Thinking Bigger Business—August 2018 by Thinking Bigger Business Magazine

VOL. 27 // ISSUE 8 // AUGUST 2018

‘IT’S NOT A JOB FOR THEM’ Prairie Elder Care takes personcentered approach to help dementia patients—and their families.

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SBA program offers resources and connections

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Entrepreneurs lead resurgence of suburban downtowns

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CONTENTS

AU GUST 2018 VOL. 27 // ISSUE 8

ALUMNI SHOWCASE

29 Focus on 25 Under 25 Alumni

Kansas City‘s Entrepreneurial Tradition Continues

D E PA R T M E N T S

07 The Bigger Picture 08 Legislative Briefs 09 Biz Bits 12 BIG | deals 15 25 Under 25 Updates 50 BIG | shots

IN FOCUS

46 Eastern Jackson County Like Kansas City, its neighboring suburbs are reinvesting in their downtowns.

S M A R T S T R AT E G I E S

36 BIGGER | strategy 8(a) Business Development Program helps to refine focus, ramp up growth

38 BIGGER | growth

24 | KC ENTREPRENEURS HE ON T R E V CO

Why Working With Experts is Worth it

40 BIGGER | marketing How to Use LinkedIn to Grow Your Business

Prairie Elder Care’s Farmstead brings a

43 BIGGER | hr

new dimension to the dementia facility.

Dress Code: Le Freak or So Chic?

16 4

THINKING BIGGER BUSINESS //August 2018

A NEW MODEL OF CARE

B IG I N F LU E NC E

| 19

B IG S TA R T S

| 19

MADE TO LAST

Resident Gail Brown, left, and CMA Trisha Jensen relax and feed the goats Leo and Bernie on the grounds of Prairie Elder Care.

Photo courtesy of Anna Petrow

C O M PA N Y T O WAT C H

KC M A D E I T

ENTREPRENEURIAL JOURNEY

Transportant

Green Dirt Farm

Darren Dupriest

Smart bus system reduces headaches for parents, students and administrators.

No cheesy story: “Sheep were my favorite livestock animals.”

He was a “bad employee” because he was bitten by the entrepreneurial bug. SMART COMPANIES THINKING BIGGER®

CONTENTS

AU GUST 2018

ON THE WEB // iTHINKBIGGER.COM PRODUCED BY

Web Columnists

Thinking Bigger Business Media Inc.

Visit www.iThinkBigger.com for articles full of insights and strategies from our exclusive Web columnists.

ADMINISTRATIVE

smart strateties from the bbb

whitespace revenue zone

Irreversible Sales Blunders that Destroy Trust

Elizabeth Usovicz

Too Many Meetings: Tips for Leading Your Team in Less Time

Katie Bean President and Editor SALES + MARKETING

Kelly Scanlon Business Development Lisa Rockett Sales Manager PRODUCTION & GRAPHICS

aspire for more

Carolyn Addington Production and Traffic Manager

Shawn Kinkade

Is your business setting you free?

Kevin Fullerton Design Consultant Dan Videtich Photographer CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Business Calendar

Find out about hundreds of business events, networking opportunities, classes and workshops. Article Archives

Did you miss an issue? Search our archives for thousands of articles.

Ruth Baum Bigus, Dawn Bormann, Pete Dulin, Aaron Fulk, Garrett Hunkins, Kate Leibsle, Jennifer Niehouse, Bill Strout

25 Under 25 � Awards

Learn more about the 25 Under 25® Awards Program for businesses with fewer than 25 employees. www.25Under25.com

P.O. Box 754, Shawnee Mission, Kansas 66201-0754 (913) 432-6690 (888) 432-6444 FAX (913) 432-6676 editor@ithinkbigger.com sales@ithinkbigger.com iThinkBigger.com See our SRDS listing at www.SRDS.com

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THE BIGGER PICTURE

You Can’t Win If You Don’t Apply

n my tenure of working with Kansas

will ask about your business, including

City businesses, I’ve seen companies

revenue. There’s no getting around the fact

reap the rewards of earning awards.

