Building In A Small Town

Hi Friends! Welcome back to Building in a Small Town. My guests today are Brenda & Neal Schwager of JB Knacker/Gin & Tarnish on Main Street in Jewell. Brenda is an O.G. in the junkin and repurposing industry. You’ll hear all about how the business was born out of necessity and has morphed to fit their lives over the years. She is FULL of knowledge & experience. I really enjoyed this episode, and I know you will too. A quick note to say, the audio quality of this episode isn’t up to my usual standard - needless to say, the long break has left me rusty. I’m not sure what happened, but the mic track for Brenda’s mic is silent. Thankfully, the other mics were able to pick up what she said, but it might be harder to hear than normal. I’ll be troubleshooting before the next episode is recorded. Please don’t let my screw up keep you from listening to this episode - it’s fully of nuggets! Before we get into the episode, I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you for listening and ask you to make sure that you’re subscribed on whatever your listening platform. I recently heard a wild statistic that over 50% of podcast listeners start listening to a new podcast after being recommended by a friend. On that note, could you share this show with someone that might enjoy it? It’s a simple, free way to help support the show.

Hi Friends! Welcome back to Building in a Small Town. My guests today are Mollie & Josh Boersma. They are the owners of The Milford Schoolhouse on the outskirts of Ames. In this episode, you’ll find out who started their first business when they were 10 years old, what it was like to walk away from the schoolhouse 3 times, and what their plans are for 27,000 square feet of one-of-a-kind space. I really enjoyed this conversation, and I know you will too. Before we get into the episode, I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you for listening and ask you to make sure that you’re subscribed on whatever your listening platform. I recently heard a wild statistic that over 50% of podcast listeners start listening to a new podcast after being recommended by a friend. On that note, could you share this show with someone that might enjoy it? It’s a simple, free way to help support the show. Learn more about The Milford Schoolhouse: Website: https://www.themilfordschoolhouse.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/milfordschoolhouse Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themilfordschoolhouse/ AirBnB: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1157324431400128259?guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=148a9250-1be2-41a6-983d-e45db9e9c3c1

Hi Friends! Welcome back to Building in a Small Town. My guest today is Hanna Nuss of Denver, Iowa. Hanna is the founder of Local - which I would call a movement more so than just a business. She is a dedicated author, speaker, and social entrepreneur. Starting her journey with a personal journal podcast, she transformed her passion for storytelling into two impactful books and a mission to uplift and empower small towns. Hanna & I probably could have gone on for a few hours and I definitely see recording more episodes in our future. I really enjoyed this conversation and I know you will too.. Before we get into the episode, I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you for listening and ask you to make sure that you’re subscribed on whatever your listening platform. I recently heard a wild statistic that over 50% of podcast listeners start listening to a new podcast after being recommended by a friend. On that note, could you share this show with someone that might enjoy it? It’s a simple, free way to help support the show.

Hi Friends! Welcome back to Building in a Small Town. My guest today is Robin Bostrom. Robin is the Director of Empower Rural Iowa, a program housed within the Iowa Economic Development Authority. Robin was born & raised in Hawkeye and still resides in rural northeastern Iowa. You’ll hear about her time running a rural independent grocery store & how she started looking at data before it was cool, How she got into economic development, and details about grant programs that have just launched for Empower Rural Iowa. Stay tuned until the end of the episode to find out what her side hustle is! Before we get into the episode, I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you for listening and ask you to make sure that you’re subscribed on whatever your listening platform. I recently heard a wild statistic that over 50% of podcast listeners start listening to a new podcast after being recommended it by a friend. On that note, could you share this show with someone that might enjoy it? It’s a simple, free way to help support the show. A special reminder that my next adventure, The Back Yard is opening September 27th, 28th, & 29th. I’m excited to be a stop on the map for the 2024 Fall Central Iowa Junk Jaunt. Come check out the shop & the beautiful back space that is being landscaped by my husband while I record this. Hope to see you there!

It's another husband and wife special! We update you on the crime situation in Collins, tell you about a recent land acquisition, and the upcoming opening for The Back Yard.

Hear the story of us waking up to our loaded truck and trailer missing. We still can't believe it happened, but we're glad it's mostly taken care of. Thanks for listening!

Hi Friends! Welcome back to Building in a Small Town. It’s been a little while since I stepped away for a bit of a summer break, but we’re back in action! Today is a quick episode with a very special guest - Senator Joni Ernst. I first connected with someone from her staff back in May when I was in DC for a Meta event. That staffer thought she would be a great fit for the podcast and I absolutely agreed! I was finally able to catch up with her at her 2nd Annual Entrepreneur Expo at the Memorial Union at Iowa State. Special thank you to Grace for finding some time in the schedule for me to sit down with Senator Ernst for a conversation. I really enjoyed it and I think you will too. Before we get into the episode, I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you for listening and ask you to make sure that you’re subscribed on whatever your listening platform. While you’re at it, if you could also drop a quick rating and review, that’s a simple, free way to support the show and It helps others find the show. Thank you again and let’s get into it!

