Catalyst - The Business Magazine (4TH Qtr 2015)

FIRED UP Downtown Artist Forges Bond with the Community • page 17

JUMPING FOR JOY

Sky Zone Franchise Owner: Intrapreneur to Entrepreneur

SOCIAL BUZZ

Pinterest for Business

ECONOMIC EXPANSION

John Knox Village Celebrates 45 Years and Continues $90 Million Renovation

Because Lee’s Summit means business, we’ve enthusiastically created a “one stop shop” for our customers to quickly navigate each step of the business and development process from start to finish. We think this collaborative approach creates the optimum environment for economic growth and development for both the community and our business partners who call Lee’s Summit home.

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Finish Strong It’s the final stretch of 2015, and now is the time to make things happen.

Take steps to help your business end the year on a high note. Are you hoping to make new strategic connections for your business, work on your leadership skills or just survive the holidays? Use the Lee’s Summit Chamber to assist you with those goals.

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

4TH QTR 2015

PUBLISHER Lee’s Summit Chamber of Commerce CHAMBER PRESIDENT Nancy Bruns, CCE ADVERTISING MANAGER Darla Hall CREATIVE DIRECTOR Gina Seibel

If you are looking for more connections, take a moment and set appointments to better your business. Check out pages 49 and 50 to select a few networking events to attend. Set a goal to meet three new individuals. Learn what they do and how your relationship could be beneficial. Successful connections can bring many present and future benefits, such as friendships, resources, references, business recognition and who knows, maybe even some new business.

_______________________________

Wanting to sharpen your leadership skills? Make sure to check out the November 3 Recess for Success Business Development seminar which focuses on that very topic. Complete details on page 49.

_______________________________

On a personal note, take an opportunity to do something positive for yourself or others: volunteer for a member nonprofit, attend one of the many community events scheduled in the next few months or learn something new at an upcoming seminar.

As my term as chair of the board enters its final lap, I want to thank the Chamber, the City and the community for allowing me the opportunity to serve in this capacity. As chair, I am proud to be a part of Lee’s Summit and its vibrant, energetic and growing business community.

Now it’s time to finish strong…here’s to your success as we close out 2015!

Yours Truly,

JOE STASI, SAINT LUKE’S EAST HOSPITAL 2015 Chamber Chair of the Board CHAMBER STAFF Nancy Bruns, CCE, President Matt Baird, Director of Business & Governmental Relations Stephanie Kusek, Director of Communications Stacy Needels, Director of Special Events Cathy Young, IOM, Director of Member Services Darla Hall, Advertising Manager Gina Seibel, Creative Director Anne Aubuchon, Administrative Assistant Nedra Hoover, Bookkeeper Marilyn Pemberton, Part-time Assistant 4 | CATALYST - THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

COPY EDITOR Stephanie Kusek

EDITORIAL STAFF Darla Hall Stephanie Kusek Gina Seibel

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Ashley Backhus, Jeff Driskill, Gary Hawkins Lynn Goehring, Lynn Hinkle, Brad McCleary Rick McDowell, Jim McKenna and Seth Moses _______________________________ ADVERTISING For advertising information, contact Darla Hall dhall@lschamber.com 816.524.2424 _______________________________ PRESS RELEASES Send to gseibel@lschamber.com _______________________________

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ECONOMIC EXPANSION • pg. 8 JKV Begins Next Phase of Construction COMMUNITY FOCUSED • pg. 14 Symphony Kicks off 13th Season

ENTREPRENEUR’S CORNER - DAVE EAMES • pg. 16 Fossil Forge Opens New Studio in Downtown Lee’s Summit

NETWORKING NEWS Building Meaningful Relationships STAYING RELEVANT Marketing Don’ts

Professional Installation

LOOKING AHEAD MIC Campus Underway PRO TIPS Business Succession Planning NEW TO TOWN Sky Zone Bounces into Town PERSON TO PERSON Denis Caye of AMI MONEY MATTERS Give Your Finances a Checkup CHAMBER UPDATE Fall Activities DOING GOOD Bacon is Advisor of the Year HEALTHY LIFE Surviving Holiday Parties

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Expansion

Economic

BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE

John Knox Village Begins Next Phase of $90 Million Renovation John Knox Village, one of the largest retirement communities in the nation, is celebrating its 45th anniversary this year and continues to serve and enrich the lives of older adults in the community. Some organizations carry on business as usual after 45 years, but according to John Knox Village President and CEO Dan Rexroth, many exciting changes are happening.

John Knox Village is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, meaning they do not pay out investors. Therefore, all revenue from the property is directed towards the betterment of the organization and community, including current projects. To meet the needs

The Meadows will offer nine different floor model options, and features many new ammenties including a pub and pool.

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of the changing culture, John Knox Village is undergoing a transformation, both with its current buildings, and with new construction.

The new building under construction off Murray Road, The Courtyard, will open in December 2015. The building includes 52 one- and two-bedroom apartments, all featuring high ceilings and large windows. Homes are already being reserved. The Courtyard also boasts 10,000 square feet that will include a new restaurant, beauty salon and activity room. The new buildings will reflect residents’ changing expectations.

“People want larger units, bigger closets, more bathrooms and more equipped kitchens. On the other side, people want more service. They like the idea of not having to be concerned with any maintenance or yard work. They want more time for their hobbies and pastimes, which is probably true for all of us,” said Rexroth.

Another new facility in the works is The Meadows, made up of 112 units. “Most apartments homes will have a terrific view, either of the golf course and lake, or looking out at the park,” Rexroth explained. The excellent views are a unique feature for these units and the six new villa homes also under construction.

Meadows Common Area

In tune with the changes are residents’ increased interest in fitness and educational opportunities. A new 2,500-square-foot aquatic and fitness center with a lap pool and whirlpool spa will be a part of The Meadows complex.

In addition, plans are underway to construct a dual-purpose theatre and educational venue. “Times are changing, technology is improving and our residents’ interests are

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Expansion

Economic

more focused on continued learning,” said Rexroth. John Knox Village has had discussions with the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art about incorporating virtual tours in the new theatre. The technology would allow residents to not only view the art, but interact with the docent as well. In an effort to support continuing education, John Knox Village has begun exploring opportunities with local universities that would allow residents to attend classes virtually and interact with professors.

A project of this magnitude is not an easy undertaking. However, John Knox Village is not only handling the challenge, they have made it a green process as well. First, the existing buildings must be vacated. As people move out, units remain unfilled and then, if necessary, John Knox Village relocates residents to new homes that meet their expectations. Before demolition of any building, staff removes salvageable items including fans, plumbing, etc. Anything that cannot be reused is donated to Habitat for Humanity and sold in their ReStores. All acceptable metals and studs also are recycled. “One aspect that I have found interesting is that they take concrete from the old building to vacant land, grind it up and use it to help construct the new buildings. There is very little waste in this whole process,” said Rexroth. John Knox Village also remains one of the largest producers of solar energy in Missouri.

Health care trends continue to change and gone are the days when room sharing was the norm. “If you think about it, it makes total sense,” said Rexroth. “It would be like checking into a hotel and them saying, ‘Mrs. Smith, tonight we have you paired up with a really nice lady from Cincinnati.’” Everything John Knox Village is building, including assisted living and memory care, provides private rooms. The Care Center rooms are being transitioned to private rooms as well. To adapt to the

growing number of individuals choosing to age at home, John Knox now offers in-home care.

