Easton Kuboushek

A cumulated fourteen hours of driving resulted in another successful session of Leadership Iowa University. The Young Professionals Conference, held in Sioux City, turned out to be another fantastic investment of my time. Our day was once again centered on networking, however, this conference put a new spin on things. Matt Mattson of Phired Up Productions introduced the idea of “Social Excellence” that brought a whole new set of rules to the networking game. The energy and message Matt brought to the conference was the best part of my day. I don’t know anyone else that cat get a group of young professionals to break out of there shell and start a dance party with five other strangers.

The other interesting part of my day spent there was the tour of down town Sioux City. The historic town has done an awesome job of preserving its personality while embracing innovation.

Today was by far the most influential and inspiring day and I am fairly certain my colleagues would agree. Our day began at the Iowa Soybean Association in Ankeny. Our discussion covered a wide array of issues concerning agriculture. Naturally, growing up on a farm and looking at the field for a future career, agriculture was a subject I was eager to discuss. The conversations and presentations of Aaron Putze, Mike Taylor, and Randy Olson all geared towards how agriculture in Iowa is not only misunderstood but also underappreciated. In retrospect, these conversations changed the way I looked at agriculture. I grew up with a great family and was advised by nearly every member of that family to go to college and get a degree so I didn’t HAVE to farm. So that’s what I did. I went to college with no intension or appreciation of agriculture. My views have now been altered and if anyone reading this needs a little guidance to understand Iowa and our agriculture, click here.

For me, this is a tough question to respond to. As I have stated in my previous entries, I really like Iowa in its current state. It sounds cheesy, I know. I guess the only thing I can really ask for is a career, geared toward my general interest, near my hometown of Spillville. Unfortunately, Spillville has little to offer as far as marketing is concerned which is probably due to the fact that the town consists of around 300 people. I could probably make it happen if the Bily Clocks Museum looks to expand, but I’m not counting on it. In fact, the largest town within the Northeast corner in my area is Decorah. Decorah, although a significantly larger community, has only a few opportunities available or atleast that I am aware of. So, what is missing for me is the dream job in my hometown. I may just have to embrace the inner entrepreneur and start my own. Who knows? Not a huge inconvenience but that about all I can complain about!

Today, although very tiring, was a very eventful experience. My response to today’s blog is to the following question: How can I take what I learned today and apply it to where I plan to settle down? (or something along those lines) My life, thus far, has been centered on a very small farming community. If my choice could have it, I would live in a community as close to those guidelines as possible. However, my chosen direction of study is going to pose some issues that need to be addressed in order for that to happen. So, ideally, I would like to design marketing campaigns for an agricultural related business; somewhere on the lines of seed, spray, or fertilizer.

The day started off in the capital where I was lucky enough to shake the hand of the Governor as well as listen to the perspectives of various representatives, lobbyists, and entrepreneurs. All of these started a little spark, all centering around one theme: No matter what you do, no matter where you go, giving back to your community is KEY. This theme was carried out through the entire day. This became very pertinent when I saw the emotion, and heard the story of Representative Scott Raeker, originally from Waterloo. Representative Raeker really got me thinking- a successful career is not nearly as important as the time and energy you return to your community. This was only reinforced by Brad Magg, a successful entrepreneur.

Enlightened, my day continued to the city of Pella, Iowa, where we visited the Pella Corp. plant. Pella Corp. was nothing like anything I had ever seen. The sheer size was impressive in itself, but an inside tour showed the giant plant was just another community. Our guide knew everyone and greeted them by name. Employees had the opportunity everyday to challenge their managers to make the plant run as smoothly as possible. And a multi-million square window and door making machine produces only 2 percent waste. I was in awe. Then came the theme of giving back again… Pella Corp. does more than remarkable things for the community. Besides offering 3500 jobs, the company donates to Central College, also located in Pella, with internships and scholarships. It was great. Pella Corp. is centered around Pella and Pella hugs the corporation right back.

Finally my night ended in a networking dinner with representatives from the Rotary Club. Individuals from this 1.2 million member organization joined us for the final hours of our day to tell a us about their mission; giving back.

Needless to say, where ever and whatever my future holds in store- giving back will definitely be something I will fit into my schedule. I always pick on my dad for the amount of time he spends volunteering; mostly because my time gets volunteered too. I always say he can’t say no… well now I have a deeper understanding and appreciation for his time well spent. Who knew parents knew what they were talking about, right?

The greatest asset I believe I have to contribute to the future success of Iowa is that I simply believe in Iowa’s future. I have grown up here my entire life and I truly believe that few states can compare to what this state has to offer not only in the business world, but in life all around- It’s simply a great place to live. Iowa’s future needs to be directed both by the experience we have and the incoming ideas and energy of the youth. I believe the youth that we depend on must have a certain appreciation for the state for Iowa’s future to blossom.

Another asset I posses is the ability to look at Iowa through a realistic lens. I have spent the time in the tractor. I have seen the farm life through the common Iowan. Many people haven’t. I can see and have seen the way rural small town Iowans are affected by the decisions made by leaders, corporations, and legislators. I’m not saying they have led us down the path of despair; in fact they have done just fine. However, I understand how to help our leaders make an even more educated decision to better fit the needs of all Iowans. If I had the opportunity I would travel the state trying to convince younger generations that they really don’t have it so bad… maybe try and change that preconceived notion that they “have to leave Iowa.” Like the country singer Justin Moore sings in his song “Small Town USA,” ‘I seen people leave and then come right back,’ there is some truth behind it. It just takes a little time to realize that reality. Call me lame but it’s the truth- IOWA ROCKS and LIU is only making me love it more.