56. Matthew Swift

The Iowa Idea: Matthew Swift 

In this episode of The Iowa Idea Podcast, I sit down with Matthew Swift. Matt is an entrepreneur, restauranter, and CEO. If you enjoy great beer, great food, and well-designed settings in the ICR corridor, you’ve most likely been at one of Matt’s hospitality projects, which include St. Burch, Mosely’s, Pullman’s, 30 Hop, Red’s, Blackstone, and Big Grove – I hope I got them all.

Matt is an Iowa native and grew up in the restaurant industry learning the business first-hand at his mother’s restaurant Slugger’s.  We discuss how his hospitality projects, especially Big Grove have evolved, grown – and have pivoted in the middle of the pandemic. We dig deep into the craft beer business and spend some time discussing barbeque. I really appreciated how Matt attributes his success to team collaboration as well as strong, trusted partnerships. We explore the importance of community and place when it comes to designing an experience, and  the need to remain nimble to keep growing.

It was an honor having Matt join me on the show. I thank him for sharing his time and insights. Sit back, crack a cold one, and enjoy the episode.

Credits

Episode produce by Spark Consulting Group (www.inspiredbyspark.com) in Iowa City, with support from Executive Podcast Solutions (https://www.executivepodcastsolutions.com/)

The Iowa Idea Podcast music written and performed by Paisley Bible (https://paisleybible.bandcamp.com/).