Luke Eustice is the director of the Iowa City Area Sports Commission where he leads the charge in recruiting, supporting, and executing sporting events across Johnson County and the Corridor.

In this episode, Nate is also joined by J.R. Ogden, a veteran sports journalist who spent 48 years as an editor and contributor at the Gazette in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and now brings his wealth of experience to the Corridor Business Journal as a regular columnist.

Luke shares his firsthand perspective on the business of sports, the economic impact of major events, and the unique qualities that set the Corridor apart as a destination. He discusses the growth of local facilities, the challenges of hosting national tournaments, and the collaborative spirit that fuels the area’s success. Additionally, J.R. reflects on the changing landscape of sports coverage, the business side of athletics, and the stories that resonate most with readers. He offers insights into the region’s sporting culture, the rise of youth sports, and the people and places that make the Corridor a special place for athletes, fans, and the local economy.

This podcast is sponsored by MidWest One Bank, the proud partner for doers and entrepreneurs in the corridor and beyond. As an SBA preferred lender, the team at MidWest One Bank is ready to help you reach your business goals. It's empowered money management. It's MidWest One Bank, Member FDIC. For more information, visit midwestone.bank.

This is the Real Success podcast, produced in partnership with former NFL athlete and entrepreneur Nate Kaeding. This monthly podcast is a collection of conversations with Iowa-connected doers about success, purpose, and what makes them tick. Our hope is that you’ll learn something new about these notable leaders and that the conversations will perhaps play some small part in helping you further define what real success means to you.

This is a Corridor Media Group podcast: Bringing critical business news, thoughtful analysis, and valuable strategic insights for business leaders throughout Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and the Quad Cities. For more information, visit corridorbusiness.com.

This episode was produced by Upload Media Group in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. For more information, visit UploadMediaGroup.com.

Taylor Getting is a pilot, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Calyx Creek Lavender & Lodging, an innovative agritourism destination just outside North Liberty, Iowa.

Taylor shares the story of how he and his wife transformed a sand-laden Iowa farm into a thriving lavender oasis complete with thousands of plants, on-site product lines, and architecturally unique treehouses. He discusses the challenges and surprises of starting a small business, the importance of community and creativity in agriculture, and how Calyx Creek has become a sought-after experience for both locals and visitors. Taylor also dives into the nuts and bolts of growing lavender in Iowa, developing new products, and building a team.

I learned a lot and I think you will too.

This podcast is sponsored by MidWest One Bank, the proud partner for doers and entrepreneurs in the corridor and beyond. As an SBA preferred lender, the team at MidWest One Bank is ready to help you reach your business goals. It's empowered money management. It's MidWest One Bank, Member FDIC. For more information, visit midwestone.bank.

This is the Real Success podcast, produced in partnership with former NFL athlete and entrepreneur Nate Kaeding. This monthly podcast is a collection of conversations with Iowa-connected doers about success, purpose, and what makes them tick. Our hope is that you’ll learn something new about these notable leaders and that the conversations will perhaps play some small part in helping you further define what real success means to you.

This is a Corridor Media Group podcast: Bringing critical business news, thoughtful analysis, and valuable strategic insights for business leaders throughout Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and the Quad Cities. For more information, visit corridorbusiness.com.

This episode was produced by Upload Media Group in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. For more information, visit UploadMediaGroup.com.

On Today's Episode: Nate sits down with Mike Hlas, a sports journalist who has spent more than 40 years chronicling Eastern Iowa athletics and beyond for the Gazette in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Mike looks back on his legendary career including his perspective on the changing journalistic landscape, what he believes makes a good story, and how he approaches telling sports stories today. Additionally, Mike shares a look into his new work with the Iowa Writers Collaborative, what he sees as the biggest stories in sports right now, and what the future holds for both him and sports journalism as a calling.

This podcast is sponsored by MidWest One Bank, the proud partner for doers and entrepreneurs in the corridor and beyond. As an SBA preferred lender, the team at MidWest One Bank is ready to help you reach your business goals. It's empowered money management. It's MidWest One Bank, Member FDIC. For more information, visit midwestone.bank.

This is the Real Success podcast, produced in partnership with former NFL athlete and entrepreneur Nate Kaeding. This monthly podcast is a collection of conversations with Iowa-connected doers about success, purpose, and what makes them tick. Our hope is that you’ll learn something new about these notable leaders and that the conversations will perhaps play some small part in helping you further define what real success means to you.

This is a Corridor Media Group podcast: Bringing critical business news, thoughtful analysis, and valuable strategic insights for business leaders throughout Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and the Quad Cities. For more information, visit corridorbusiness.com.

This episode was produced by Upload Media Group in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. For more information, visit UploadMediaGroup.com.