Junior Achievement - Lawrence Business Hall of Fame

Honoring Outstanding Lawrence Business Leaders

The 2024 Hall of Fame Class

The purpose and intent of the Lawrence Business Hall of Fame event is to recognize prominent business leaders who have made extraordinary contributions to Lawrence, earned the respect of the local community, and called attention to the Free Enterprise System and its value to our country and citizens in shaping our local way of life. Individuals inducted into the Hall of Fame have demonstrated business excellence, have vision and are courageous thinkers, innovative and inspiring leaders and community minded. They have worked to lead our community to a better, higher level.

ABOUT JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT

About Junior Achievement

Junior Achievement is proud to address this critical issue by ensuring that every child in America has a fundamental understanding of the free enterprise system by providing economic education programs to students in kindergarten through twelfth grade classrooms. Each of our JA programs educate our students about entrepreneurship, financial literacy and workforce readiness for the student that participate in our programs each year. By participating in these types of programs, students are able to develop the desire to stay in school, have a positive attitude toward work and appreciate lifelong learning, and become prepared for a future of success and leadership. Volunteers from local businesses bring JA’s real world economic lessons into classrooms, serve as role models, share their working lives, and help students gain a new sense of self-esteem, respect for others and understanding of how to turn challenges into opportunities. During the 2022-23 academic year, Junior Achievement of Kansas will have worked with more than 21,000 children including nearly 5,000 children in the Lawrence area. This school year Junior Achievement in the Lawrence School district will reach nearly 5,500 students an increase from the past school year. Junior Achievement programs are provided at no cost to the school district and is funded through local fundraising events throughout the year.

Peggy Johnson

Bob Schumm

Schumm Properties, LLC

Mike McGrew

McGrew Real Estate

Hon. Deanell Tacha

Peggy Johnson (Retired)

Ameriprise Financial, CFP

The 2024 Hall of Fame Class

Ihave enjoyed working with people in the different businesses I have owned in my career before retiring December 2015. Jennings Daylight Donuts gave me the opportunity to meet and connect with many different people in the community. As a financial planner with Ameriprise, my goal was to help clients feel confident about all areas of their financial life. I have always enjoyed giving back to the community through volunteer work with multiple nonprofit agencies. I believe there is much we can do if we work together.

Business Experience:

1976 – 1993

business owner, Jennings Daylight Donuts - Lawrence, KS

1988 – 1999

business owner, Johnson Liquor Store/Cork & Barrel

Liquor Store - Lawrence, KS

1992 to 2015

certified financial advisor, Ameriprise Financial Services, Lawrence, KS

September 2021 – July 2022

Interim CEO of United Way of Douglas County

Professional Associations: Financial Planning Association, National Association of Insurance & Financial Advisors, Million Dollar Round Table

Designations and Degrees: Certified Financial Planner, B.S. Business Administration, 1975 University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS

Community Service: Downtown Lawrence (Past President), Lawrence Chamber of Commerce (Past Board of Director), Rotary International (Member), Friends of Theater (Past President), United Way of Kaw Valley (Current Board Member), and United Way of Douglas County (Past Board Chair)

Personal: Married to Larry Johnson with two children; Kristy and Scott and two grandchildren; Sophia and Ella.

I am a diehard Kansas University Jayhawk fan, have a private pilot certificate and enjoy gardening and outdoor yard work.

“Peggy leads by example. She would not ask anybody else to do something that she would not be a leader in and somehow she gets all of us to follow her without even realizing or agreeing with her because she is that person that everybody enjoys being around.”

BONNIE LOWE, THE CHAMBER OF LAWRENCE, PRESIDENT/CEO

Q&A with Peggy

What do you consider to be the most important attributes of a successful businessman/woman?

Persistence, passion, caring and detailed.

What tips can you provide future business people to help them get through those early struggles?

So many businesses/careers struggle early on. Do your due diligence up front before you start any business. Find a business where there is a need. Do not start a business in a market that is already saturated. Do something that you are passionate about and really love. Build a strong team around you as you will not succeed without the help of others. Get involved in the community and give back. Work hard but have fun.

