https://putzeink.com/home daily 1.0 2026-02-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1640562559208-Z2VEEKX3074RY7UM4CTR/Around+the+bend+edited.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1640563350546-HOQSTIV77WNL5QVB4O4R/Marion+Chamber.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1739067477699-7MVG2RCM1UMKK8CCT5AB/Web+banner+2-8-25.png Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1583612686339-GAQ7URZM0AR3OOCMKHWR/Two+books+NEW.JPG Home - Elevate performance with these timely reads authored by Aaron Putze! Order your signed and personalized copies of YOU Are Destined for Greatness or Destined for Greatness: The Story of Chuck Long & Resurgence of Iowa Hawkeyes’ Football! https://putzeink.com/blog daily 0.75 2024-02-11 https://putzeink.com/blog/thepowerofstorytelling monthly 0.5 2024-02-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/fcc0522d-108f-4098-aaf9-799782deb4b5/Puppy+book.png Around the Bend - The Power of a Good Story - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/4468f3bb-8124-4565-8b90-54913ae208d8/Beau+relaxing.jpg Around the Bend - The Power of a Good Story - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1707619596779-SUXKLDIAV365FUQLD0L5/Beau+titled+head.jpg Around the Bend - The Power of a Good Story https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1707619598576-16DCZE8BHQ71T0BU0WBM/Beau+watching+Puppy+Bowl.jpeg Around the Bend - The Power of a Good Story https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1707619624475-MN54NDB14GIPUU2S5HE6/Beau+and+Aaron.jpeg Around the Bend - The Power of a Good Story https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1707619624395-IIG2IGI7GTMSW36SFAAD/Beau+at+Christmas+2023.jpeg Around the Bend - The Power of a Good Story https://putzeink.com/blog/gratitude monthly 0.5 2023-11-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/f2adfc6d-63b7-43d4-b7f7-21d2fed5834f/Meadows.png Around the Bend - A Story of Gratitude - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/b4850ed9-6a2f-4023-b902-194104de03d8/Give+thanks.png Around the Bend - A Story of Gratitude - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://putzeink.com/blog/maryannfox monthly 0.5 2023-04-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/dfb9b857-bf61-4b7e-a095-80531739f533/IMG_9627.png Around the Bend - Mary Ann Fox: Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/e75dc432-5733-444a-9d5f-188ef73757e5/IMG_9898.png Around the Bend - Mary Ann Fox: Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1a8bf18d-f495-4c39-9051-32d645772a5b/80B24961-79BA-4913-BDBC-DF68BFCBB8D7.jpg Around the Bend - Mary Ann Fox: Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/9a8a5fc5-8974-4339-84ac-0738bc16d859/Mary+Ann+with+cattle+2.PNG Around the Bend - Mary Ann Fox: Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/37f5ceed-f9be-42b1-bfd5-2ec2344c1d75/IMG_2878.JPG Around the Bend - Mary Ann Fox: Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable! - Make it stand out Mary Ann Fox with fellow Iowa state FFA officers George and Sam Martin. https://putzeink.com/blog/christmasfacts monthly 0.5 2022-12-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/2a770c28-6011-4b2a-b833-5a88914c12c6/St+Nicholas.PNG Around the Bend - Some Things You Just Might Not Know About Christmas! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/cfb8f933-4161-4aee-82df-247028082e31/Rudolph.PNG Around the Bend - Some Things You Just Might Not Know About Christmas! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/9658c3ea-b6c1-40bc-b372-47d65be82894/Cookies+for+Santa.PNG Around the Bend - Some Things You Just Might Not Know About Christmas! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/f840a412-402f-4947-9622-362e4e34e474/Christmas+tree+farm.PNG Around the Bend - Some Things You Just Might Not Know About Christmas! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/ea731407-1737-45f1-8c64-1e1fe9bf5eec/Christmas+wreath.PNG Around the Bend - Some Things You Just Might Not Know About Christmas! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/985102e2-4b0a-431a-b450-bc8d7464a04e/Santa+and+coca+cola.PNG Around the Bend - Some Things You Just Might Not Know About Christmas! