AmplifIA

Founder of Lola's Fine Hot Sauce Taufeek Shah joins this episode to tell the story of how this generational family recipe transformed into a hot sauce on shelves across the world. Lola is Taufeek's mother, who always had a bottle of delicious homemade hot sauce at the table with every meal. One day in 2015, Taufeek shared a bottle of this special hot sauce with his friends and everyone loved it just as much as his family. They actually loved it so much, they asked if they could buy some. From there, the spark to continue sharing Lola's was born, and Taufeek went from weekends at the local farmer's market to placements in stores all across the country.

Season 2 Episode 10: Elizabeth Erin Designs CEO of Elizabeth Erin Designs Jodi Peterman began her business ownership journey in 2003 with a partner in New Jersey and then not long after in 2007 took over the interior design business. Shortly after that, Jodi’s husband shared he wanted to moved back home to Iowa. So when their family made the big move in 2008, Jodi rebranded to Elizabeth Erin Designs, a combination of her twin daughters’ middle names. Elizabeth Erin Designs has three main sectors, residential interior design, commercial interior design and luxury home staging. They are truly full-service and can meet the needs of any project, no matter how big or small. Head on over to your favorite podcast app to hear this story and the stories of some other really awesome local businesses!  #AmplifIA #AmplifIApodcast #ElizabethErinDesigns #interiordesign #residential #commercial #homestaging #luxurystaging #startups #entrepreneur #DesMoines #podcasts #supportlocal #shoplocal #localbusinesses #smallbusinesses #smallbusinessesdoingbigthings

Founder of Kismet Doula Services Olivia Samples joins this episode to share the story of her rapidly growing and evolving business. Kismet holistically supports people who are pregnant, laboring/birthing, and parenting by combining ancestral and modern, evidence-based techniques to empower families on their journeys. Olivia focuses on working with and empowering people who are black, LGBTQ, low-income, survivors of domestic violence, single parents, and first-time parents. She also has created a conference, Black Kin, which is happening virtually April 11-17th. 

Partner Scott Hoekman joins this episode to tell the story of Next Level Ventures, a venture capital firm located right here in Iowa. Next Level Ventures was founded by Scott, Craig Ibsen, and Duane Harris, and they focus on investing in growing technology companies in Iowa as well as growing fintech companies nationwide. Scott explains the selection process for the businesses they invest in, and what the ongoing relationship is like with the companies in their existing funds. We discuss the innovative technology ideas building right in our backyards! Scott also shares great advice on how to build out a successful business plan all entrepreneurs can take away something from. 

Owner of Candle Bar DSM, Chloe Bratvold, joins this episode to share how she came up with the unique idea of this business and why she took a chance on herself. Not many people can successfully open a new business mid-pandemic, but Chloe has done just that. This beautiful, bright boutique in Valley Junction is filled with the wonderful aroma of 65 different scents you can mix and match to create your own candle. This is the perfect weekend activity, addition to a bachelorette party agenda, or special gift giving idea. Listen in to hear all about this environmentally conscious and community building small business.

Carlos Rojas and Jeff Reed join this episode to tell the story of their businesses Bizlab and Blue Bean. Blue Bean, co-founded by husband and wife Carlos and Ximena Rojas, is a hybrid coffee shop concept with a flexible coworking space. It's truly redefining and blurring the lines of what you typically think of when visiting a coffee shop or going to the office. Similarly, Jeff and Carlos use this same innovation on a daily basis as the co-founders of Bizlab, where their primary focus is business transformation. This dynamic pair of entrepreneurs take us through exactly what this means, and how to get your own dream business off the ground or rejuvenate your current business plan. They also have a passion for helping our community, especially nonprofits, and disrupting education.

Imagine opening the doors of your business shortly before the floods of 1993 and seeing it destroyed by three feet of water. This was the first natural disaster Rick and Stacie Mosley, owners of Rick Mosley Hair, faced well before the 2020 Covid pandemic. Rick has more than four decades of cosmetology experience and has developed one of the most well known brands in the industry. Their success is attributed to lifelong education, staying in tune with trends, great care for their team, and a passion to leave this industry in a better place than they found it. Listen in to hear the full story of why Rick Mosley Hair is one of the most respected salons in the Des Moines area! 

Courtney Reyes joins this episode to share what One Iowa is all about and tell her story of becoming the executive director this past year. Courtney explains what One Iowa is advocating for in support of LGBTQ Iowans, how they are educating Iowans, training healthcare and businesses, and empowering individuals in the LGBTQ community. She also provides tons and tons of tangible, thought-provoking advice on how we can all be more aware and supportive of our LGBTQ community in our everyday lives. You aren't going to want to miss this one, start listening now!

