AREA Podcast

#025 - Kent Rotert

On AREA Podcast #025, we're joined by Kent Rotert, Vice President at Colorbiotics. He shares his journey helping build the company into an industry leader, how Colorbiotics has grown through multiple ownership transitions, and why innovation and customer focus continue to drive its success from Ames to markets around the world.
The AREA Podcast is presented by Flynn Wright - https://www.flynnwright.com Iowa State University Research Park - https://www.isupark.org Northcrest Community - https://www.northcrestcommunity.org

#024 - Grace Larkey

On AREA Podcast episode #024, we’re joined by Grace Larkey, Community Affairs Advisor at Chevron. Grace shares her journey from a northwest Iowa farm to renewable energy communications, how community involvement has shaped her career, and why mentorship, relationships, and regional partnerships are important to the future of the Ames region.
The AREA Podcast is presented by Flynn Wright - https://www.flynnwright.com
Iowa State University Research Park - https://www.isupark.org
Northcrest Community - https://www.northcrestcommunity.org

#023 - Paul Shirley

On AREA Podcast episode #023, we’re joined by Paul Shirley, former Iowa State Cyclone basketball player turned author. He shares his journey as a professional basketball player across the NBA and overseas, his transition into writing, and how his work today helps individuals and teams build better habits, find focus, and create more meaningful work.
The AREA Podcast is presented by Flynn Wright - https://www.flynnwright.com
Iowa State University Research Park - https://www.isupark.org
Northcrest Community - https://www.northcrestcommunity.org

#022 - Brent Shanks

On AREA Podcast episode #022, we’re joined by Brent Shanks, Co-Founder and Chief Technical Officer at Pyrone Systems. He shares his journey from academic research to launching a biotech startup, how Pyrone is developing sustainable alternatives to traditional chemicals, and what it takes to bring breakthrough science into real-world use.
The AREA Podcast is presented by Flynn Wright - https://www.flynnwright.com
Iowa State University Research Park - https://www.isupark.org
Northcrest Community - https://www.northcrestcommunity.org

#021 - David Cook

On AREA Podcast episode #021, we’re joined by Dr. David Cook, President of Iowa State University. He shares his journey back to Ames to lead his alma mater, his leadership approach, and how Iowa State is building on its land-grant mission to drive innovation, workforce development, and economic impact across the state.
The AREA Podcast is presented by Flynn Wright - https://www.flynnwright.com
Iowa State University Research Park - https://www.isupark.org
Bethany Life - https://www.bethanylife.org
Northcrest Community - https://www.northcrestcommunity.org

#020 - Ashley Thompson

On AREA Podcast episode #020, we’re joined by Ashley Thompson, President & CEO of United Way of Story County. Ashley shares her leadership journey, the evolving needs across the community, and how the United Way is bringing partners together to address challenges and drive long-term impact across Story County.
The AREA Podcast is presented by Flynn Wright - https://www.flynnwright.com
Iowa State University Research Park - https://www.isupark.org
Bethany Life - https://www.bethanylife.org
Northcrest Community - https://www.northcrestcommunity.org

#019 - Mike Espeset

On AREA Podcast episode #019, we’re joined by Mike Espeset, CEO at Story Construction. He shares his leadership journey within an employee-owned company, how Story Construction continues to grow across Iowa, and why culture, clear systems, and community engagement are key to long-term success.
The AREA Podcast is presented by Flynn Wright - https://www.flynnwright.com
Iowa State University Research Park - https://www.isupark.org
Bethany Life - https://www.bethanylife.org
Northcrest Community - https://www.northcrestcommunity.org

#018 - Clayton Mooney

On AREA Podcast episode #018, we’re joined by Clayton Mooney, co-founder, CEO, and Chief Farmer at Clayton Farms. He shares his unconventional path from professional poker to agriculture, how discipline and risk-taking shaped his entrepreneurial journey, and how his passion for running and ultramarathons influences how he builds and leads.
The AREA Podcast is presented by Flynn Wright - https://www.flynnwright.com
Iowa State University Research Park - https://www.isupark.org
Bethany Life - https://www.bethanylife.org