When asked which construction project has him the most excited, Rexroth answered, “None.” What excites him most is enriching the village experience and continuing to build the sense of community. He further explained that building community has two sides. The physical grounds that create gathering spaces and a delightful ambiance are important, but the grounds are just a tool. The buildings allow for the relationship building, and that is the heart of it all. “I tell the associates that we are not two communities here, the associates and the residents, we are one community. I don’t call it customer service; I think that cheapens it. I don’t even like hospitality. It’s about building those relationships,” said Rexroth.

To help foster that growth, John Knox Village allows associates to use property amenities. Employees have access to fitness facilities, public gardens, salons and more. Several events throughout the year are open to employees and their families along with residents and their families to encourage those connections.

When asked to share his thoughts about the city that John Knox Village calls home, Rexroth said, “Lee’s Summit is a critically important part to our success. We wear Lee’s Summit as a badge of honor. It is a place that is vibrant and growing. We move 200 residents a year into independent living. These people could live anywhere and they are choosing to live here.” John Knox also contributes to the Lee’s Summit economy in return, with residents eating and shopping at local establishments.

Rexroth concluded, “I look forward to John Knox Village celebrating another 45 years and beyond in Lee’s Summit.”

The Man Behind the Village...

Dan Rexroth enjoys coming to work every day because of the unique environment.

Instead of the typical setup where customers pop in and out all day, he has the opportunity to pop into people’s lives. “I have 25-year relationships with some of these people. Over time you get to know them very well. You see them as they live life. I had a lady tell me the other day ‘You know my husband died, we had no kids, I feel like my memory is going and I’m really scared about my future.’ I said, ‘Don’t worry about it, we’re here, we’re your family.’”

Rexroth’s passion to help people in need goes far beyond his 25 years at John Knox Village. To date, he has participated in 35 mission trips. This past year he traveled to Bangladesh and Cuba.

10 | CATALYST - THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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News

Networking

Benefit

Jealousy

Client

Networks Alliance

They Like Me

Creating Your Network

by Jeff Driskill

I Like Them

Two of the primary reasons typically given by company owners considering joining the Chamber are “to build my network and find prospective customers.” Unfortunately, too many people believe they are doing both things at the exact same time and that the two activities are interchangeable.

Networking and selling are two completely different business functions that utilize similar skills. When networking, we are in the process of building meaningful relationships.

We are getting to know people and they are getting to know us. We are identifying other business people who we genuinely like, and we are building our trust in them and theirs in us.

Typically, customers have to know you, like you and trust you before they will buy from you. Unfortunately, this is where the overlap and confusion about the networking process and the selling process starts.

Business owners are likely to find customers within the Chamber, but that happens after they have learned to successfully network with other Chamber members.

Networking can be simple if we understand some basic ideas: According to a variety of studies, the typical business person knows about 250 people on average. The key word here is “knows.” Unlike some popular social media, these are the actual people we can reach out to and they will accept our calls, return our messages and we can easily have a conversation with them.

Identify 5-10 key relationships and do the math. Five times 250 equals 1,250 and twice that is 2,500 possible customers. More importantly, those are potential personal introductions and/or real referrals. Obviously, not everyone is a potential client, but you can understand how quickly the multiplier can add up.

Commit to deliver incredible value to your network. Seek to help others with their business, and to make connections for people. Connect people, not businesses or organizations, to other people who need to be connected. Listen to people, ask them who they want to know and about their ideal referral. If you are providing good solid referrals and the right connections, people will always think of you first when they have a need.

When you are helping those within your network, they are also more likely to help you. Help others as often as possible and you can expect it to be reciprocated.

12 | CATALYST - THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

“Networks” to Tap Into Benefit Network

“I Like Them” Network

When you get business, what are the other businesses that also benefit?

People whom you have received business from in the past six months.

Jealousy Network

Alliance Network

Who does business with people you want to do business with? Are you jealous of someone else’s client list?

Strategic alliances; people who offer other products/services complementary to your product/service.

“They Like Me” Network

Client Network

Those people you have referred business to in the past six months or given business to previously.

Satisfied, thrilled customers who you have already worked with successfully in the past.

4TH QUARTER - 2015 | 13

Focused

Community

Experience the Sound

The Lee’s Summit community boasts a vibrant arts scene. Since 2003, the Lee’s Summit Symphony has become an integral part of that cultural landscape, enriching the community through quality, passionate performances.

Now in its 13th season, the Symphony consists of more than 75 volunteer musicians, all with diverse backgrounds. More than a town band, the Symphony is largely comprised of local music educators, Lee’s Summit graduates and local residents who enjoy sharing their passion and love of music in each concert.

Led by Symphony conductor and co-founder Russ Berlin, a retired music teacher with Lee’s Summit R-7 School District for more than 30 years, the quality of performances rival those of a large city orchestra.

Each season, the Symphony entertains an audience of more than 10,000 patrons, including many families with school-aged children. Founded in part to plant the seed for future artists, the Symphony’s concerts have helped inspire the next generation of musicians.

“I have enjoyed attending the Symphony with my family and friends,” local student Joy Goehring commented. “Hearing the fun variety of music and seeing the different instruments made it easy to decide to play the viola in school this year.”

THE SYMPHONY LOOKS TO LOCAL COMPANIES TO HELP CONTINUE ITS LEGACY OF CONTRIBUTING TO THE ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL HEALTH OF THE COMMUNITY THROUGH ITS BUSINESS SPONSOR PROGRAM.

With sponsorships starting as little as $100, a business supports a quality performing arts organization for generations to come.

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“Our concerts are more than a performance,” said Symphony musician and interim Executive Director Shannon Lawrence.

“Parents use this opportunity to spend quality time with their family and go out for ice cream. Friends meet for dinner, go to the concert and finish up with drinks. Our performances touch not only our patrons with the love of music, but the businesses within our city also enjoy the economic benefits.”

Through the course of each season, the Symphony hosts classical, holiday and pops concerts including a patriotic pops performance at Powell Gardens. Each May, the Symphony hosts an interactive family pops performance offering patrons more than just a concert, but also a glimpse of the local art community. Students enjoy the opportunity to try various instruments in the musical “Petting Zoo” hosted by Heartland Music Academy, create their own masterpiece under the masterful hand of Got Art Gallery and enjoy local artwork arranged by Summit Art. The Symphony kicks off its 2015-2016 season with the Fall Classic Concert on Saturday, October 17, featuring music from “Harry Potter,” “Beetlejuice,” Prokofiev’s “Dance of the Knights,” and much more. Tickets are available at Lee’s Summit HyVee stores.

As Lee’s Summit continues to celebrate its sesquicentennial birthday, the Symphony is proud to host the closing performance in the year-long celebration with its Holiday Magic & Memories concert, in conjunction with the Truly 150 committee. Join this memorable concert series December 11-12 as the Symphony entertains with special guests including local music students, dance performers and more.

To learn more about the Symphony, visit LSSymphony.org. See you at the next concert!

LSmeansbusiness.com

Collaboration...

Our robust education system and skilled work force may have something to do with the fact that more than 5,000 successful businesses are proud to call Lee’s Summit home. Or maybe it’s because we’re conveniently located to all surrounding metropolitan areas. Or it could be that our resourceful, responsive and collaborative community business environment fosters the belief that when businesses succeed, we all prosper. No matter how you look at it, Lee’s Summit is a quality place to live, work and invest.

Yours Truly, LSmeaNSbuSiNeSS.cOm | 816.525.6617

Corner

Entrepreneur’s

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Let Play a Part “Let Art Play a Part” is the guiding principle of Lee’s Summit artist Dave Eames. He recently gave Catalyst an inside look at the new home of the Fossil Forge blacksmithing studio, located at 317B SW Main Street in downtown Lee’s Summit.