I have some pretty big news: I'm no longer The Cricket Lady. Listen for the deets.

Hi Friends! Welcome back to Building in a Small Town. My guests today are Joan & Grant Fairchild of Gravy Home Goods in Jewell, Iowa (1,187). Gravy Home Goods is a brick & mortar shop on Main Street in Jewell. It’s full of vintage, new, repurposed, upcycled, fun, eclectic home items ranging from custom built barnwood tables to sassy textiles and everything in between. In this episode, you’ll learn how Joan got her start with her Old Lady Stucco pop-ups, how a conversation over a cup of coffee turned into buying a main street building, and how they’ve been able to collaborate around the region to grow their business. I really enjoyed this conversation, and I know you will too! Learn more about Gravy Home Goods: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gravyhomegoods/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gravyhomegoods.jewell Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/gravyhomegoods/ Central Iowa Junk Jaunt: https://www.centraliowajunkjaunt.com/

My guest today is Susan Frantz the owner & head brewer at Fenceline Beer Lab in Huxley, Iowa. Fenceline Beer Lab is a nano-brewery and they want you to Meet your neighbor at your fenceline. They have a rotating lineup of beers brewed in-house and some PHENOMENAL eats that incorporates those beers. I 10/10 recommend their sourdough pretzels with the mustard sauce. You wont regret it! This episode was a first as it required a pause for an unexpected equipment delivery. Not going to lie, the whole thing threw me off my game a bit, but opened a cool conversation about being underestimated as a woman. I really enjoyed this conversation and if you’re in central Iowa, PLEASE make sure you stop in and give Fenceline a try! Learn more about Fenceline: https://www.fencelinebeerlab.com/ https://www.facebook.com/FencelineBeer https://www.instagram.com/fencelinebeer/ Learn more about Friends of Huxley: https://www.instagram.com/friendsofhuxley/ https://www.facebook.com/friendsofhuxley https://friendsofhuxley.org/

My guest today is George LaCava of Nevada Barbell. Nevada Barbell is where fitness is approachable with  power Lifting, Olympic Weightlifting, and everything in between. In this episode, you’ll learn about George’s career in the Air Force that took him around the world, his brief stint as a trained meat cutter and butcher shop owner, and his unexpected and unintentional journey into gym ownership. I feel like there is a ton of ground we didn’t cover, but I really enjoyed this conversation and I know you will too. Learn more about Nevada Barbell: https://www.nevadabarbell.com/ https://www.instagram.com/nevadabarbell/ https://www.facebook.com/nevadaiabarbell

Matt Cleverly is the owner of Gotcha Amusements, a traveling carnival. He is based out of Collins, Iowa. Matt is born and raised in Ames, IA were he started at a young age building and fixing things. After high school, he dabbled in the construction industry, before becoming a mechanic for Honda. After that, he started working for the Ames School district in the custodial/maintenance department. While working for the school, he began working for an inflatables company in Ames, which led to him buying his first set of laser tag equipment. The rest is history. For more info about Gotcha Amusements: https://gotchagamesiowa.com/

My guest today is Shelly Greving of Em3rge Marketing Solutions. That’s her main project, but you’ll hear that it’s far from her only endeavor. During the episode, you’ll hear what it was like trying to find a job after the early 2000’s tech bubble burst, what a turtle has to do with the beginnings of Shelly’s business, and why there’s a 3 stuck in the middle of her business’s name. Shelly is a true champion of community and is as hands on as they come. Her impact is far and wide and will continue to grow as her business evolves. This is my longest recording so far and is JAM PACKED with insights and actions. Learn more about all of her projects here: Em3rge: https://www.em3rgemarketing.com/ Ignite Be the Light: https://ignitebethelight.com/ Evolution of the Heartland: https://www.evolutionoftheheartland.com/ https://www.facebook.com/evolutionoftheheartland https://www.instagram.com/evolutionoftheheartland/

My guest today is Liesl Seabert from the UNI Institute for Decision Making. Liesl is a serial public servant with a focus on planning & economic development. In this episode, you’ll learn how a Florida girl has fallen in love with all things Rural Iowa, what it’s like to help shape and implement multiple statewide programs simultaneously, and how important leadership is, especially when it comes to rural. I really enjoyed this conversation and really really appreciate Liesl’s passion & enthusiasm when it comes to the wealth of possibilities in Rural America. Check out Liesl's Instagram dedicated to her love for rural Iowa: http://www.instagram.com/lets.talk.rural.iowa

