Hawkeye Molding of Story County has been named the Small Business of the Week by U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Ranking Member of the Senate Small Business Committee. This recognition is part of an ongoing effort by Ranking Member Ernst to highlight a small business in each of Iowa’s 99 counties throughout this Congress.
Hawkeye Molding, founded in 1979 in Albia by Bob Russell and Mike Lawrence, is a leader in plastic injection product manufacturing with over 45 years of history. The business now serves various industries such as agriculture and furniture manufacturing and is headquartered in Roland under the leadership of Ryan Gruhn and Lana Leander, who acquired it in 2021. Ryan and Lana’s commitment to keeping jobs in Iowa has been commended by Ranking Member Ernst, who plans to continue honoring small businesses across the state with her Small Business of the Week award.
Ryan and Lana have received recognition for their economic contributions to the community, including awards from the Ames Chamber of Commerce and Iowa Farm Bureau. They are set to celebrate their third business anniversary this year and have continued to grow their business while maintaining its commitment to quality products and customer service. With their passion for innovation and dedication to excellence, Hawkeye Molding has earned its place as one of Iowa’s top small businesses.