State University (ISU) after being hosted by the Greater Des Moines Partnership for a previous Startup Stories podcast. Gomez discussed leading the digital and precision agriculture platform. As CTO, Gomez works with organizations like the Plant Sciences Institute and BioConnect Iowa.  

]]> During the latest Small Business & Startup Stories DSM podcast, Nadilia Gomez expanded on her journey to chief technology officer (CTO) with Iowa State University (ISU) after being hosted by the Greater Des Moines Partnership for a previous Startup Stories podcast. Gomez discussed leading the digital and precision agriculture platform. As CTO, Gomez works with organizations like the Plant Sciences Institute and BioConnect Iowa.  

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-9754137 Mon, 20 Dec 2021 11:00:00 -0500 2516 full false Experience Urban Farming with Dogpatch Urban Gardens in DSM Experience Urban Farming with Dogpatch Urban Gardens in DSM During the latest Small Business & Startup Stories DSM podcast, Jenny Quiner discussed urban farming and Dogpatch Urban Gardens in Greater Des Moines (DSM). For six seasons, Dogpatch has created a space close to their customers so patrons can experience a farm close to their home. 

]]> During the latest Small Business & Startup Stories DSM podcast, Jenny Quiner discussed urban farming and Dogpatch Urban Gardens in Greater Des Moines (DSM). For six seasons, Dogpatch has created a space close to their customers so patrons can experience a farm close to their home. 

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-9534657 Thu, 11 Nov 2021 19:00:00 -0500 1495 full false Roboflow Co-Founder Looks Back at Building a Growing, Successful Startup Roboflow Co-Founder Looks Back at Building a Growing, Successful Startup Brad Dwyer, co-founder of Roboflow, discussed the past 18 months for the company and how the business has grown to what it is today.

A serial entrepreneur, Dwyer started his first company, Hatchlings, while a student at Iowa State University. His parents knew he’d be an entrepreneur after attending a wedding where Dwyer learned about supply and demand. He sold his parents quarters to park for $2 each, his first profitable business. He was five years old.

]]> Brad Dwyer, co-founder of Roboflow, discussed the past 18 months for the company and how the business has grown to what it is today.

A serial entrepreneur, Dwyer started his first company, Hatchlings, while a student at Iowa State University. His parents knew he’d be an entrepreneur after attending a wedding where Dwyer learned about supply and demand. He sold his parents quarters to park for $2 each, his first profitable business. He was five years old.

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-9097216 Wed, 01 Sep 2021 00:00:00 -0400 3131 full false Terrence Thames - Cocoa Creative Terrence Thames - Cocoa Creative Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-8999946 Fri, 13 Aug 2021 00:00:00 -0400 2990 full false Lola's Fine Kitchen Heats Up In DSM Lola's Fine Kitchen Heats Up In DSM Hannah Elliott, chef and managing partner at Lola’s Fine Kitchen, shared how she began the business with Greater Des Moines Partnership Director of Small Business Development Christina Moffatt during the latest Small Business and Startup Stories podcast.

]]> Hannah Elliott, chef and managing partner at Lola’s Fine Kitchen, shared how she began the business with Greater Des Moines Partnership Director of Small Business Development Christina Moffatt during the latest Small Business and Startup Stories podcast.

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-8784944 Fri, 09 Jul 2021 00:00:00 -0400 1460 full false Empowering Refugee Youth + Working to Create Job Opportunities in DSM Empowering Refugee Youth + Working to Create Job Opportunities in DSM  Pi515 creates pathways to empower youth in DSM to become the faces in the future of tech.

In 2010, Nancy Mwirotsi founded Pi515 to serve refugee youth throughout Greater Des Moines (DSM) by teaching them technology skills, coding and critical thinking to help them become innovative and empowered for STEM-field careers. 

]]>  Pi515 creates pathways to empower youth in DSM to become the faces in the future of tech.

In 2010, Nancy Mwirotsi founded Pi515 to serve refugee youth throughout Greater Des Moines (DSM) by teaching them technology skills, coding and critical thinking to help them become innovative and empowered for STEM-field careers. 

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-8678856 Fri, 25 Jun 2021 00:00:00 -0400 1933 full false How to Stop “Shoulding” + Start Living in Order to Live Your Best Life How to Stop “Shoulding” + Start Living in Order to Live Your Best Life Get past the fears in your life and learn how to take charge of your life and choices to find success. 

For Jill Andersen, a speaker and coach in Greater Des Moines (DSM), “shoulding” had become a way of life. The Cedar Rapids area native and ISU grad majored in food science, which served her well for 20 years. She worked for General Mills, where food became a fun and interesting career. But the longer she was there, the more she thought there must be something more. So, she left the corporate structure and started to do freelance work. She hired a career coach to get some guidance and through that process, she realized she was meant to do something else.

]]> Get past the fears in your life and learn how to take charge of your life and choices to find success. 

For Jill Andersen, a speaker and coach in Greater Des Moines (DSM), “shoulding” had become a way of life. The Cedar Rapids area native and ISU grad majored in food science, which served her well for 20 years. She worked for General Mills, where food became a fun and interesting career. But the longer she was there, the more she thought there must be something more. So, she left the corporate structure and started to do freelance work. She hired a career coach to get some guidance and through that process, she realized she was meant to do something else.