The Fossil Forge studio, which is approximately 2,400 square feet, provides inspiration for Eames. “I wanted the space to have a little grit, somewhere I can roll my sleeves up and get to work. It also allows me the ability to work on multiple projects at a time.” Eames, co-owner of the building, worked with his partner Bob Bushyhead to restore the entire 7,000-square-foot building. The additional space houses the companies of Bob and Christine Bushyhead. Walls were removed revealing windows that have been brought back to life and allow natural light to pour in. “My partners and I want to be an active part of downtown, and are happy to be here. I love downtown, the people, the history, all of it.”

Prior to the new space, Fossil Forge operated out of Dave and Kelly Eames’ 500-square-foot detached garage.

“When we moved to downtown 12 years ago that garage beckoned me,” he explained. “We didn’t park the cars in the garage; I parked in back and Kelly parked out front.

Kelly has always been great; she knew I wanted a place to work, a place to create. When I was first starting out, she would go to flea markets with me and help me find my tools.”

WHAT’S IN A NAME? Fossil Forge is a slight nod to Dave Eames’s father, who was a paleontologist, and his mother, who was a zoologist and biologist, and forge because that simply means a blacksmith’s workshop.

What attracts someone to blacksmithing? For Eames, it’s all about the artist expression, mixed with a little danger, the heat and the distinct smell of it. Early works included making items for fireplaces, garden ornaments and sculptures for his garden and gates, all of which were done in his spare time. Eames was employed by the Kansas City Star for many years as an illustrator and digital artist.

He worked 4 p.m. to midnight, allowing him the time to explore blacksmithing during the day. He learned his trade as he went, and enjoyed participating in small art fairs and attending workshops. “My favorite thing about learning is you have to listen. Listening gives you an opportunity to build relationships because most people enjoy helping.”

4TH QUARTER - 2015 | 17

Corner

Entrepreneur’s

In 2013, he finally decided it was time to leave the Star and make the transition to full-time artist.

Current Fossil Forge projects include a water feature, a sculpture/time capsule for the City of Lee’s Summit and a 40-foot sculpture for a house at the Lake of the Ozarks. And of course, making his new studio space feel like home.

When the doors are open at Fossil Forge and the lights are on, Eames invites anyone to drop in.

He visualizes his studio to be a makers’ space…a space to gather, come for gifts and create new ideas together. “I want this to be an open door to creativity. I am expecting a person to walk through the door knowing more than I do, and between the two of us, we can create a really neat idea.”

Eames knows no strangers, only people he hasn’t met yet. “I love when people come by and I can show them what I am doing, but selfishly I can learn so much more from them. That’s the key. If we can work together on a project, that’s a beautiful thing because that’s business but that’s also community and relationships. It’s building a bond, and I want my forge to be here in this community a long time.”

His vision extends beyond his own studio and to downtown as a whole. “I have already been talking to other merchants and we want to do something really cool. We want to ignite this alley,” he said. Plans include a sculpture garden, gutter art installation for rain to dance down and places to gather and enjoy live music. They also have kicked around the idea of an alley cinema during Fourth Fridays. “I want our downtown to be a memorable place to visit.”

When reflecting on the arts and his new building, Eames said he always tells his kids (Sam, 21; Bailey, 20; Jack, 18, and Will, 15), “Everyone can create, everyone is an artist. It’s inside all of us.” Eames continued, “I want people to visit this space and be inspired. I want them to walk away thinking, ‘I want to do something neat,’ or ‘I want to step-up and do something different for my neighborhood to make a difference.’”

Fossil Forge is one of three businesses in the building. The former Carquest building is also home to Land 3 and Bushyhead LLC.

Besides metal work Eames also provides graphic design services, web design, environmental graphics, signage and more.

The Lee’s Summit CARES Character Business Sector strives to build businesses of character that make life better for employees, customers and the community. Learn more by visiting LScharacter.org/business.

The Eames’ House in Downtown Lee’s Summit is surrounded by pieces designed and crafted by Dave.

4TH QUARTER - 2015 | 19

Relevant

Staying

It’s a fact of life that most businesses have a limited marketing budget, so they can’t afford to be inconsistent in their messaging, much less talk about something that isn’t relevant when they’re trying to reach their target audience.

That’s why brand consistency is so critical. It represents an opportunity for all Lee’s Summit businesses to forge a long lasting, mutually beneficial relationship with current as well as potential customers.

Here are five key questions to ask yourself to see if your business is headed in the right direction.

Your brand is a story that’s always being told. So it is critical that you present a fine-tuned relevant message that is consistent at every point of interaction with your target audience in order to meet or exceed your business objectives.

3. How are you positioned in the marketplace? This refers to a single statement of how your product or service provides a solution to a fervent wish or solution to a problem.

1. Who is your target audience? Who is most likely to engage your product or services?

2. What motivates their behavior? This requires understanding the consumer’s needs, wants and aspirations.

4. Is your message relevant? Or does it speak to a mindset that no longer exists?

5. What makes your business distinctive within the category? Remember your competitors can duplicate any product or service if they put their minds to it. The one thing they can’t duplicate is your brand.

Nothing is as powerful or as compelling as your brand. And your brand needs to be consistently expressed through a number of marketing components including headlines, copy, fonts, graphic content, logo treatment and messaging tone. Being consistent will help you maximize your precious marketing dollars.

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Hand wrought treasures from our bench

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F

Ahead

Looking

Innovation

Innovating

Education

The new Missouri Innovation Campus project is underway and moving forward. The project has been made possible with funding from a $40 million bond passed by 80 percent of voters in April 2015, combined with funds from the University of Central Missouri Lee’s Summit. Construction is set to start on the buildings in March 2016.

two years later, saving an additional two years of tuition costs and student debt. The program includes partnerships with the Lee’s Summit Economic Development Council and businesses such as Cerner, DST, Saint Luke’s Health Systems and many others to provide paid internships to students who are studying at MIC.

The campus will be owned by the Lee’s Summit R-7 School District and include shared space with UCM Lee’s Summit, MCC-Longview and Summit Technology Academy. The goal of the program is to provide students with a more affordable option to accelerated degrees. Students who participate two years during high school can earn their associate’s degree soon after graduating high school, and earn a bachelor’s degree just

Areas of study include information technology, health services, international studies, digital media, education and engineering.

Businesses are seeing a high demand for systems engineering and cyber security. The benefits to businesses involved are increased access to talent and recruiting. Accelerated learning in these fields could help close the skills gap to make the workforce more globally competitive.

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MIC Pathway

The campus will boast a modern design to convey a sense of innovation and change, and will include designated learning spaces throughout. The classrooms are designed with many windows, so that classes can be observed from the corridors. In addition to classrooms and common areas, the campus will feature engineering and design development centers, computer and digital media labs and health science labs. Music, graphics and art workshops also will be available to students.

High School Enrolled at MCC

Enrolled at UCM

Applied Learning Experiences through Internships HS Diploma A.A.S. Degree

B.S. Degree

Employment

Currently, Summit Technology Academy operates with more than 500 students from 20 different high schools around the area. Half of each school day is spent working towards college credit and various certifications. The number of students is expected to surpass 1,000 when the new buildings are completed.

The Lee’s Summit R-7 School District and its many partners continue to work feverishly towards the end goal, which is to be ready for classes beginning in August 2017. MIC has also helped stimulate future development in the area, including a new Holiday Inn Express. The magnitude of this project has gained national attention and continues to push Lee’s Summit development forward.

