Farm4Profit Co-Host Tanner Winterhof Opens Studio 205 Recording Studio and Event Venue

Breathing new energy into Slater, Iowa, a former Casey’s General Store has now become the home of Studio 205, a multi-use commercial facility.

Purchased in 2022 by Tanner Winterhof and Corey Hillebo co-hosts of the successful agriculture podcast Farm4Profit, the building was extensively renovated and is now open to cater to the diverse needs of the community. 

Originally purchased to serve as a home base after the unexpected rapid growth and popularity of their podcast, the space was completely redesigned to not only include a state-of-the-art podcast recording studio available to rent by other local creators, but also a multi-purpose event space equipped with a kitchen, flatscreen TVs, and even a cutting-edge golf simulator. 

Both men are Iowa natives and are passionate about educating professionals in the agricultural industry on building profitable businesses. Tanner grew up northwest of Slater in Aurelia and went on to attend AIB College of Business in Des Moines where he earned a degree in business administration and financial services. He then spent over a decade working in the banking sector, during which time he observed that while agricultural workers typically possessed a deep understanding of the practical aspects of farming, there was often a knowledge gap when it came to the intricacies of the business side and profitability.

It was this observation that planted the seeds for what would eventually become the Farm4Profit podcast. Alongside Hillebo, Winterhof produces episodes twice a week that cover a broad range of topics and feature guest experts, all to present current and relevant information on agricultural profitability in a way that is light-hearted and conversational. The podcast has quickly taken off, establishing itself as a prominent voice in the field and developing a community of thousands of listeners and viewers. 

A Building with a Colorful History 

The opening of Studio 205 marks the latest evolution of the property spanning nearly fifty years. Initially constructed as a Casey's convenience store in 1976, the building was updated in the 1980s with a kitchen addition as part of the company’s evolution into one of the biggest pizza chains in the country. In 2000, it was sold to a limousine company that would house its vehicles in the western portion of the building, and by 2017 it was privately owned and used for a metal fabrication business. 

After purchasing the property, Winterhof and Hillebo, began extensive renovations to the space. The exterior, still reflecting its original design tailored to the Casey’s convenience store brand from its initial construction, underwent a significant transformation. The outer walls were entirely torn down and rebuilt, revitalizing the space and providing it with a more modern aesthetic. A significant alteration involved installing expansive six-foot square windows, purposefully designed to enhance natural light within the space and create a more seamless connection between the indoor environment and the outdoors.

Additionally, sustainability was prioritized through the implementation of energy-efficient upgrades. A new roof was installed, designed to optimize insulation and reduce energy consumption. The plumbing system underwent both updates and extensions to ensure functionality and provide increased flexibility in configuring the interior layout of the space. The HVAC system was also completely overhauled to align with contemporary standards for energy efficiency. A durable epoxy-style floor allows for high-traffic use as an events venue minimizing the need for frequent replacements and material waste. 

Winterhof and crew chronicled much of Studio 205’s renovation journey on social media, sharing updates in the process and even asking for input on stylistic choices. In the course of demolition, a 200-pound drop safe was discovered embedded in the floor. It took several weeks and numerous attempts to open, and posts about the journey went viral on YouTube and TikTok. 

A Multifaceted Community Space Designed for Versatility and Business Success

Winterhof and Hillebo say they are excited to watch Studio 205 evolve into a central hub for creativity, entertainment, and community engagement. The event space can accommodate up to 30 people and can be used for everything from corporate meetings to baby showers to photoshoots. However, one of the most exciting features of the remodeled space is the incorporation of a podcast recording studio. Providing a platform for local voices to be heard, the studio provides business professionals and creators access to superior audio and visual technology for live streams, online course creation, commercial projects, and podcasts. 

The podcasting industry has exploded in recent years, and trend forecasters do not anticipate it slowing down anytime soon. Unlike the past, where launching a podcast necessitated buying microphones, interfaces, software, and additional equipment, today there are more alternatives, including the option of renting a recording studio space. Opting to rent a studio can significantly reduce the barriers to entry into the podcasting space by minimizing the upfront investment required. Renting a podcast space allows for instant access to the technology and equipment needed, and payment is only required for the time the studio is being used. 

Renting a podcast studio not only cuts down on setup time, eliminating the need for connecting, calibrating, or troubleshooting equipment but also guarantees a high level of professionalism. Equipment availability makes accommodating a dynamic rotation of guests and hosts easy, and podcast studios are purposefully built with recording in mind, incorporating soundproofing concepts to minimize issues such as echo.

Through the Farm4Profit podcast, Winterhof and Hillebo have made it their mission to assist individuals in their community in achieving success. Studio 205 serves as a natural extension of this commitment, geared towards assisting community members in refining and advancing their business ventures. By establishing Studio 205, they seek to create a space that not only fosters creativity but also serves as a practical resource for local entrepreneurs. The studio is anticipated to serve as a dynamic hub where individuals can fully take advantage of opportunities to amplify and improve their business pursuits, as well as gather in celebration and fellowship.