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-8646124 Fri, 11 Jun 2021 00:00:00 -0400 1429 full false Artist Workspace in Greater Des Moines (DSM) Artist Workspace in Greater Des Moines (DSM) Diana Wright, Startup Community Builder at the Greater Des Moines Partnership, Siobhan Spain, Director of the Local Artist Workspace at Mainframe Studios, and Beau Kenyon, Composer and Art Advocate in Greater Des Moines (DSM) and Boston, discuss arts entrepreneurship and artists in DSM in the latest Startup Stories podcast. 

]]> Diana Wright, Startup Community Builder at the Greater Des Moines Partnership, Siobhan Spain, Director of the Local Artist Workspace at Mainframe Studios, and Beau Kenyon, Composer and Art Advocate in Greater Des Moines (DSM) and Boston, discuss arts entrepreneurship and artists in DSM in the latest Startup Stories podcast. 

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-8558571 Fri, 21 May 2021 00:00:00 -0400 3266 full false BURN Boot Camp Brings #BurnNation to DSM BURN Boot Camp Brings #BurnNation to DSM For Darci Evans, co-owning her own business in Greater Des Moines (DSM) has brought big rewards. 

]]> For Darci Evans, co-owning her own business in Greater Des Moines (DSM) has brought big rewards. 

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-8472270 Fri, 14 May 2021 00:00:00 -0400 1314 full false PowerPollen Founders on the Influence of Good Mentors PowerPollen Founders on the Influence of Good Mentors Jason Cope and Todd Krone return to Startup Stories DSM to discuss good mentors and where PowerPollen stands today.

]]> Jason Cope and Todd Krone return to Startup Stories DSM to discuss good mentors and where PowerPollen stands today.

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-8335197 Fri, 23 Apr 2021 00:00:00 -0400 2417 full false Salon Owner in DSM Pivots During the Pandemic Salon Owner in DSM Pivots During the Pandemic Tricia Rivas shares how she became owner of Trixie’s Salon in Greater Des Moines (DSM). 

]]> Tricia Rivas shares how she became owner of Trixie’s Salon in Greater Des Moines (DSM). 

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-8256836 Fri, 09 Apr 2021 00:00:00 -0400 1773 full false The Future of the DSM Startup Community Post-COVID The Future of the DSM Startup Community Post-COVID Tej Dhawan and Ben Milne join Mike Colwell to discuss the Greater Des Moines startup community from 2010 to now.

]]> Tej Dhawan and Ben Milne join Mike Colwell to discuss the Greater Des Moines startup community from 2010 to now.

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-8145072 Fri, 26 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0400 3342 full true Iowa Event Producer Launches Second Startup in DSM Iowa Event Producer Launches Second Startup in DSM Amy Nebons describes her journey into entrepreneurship with Blink Events and BOCS DSM in Greater Des Moines (DSM).

]]> Amy Nebons describes her journey into entrepreneurship with Blink Events and BOCS DSM in Greater Des Moines (DSM).

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-8082641 Fri, 12 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0500 1354 full false Agrisync Sees Growth Year After Year Agrisync Sees Growth Year After Year
Casey Niemann reflects on the start of Agrisync, business focus and startup mentors for Startup Stories DSM. Agrisync, a startup based in Greater Des Moines (DSM), continues to see growth year after year. As the founder of the ag company, Niemann says that with more than 20 employees, and up to 10 staff members expected to be added in 2021, Agrisync serves more than 38,000 customers in more than 10 countries.

]]>
Casey Niemann reflects on the start of Agrisync, business focus and startup mentors for Startup Stories DSM. Agrisync, a startup based in Greater Des Moines (DSM), continues to see growth year after year. As the founder of the ag company, Niemann says that with more than 20 employees, and up to 10 staff members expected to be added in 2021, Agrisync serves more than 38,000 customers in more than 10 countries.

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-7772812 Fri, 26 Feb 2021 00:00:00 -0500 2629 1 58 full false ISA Ventures Raises Capital Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic ISA Ventures Raises Capital Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic Eric Engelmann discusses the start of ISA Ventures and raising capital to help Iowa-based companies grow.

]]> Eric Engelmann discusses the start of ISA Ventures and raising capital to help Iowa-based companies grow.

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-7435882 Fri, 22 Jan 2021 16:00:00 -0500 2319 full false Velorosa Sees High Sales in 2020 Amid Surge in Pandemic Cycling Velorosa Sees High Sales in 2020 Amid Surge in Pandemic Cycling Velorosa Cycling is Greater Des Moines’ (DSM’s) local shop for women’s cycling wear. From jerseys, tanks and shorts to face masks, rubber jewelry and other accessories, Velorosa has it all. Owners Kim Hopkins and Lisa Carponelli join Startup Stories DSM to discuss the business with the podcast’s host, Mike Colwell.

]]> Velorosa Cycling is Greater Des Moines’ (DSM’s) local shop for women’s cycling wear. From jerseys, tanks and shorts to face masks, rubber jewelry and other accessories, Velorosa has it all. Owners Kim Hopkins and Lisa Carponelli join Startup Stories DSM to discuss the business with the podcast’s host, Mike Colwell.

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-6660361 Fri, 18 Dec 2020 00:00:00 -0500 2388 full false DSM Startup Impacts Marketing for Faith-Based Nonprofits DSM Startup Impacts Marketing for Faith-Based Nonprofits Chad Williams’ passion is faith-based nonprofits. From his time as a webmaster with a ministry nonprofit to his jump to startup owner bringing marketing services to faith-based nonprofits, Williams keeps his mission front and center. Five Q provides solutions that lead to higher website engagement, improved donations and an overall greater digital impact. 

