Small Business

Small Business Spotlight - Colfax Tractor Parts

Recently I took a trip down a gravel road in tiny Colfax, Iowa to visit with Jeff Bucklin of Colfax Tractor Parts. They own 100 acres full of nearly every type of used agriculture equipment out there. The founder of the business, Bennie Bucklin (79) still puts in a full week of work helping identify where various tractors, combines, planters, skid loaders are located. Now, get this: They ship these tractor and construction parts all over the globe. It's a big deal. In addition they also buy "gently used" vehicles, detail 'em and sell those as well. Come along for a great family story we think you'll enjoy. 
Thanks for being here!
The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on  PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon Central on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour...and on Threads @Insight_On_Business.

The Business News Headlines 30 May 2024

We're a bit late in getting this out "on the bird" because we spent the greater part of the day in Humeston, Iowa a community of roughly 460 people.  We took the show on the road for another "Out to Lunch" segment and had a great time listening to stories from our guests Jill, Don and Dan (photo). We learned much about the history of the community as well as their business climate and a community owned grocery store The Front Street Market, the Grassroots Cafe and Snyder's a store like no other I've ever been in and today was their 75th Anniversary!  We can't wait to share that segment with you later next week. We'll get to the news in a moment but if you want to reach out to us on Social Media you can hook up with us all day on Twitter or "X" @IOB_NewsHour and on Instagram. Facebook? Sure were there too.  Here's what we've got for you today:
The GDP numbers explained;
The Dow has lost about 1,000 points in 3 days...why?
Some positive FAA and Boeing news today;
Fast food pricing and wow...has it gone up;
The Wall Street Report;
Retail news from Best Buy and Kohl's.
Thanks for being here!
The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on  PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon Central on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour...and on Threads @Insight_On_Business.

The Business News Headlines and More 17 April 2024

It's been a tough couple of days for Wall Street as investors have a host of things to worry about.  Today was no different.  Meanwhile President Biden made some promises today to American steelworkers that may heat up some international issues and we'll kick things off with that story. Also make sure you click ahead for the interview with entrepreneur and Architect Steve Wilke-Shapiro the founder of Sequel Architecture. And, a reminder, you can hook up with us all day on Twitter or "X" @IOB_NewsHour and on Instagram. Facebook? Sure were there too.  Here's what we've got for you today:
The U.S. President, Japan and U.S. Steel;
Really? $56 billion for Elon? It will be a touch sell;
The IMF sees a much better economic picture;
Disney actors want to join a union;
Meanwhile Disneyland to get a makeover;
Drive a Ford Bronco or Maverick? Listen up;
The Wall Street Report;
Good news for those who suffer from sleep apnea. 
For the interview you'll meet entrepreneur and architect Steve Wilke-Shapiro the founder of Sequel Architecture and Interiors. His work not only focuses on preservation but also mixing the new with, sometimes, the very old. The result is a stunning project that ranges from the small to the very large. To listen to that conversation CLICK THIS LINK.
Thanks for listening!
The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on  PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon Central on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour...and on Threads @Insight_On_Business.
 

Entrepreneur Steve Wilke-Shapiro on Beautiful/Functional Design

Why not start a business during the height of the pandemic? Meet entrepreneur and architect Steve Wilke-Shapiro the founder of Sequel Architecture and Interiors. His work not only focuses on preservation but also mixing the new with, sometimes, the very old. The result is a stunning project that ranges from the small to the very large. Recently Steve has added an interior designer to his firm having realizing some might want those "extra touches". Beyond that Wilke-Shapiro has a very unique way in which he handles his client interaction.  Meet Steve!  
Thanks for listening!
The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on  PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon Central on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour...and on Threads @Insight_On_Business.

