Insight on Business

The Monks Brandy Company with Will Rogers

Today you'll hear from entrepreneur Will Rogers who, with his wife Hannah, created The Monks Brandy Company.  We caught up with Will at a second anniversary party for the brand. He sits down with me to chat about why, in just two years, this venture has grown, the inside details of their signature cocktail The Alexander, what he's got planned for 2025 and some interesting brandy facts about the Midwest. Meanwhile, if you want to reach out to us on social media you can hook up with us all day on Twitter or "X" @IOB_NewsHour and on Instagram. Facebook? Sure were there too. 

Thanks for listening!

The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on  PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon Central on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour...and on Threads @Insight_On_Business.

The Business News Headlines and More 13 November 2024

Welcome to the Wednesday Edition of The Business News Headlines where we kick things off talking about the return of inflation. For the conversation you'll hear from entrepreneur Will Rogers who, with his wife Hannah, created The Monks Brandy Company.  We caught up with Will at a second anniversary party for the brand.  And, say, if you want to reach out to us on social media you can hook up with us all day on Twitter or "X" @IOB_NewsHour and on Instagram. Facebook? Sure were there too.  Here's what we've got for you today:

• It's baaaaack, inflation that is;
• Markets closed mixed;
• Have you heard about Bluesky? You will today;
• Amazon launches a new "discount" storefront and why;
• Some shocking food delivery news hit today;
• The Wall Street Report;
• Layoffs at NASA?  Yep, and why.

For the conversation you'll hear from entrepreneur Will Rogers who, with his bride Hannah, launched The Monks Brandy Company.  He sits down with me to chat about why, in just two years, this venture has grown, the inside details of their signature cocktail The Alexander  what he's got planned for 2025 and some interesting brandy facts about the Midwest.

Thanks for listening!

The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on  PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon Central on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour...and on Threads @Insight_On_Business.

Tiny Houses an Answer to a Housing Shortage? Maybe

Sitting down with Mike Stuart from Tiny Homes of Iowa was an adventure in how various communities in Iowa and beyond deal with housing issues.  Mike has been involved in creating homes with storage containers but that crumbled due to the cost of transporting them to the Midwest. Now he is building "tiny homes"  that average between 500 and 900 square feet.  The building of the home isn't the issue; getting permission from city governments...is. Here we talk about how Des Moines, Cedar Rapids and Iowa City lead the way but more work needs to be done. The popularity of tiny homes has caught the interest of AARP as well as the Polk County Housing Trust Fund.  Meet Mike Stuart: 

Thanks for listening!

The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on  PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon Central on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour...and on Threads @Insight_On_Business.

The Business News Headlines and More 12 September 2024

Today we got more good news from the inflation front and that's first up.  Also make sure you listen to my conversation with Cole Peterson the man behind Off the Line Performance.  This is no ordinary shop. Cole and his crew install custom motors and equipment that can boost the horsepower of a vehicle in the hundreds. While the cost isn't cheap...his business is booming. Also, if you want to reach out to us on social media you can hook up with us all day on Twitter or "X" @IOB_NewsHour and on Instagram. Facebook? Sure were there too.  Here's what we've got for you today:

• Wholesale inflation dips and we'll share the numbers;
• Financial Crime is a big deal and we'll tell you that story;
• Boeing is waiting to hear if workers will strike;
• American Airlines cabin crews approve a contract;
• The Wall Street Report;
• Jeep and Ram dealers are mounting a revolt and why.

For the interview you'll meet Cole Peterson who loves fast vehicles and is the man behind Off the Line Performance a truly unique shop headquartered in Des Moines and that does business nationwide. Think high power performance for classic vehicles and more common cars, trucks and vans. Enjoy...we did! 

Thanks for listening!

The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on  PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon Central on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour...and on Threads @Insight_On_Business.

Meet Entrepreneur Nikolas Bender and Agent Clean

Everything happens for a reason. Not long ago a young lady, Gabby, was in our neighborhood putting door hangers out for Agent Clean a company that does commercial and residential exterior cleaning. We've been wanting to do this for some time so I called them and Gabby set up a meeting.  Nikolas Bender showed up and he gave me a price and we set the date. However, during that time I was asking him questions about the business and learned a great deal. Without reservation we can recommend this company and it turns out it's a family business.  Gabby is his wife. Click through to learn how Nikolas, who was a part-time employee of the company ended up as the owner.  A true entrepreneur. 

Thanks for listening!

The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on  PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon Central on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour...and on Threads @Insight_On_Business.

The Business News Headlines and More 11 September 2024

No doubt you remember where you were on September 11, 2021. I was sitting at my desk with the morning news on the television when the first plane hit the first tower in New York City.  Like many I was transfixed for the rest of the day as we followed the news from Washington to a field in Pennsylvania. In all nearly 3,000 people died on that day.  And, we must never forget. 