]]> Chad Williams’ passion is faith-based nonprofits. From his time as a webmaster with a ministry nonprofit to his jump to startup owner bringing marketing services to faith-based nonprofits, Williams keeps his mission front and center. Five Q provides solutions that lead to higher website engagement, improved donations and an overall greater digital impact. 

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-6445999 Fri, 04 Dec 2020 00:00:00 -0500 2035 full false Blk N Bold Coffee Co-Founder Cezar Pernell Blk N Bold Coffee Co-Founder Cezar Pernell Pernell Cezar Jr. is co-founder and CEO of BLK & Bold Specialty Beverages, known for coffee and tea manufacturing that pledges 5% of its profits to programs for youth to develop professionally and fight youth homelessness. The company works with 14 youth pledge partners across the country in its effort to prioritize purpose.

BLK & Bold Specialty Beverages is the first black-owned, nationally distributed coffee brand, and it’s headquartered in Greater Des Moines (DSM). The BLK & Bold story has been featured in Fortune, GQ, People, ChowHound, Afrotechand more, while the company became a best-selling coffee brand for Amazon and continues to highlight social issues for at-risk youth as it grows. 

]]> Pernell Cezar Jr. is co-founder and CEO of BLK & Bold Specialty Beverages, known for coffee and tea manufacturing that pledges 5% of its profits to programs for youth to develop professionally and fight youth homelessness. The company works with 14 youth pledge partners across the country in its effort to prioritize purpose.

BLK & Bold Specialty Beverages is the first black-owned, nationally distributed coffee brand, and it’s headquartered in Greater Des Moines (DSM). The BLK & Bold story has been featured in Fortune, GQ, People, ChowHound, Afrotechand more, while the company became a best-selling coffee brand for Amazon and continues to highlight social issues for at-risk youth as it grows. 

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-6343942 Thu, 19 Nov 2020 00:00:00 -0500 2123 full false Three-Time Startup Owner Creates New Startup to Connect Nonprofit Givers Three-Time Startup Owner Creates New Startup to Connect Nonprofit Givers Matt Ostanik, Greater Des Moines (DSM) entrepreneur, speaks with Greater Des Moines Partnership Executive Director of Entrepreneurial Initiatives Mike Colwell about connecting people and businesses who are willing to give with nonprofits that need additional help. This is the mission of his latest startup, Given. Previously, Ostanik founded three other companies: FunnelWise, a sales and marketing software company that assists in improving marketing ROI; Submittal Exchange, an SaaS company that serves the commercial construction industry; and Charette Venture Group, a consulting and investment company for architecture and design firms.

]]> Matt Ostanik, Greater Des Moines (DSM) entrepreneur, speaks with Greater Des Moines Partnership Executive Director of Entrepreneurial Initiatives Mike Colwell about connecting people and businesses who are willing to give with nonprofits that need additional help. This is the mission of his latest startup, Given. Previously, Ostanik founded three other companies: FunnelWise, a sales and marketing software company that assists in improving marketing ROI; Submittal Exchange, an SaaS company that serves the commercial construction industry; and Charette Venture Group, a consulting and investment company for architecture and design firms.

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-5894992 Fri, 23 Oct 2020 00:00:00 -0400 2478 full false TradeLabs: Where Trade Experts Teach Beginning Investors About Stock Trading TradeLabs: Where Trade Experts Teach Beginning Investors About Stock Trading Nick Eltjes and Noah Loffredo share their experience starting TradeLabs in Greater Des Moines (DSM).

]]> Nick Eltjes and Noah Loffredo share their experience starting TradeLabs in Greater Des Moines (DSM).

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-5484523 Fri, 25 Sep 2020 00:00:00 -0400 2203 full false Startup Stories — Muddy Bites Startup Stories — Muddy Bites Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-5130253 Fri, 28 Aug 2020 00:00:00 -0400 2089 full false One World Supplies Brings PPE to DSM One World Supplies Brings PPE to DSM Sul Huq describes his journey as an entrepreneur and the growth of DSM-startup One World Supplies.

]]> Sul Huq describes his journey as an entrepreneur and the growth of DSM-startup One World Supplies.

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-4565345 Fri, 24 Jul 2020 00:00:00 -0400 2059 1 49 full false A DSM-Based Startup Merges + Readies for Future Growth A DSM-Based Startup Merges + Readies for Future Growth Greg Bailey discusses Denim Social, how he transitioned his startup team and his forecast for the future.

]]> Greg Bailey discusses Denim Social, how he transitioned his startup team and his forecast for the future.

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-4054637 Fri, 12 Jun 2020 00:00:00 -0400 1653 1 48 full false Gabe Glynn Gabe Glynn Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-3618775 Mon, 04 May 2020 14:00:00 -0400 2116 1 full false Kerty Levy Kerty Levy Kerty Levy, managing director of Techstars Iowa, speaks with the Greater Des Moines Partnership’s Startup Stories host, Mike Colwell. 

]]> Kerty Levy, managing director of Techstars Iowa, speaks with the Greater Des Moines Partnership’s Startup Stories host, Mike Colwell. 

