Rick Tollakson - President & CEO, Hubbell Mike Ralston - President, ABI (Association of Business and Industry)
Dig It - A Real Estate Podcast
<p> Hubbell President & CEO Rick Tollakson sits down with retiring President Mike Ralston from ABI (Association of Business and Industry) to chat workforce, 2025 outlook and what it takes to be a leader in the real estate industry. </p>
<p><br></p>
<ul>
<li><p><strong>Introduction</strong> – 00:00:00:00</p>
<ul>
<li>Welcome to "Dig It," with Rick Tollakson and Mike Ralston.</li>
</ul> </li>
<li><p><strong>Guest Introduction</strong> – 00:00:10:19</p>
<ul>
<li>Mike Ralston, President of the Iowa Association of Business and Industry, joins the discussion.</li>
</ul> </li>
<li><p><strong>Mike's Career Journey</strong> – 00:00:23:14</p>
<ul>
<li>From local government research to leadership in business associations.</li>
</ul> </li>
<li><p><strong>Career Highlights</strong> – 00:03:02:13</p>
<ul>
<li>Turning around ABI, building a strong team, and expanding public policy focus.</li>
</ul> </li>
<li><p><strong>Leadership Programs</strong> – 00:05:00:20</p>
<ul>
<li>Discussion about Leadership Iowa and Business Horizons.</li>
</ul> </li>
<li><p><strong>Advanced Manufacturing Efforts</strong> – 00:07:14:23</p>
<ul>
<li>Supporting Iowa manufacturers and driving innovation.</li>
</ul> </li>
<li><p><strong>Annual Conferences</strong> – 00:10:39:17</p>
<ul>
<li>The "Iowa Taking Care of Business" Conference and its impact.</li>
</ul> </li>
<li><p><strong>Workforce Challenges</strong> – 00:15:07:22</p>
<ul>
<li>Recruiting and retaining skilled workers in Iowa.</li>
</ul> </li>
<li><p><strong>Transition and Succession</strong> – 00:19:16:13</p>
<ul>
<li>Mike and Rick discuss leadership transitions and organizational growth.</li>
</ul> </li>
<li><p><strong>Mike's Retirement Plans</strong> – 00:23:34:01</p>
<ul>
<li>Reflections on stepping back and future aspirations.</li>
</ul> </li>
<li><p><strong>Advice for Young Professionals</strong> – 00:25:19:11</p>
<ul>
<li>Emphasizing flexibility, hard work, and opportunities in Iowa.</li>
</ul> </li>
<li><p><strong>Looking Ahead to 2025</strong> – 00:27:41:08</p>
<ul>
<li>Excitement for ABI initiatives and Iowa's economic growth.</li>
</ul> </li>
<li><p><strong>Closing Remarks</strong> – 00:37:00:12</p>
<ul>
<li>Thanking guests and sharing the episode's key takeaways.</li>
</ul> </li>
</ul>