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/75805cd9-7711-4bbc-8106-caf1e11e5b50/Christmas+present.PNG Around the Bend - Some Things You Just Might Not Know About Christmas! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/475d574b-525f-441c-ba32-afbeeb1b9aa7/deck+of+cads.PNG Around the Bend - Some Things You Just Might Not Know About Christmas! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/ac9da57b-9cfb-4176-b374-203cd5ee679b/Candy+cane.PNG Around the Bend - Some Things You Just Might Not Know About Christmas! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://putzeink.com/blog/aroundthebendwithvanharden monthly 0.5 2022-09-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1662307489298-TZ9XVWZ76A56WZE1BZLJ/Van+Harden+2.jpg Around the Bend - Off-Mic with Van Harden, inventor of the ‘2:45 a.m. prayer’ and lover of life! - Make it stand out Van Harden during mission trip to Zimbabwe. The country of roughly 15 million people is located in southeast Africa. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1662307739032-57MXLGUOHBBA1G4WHCSX/Summer+Iowa+Games+2014.jpg Around the Bend - Off-Mic with Van Harden, inventor of the ‘2:45 a.m. prayer’ and lover of life! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1662307738705-85R1GWVJ8896B1SVZQX4/Van+Harden+3.jpg Around the Bend - Off-Mic with Van Harden, inventor of the ‘2:45 a.m. prayer’ and lover of life! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1662307754282-O1C7MDYYG7YIXD8KTJKU/Van+Harden+5.jpg Around the Bend - Off-Mic with Van Harden, inventor of the ‘2:45 a.m. prayer’ and lover of life! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1662307739590-GDMJG2EWE9O6FA51NRKG/Van+Harden+4.png Around the Bend - Off-Mic with Van Harden, inventor of the ‘2:45 a.m. prayer’ and lover of life! https://putzeink.com/blog/lessons-learned-from-a-bowl-of-vanilla-ice-cream monthly 0.5 2022-03-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1646661314103-GI1DZFR4C4FY7SY7MV9S/Bowl+of+vanilla+ice+cream.PNG Around the Bend - Lessons learned from a bowl of vanilla ice cream - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://putzeink.com/blog/workbringsmeaning monthly 0.5 2022-02-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1645667839344-MYGHX8UOJB1T1X2RZ5NN/makes+a+%283%29.png Around the Bend - An end table, lamp and meaning of work - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1645668008528-23TLL5Z5OQ015ZSYVQBL/Mom%2C+dad+at+Clay+County+Fair+september+2011.jpg Around the Bend - An end table, lamp and meaning of work - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://putzeink.com/blog/4-wordrefresh monthly 0.5 2022-01-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1641254674634-K96AOJA3ALRNGL2SFDKR/makes+a.png Around the Bend - Welcome to 2022 and the "4-Word Refresh!" - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://putzeink.com/blog/keithmurphykeepsitcivil monthly 0.5 2021-11-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1636773693142-Z0OXYCSKO49T7I1INTVT/Aaron+and+Keith.jpg Around the Bend - WHO 13’s Keith Murphy Keeps it Civil In Rough-n-Tumble World of News, Sports, Politics https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1636773528694-43Z8XAJSUA0R8JWW3785/Keith+KXNO+2.jpg Around the Bend - WHO 13’s Keith Murphy Keeps it Civil In Rough-n-Tumble World of News, Sports, Politics https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1636682685032-PF5N2GUE209CA8FR1V3H/IMG_5912.jpg Around the Bend - WHO 13’s Keith Murphy Keeps it Civil In Rough-n-Tumble World of News, Sports, Politics https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1636773746115-2JVIDER4WT2IF6XV4PVO/IMG_5430.JPG Around the Bend - WHO 13’s Keith Murphy Keeps it Civil In Rough-n-Tumble World of News, Sports, Politics https://putzeink.com/blog/03n2o8eeitm6w6pzkmllqfrqui0x30 monthly 0.5 2021-05-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1620602986854-FZCEV2K9XQRA6GM9WW3B/Hoe+from+farm.jpg Around the Bend - Tools that Inspire! https://putzeink.com/blog/haydenandjerry monthly 0.5 2020-08-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1598225276415-D6O4QRLHNZKQCKSTK96Y/Hayden+and+Jerry.PNG Around the Bend - A Life Well-Lived is Always About People Hayden Fry and Jerry LeVias. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1598291122519-KW9OVQMS2TAZVL6FLTQL/Coach+Fry+saying+goodbye.jpg Around the Bend - A Life Well-Lived is Always About People Hayden Fry accepts cheers of gratitude from Hawkeyes’ faithful upon a return visit to Kinnick Stadium. Hayden amassed a 232-178-10 record while at the University of Iowa along with six college football bowl wins. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1598225356443-YT8UI3BLNYLA3QX76MMC/Aaron+with+Coach+Fry+4-26-18.jpg Around the Bend - A Life Well-Lived is Always About People Aaron Putze presents a copy of the Chuck Long biography he authored to Hayden Fry during a visit to Hayden’s residence in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area April 2018. https://putzeink.com/blog/foss-the-real-deal-on-keeping-it-positive monthly 0.5 2020-07-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1594560597697-LZGZ3JJVDTOYLWE4Z5QG/Lindsey+Foss+business.jpg Around the Bend - Positivity, ingenuity the ‘real deal’ in persevering https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1594560646760-FGC4EAFORIM0CBWE4F4H/Real+Deals.jpg Around the Bend - Positivity, ingenuity the ‘real deal’ in persevering https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1594560752037-KH8VJG4OBG7ZWQQG93YE/Real+Deals+team.jpg Around the Bend - Positivity, ingenuity the ‘real deal’ in persevering https://putzeink.com/blog/clarityduringcrisis monthly 0.5 2020-06-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1591330096726-1LIZBK245EVBXRIQC4I7/Aaron+Putze+and+Angela+Walker+Franklin.jpg Around the Bend - Clarity During a Time of Crisis for America Dr. Angela Walker Franklin and Aaron Putze, YOU Are Destined for Greatness book launch (May 15, 2019). https://putzeink.com/blog/bubbasorensenthefreedomrock monthly 0.5 2020-05-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1590154922961-41YX3C5OB6AMFDH4OJY1/Putze+family+The+Freedom+Rock.jpg Around the Bend - Passion, Drive, Respect Motivate Sorensen to Honor America's Fallen Heroes The Putze family visiting the Freedom Rock 2019. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1590155077427-54PZXQRYOHKNKEPXO79C/F.jpg Around the Bend - Passion, Drive, Respect Motivate Sorensen to Honor America's Fallen Heroes Sorensen’s work is incredibly detailed (2019 Freedom Rock). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1590160335108-BMPNAZ2JY95UBSBR1YXI/20190526_121201.jpg Around the Bend - Passion, Drive, Respect Motivate Sorensen to Honor America's Fallen Heroes “I want my work to pay the highest respect to those who have made the highest sacrifice.” — Ray “Bubba” Sorensen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1590160386181-8YBG6CV1EXC82J5Q38LZ/Freedom_Rock_file_photos-2.jpg Around the Bend - Passion, Drive, Respect Motivate Sorensen to Honor America's Fallen Heroes The artist at work — Ray “Bubba” Sorensen.. (Photo by Joseph L. Murphy) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1590160723619-P0FXCW5CAVE1USQRH90A/20180528_140817.jpg Around the Bend - Passion, Drive, Respect Motivate Sorensen to Honor America's Fallen Heroes The Freedom Rock Winterset, Iowa (Madison County). https://putzeink.com/blog/drewhardenteambuilding monthly 0.5 2020-05-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1589681342559-60FC6PB4D6VFTXMAT9NU/Putze-drew_harden-01.jpg Around the Bend - Personal Compass Leads to Success for Harden, Blue Compass Team Drew Harden would be a full-time motivational speaker if not helping lead the passionate and customer-focused team at Blue Compass. (Photo submitted) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1589681676442-XRQIL22BOIZVGFX2JP25/putze-drew_harden-03.jpg Around the Bend - Personal Compass Leads to Success for Harden, Blue Compass Team If the “Harden” name rings a bell, it should! Van Harden, WHO Radio morning personality and author, and Drew are father/son! (Photo submitted) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1589681817771-L16WGZGYX1Y17SRZSYHO/putze-drew_harden-02.jpg Around the Bend - Personal Compass Leads to Success for Harden, Blue Compass Team Drew is often invited by news outlets to share his perspective on digital and social media trends and how to make an online impact. (Photo submitted) https://putzeink.com/blog/plant-a-garden-and-harvest-the-benefits monthly 0.5 2020-05-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1588772149267-TUN0YJ4H7LY4JNVVM6KD/Family+farm+West+Bend.PNG Around the Bend - Plant a Garden and Harvest the Many Benefits it Yields The family farm, West Bend, Iowa — circa 1985 (garden just visible north of home, center right of picture). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1588772350975-RHBEUF3NTKO4REDMKI0I/Garden+plantings.jpg Around the Bend - Plant a Garden and Harvest the Many Benefits it Yields Cucumbers making their appearance before being replanted in the backyard garden. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1588772476163-WRRN55DKVIDQ34V3IRXX/20190728_110923.jpg Around the Bend - Plant a Garden and Harvest the Many Benefits it Yields Tomatoes ripening in my backyard garden in Waukee (August 2019). https://putzeink.com/blog/babe-ruth-day-is-a-real-treat monthly 0.5 2020-04-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1587943722421-ACPZMMGZFVKZM44YUN6T/Babe+Ruth.jpg Around the Bend - The Six Sentence Story: Babe Ruth Day is a Real Treat! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1587952333594-8XWNHUZHCM3U0T0ERIL1/Baby+ruth+2.jpg Around the Bend - The Six Sentence Story: Babe Ruth Day is a Real Treat! https://putzeink.com/blog/remain-sane-and-healthy monthly 0.5 2020-04-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1585877562982-LE8MXT6HO259MQTIT3VO/puzzle+pieces.jpg Around the Bend - Here's How to Remain Sane in the Face of Unrelenting Bad News Pull pieces of information from difference to get a true picture of what is going on during times of turmoil. https://putzeink.com/blog/chucklongbattlehawks monthly 0.5 2020-03-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1585403345034-B94FUDM7KDDM1463CW93/Jonathan+Hayes%2C+Bob+Stoops%2C+Chuck+Long.PNG Around the Bend - Long says fan-friendly XFL has promising future despite shortened 2020 campaign XFL coaches and former Iowa Hawkeyes (from left): Jonathan Hayes, Bob Stoops, Chuck Long. Hayes and Long coach the St. Louis BattleHawks (head coach and offensive coordinator, respectively) while Stoops serves as head coach of the Dallas Renegades. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1585403607098-Q7NQQ6KIDYVCITJN2LHE/Chuck+Offensive+Coordinator+BattleHawks+spring+2020.PNG Around the Bend - Long says fan-friendly XFL has promising future despite shortened 2020 campaign BattleHawks offensive coordinator Chuck Long (left) keeps a watchful eye on starting QB Jordan Ta’amu during team drills. The XFL season was suspended March 12 after five games. On March 23, Ta'amu agreed to terms with the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs (where Jonathan Hayes, BattleHawks head coach, played TE). Performing in Long’s offensive scheme, Ta’amu recorded the highest completion percentage in the XFL (72%) while recording third-most passing yards (1,050). He threw five touchdowns and two interceptions in five games. Ta’amu is expected to compete against Chad Henne and Kyle Shurmur to backup Chiefs QB’s Patrick Mahomes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1585404453086-BYBAZ1D0ECY9E5FCJOA9/Chuck+in+box.PNG Around the Bend - Long says fan-friendly XFL has promising future despite shortened 2020 campaign Long (second from right) calling down the plays for the St. Louis BattleHawks. Long said the fan-friendly league had a promising start and is already looking forward to the 2021 campaign. https://putzeink.com/blog/coachjennybaranczyk monthly 0.5 2020-03-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1583591637359-ZBQBV1VAMIFRJL2R98VW/Coach+Jenny+Baranczyk.PNG Around the Bend - Winning Starts with a Positive Culture Drake University women’s basketball Coach Jenny Baranczyk at home in the Knapp Center (photo by Joseph L. Murphy and Iowa Food & Family Project). https://putzeink.com/blog/be-in-the-moment monthly 0.5 2019-09-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1569114909908-C0PWOE9HHRRSW3H6L8D3/DSC_0010.JPG Around the Bend - Be in the Moment https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1569114998718-B12OXCYCE4Q5XQ8JLVD1/DSC_0006.JPG Around the Bend - Be in the Moment https://putzeink.com/blog/opportunity monthly 0.5 2019-07-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1563037780165-Q0XF8R8P5Q4NZNEZMDP1/Solheim+cup+2.jpg Around the Bend - The Power of Opportunity, Preparedness and Initiative The U.S. women were victorious in the 2017 Solheim Cup played at Des Moines Golf & Country Club. The LPGA event set attendance and TV viewership records. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1563037233996-4AGV0A69J1PUJRXVGK3Z/Robin+on+fence.jpg Around the Bend - The Power of Opportunity, Preparedness and Initiative Some opportunistic robins captured easy prey while I mowed my yard. As my Toro sent moths airborne, two robins were at the ready to harvest a steady supply of moths for their goslings. https://putzeink.com/blog/marvel-mundane monthly 0.5 2019-07-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1560655208210-H57KRFVKE9BTITBQA29T/20190519_075719.jpg Around the Bend - Marvel at the Mundane This young man reminded me that there’s marvelous in the mundane on an early-morning flight from Des Moines to Lexington. We’re never too old to forget that! https://putzeink.com/blog/around-the-bend monthly 0.5 2019-06-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1560600058497-05648ECD2ZUR07WHSITA/DM+river+near+Browns.jpg Around the Bend - Around the Bend The west branch of the Des Moines River, just a stone’s throw from West Bend and a popular fishing destination during my youth. https://putzeink.com/about daily 0.75 2025-12-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1557691496827-UMQUN552GL125I3PFCZ1/Aaron+and+Chuck+4+12-11-16.jpg About Aaron Putze and Chuck Long going to work on Destined for Greatness (fall 2015). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1557691422661-82FBOU93GJWRE4E4WH6L/Destined+For+Greatness+Iowa+State+Fair+2018-7016.jpg About Aaron Putze and Chuck Long — Iowa State Fair 2018. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1557691596357-PXKWENK523K6OFJKI7AD/Chuck+Long%2C+Aaron+Putze%2C+Kirk+Ferentz.jpg About From left: Chuck Long, Aaron Putze, Kirk Ferentz — University of Iowa Football Complex, Iowa City. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1557691751201-2V0Q0Z9BGKEQB6K4OWNK/Book+presentation.PNG About Destined for Greatness book presentation to Coach Hayden Fry (from left): Chuck Long, Aaron Putze, Coach Fry, Hap Peterson, Kirk Ferentz (April 2018). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/0505f7ad-06e0-4d26-aefa-fae80a803de5/Iowa+State+Fair+2019+5.jpg About - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/10de39f5-4564-4058-b175-89ec57ccdcbc/E.jpg About - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/0db86234-25c9-4a99-b3ca-0302e2b76fcd/Denise+and+Larry+Baethke+Montezuma.jpg About - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/a112766a-a9bb-49ee-bc91-eb77e62b3a5e/20190216_171543.jpg About - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1699142711908-3A9ZT7LLJPDQ19W5IFFD/Fleur+HyVee+Nov+25+2019.jpg About https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1699142710139-D16K9YGKWY0YBTSCUTE8/HyVee+Dubuque+.jpg About https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1699142712182-NCIOPENRKVS8WCG4CZ5L/HyVee+Dubuque+with+large+banner.jpg About https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1699142789259-LT5AXFG85WRTXT9UWUFT/Beaverdale+Books+3.jpg About https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1699142713905-CFF93PPIV066US3A7RL5/Iowa+State+Fair+2019+7.jpg About https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1699142789758-240KYBLM6717JT1ZHK3H/Black+%26+Gold+Shop+3.jpg About https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1699142715949-TVUINQ6N2Z6BA2S86A8N/Valley+West+HyVee.jpg About https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1699142795855-A7KO796LO45GVHGLB30D/Cedar+Rapids+HyVee.jpg About https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1699142796730-ZXQ17B3NTDIDHA9C633I/Countryside+signing.jpg About https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1699142803056-2KYVQYWE7L6XQVOY0M5F/Machine+Shed+8.jpg About https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1699142855235-R5KQ6GZGH0TTBZG2TJJE/Aaron+presenting+book+to+Hayden+Fry+4-26-18.jpg About https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1699142803702-S41A4PBCYYLL26OJUODQ/Urbandale+HyVee+2.jpg About https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1699142847796-UF24H37527TIIFKH9NRE/Arcadia+I+Club+Spring+2018.jpg