エピソード

  • Driving Growth in the Quad Cities: Workforce, Data, and Opportunity

    Driving Growth in the Quad Cities: Workforce, Data, and Opportunity
    2026/05/05
    In this episode of A Real Piece of Work, leaders from the Quad Cities Chamber join the conversation to discuss the forces shaping economic growth and workforce development in the region. Chris, Vice President of Business Retention, Expansion, and Workforce, and Bill Polley, Senior Director of Business Intelligence, share insights from their work supporting local businesses and analyzing regional trends.The discussion explores how companies are adapting to workforce challenges, the importance of connecting businesses with training and resources, and how data—like the Top 100 High Priority Jobs Report—helps guide decision-making across industries. With perspectives from both direct business engagement and economic research, this episode highlights the opportunities and strategies driving growth in the Quad Cities.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    55 分
  • Solving a Problem, Building a Brand: Howard White and Constant Mountain

    Solving a Problem, Building a Brand: Howard White and Constant Mountain
    2026/04/07
    Solving a Problem, Building a Brand: Howard White and Constant Mountain
    続きを読む 一部表示
    43 分
  • Growing from the Ground Up: Austin Blunk on Building Valley Outdoor

    Growing from the Ground Up: Austin Blunk on Building Valley Outdoor
    2026/03/03
    In this episode of A Real Piece of Work, Austin Blunk shares how he built Valley Outdoor from a college side business into a thriving lawn, landscape, and snow removal company serving more than 350 accounts with a team of over 25 employees. What began in 2012 as a way to earn tuition money while studying Landscape Design at Iowa State University eventually became a full-time entrepreneurial pursuit that reshaped his career path.Austin reflects on the difficult decision to step away from a traditional educational track to grow his business, the lessons he learned navigating early challenges, and the importance of valuing vendor relationships and long-term loyalty. A fourth-generation Bettendorf volunteer firefighter and lifelong resident with deep local roots, Austin also discusses how service, structure, and family heritage have influenced his leadership style and commitment to the Quad Cities community.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    39 分
  • Leading With Purpose: Lysa Hegland and Building Opportunity Through Junior Achievement

    Leading With Purpose: Lysa Hegland and Building Opportunity Through Junior Achievement
    2026/02/03
    In this episode of A Real Piece of Work, Lysa Hegland, President & CEO of Junior Achievement of the Heartland, shares insights from her leadership journey and what it means to build opportunity through purpose-driven work.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    38 分
  • Leadership, Service, and Career Lessons with Dan Mitchell

    Leadership, Service, and Career Lessons with Dan Mitchell
    2026/01/06
    In this episode of A Real Piece of Work, the hosts sit down with Dan Mitchell, a retired Colonel and West Point graduate, to discuss his career journey and lessons learned through a life of leadership and service. Dan reflects on his path through military service, the skills and values that shaped his professional life, and how those experiences translate beyond uniformed service. The conversation explores leadership, adaptability, and what a long-term career built on purpose can look like.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    44 分
  • Career Evolution: Lessons Learned Along the Way

    Career Evolution: Lessons Learned Along the Way
    2025/09/03
    In this podcast episode of "A Real Piece of Work", Matt Rebro and Matt Blaylock discuss their new co-hosting partnership, sharing personal career journeys, perspectives on professional development, parenting, and the importance of community engagement through Junior Achievement.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    34 分
  • Exploring the World of Corporate Law with Attorney Kurt Spurgeon

    Exploring the World of Corporate Law with Attorney Kurt Spurgeon
    2024/07/02
    In this episode of A Real Piece of Work, hosts Matt and Joy interview Kurt Spurgeon, a corporate attorney who specializes in general business and corporate law.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    33 分
  • Nobody Cares About Your Career: Insights from Erika Ayres Badan's Book

    Nobody Cares About Your Career: Insights from Erika Ayres Badan's Book
    2024/06/04
    In this episode of the podcast, Matt Rebro and Marc Zyla interview Erika Ayres Badan, the CEO of Food52, a home food and lifestyle company.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    49 分