Ep. 055: Going Undrafted | Chasing an NFL Roster w/ Karter Schult
- colin2951
- Aug 4
- 4 min read
From Small-Town Iowa to the NFL: Leadership Lessons with Karter Schult
What does it take to go from a graduating class of 35 students in rural Iowa to the defensive line of an NFL roster? For Karter Schult, the journey wasn’t just about elite genetics; it was about a relentless "motor," a refusal to accept the pain of regret, and a commitment to a "dream big, work hard" philosophy.
In a recent episode of the Rhymes with Odd podcast, host Ryan Snaadt sat down with Schult to deconstruct the mindset required to compete at the highest levels of professional sports and how those same principles apply to the Des Moines, Iowa business community today.
Currently serving as the General Manager of D1 Des Moines, Schult is now channeling his professional athletic experience into building the next generation of Iowa leaders. Here is an overview of the key takeaways from the conversation between Ryan Snaadt and Karter Schult.
1. The Power of "Dreaming Big and Working Hard"
Schult opens the conversation with a powerful sentiment that resonates with any entrepreneur or marketer in the Greater Des Moines area: the fear of failure is nothing compared to the pain of regret.
In the world of business, it is easy to play it safe to avoid the "sting" of a failed marketing campaign or a botched product launch. However, Schult argues that the "try and fail" cycle is a fundamental part of life. For Des Moines business owners, this means setting aggressive goals—whether that’s scaling your local footprint or dominating a niche market—and being willing to pay the price in sweat equity and sacrifice.
2. From Tripoli to the Pros: The Small-Town Advantage
One of the most compelling parts of the interview with Ryan Snaadt is Schult’s recollection of growing up in Tripoli, Iowa (pronounced "Tri-po-la"). In a town of 1,000 people, Schult learned that when resources are scarce, versatility is your greatest asset.
When his high school transitioned from 11-man to 8-man football, Schult didn't just stay a lineman. He played fullback, tight end, and even experimented with quarterback.
Business Lesson: Small business owners in Iowa often have to wear multiple hats—CEO, CFO, and Marketing Director. Schult’s story proves that being a "hybrid" player allows you to see the "field" (or the market) from a perspective your competitors might miss.
3. Developing a "Relentless Motor" in Business
Ryan Snaadt dug deep into what specifically allowed Schult to stand out to scouts. The answer? His motor. Schult admits that while he had the frame (standing 6'4"), it was his refusal to come off the field that made the difference. He embraced contact, wanting to be "the hammer, not the nail."
For Des Moines marketers, this "motor" translates to consistency. In an era of fleeting social media trends, the businesses that win are the ones that show up every single day, producing content, engaging with the community, and refining their "technique" even when they aren't the biggest players in the room.
"I figured out if people can't get their hands on me, they can't block me. It seems like common sense, but I just chose to go around them." — Karter Schult
4. Navigating the "Level Up" (High School to D1)
When Schult moved from Tripoli to the University of Northern Iowa (UNI), he faced a massive culture shock. He went from being "the man" to being a "try-hard" freshman on the scout team.
He describes the intense pressure of the UNI weight room as "turning coal into diamonds." This transition is a perfect metaphor for an Iowa startup moving into the growth phase.
The Standard: As your business grows, your "technique" must improve. What worked for you as a solo-preneur (high school) won't work when you are competing against established "Division 1" corporations.
The Grind: Schult’s redshirt year was defined by being constantly sore and under immense pressure. Similarly, the "boring" back-end work of a business—systems, SEO, and financial auditing—is what builds the foundation for future "Pro" success.
5. Seizing the Opportunity: The Carson Wentz Game
Success often comes down to being ready when the "starter" goes down. Schult recalls his sophomore year at UNI when a teammate’s injury thrust him into a game against a 33-game winning North Dakota State team led by future NFL star Carson Wentz.
Schult didn’t just fill the gap; he dominated. He never saw the bench again for the rest of his college career.
Marketing Insight: For local businesses, your "Carson Wentz" moment might be a sudden gap in the market or a competitor failing to meet customer needs. If your "motor" is already running and your "technique" is sharp, you can seize that market share and never look back.
6. Leadership at D1 Des Moines
Today, Schult applies these lessons as the GM of D1 Des Moines in Waukee/West Des Moines. He oversees everything from adult fitness to Scholastic youth programs. His goal is to help Iowa kids realize that their dreams are attainable if they are willing to outwork the competition.
For business leaders in Des Moines, Schult’s transition from player to General Manager serves as a masterclass in leadership. He is no longer the one making the tackles; he is the one creating the environment where others can succeed.
Key Takeaways for Des Moines Business Owners:
Embrace the "Try-Hard" Label: Don't be afraid to be the most enthusiastic person in your industry.
Incentivize Success: Schult mentions how his parents paid him for tackles and A’s. How are you incentivizing your team to go the extra mile?
Focus on Technique: Hard work is the baseline; refined strategy (like SEO and brand positioning) is what wins at the "Pro" level.
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