Experience the Sound.

Become a BUSINESS PARTNER. When you become a Lee’s Summit Symphony Business Partner, your commitment supports a quality performing arts organization for generations to come.

Become a Partner today!

Visit www.LSSymphony.org to learn more.

4TH QUARTER - 2015 | 23

Tips

Pro

Business Succession Planning for the Next Generation of Owners and Leaders

by Gary Hawkins

As an increasing number of business owners and CEOs reach retirement age, many family-owned and closely held businesses are struggling with succession planning. Owners and executives are faced with identifying the next generation of leaders and determining if they can pass the company on to family members or employees. Many owners explore options for selling their companies and want to make sure they get the most value for their hard work and investment.

Here are some suggestions for preparing for both the expected and the unexpected.

PLAN EARLY. Ideally, the time to think about succession planning is the day you start your business. As you factor in your long-term goals for the business, something as basic as the type of entity you

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form can have significant implications to how your company is positioned for sale or succession. Your CPA and attorney can advise you of entity structures based on your long-term goals.

You also want to be strategic about the management structure you create and the people you hire. Are you training your team to run the company if something were to happen to the owner or CEO? If you have allowed operations to rely on only a few individuals, all the planning in the world won’t matter.

COMMUNICATE OFTEN WITH YOUR SERVICE PROVIDERS. Because life changes quickly, a succession plan should be a living document, evolving as conditions change. For more than seven years, I worked with an owner who ran his company with his two sons, and they had a strong, successful

business. Even though he was active and had no health issues, I often encouraged him to set up a succession plan.

After he agreed, we coordinated with his attorneys and insurance providers on the valuation of the company, payouts and coverage on insurance policies, planning for estate and trust issues, tax implications for family and continuity plans for the business.

Within a year of completing this plan, I received the sad news of the owner’s unexpected passing. Due to good planning and clear agreements, the family had the money it needed to be cared for and the company had the resources needed to continue operations. Because they had also built a strong management team, the business was able to continue with great success.

whether it’s a family business or any type of closely held business. Without a clear plan, feelings will get hurt. Owners and service providers need to be willing to ask the tough questions and get resolution before there is an issue.

As a business owner, you work hard to build value for your family and business. But you should regularly ask yourself, “If something critical happens – am I prepared?”

Good succession planning allows your company to not just continue, but to potentially thrive.

BE WILLING TO ASK THE TOUGH QUESTIONS. Unfortunately, many of the circumstances related to succession planning for closely held companies often involve sensitive topics like death, disability, money, relationships and ownership. These are tough topics to talk about,

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Networking

Photos

CHAMBER LUNCHEON • Rosalie Newkirk poses with Weed Man Cam Cundiff at the August Luncheon at Adams Pointe Conference Center. The luncheon featured “Bulldog” Bob Fescoe from 610 Sports Radio.

NEW TEACHER BREAKFAST The 2014 Teacher of the Year, Beth Files, welcomed new teachers at a breakfast held by the Lee’s Summit Chamber’s Education Committee and UCM Lee’s Summit.

NEW TEACHER BREAKFAST • New teachers from the Lee’s Summit area received goodie bags from the Chamber and UCM Lee’s Summit. Bags contain items from member businesses.

26 | CATALYST - THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

CHAMBER AFTER HOURS • The Lee’s Summit Symphony entertained with magical sounds at a Chamber After Hours event held at Lead Bank. Chamber After Hours are monthly networking events organized by the Chamber.

CHAMBER BEFORE HOURS • Dave Coffman and Ben Martin enjoyed some tasty hors d’oeuvres and good conversation at a Chamber networking event sponsored by GraphicGator Marketing. Brew up some business each month at these events.

COCKTAILS & CADDIES • Suzanne Garrett, Trisha Drape and Pam Holmes took a team photo with their caddie Nick Edwards at the annual Cocktails and Caddies Ladies Golf Tournament.

4TH QUARTER - 2015 | 27

Town

New to

Jay Highley discusses his journey from corporate America to trampoline franchise owner.

The journey that took Jay Highley from a long and successful career in the telecommunications industry to owner of the local Sky Zone Trampoline Park franchise went through at least 13 cities, including Lee’s Summit, and 20 years of working at various companies, including 3M, Sprint and Sprint PCS, Motorola, Integrated Mobile and more.

“When I was at Sprint, I was always the guy who was tapped to do something new. I was virtually an intrapreneur; I always did the early stage thing but under the corporate umbrella,” said Highley. “When I first left big corporate America, I was hungry to take what I had learned and apply it to a smaller, more entrepreneurial environment.”

He bought a company in Columbus, Ohio, with 17 employees that quickly grew to 85 after a couple of years. “That rapid growth heightened my interest in helping small businesses get over that small hump. I’ve always said that there are a lot of great ideas and a lot of great founders but sometimes those founders can’t get their ideas to have traction,” said Highley.

28 | CATALYST - THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

He spent the next eight years working with small businesses all over the country, either from a partial ownership position or as an advisor, from a home base in Indianapolis.

Around that time, his youngest son, Jason, had taken a position with the Sky Zone in Fishers, Ind., and encouraged his father to investigate the Sky Zone opportunity. Highley was semi-retired, which for him meant playing golf every day, sometimes twice a day. “So, like any good parent, I ignored him for about six months. And then when I did look at the opportunity, I saw what he saw. A brand new concept that had been reinvented into something new. Trampolines have been around for 70 years, but not in this format,” said Highley. “I’m a sucker for something that’s new, innovative and challenging and that’s what got me excited about Sky Zone,” said Highley.

Sky Zone, the world leader in indoor trampoline parks, holds the patent for its trampoline design and has more than 100 locations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Australia, Dubai and the United Kingdom.

Highley and his wife, Mary, were high school sweethearts in Warsaw, Ind., and have been married for 33 years. They opened their first Sky Zone franchise in Ft. Myers, Fla., in October 2013; it was the 44th park in the Sky Zone system, based out of Los Angeles.

They just opened their second franchise in Tampa, Fla. in July 2015; it was the 102nd park to open. There are 34 more parks set to open this year, including the one in Lee’s Summit this fall. The 28,000-squarefoot building with more than 16,000 square feet of wall-to-wall trampolines will offer “active fun” for all ages including Toddler Time, Ultimate Dodgeball, SkyRobics, fitness classes, Open Jump, the Foam Zone and birthday parties. In addition, Sky Zone provides fundraising opportunities for local schools, churches and athletic groups.

Sky Zone also offers a variety of options to the corporate audience including a meeting room facility, with options to jump before or after meetings; company dodgeball competitions; corporate teambuilding activities; as well as company and customer appreciation events.

The Lee’s Summit Sky Zone will employ more than 100 people – a management team of full-time, salaried

Sky Zone Lee’s Summit • 2801 NE McBaine Drive

ADVICE TO OTHER BUSINESS OWNERS Jay Highley, owner of the soon-to-open Sky Zone franchise in Lee’s Summit, has more than 20 years experience in corporate America, as an advisor to small businesses and on the business speakers’ circuit. During our interview, he shared several nuggets of business advice to entrepreneurs, small business owners and business people in general:

>> Life is too short to do something you hate every day. Find something you love to do and that you enjoy getting up and doing every day.

>> Find something that you’re passionate about. Get a strong team around you, a team that shares your passion. You need a vision for the team to buy in to, not only where the business is going but also what the business is doing for the community…some sort of value, a greater cause.