Born and raised in Lawrence, Mike began his business career in 1982 as an agent with McGrew Real Estate, Inc. before graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Business from the University of Kansas in 1983. He received his Broker’s License in 1986.

Mike has the Certified Brokerage Manager (CRB), the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), and the Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) designations as well as the Military Relocation Specialist (MRP), the At Home With Diversity (AWHD), and Commitment to Excellence (C2EX) certifications.

In addition to selling real estate, he began managing the McGrew administrative staff in 1989. In 2006 Mike succeeded his father, John McGrew as CEO.

Mike has been very involved in all levels of the REALTOR® association, serving as President of the Kansas Association of REALTORS® in 1998 and as National Association of REALTORS® Region 9 Vice President in 2003 and then as NAR Treasurer from 2014-2016. He has chaired NAR’s Risk Management, Legal Action, Finance Committees as well as the Reserve Investment Advisory Board and the Large Board Forum.

Mike currently serves as the 2023/2024 President of the

Q&A with Mike

“ Mike just wants to make sure that he is able to make where he lives and what he does a better place for everyone and leave it better than the way he found it.”

KAREN GEHLE

KANSAS

ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS, CEO

What do you consider to be the most important attributes of a successful businessman/woman?

The best leaders have drive with balance. They are anchored by core principles but with a curious, open mind. And they celebrate the success of others.

So many businesses/careers struggle early on. What tips can you provide future businesspeople to help them get through those early struggles?

Believe in yourself - stay the course - don’t be afraid to ask for help!

“The donut business, the liquor business and the financial planning business, are all things that are designed to make people feel better and more positive, and that’s Peggy. Those businesses were delivered by somebody who was very positive, always optimistic and always with a smile... and that’s Peggy Johnson.”

WINT WINTER JR., STEVENS & BRAND LAW FIRM, LAWYER

REALTORS® Relief Foundation as well as an NAR director and member of the Executive Committee. He is also the Federal Political Coordinator for Senator Jerry Moran. Mike was the 2014 Chairman of the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce and has been Vice Chairman of both the Governmental Affairs Committee and the Economic Development Committee. He currently serves as a member of the Lawrence/Douglas County Economic Development Corporation.

He has received the REALTOR® of the Year and Distinguished Service Awards from both the Lawrence Board of REALTORS® and the Kansas Association of REALTORS®. On November 17, 2023, Mike received the National Association of REALTORS® Distinguished Service Award. Only 2 recipients of the Association’s 1.5 million members are so honored each year.

He was awarded the Lynn Smith Distinguished Service Award from the Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center in 2010 and was its chairman in 2005.

Michael and Christine have been married for 37 years and have 2 grown children, John, a registered psychiatric nurse at Research Medical Center in Kansas City and Nicole who is a Senior Social Media Manager for T-Mobile in Seattle.

“Mike really cares about the community, he’s involved and he’s smart. He sees a lot of things that others don’t in ways that others don’t. He has the ability to look at a situation and consider all the angles. He looks at everything, he considers all the sides, and then he’s very thoughtful in how he engages.”

DENNIS SNODGRASS, MCGREW REAL ESTATE, PRESIDENT/MANAGING BROKER

Mike McGrew

McGrew Real Estate

The 2024 Hall of Fame Class

Born in Chicago, Illinois in 1946, Bob later moved to Kankakee, Illinois, where he attended grade school. An ambitious kid, at age 8 he acquired a paper route and delivered the Chicago Daily News, usually featuring 56 to 84 pages. Delivery was by bicycle. Collections had to be completed monthly. Bob was an avid Boy Scout and earned the Eagle Scout award. Moving to Prairie Village, Kansas in 1960, Bob enrolled at Bishop Miege High School. He started a lawn mowing service. The price for a mowing was $5 per yard. In addition to the lawn service, he worked for Kroger’s as a produce clerk. This was his first chance to get a real paycheck, earning $1.82 per hour.

In 1964 Bob enrolled at Kansas University and earned a degree in Journalism. During the summers he worked on the Ford assembly line as a spot welder. The work shift was 10.5 to 11.5 hours per day from 4:30 pm to 3:00 am. During his senior year he started a sandwich service in the Greek houses in the evenings. That took off, operating with four salespeople on a Sunday through Thursday schedule. This was the genesis of his restaurant career.

