Industry Iowa

A CIRAS podcast to help Iowa businesses and communities prosper and grow.The Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS) is part of the College of Engineering and the Office of Economic Development and Industry Relations (EDIR) at Iowa State University.

Industry Iowa is a business podcast hosted by CIRAS, with 83 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

CIRAS hosts Industry Iowa, a business show with 83 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #85

  Episode 85: What Is CMMC — And Why Should Iowa Manufacturers Care?

  Jul 1, 202636 min

  In this episode of Industry Iowa, host Steve Wilson sits down with Melissa Burant — supply chain specialist and CMMC navigator at CIRAS, Iowa State University — to break down what the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification means for Iowa manufacturers. If your company touches defense contracts in any way — even as a subcontractor — CMMC is no longer something to watch from the sidelines. As of November 2025, the Department of Defense has begun writing compliance requirements directly into contract solicitations. The clock is running. Melissa brings nearly 12 years of CIRAS experience and a background in federal government to the conversation, and she doesn't sugarcoat it. She walks through the three levels of certification, what compliance realistically costs, the misconceptions that are getting manufacturers into trouble, and why this is a business strategy decision — not an IT problem. Whether you're just hearing about CMMC for the first time or you've been putting off taking action, this episode gives you a clear picture of where things stand and exactly where to start

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  Episode #84

  Episode 84:Your Story Is Your Strategy: Legacy, Film, and the Power of Documentary in Business

  Jun 5, 202633 min

  What do a documentary filmmaker, a surgeon, and a combine harvester have in common? They all show up in this week's episode of Industry Iowa. Host Steven Wilson sits down with Teeg Stouffer, founder and executive producer of Fascination Film Studio in Marion, Iowa — a heritage and legacy documentary production studio serving companies, communities, and families across the United States. Teeg shares why we're living in the documentary era, how story is the most practical tool a business leader has, and what it really means to live from a place of legacy (hint: it's not about the money you leave behind). Whether you're trying to attract talent in a shrinking labor market, build a culture that outlasts you, or introduce a new product without sounding like every other ad — this conversation will change how you think about communication.

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  Episode #83

  Episode 83: Usable AI and the Future of Business Leadership

  Mar 11, 202626 minS0

  <p>Artificial intelligence is moving fast, but many organizations are discovering that technology alone does not create transformation. In a recent conversation with Susan Frew on the Industry Iowa Podcast, we explored how leaders can apply AI in practical ways that actually improve workflows, decision-making, and business results.</p><p>Learn more about the Ivy Sales Innovation Summit.</p>

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  Episode #82

  Episode 82: AI Isn’t Replacing People - It’s Multiplying Them

  Mar 3, 202631 minS0

  <p>In this episode of Industry Iowa, host Steven C. Wilson (CIRAS/Iowa State University) sits down with Bill Schmarzo for a candid pre-event conversation tied to the 5th Annual Ivy Sales Innovation Summit (Bill’s closing keynote on April 7). Together, they explore why the real power of AI isn’t replacement—it’s amplifying human domain expertise and accelerating professional growth.</p><p>Schmarzo breaks down a practical three-phase professional development arc (rookie → mastery → elevating the discipline) and explains how AI can support each stage when leaders adopt an “AND mentality”—AI and people, not AI or people. Along the way, they touc...

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  Episode #81

  Episode 81: Building Capability Where the Work Happens: Helena Industries' TWI and Kata Journey

  Feb 20, 202629 minS0

  <p>In this episode of Industry Iowa, Steven C. Wilson sits down with Ann Buck, Continuous Improvement Manager at Helena Industries in Des Moines, to explore their evolving TWI journey and how they are intentionally blending Job Instruction, Job Relations, and robust work standards with Kata-based scientific thinking. Rather than treating improvement as a “flavor of the month,” Helena is building capability at the front line—using PDCA, real-time feedback, and a culture of learning to drive sustainable results without blame.</p><p> Ann shares how their journey began with Kata to develop scientific thinkers, only to uncover gaps in traini...

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