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-3220945 Tue, 07 Apr 2020 00:00:00 -0400 1954 1 47 full false Nadilia Gomez Nadilia Gomez Nadilia Gomez is the executive director of Iowa AgriTech Accelerator. A former research scientist for Corteva Agriscience, Nadilia has been involved in the industry for a long time. Her experience is an integral part of helping to prepare new startup businesses for a successful future. Nadalia sits down with the Greater Des Moines Partnership’s Startup Stories host, Mike Colwell to discuss her journey to a female leadership role. 

]]> Nadilia Gomez is the executive director of Iowa AgriTech Accelerator. A former research scientist for Corteva Agriscience, Nadilia has been involved in the industry for a long time. Her experience is an integral part of helping to prepare new startup businesses for a successful future. Nadalia sits down with the Greater Des Moines Partnership’s Startup Stories host, Mike Colwell to discuss her journey to a female leadership role. 

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-2839285 Fri, 27 Mar 2020 00:00:00 -0400 1765 1 47 full false Erin Huiatt Creates Multiple Ways for Moms and Women to Succeed in DSM Erin Huiatt Creates Multiple Ways for Moms and Women to Succeed in DSM Erin Huiatt began blogging as a way to share her adventures as a young mom. Little did she know that her hobby would grow into an entrepreneurial success story times three. Erin discusses her unique path as a female business owner with one of the Greater Des Moines Partnership’s Startup Stories hosts, Christina Moffatt. 

]]> Erin Huiatt began blogging as a way to share her adventures as a young mom. Little did she know that her hobby would grow into an entrepreneurial success story times three. Erin discusses her unique path as a female business owner with one of the Greater Des Moines Partnership’s Startup Stories hosts, Christina Moffatt. 

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-2960845 Fri, 13 Mar 2020 00:00:00 -0400 1401 1 45 full false Brad Dwyer and Joseph Nelson Brad Dwyer and Joseph Nelson Starting your own business can be a difficult decision and complicated journey. But don’t tell that to Brad Dwyer and Joseph Nelson, co-founders of Roboflow and childhood friends, who hope to make developing computer vision and augmented reality (AR) apps easier and more streamlined. Brad and Joseph discuss their successes and hopes for the company’s future with Startup Stories host Mike Colwell. 

]]> Starting your own business can be a difficult decision and complicated journey. But don’t tell that to Brad Dwyer and Joseph Nelson, co-founders of Roboflow and childhood friends, who hope to make developing computer vision and augmented reality (AR) apps easier and more streamlined. Brad and Joseph discuss their successes and hopes for the company’s future with Startup Stories host Mike Colwell. 

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-2545519 Fri, 28 Feb 2020 00:00:00 -0500 2175 Business Model, Key Industries, Startups & Entrepreneurs, Small Business, Roboflow, DSMUSA, Mike Colwell, Brad Dwyer, Joseph Nelson 1 44 full false Rita Perea – Rita Perea Leadership, Coaching and Consulting Rita Perea – Rita Perea Leadership, Coaching and Consulting Waking up in the ER sets course to a life-changing career path.  Christina Moffatt sits down with Rita Perea to discuss how a lifelong career in education taught her the most important lesson of her life.

]]> Waking up in the ER sets course to a life-changing career path.  Christina Moffatt sits down with Rita Perea to discuss how a lifelong career in education taught her the most important lesson of her life.

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-2728330 Fri, 14 Feb 2020 09:00:00 -0500 1583 rita perea, christina moffatt, small business, consulting, coaching, leadership, dsmusa 1 43 full false Kyle McMahon – Tractor Zoom Kyle McMahon – Tractor Zoom Kyle McMahon shares how his company, Tractor Zoom, is innovating on farm equipment auctions.

]]> Kyle McMahon shares how his company, Tractor Zoom, is innovating on farm equipment auctions.

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-2007226 Fri, 24 Jan 2020 10:00:00 -0500 1998 Kyle McMahon, Mike Colwell, agriculture, auctioneering, farmland 1 42 full false Nicole Gunderson – Global Insurance Accelerator Nicole Gunderson – Global Insurance Accelerator Nicole Gunderson sits down with Mike Colwell to discuss her path to becoming the Managing Director for the Global Insurance Accelerator (GIA).

]]> Nicole Gunderson sits down with Mike Colwell to discuss her path to becoming the Managing Director for the Global Insurance Accelerator (GIA).

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-2143982 Fri, 10 Jan 2020 09:00:00 -0500 2563 Nicole Gunderson, Mike Colwell, Global Insurance Accelerator, GIA, insurance, accelerator 1 41 full false Kiki Levy – Better HireS Kiki Levy – Better HireS Kiki Levy discusses her business Better HireS and its ability to connect high school talent to business needs.

]]> Kiki Levy discusses her business Better HireS and its ability to connect high school talent to business needs.

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-2165693 Fri, 27 Dec 2019 11:00:00 -0500 1348 Kiki Levy, Mike Colwell, Better HireS, education, careers 1 40 full false Allison Davidson Motoyama – Dona Bela Shreds Allison Davidson Motoyama – Dona Bela Shreds Allison Davidson Motoyama shares how her company revolutionizes sustainability by reforming textile scraps into designer neckwear.

]]> Allison Davidson Motoyama shares how her company revolutionizes sustainability by reforming textile scraps into designer neckwear.

