Small Business and Startup Stories DSM

Small Business and Startup Stories DSM is a podcast featuring conversations with entrepreneurs who share both the victories and failures on their paths to success.


Olson Larson Galleries on 45 Years in DSM

October 4, 2024

Hear about the 45-year history of this women-owned Greater Des Moines business.

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Rise Energy Technology Increases Revenue and Reduces Emissions

September 11, 2024

Ryan Smith discusses how Rise Energy empowers enterprises to become stewards of their resources.

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In Harmony Farm Bridges Gap Between Urban Gardening and Conventional Farming

August 2, 2024

Gina Ross and Andy Behnke discuss In Harmony Farm's commitment to inclusion and empowerment.

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Notes on Iowa Explores Iowa's Environmental History

July 25, 2024

Kevin Mason discusses how the history of Iowa affects the resiliency of nature in here.

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A Third-Generation Family-Owned Golf Course Grows In Pleasant Hill

June 28, 2024

Toad Valley Golf Course continues to grow under Owner Allison Brady.

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Kading Properties: A Growing Iowa Workforce Housing Business

June 21, 2024

Hear from Karie Kading Ramsey about growing Kading Properties in 28 communities, including Greater Des Moines.

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End-of-Life Planning Company Tumbleweed Honors and Memorializes Loved Ones

June 3, 2024

Hear from CEO Paul Richardson on Co-Founding Tumbleweed in Greater Des Moines (DSM).

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Toggle's New End-to-End Supply Chain Management System

May 15, 2024

The Toggle team is automating processes in the shipping industry with a new system.

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Bringing Southern Comfort Food to DSM

April 24, 2024

Hear about Garrison Goodlett's startup journey with GG's Chicken and Waffles.

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Enhancing Economic Growth in Iowa By Funding Small Businesses

April 11, 2024

​Jim Langin founded Pivotal Business Partners to enhance economic growth in Iowa

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A Collaborative Approach in Mental Healthcare

April 2, 2024

Hear about reverse engineering mental healthcare from Flowstate Health Founder Steven Slye.

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Spotlighting Women's Health at Revive Physical Therapy & Wellness

March 19, 2024

Hear how Courtney Buhrow started Revive Physical Therapy & Wellness in Greater Des Moines.

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The Role of Downtown DSM in the Region's Entrepreneur Ecosystem

February 29, 2024

Learn why building a strong downtown is important to the region and creating small businesses.

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Growing Des Moines into a Music City in the Midwest

February 9, 2024

Expanding the Greater Des Moines (DSM) music scene is a top priority for Sam Summers.

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Passion and Knowledge of the Apparel Industry Leads to the Creation of Dhakai in DSM

October 5, 2023

Russel Karim shares the story of building Dhakai and why startup founders should be married to the problem, not the solution.

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Finding Your North: Award-Winning Marketing with Northgate

August 24, 2023

David Tracy works with clients around the globe creating marketing campaigns through branding, web design and more.

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VizyPay Focuses on Helping Rural Small- and Medium-Sized Businesses

August 22, 2023

VizyPay's Austin Mac Nab and Frank Pagano share advice about growing the payments business in Greater Des Moines.

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Studio Process Goes Beyond the Script to Create a Big Impact

August 14, 2023

Studio Process produces videos for organizations that help them share meaningful content with their audience.

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Growth of Local Startup OpenLoop Leads to Recognition in Health Technology Industry

July 7, 2023

Jon Lensing, CEO & Co-Founder of OpenLoop Health, shares how the company continues to expand.

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Hyping Up DSM One Energy Drink at a Time

June 6, 2023

Hyper Energy Bar is infusing energy into Greater Des Moines (DSM) through hand-crafted coffee and energy drinks.

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Making the World Safer with IntelliSee Technology

May 1, 2023

IntelliSee detects threats using real-time AI software to help businesses protect their time, money and employees.