About https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1699142809938-FZ4CMMO6VEBSCHQKFBVY/Urbandale+HyVee+5.jpg About https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1699142804736-0DLEYKSRRVYOO9X3MOOS/West+Bend+Hawkeye+FFA+chili+oyster+supper.jpg About https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1699142811066-4SE5VJX0O0QKJYXW8YE6/Wheaton+North+5.jpg About https://putzeink.com/books daily 0.75 2025-02-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1577563154690-JVH7ATXORBXBH4TKXFO8/Book+cover+for+web+site.PNG Products - YOU Are Destined for Greatness (Published May 2019; hardcover only; 212 pages) YOU Are Destined for Greatness brings to life the stories and experiences of 27 incredible leaders with Iowa and Midwest roots (it also showcase a bit of Iowa history along the way!). The unique, reader-friendly book shares hundreds of personal experiences that are fun, meaningful and entertaining — perfect for audiences of all ages! There are lots of photos, too! READ FOREWORD BY AE DAIRY CEO MIRIAM ERICKSON BROWN! Turn the pages and be inspired by this a one-of-a-kind compilation of stories shared by those who have excelled – and stumbled at times – in business, sports, academia, finance, retail, elected office and life! All with a uniquely-Iowa perspective born from our agricultural heritage and strong sense of community and togetherness. Sixteen leadership themes (e.g. “Strength in Humility,” “Believe in Someone,” “Never Burn Bridges. Ever” and “Share Success, Own Setbacks”) come to life through author Aaron Putze’s conversations with charismatic people who possess boundless energy and enthusiasm. They include: Miriam Erickson Brown (AE Dairy), Randy Edeker (HyVee), Kirk Ferentz (Iowa football), Angela Walker Franklin (Des Moines University), Hayden Fry; Bruce Harreld (University of Iowa), Jim Knuth (Farm Credit Services of America), Chuck Long (Iowa Sports Foundation), Gene Meyer (Greater Des Moines Partnership), Bob Myers, John Quinn (Waukee Chief of Police), Suku Radia (retired Bankers Trust), Scott Raecker (The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center), Terry Rich (author and speaker), Kirk Tyler (Atlantic Bottling Co.) and Wendy Wintersteen (Iowa State University), to name just a few! It’s like twenty-seven biographies-in-one with historical tidbits including the nation’s longest-serving governor and the origins of such iconic brands as AE Dairy, Hy-Vee and Atlantic Bottling Company. Several questions are also posed at the conclusion of each chapter challenging readers to reflect on the stories and leadership lessons shared and bring them to life in work, family and play! It’s a perfect attitude booster for you, your team, company, a friend, civic club, chamber or recent/soon-to-be graduate! NEW: Aaron has adapted a highly-praised presentation from the book that has delighted dozens of audiences. Ideal formats include 30-minute pep talk and civic club program, 40-minute keynote, hour-long lunch ‘n learn or a half- or full-day team development workshop (click on the “Speaking” tab at top of page, then scroll to testimonials). Contact Aaron for additional details and to arrange a program for your club, organization or team (putzeink@gmail.com)! YOU Are Destined for Greatness: Signed by Author: $36 (includes S&H). Price/shipping discounts available for orders of 5 or more. For special inquiries and speaking invitations, call 515-975-4168 or send Aaron a note at putzeink@gmail.com! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1577563274148-TY8MYNN2TJ702FHXJTK8/Book+cover+for+web+site.PNG Products - Destined for Greatness: The Story of Chuck Long & Resurgence of Iowa Hawkeyes’ Football (Published November 2017; 385 pages; Available in hardcover and softcover) The year is 1981. The U.S. space shuttle Columbia takes its first flight. Ronald Reagan becomes president and Muhammad Ali officially retires with 55 victories. “Raiders of the Lost Ark” debuts in theatres, the term “Internet” is first mentioned and Post It Notes are launched by 3M Corp. And the Iowa Hawkeyes are struggling mightily to gain respectability on the football field after decades as a Big Ten Conference doormat. The always colorful Hayden Fry, a river boat gambler with Texas roots