On Point Strategic Group Podcast

Dawn Bowlus, director of the Jacobson Institute for Youth Entrepreneurship at The University of Iowa. Dawn discusses how the institute develops the entrepreneurial mind set, builds innovation and creativity skills in the youth to be the entrepreneurs and innovators of the future. The institute is getting young people geared up and educated on entrepreneurship, that […]

Justin Erickson, owner of Community Venture Network based in Bloomington, MN a suburb of the Twin Cities, talks about the unique method in which his business connects rural economic development efforts with entrepreneurs who are in need of assistance. Justin has a proven method of increasing deal flow to communities as well as speeding the […]

Chuck Long, former Hawkeye stand out and new CEO of the Iowa Sports Foundation. Chuck talks about his new role as CEO at the foundation and some of the upcoming activities that the foundation will be hosting. One of those activities is the Live Healthy Iowa 10 Week Wellness Challenge. Last year 248,000 individuals took […]

Jack McDonald, Program Director for Executive MBA Program at Walden University and an independent consultant. Jack talks about how much more accessible information is in today’s world; which allows for entrepreneurs to make better decisions. He also touches on some things to know and think about for entrepreneurs who are launching a new product. Jack […]

Mike Hofman, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce in Orange City, Iowa. Orange City is a small town of 6,000 in Northwest, Iowa. Mike touches a little bit on how he ended up in Orange City and how he landed his current job for the Chamber of Commerce. One of the latest projects that […]

Bob Wersen, Owner of Tassel Ridge Winery and Interpower. Bob talks to us about his business history, his life journey and how he ended up where he is today. He talks about his passion in the wine industry, how it came about and how he balances time between the winery and Interpower.

Max Farrell, Member of the Business Development at Dwolla. In our interview we learn what Dwolla is and the purpose behind Dwolla. We hear about how Dwolla got started and some of the struggles that were faced when starting up the business. Max also explains to us how and why Dwolla came about.

Joe Conover, Lakes Market President at Northwest Bank in the Iowa Great Lakes area. Joe talks to us and goes into detail about the strategic discussions that happen when deciding to purchase and expand a business.

Wade Steenhoek, Director of the Martin Heerema Entrepreneurship Program at Central College in Pella, Iowa. Wade touches base on the state of entrepreneurship in our country and in the state of Iowa; specifically relating towards 19 to 22 year old students. Wade also talks to us about how he ended up at Central College and […]

Joe Carey, Team Member at Carey’s Electronics in Spencer, Iowa. Joe talks about the history of Carey’s Electronics, what all Carey’s can do for you in the electronics area and the product they sell; which includes vinyl records. Joe also talks about the new product called Sonos; which is an internet based music distribution system.

Eric Johnson, Information Technology Director for The Merrill Company in Spencer, Iowa. Eric touches on The Merrill Company and how it is the warehouse to Arnold Motor Supply, which is the 14th largest auto parts chain in the United States. Eric also talks to us about writing his e-book; You build a Business with People […]

Marc Morehouse, Sports Writer for the Cedar Rapids Gazette talks about how social media and new media technology has changed the newspaper industry.

Mike Ralston, President of the Association of Business and Industry in Iowa, discusses the approach he used in leading the turnaround of ABI. Mike systematically describes the leadership assessment tools he implemented for accountability and growth.

Jolene Rogers, the Executive Director of Business and Community Relations, at Iowa Lakes Community College discusses her role and the colleges role in Economic Development. She discusses grant funding available for businesses, training sessions for businesses, as well as identifying employee challenges in the workplace.

The Journey of Jason Wilfawn from employee to business owner and how he leveraged his network along the way.