Ep. 003: Traveling the World to Leading a Tech Start Up w/ Lee Robinson | Rhymes with Odd Podcast
- Ryan Snaadt
- Mar 23
- 5 min read
From Traveling the World to Leading a Tech Startup: Lessons for Des Moines Business Owners.
Insights from the Rhymes with Odd Podcast with Ryan Snaadt and Lee Robinson
The world of technology, entrepreneurship, and digital content is evolving faster than ever. In a recent episode of the Rhymes with Odd Podcast, host Ryan Snaadt sits down with software engineer and tech executive Lee Robinson to discuss an inspiring journey—from building websites and traveling the world to becoming a leader at a fast-growing tech startup.
For Des Moines, Iowa business owners and marketers, this conversation offers valuable lessons about digital innovation, remote work, AI tools, and the power of content creation to grow your business.
Below is an overview of the key insights from the podcast and how they apply to businesses in the Des Moines metro area and beyond.
The Power of Creating and Selling Digital Products
One of the most pivotal moments in Lee Robinson’s career came when he launched an online course teaching developers how to build websites.
Within just one month, the course generated around $10,000 in revenue.
For Lee, this was a mindset shift.
Creating something once and selling it repeatedly online showed him that digital products can unlock entirely new income streams.
For Des Moines entrepreneurs and marketers, this lesson is powerful.
Whether you run a marketing agency, consulting business, or service company, digital products can help you scale beyond trading hours for dollars. Examples include:
Online courses
Digital guides or toolkits
Membership communities
Educational webinars
The key takeaway is that content can become a business asset, not just a marketing tool.
From Iowa State to a Tech Career
Lee Robinson’s path began in central Iowa. He attended Iowa State University, where he studied computer engineering.
Like many students, he initially had multiple interests, including graphic design and music. Ultimately, he chose software development because of its growing career opportunities.
However, what drew him most to web development was the idea that anyone could create something and share it with the world instantly.
For local professionals in Des Moines, Ankeny, Ames, and West Des Moines, this highlights the importance of digital skills. Today’s economy increasingly rewards people who understand:
Web development
Digital marketing
Content creation
Online distribution
Even if you’re not a programmer, understanding how digital platforms work can help you better grow your business online.
Building Real-World Tech Products
Before joining a startup, Lee worked at several Iowa-based companies, including Workiva and Hy-Vee.
At Hy-Vee, he helped build parts of the company’s online grocery ordering system and mobile app, known as Aisles Online.
This project became particularly important during the COVID-19 pandemic, when millions of people relied on online grocery ordering.
For Des Moines business owners, the lesson is clear:
Companies that invest early in digital infrastructure are better positioned when markets shift.
Whether you run a retail store, service company, or local brand, having a strong digital presence is no longer optional. That includes:
An optimized website
Online ordering or booking options
Strong digital marketing systems
Digital innovation can transform even the most traditional businesses.
The Rise of Remote Work and Digital Nomads
Another fascinating chapter of Lee’s story involved traveling internationally while working remotely.
He spent several months exploring destinations such as:
Bali
Australia
Tasmania
During this time, he joined communities of remote workers and digital nomads who were building businesses and careers online.
This experience showed how technology allows professionals to work from anywhere.
For Des Moines companies, remote work has become an increasingly important talent strategy.
Many organizations in Iowa now hire remote employees or allow hybrid schedules. Benefits include:
Access to a broader talent pool
Improved work-life balance
Reduced commuting time
Greater employee flexibility
Remote work is no longer just a tech industry perk—it’s becoming a competitive advantage for companies nationwide.
How Content Creation Opened New Career Opportunities
For years, Lee created content on the side as a hobby.
He produced:
Developer tutorials
YouTube videos
Blog posts
Online courses
Eventually, his content caught the attention of the startup Vercel, which builds tools for developers.
The company invited him to join as part of their developer relations team, where he could combine software engineering with content creation.
When Lee joined, the company had around 30 employees. Today, it has grown to roughly 400 employees, and he now serves on the executive leadership team.
This highlights a critical opportunity for Des Moines marketers and business leaders:
Content creation builds authority.
Publishing educational content—whether blog posts, podcasts, or videos—can lead to new business opportunities, partnerships, and career growth.
The Three Waves of Internet Innovation
During the podcast, Lee explains that the tech industry has gone through three major waves:
1. The Early Internet (Web 1.0)
This era saw the rise of websites and the dot-com boom in the late 1990s.
Businesses rushed to establish an online presence.
2. Internet-First Businesses
The second wave involved companies designed specifically for the internet.
Examples include platforms like ride-sharing services and online marketplaces.
These companies didn’t just have websites—they were built entirely around digital infrastructure.
3. The AI Revolution
Today, we’re entering the third wave: artificial intelligence.
AI tools can now:
Generate content
Write code
Summarize information
Assist with creative work
This shift will reshape industries ranging from marketing to software development.
For Des Moines business owners, the message is simple:
AI will not replace professionals—but it will augment those who learn to use it effectively.
How AI Is Changing Marketing and Content Creation
AI tools are already transforming how professionals work.
Lee describes how tools like ChatGPT can help with:
Summarizing large documents
Drafting written content
Learning complex concepts
Generating structured outlines
For marketers and business owners in Iowa, this means faster workflows and increased productivity.
However, Lee also points out an important limitation.
AI-generated content is often 98% correct but occasionally wrong in critical ways.
That’s why human expertise remains essential.
AI is best used as a productivity tool, not a replacement for strategic thinking or creative direction.
Remote Work Life in Granger, Iowa
Today, Lee works remotely from his home in Granger, Iowa, just outside Des Moines.
While he once lived downtown, he and his wife moved to a quieter area where he could focus more deeply on work.
Working remotely offers several benefits:
More focused work time
No daily commute
Greater flexibility for travel
He still travels roughly once a month for conferences and company events, combining the benefits of remote work with in-person collaboration.
For many Des Moines professionals, this hybrid approach is becoming the new normal.
Final Thoughts for Des Moines Entrepreneurs
The conversation between Ryan Snaadt and Lee Robinson offers several valuable lessons for Iowa business owners:
Content creation builds authority and opportunity.
Digital products can create scalable revenue streams.
Remote work opens new career and hiring possibilities.
AI will transform industries—but human expertise still matters.
Investing in digital tools and infrastructure is essential for modern businesses.
As the Des Moines business community continues to grow, entrepreneurs who embrace technology and content-driven marketing will have a significant advantage.
Listen to the full episode of the Rhymes with Odd Podcast with Ryan Snaadt to hear Lee Robinson’s full story and insights into the future of tech, content, and digital business.
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