who arrived on campus in 1979, is now in his all-important third year as head coach. It’s make-or-break time for a man doggedly determined to transform the beleaguered program into a national powerhouse. While the program has a lot of holes to fill, quarterback is one of those immediate. With a number of options available, Hayden looks east and, in a surprising move, signs a blonde-haired, six-foot-four quarterback named Chuck Long. Safe to say the son of Charlie and Joan Long was as unknown as the Chicago suburb in which the family resided. Only two other universities offered Chuck a scholarship – Northwestern and Northern Illinois. The lack of suiters wasn’t surprising. He averaged just a handful of throws per start as a high school signal caller for a Falcons team coached by Jim Rexilius. Even in Wheaton North’s 14–6 victory over LaSalle-Peru in the 1979 4A Illinois state football championship game, Chuck completed just one of four passes for minus-three yards. Now, Chuck Long is an Iowa Hawkeye. And as he waits to make first team as quarterback, Coach Hayden Fry takes to the microphones in the waning summer practice days of 1982 and, in front of a gaggle of reporters, proclaims the sophomore-to-be as “Destined for Greatness.” Reporters are nearly speechless. Hawkeye fans are bewildered. Chuck Long? Destined for greatness? Chuck Long? Yep, that Chuck Long. The QB responds to the high praise from his head coach by taking the field just weeks later in his first start against the Nebraska Cornhuskers in Lincoln only to get bruised, battered and benched in a 42-7 drubbing. One week later, the Hawkeyes host in-state rival Iowa State and lose again as Chuck watches from the sidelines. So much for destiny. Then again, Chuck Long isn’t your ordinary quarterback and Hayden Fry isn’t your ordinary coach. In a twist of fate that even Hollywood couldn’t imagine, Chuck and the Iowa Hawkeyes would quickly right the ship and set sail on a voyage that would ultimately take them (and the state of Iowa) into the national spotlight. At the heart of it all was a once-obscure quarterback who played for a high school football program that featured the run – a quarterback that would become Iowa’s most celebrated signal callers, play in an unprecedented five college bowl games, throw for more yards than any other quarterback in Big Ten history, finish runner-up for the Heisman Trophy to a kid named Bo from Auburn University and hear his name called in the first round of the 1986 NFL Draft. Sound too good to be true? Not if you’re destined for greatness! Softcover: $30; Chuck Long signed and personalized: $35 (includes S+H). Hardcover: $40; Chuck Long signed and personalized: $45 (includes S&H) Discounts available for bulk orders! For Chuck Long speaking inquiries, contact Aaron Putze at putzeink@gmail.com. https://putzeink.com/speaking daily 0.75 2026-04-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/41a0ab81-c697-4aaa-8b22-7ea1958e1175/Aaron+hogs.jpg Public Speaking - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1765074099003-8MYM5YZHZDQ4UX5R2L9Y/Aaron+King+Khafu+Pyramid.jpg Public Speaking https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1765074151253-TH51SKPRF447H0Y6BCJK/Sugar+Loaf+Aaron+12.jpg Public Speaking https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1765074195974-L996DAH40FNF1HTBH7KE/Friends+Dhaka+wet+market.jpg Public Speaking https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1765074283909-MZQAND97K4GIJLRAE9B6/Aaron+Gold+Beach+Nov+2025.jpg Public Speaking https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/9e283630-7eaa-4058-9898-282328cd8b33/Great+Wall+of+China+4.jpg Public Speaking - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/ced1a763-bb2c-4735-ab71-0e78a5e1d787/Aaron+Putze+author+speaker.jpeg Public Speaking - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/f3392c93-8db8-4915-b050-9b3d7db96d5f/IMG_20260123_140754.jpg Public Speaking - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1575846835205-JV18MWD6QXWLZLKHQ2YF/20190606_191037.jpg Public Speaking https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1605364419322-JO7DOW5TAY9NTZUPU7PE/Aaron+speaking.jpg Public Speaking https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1605364455935-OI0ZO0JRNHHJBJV49W1I/Leadership+Iowa+2020+6.PNG