The Business News Headlines and More 15 April 2024

Happy Federal Income Tax Day and welcome to the Business News Headlines for Monday the 15th of April.  We kick things off with that story and a reminder to click through to listen to a conversation about what a "Straw Purchase" of a firearm is and how it can lead to ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine.  My guest is Aaron McKinney, a strong advocate of the Second Amendment, but concerned about the lack of training so many people have when it comes to owning a firearm. And, a reminder, you can hook up with us all day on Twitter or "X" @IOB_NewsHour and on Instagram. Facebook? Sure were there too.  Here's what we've got for you today:
Tax Day and some thoughts;
Consumers are still consuming...big time;
New Federal Rules and some folks are not happy;
Tesla to cut staff according to multiple outlets;
Trump social media stock falls yet again;
The Wall Street Report;
Netflix is betting on small screens.
Make sure you click ahead for this conversation with Aaron McKinney from The Iowa Outdoors Store. We're talking about what happens when folks like on the Federal Firearms Report, the lack of education many buyers have when it comes to handling a firearm and the "Gun Show Loophole"...explained.  To listen to that segment click this link.
Thanks for listening!
The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on  PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon Central on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour...and on Threads @Insight_On_Business.

Firearm Straw Purchases and The Gun Show Loophole with Aaron McKinney

Join us as we talk about firearms and the very strange laws that deal with purchasing a firearm, what happens when you lie on form 4473 and the gun-show issue. My guest is Aaron McKinney, a strong supporter of the second amendment from The Iowa Outdoors Store based in Fort Dodge who recently was interviewed by a CBS affiliate regarding the issue of Straw Purchases. They gave him only 30 seconds...we'll spend more time on the issue.
Thanks for listening!
The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on  PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon Central on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour...and on Threads @Insight_On_Business.

The Business News Headlines and Glam 3 April 2024

Our first story is about Fed Chair Jerome Powell who said rate cuts are coming sometime…in the future. It’s the Business News Headlines for Wednesday the 3rd day of April…thanks for being with us. In other news, inflation drops in Europe and why that matters. Some news out of the Magic Kingdom…think board seats. Because our newscast comes out of Iowa we thought you might like to know the resale value of the women’s final four match up. Could Tesla go…bust?  That shocking story is up today. The Wall Street Report and women take a back seat…when it comes to the C – Suite. For the interview you’ll meet Amy Rinnels who for 27 years has been in the glamorous business of high fashion for young women and their proms…it’s a great story…and to listen CLICK THIS LINK.
Thanks for being here! 
The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on  PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon Central on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour...and on Threads @Insight_On_Business.

The Story of Glam and Beautiful Young Women with Amy Rinnels

For twenty-seven years Amy Rinnels has had the pleasure of helping young women as they head toward Prom Season. This is a remarkable story about Glam that started from a rocky beginning as a bridal shop to what has now become the "go-to" location for high-end dresses. I wouldn't have known about this without my granddaughter Jovie, who works at Glam, and told me about the mission of the store. On my first visit I saw vehicles from Kansas, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, South Dakota and yes, Iowa.  And, one other thing Amy told me has to do with the future of our nation and the young people she has met over the years. You are going to love this conversation!
Thanks for listening!
The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on  PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon Central on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour...and on Threads @Insight_On_Business.

The Business News Headlines and More 2 April 2024

The big business news of the day was the Jobs Report and once again it tells us what we know that the U.S. job market is red hot. It’s the business news headlines for Tuesday the 2nd day of April…thanks for being with us. In other news, EV sales continue to drop and we'll share why. A Mississippi catfish farm and discrimination made the news.  We've got The Wall Street Report and Amazon is turning it’s back on “just walk out” technology and why. For the interview you’ll hear the story out of Galina Illinois where a very talented young photographer, Geoffrey Mikol who was born with Downs Syndrome has, with his parents, opened up the River Bend Gallery.  It’s a great story…with no end in sight and if you want to listen, CLICK THIS LINK. 
Thanks for being with us!
The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on  PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon Central on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour...and on Threads @Insight_On_Business.

The Story of Master Photographer Geoffrey Mikol

Recently my Bride took a trip with a girlfriend to Galina, Illinois a charming village on the banks of the Mississippi River. They wandered from shop to shop and then ducked into the River Bend Gallery where they met world-class photographer Geoffrey Mikol. Yes, she bought some of his work, came home and shared his story. You see, Geoffrey was born with Down's Syndrome but there is something about him and his ability to capture some incredible images that is truly inspiring. Here you'll meet Geoffrey and his father Paul as we dive into the story of a family pulled together by a very talented son.  You want to feel good about today?  Listen.
Thanks for coming by!
The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on  PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon Central on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour...and on Threads @Insight_On_Business.