It's late Friday and I'm back in the office after an awesome week at Business Horizons.  The kids learned a lot and I learned even more.  Graduation was filled with laughs and cheers that built up to an awesome video put together by Pat Tierney.  (This kid is going places)  I'll link to the video when it's get's uploaded.

Here's a brief summary of some observations and stories of the week:

• My kids tried 3 times to attack me with water balloons.  All three were unsuccessful.  We should've taken a few minutes to go over proper pitching mechanics.
• A few industry advisors and students had to eat dog biscuits, get marker written on their faces and chew up a banana without taking off the peel.  I had a great turkey flavored dog biscuit last year.  I'd relate it to eating chalk...  I'm not sure that's what Milk-Bone is going for though.
• Instead of a dog biscuit this year... I was the lucky recipient of 2 Whip Cream Pies in my face.  What Justin, Anthony and Ivan couldn't get done with water balloons was accomplished by covering my entire face and what's left of my hair with two full bottles of Whip Cream.  A little sticky and I think I still have some in my right ear, but at least the flies enjoyed landing on me.
• The Lawn Master finished 3rd place in the infomercial and our investor presentation... well... let's just say, I think there was a conspiracy.  We didn't win and I'm now prepping a year in advance to start my future winning streak of investor presentations.  I was very disappointed and maybe teared up a bit when we didn't win, but hey, it's for the kids right?
• We all made some great connections and everyone involved will benefit from volunteering their time.  Anyone and I mean anyone that wants to know more about this program, don't hesitate to contact me.

Many thanks to ABI for allowing me back for my second year.  Year 3 couldn't come soon enough.

After a couple action packed and presentation filled days... Industry H and the LawnMaster are feeling pretty confident we'll receive some investment dollars.  Of course... that all depends on whether or not they can answer some key questions from some Central Iowa business leaders Thursday morning.

All the kids at Business Horizons were fortunate to meet some great folks today to help them get prepared.  (Click here to see some pics)

Many thanks to:

Erin Brincks, Malcolm Goodwin, Max Cardenas, Isaiah McGee, Elizabeth Saunders, Kate Klein, Matt Owen, and Bryan Earnest.  You guys did a great job connecting with these kids and it's something that will benefit them for years to come.

Stay tuned for the results of all of the industries investors presentions, infomercials, and tradeshows...

We're only through the second day, but I'm excited for what these students have had a chance to experience.  (knock on wood) They've been excellent to work with even though they seem to think an 8AM start time is ridiculous.  One interesting thing about my industry is that they seem to be comfortable working with Jason Norris of InterPower and myself.  It was proven when I was coming back from Headquarters, only to be stopped by two of my students.  They looked suspicious as they asked me what our next activities were.  As I started to look at my manual I felt the gentle glance of a water balloon ricochet off my shoulder... they missed, but I was close to being soaked.

We're all having a lot of fun and I can't wait to brag about the product Industry H is developing.  Let's just say, I would buy this for my yard tomorrow it were available.

And keep checking out the blog at the official Business Horizons' Website...

On Sunday, July 22nd the week starts for my second year as an Industry Adviser at Business Horizons.  BH is a program developed/coordinated/sponsored by my friends at the Association of Business and Industry.  I just got done with Adviser orientation and I'm extremely excited for the programming this year.  Myself and other volunteers will be blogging throughout the week on my blog site, Dan Wardell's blog , the Business Horizons blog and probably a few others.  Put them in your feedreaders and check it out.

My view on Business Horizons is that it is an awesome opportunity for students to connect and engage with current and future business leaders of Iowa.  They come in somewhat oblivious to what the State of Iowa has to offer, but they leave amazed at the opportunities in front of them.  It doesn't make them all want to stay in Iowa, but as many of you know, I think that is a great thing.  At least they'll know they have access to networks and opportunity when they come back.

Here is an article from last year on IaBizOnline ... the reference to BH is towards the bottom.

If anyone is interested in helping out next year... don't hesitate to give me a ring or shoot me an e-mail.

Recently, I was made aware of a new program that has been created in North Central Iowa.  Now... I hesitate making too many comments without knowing the nitty gritty of the details, but I can say that I'm excited.

I'm excited because it appears to be a collaborative effort focused on subsidizing entrepreneurs with resources they need to grow.  If you've followed my blog and sat in meetings with Transition Capital Management; you would know that it's access to key resources/relationships that business need to grow.  We shouldn't chase capital... we should find resources that we need to cause capital to chase us.  As for now, I love the steps being taken.  This is one piece to the connectivity puzzle.

The program is a first in the nation entrepreneur health insurance program.  Contact Lori Blackburn of the North Central Iowa Alliance at 319-268-9151 for more details.. OR check out Doug Mitchell's blog who found out about this before me. Touche Doug.

Awhile ago, Chris at Zeppelin Media took on the daring task of writing 8 random facts... and now, I'll be daring and come up with 8 random facts about myself.  Here they are in no particular order:

1. I know very little about government.  Of course... I think that may be a good thing most times.
2. I'm terrible at scheduling meetings.  I actually double booked twice this week... and it's Tuesday.
3. I try to learn something new everyday.  But if I don't; I'm not too worried about it.
4. It's hard to find me in a bad mood.
5. I make an awesome Mac & Cheese and my tacos, burritos, quesadillas and enchiladas are to die for.
6. I'm a die hard Hawkeye football fan and love the St. Louis Cardinals.
7. My brother used to make me pitch him golf balls and then I would have to go get them after they would put holes in the neighbors siding.
8. In high school, my buddies and I bought an RV with the intent to drive to South Padre Island for Spring Break (without telling our parents).  We made it to Missouri and broke down... a grand total of 47 miles later.