Co-owners Bridget Drendel and Katherine Hutchinson of Project7 are guests this episode to tell their story. These two incredibly creative women started out as good friends, and slowly started working projects together over time before they had a true need to start their own business. Project7 is a whimsical and quirky while simultaneously being fresh and clean with a motto of "do good things." They specialize in developing meaningful brand experiences, whether there's a need for a new logo, website, or social media. P7 delivers an upbeat atmosphere with a passion for giving back to the community - listen in to learn more!

Grit Performance 515 is a side project turned large-scale business for Kacee & Preston West along with Penney Arey who happens to be Kacee's mom. Kacee joins the podcast to share all about this sports performance family business located just south of the Des Moines area in Indianola. Grit specializes in hitting, pitching, catching, and defensive lessons for both softball and baseball in addition to strength and conditioning. They are passionate about their athletes and admirably hold them at the center of every decision they make. Listen in to hear all about how they are educating and coaching at a holistic level.

Zach and Ann Dobeck tell their story of how Kinship Brewing was born and landed in Waukee, IA. Zach's passion is palpable - moving here from Atlanta and building such a strong community in a relatively short period of time is a testament to that. Zach and Ann's vision of creating a place of connection to be the "community cheers" opened the beginning of 2021, but rightly already feels like a community staple. This brewery complete with bright murals done by an Atlanta artist, dog park, beer garden, food concept, and even other alcohol for us gluten-sensitive people, is made to feel like the main event instead of simply a stop during the day. 

The most common question I get asked is - why did I start this podcast? In this short intro to season 2, I share my why. I can't wait for you to hear the startup stories of local businesses this season!If you would like to be featured on a future episode, or know someone who should be, please reach out to me at veronica@amplifiowa.com.

Beacon of Life is a transitional home for women coming out of incarceration, domestic violence, and homelessness. The Executive Director Melissa Vine joins as guest to share the Beacon's story. Melissa has recently taken the role of leading this nonprofit and with her background as a trauma-informed, licensed mental health counselor with many years of experience working with women in crisis, she's a perfect fit. Before that, she has also started, purchased, and sold businesses and speaks with organizations regarding mental health and fostering healthy work environments. We discuss systematic issues with prison, how privilege gives choices, and breaking down limiting beliefs to get through trauma.

Dr. David Robbins, the owner and founder of both Des Moines Plastic Surgery and it’s non-surgical cosmetic center Coachlight Clinic and Spa, joins us as guest for this episode. In 2017, Des Moines Plastic Surgery, which specializes in cosmetic surgical solutions, expanded its services in a brand new location which now houses both businesses. Coachlight Clinic & Spa is the Des Moines area’s destination for beauty and wellness with numerous Best Of Cityview Magazine awards. Dr. Robbins’ vision for Coachlight Plaza that has come to life also includes a salon and a fitness center with room to grow.

After working for corporate America for 10 years, Christina Moffatt decided she was tired of seeing people with no happiness in their day. Her mission became to find what makes people happy. The answer she found? Cupcakes and dessert, which is how Crème Cupcake was founded. Christina was able to combine her management and marketing experience with her culinary skills to take her dream from a home-operated bakery to a commercial kitchen in less than a year. Listen in to hear how Crème pivoted early during the pandemic and continues to be a staple of Des Moines. Christina also has valuable experience helping other small business owners and shares knowledgeable advice. 

Tractor Zoom connects farm equipment auctioneers and buyers in a similar way as Zillow and Car Guru connect buyers to their respective markets. With Tractor Zoom, finding farm equipment at auction has never been so easy. Our guests this episode Kyle McMahon founder/CEO and Zac Sandvig CFO tell their story of how Tractor Zoom has quickly spread to over 440 auctions across 47 states. Additionally, they have recently launched Iron Comps, which is a platform that values agricultural machinery that could be found on Tractor Zoom. 

Marshall Porter the Chief Bacon Officer of the Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival joins as guest to talk about all things bacon. He tells us the full story of how the Bacon Festival started with a small group of his friends and grew to a massive event attracting tens of thousands of people in Des Moines. They have also held festivals in Keystone, Colorado, Reykjavik, Iceland, and Kufu, Japan. This year, hear about how Marshall has pivoted to film still sharing his love of bacon and food with hopes of continuing the Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival in years to come!

