Manufacturing

He's a Pedal Pusher and No, Not Bikes

Several weeks ago my neighbor Kevin Vandekrol told me why he quit his day job to focus on his business of creating kits for guitar pedals. I made a note to get back with him for an interview about what is a rather obscure business. It's really a great look at how an entrepreneur adjusts to the market and believes that high quality beats price. Kevin is the sole person behind Aion and is part of our series about people who have started their business during the pandemic or who have seen major growth over the past nine months. And the kicker is that he sells his products worldwide. It's a great story...have a listen! 

The Business News Headlines 4 November 2020

It's been a day. For many people across the United States they have been clicking into their phones, watching TV and trying to figure out the presidential election. Us too.  Welcome to "The Day After" and here's what we've got for you:
Votes are being counted and Wall Street had a big day;
One thing is for sure our job problem is real;
Today another retail chain called it quits;
Tech stocks soared but, is that a good thing;
The Wall Street Report;
There were two winners in California yesterday.
Those stories plus we'll talk about ISO Certification and what it means to a company and, more importantly, their customers. Von Leefer and Linda Leefer from Area Diesel Service joins me for that conversation and you can hear it all...here.
Thanks for listening! 
 

Area Diesel Service and ISO Certification

Recently the family owned company Area Diesel Service was awarded an ISO 9001:2015 Certification. What does that mean for the company and its clients?  You can bet we asked. Here Von Leefers and his wife Linda explain what this is, the impact on their business and, more importantly, what it means to their customers.

The Business News Headlines 29 October 2020

We were just talking about Halloween. This year it's on a weekend when the clocks are rolled back all of which would mean a great Halloween Party Weekend. But....   Hey, it's the business news headlines for Thursday the 29th of October and this is what we've got:
Let's start out talking about cars;
Boeing is attempting to find some cash;
Home sales struggle in September;
Vacancies in apartment continue;
Oil prices fall and layoffs announced;
A "cage-free" egg story;
The economy growth surprised;
The Wall Street Report
Some cold reality about the GDP numbers.
Thanks for listening!
 

The Business News Headlines 16 October 2020

Well, THAT was a week...right?  Welcome to the Friday Edition of the Business News Headlines glad that you've clicked through.  Here's what we've got on tap for you today:
Retail Sales Numbers Surprise;
Deficit Numbers do...too;
Detroit and the "EV Buzz";
A study tells us what you're doing with your $;
A new group hopes to enlighten;
A deeper dive into the retail numbers;
The Wall Street Report;
Coke pull the plug on an old brand.
Those stories PLUS Jeff Pitts the managing editor from Cityview is with me to chat it up about Stuff to DO in the Greater Des Moines Metro this weekend into next week. To hear that...just click here.
Thanks for listening! 

The Business News Headlines 7 October 2020

Mixed signals or not, Wall Street had a great day today as it appears that some sort of federal stimulus program isn't dead after all. Welcome to the business news headlines for Wednesday the 7th of October. Here's what we've got for you:
Are investors too optimistic;
Another restaurant chain in bankruptcy;
5 skills that need to go on your resume;
Door Dash has launched a new product;
Amazon products and safety...it's a story;
A 117 year old company confronts a very different future;
The Wall Street Report
More warnings from the Fed.
Thanks for listening and follow us day and night on Twitter @IOB_NewsHour.

The Business News Headlines 2 October 2020

Welcome to the Friday Edition of the Business News Headlines and yep, you can follow us on Twitter @IOB_NewsHour.  Here's what we've got for you today:
Two things rocked Wall Street today;
Tesla blows past sales numbers but...
Women leaving the workforce in stunning numbers;
Baby, it's cold outside. Restaurants feeling the chill;
AirBnB is seeking some major cash in their IPO;
The Wall Street Report;
And, we know what you are listening to...and it's growing.
Those stories PLUS we've got Jeff Pitts the managing editor for Cityview Magazine with Stuff to Do in the Des Moines Metro.  Hey, it's Friday and YOU deserve to have a little fun. Click through to find out who we're talking about this week.  
Thanks for listening! 

The Business News Headlines 1 October 2020

Welcome to a brand new month...with still lingering business issues from September. Here's what we've got for you today:
The jobless numbers are, well, steady;
More job cuts and what the numbers mean;
Restaurant deals are back and why;
Pfizer CEO says the debate was "disappointing";
What? Bed, Bath & Beyond had a big month...and day;
Boeing is moving a facility a blow to unions;
Silicon Valley and new parent perks;
The Wall Street Report
Traders thinking a Democrat sweep might be a good thing.
Those stories and a conversation with Charles Clayton. His personal story is amazing and so too is his legacy of service to others. Charles lives in Fort Dodge, Iowa and is running for the Iowa House.  Click through to learn his amazing story.
Thanks for listening! 

The Business News Headlines 23 September 2020

The markets slid yet again today making this September, like many, rough on Wall Street. Here's what we've got on tap for you today:
They are not going quietly...think TicTok;
Tesla sues the Trump Administration and why;
The Fed offers a somber update on the economy;
Volkswagen is on a mission and you are the target;
Scams are on the rise and we'll give you some samples;
Who is responsible for a lack of small business capital;
The Wall Street Report;
Climate change and big name responses.
Thanks for listening!  And, you can join us outside of the news on Twitter @IOB_NewsHour.
 

29th State Apparel in the Small Business Spotlight

It's amazing what you can find just by listening. A couple of weeks ago I was making some calls from the office and stumbled on the mother of Kylie Kolz one half of something called 29th State Apparel. Kylie, along with her brother Nick, have created a line of clothing that not only cool but has a message. Where does the name come from, what they sell, how they market and more. In addition the startup shares 5% of their profits with local charities. Nice. Meet Kylie right here.
Thanks for listening!