Those are just a few...  I think I could've kept going...

It's not very often that a business owner can walk into an event and walk out with a handful of great business leads.  The odds of this happening are increased, however, when you have a great business idea and demand for your product within the marketplace.

One of these businesses is owned by Kate Klein of Kate Klein Design.  I met her at a Speed Networking event a roughly six months ago.  Since then, I've seen her business take shape and turn into something very special.  Click here to find out about the latest in the evolution of her business model.

She is a young professional experiencing success in Iowa.  She utilizes the resources around her and is always willing to create success for others.  Keep your eye on this one!

And many thanks to the work of Mitch Matthews on this one.  You're both doing amazing things and it makes my job just that much more fun.

Hopefully the word is spreading, but if not, we're hosting another meeting of SEMEE (Society of Entrepreneurial Minded Executives).  For basic details and RSVP go to: http://www.expressplanner.com/semee/

I described this meeting the other day as a way to rub elbows with those you wouldn't normally get a chance to meet.  It's also an excellent opportunity to create a relationship early on with companies that will eventually become large growing enterprises. 

Click here to read Rush Nigut's view on SEMEE

Feel free to attend and don't hesitate to bring others.

Things have been so much fun lately that I got beat to a post from my good friend Wade Den Hartog.  Check out his post from July 7th.  So now, I have to give my take on Tassel Ridge Winery if only a little late.

Last week, I had the opportunity to tour and have lunch at Tassel Ridge with owner, Bob Wersen.  I never claim to be a wine connoisseur, but I do enjoy a few sips/a bottle every now and again.  My impression of the winery and the overall experience was awesome in many different ways:

The Drive - A straight shot on Hwy 163 and about 45 minutes E/SE of Des Moines.  It gave me time to think and the Iowa scenery was pretty cool.  Of course, a trip through God's Country is always fun to do.

The Tour - Very clean, very functional and an excellent opportunity see how wine is produced.  You are able to get up close and personal with the employees, the process and the vision of Tassel Ridge.

The Lunch/Dinner/Tasting Area - The winery has a very inviting and relaxed feel.  The view across the land is second to none and you can definitely take some time to think/relax.

As someone who has never been accused of over/ever planning a date... I would highly recommend this spot to take a significant other.  In my opinion, the drive would allow you to get to know someone on the way there, have a great time learning/eating/drinking, and have a great conversation on the way back to Des Moines.

In a business sense, this would be a great place to entertain clients in a group setting or one on one basis. 

Many thanks to Bob Wersen and Tassel Ridge for your hospitality.  And don't forget to ask Lou Ann what wines are the best to try out. 

This just in... the video from my bull ride in Webster City last Friday night.  I'm continually amazed at the use of technology from US Rodeo Supply.  Thanks Matt, Nathan, Larry, Clint Dickes and Smith & Company Bulls for making this one of my top two experiences of all time... and you just may have created a monster.  I just have to consult the coach one more time.  Check out the video here. You'll see Rocky deciding he doesn't really care for Young Professionals strapping themselves to his back.  Here's the Link on You Tube.

After the event, we enjoyed some great conversation and FREE burgers, chips, potato salad and pop from US Rodeo Supply. 

This was all in preparation of our Saturday morning fishing outing at the Steen Pond just south of Des Moines.  In attendance and getting burnt to a crisp were Brett Trout, Nathan Owen, Matt Owen and me.  We laughed, swapt stories, caught fish, smoked cigars and had some brews.  The pond almost claimed another casualty too.  Matt just about took a spill into the drink... Would've topped off the weekend!  And just when you'd think... You can't beat that...

THIS was all in preparation of Brett taking me to Wells Fargo Arena and watching his coach Chuck Grigsby, dominate his opponent in an MMA bout.  Another new experience for me... it was exciting and pretty cool learning how much techinique is actually involved.  I can't wait to watch Brett hop into the octagon.

Fun? Absolutely.  The State of Iowa is full of opportunity... it just happens to be both professional and recreational.

I'm a cowboy.  But only verified because Nathan Owen says I don't know how to give directions.

Anyway...

Let me tell you a little about Friday night in Webster City... it was indescribable.  My performance was a little sub-par.  1 maybe 1.2 seconds on Rocky and I decided to walk thru the outgate... bad move.  Either way, my legs are killing me and I think I pulled a muscle in my left forearm.  We should have some good video of the entire event.  You may even see a shot of a young version of Mark True riding a sheep.  I'll link to it as soon as it's complete.  (And if anyone asks why I went thru the outgate... it's because I wanted to take Rocky on face to face.  None of this sitting on his back stuff.)

Here are a few of my favorite quotes from the night:

Matt Owen - "Just remember.  If you get in trouble there will be 45 guys rushing out there to help you... and they'll all be carrying switch blades."

Nate Grossman - "Hey, if you live in West Des Moines, we can split gas money to the next rodeo."

Nathan Owen (at about 1:30AM after the rodeo) - "It's decision time... and if you decide to quit riding... just remember, you got on a rodeo bull and nobody can take that away from you."

Many thanks to my family and friends that showed up.

Special thanks to Matt Owen, Nathan Owen and Clint Dickes.