Ep. 054: I Drowned, Got Cancer, AND Survived a Tractor Runover w/ Kirk Bjorland
- colin2951
- Aug 4
- 4 min read
From Corporate CEO to Small-Town Leadership: Kirk Bjorland on Surviving Cancer and Finding Purpose in Granger, Iowa
In the fast-paced world of Des Moines business, it’s easy to get caught up in the "suit and tie" grind—chasing the next promotion, scaling the next startup, or managing a corporate empire. But what happens when life forces you to stop running?
In a recent episode of the Rhymes with Odd Podcast, host Ryan Snaadt sat down with Kirk Bjorland, the City Administrator of Granger, Iowa, and a seasoned real estate entrepreneur. His story isn't just a career retrospective; it is a masterclass in resilience, faith, and the importance of alignment for Iowa business owners and marketers.
From surviving a literal tractor run-over to beating Stage 3 colon cancer, Bjorland’s journey offers profound insights into why "slowing down" might be the most productive business move you ever make.
The Transition: From Des Moines Corporate to Granger Community Development
Kirk Bjorland is a familiar name in the Greater Des Moines area. Before taking the helm in Granger, he served as the President and CEO of the Iowa Innovation Corporation, a role that placed him at the intersection of high-level tech, venture capital, and state government.
However, Bjorland’s career path highlights a trend many Iowa entrepreneurs are beginning to embrace: the move toward community-centric leadership.
"I stepped out of the corporate world around 2018," Bjorland told Ryan Snaadt. "I woke up one day and thought, 'Is this the role I should be playing in an office building downtown?' I had a strong sense that no, it wasn’t."
Today, as the City Administrator for Granger—a booming "bedroom community" northwest of the Metro—Bjorland uses his economic development background to manage the rapid growth of housing and business infrastructure. For Des Moines marketers looking at the shift in local demographics, Granger is a prime example of where the Metro’s future is heading.
9 Lives: The Resilience of an Iowa Entrepreneur
One of the most gripping segments of the interview with Ryan Snaadt was Bjorland’s recount of his brushes with death. His life story reads like a movie script, featuring a series of events that would have ended most journeys prematurely:
Age 5: Drowned in a pool and had to have his stomach pumped.
Age 7: Ran over by a tractor in road gear; walked away with only a tire mark on his back.
Youth: Hit by a fully loaded dump truck while riding his horse, Duke.
Junior High: Thrown from a car rolling at 70 MPH, escaping with only a broken arm.
Age 42: Diagnosed with a racquetball-sized tumor in his colon.
For business owners in Iowa, Bjorland’s "nine lives" serve as a metaphor for the volatility of entrepreneurship. Success often requires surviving the "wrecks" and having the grit to stand back up when the metaphorical tractor runs you over.
Beating Cancer: The Turning Point for a CEO
The most significant "wreck" Bjorland faced wasn't a vehicle; it was a health crisis. In 2009, while deeply entrenched in his banking career, he was diagnosed with colon cancer. He underwent 10 inches of colon removal and six months of grueling chemotherapy, losing 60 pounds in the process.
During his conversation with Ryan Snaadt, Kirk shared a vulnerable moment from his recovery. While reading a Bible one night in "dire straits," he saw a message that changed his perspective: "Tell others God saved you."
This moment shifted his focus from "the suit" to "the soul." He realized that his professional titles—VP of Enrollment, Bank Manager, CEO—were secondary to his purpose.
Key Takeaway for Business Leaders:
Are you living the life people expect of you, or the life you were meant to live? Bjorland argues that many professionals spend decades in a mold that doesn't fit, eventually leading to burnout or a crisis of identity.
Marketing and Community: The Growth of Granger, Iowa
As Ryan Snaadt and Bjorland discussed the future of the Metro, the conversation turned toward economic development. Granger is currently bracing for significant expansion. Bjorland’s approach to city administration is deeply rooted in his background in marketing and relationship management.
"My days are filled with building relationships," Bjorland explained. "Talking to developers, working with the schools, meeting landowners and local farmers."
For Des Moines business owners, the lesson here is clear: Growth is about heritage. Bjorland emphasizes that while Granger is expanding, it is vital to preserve the history of the "bedroom community." In marketing, this translates to maintaining brand authenticity even while scaling—a balance every Iowa marketer strives to achieve.
Biohacking and The Future of Iowa Agriculture
Bjorland doesn't just talk about surviving; he talks about thriving. Having faced cancer, he has become a student of biohacking and nutrition. He offered a stark warning to the Iowa ag-business community regarding the modern food supply.
"The further it gets away from God, the less food it is," Bjorland noted. He reflected on his time as a banker, where he encouraged farmers to use methods that prioritized "daily rate of gain" and profit over nutritional density.
Today, he advocates for a more conscious approach to health, suggesting that Iowa entrepreneurs must prioritize their physical well-being to sustain their professional success. You cannot lead a city or a company if you aren't fueling your body correctly.
Final Thoughts: "Stop Running"
If there is one quote from the Rhymes with Odd Podcast that every Des Moines professional should take to heart, it’s the advice Bjorland received from a mentor: "Kirk, stop running."
In the hustle of the 515 business scene, we often run toward goals without asking why. Kirk Bjorland’s story is a reminder that whether you are a CEO or a startup founder, you must slow down enough to see the patterns in your life.
Granger is growing, Kirk is thriving, and his story is just beginning.
About the Rhymes with Odd Podcast
The Rhymes with Odd Podcast explores the intersection of business, entrepreneurship, and life success in the Midwest. Host Ryan Snaadt interviews top-tier Iowa leaders to uncover the stories behind the balance sheets.
Want to learn more about Kirk Bjorland and the development of Granger? Watch the full episode on YouTube or listen on your favorite podcast platform.
Comments