On Oct. 27, Start Something CALS hosted its fall Entrepreneurship Roundtable. This event brought entrepreneurs from across Iowa to Iowa State University's campus. Students had the opportunitiy to learn about the entrepreneurs businesses, experiences and paths to success.
The event featured Dave Krog, founder and CEO of Salin 247; Deanna Faubus, co-owner of B Fabulous Catering; Kylie Skow, owner of Kylie’s Kitchen; Tanner Winterhof, co-host of Farm4Profit and Pat Hoffmann, head distiller and co-owner of Lonely Oak Distillery.
Students enjoyed a meal catered by Kylie’s Kitchen, an Ames-based sourdough bakery specializing in handmade, small-batch breads, bagels, cookies and cinnamon rolls. Kylie launched her business in April 2026, turning her passion for baking into a business that shares homemade goods with others.
Pat Hoffmann served as the keynote speaker for the event. Pat is a third-generation farmer, he operates Lonely Oak Distillery, a family-owned, farm-to-bottle distillery in Earling, Iowa, that transforms locally grown grains into spirits. During the event, Pat Hoffman was awarded an honorary doctorate from Kevin Kimle, the Rastetter Chair of Agricultural Entrepreneurship at Iowa State University and director of the Start Something Agriculture program. The docorate honored Pat for his exceptional leadership, entrepreneurial vision and lasting contributions to agriculture.
Following the keynote presentation, students rotated in small groups among the entrepreneurs. Students had the opportunity to ask questions and learn firsthand about the challenges and opportunities of running a business.
The participating entrepreneurs represented a variety of segements of the agriculutre industries.
Dave Krog leads the development of lightweight, electric, autonomous farm equipment at Salin 247, an Ames-based company focused on improving crop production, reducing soil compaction and increasing farming efficiency.
Deanna Faubus helps lead B Fabulous Catering, a Slater-based business specializing in barbecue, weddings and other events. The company offers customizable menus and full-service catering.
Tanner Winterhof represented Farm4Profit, an agricultural podcast focused on helping farmers improve profitability and farm management.
Kylie Skow shared her experience launching and growing Kylie’s Kitchen, offering students insight into building a small business around a personal passion.
Pat Hoffmann’s work at Lonely Oak Distillery highlights the connection between agriculture and entrepreneurship by transforming locally grown grains into finished products.
Through the roundtable, students had the opportunity to connect with entrepreneurs, ask
questions and explore how business ideas can grow into successful ventures.