PODCAST: Auto-jet President John Rapp Discusses Entrepreneurship & Growing a Business
- Auto-jet Muffler Corp
- Nov 14, 2025
- 1 min read
Updated: Nov 15, 2025

Auto-jet is known for building high-quality exhaust systems for school buses, trucks, off-road equipment and the OEM market, but what is it like to build Auto-jet the company? President & CEO John Rapp recently joined the Iowa Manufacturing Podcast and talked with host Leisa Fox about all that goes into starting and building a business.
The episode, titled “Building Auto-jet and Beyond: John Rapp on Entrepreneurship,” is available now. Check it out on the Iowa Manufacturing Podcast site or your favorite listening platform.
Business-Building Philosophies
Rapp has learned a lot throughout his decades in business. On the podcast, he describes himself as a “serial entrepreneur” and offers valuable insights for growing a business, maintaining a quality workforce, and building relationships with partners and suppliers.
As the owner of Auto-jet and other businesses over the years, Rapp understands the challenges facing startups and small businesses. He shares advice on maximizing resources for the most impact, the importance of flexibility, and how a commitment to quality is essential for success.
Cultivating a Team Atmosphere at Auto-jet
At the core of Rapp’s approach is a belief in teamwork. He discusses building the world-class technical teams that set Auto-jet apart as well as empowering the teams to succeed. When he took over Auto-jet, there were 33 employees. By combining his strategies for growth with the skills of the workforce, that number is now approaching 100.
Whether you’re thinking of starting a business or looking for proven insights that can help take your company to the next level, this podcast is for you. Listen to it today.
👉 Listen to the episode: https://iowapodcast.com/john-rapp/