At KU Bob met his future wife, Sandra. They married in 1970; have four children and seven grandchildren. They have celebrated 53 years together. Sandra earned her PhD in Spanish at KU and last taught at Baker University. Upon graduation Bob was selected for Officers’ Candidate School and received a Commission in the United States Air Force. He served more than four years of active and reserve duty.

Q&A with Bob

What do you consider to be the most important attributes of a successful businessman/ woman?

In 1970 Bob took the leap and opened the Bull and Boar restaurant. This operation consisted of a short serving line which featured freshly sliced roast beef, ham and corned beef. Salads and relishes were accompaniment. It was a rocky start but after a few months it smoothed out and became profitable.

The Mass Street Deli was born in 1973. This restaurant was an immediate success. It featured lots of specialty sandwiches, salads, and a great selection of cheesecake. It closed 37 years later in 2010.

In 1977 Buffalo Bob’s Smokehouse began selling a full course of BBQ meats and “home-made tater curly fries piled high to the sky”. Bob retired from his 44 year food service career in 2014 with the closing of Buffalo Bob’s.

He also found time to serve his church and city. He is a past St John’s School Board Chair, Downtown Lawrence Association President, Lawrence Chamber of Commerce Board member, and Sister Cities Lawrence Chair. Bob also served 12 years as a Lawrence City Commissioner and three terms as Mayor. He has been dedicated to the preservation of the downtown as a functioning, viable entity.

Bob’s greatest contribution to the city was the development of Rock Chalk Park Sports Pavilion Lawrence has been a stellar success offering recreational and fitness opportunities to all our citizens. Additionally, Rock Chalk Park hosts numerous regional tournaments yearly.

Bob currently manages his commercial real estate properties.

“Bob opened iconic businesses that really did contribute to the fabric of this community. ”

HUGH CARTER, KANSAS DEPT. OF COMMERCE, DIR. OF PERFORMANCE & PROGRAMMING

Honesty, fairness and dedication! All three of these attributes apply to your business model, to your employees and to your customers! If you religiously follow these principles your business will be rewarded!

So many businesses/careers struggle early on. What tips can you provide future business people to help them get through those early struggles?

Make sure that you know what you are getting into before you start. I ran into a guy who told me “Man I can make a mean Teriyaki, I’m thinking of opening a restaurant”! Well preparing one dish does not ready you for running a restaurant. There are personnel challenges, maintenance issues, product safety knowledge, labor law, marketing, insurance and accounting issues and a host of other interesting concerns. Try to work in the field that you are considering owning before opening your own business in order to prepare you for your journey. Next point, be sure that you are adequately funded! Some businesses fail due to lack of fundings necessary in order to get your business up and running. It may take a year or longer to reach the break even point.

(Retired)

Judge United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit

“Advancing the role of women in our society and in leadership roles is very important to Deanell. She was in many times the first woman to be in that role, and was an inspiration for others to follow.”

DALE

SEUFERLING, KU ENDOWMENT, PRESIDENT (RETIRED)

Deanell R. Tacha, is a graduate of University of Kansas, B.A., and the University of Michigan School of Law, J.D. She served as a Circuit Judge in the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit beginning in 1986 and was Chief Judge from 2001-2007. She also served as Duane and Kelly Roberts Dean and Professor of Law, Pepperdine School of Law from 2011-2017 and is working with JAMS doing consulting, arbitration, and mediation. Deanell Tacha has been active in the American Inns of Court movement as a spokesperson for enhanced ethics, professionalism, and civility in the legal profession, and served as president for the national Board of Trustees of the American Inns of Court (2004-2008). She was named recipient of the Devitt Award in 2007 and the John Marshall Award in 2008.