If you want to reach out to us on social media you can hook up with us all day on Twitter or "X" @IOB_NewsHour and on Instagram. Facebook? Sure were there too.  Here's what we've got for you today:

• More good news about...inflation;
• It was a wild ride on Wall Street;
• Campbells Soup has a name change;
• But it's not the first company to do so.  We have a list;
• In Utah keeping kids safe from social media is unconstitutional;
• The Wall Street Report;
• New mortgage rates are out and that too is good news.

For the conversation you'll meet our newest friend Nikolas Bender who went from a part-time worker to owning the company. Nikolas and his family of three are the heart and soul of Agent Clean. How he got to this level is a great story as well as how they market themselves.  And, it is an inspiring entrepreneur story.  Meet Nikolas.

Thanks for listening!

The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on  PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon Central on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour...and on Threads @Insight_On_Business.

Where Are They Now with Trey Russell

One of the regular features we do for the National Tractor Parts Dealer Association (NTPDA) is visit with members about their business, family, local community and more. It's our way of helping the Association boost their voice. Here in a segment we call "Where Are They Now" we visit with Trey Russell from Russell Tractor Parts of Scottsboro, Alabama who, way back in 1999 received a scholarship from the NTPDA and we thought you might like to learn more.  This past year NTPDA awarded 25 scholarships for a total of $66,500 plus another $12.500 from member companies who sponsored a young person. (Photo: Trey and his father Pat Russell)

Thanks for listening!

The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on  PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon Central on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour...and on Threads @Insight_On_Business.

The Business News Headlines 10 June 2024

Hello Monday and welcome to the business news headlines for this the 10th day of June.  Grateful you're with us. Lots of the news today centered on inflation, the Central Bank and rate cuts.  Also, make sure you click through and listen to the conversation we had with Cy Hilty the creator of Call Notes. It can be a game changer when it comes to recording business phone calls that need your attention.  If you want to reach out to us on Social Media you can hook up with us all day on Twitter or "X" @IOB_NewsHour and on Instagram. Facebook? Sure were there too.  Here's what we've got for you today:

• A muted day on Wall Street and why;
• Big Banks are softening their rate cut expectations;
• The Biden Team is reaching out to businesses and saying...
• A take-over brewing at Southwest Airlines and why;
• Apple takes the wraps off its AI product;
• Some thoughts about rate cuts from us;
• The Wall Street Report;
• Weather and prices of coca, wine and olive oil.

For the interview you'll meet Cy Hilty who has developed a program that will boost your customer service. It's time to ditch that scrap of paper that has phone numbers and messages and move into Call Notes.  While designed for the parts industry we think it has a life in other areas. Never miss another phoned in sale.  To listen to that conversation click our player below.

Thanks for being here!

The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on  PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon Central on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour...and on Threads @Insight_On_Business.

Colfax Tractor Parts with Jeff Bucklin

Recently I took a trip down a gravel road in tiny Colfax, Iowa to visit with Jeff Bucklin of Colfax Tractor Parts. They own 100 acres full of nearly every type of used agriculture equipment out there. The founder of the business, Bennie Bucklin (79) still puts in a full week of work helping identify where various tractors, combines, planters, skid loaders are located. Now, get this: They ship these tractor and construction parts all over the globe. It's a big deal. In addition they also buy "gently used" vehicles, detail 'em and sell those as well. Come along for a great family story we think you'll enjoy. We sure did! Finally, yes, they are also long-time Members of the National Tractor Parts Dealer Association.

The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on  PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon Central on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour...and on Threads @Insight_On_Business.

The Business News Headlines 4 June 2024

It's Election Day here in Iowa and, yes, I did vote. We kick things off today with a report about open jobs in the U.S. The headline most outlets had was that "Job Openings Drop to the Lowest Level Since 2021". Sounds bad...right? But, when you look inside the numbers it's pretty good news but, as you know, good news doesn't sell or get clicks. Finally, if you want to reach out to us on Social Media you can hook up with us all day on Twitter or "X" @IOB_NewsHour and on Instagram. Facebook? Sure were there too.  Here's what we've got for you today:

• Inside the job openings data from today;
• Gas prices drop and why that's going on;
• High end watches are selling to young people;
• Yesterday Meme Stocks had a day...today, not so much;
• New Orleans is about to experience a "makeover";
• Big news from the world of funerals;
• The Wall Street Report;
• Shutterstock goes all in on AI.

For the interview you'll meet Jeff Bucklin who with his 79 year old father own and operate Colfax Tractor and Combine Parts in the tiny town of Colfax, Iowa. What is surprising about this story is that, without an inventory system, they have to know, by memory, where in their 100 acres of used tractors, combines, planters and construction equipment those parts...are. Oh, and they ship all over the globe. It's a neat family story...with some history. To listen click our player:

The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on  PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon Central on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour...and on Threads @Insight_On_Business.