Organization moves into former F&W Media building
By Holly Neumann
When the former F&W Media property became available for purchase in 2018, the Iola Car Show could not pass up the opportunity.
“We had wanted to be on the grounds for a long time,” said Joe Opperman, the show’s executive director. “When the opportunity to acquire this building and property came about, there was no choice. We could not lose this property.”
It includes newly created office spaces.
“It is in an area of the building that is probably the least likely in most people’s minds,” Opperman said. “From the road, it is the back of the building, but during the show, it is facing the action and has lots of advantages.”
The new office space is located in the second section of the building, where the water main comes in, allowing the organization to shut down the remainder of the building to save on utility costs.
“It’s a small space,” Opperman said. “It has its own public restrooms, a break room, conference room and more. The loading dock is close by and it makes it very efficient for us.”
The main part of the office has an open concept with a big conference area.
“It is very bright and inviting,” Opperman said. “It features a mural wall that contains the original invite from Chet Krause, old Iola Herald articles, pictures from the early days of chicken cooking and more.”
Cubicles are set up with garage-style slat boards. There are tool cabinets instead of file cabinets.
“There is old tin, new tin and a spattering of different pieces to create the atmosphere,” Opperman said.
Industrial flooring
The building features interlocking, modular flooring, which can bear vehicular traffic. It is used in hangars, commercial garages, conventions centers and sports arenas.
“The flooring throughout the office is done by Swisstrax, which is an industry thing.” Opperman said. “This allows them to come in as a sponsor and they can use this area as a showroom for their products.”
A smaller conference room is hidden behind a garage door and resembles and old shop, with tires and even a table which was created from a car lift.
“We think this is about the coolest table in the country,” Opperman said. “We would like to get a tool company in here is some capacity, as we need some shelving in here to complete the look.”
Opperman’s favorite place is his own office space, which has an industrial, old factory, foundry feel to it, complete with a cat walk.
“My absolute favorite part is the accent pictures on the wall,” he said. “It is an old family picture that was blown up to create a canvas. The picture shows my grandma, Blanche Bailey, working on the assembly line at the Allis Chalmers tractor factory during the war effort in 1942.”
Opperman was quick to point out that all the work was done over the course of last winter by staff members and volunteers.
“Almost no third parties were used,” he said. “This was especially important with the shutdown last year. This also helped to bring the project in way under budget, a true testament to the abilities of our crew.”
They will continue to add different pieces to the area, Opperman said.
“Once the show comes around, we definitely intended on acquiring some things out of the swap meet space to help decorate this area,” he said.
The show never got the opportunity to show the space off last year, as the show was called off because of concerns over COVID-19.
“The plan last year was to use the space for special guest signings,” Opperman said. “During this year’s show, the hope is to have Barry Williams occupy this space. It will give people the opportunity to see this area. We want them to come in here and feel inspired by what we do and to be happy that they are a part of it.”
There are no other plans for the building at this time, according to Opperman.
“We just want to simplify things and make them as low-maintenance and useful as we can,” he said. “It is a slow process and we are not spending a lot of money in the process of doing it.”
The Iola Car Show is hoping to host an open house prior to this year’s show, which is slated for July 8-10.
“Everything has come together quite nicely,” Opperman said. “We don’t want anyone to leave this area without making a big impression.”