>> You’re going to have good days and bad days so hope you have more good than bad, but you’re going to have bad days. It’s lonely sometimes to start your own business or to go out on a limb, which is why you need a strong support system around you.

>> I think we all miss a lot of great opportunities that go right by our windshield because we’re so focused on other things. Slow down and take the time to investigate opportunities.

>> Corporate America is a great place to learn and develop, but I really think small business not only creates more personal wealth but also creates more personal fulfillment of getting something accomplished.

Town

New to

employees, as well as part-time team members who work 20 to 30 hours per week. The Highleys plan on opening a location in north Kansas City and two in Tampa, Fla., in 2016.

“One of our goals is to be a great community partner.

We are going to form partnerships with several charities but we are going to start by partnering with Marian Hope Center. We think it’s a perfect fit for our passion, which is to help children with special needs. They’re a great example of a locally based, managed and operated charity. We think we can make a bigger difference working with someone like that,” said Highley.

“We’re incredibly excited to be a part of this community.

Lee’s Summit is our home again,” said Highley. Our daughter, Jenna, and her husband, James Asher, as well as their two children, our grandchildren, live here, so both Mary and I are excited to become involved and active in the community through Sky Zone.”

As Highley stated, “Hopefully, families are looking for the ‘healthy fun’ we offer. It’s almost impossible to jump on a trampoline and not have a smile on your face.”

join the

winning team!

The Chamber is offering great incentives for new members who join in October, including: • • • • • • •

One-time $25 enrollment fee waived Certificate for a free monthly membership luncheon - $20 value Certificate for a free set of current member mailing labels - $100 value 14 month membership for the price of 12 when you pay up front Inclusion in the 2016 printed Membership Directory Immediate inclusion in online directory, as well as the Chamber’s mobile app Opportunity for reduced health insurance premiums through engagement with HumanaVitality

View the online application and rates at LSchamber.com or contact Cathy Young at 816.524.2424 or cyoung@LSchamber.com with any questions.

30 | CATALYST - THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

Stephen Stricklin, CFP ® President & CEO Financial Planning Specialist

Wise Wealth and Lee’s Summit’s very own Stephen Stricklin has been named as one of five finalists for the prestigious “Advisor Of The Year” distinction by the insurance industry leading publication for advisors, Retirement Advisor.

The prestigious distinction is reserved for the top five financial advisors in the country whom exemplify outstanding personal production, a commitment to the community or other nonprofit endeavors, a spotless ethical record and a passion for working with clients to ensure they have a financially successful retirement.

Stricklin’s firm, Wise Wealth, is located in the heart of historic downtown Lee’s Summit where he is a longtime member and supporter of the Downtown Economic Development Committee and the Lee’s Summit Chamber of Commerce. He believes in the Lee’s Summit community and donates countless time, money and effort to organizations such as ADP Sports and the Rachel House to improve the lives of those in the area. Stricklin’s selection as a finalist is a testament to his hard work and dedication to his clients and our community.

Congratulations Stephen!

We’re proud to have you in our community! office | 816.246.WISE (9473)

300 SW Main Street

email | info@wisewealthkc.com

Lee’s Summit, MO 64063

w w w. w i s e w e a l t h k c . c o m Wise Wealth, LLC is a Registered Investment Advisor Firm in Missouri and Kansas.

14900 – 2015/9/9

Tips Person

Person Pro2

Meet Denis Caye Automated Motion, Inc. • 807 NW Commerce, Lee’s Summit TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS. AMI is a system integrator featuring a staff of mechanical, electrical and software engineers capable of designing and building anything from a small circuit board to a much larger piece of equipment. AMI also is a contract manufacturer with production equipment and personnel dedicated to building circuit boards, cables and oxygen masks for commercial aviation. I started the company 26 years ago.

WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO DO THIS FOR A LIVING? I chose to go into electrical engineering because I was good in math and enjoyed solving problems.

WHO’S YOUR IDEAL CLIENT? One with challenging projects, unlimited funds and realistic deadlines. I have yet to meet that client!

WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU WISH PEOPLE KNEW ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS? We have a broad offering of services and we are involved in a variety of industries.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO DO BUSINESS IN LEE’S SUMMIT? I live in Lee’s Summit and wanted a short commute. In addition, I knew that Lee’s Summit had a strong business community and plenty of resources.

FIRST JOB? Electrical engineer at DIT-MCO International, a local test equipment manufacturer. I worked there for 10 years before starting AMI. 32 | CATALYST - THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING IN YOUR DOWNTIME? I ride motorcycles, golf and spend time at our lake house on Table Rock Lake.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE BUSINESS BOOK? Execution by Larry Bossidy.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY. I have been married to my wife Valerie for 33 years. Our oldest son Adrien is a lawyer. Our second son Stephan is a dentist. Our daughter Hayleigh is entering 6th grade, and our grandson Trevin is 18 months old.

MORNING OR EVENING PERSON? As the years go by, I turn more and more into a morning person!

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT LEE’S SUMMIT? Close to the big city and close to the country.

THE POWER TO CHOOSE

Pick the Insurance Plan that is Right for You, Your Family & Your Business We don’t think anyone should have to compromise when it comes to their healthcare coverage.

The goods news is you still have options. At Healthcare Solutions Team we provide a full range of affordable quality plans that protect you from head to toe wherever you go. We believe you should be in control of your healthcare and we are here to make that happen. It’s time to take charge.

CONTACT US TO LEARN MORE Amy Searcy and Steve Knirsch 816.345.9868•2BetterBrokers.com Government Certified Agents for the Health Exchange Health • Dental • Vision • Accident • Life • Gap

4TH QUARTER - 2015 | 33

Matters

Money

It’s that Time of Year Again How to Perform a Financial Checkup

by Lynn Hinkle It’s getting to be that time of year again. The holidays are on their way and you’re probably preparing to spend quite a bit of money on the coming festivities. Obviously with the excitement the holidays bring, it becomes easy to lose sight of the upcoming new year and all that comes along with it (think taxes, paying off post-holiday debt, etc.).

The end of the year presents a unique opportunity to look back on the health of your finances from the previous year and start planning to make improvements for the coming year. Performing a periodic financial checkup can offer you a great deal of insight on what you need to change for your budget for the new year. Even if you typically don’t overextend yourself through the holidays or the rest of the year, a financial checkup is still a great practice to use for the overall evaluation of your finances.

You might say to yourself, “I’d like to perform a financial checkup, but I’m not sure how or what to evaluate.”

Fortunately, you’re not alone if this is something you’d like to attempt. Your financial institution should have resources available to help you accomplish this task.

Here are some things to consider if you want to evaluate your financial prospects for the future: Are you saving for retirement?

If so, are you using a 401K, IRA or both?

Have you added any new debt in the previous year?

If so, can you reasonably expect to pay it off before the end of the next year?

Are you regularly putting money away in some sort of savings account not designated for retirement?

Do you have any upcoming life events?

Retirement, medical/surgeries, children enrolling in college, vehicle purchase, getting married, etc.

Having a set plan for how to tackle these items is crucial for financial success now and in the future. If this is something you’ve never done, you should strongly consider it. Stop by your financial institution and ask them to help you if you’re unsure how to accomplish this feat. It can be a rewarding and eyeopening accomplishment for you and your financial well-being.

34 | CATALYST - THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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Now is the time to save on gorgeous carpet from Karastan for a limited time only.

Sale ends November 9, 2015.

See store for details.