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-1947788 Fri, 13 Dec 2019 11:00:00 -0500 2470 Allison Davidson Motoyama, Mike Colwell, Dona Bela Shreds, design, fashion, clothing, innovation 1 39 full false Mike Draper – RAYGUN Mike Draper – RAYGUN Mike Draper discusses RAYGUN's growth, unionization and status as "The Greatest Store in the Universe."

]]> Mike Draper discusses RAYGUN's growth, unionization and status as "The Greatest Store in the Universe."

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-1929176 Fri, 22 Nov 2019 13:00:00 -0500 2786 Mike Draper, Mike Colwell, RAYGUN, retail, clothing, union 1 38 full false Steven Brockshus – FarmlandFinder Steven Brockshus – FarmlandFinder FarmlandFinder CEO and Founder Steven Brockshus shares how his company creates a way to make the world's farmland information accessible given the shifting dynamics within the industry.

]]> FarmlandFinder CEO and Founder Steven Brockshus shares how his company creates a way to make the world's farmland information accessible given the shifting dynamics within the industry.

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-1947796 Fri, 08 Nov 2019 09:00:00 -0500 2183 Steven Brockshus, Mike Colwell, FarmlandFinder, agriculture, farming, real estate 1 37 full false Kate Lyon – Koloni Kate Lyon – Koloni Kate Lyon shares how her company Koloni is creating a more sustainable world through sharing.

]]> Kate Lyon shares how her company Koloni is creating a more sustainable world through sharing.

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-1800049 Fri, 25 Oct 2019 09:00:00 -0400 1822 Kate Lyon, Mike Colwell, Koloni, sustainability, environmental, smart locker, accelerator 1 36 full false Carl and Torey Maerz – Rocket Referrals Carl and Torey Maerz – Rocket Referrals Carl and Torey Maerz share how they found success in the insurance industry by looking for a problem.

]]> Carl and Torey Maerz share how they found success in the insurance industry by looking for a problem.

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-1773133 Fri, 11 Oct 2019 11:00:00 -0400 2495 Carl Maerz, Torey Maerz, Mike Colwell, Rocket Referrals, insurance, referrals 1 35 full false Martin Gross – Gross-Wen Technologies Martin Gross – Gross-Wen Technologies Dr. Martin Gross, one of Gross-Wen Technologies (GWT) founders, discusses how GWT found success during and after their start at a Greater Des Moines (DSM) incubator.

]]> Dr. Martin Gross, one of Gross-Wen Technologies (GWT) founders, discusses how GWT found success during and after their start at a Greater Des Moines (DSM) incubator.

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-1656934 Thu, 26 Sep 2019 12:00:00 -0400 2200 Mike Colwell, Dr. Martin Gross, Gross-Wen Technologies, Iowa State University Startup Factory, environmental 1 34 full false Katie Byers – HomeDitty Katie Byers – HomeDitty Katie Byers explains the success of House Concerts in Greater Des Moines (DSM).

]]> Katie Byers explains the success of House Concerts in Greater Des Moines (DSM).

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-1679869 Fri, 13 Sep 2019 10:00:00 -0400 1988 Katie Byers, Mike Colwell, HomeDitty, concerts, music 1 33 full false Brian Hemesath – Insurtech Brian Hemesath – Insurtech Former Global Insurance Accelerator Director Brian Hemesath discusses how startups find success in the evolving insurance industry.

]]> Former Global Insurance Accelerator Director Brian Hemesath discusses how startups find success in the evolving insurance industry.

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-1579045 Fri, 30 Aug 2019 12:00:00 -0400 2215 Brian Hemesath, Mike Colwell, VolunteerLocal, Insurtech, Insurance, Technology 1 32 full false Kate Wagner – Lidgett Kate Wagner – Lidgett After working for two Greater Des Moines (DSM) startups, Kate Wagner launched clothing line Lidgett. She shares the lessons learned through her journey, and the ones she continues to learn with each new day.

]]> After working for two Greater Des Moines (DSM) startups, Kate Wagner launched clothing line Lidgett. She shares the lessons learned through her journey, and the ones she continues to learn with each new day.

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-1481029 Tue, 30 Jul 2019 14:00:00 -0400 1764 Kate Wagner, Mike Colwell, Lidgett, clothing, fashion, shopping 1 31 full false Tej Dhawan — Principal Tej Dhawan — Principal Tej Dhawan has been the leading driver of the Greater Des Moines (DSM) startup ecosystem. Pulling from his wealth of experience, Dhawan shares his insights on how to succeed as a startup.

]]> Tej Dhawan has been the leading driver of the Greater Des Moines (DSM) startup ecosystem. Pulling from his wealth of experience, Dhawan shares his insights on how to succeed as a startup.

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-1449400 Fri, 26 Jul 2019 10:00:00 -0400 2839 Tej Dhawan, Mike Colwell, startup, success 1 30 full false Liz Lidgett — Liz Lidgett Gallery + Design Liz Lidgett — Liz Lidgett Gallery + Design Liz Lidgett grew up with a with a love for all things art. She shares how she carried this passion into a career and business in Greater Des Moines (DSM).

]]> Liz Lidgett grew up with a with a love for all things art. She shares how she carried this passion into a career and business in Greater Des Moines (DSM).

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-1333078 Fri, 12 Jul 2019 09:00:00 -0400 2596 Liz Lidgett, Mike Colwell, gallery, design, art 1 29 full false Max Farrell and Andrew Kirpalani — WorkHound Max Farrell and Andrew Kirpalani — WorkHound WorkHound Founders Max Farrell and Andrew Kirpalani share their secret to maintaining employee happiness.

