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  • Building products people touch (and having fun doing it) with Derek Brooks

    Building products people touch (and having fun doing it) with Derek Brooks
    Mar 24 2026

    Des Moines-based technologist and builder, Derek Brooks has a career that spans Fortune 100 roles, scrappy startups, and high-stakes political tech for the Obama campaign. Broox, as his friends know him, traces his path from growing up in eastern Iowa and discovering software at Cornell College to early work at Pioneer (now Corteva), a pivotal stint at Red 5 Interactive, and becoming a remote engineer before it was cool.

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    Brooks shares inside stories from the Obama 2012 campaign—building integrations and the high-pressure Call Tool used for millions of voter contacts—and how that experience led to a post-campaign startup in "contextual commerce" that was acquired by PayPal. He pulls back the curtain on acquisition realities, his time across PayPal/Braintree/Venmo, and why seeing products people actually touch fuels his work.

    Chapters:
    00:00 - Meet Derek Brooks
    01:57 - Midwest Roots to Remote Work
    05:00 - Obama Campaign to PayPal
    16:06 - Early Web Hustles
    17:34 - Sabbatical Reset
    20:12 - Rocket AI Advice
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    33 Min.
  • Building Siouxland's Startup Ecosystem with Anastasia Williams (Iowa's West Coast Initiative)

    Building Siouxland's Startup Ecosystem with Anastasia Williams (Iowa's West Coast Initiative)
    Mar 17 2026

    Host Kaylee welcomes Anastasia Williams, the entrepreneurial community navigator at Iowa's West Coast Initiative, for a candid look at building a rural startup ecosystem across Monona, Plymouth, and Woodbury counties. Anastasia describes her "concierge" role connecting founders to resources, and how she's catalyzing a grassroots, founder-led community that now meets weekly to share roadblocks, surface values, and co-design support. They spotlight impressive student pitches at Morningside—supercharged by AI—and unpack West Coast Iowa's unique challenges: dispersed geography, tight-knit dynamics, and the need to lean into local strengths rather than copy larger hubs. Anastasia discusses integrating college talent, addressing brain drain through holistic community building (schools, wages, amenities), and draws inspiration from Norfolk, Nebraska's comprehensive retention playbook.

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    Anastasia also shares her entrepreneurial journey—from a dog bakery and tutoring company to a yarn venture—where she discovered a passion for relationship marketing and collective success. Her core advice for rural founders: don't be your own labor. Prioritize revenue-generating hires, partner creatively, and consider bartering expertise within the founder network to offload key functions. Most of all, come out of the "basement"—community is a force multiplier. To connect, learn about events, or get involved, visit iawestcoast.com (and find Anastasia out in the ecosystem).
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    32 Min.
  • Inside ISU's Startup Continuum: From Startup Factory to Iowa G2M with Hannah Kirkendall

    Inside ISU's Startup Continuum: From Startup Factory to Iowa G2M with Hannah Kirkendall
    Mar 10 2026
    Host Kaylee Williams welcomes ISU Startup Continuum program manager Hannah Kirkendall to the Iowa Tech Podcast from the Jethro's Barbecue Studio (yes, the giant Jethro cutout still looms). Hannah breaks down ISU's "continuum" of founder support under the Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship: the ISU Startup Factory (an incubator focused on commercialization plans and milestone mapping), the ISU Venture Mentoring Service (team-based mentorship modeled on MIT's VMS with mutual opt-in mentor teams), and the Iowa Go-to-Market Accelerator (G2M), a tailored, cohort-based program helping companies tighten messaging, pitches, finances, and either land first revenue or raise initial capital. The programs are industry-agnostic but tech-enabled and scalable by design; they're open to any Iowa startup (no ISU affiliation required), are delivered almost entirely virtually, and are free—founders invest time and effort rather than cash or equity. Key timelines: Startup Factory cohorts align with semesters (next starts in early August), VMS onboards on a rolling basis, and G2M runs two six-month cohorts annually (next starting mid-April, then October), in partnership with VentureNet Iowa and BioConnect Iowa. 💡 Find this show on your favorite player: https://iowapodcast.com/ISU-startup-continuum-program 🗞️ Be first to get new interviews: https://iowapodcast.com/subscribe/ 🐖 Get a free $30 gift card from Jethro's BBQ: https://iowapodcast.com/jethrosbbq Hannah shares her path from nonprofit development in Portland to Techstars Iowa and Techstars Anywhere, then home to Iowa to help build founder-focused programs. She highlights trends like AI permeating new solutions and exciting deep-tech from ISU in materials and battery technology, while celebrating Iowa's collaborative culture—founders paying it forward and programs coordinating behind the scenes. Her advice to early-stage founders: be candid about what you don't know, ask for help, and engage—"you get out what you put in." Links to apply and connect with Hannah are in the show notes, and there may still be time for founders ready to jump into the upcoming G2M cohort. Chapters: 00:00 - Welcome and Introduction 00:56 - Startup Continuum Overview 01:58 - How Programs Progress 03:36 - Venture Mentoring Model 05:28 - Who Can Participate 07:27 - Standout Startup Tech 08:51 - Go To Market Accelerator 10:54 - Program Cost and Equity 11:28 - Virtual Pivot and Reach 12:08 - Applications and Key Dates 13:41 - Hannahs Startup Journey 15:42 - Skills from Nonprofit Work 16:15 - Trends AI and Founder Culture 18:13 - Wrap up and Closing
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    21 Min.
  • Building Rural Iowa's Startup Ecosystem: Iowa SBDC's Kelly Prickett on Community Colleges, Venture School, and AI

