Start Up Stories

Sequel Architecture in The Small Business Spotlight

We love telling the stories of entrepreneurs and when they launch a new business in the middle of a pandemic...it really becomes special. Meet Steve Wilke-Shapiro who recently launched Sequel Architecture a full service design firm doing business across Iowa. Listen to the thoughtful way Steve approaches each project, some tips on hiring an architect, the story of a 173 year-old building and more.  Meet Steve...in our Small Business Spotlight: 

The Business News Headlines 8 October 2020

Thanks for clicking in for the business news headlines for this the 8th day of October. Here's what we've got for you today:
The price of oil spiked today...thank the hurricane;
Is Wall Street warming up to a Biden win;
The jobless numbers are in and they are troubling;
Startups, Venture Capital and...Race;
Consumer Debt and a surprise;
Some housing data to chew on;
The Wall Street Report;
COVID19 be damned, we're going out to eat!
Those stories plus a conversation about The 21 Day Equity Challenge with Elisabeth Buck the president of the United Way of Central Iowa. But, make no mistake, this isn't only for Iowans but for anybody who wants to gain knowledge about diversity, equity, inclusion and how to discuss those issues with clarity.  To listen, click here.

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! 

Meet Voice Actor Abi Horton

Sometimes, when listening to the radio or television commercial, we forget about the work that goes into making the audio work...just right. Meet voice actor Abi Horton who has the interesting back-story of being raised by an American father and a British mother and is able to work both accents into her career. Here we talk about getting work, working with clients and agencies and the three ways in which voice actors market themselves. Have some fun and meet our newest friend Abi Horton and her website is here. 
The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on Google Play, PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon 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. 
Our Sponsors
AARP-Iowa
National Tractor Parts Dealer Association
Oasis - A Paychex Company
Tero International

If You Like Coffee You'll Love Lokoly with Nicholas Hanstad

We love telling start-up stories and here is one that, for you lovers of coffee, can really get into. Meet Nicholas Hanstad of Lokoly.com. This startup marries small coffee companies with a heavy dose of marketing and gives you the opportunity to experience these small batch roasters in your home, no matter where you live. Think of it as premium coffee and legendary stories. Click through and let's do...coffee. 
The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on Google Play, PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon 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. 
Our Sponsors
AARP-Iowa
National Tractor Parts Dealer Association
Oasis - A Paychex Company
Tero International

Working Remotely: Tools, Tips and Productivity with Laura Kinnard

We're in a new world where people are learning to work remotely, startups trying to gain traction and how are we to measure productivity? With me is Laura Kinnard from Drake University, DMACC and The Runway Innovation Studio with thoughts about working outside of the office. Many have done this for years but for some it is new ground. Listen in and thanks for coming by. 
The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday, hour-long business podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on Google Play, PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday at 2pm 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. 
Our Sponsors
AARP-Iowa
National Tractor Parts Dealer Association
Oasis - A Paychex Company
Tero International

Business Events with Laura Kinnard

Drop in as Laura Kinnard from DMBizMixer.com talks up some business events in the Greater Des Moines Metro and a nod to Sioux Falls. Hey, it's what we do each Monday. Here you'll learn about a legal program for small businesses, One Million Cups of DSM, an update on the event last week at The Runway Innovation and Events Studio at Southridge and many more business events in the Metro. Go, learn and get connected. 
The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday, hour-long business podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on Google Play, PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday at 2pm 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. 
Our Sponsors
AARP-Iowa
National Tractor Parts Dealer Association
Oasis - A Paychex Company
Tero International

Business Events in Des Moines with Laura Kinnard

Each week Laura Kinnard joins us to chat it up about business events in the Greater Des Moines Metro and she's got quite a list.  Laura has the business events blog DMBizMixer.com and teaches at Drake University as well as the Des Moines Area Community College. PLUS she is the primary at The Runway Innovation and Events Studio at Southridge. 
The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday, hour-long business podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on Google Play, PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday at 2pm 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. 
Our Sponsors
AARP-Iowa
National Tractor Parts Dealer Association
Oasis - A Paychex Company
Tero International

The Business News Headlines 6 February 2020

Three things moved the markets higher today: China, Earnings and the Economics of the U.S.A. Here's what we've got for you today:
Cue Billy Joel - We've got the top 10 states where people are "Movin' Out";
A Blue Collar Boom?  Really?  We looked;
The Wall Street Report
Need a job? Amazon needs 15,000 workers;
Those "job hopping kids"!  Not so fast.
Those stories plus a new media story: Well known for her work covering politics in Iowa for the Des Moines Register Kathie Obradovich has moved on to a new challenge. Kathie is now the Editor-in-Chief for the new Iowa Capital Dispatch which carries the tagline: "Community Journalism for Democracy". Here we talk about that transition, where this idea started, who is in play and how fast it's spreading. Plus we'll chat a bit about Iowa politics and why transparency is so important in these days when trust is such a factor. Here is that interview.
Thanks for listening! 

The Business News Headlines 4 February 2020

Trade issues? What trade issues? Coronavirus? What coronavirus? It's the business news headlines for Tuesday the 4th of February.  Here's what we have on tap:
Tesla's stock up by 40% in TWO days;
The link between oil, gas and coronavirus;
The Wall Street Report;
Visa is changing "swipe" fees;
Middle Class Renters...in trouble;
Macy's is closing more stores;
Yet, this retail chain is opening up many more.
Those stories plus Sam Reed, who owns the startup Leap Here, joins me to talk about the Black & Gold Ball that takes place later this month. It's a great time for a great cause. Love for you to join us and attend. Here is the link for tickets.  See you on the 22nd and congratulations to the young people who will be honored that evening. Here is that link for the conversation. 
Thanks for listening!