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Musical Artist Lani Joins Mainframe Studios + Makes a Name for Herself in DSM

April 13, 2023

Lani is a Drake University graduate who is creating music in Greater Des Moines (DSM).

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Working to Give Rural Communities the Opportunity to Thrive

April 4, 2023

The Bill Menner Group is an Iowa consulting firm that specializes in rural development and community-based infrastructure.

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12 Bagel Flavors + 12 House-Made Cream Cheeses Blended Daily at Clive Breakfast, Brunch Spot

February 1, 2023

5 Borough Bagels serves up bagels while focusing on community partnerships that strengthen their customer base.

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Music League Connects Friends + Helps Them Discover New Music

January 9, 2023

Eric West shares the idea behind Music League and how the game brings the human element back to music discovery.

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Staying ‘Aggressively Patient’ Secret to Northern Vessel Owner Opening at 1201 Keo Way

December 1, 2022

T.J. Rude describes going from a coffee cart to a location on Keo Way in Downtown Des Moines (DSM).

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Wake Up Every Day + Pursue the Meaning

August 9, 2022

Travis Shelton shares the ins and outs of his business, Meaning Over Money.

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Lake Label Swim Brings Protective Swimwear to Families That Need It

June 29, 2022

Whether you're playing at the pool or out on the boat, Lake Label has safe sunsuits and more.

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Propel Offers Fractional CMO Services to Mid-Sized Companies + Venture-Funded Startups

June 2, 2022

Learn about spending money to make money with Propel, new subscription-based CMO service.

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Connecting Latinos with Mental Wellbeing Professionals

April 20, 2022

Carlos Arguello discusses growing up with an interest in entrepreneurship and creating Sevelyn.

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Championing Innovative Tech Ideas at BioConnect Iowa

March 3, 2022

Anne McMahon's role at BioConnect Iowa allows her to help startups develop and research bioscience tech solutions.

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How Venture Capitalists Are Finding Entrepreneurs

January 28, 2022

ManchesterStory's Matt Kinley shares about assisting startups in InsurTech, FinTech and Healthcare.

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Small Business and Startup Stories DSM - 2021 in Review

January 3, 2022

The Partnership shares a review of the 2021 startup community and an overview of what 2022 will look like.

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Entrepreneurial Opportunity in the Ag Tech Industry

December 20, 2021

Learn how Iowa State University is working with ag tech entrepreneurs to increase opportunities in the industry.

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Experience Urban Farming with Dogpatch Urban Gardens in DSM

November 15, 2021

Jenny Quiner discusses urban farming in Greater Des Moines (DSM) and new revenue streams for the local business.

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Roboflow Co-Founder Looks Back at Building a Growing, Successful Startup

September 1, 2021

Brad Dwyer recounts his journey to building a successful startup company over the past 18 months.

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DSM Entrepreneur Credits His Community with Helping to Cultivate His Gift for Video Editing

August 13, 2021

Terrence Thames explains how he founded Cocoa Creative to help brands with their visual storytelling.

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Empowering Refugee Youth + Working to Create Job Opportunities in DSM

June 25, 2021

Pi515 creates pathways to empower youth in DSM to become the faces in the future of tech.

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How to Stop "Shoulding" + Start Living in Order to Live Your Best Life

June 11, 2021

Get past the fears in your life and learn how to take charge of your life and choices to find success.

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Molding a City to See the Value in Helping Artists Grow

May 25, 2021

Siobhan Spain and Beau Kenyon are working to build a strong arts ecosystem in Greater Des Moines.

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BURN Boot Camp Brings #BurnNation to DSM

May 14, 2021

For Darci Evans, co-owning her own business in Greater Des Moines has brought big rewards.

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PowerPollen Founders on the Influence of Good Mentors

April 23, 2021

Jason Cope and Todd Krone return to Startup Stories DSM to discuss good mentors and where PowerPollen stands today.