    Building Rural Iowa's Startup Ecosystem: Iowa SBDC's Kelly Prickett on Community Colleges, Venture School, and AI
    Mar 3 2026

    On this episode of the Iowa Tech Podcast, host Kaylee welcomes Kelly Prickett, Regional SBDC Director and Director of Economic Development and Entrepreneurship at Indian Hills Community College. Kelly shares her winding path through tourism, Main Street, and higher ed, and how her blended role lets her build rural entrepreneurial ecosystems across 10 southeast Iowa counties. She explains how SBDCs provide no-cost, one-on-one counseling across the entire business lifecycle—formation, growth, and exit—and how Iowa's 15-center network shares specialists to help with everything from marketing plans to QuickBooks and business valuations amid the "silver tsunami" of retirements. Kelly spotlights the vital role of community colleges in workforce development, citing real outcomes like CNC Machinery's growth from a small shop to 180 employees, and underscores how rural Main Street businesses create the culture and heartbeat of their communities.

    💡 Find this show on your favorite player: https://iowapodcast.com/rural-entrepreneurial-ecosystems

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    Kelly and Kaylee dig into the distinct challenges and opportunities of rural entrepreneurship: trusted relationships, the power of connectors, and the need to find real customers—not just friendly compliments. Kelly helped bring University of Iowa's battle-tested Venture School to Ottumwa—the first rural cohort outside the Pappajohn Centers—pairing five startups with nine local mentors to deepen customer discovery and sharpen their pitches. They discuss AI's rapid evolution, SBDC's new AI-certified counseling, and how rural founders can leverage tools while keeping "human in the loop." Kelly sees promising student-led innovation (including AI-assisted "vibe coding") and urges founders to share their ideas, ask for help, and define success on their own terms. Her closing message: don't be afraid to reach out, explore your idea, and tap Iowa's uniquely supportive network. To connect with Kelly or your local center, visit iowasbdc.org and request counseling (she's at the Ottumwa/Indian Hills location).

    Chapters:

    00:00 - Welcome and Introduction

    00:24 - Kelly's Iowa Career Path

    01:40 - Inside the SBDC Role

    03:33 - Why Rural Entrepreneurs Matter

    06:26 - Common Small Business Challenges

    08:14 - Main Street vs High Growth Startups

    09:50 - How the SBDC Network Helps

    13:02 - Community Colleges and Workforce Impact

    15:48 - Defining Success for Founders

    18:22 - Venture School in Rural Iowa

    20:00 - Pitch Anywhere Anytime

    20:44 - Venture School Basics

    21:12 - Bringing It Rural

    21:55 - Cohort Mentors Network

    22:22 - Real Customer Discovery

    24:11 - First Cohort Results

    26:29 - AI Counselor Training

    28:49 - Vibe Coding In Rural

    32:26 - Advice And Resources

    35:04 - Human Soul Over AI

    37:19 - Wrap Up and Conclusion
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    39 Min.
  • Scaleup in Iowa: Inside the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program with Jacki Bolt