]]> WorkHound Founders Max Farrell and Andrew Kirpalani share their secret to maintaining employee happiness.

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-1333081 Wed, 26 Jun 2019 09:00:00 -0400 2505 Max Farrell, Andrew Kirpalani, Mike Colwell, WorkHound, trucking 1 28 full false Ben Milne – Dwolla Ben Milne – Dwolla Ben Milne, Founder of Dwolla, discusses the company's new event Monetery and shares his lessons learned to find success in the startup world.

]]> Ben Milne, Founder of Dwolla, discusses the company's new event Monetery and shares his lessons learned to find success in the startup world.

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-1269820 Wed, 12 Jun 2019 10:00:00 -0400 2386 Ben Milne, Mike Colwell, Dwolla, Monetery, startups, raising capital 1 27 full false Lana Fox – ClinicNote Lana Fox – ClinicNote Lana Fox shares how ClinicNote found its roots in Greater Des Moines (DSM) while still improving the lives of speech therapists across the country.

]]> Lana Fox shares how ClinicNote found its roots in Greater Des Moines (DSM) while still improving the lives of speech therapists across the country.

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-1113266 Fri, 24 May 2019 09:00:00 -0400 1832 Lana Fox, Mike Colwell, ClinicNote, health, healthcare, tech, speech therapy 1 26 full false Travis Ensley – Dwolla Travis Ensley – Dwolla Travis Ensley of Dwolla shares how his military background taught him skills that go beyond a resume, and how he applies these skills in his work.

]]> Travis Ensley of Dwolla shares how his military background taught him skills that go beyond a resume, and how he applies these skills in his work.

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-1065917 Fri, 03 May 2019 09:00:00 -0400 2158 Travis Ensley, Mike Colwell, Dwolla, startup 1 25 full false Scott Carlson – Court Avenue Restaurant & Brewing Co. Scott Carlson – Court Avenue Restaurant & Brewing Co. Scott Carlson opened his first brewery with a vision to show off varieties to Greater Des Moines (DSM). Since then, he has increased his small business portfolio to four local favorite restaurants and breweries — CABCo, Americana, Gilroy's and Iowa Craft Beer Tent. Hear how he made a name for himself in the restaurant and brewery industry.

]]> Scott Carlson opened his first brewery with a vision to show off varieties to Greater Des Moines (DSM). Since then, he has increased his small business portfolio to four local favorite restaurants and breweries — CABCo, Americana, Gilroy's and Iowa Craft Beer Tent. Hear how he made a name for himself in the restaurant and brewery industry.

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-1011093 Tue, 30 Apr 2019 09:00:00 -0400 1749 Scott Carlson, Christina Moffatt, restaurant, brewery, Court Avenue 1 24 full false Ben Lefever – Certintell Telehealth Ben Lefever – Certintell Telehealth Certintell Telehealth founder Ben Lefever shares how he managed to break into the health care industry by finding the right resources through the right mentors.

]]> Certintell Telehealth founder Ben Lefever shares how he managed to break into the health care industry by finding the right resources through the right mentors.

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-990904 Fri, 26 Apr 2019 00:00:00 -0400 2208 Ben Lefever, Certintell Telehealth, Mike Colwell, health, healthcare, mentorship 1 23 full false Sara Jacobson – Fusion Boutique Sara Jacobson – Fusion Boutique Sara Jacobson shares how she turned her long-time vision into reality by opening a beauty bar and clothing boutique, aptly named Fusion Boutique.

]]> Sara Jacobson shares how she turned her long-time vision into reality by opening a beauty bar and clothing boutique, aptly named Fusion Boutique.

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-1011091 Wed, 24 Apr 2019 00:00:00 -0400 1268 Sara Jacobson, Christina Moffatt, Fusion Boutique, beauty, clothing, retail 1 22 full false Omar Jordan – LenderClose Omar Jordan – LenderClose LenderClose bridges the gap in lending, allowing loan officers and lending staff to run a streamlined lending cycle. LenderClose owner Omar Jordan shares how he found success in the financial industry.

]]> LenderClose bridges the gap in lending, allowing loan officers and lending staff to run a streamlined lending cycle. LenderClose owner Omar Jordan shares how he found success in the financial industry.

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-961748 Mon, 11 Mar 2019 12:00:00 -0400 1654 Omar Jordan, Mike Colwell, LenderClose, finance, loans 1 21 full false Cassie Sampson – East Village Spa Cassie Sampson – East Village Spa Cassie Sampson started East Village Spa out of a want to help people feel better. This attention to her customers combined with the dedication to her craft has helped foster East Village Spa's success.

]]> Cassie Sampson started East Village Spa out of a want to help people feel better. This attention to her customers combined with the dedication to her craft has helped foster East Village Spa's success.

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-937125 Tue, 29 Jan 2019 00:00:00 -0500 1443 Cassie Sampson, East Village Spa, health, beauty, massage, Mike Colwell 1 20 full false Levi Rosol – ScoreYard Levi Rosol – ScoreYard Youth sports have ingrained themselves into today's culture. How these leagues are managed is often the determining factor to the experience these up-and-coming all-stars receive. Levi Rosol shares how his startup ScoreYard struck out swinging in the search to build a tool centered around the sports community.