STORE NAME ADDRESS PHONE NUMBER 1051 SE Century Drive, Lee’s Summit, MO WEBSITE

816.886.2747 • M, W-F 9-5 • Tues. 9-7 • Sat 9-2 SummitFlooringAndTurf.com 15 Months No Interest Financing Available *Receive up to $1000 American Express gift card with your purchase of Karastan carpet. Offer applies to carpet only. See store for details. KA382-115

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With exceptional durability and luxurious softness, you can live beautifully without worry.

Update

Chamber

The “Busier Time” of Year

by Nancy Bruns It’s always busy at the Lee’s Summit Chamber with lots of events and activities going on, but now that fall has arrived, we have officially entered what I like to call our “busier time.”

First of all, I must thank the hundreds of volunteers and event sponsors that helped with this year’s Oktoberfest, held September 25 and 26 in Downtown Lee’s Summit.

Oktoberfest is the biggest fundraiser for our organization and assists us in providing the programming and staff to best serve our members.

Following Oktoberfest, a group of Chamber members and staff traveled to Washington, D.C., October 7-9. Together, along with representatives from other area chambers, we met with legislators to discuss issues important to Missouri businesses.

Topics included transportation, the fiscal cliff – where are we headed, EX-Im Bank and NLRB-Administrative and Executive Orders – what they mean and how they affect Missouri businesses. If you have an interest in getting more involved with the Chamber’s Governmental Relations committee, please contact our office.

Up next for the Chamber is our Breakfast for Champions event from 7:30-9:30 a.m. Tuesday, November 17. Every year this event features an inspiring speaker from the Kansas City region, a panel of successful Lee’s Summit business owners and of course a delicious breakfast.

This year’s keynote speaker is Case Dorman, president and CEO of Fiorella’s Jack Stack Barbecue. Be inspired as Dorman takes us

back to his roots starting out as a 16-year-old boy working as a cook at the local Smoke Stack restaurant, and the path that led him to his current role. Jack Stack has grown into an amazing story beginning with one restaurant and expanding to its current size of more than 700 employees, operating eight businesses.

Following Dorman’s presentation, John Wisniewski, Tyler Morehead, Michele Spilker and Mike Atcheson will participate in a panel discussion about their road to success as Lee’s Summit business owners.

Interested parties should register for this event online at LSchamber.com or by calling 816.524.2424.

Besides our events, fall is also the time that our organization compiles two major publications, the annual Chamber Membership Directory and annual Health Care Directory.

I mention these because if you are considering Chamber membership, now is a smart time to join. In order to be listed in the 2016 Membership Directory, applications must be received no later than October 31. To learn more about the benefits of membership, call Cathy Young, director of member services, at 816.524.2424.

The Lee’s Summit Chamber is proud to be the champion of the Lee’s Summit business community and thrives on the opportunity to provide business success through networking and advocacy, as well as business and professional development.

I wish you all a successful fourth quarter!

Good

Doing

Awarding Excellence Bacon is Advisor of the Year In September 2015, Dennis Bacon, founder of Bacon Financial Advisors, received the Dr. Paul M. Thomson Advisor of the Year award from the Truman Heartland Foundation of Kansas City. The award recognizes professional advisors for their work in facilitating gifts to charity.

Working with Truman Heartland gives Bacon Financial Advisors the resources to implement charitable strategies with tax advantages.

Bacon explained, “If someone has a stock they paid $100 for that is worth $10,000 today, they can give it to Truman Heartland and get a $10,000 deduction avoiding the capital gains tax.”

Originally from Oklahoma, Bacon attended Harding University, a small Christian college in Arkansas. Graduating with an accounting degree, he started working at Deloitte, followed by a number of Fortune 500 companies, and eventually opened his own business, a furniture store in Chicago. Because of the recession in the early 90s, he closed the business and moved his family to the Kansas City area with nothing but the money earned from a garage sale…literally. “It was a good garage sale but that was all we had,” said Bacon.

“I had done enough testing and evaluation to know what field I should go into and financial planning fit my education, training, background and personality profile,” said Bacon.

He joined forces with a financial planning professional in Kansas City, and when his partner retired in 2012, Bacon moved his practice to Lee’s Summit where personal connections have enabled his business to grow steadily through the years.

Bacon Financial Advisors, an independent firm with the resources of Raymond James at their disposal, now has five employees. Their

client-centric practice is geared primarily toward individuals and small businesses who desire to be successful and are willing to work toward that success. “We’re more interested in prudent financial investment than we are in trying to make someone rich.

We want to engender trust with them knowing that we are looking to try to find out what is the best solution for them. We have no packaged solutions.”

Bacon likes working with people from Lee’s Summit because they tend to have a more family-oriented approach. “I also like the mixed social and economic stratum in Lee’s Summit. I think it makes for a healthier community.”

The person who had the most influence on how Bacon deals with people and money was his mother. “She grew up in Oklahoma dirt poor. She liked to have fun but she also realized that you have to manage things in keeping with your capabilities and what you’re blessed with,” said Bacon. He paraphrases Proverbs 15:22 when advising small business owners: “A wise man seeks the counsel of many if he wants to have appropriate success.”

Bacon provides pro bono financial advice to those who don’t have resources as a way to give back to the community. In addition to his work with the Truman Heartland Foundation, he also is involved in the Chamber and Women’s Clinic of Kansas City.

The Bacon family has lived in Lee’s Summit since 1994. Bacon’s wife, Michelle, teaches at Summit Christian Academy; his son, Nathan, is a college baseball coach; and his daughter, Rachel, is attending school and playing soccer at Bacon’s alma mater.

4TH QUARTER - 2015 | 37

Healthy

Life

Beat the Bulge Tips to Survive the Holiday Party Season

by Brad McCleary

Are you ready to get in shape this holiday season? Instead of putting off a weight loss or exercise program until the new year when the holiday damage has already been done, why not start right now and prevent those holiday pounds from creeping on in the first place.

Did you know that individuals gain an average of 10 pounds between Halloween and New Year’s Day? You don’t have to be part of that statistic. If you start now and adopt a few healthy habits, you can avoid the holiday weight gain and look and feel better as you start 2016.

Here are a few tips on how to improve your nutrition and exercise regimen during the hectic holiday season.

Nutrition Tips •

PLAN. Try to plan your meals and snacks ahead of time. This will help you control your portions and keep you from binging on junk food because you have no other choice.

•

EAT BEFORE YOU GO. If you're going to a party or event and don't know what food they'll have, have a small meal before you go. Filling up on fiber-rich foods such as veggies, salad, fruit and soups will help you feel full so you won’t overeat at the party.

•

BRING YOUR OWN HEALTHY FOOD. If you are asked to bring food to a gathering, take a healthy dish that you will enjoy eating. Fruit and yogurt platters, low-sugar desserts and veggie platters are good low calorie options.

•

STAY HYDRATED. Drinking a glass of water before every meal will help you feel full and help your body flush out toxins. Drinking enough water will also help you fight the drying effects of the cold, winter air.

•

LIMIT ALCOHOL. Alcohol is just empty calories. To control the calories, limit your alcohol intake to 1-2 drinks. Also, try low-calorie drink options. You can ask for low-calorie mixers for cocktails or use club soda to dilute your drink and the number of calories.

•

CONTROL. At the end of the day, maintaining and losing weight is based on calorie and portion control. You can eat your favorite foods and desserts, just don’t overindulge in them regularly.

Exercise Tips •

START NOW. Instead of starting to exercise after you gain the weight, start exercising now to avoid gaining the weight in the first place.