    Scaleup in Iowa: Inside the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program with Jacki Bolt
    Feb 24 2026
    Host Kaylee Williams sits down with Jacki Bolt, executive director of Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses in Iowa, to unpack how the free, 12‑week hybrid program helps established small businesses scale. Jacki shares her path from business education to leading the statewide initiative, which focuses on growth through new markets, products, or services—not "more of the same." She details eligibility (roughly two years in business, at least two employees including the owner, and $75,000+ in annual revenue), the hybrid format with kickoff and finale in Des Moines, and the program's strong outcomes: about 66% of graduates increase revenue and 40% add jobs within six months, while roughly 98% end up doing business together. The program spans all industries and nonprofits—think restaurants to manufacturers to tech—and prides itself on statewide reach, with most cohorts drawing heavily from outside the Des Moines metro and potential expansion to the Quad Cities and Omaha on the horizon. 💡 Find this show on your favorite player: https://iowapodcast.com/10000-small-businesses-program/ 🗞️ Be first to get new interviews: https://iowapodcast.com/subscribe/ 🐖 Get a free $30 gift card from Jethro's BBQ: https://iowapodcast.com/jethrosbbq Jacki also spotlights the engine behind the results: a 15‑person team, including seasoned business advisors and subject‑matter faculty, plus a highly engaged alumni network. While there's no direct funding (despite the name), participants gain a repeatable playbook for evaluating growth opportunities and de‑risking decisions—sometimes deciding not to pursue an idea after running the numbers, which can be a win. The commitment is real—10–12 hours per week for 12 weeks—and you only get one shot per business, so timing matters. With two cohorts annually (spring and fall), applications for the fall cohort are open now with a June 1 deadline for initial eligibility. Beyond the curriculum, the episode celebrates Iowa's collaborative small‑business spirit—turning isolation into connection and competition into partnerships. Chapters: 00:00 - Welcome and Guest Intro 00:29 - Jackie's Career Path 01:58 - Program Overview and Eligibility 03:40 - Growth Plans and Playbook 05:35 - Who Joins the Program 07:19 - Measuring Success Metrics 10:01 - What Makes Iowa Unique 12:18 - Cohort Experience and Commitment 13:28 - Meet the Team Behind It 15:49 - Networking and Alumni Collaboration 16:58 - How to Apply and Timing 18:54 - Why It's Called 10000 19:50 - Final Thoughts and Wrap Up
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    23 Min.
  • Insurance in an Era of Possibilities: Julie Pearce on the Global Insurance Symposium

    Insurance in an Era of Possibilities: Julie Pearce on the Global Insurance Symposium
    Feb 17 2026
    In this episode of the Iowa Tech Podcast, host Kaylee welcomes Julie Pearce, co-chair of the 12th Global Insurance Symposium, to preview this year's event happening April 14–15 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines. With the theme "Insurance in an Era of Possibilities," Julie shares how the program is designed by industry executives for industry professionals, balancing cutting-edge innovation with real-world priorities across P&C, life and health, risk management, and reinsurance. Expect deep dives into AI's impact on talent and operations, global regulatory perspectives (including digital assets and payments), and a must-see CEO panel moderated by Terri Vaughan. The symposium has evolved into a focused, day-and-a-half format that maximizes high-value networking with more than 500 executives and regulators from Iowa and around the world. 💡 Find this show on your favorite player: https://iowapodcast.com/global-insurance-symposium/ 🗞️ Be first to get new interviews: https://iowapodcast.com/subscribe/ 🐖 Get a free $30 gift card from Jethro's BBQ: https://iowapodcast.com/jethrosbbq Julie also spotlights two signature features: the Future of Insurance Showcase on day one—where startups deliver three-minute pitches, meet decision-makers at dedicated tables, and compete for Best in Show—and the Global Insurance Accelerator cohort's demo day on day two. Beyond founders, the event is a strong fit for young and mid-career insurance professionals, with programming shaped directly by carriers and brokers to address timely topics like bolt-on products and private credit. A Student Case Competition brings fresh thinking from universities nationwide, reinforcing the symposium's role in talent and ecosystem development. Tickets, sponsorships, and Showcase applications are available on the GIS website; innovators and sponsors can also connect with co-chair Cory McAnelly of Principal Financial Group. Chapters: 00:00 - Welcome + Meet GIS Co-Chair Julie Pierce 01:10 - What is the Global Insurance Symposium (Dates, Scale, Theme) 01:54 - AI & Talent: How Tech Is Reshaping Insurance Work 02:59 - Global Insurance Accelerator: The 100-Day Program & Startup Pitches 04:29 - Future of Insurance Showcase: 3-Minute Pitches, Tables & Best-in-Show 06:38 - Julie's Background + Why GIS Hits the Sweet Spot for Networking 08:38 - Big 2026 Agenda: Stablecoins, Reinsurance, and the CEO Panel 10:35 - How to Network, Register, and Who Should Attend 13:32 - Panels for Every Insurance Track + A Customer-Driven Planning Committee 16:24 - Why GIS Works 17:29 - How to Get Involved: Tickets, Showcases, and Sponsorships 19:48 - Julie's Iowa Roots & Why Insurance Matters to Consumers 23:19 - How GIS Evolved 25:34 - Student Case Competition & Gen Z Ideas Shaping the Future 27:48 - Closing
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    30 Min.
  • Inhalable, Room-Temp, Needle-Free: Immuno‑Nanomed's Vaccine Moonshot

