HAMPTON, Iowa — Lance Studer has been named the August 2026 Entrepreneur of the Month by the NIACC John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center and North Iowa Area SBDC.
Studer owns Lance Studer Custom Automotive in Hampton. He started the business while working full time in the HVAC field, taking on automotive and mechanical work on the side.
"I had a great job but I have to really challenge myself," Studer said. "I was getting comfortable and I didn't like it. Plus, at the end of the day I wanted to build something to leave for my kids."
As the business grew, Studer left his job and purchased his first building. Today, Lance Studer Custom Automotive provides auto body, mechanical and custom work all under one roof.
Studer credits persistence as one of the most important factors in building his business. "There's no ten simple steps to success. 80% of success is just showing up," Studer said. "It's hard work but going through the grind is how you do it."
Studer connected with the NIACC John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center and the Small Business Development Center while working to secure funding to purchase his first building. His bank recommended working with the centers through a combination of business counseling and entrepreneurial training to flesh out his business plan and firm up his numbers.
Studer enrolled in Venture School, the University of Iowa's statewide entrepreneurship program offered through the NIACC Pappajohn Center. "I started Venture School mainly because I wanted the banker to be happy with me, but as I went through the classes I realized just how beneficial it was," Studer said.
Through Venture School, he gained experience in marketing, planning, strategy and managing the business beyond the work happening in the shop. "In Venture School, I got the chance to see how other people are running their business. I learned from them and I was able to help a couple of them too," Studer said. "But I also saw how you can learn from what multi-million-dollar companies are doing. It's just applying the same methods, no matter what size your company is."
As Studer grew his business, he found an opportunity to expand by purchasing Butch Gruelke Auto in Hampton. Butch was interested in slowing down and retiring, but also wanted his business to continue serving the community.
Studer worked closely with Brook Boehmler, regional director at the North Iowa SBDC, during the transition. "Brook definitely kept me levelheaded," Studer said. "If I had any question or worry at all, he was always there to get me through it. The SBDC and the Pappajohn Center have been the biggest resource for me."
For Studer, entrepreneurship is about more than building a business. He values the opportunity to support his community, including sponsoring local youth sports and school activities.
"I find that very rewarding," Studer said. "And I feel if I can give back into the community and supporting kids, that's where I put the money."
His experience has also shaped the advice he gives to other entrepreneurs: keep going, even when the work becomes difficult. He also encourages entrepreneurs to surround themselves with people who can help them grow.
"At this moment in my career, I've learned to surround myself with smarter and more successful people than I am," Studer said.