•

DO WHAT YOU LIKE. The best exercise is the exercise you will do, whether that’s walking, running, swimming or something else. Find the exercises you like and do them.

•

DO WHAT YOU CAN. Exercising 2-3 times a week is better than not exercising at all and can help you burn off those extra holiday calories.

•

MIX IT UP. Cardio exercises, such as brisk walking and running, burn calories. Weight lifting helps build muscle which burns more calories than fat. A mix of both types of exercises will help you get fit fast.

This holiday season, give yourself the gift that keeps on giving: a new healthy lifestyle.

38 | CATALYST - THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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816.969.1010

Social

Buzz

for Business

by Ashley Backhus

You can use social media to drive traffic to your website in many ways. Many people think your business needs to “pay to play” to drive people from social media profiles to your website. That’s simply not the case. If you’ve been working on developing your social media profiles yourself, you know content is king. Even if you use paid advertising to get more followers or likes on a particular post, you still need engaging content to get people to stick around and continue to engage with your profiles.

One social media site that maximizes the engagements of your posts is Pinterest. Yes, that’s right. The crafty, DIY social media website can help achieve your business’ social media goals and can also help drive traffic to your website or blog. Why is the engagement so much higher on Pinterest? When you “pin”

something to one of your boards, other people can see it and “repin” it, broadening your pin’s reach with their boards and board categorizations.

Here’s one example: I created a blog to document things I’m doing that I’ve seen on Pinterest (cooking recipes, crafts, holiday stuff). These blog posts include a step-by-step of what I’ve done and pictures. There are only 22 posts that I’ve promoted by pinning the graphic to a specific Pinterest board I have. From this single channel of promotion, I have more than 11,000 visits to my blog. What’s more, even though I haven’t created a blog post since January, I’ve still logged more than 1,000 visits since January from my pins to my blog. These pins are working for me long after I’ve posted them!

Tips for a business Pinterest page Name your Pinterest boards using SEO mentality. Think about what people would search for. Make sure those boards have keyword-rich descriptions and that a category is selected.

Be creative! Your content should reflect your brand and customers. If you sell products, pin pictures of your products and repin those of customers using your products. If you sell a service, take a picture of your customer or the project (before and after pictures).

Make sure that you have appropriate photos on your website that you can pin to your Pinterest profiles (your blog is included in this). When you pin from your website or blog, make sure you describe your pin with appropriate keywords.

To maximize engagement, you should be pinning at least 10 things per day. Don’t worry, you can schedule pins! Make sure the followers on your other social media profiles know they can interact with you on Pinterest too. If you have an online store, make sure you investigate using Rich Pins to have the opportunity to sell to the 100 million users on Pinterest.

40 | CATALYST - THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

What is it?

Pinterest is a site that allows users to create virtual pin boards for organizing their interests, and capturing inspiration and innovative images they find on the web. Pinterest categories include art, DIY and crafts, fashion, food and drink, home dĂŠcor, travel and more.

Pinterest requires brief descriptions but the main focus of the site is visual. Clicking on an image will take you to the original source, so, for example, if you click on a picture of a pair of shoes, you might be taken to a site where you can purchase them.

4TH QUARTER - 2015 | 41

EDC

Update

Lee’s Summit For Sale

EDC Works to Foster Relationships with Real Estate Professionals Working in city economic development is no different than any other form of business when it comes to building relationships. It is imperative to maintain connections with your partners, stay relevant to their needs and develop an active presence in your industry. In my previous career as a site selector, I have been fortunate to meet many individuals.

In my current position, my time spent as a site selector has allowed me to develop relationships with key decision makers for major corporations and national commercial real estate brokers, as well as other state and local economic development organizations. My goal is to bring these relationships, along with the knowledge I received from working the “other side,” and continue to establish Lee’s Summit from a new angle.

Did you know that 85 to 90 percent of new attraction and expansion projects are handled by site selection consultants? This includes commercial real estate brokers and developers. Their job is to narrow down the selection process

including state, city and ultimately building sites. But like every decision you and I make, money is an important factor in these decisions. Hence, the reason most cities establish an Economic Incentive Policy. It is important that Lee’s Summit stay competitive and top-of-mind.

In addition to financial incentives, decision makers will look at each community as a whole. This is where WE stand out.

Lee’s Summit offers a thriving downtown area, a relatively low crime rate and positive workforce numbers just to name a few. Now, we just need to get in front of those individuals and foster those relationships.

In September, the City of Lee’s Summit and the Economic Development Council hosted the first in a series of events. It was a real estate luncheon comprised of professionals from the Kansas City metro area to showcase the city’s various programs, incentives and recent developments. This “kickoff” event was designed to platform the unique resources available and establish long-term relationships with this group. Mark Dunning, development center director, explained how the City has streamlined its process to include one point of contact, shortening the planning process. Besides the informative segment, attendees networked with our private investors, city officials and colleagues.

I am very excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for our city. This is our chance to establish connections, show relevance and develop an active presence. Lee’s Summit means business – and we’re ready to play!

42 | CATALYST - THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

Where’s Your

Says

Survey

Place for a Business Lunch?

RESPONSES PROVIDED BY LEE’S SUMMIT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBERS

Spin Pizza. I love their Mini Mia, which has pizza and a side salad. Their spinach salad is delicious!

JANICE PHELAN LEE’S SUMMIT R-7 SCHOOL DISTRICT

TIM DENKER DENKER LAW FIRM

and tie crowd at lunch with privacy.

RICK SMETANA UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL MISSOURI

ANDY ELLIOT COMMERCE BANK

ALAN MAIS AFLAC

LISA PYCIOR CARTRIDGE WORLD - LEE’S SUMMIT

e.

I enjoy Whistle Stop Coffe p They make an excellent cu the in of coffee, they are heart of the city and there y is always a positive energ floating in the air.

Garozzo’s. Suit

I am more of a meet for coffee person. I Love Post Coffee.

Summit Hickory Pit BBQ has a diverse lunch menu. Th e atmosphere is conducive to a business meeting in the private booths. The best thing on the menu is the smoke d whole catfish.

Summit Grill & Bar. Good variety on menu, pleasant atmosphere, noise level in restaurant makes it easy to carry on a conversation.

Summit Grill! They have an excellent “under $10” lunch menu and every item is good!

ASHLEY NOWELL PRO DEO YOUTH CENTER

Garozzo’s is fa irly quiet at lunch time an d has great fo od.

I like their chic ken spiedini dishes or their manicotti. I li ke that they have lunch portion s, even though it is still filling.

KRISTI JOHNSON-WARE CENTRAL BANK OF THE MIDWEST

Downtown

Scoop

Moving on Up... from basement office to a beautiful historic home turned office Working out of her basement in 1999, Michele Spilker’s goal was to earn enough money to become self-sustainable. With years of experience as a certified public accountant, she knew she had plenty of long hours ahead of her to make it work. Spilker had left her job with a larger accounting firm for a one simple reason: she thought she could do a better job.

The decision wasn’t an easy one to make. She questioned all the things that come with owning a business, such as the extended time commitment, insurance benefits, and the need to replace her previous income. She also examined her network to make sure she had the contacts who would help her along

the way. A big part of launching her own business was feeling comfortable that she had the partnerships to support her. “It’s always good to have people you know and trust to help you with things like computers, banking and accounting when you have questions,” said Spilker.