    Inhalable, Room-Temp, Needle-Free: Immuno‑Nanomed's Vaccine Moonshot
    Feb 10 2026
    On this episode of the Iowa Tech Podcast, host Kaylee sits down with Dr. Balaji Narasimhan, CEO and founder of ImmunoNanoMed, to explore a moonshot innovation: a dry-powder, needle-free vaccine platform called "powder wax" that's inhaled through the nose. Balaji explains how their particle-based technology could deliver stronger, faster mucosal immunity right where respiratory pathogens take hold, improve protection against variants, and eliminate the cold chain—potentially slashing costs and enabling at-home, self-administered vaccination. He also shares how the platform could multiplex vaccines (think flu, RSV, COVID, pneumonia) and extend to companion animals and even livestock and poultry via mass-vaccination approaches, with an eye toward DIVA compatibility and safeguarding human health supply chains. 💡 Find this show on your favorite player: https://iowapodcast.com/immunonanomed... 🗞️ Be first to get new interviews: https://iowapodcast.com/subscribe/ 🐖 Get a free $30 gift card from Jethro's BBQ: https://iowapodcast.com/jethrosbbq Balaji traces the technology's origins to a Seahawk collaboration between Iowa State University and the University of Iowa, then details ImmunoNanoMed's path from lab success to commercialization: building a cross-functional team, partnering with CROs to get FDA-ready, pursuing scalable, high-quality manufacturing, and engaging potential big-pharma partners—all targeted over the next 6–18 months. He reflects on Iowa's innovation ecosystem (Startup Factory, I-Corps, IEDA, InnoVenture) and why he's committed to proving world-class health tech can emerge from the Midwest. The episode closes with personal notes on mentors, teamwork, and family, plus a call for collaborators. Learn more or get in touch at immunonanomed.com. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:01 Immuno Ed's Innovative Vaccine Technology 02:14 Advantages of Powder Wax Technology 04:18 Potential Applications and Impact 07:25 Journey and Collaborations 15:39 Challenges and Future Steps 18:30 Why Iowa? 22:04 Personal Inspirations and Family 25:04 Conclusion and Contact Information
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    27 Min.
  • Uniting Iowa's Private Colleges: Dr. Paula Kueter on Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and AI in Northwest Iowa

    Uniting Iowa's Private Colleges: Dr. Paula Kueter on Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and AI in Northwest Iowa
    Feb 3 2026

    On this episode of the Iowa Tech Podcast, host Kaylee sits down with Dr. Paula Kueter, professor at Morningside University and director of the Joan and Larry Arnold Entrepreneurship Center. Paula shares her journey across Iowa's private colleges and her mission to elevate entrepreneurship beyond the state's flagship institutions, spotlighting smart, creative students who often fly under the radar. She details how Morningside is scaling its MBA, integrating AI across the business curriculum, and partnering closely with Sioux City, SIMPCO, and neighboring schools like Dordt, Buena Vista, Northwestern, and Briar Cliff to build a stronger Northwest Iowa ecosystem. The conversation explores redefining innovation around practical scaling, process improvement, and buying-and-improving existing businesses—plus the importance of data literacy, critical thinking, and ethical AI use for the next generation of founders.

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    Paula also previews a growing collaboration among Iowa's private colleges, including a new consortium pursuing 501(c)(3) status to pool resources for pitch competitions, shared courses, and donor support—"entrepreneurship as Switzerland," where all ships rise together. She and Kaylee discuss post-COVID student dynamics, the power of belonging and small class sizes, and why private campuses function like innovation extension offices for local businesses. From Manufacturing 4.0 opportunities to unsung ecosystem champions like NIACC's Candy Carstens and longtime connector Judy Iles, Paula makes a passionate call to action: if you're a business with a problem, tap into your nearby private college—students are capable, eager, and ready to build. To connect with Paula and Morningside, email kueterp@morningside.edu.

    Chapters:

    00:00 Welcome to the Iowa Tech Podcast

    01:06 Introducing Dr. Paula Keter

    01:34 Paula's Journey at Morningside

    02:56 Championing Entrepreneurship in Iowa

    04:56 The Ecosystem of Private Colleges

    07:46 Collaborative Efforts Among Colleges

    11:05 Innovation and Scaling in Northwest Iowa

    13:24 The Role of AI in Modern Education

    20:12 The Transformation in Private Institutions

    20:38 Benefits of Private Colleges for Students

    21:46 Sense of Belonging and Community

    24:10 Adapting to Changing Student Needs

    25:57 Encouraging Entrepreneurship and Innovation

    27:33 Collaborative Efforts Among Institutions

    35:20 Final Thoughts and Call to Action
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    39 Min.