Hi Friends! Welcome back to Building in a Small Town. My guest today is Amanda Severson. Amanda is one half of the husband and wife duo behind Grand View Beef out of Clarion, Iowa. In this episode, you’ll hear how Amanda originally dreamed of a career in professional sports, how she went from a small town in Washington state to a small town in Iowa, and how social media has changed their business. I really enjoyed this conversation, and I know you will too Here's the story of Grand View beef in their own words: "Knute was raised on a century family farm in Iowa and had big dreams to work for a sports team. Amanda grew up in Washington State with no ag experience and also dreamed of working for a sports team. Our paths led us to the Seattle Seahawks, where we both interned during the 2015-2016 season. Cue falling in love, long distance, and the true definition of the saying “If you want to hear God laugh, tell him your plans.” Knute realized he didn’t like the city and moved home to start a beef business. Amanda realized she loved Knute and moved to Iowa. We married in 2017 and moved into Knute’s great-grandfather’s home on the farm. In May 2020, we welcomed our son, Harbor Jack to the crew. In September 2022, our daughter Luella Lova arrived.We are blessed God has given us the opportunity to live this life together. We’re grateful we get to share a piece of that with you through Grand View Beef." To learn more about Amanda and Grand View Beef: Website: https://grandviewbeef.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grandviewbeef/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GrandViewBeef

Brett Comegys is the Mayor of Collins and a big reason that Willie & I landed in this little tiny town (pop 498). Brett is a veteran, serving several years in the Marine Corp. He is currently an 8th grade social studies teacher in the Marshalltown School district and a major history buff. Brett's wife, Jenny, is a lifelong Collins resident. Over a decade ago Brett decided to run for mayor after he felt a negative trajectory had overtaken the town. He wanted a positive place for his kids to grow up, so he decided to do something about it. Brett is proof that one person can be the catalyst for major change. I really enjoyed this conversation and I think you will too. Find a few of Brett's current ventures and past projects here" Collins AirBnB: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/44865441?guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=8fae642a-5b71-4b1e-833d-1c17d7627b21 A Teacher's Journey: https://a.co/d/7tYPKWe

Billie Asmus is an entrepreneur & inventor based in Hampton, IA (pop 4,295). She's the founder of Repaint Studios and the inventor of the Repaint Tray. Here's Billie's story in her own words: "In 2021, I had a small business refinishing and refurbishing furniture in my tiny basement studio. I quickly noticed the constant waste I was going through with plastic paint tray liners and knew it wasn't sustainable. Naturally, I went to Amazon and Google to find a reusable paint tray and much to my surprise, nothing showed up. So, then what? It was like a spark went off in my head and I decided to jump on this opportunity that I felt like landed in my lap. I filed my patent for the Repaint Tray, and that's when the journey began." Learn more about the Repaint Tray: Website: https://repaintstudios.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/repaint_tray/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RepaintTray TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_repaintlady

Ross Naylor is the Co-Founder of Renomads, a design, construction, and handyman services firm based in Cambridge, IA (pop 827). Ross played college football with my husband at Wartburg College in Waverly, IA before heading off on an international adventure with his younger brother, Seth. Here's Ross's bio from the Renomads site: " Ross Naylor graduated college with an extensive structural understanding. Although he liked numbers, he went back to what he loved, working with his hands, framing new homes. After a year contracting jobs in Australia, he co-founded Renomads LLC. Ross excels in his ability to visualize a project. Aside from his management roles, he works with clients to design and estimate their projects. He has always had a passion for the building trades and the people who devote their lives to it." To learn more about Renomads: Website: http://renomads.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/renomadsllc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renomads_thetravelingtradesmen/

Mel & Russ Terhaar are the husband & wife team behind The Clean Machine & Public House 421 based in Slater, IA (pop 1,588). Here's more about them in their own words: " The Clean Machine, LLC was formed in the spring of 2008 by Russ and Mel Terhaar. Russ's carpet cleaning experience began in 1999 in Charlotte, NC and continued over the years in New York, Colorado, and Montana. Tens of thousands of residential and commercial customers have been served over the years. In 2008, the adventure of carpet cleaning in Iowa would begin. Russ and Mel both have a real passion for customer service and care for their customers. They also love the idea of maintaining control of a small service intensive business.   At the close of 2019, the Terhaar family moved to Main Street in Slater. The commercial space they found is incredibly unique and has everything they were dreaming of in order to take the service experience to the next level. Russ and Mel are embracing this new space as an opportunity to better deliver "Carpet Cleaning and Beyond” to the Ballard community and to the larger communities of Ames and Ankeny. Over the years The Clean Machine has earned the trust of clients as "far out" from Slater as Clive and Waukee. Of all the places Russ has had the opportunity to clean, he would say that central Iowa is his favorite and he and Mel couldn't be more excited about this new chapter for their family and business!" I REALLY enjoyed getting to know this couple and love what they've built do far. To learn more: The Clean Machine: website: https://www.thegreatcleanmachine.com/ facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegreatcleanmachine instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecleanmachineofiowa/ Public House 421 facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100081554474253 instagram: https://www.instagram.com/publichouse421/

Aaron Johnson is the founder of Joygrow, a gourmet mushroom farm out of Cambridge, IA (pop 844). After losing his job on a Friday in 2015, Aaron vowed to never be in that position again. He took to the interwebs and learned about growing mushrooms. As a self-proclaimed science nerd, he took to the process like a duck to water. Over the years he's expanded his customer base, varieties offered, and grow space. I really enjoyed this conversation and I think you will too. If you want to keep up with Aaron/Joygrow: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Joygrowmushrooms Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joygrow/