Ep. 045: Traveling to Europe Over 60 Times: Travel and Technology w/ Aaron Johnson
- colin2951
- 1 day ago
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From Chicago Radio to Global Safety Tech: Career Lessons with Aaron Johnson
In the latest episode of the Rhymes with Odd podcast, host Ryan Snaadt sits down with Aaron Johnson, the Managing Director of International Business Development at MakoSafe. With a career spanning from the high-pressure airwaves of Chicago radio to the cutting-edge world of wearable industrial technology in Ankeny, Iowa, Aaron’s journey is a masterclass in professional pivoting.
For Des Moines business owners and Iowa marketers, Aaron’s story offers more than just travel tips; it’s a blueprint for how local companies can scale globally without losing their Midwestern roots.
The "Left Turn" Career Path: Why Linear is Overrated
Many entrepreneurs feel pressure to have a 20-year plan. However, Aaron describes his career as a series of "left turns" that only make sense when looking backward.
Starting with a degree in Mass Communications, Aaron’s early days were spent in Chicago broadcast radio. He recounts the gritty reality of analog production—literally using razor blades to cut and splice magnetic tape. This foundation in storytelling and technical precision eventually led him to the burgeoning world of HTML and web development in the mid-90s.
Why Des Moines is the Ultimate "Life Hack" for Professionals
One of the most relatable moments for any local listener is Aaron’s decision to move from Chicago to Central Iowa. He highlights a stark contrast that many Des Moines business owners use as a recruiting tool:
The Chicago Grind: A 52-mile commute that took two hours each way.
The Iowa Advantage: A 25-minute commute that gave him three hours of his life back every single day.
For marketers looking to attract out-of-state talent, Aaron’s story proves that "quality of life" isn't just a buzzword—it’s a competitive advantage for the Iowa business economy.
Scaling an Ankeny Business to the Global Stage
Before joining MakoSafe, Aaron spent 18 years at Accumold, an Ankeny-based leader in micro-molding. During his tenure, he helped the company navigate international trade and global marketing.
The Logistics of "Small Things"
In a witty exchange with Ryan Snaadt, Aaron points out a unique marketing advantage Accumold held. While heavy machinery manufacturers spend hundreds of thousands of dollars shipping combines or tractors to international expos, Aaron could fit his entire product catalog in a small jar in his briefcase.
"I love that we sell small things," Aaron jokes, noting that high-precision micro-parts allowed them to source customers from Singapore to Switzerland right from their backyard in Ankeny.
MakoSafe: Revolutionizing Industrial Safety with Wearables
Today, Aaron is at the forefront of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) with MakoSafe. As a tech startup, MakoSafe isn't just selling a gadget; they are selling data that saves lives.
How Wearable Tech Protects the Frontline
Aaron explains to Ryan Snaadt that MakoSafe’s wearable devices track:
Environmental Risks: Real-time monitoring of heat and sound exposure.
Human Kinematics: Detecting slips, trips, falls, and forceful exertions.
Actionable Data: Using "Motion Explorer" to identify which specific tasks are most physically demanding, allowing companies to implement ergonomic solutions before an injury occurs.
For Iowa manufacturing leaders, this technology represents a shift from reactive safety (filling out reports after an accident) to proactive risk mitigation.
The Power of Serendipity: A Singapore Success Story
Perhaps the most incredible part of the episode is how Aaron landed his current role. While on a business trip in Singapore, Aaron—a photography enthusiast—posted a photo of the iconic Jewel Changi Airport waterfall to his Instagram.
Gabe Glynn, the co-founder of MakoSafe (who lived only a mile and a half from Aaron in Ankeny), saw the post and realized they were in the same building on the other side of the world. A coffee meeting in Singapore led to a career-changing move back in Iowa.
Marketing Takeaway: Aaron’s "incidental photography" and social media presence weren't just hobbies—they were the networking tools that facilitated his next big career move. It’s a reminder to business owners that being "active" online often leads to offline opportunities.
64 Trips to Europe: Lessons in Global Business
With over 60 trips to Europe under his belt, Aaron has become a de facto expert on international business travel. He shares several key insights for Iowa companies looking to expand overseas:
Don't Overcomplicate It: "People are just people," Aaron tells Ryan Snaadt. Whether you’re in London, Paris, or Des Moines, building relationships is the core of business.
Lean into Technology: From Skyscanner to digital itineraries, the barriers to global travel have never been lower.
The "CEO Rule": Aaron shares a touching anecdote about traveling with Accumold’s leadership, noting that a good leader "won't make you sit where they won't sit." This culture of mutual respect is a hallmark of successful Iowa businesses.
Conclusion: The Future of Iowa Innovation
Aaron Johnson’s journey from a radio booth in Chicago to a tech startup in Ankeny serves as an inspiration for the Des Moines business community. It highlights that you don't need to be in Silicon Valley to work on "cutting-edge" technology. You just need a curious mind, a willingness to take a "left turn," and perhaps a passport with plenty of empty pages.
As Ryan Snaadt and Aaron conclude, the world is smaller than we think—especially when you’re standing in a rainforest inside a Singapore airport.
Looking to Level Up Your Business Marketing?
If you enjoyed this deep dive into Aaron Johnson's career, be sure to check out more episodes of the Rhymes with Odd podcast.
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