]]> Youth sports have ingrained themselves into today's culture. How these leagues are managed is often the determining factor to the experience these up-and-coming all-stars receive. Levi Rosol shares how his startup ScoreYard struck out swinging in the search to build a tool centered around the sports community.

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-914135 Wed, 09 Jan 2019 00:00:00 -0500 2445 Levi Rosol, Mike Colwell, ScoreYard, Sports 1 19 full false Casey Niemann – AgriSync Casey Niemann – AgriSync More now than ever before, farmers are becoming connected with their local and trusted agribusiness consultants to innovate and challenge biological technologies, practices and advancements. AgriSync works to ensure these connections reach their full potential.

]]> More now than ever before, farmers are becoming connected with their local and trusted agribusiness consultants to innovate and challenge biological technologies, practices and advancements. AgriSync works to ensure these connections reach their full potential.

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-879596 Fri, 14 Dec 2018 09:00:00 -0500 2396 Casey Niemann, AgriSync, agriculture, Mike Colwell 1 18 full false Burch LaPrade – Gain Compliance Burch LaPrade – Gain Compliance Gain Compliance CEO Burch LaPrade shares how Greater Des Moines' (DSM's) status as an insurance hub served as a major motivator for his startup.

]]> Gain Compliance CEO Burch LaPrade shares how Greater Des Moines' (DSM's) status as an insurance hub served as a major motivator for his startup.

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-875483 Fri, 30 Nov 2018 12:00:00 -0500 2164 Burch LaPrade, Mike Colwell, Gain Compliance 1 17 full false Megan McKay – Peace Tree Brewing Megan McKay – Peace Tree Brewing At the height of the Great Recession in 2009, Megan McKay decided to build a brewery in the small Iowa town of Knoxville on the edge of Greater Des Moines (DSM). Peace Tree Brewing Company has since expanded to the Historic East Village in Downtown DSM and Grinnell. The business now employs 14 full time and 35 part time employees.

]]> At the height of the Great Recession in 2009, Megan McKay decided to build a brewery in the small Iowa town of Knoxville on the edge of Greater Des Moines (DSM). Peace Tree Brewing Company has since expanded to the Historic East Village in Downtown DSM and Grinnell. The business now employs 14 full time and 35 part time employees.

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-862875 Fri, 16 Nov 2018 08:00:00 -0500 1633 Megan McKay, Christina Moffatt, Peace Tree Brewing 1 16 full true Marry My City Marry My City Your loved one is getting married and you’re trying to find them the perfect gift. After you procrastinate too long to make that memorable keepsake, you decide to check out their registry only to find it limited to items found in big box retailers. You print the list of stuff and see the items that remain are a Crock-Pot and an oven glove. So, you opt for the safe bet — a gift card. 

If only there was another way.  

That’s what sprang to Kaitlin Byers’ mind when she went through that cycle several times with friends’ weddings. Frustrated with having to shop at big box stores for wedding registries, Byers teamed up with Tallis Strub to come up with Marry My City— an online platform that allows couples to curate and create their own wedding registry with local experiences rather than stuff.  Think cooking classes and date nights at local mansions. 

]]> Your loved one is getting married and you’re trying to find them the perfect gift. After you procrastinate too long to make that memorable keepsake, you decide to check out their registry only to find it limited to items found in big box retailers. You print the list of stuff and see the items that remain are a Crock-Pot and an oven glove. So, you opt for the safe bet — a gift card. 

If only there was another way.  

That’s what sprang to Kaitlin Byers’ mind when she went through that cycle several times with friends’ weddings. Frustrated with having to shop at big box stores for wedding registries, Byers teamed up with Tallis Strub to come up with Marry My City— an online platform that allows couples to curate and create their own wedding registry with local experiences rather than stuff.  Think cooking classes and date nights at local mansions. 

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-841719 Fri, 26 Oct 2018 00:00:00 -0400 1707 Marry My City, Kaitlin Byers, Tallis Strub, Mike Colwell, Startup Stories 1 15 full false Melissa Carlson – 818 Design Melissa Carlson – 818 Design Melissa Carlson picked up a passion for graphic design as a student in high school. She credits her interest in creativity, art and design to a high school teacher who encouraged her to pursue the field at university. 

Carlson studied at Grand View University in Greater Des Moines (DSM). After landing her first job at a publishing company, a second at an ad agency and then at an architecture firm, she then founded 818 Designs.

]]> Melissa Carlson picked up a passion for graphic design as a student in high school. She credits her interest in creativity, art and design to a high school teacher who encouraged her to pursue the field at university. 

Carlson studied at Grand View University in Greater Des Moines (DSM). After landing her first job at a publishing company, a second at an ad agency and then at an architecture firm, she then founded 818 Designs.

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-828027 Fri, 12 Oct 2018 00:00:00 -0400 1243 818 Design, Melissa Carlson, Christina Moffatt 1 14 full false Ryan Gerhardy – Pitchly Ryan Gerhardy – Pitchly Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-815758 Fri, 28 Sep 2018 00:00:00 -0400 2493 Ryan,Gerhardy 1 13 full false Gabe Glynn – MākuSafe Gabe Glynn – MākuSafe Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-790707 Fri, 31 Aug 2018 00:00:00 -0400 2581 Mike Colwell, Gabe Glynn, MākuSafe 1 12 full false Kate Banasiak – Diversified Management Services Kate Banasiak – Diversified Management Services Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-778032 Thu, 16 Aug 2018 00:00:00 -0400 1550 Kate, Banasiak, Diversified Management Services, DMS, Consulting 1 11 full false Steve Sherlock – Pablow Steve Sherlock – Pablow The Sherlock’s startup, Pablow, is an insurance aggregate focusing on the travel insurance space. The platform connects with the APIs of six major insurance companies like AIG and Allianz to provide access to travel companies offer travel insurance vacation rentals after the sale.

