ReINVENTing Iowa, College of Business & Innovation

Andy Conyers

On this, the third day of leadership camp, we traveled to the city of Ames to visit a manufacturing plant as well as meet quite a few accomplished individuals. My favorite part of the day was probably when Mike Coon, the COO of PowerFilm, a flexible solar panel manufacturing company, was telling us how he got started and how much his company has grown over a relatively short time span. His company's products were fascinating to me. The design and innovation as well as the creativity to make their ideas into reality amazed me.

The next speaker was just as impressive. Alan Bierbaum, who is the Vice President of Technology for Priority 5, had accomplished so much in a not so long time frame. His account of the training he has given to his clients for the technology that his company provides gave us students with great stories as well as good, practical examples for what could happen if we have companies of our own.

After these speakers, the group headed to the DMACC Ames headquarters and was provided the opportunity to listen to a panel of four business professionals recount their challenges, opportunities and share their knowledge. I particularly liked listening to Bob's story of how he is on multiple various boards and committees, giving back to those communities that provided him with chances to succeed while he was younger.