With Halloween right around the corner, I want to introduce you to one of the scariest monsters on the planet. Brace yourselves and behold: Private equity firms! Ahhhhhh! You’ve probably heard the term quite a bit over the past few years, but what is private equity and why should you care? It’s nothing new. Massive […]
We are, for better or worse, an amalgamation of our family and friends. A melting pot of hereditary traits and those who we surround ourselves with, all mashed together into seemingly unique individuals. I like to say that I got the best parts of both my parents. My mom has always had a strong sense […]
If you look at nearly any polling, President Trump’s approval is at an all time low. Even some of his most stalwart supporters have come to realize there’s no bridge he won’t cross, or moreover burn, in his quest to “Make America great again.” But what does that even mean? Prior to the election, he […]
I am a relatively smart person. Ok, maybe not “didn’t go to summer school” smart, but by my own barometer based solely on my personal opinion. So why would an otherwise smart (and humble) man such as myself do very dumb things? Shouldn’t I be intelligent enough to realize something is very dumb and rise […]
Imagine stepping into a time machine back in 1981 and arriving in 2026. I’d bet the sticker shock on the cost of everyday products would be enough to send you running back in terror. But don’t worry! Not everything has changed. I’m sure you’ll find great comfort in knowing that Iowa still has the same […]
As a country, we have a nasty habit of being shortsighted. While other nations think in terms of decades, we often have trouble seeing beyond the next election cycle. It’s not our fault. We’ve seen what a change in administration can do. Priorities shift and funding pivots to the next shiny thing, often leaving a […]
Commencement speeches can often be chocked full of optimistic rhetoric and familiar platitudes. Makes sense. You’re addressing young adults who are on the cusp of the next phase in their lives. No need to weigh them down with negativity or the harsh realities that come with growing up. They’ll figure that out on their own, […]
Non-profits are often the lifeblood of communities around the world. Whether it’s programs for kids, caring for the elderly ,or running the local food pantry, chances are there is an organization behind that effort that is only made possible by local volunteers. I‘ve served on several local boards over the years, and I can tell […]
I turned 42 last week, and while I know most of our readers skew older, 42 is one of those numbers I used to throw around when talking about... you know... actual adults. A forty something year old sounded like a wise, old veteran of life. Someone who had seen and experienced a million things […]
I’ll start by acknowledging both the dedication and sheer insanity it takes to run for political office. Whether it’s a village board position or a seat on the national stage, throwing your hat in the ring takes guts and I salute anyone willing to do so. That being said, why are you running? No, really. […]
It was a perfect day, sun shining, not a cloud in the sky. Suddenly this space ship appears and lands in the back yard. A squatty-looking blob like creature emerged and somehow asked if I had a flexible metal hose and a pie tin, both of which I possessed. Seems the refibulator on the craft […]
We all want our kids to be the best. Whether it’s in school, sports or just life, the desire to raise great kids is paramount for most parents. However the pressure to raise or be that great kid can easily become a daunting endeavor. Luckily I have the solution: Just aim for good. While raising […]
Growing up, I really wanted to be a lawyer. I’ve always loved arguing with people and the thought of being paid to do so seemed almost too good to be true. Once I realized the time and financial commitment necessary to actually become a lawyer, I decided pretty quickly it wasn’t for me. Looking back, […]
Ahh, the every ten year U.S. Census. Often anticipated by states, cities, counties, towns and villages in the old days It was a method of not only gloating population growth, but how it collected federal and state tax dollars and how they were distributed to various municipalities. Of course politicians figured out their own a […]
We are, for better or for worse, a melting pot of the people, places and things we surround ourselves with on a daily basis. The old adage of “you are what you eat” is just as true when it comes to who you interact with and what you consume on the internet and social media. […]