]]> The Sherlock’s startup, Pablow, is an insurance aggregate focusing on the travel insurance space. The platform connects with the APIs of six major insurance companies like AIG and Allianz to provide access to travel companies offer travel insurance vacation rentals after the sale.

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-766277 Fri, 03 Aug 2018 00:00:00 -0400 2072 Pablow, Steve Sherlock 1 10 full false Tracy Fuller – InnovativEvents Tracy Fuller – InnovativEvents Greater Des Moines (DSM) entrepreneur Tracy Fuller’s story began in 1987. Her son had passed away and she was looking for a way to get off the couch and into the world. Fuller started a company called Happy Occasions.

In 2004, the name changed to InnovativEvents when the company’s customer base went international. From the Sydney Opera House in Australia to a castle in Ireland, the company now produces events for corporate clients managing AV, sound, food and décor.

]]> Greater Des Moines (DSM) entrepreneur Tracy Fuller’s story began in 1987. Her son had passed away and she was looking for a way to get off the couch and into the world. Fuller started a company called Happy Occasions.

In 2004, the name changed to InnovativEvents when the company’s customer base went international. From the Sydney Opera House in Australia to a castle in Ireland, the company now produces events for corporate clients managing AV, sound, food and décor.

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-749823 Fri, 13 Jul 2018 00:00:00 -0400 1387 Tracy Fuller, Christina Moffatt, InnovativEvents, catering 1 9 full false Brad Dwyer – Hatchlings Brad Dwyer – Hatchlings Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-739235 Fri, 29 Jun 2018 00:00:00 -0400 2473 Brad Dwyer, Mike Colwell, Gaming, Hatchlings 1 8 full false Todd Krone & Jason Cope – PowerPollen Todd Krone & Jason Cope – PowerPollen Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-722741 Fri, 08 Jun 2018 00:00:00 -0400 1860 Todd Krone, Jason Cope, PowerPollen, Agriculture, AgTech, Mike Colwell 1 7 full false Amy Vohs – Lil' Sidekick Amy Vohs – Lil' Sidekick Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-712188 Fri, 25 May 2018 00:00:00 -0400 2655 Mike Colwell, Amy Vohs, Lil Sidekick, Product, Retail 1 6 full false Christina Moffatt – Crème Cupcake + Dessert Christina Moffatt – Crème Cupcake + Dessert Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-703949 Tue, 15 May 2018 00:00:00 -0400 1918 Christina Moffatt, Creme, Mike Colwell, Entrepreneur, DSM USA, Greater Des Moines, DSM, Bakery, Service 1 5 full false Megan Vollstedt – Iowa AgriTech Accelerator Megan Vollstedt – Iowa AgriTech Accelerator Megan Vollstedt became the Executive Director of the Iowa AgriTech Accelerator in 2017 after rising up through the ranks at Workiva in Ames, Iowa.

]]> Megan Vollstedt became the Executive Director of the Iowa AgriTech Accelerator in 2017 after rising up through the ranks at Workiva in Ames, Iowa.

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-689207 Tue, 24 Apr 2018 00:00:00 -0400 2175 AgriTech, Accelerator, Entrepreneur, Leadership, Megan Vollstedt, Mike Colwell, Workiva, Live 1 4 full false Ben Milne – Dwolla Ben Milne – Dwolla Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-681911 Fri, 13 Apr 2018 00:00:00 -0400 2510 Dwolla, Ben Milne, SaaS, Mike Colwell, Entrepreneur, Success Story, Des Moines, DSM 1 3 full false Kaylee Williams – VolunteerLocal Kaylee Williams – VolunteerLocal Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-676942 Fri, 06 Apr 2018 00:00:00 -0400 1867 VolunteerLocal, Kaylee Williams, SaaS, Mike Colwell, Entrepreneur, Success Story, Des Moines, DSM 1 2 full false Amos Petersen – FarrPro Amos Petersen – FarrPro FarrPro is focused on eliminating premature death of piglets. Amos Petersen, CEO of FarrPro, is the son and grandson of Iowa farmers and a serial entrepreneur, and is an impressive mixture of theorist, economist and determined doer.

Hear in his own words about the amazing, sometimes brutally fast growth of his hardware company. Learn how he is leveraging existing research and technology in entirely new ways to solve long-standing problems with tremendous financial upside.

]]> FarrPro is focused on eliminating premature death of piglets. Amos Petersen, CEO of FarrPro, is the son and grandson of Iowa farmers and a serial entrepreneur, and is an impressive mixture of theorist, economist and determined doer.

Hear in his own words about the amazing, sometimes brutally fast growth of his hardware company. Learn how he is leveraging existing research and technology in entirely new ways to solve long-standing problems with tremendous financial upside.

]]> Greater Des Moines Partnership Buzzsprout-666251 Wed, 21 Mar 2018 00:00:00 -0400 2394 Startup, AgTech, Entrepreneur, Success Story, Des Moines, DSM, Mike Colwell 1 1 full false