Start Up Stories

Talking Angels with Mike Colwell

This week the Plains Angels, an investment group based in Iowa, said in a release they had sent $2.4 million in start up investment to seven start-ups. Five from Iowa and two from neighboring states. Mike Colwell from the Business Innovation Zone reviewed each new company and talked about an upcoming event for next Wednesday.Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only business broadcast in the Des Moines Metro and a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications a full service advertising agency based in Des Moines.  Connect with us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour and, for more fun, here is our Facebook Page.

On a Mission with Charlie Wittmack

Our guest is Charlie Wittmack, a person sometimes described as an adventurer. However that label cuts short what his drive and ambition are really about. The former leader of Above and Beyond Cancer, talks about how that began.  How he went around the world in search of adventure and, in the end, found himself.  Today his new start-up is called Charity Launch which is exactly what it sounds like. Enjoy!Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only business broadcast in the Des Moines Metro and a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications a full service advertising agency based in Des Moines.  Connect with us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour and, for more fun, here is our Facebook Page.

Let's Start a Newspaper - with Jack Mathews

At a time when most folks are saying print is dead (we've never been in that camp) Jack Mathews starts a newspaper.  Years ago he entered the digital "hyper-local" world with OurGrinnell.com and last year was encouraged to start the Grinnell Business Journal.  So, in a way, he went backwards...digital to hard-copy.  Very cool.  And, he's just a little shy of 80 years old.  Yeah...we thought that might get you.Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only business broadcast in the Des Moines Metro and a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications a full service advertising agency based in Des Moines.  Connect with us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour and, for more fun, here is our Facebook Page.

Jet Set Studio with Ben McDougal

Our friend Ben McDougal came by to visit about the work he is doing on a new app that allows tournaments to "broadcast" their event and let more folks know how to connect. It's called TournamentSeeker.com and he started out with...gaming.  Here's our discussion:Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only business broadcast in the Des Moines Metro and a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications a full service advertising agency based in Des Moines.  Connect with us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour and, for more fun, here is our Facebook Page.

Strong Dads with Carlos Walker

Our friend, Carlos Walker, believes much of societies woes can be fixed by having Strong Dads involved in the life of their children. In this conversation Carlos explains the program, what it would help repair and why some folks need to be taught fatherhood. Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only business broadcast in the Des Moines Metro and a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications a full service advertising agency based in Des Moines.  Connect with us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour and, for more fun, here is our Facebook Page.

Pam Patton - Living the Dream

She gave up a successful career in human resources to follow her dream of opening up her own restaurant.  Meet Pam Patton the owner and founder of Patton's Restaurant and Catering and learn the story of Big Mamma, the Old South and how family led her on this journey. Oh, and a National Restaurant Association Award Winner in 2015.  Oh, and a recent subject on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives with Guy Fieri.  Lots to talk about... Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only business broadcast in the Des Moines Metro and a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications a full service advertising agency based in Des Moines.  Connect with us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour and, for more fun, here is our Facebook Page.

Justin Mandelbaum on An Artistic Endevor

We love this project!  Justin Mandelbaum, whose family has been part of Des Moines for over 150 years, made the decision to come back to his home town and create something special.  Des Moines Arts is a non-profit development for artists which will be housed in the abandoned Century Link Building.  And, because Justin has done this before...he's not guessing at its success.  Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only business broadcast in the Des Moines Metro and a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications a full service advertising agency based in Des Moines.  Connect with us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour and, for more fun, here is our Facebook Page.

Venu Fox Redoux with Mike Colwell

Each month Mike Colwell from the Business Innovation Zone, a project of the Greater Des Moines Partnership comes by with a start-up story. Today we visit with Jerod Mollenhaur (and an absent Andrea Hanson - it's her birthday) about the re-launch of Venue Fox.  What is Venue Fox and more about the lunch and learn happening on Wednesday at the Biz Zone. Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only business broadcast in the Des Moines Metro and a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications a full service advertising agency based in Des Moines.  Connect with us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour and, for more fun, here is our Facebook Page.

Don't Screw Up Your Start Up!

So, you've got this idea for a business.  Sure, it's a good one but before you launch some things you should consider so that your start up doesn't get...screwed up.  Here is Sam Kreamer with several tips just for you!Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only business broadcast in the Des Moines Metro and a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications a full service advertising agency based in Des Moines.  Connect with us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour and, for more fun, here is our Facebook Page.

FunnelWise with Matt Ostanik and Mike Colwell

Each month we get a visit from Mike Colwell from the Business Innovation Zone a program of the Greater Des Moines Partnership.  Mike always brings us an interesting guest and topic. Today we visited with Matt Ostanik the founder of FunnelWise. Matt will be appearing at an event this Wednesday at the Biz Zone...but we've got him first.  Here is our conversation:Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only business broadcast in the Des Moines Metro and a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications a full service advertising agency based in Des Moines.  Connect with us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour and, for more fun, here is our Facebook Page.