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Salon Owner in DSM Pivots During the Pandemic

April 9, 2021

Tricia Rivas shares how she became owner of Trixie's Salon in Greater Des Moines.

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Agrisync Sees Growth Year After Year

February 26, 2021

Casey Niemann reflects on the start of Agrisync, business focus and startup mentors for Startup Stories DSM.

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ISA Ventures Raises Capital Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

January 29, 2021

Eric Engelmann discusses the start of ISA Ventures and raising capital to help Iowa-based companies grow.

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Velorosa Sees High Sales in 2020 Amid Surge in Pandemic Cycling

December 18, 2020

Velorosa's Kim Hopkins and Lisa Carponelli discuss designing women's cycling kits and the company in 2020.

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DSM Startup Impacts Marketing for Faith-Based Nonprofits

December 4, 2020

Chad Williams discusses the ministry impact platform, Journity, and his Greater Des Moines startup, Five Q.

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BLK & Bold Startup Owners Combine Coffee with Community Impact

November 19, 2020

Pernell Cezar Jr. and Mike Colwell discuss how BLK & Bold got its start on the Startup Stories podcast.

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Three-Time Startup Owner Creates New Startup to Connect Nonprofit Givers

October 23, 2020

Matt Ostanik describes the entrepreneurial journey that led him to create his latest startup business, Given.

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TradeLabs: Where Trade Experts Teach Beginning Investors About Stock Trading

September 25, 2020

Nick Eltjes and Noah Loffredo share their experience starting TradeLabs in Greater Des Moines.

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Chocolate-Filled Bite Sized Cones Enter the DSM Startup Scene

August 28, 2020

Muddy Bites co-founders detail developing and marketing their product and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Small Business and Startup Stories - One World Supplies Brings PPE to DSM

July 23, 2020

Sul Huq describes his journey as an entrepreneur and the growth of DSM-startup One World Supplies.

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A DSM-Based Startup Merges + Readies for Future Growth

June 12, 2020

Greg Bailey discusses Denim Social, how he transitioned his startup team and his forecast for the future.

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Episode 48: MakuSafe Waits to Deploy Product + Captures Game-Changing Data

May 5, 2020

Gabe Glynn and Mike Colwell discuss the COVID-19 pandemic effects during The Partnership's Startup Stories podcast.

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Episode 47: Techstars Iowa Talks Opportunities

April 7, 2020

Kerty Levy, managing director of Techstars Iowa, speaks with the Greater Des Moines Partnership's Startup Stories host, Mike Colwell.

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Small Business & Startup Stories DSM Podcast Countdown: #1

April 2, 2020

Learn from a Greater Des Moines entrepreneur through the top downloaded Startup Stories DSM podcast.

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Small Business & Startup Stories DSM Podcast Countdown: #3, #2

March 31, 2020

Learn from two more Greater Des Moines entrepreneurs through the top Startup Stories DSM podcasts.

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Episode 46: From Eighth-Grade Science to Leading AgTech Startups

March 27, 2020

Learn from Nadilia Gomez's journey and an interest in science that led to the Iowa AgriTech Accelerator.

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Small Business & Startup Stories DSM Podcast Countdown: #5, #4

March 26, 2020

Learn from Greater Des Moines entrepreneurs through the top downloaded Startup Stories DSM podcasts.

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Episode 45: Erin Huiatt Creates Multiple Ways for Moms and Women to Succeed in DSM

March 13, 2020

Erin Huiatt discusses her journey as a female business owner in Greater Des Moines.

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Episode 44: Roboflow Offers Tools Focusing on Computer Vision

February 28, 2020

Brad Dwyer and Joseph Nelson discuss advantages of their new startup, Roboflow.

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Episode 43: Achieving Goals Using Healthy Management Styles and Without Sacrificing Your Wel

February 14, 2020

Rita Perea explains how her Greater Des Moines small business grew and evolved over 20 years.

