Iowa Chill Returns to Wilson College of Business: From Dorm Room Idea to Award-Winning Media Brand
Iowa Chill Returns to Wilson College of Business: From Dorm Room Idea to Award-Winning Media Brand
This fall, the Wilson College of Business at the University of Northern Iowa reconnects with one of its most recognized alumni-founded brands: Iowa Chill: the viral social media account turned full-scale media business now operating under the umbrella of Map Dot Media.
In August 2025, Iowa Chill will take over the @wilsonbizuni Instagram account for a special “Day in the Life” series, offering current and prospective students a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to run a social media brand as a full-time content creation team.
A UNI Story: From Dorm Room to Industry Recognition
The brand’s origins date back to 2013, when Nathan Krieps (‘20) began sharing humorous, hyper-local content. While attending UNI, he continued the trend from his dorm room, eventually landing on the name Iowa Chill. With the support of fellow students Bryce Bortscheller (‘17), Scott Burak (‘17), and Darian Jones (‘17), the project quickly gained momentum and ultimately evolved into a formal venture through the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center (JPEC).
Fast forward to 2025, and their company Map Dot Media recently earned a Gold Addy Award for a multi-phase digital campaign with Iowa Donor Network. Celebrating the success of that regional humor and UGC can drive meaningful social and business outcomes.
UNI gave us the foundation to take Iowa Chill from a “what’s possible here?” project to a legitimate business. Coming back to share our journey with the next generation of entrepreneurs is a full-circle moment for all of us.
About Iowa Chill / Map Dot Media
Formally founded in 2017 by UNI alumni, Iowa Chill LLC has evolved into Map Dot Media, a full-service influencer marketing agency based in Cedar Falls. The company manages viral digital brands like Iowa Chill and Midwest Vs. Everybody, reaching millions of followers and helping brands authentically engage geo-specific audiences through creator partnerships, UGC campaigns, and branded storytelling.