Public Speaking https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1635705188176-T5VBZ1LTHXUHTUOP2PX3/IMG_4830.JPG Public Speaking https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1605364510886-PD5QNO3FGU4UTP91JJ25/Aaron+and+Atlantic+High+School+Students+Atlantic+2-18-20.png Public Speaking https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1633030654459-N6JQLZYWJ1ZG5WNLWF5C/Aaron+speaking+4.jpg Public Speaking https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1633030597656-ZZ72LMIW1KARRTXPHY80/Aaron+LIU+5.jpg Public Speaking https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1635166202998-78FHPWKFETPRLEJ1EFCT/Aaron+and+Jill+Ackerman+President+Marion+Chamber.jpg Public Speaking https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1648908843267-KYKKF871E1VLKAX6NPJ7/Agbfst-3765.JPG Public Speaking https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1649386261372-C2PL5WPT2IUFBOZMG288/Ali+and+Alex+and+Aaron.jpg Public Speaking https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1649386489650-EVE7KKPR3B6NY5LLXQ56/Aaron+at+library.jpg Public Speaking https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1688094646387-7QHIC3EAN0T54JI61SIQ/IMG_5067.JPG Public Speaking https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1649386775731-EU5B4JZKRYSNZV2UCT0Y/Aaron+and+Andy+2.jpg Public Speaking https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1682191160302-WSZKEKOXZNVHP1TV6WA0/Bob+Allen+portrait.jpg Public Speaking https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1688094589366-BM5E8SW61VDQLRS09EWF/IMG_5065.JPG Public Speaking https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1682191449943-1PU3AMT9DMT2T9YN8D9L/New+group.jpg Public Speaking https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1682191732745-UFBWTV00YAUVTO7T9FKR/20230221_102919.jpg Public Speaking https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1682191925513-I51HOFAKHD9A65JUK3QQ/Aaron+Stine+Seed+July+2022.jpg Public Speaking https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1688094627619-VHH8F71I64SHACLE7JZ8/IMG_5061.JPG Public Speaking https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1700760844343-BGVNQMYTF7IM5QR2M80A/With+Ryan+Kuboushek+Farmers+State+Bank+Clear+Lake.jpg Public Speaking https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1700760894109-RK4IA5Q1ASRDZRI91NM0/20231114_120001.jpg Public Speaking https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1700760990524-C73JOAI3E5DLF5KTXVJ8/Group+photo+Cass+Health+10-24-23.jpg Public Speaking https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1700761158824-MKAWS5ZD68HRYQSLIVFX/Aaron+with+LIU+Aug+2023.jpg Public Speaking https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1703453876293-34RX2JZPDBQ33N4U64L3/Group+photo+cropped.jpg Public Speaking https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1724626640096-ULFEDW6MQDR50JGABM1M/Mike+Roth+and+Lary+Lehman.png Public Speaking https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1724626832247-4H9P5ZW07Q391I2OVVJ1/IBA+Next+Gen+10.JPG Public Speaking https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1741628723642-I26EN3TQ6GYSVGX3L3M0/Screenshot+2025-03-01+154640.png Public Speaking https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1747442377998-FZXK3CB9VLR8TDTXBY38/Putze5.jpeg Public Speaking https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/a4dddebb-df78-4374-8e33-d4160c5a0669/IMG_20260123_140802.jpg Public Speaking - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/0c9d89a9-fe3f-4226-bbed-960935389d05/PXL_20230503_205304666.jpg Public Speaking - Make it stand out Mason City Chamber of Commerce Leadership Workshop (May 3, 2023). https://putzeink.com/contact daily 0.75 2019-06-15 https://putzeink.com/reviews daily 0.75 2026-02-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1577566159477-S5BHJ77ASND3MMG3BXXL/20190621_071552.jpg Book Reviews https://putzeink.com/order-you-are-destined daily 0.75 2019-11-21 https://putzeink.com/order-chuck-long daily 0.75 2019-11-21 https://putzeink.com/foreword daily 0.75 2019-08-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ca80a2211f784762cb6e0a0/1565989074489-QV22HJIKTOUH3WX9EQ2S/Portait+Miriam+Erickson+Brown.jpg Foreword