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Episode 42: From Mowing Lawns to Creating a Farm Equipment Auction Database

January 24, 2020

Kyle McMahon explains how his early experiences led him to create farm machinery auction site, Tractor Zoom.

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Episode 41: My Path to Becoming Managing Director for the Global Insurance Accelerator

January 10, 2020

Nicole Gunderson discusses her path to becoming Managing Director of the Global Insurance Accelerator.

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Episode 40: DSM High School Students Find Opportunities Through New Software Program

December 27, 2019

Kiki Levy discusses her business Better HireS and its ability to connect high school talent to business needs.

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Episode 39: Sustainable Accessories in DSM - Dona Bela Shreds

December 13, 2019

Allison Davidson Motoyama discusses her startup journey, including local opportunities and website marketing.

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Episode 38: DSM T-shirts, Drinkwear + More at The Greatest Store in the Universe

November 22, 2019

Mike Draper talks RAYGUN's growth and expansion, as well as why he wanted employees to unionize.

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Episode 36: Koloni

November 8, 2019

Steven Brockshus discusses FarmlandFinder and its tools for potential landowners.

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Episode 36: Koloni Partners with DSM to Generate Revenue, Empower Community

October 25, 2019

Koloni helps bring bike and scooter sharing to smaller communities who aren't able to draw companies on their own.

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Episode 35: Rocket Referrals Launches Rocket Connect + Focuses on Company Growth

October 11, 2019

Carl and Torey Maerz utilize automation to create touchpoints for insurance agents.

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Episode 34: How an Ecosystem of Innovation Spurred a Successful Water Treatment Startup

September 26, 2019

Ames-based wastewater startup uses algae to remove and recycle pollutants from wastewater.

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Episode 33: Why House Concerts Help Local and Touring Musicians

September 13, 2019

Katie Byers explains creating a small business for house concerts in Greater Des Moines.

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Episode 32: What Makes Successful Startups in the Insurance Industry?

August 30, 2019

Former Global Insurance Accelerator Director Brian Hemesath discusses insurtech.

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Episode 31: Kate Wagner Launches Debut Clothing Line

August 16, 2019

After working for two Greater Des Moines (DSM) startups, Kate Wagner launches clothing line Lidgett.

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Episode 30: Tej Dhawan Talks Growth of the DSM Startup Community

July 26, 2019

Tej Dhawan discusses the past, present and future for Greater Des Moines' startup and entrepreneur community.

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Episode 29: Art Startup Success with Liz Lidgett

July 12, 2019

Liz Lidgett talks about how her love of art turned into launching a DSM USA startup business.

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Episode 28: WorkHound Helps People Love the Work They Do

June 28, 2019

Max Farrell and Andrew Kirpalani talk about starting WorkHound and the startup lessons they learned along the way.

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Episode 27: Monetery Recap and Workplace Culture with Ben Milne

June 14, 2019

Ben Milne discusses the success and outcomes of Monetery, the premier tech summit in the Midwest.

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Episode 26: Improving Speech Therapy Across the U.S.

May 24, 2019

ClinicNote's Lana Fox explains how ClinicNote has created an easier way for speech therapists to work.

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Episode 25: From the Military to the Startup World

May 3, 2019

Dwolla's Travis Ensley discusses his journey from the Navy to the world of startups.

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Episode 24: Expanding in DSM USA

April 30, 2019

Court Avenue Restaurant & Brewing Co. owner Scott Carlson explains how the right people help your business grow.

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Episode 23: The Medical IT Industry

April 26, 2019

Certintell founder Ben Lefever discusses how the Certintell solution engages patients for better outcomes.

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Episode 22: Growing into an Established Business

April 24, 2019

Fusion Boutique owner Sara Jacobson discusses her experience as a business owner in DSM USA

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Episode 21: Building Your Network

March 11, 2019

LenderClose Founder and CEO, Omar Jordan, discusses the importance of networking when starting a business.