Professional Experience

- Arbitrator and Consultant, JAMS - 2017 - Present

- Duane and Kelly Roberts Dean, Pepperdine University School of Law - 2011–2017

- Chief Judge, United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit

- January 2001 – December 2007

- Circuit Judge, United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit - January 1986 – June 2011

- Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs - University of Kansas, May 1981 – December 1985

- Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs - University of Kansas, 1979-81

- Associate Dean - University of Kansas School of Law, 1977-79

- Professor of Law - University of Kansas School of Law, 1977-85

Q&A with Deanell

“Bob started out at the very lowest rung on the ladder by selling sandwiches on campus at KU when he was just a student there. He was a young entrepreneur and that makes him a great role model for Junior Achievement because he did literally just start his business from scratch.”

CHRIS KOLLMAN, RCB BANK, PRESIDENT

- Associate Professor of Law - University of Kansas School of Law, 1974-77

- Director, Douglas County Legal Aid Clinic Lawrence, Kansas 1974-77

- Thomas Pitner Law Firm – Associate Concordia, Kansas, 1973-74

- Hogan & Hartson – Associate 555 13th Street, N.W. Washington, D.C., 1973

- White House Fellow U. S. Department of Labor Special Assistant to the Secretary Washington, D.C., 1971-72

- University of Michigan Resident Director Assistant South Quadrangle Coeducational Residence Hall, 1970-71

- University of Michigan Law School Senior Judge and Junior Clerk in Moot Court Program

- Linde, Thomson, Van Dyke, Fairchild & Langworthy, Kansas City, Missouri - Summer Law Clerk, 1970

- Baldwin, Paulsen & Buechel Concordia, Kansas Summer Clerk, 1969 In Lawrence, Judge Tacha has served on the Boards of the First United Methodist Church, the Children’s Shelter, the Lawrence Memorial Hospital Endowment, the Douglas County Historical Society, the Lawrence Arts Center, and numerous other community and university organizations. She was one of the founders of Freedoms Frontier National Heritage Area. She is a recipient of the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce’s Distinguished Service Award and the Athena Award. She currently serves on the Board of the Douglas County Community Foundation and the KU Endowment Board of Trustees Executive Committee where she is a past Chair of KUEA. She and her husband, John, have lived in Lawrence for more than 40 years and have four children and six grandchildren.

What do you consider to be the most important attributes of a successful businessman/woman?

Obviously, I come to the question of what makes a good business person from the perspective of a lawyer and judge, but I think it doesn’t affect the answer. To be successful in any endeavor, one must be fully honest and transparent, committed to the common good, always willing to learn, open to constant change and the flexibility to adapt to it, attentive to the needs and interests of those with whom you live and work, and, above all, unwavering in adhering to the highest ethical standards in all aspects of your work and life. As I have gotten older, I have added another characteristic that I believe to be extremely important: living and working to serve a better future for the generations that follow us. We have all been beneficiaries of the work and sacrifice of those who preceded us. Good business people and good citizens are those whose decision making and actions are less about short term reward and more about the long term implications and effects of our actions.

So many businesses/careers struggle early on. What tips can you provide future business people to help them get through those early struggles?

The struggles of the early years are common to any business or profession. One struggle I have watched in people early in their careers is the difficulty of clear communication. Developing skills of clear and precise oral and written communication is the key to success in almost anything. You can have the best ideas or inventions in the world, but if you cannot explain them clearly and concisely, nobody will try it, buy it, understand it, and certainly not invest in it!!

“Deanell made an impact nationally with the judiciary but her personality and her perseverance led her to be a very effective person and smoothing over some of the relationships between Congress and the judiciary. All of this culminated in her being awarded the Devitt Award, the highest honor a federal judge can receive.”

JOHN

LUNGSTRUM, UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT-DISTRICT OF KANSAS, SENIOR JUDGE

Hon. Deanell Tacha

Billy Mills Middle Cordley

Corpus Christi

Deerfield

Free State High School

Hillcrest

Langston Hughes

Lawrence High School

Lawrence Virtual School

Liberty Memorial Central Middle

New York

Prairie Park

Quail Run

Schwegler

Southwest Middle

Sunflower

Sunset Hill

West Middle Woodlawn

Junior Achievement expresses our appreciation to the sponsors, companies and individuals who supported the 2024 Lawrence Business Hall of Fame. Junior Achievement is proud to present this tradition in Lawrence.