John Rapp, President of Auto-Jet Muffler Corporation, joins the Iowa Manufacturing Podcast to share his entrepreneurial journey and the principles that guide his decision-making. From launching ventures to building synergies with his sister company, Heartland Harness, John explains how discernment shapes which projects move forward and how he maintains a competitive edge.

He also explores the critical role of workforce and supply chain in manufacturing success. With pride in leading one of the most technically skilled teams in the country, John emphasizes that talent is the foundation of resilience and growth. His reflections provide both practical takeaways and inspiration for leaders across Iowa and beyond.

Find this show on your favorite app: https://iowapodcast.com/john-rapp

In this episode of the Iowa Manufacturing Podcast, host Leisa Fox sits down with Lori Mason and Steph Kruger of Seneca Foundry—two leaders shaping one of Iowa's most resilient manufacturing companies. They discuss the foundry's evolution amid industry consolidation, agricultural downturns, and global supply chain challenges. Instead of retreating, Seneca has embraced innovation, modernizing operations and integrating smarter technologies while staying true to its roots of craftsmanship and community.

Lori and Steph share how they've built a culture that attracts and retains a young, diverse, and loyal workforce—one that takes pride in hard, meaningful work. By focusing on what truly drives progress, Seneca Foundry has become a model of how legacy manufacturers can thrive through modernization and mission-driven leadership. This episode celebrates the power of purpose, innovation, and people in shaping the future of American manufacturing.

Full show notes: https://iowapodcast.com/seneca

On this episode of the Iowa Manufacturing Podcast, host Leisa Fox welcomes University of Iowa engineering student and entrepreneur Keegan Fogarty, founder of General Robotics. His groundbreaking simulation software could revolutionize how smaller manufacturers approach automation — simplifying programming, cutting costs, and accelerating implementation.

Keegan shares how Iowa JPEC helped him bridge the gap between technical talent and business strategy, transforming his classroom experience into a startup with real-world potential. His story captures the next generation of Iowa innovation — where engineers aren't just building machines, they're building the future of manufacturing itself.

Find this show on your favorite app: https://iowapodcast.com/keegan-fogarty