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Episode 20: Expanding from Your Roots

February 26, 2019

Cassie Sampson talks startup expansion for Greater Des Moines (DSM) small business owners.

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Episode 19: Stop Building and Start Selling

February 1, 2019

Des Moines small business owner discusses startup challenges and how he overcomes them.

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Episode 18: Startup Story as Told by AgriSync

December 14, 2018

Founder of AgriSync, Casey Niemann shares how this software-meets-agriculture startup continues to gain momentum.

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Episode 17: Gain Compliance's Startup Story

November 30, 2018

CEO of Gain Compliance shares how a software company focuses on compliance in the insurance industry.

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Episode 16: How Peace Tree Brewing Company Successfully Launched During the Great Recession

November 16, 2018

Peace Tree Brewing Company's original name only lasted five days.

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Episode 15: Marry My City Allows Bride and Grooms to Register for Local Experiences

October 26, 2018

Marry My City offers a new way to create a wedding registry full of experiences rather than stuff.

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Episode 14: Branding 101 with 818 Designs

October 12, 2018

Melissa Carlson shares how to give your brand a persona and to think about it as more than just a logo.

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Episode 13: Australian Entrepreneur on Both Sides of Equity Capital

September 28, 2018

Pitchly founder discusses pitching to investors and helping startups raise capital.

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Episode 12: DSM USA Invented Wearable Technology Revolutionizing Worker Safety

August 31, 2018

Serial entrepreneur Gabe Glynn shares how MakuSafe got its start in Greater Des Moines.

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Episode 11: From Being a Young Student to an Owner and CEO of a Mature Company

August 16, 2018

At age 24, Kate Banasiak became a minority owner of Diversified Management Solutions. She's now CEO.

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Episode 10: The Australian Entrepreneur Behind DSM USA Insuretech Company Pablow

August 3, 2018

Australian Steve Sherlock moved to Greater Des Moines (DSM) to launch insuretech company Pablow.

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Episode 9: After a Family Tragedy, DSM Entrepreneur Creates 'Happy Occasions'

July 13, 2018

From the Sydney Opera House to an Irish castle, InnovativEvents produces events from Greater Des Moines (DSM).

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Episode 8: DSM Games Company Hatchlings Leading the Way in Augmented Reality

June 29, 2018

How Greater Des Moines (DSM) games company Hatchlings amassed 15 millions users and national accolades.

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Episode 7: PowerPollen Creates 'Impossible' Improvements to Seed Corn Yields, Raises $10M

June 8, 2018

Greater Des Moines (DSM) startup increasing corn yield by up to 80 percent through process thought to be impossible.

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Episode 6: How a DSM USA Mom Successfully Landed Her Product in Thousands of Stores Worldwid

May 25, 2018

A Greater Des Moines (DSM) mom's mission to help parents across the world, one catch at a time.

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Episode 5: Crème Cupcake Founder on Successfully Baking a 'Dumb' Idea

May 15, 2018

Crème Cupcake + Dessert owner Christina Moffatt was turned down by seven banks but her business still succeeded.

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Episode 4: The Young Innovator Behind the Iowa AgriTech Accelerator

April 27, 2018

Iowa AgriTech Accelerator Executive Director Megan Vollstedt shares how she embraces the fast-paced startup world.

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Episode 3: Dwolla's Ben Milne on Raising Equity and Equality

April 13, 2018

Fresh from a $12 million funding round, Dwolla founder shares tips on raising capital on Startup Stories DSM Podcast.

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Episode 2: From Intern to President of VolunteerLocal

April 6, 2018

In episode two of Startup Stories DSM, Kaylee Williams shares how she has shaped VolunteerLocal.

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Episode 1: Reinventing the Lightbulb to Reduce Piglet Mortality Rates

March 26, 2018

In episode one of Startup Stories DSM, FarrPro shares how its developing a solution to a 140-year-old problem.

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