As her network continued to grow, so did her business. Spilker got involved in community events and organizations such as the Chamber and was able to build her existing client base. With more and more work coming in, she decided it was time to start adding staff. Spilker believes in investing in order to grow, saying, “You have to spend money to make money.”

Her business has grown and is now called Spilker McKeone and Nelson PC, offering a variety of tax and accounting services to both businesses and individuals. There are three partners Michele Spilker, Lesley McKeone and Leigh Ann Nelson – as well as four employees. The firm operates out of the renovated

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historic Todd George house in downtown Lee’s Summit. However, this growth did not happen without some growing pains.

Hiring and managing additional employees has been one of the biggest challenges Spilker’s faced. Hiring can be a daunting process…just ask any business owner. Spilker had to consider salary, benefits, partnership agreements, training, office space and additional liability for the company. She also believes it is critical to develop an employee manual so all employees are aware of things such as vacation time, meetings, attire, etc. Regular staff meetings are held to ensure the staff is all on the same page. These meetings also provide a great opportunity for feedback and peer review.

The three partners of the firm from left to right: Leigh Ann Nelson, Lesley McKeone and Michele Spilker.

The partners are all CPAs, allowing them to keep strong bookkeeping and cash flow practices. Time, however, is something everyone would like a little more of each day. The three partners learned they could manage their time and their client list by reviewing clients annually and analyzing their profitability. With new clients coming in from both word-of-mouth referrals and their website, it’s helped them establish priorities.

Though their clients always come first, the partners are dedicated to the Lee’s Summit community their business calls home by remaining active in many educational and civic organizations.

ociety The Historical S

’s

of Lee’s Summit

2nd Annual

st

a o R & r e n n i D y Celebrit

Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2015 6:30 to 9:30pm at the Aspen Room at The Stanley, downtown LS

A casual evening to roast & toast honorees Bob & Marlese Gourley Catered dinner from Summit Hickory Pit BBQ, Cash Bar and a Silent Auction.

Benefitting the

Tickets only $65. Seats limited! tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed

Purchase tickets at the Historical Society of Lee’s Summit Museum & Cameron’s www.leessummithistory.net a 501(c)3 nonprofit 4TH QUARTER - 2015 | 45

Resources

Business

B E YO N D T H E

FREE BUSINESS RESOURCES AT YOUR LOCAL LIBRARIES

by Seth Moses

When talking about the relevance of libraries in today’s techdriven society, Steve Potter, Mid-Continent Public Library director, said it best, “Your Kindle can’t help your business. But your library can.” Although many people don’t realize it, the library dedicates resources, services and people to help local businesses in its service area thrive. Earlier this year, MCPL combined its business resources under one umbrella and officially launched Square One Small Business Services through a generous grant from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.

In addition to online business eBooks and eMagazines, digital resources and databases are available 24 hours a day at our online branch, mymcpl.org. For example, if you’re interested in finding new customers, Demographics Now can provide information about where people who meet your customer profile live, and can even show you how popular a certain industry is in a specific area and how much a household spends on certain kinds of goods and services. Another great resource is Reference USA. Not only can you get a complete list of businesses in a specific area, you can filter your search by new

businesses, business size and businesses by industry and several other criteria. You also can look up consumer information to find lifestyle interests and some census-based information, including projected home value and annual income.

MCPL also offers several online learning databases that you can leverage as a small business owner for personnel training and professional development, including Lynda.com. A free benefit with your MCPL library card, several of these databases actually give you continuing education credits and a certificate of completion. These examples are just a few of the resources available on mymcpl.org.

In addition to meeting with business owners at their locations to talk about their individual needs, MCPL holds programs on a regular basis at different branches on a variety of topics. We make it a priority to educate and promote entrepreneurship and small businesses with half-day bootcamp seminars, which are hosted several times a year. Be on the lookout for the next one coming in 2016.

Finally, business specialists are available to teach you one-onone how to navigate the library’s resources (some of which could cost you thousands of dollars without your library card), help you search for the information you need and provide a listening ear as you work through an issue or question.

Our business librarian and specialist can direct you to the right resource based on your needs. By allowing MCPL the opportunity to get to know your business, it provides us insight into the needs of the community as a whole, allowing us to

46 | CATALYST - THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

tailor our offerings. For instance, if several people contact us about how to find sales leads for their business, we would try to find a presenter who could talk about making your business a sales magnet.

If you attend networking events with the Chamber and in the community, there is a good chance you will meet an MCPL employee. We always keep business cards with us, and are active on Facebook, so be sure to “Like” our Square One Small Business Services page to stay in the loop about what is coming up next. Visit mymcpl.org/squareone for a full list and to register for upcoming events.

If you would like more information about how Mid-Continent Public Library can help your business, please feel free to contact our business librarian Andrew Phillips (aphillips@mymcpl.org), business specialist Morgan Perry (mperry@mymcpl.org) or me at smoses@mymcpl.org.

THE LEGACY OF DANCE IN LEE’S SUMMIT

The Mid-Continent Public Library has several upcoming seminars that are open to the public.

October 22: Networking An Ongoing Career Strategy at Parkville Branch November 10: Business Basics The Business of Non-Profits at Red Bridge Branch November 20: Entrepreneur Storytime Pete Dulin and the Business of Microbrews at Woodneath Library Center

Bragging rights go to those who win. (and to those who save money)

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CALENDAR OF

EVENTS CHAMBER MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16 Location: Abundant Life Baptist Church Sponsor: Truman Heartland Community Foundation Speaker: Jean Peters Baker Registration Required MEGA CHAMBER OFFICE PARTY 4:30 -7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22 Location: Historic Longview Mansion Sponsor: KCP&L Registration Required Metro-wide networking event including multiple chambers and a vendor showcase CHAMBER BEFORE HOURS 7:30 -8:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27 Location & Sponsor: Arvest Bank RECESS FOR SUCCESS 3:30 -4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3 Location: Manhattan Room, JKV Sponsor: N2 Publishing Speaker: Todd Long, Leadership Innovations Topic: Systematic Leadership: Identifying Attributes that Shape Effective Leadership

CHAMBER 101: GET PLUGGED IN 3:30-5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5 Location: Paradise Park Registration Required CHAMBER AFTER HOURS 4:30 -6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12 Location & Sponsor: Henry’s Antiques, Collectibles & Tea Room BREAKFAST FOR CHAMPIONS 7:30-9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17 Location: The Aspen Room at The Stanley Speaker: Case Dorman, President of Fiorella’s Jack Stack Barbeque and Panel of Lee’s Summit Entrepreneurs CHAMBER MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20 Location: Unity Hotel and Conference Center Sponsor: Summit Media Solutions Speaker: Dan Meers-KC Wolf & Author of “Wolves Can’t Fly” Registration Required CHAMBER BEFORE HOURS 7:30 -8:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 24 Location & Sponsor: Cartridge World-Lee’s Summit

continued on next page >> BREAKFAST FOR CHAMPIONS

MEGA CHAMBER OFFICE PARTY 4TH QUARTER - 2015 | 49

RECESS FOR SUCCESS 3:30 -4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1 Location: The Manhattan Room, JKV Sponsor: Mitchell Graves Group Speaker: Kathy Hunter, Bank Midwest Topic: Cash Flow Management Tips for Small Businesses ANNUAL HOLIDAY RECEPTION 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2 Location: Historic Longview Mansion RSVPs Requested CHAMBER AFTER HOURS 4:30-6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10 Location & Sponsor: Baird Group Real Estate CHAMBER MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 18 Location & Sponsor: MCC-Longview Registration Required ANNUAL HOLIDAY RECEPTION

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