All Articles

Alumna shares entrepreneurial journey in resiliency-focused lecture

October 20, 2025


AMES, Iowa — What does it take to thrive as a small business owner in Iowa? For Kori Heuss, it’s a mix of grit, adaptability and a whole lot of heart. 

On Wednesday, Oct. 22, Heuss will return to her alma mater to deliver a powerful and personal lecture, “Diary of an Entrepreneur: The Need for Resiliency When Running an Iowa Small Business.” The lecture will begin at 6 p.m. in room 2630 of the Iowa State Memorial Union.

A 1997 graduate in communication studies, Heuss was recently named Communication Studies Distinguished Alumni of the Year, recognized for her outstanding contributions to both the business community and the discipline of communication. Her talk will be a candid reflection on the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, offering life lessons, leadership insights and real-life stories that impacted not only her career – but her outlook on life.

“It doesn’t just matter how smart or hardworking or optimistic you are, but if you don’t show empathy and collaborate well and communicate well and treat others with respect, you’re still not going to make progress,” she said.

Heuss is the owner of Heuss Printing, a family-rooted business in Ames since 1972, when her father bought a local printing company. In 2005, Heuss purchased the business and has transformed it into a dynamic marketing firm with a wide range of specialty services – from apparel to interior design to consulting and speaking and more. 

Heuss Printing is also the home of The Iowan Magazine, Iowa’s original statewide publication that began in 1952, as well as Pioneer Publishing, which includes Treasures Magazine and Iowa Golf Magazine.

“There have been moments in owning a business that really defined and changed our trajectory,” Heuss said. “Some of those are hard and whittle you as a person and some are exciting and full of opportunities – I’ll share both,” she said.

Her lecture will explore:
•    The role of resiliency in navigating business challenges
•    How effective communication drives leadership and growth
•    Stories of customer relationships, tough decisions and unexpected lessons
•    The importance of empathy, collaboration and humor in business
•    Her journey from college student to multi-business owner and community leader

A recording of the lecture will be available on the lecture program website approximately two business days after the event and will remain accessible for three weeks. 

The event, which is free and open to the public, is sponsored by the Communication Studies Program, LAS Start Something Academy and the ISU Committee on Lectures (funded by Student Government). The following evening, Heuss will be honored at the LAS Alumni Honors and Awards Ceremony.

 

Contacts