Hip-Hope Inc. is a non-profit organization whose mission is to utilize arts and culture to promote, advocate and support Hope wherever symptoms of hopelessness are prevalent. Bo James, the founder and executive director of Hip Hope, joins as our guest this episode. We dig into all of the programming that Hip Hope offers to youth in the Des Moines area, how they connect and gain trust, and how they are incredibly relevant to the current societal and cultural needs of our youth. 

People and relationships are the path to success. That is why Aaron Warner formed ProCircular to prepare and protect organizations from the ever-changing cyber threats that face us every day. Backed by Warner's 22 years as a biotech CIO and CTO, and a top-shelf team of cybersecurity experts, ProCircular helps clients educate and empower their people to become the real initiative against incursions so we all can safely enjoy more of what’s important in life. Listen in to hear what it's like to intentionally hack into businesses to find their cybersecurity gaps and what it's like to deal with ransomware attacks.

Power Life is a healthy lifestyle based yoga and fitness community that started right here in Des Moines and is quickly spreading throughout the Midwest. Annika Peick, the marketing director at Power Life, is the guest on this episode. Her journey from student to trade worker to teacher to studio lead to marketing director is unique because she has witnessed Power Life at nearly every stage. Today, Power Life has grown in 3 geographic markets, 9 locations, and countless lives touched, and Annika has crafted and honed-in Power Life’s brand. Listen in to hear all about how Power Life got started and how they emulate their values through every part of their business. 

The Chief Creative Officer of Oakstone Homes Katelyn Cheek joins as a guest for this episode of the AmplifIA podcast. Oakstone Homes is a family-owned, premier, custom home builder in the Des Moines area. They obsess over every detail of the building process and the quality shines in their signature style. Katelyn shares about the incredibly fast growth, her favorite parts of the building process, and how to become a respected leader. She also authentically shares perspective and advice on being a business owner, new mom, and wife. 

Gabriel Glynn, Co-Founder and CEO of MākuSafe, joins as our guest on this episode of the AmplifIA Podcast. Gabriel's startup journey began over a decade ago and in that time he has experienced several successful exits. Listen in as he shares how MākuSafe has developed a wearable technology and software platform that gathers human motion and environmental data in order to identify risk to labor workers. MākuSafe's wearable device has draw attention from large companies and insurance agencies both right here in the Midwest and all around the world. 

Executive chef Tom McKern of Zombie Burger joins this episode of the AmplifIA podcast to share how the iconic burger joint got started. Famous for it’s inventive flavor combos in a “post apocalyptic chic” setting, Zombie Burger serves fast food with a culinary edge. A GOREmet eatery evoking classic roadside burger stands of the 1970s, the restaurant pairs fresh ingredients with expert preparation. Listen in to hear what’s coming next for this local restaurant as well as the chef’s favorite concoctions. 

Founding Partner John Mickelson of Midwest Growth Partners shares how the idea for MGP was born, what it’s like to run a private equity firm in Iowa, and what services they provide to businesses they work with. MGP manages more than $154 million of committed private capital which is used to facilitate orderly business succession planning transitions, honoring the legacies of past owners and employees in addition to making growth equity investments in quality, growing companies that are managed by great people who share their cultural values.

Nate Yoho, trainer and one of the owners of three CrossFit gym locations in the Des Moines area, has been a lifelong athlete passionate about health and fitness. He was introduced to CrossFit by a former Iowa Hawkeye baseball teammate and CrossFit Games athlete. Nate was on a CrossFit team that won the North Central region and qualified for the CrossFit Games in 2013.  Inspired by the profound experience he had with CrossFit, Nate saw this as an avenue for combining his passion for fitness with helping others and opened CrossFit Merle Hay in the spring of 2013.  His passion for helping others and teaching is the driving force behind what makes CrossFit Merle Hay the open and inviting atmosphere it is today. 

Karri Rose takes us on a journey just 20 minutes outside the city of Des Moines where we are greeted by the beauty of serene Rose Farm, family-owned and lovingly managed by Hobby Farmers Karri and Patrick Rose. The sprawling 25 acres of rolling hills includes a charming barn housing The Shoppe, a magazine cover-worthy greenhouse, gardens full of flowers, and wildlife. The farm is a space for families, community-based lectures and education, and special gatherings.

Chris Biagini, the inventory manager for Raygun, shares what makes Raygun a standout brand in the Midwest. He shares how Mike Draper, the founder of Raygun, went from a one-man t-shirt print shop to a multi-store, multi-state business. We hear exactly how Raygun got the name Raygun. This is a place that is truly proud of it's bold DNA and continually shows up as a consistent and authentic brand in the community.