that revenue is a dispassionate measuring

Seems like a no-brainer, right? The publicity,

stick that helps judges understand the

the connections, the opportunity to throw a

success of your business. However, in my

party for your hard-working staff.

experience, award-giving entities understand that

The benefits seem obvious, yet I’ve also heard a variety of excuses for passing up the chance to even apply. This blows my mind, and not just because I’m an overachiever. Not applying for an award that you or your company is nominated and qualified for is

this information is sensitive and take great pains to keep the information confidential, including giving the judges only a ranking, score or thumbs up as an indicator of applicants’ financial health.

short-sighted.

I’ve applied before and didn’t win // Is this the same

Let me break down a few of these excuses:

approach you take with your business? If so, don’t

The application is so long, and I’m so busy // Of course you’re busy. Your business is probably going gangbusters, which is why someone who thinks

bother applying again. I can tell you this: Kansas City is chock-full of fantastic businesses. It’s a competitive field—you may have been a close contender. But don’t

highly of you nominated you for this award. Yes, some

just turn in the same application—have a trusted friend

applications are long. Often they have essay questions

look it over and help you see where you can do a better

that require some thought. But you’re a thoughtful and

job of telling your story so that this year will be your year.

insightful person, which is how your business became so successful.

Why do I have awards on the brain? It’s nomination time for Thinking Bigger’s 25 Under 25 Awards, and I hope

They want our financial information! *gasp* // It’s

all the nominees apply. Read more about the program

true—if you’re up for a business award, the application

on page 29.

Katie Be an

// President and Edito r // kbean@iThinkBigger.com

SMART COMPANIES THINKING BIGGER®

L E G I S L AT I V E B R I E F S

Bill that aimed to build computer science pipeline vetoed

MISSOURI Governor institutes income tax cuts Gov. Mike Parson signed off on an income tax cut for Missourians in July. House Bill 2540 reduces the individual income tax rate from 5.9 percent to 5.8 percent, effective immediately, and by four-tenths of a percent—from 5.8 percent to 5.4 percent— starting in 2019. The governor’s office said it was the largest single-year tax cut in the state’s history. The governor and state treasurer, Eric Schmitt, said increased state revenue made the tax cuts possible. According to Schmitt, the revenue growth also means the amount of business income small business owners can deduct from their individual taxes will increase from 5 percent to 10 percent for 2019 filings, an increase of 5 percent over the previous year.

•

In July, Gov. Mike Parson vetoed a bill that aimed to advance computer science education in Missouri. Senate Bill 894 would have created a STEM Career Awareness program for sixth- through eighth-graders and a Career Readiness Task Force for eighth- and ninth-graders. More broadly, it aimed to help promote computer science in curriculum and allow programs to structure classes that would lead to students earning industryrecognized certificates and credentials. Businesses and advocacy groups including Cerner, Amazon, Google, Economic Development Council of Kansas City, KC Tech Council and several state universities supported the legislation. They argued that it would help to close the gap between available computer science jobs and qualified workers. According to the KC Tech Council, in Kansas City, there were more than 4,000

MARKETING

•

computer science job openings at the beginning of 2017.

KANSAS CITY KC voters say yes to streetcar extension Voters overwhelmingly approved an extension of the Kansas City streetcar line in June. Once complete, the expanded line will add service to eight new Midtown stations between Union Station and the intersection of 51st Street and Brookside Boulevard. Construction on the 3.7-mile extension would begin in 2020 and take three years to complete. A project team of engineers and planners has begun working with the community to determine the details of how the line would run down Main Street through Midtown.

DESIGN

•

AlphaGraphics 1717 Oak St | Kansas City, MO 64108 | 816.842.4200 alphagraphicskc.com | us190@alphagraphics.com | /alphagraphicskc

THINKING BIGGER BUSINESS //August 2018

SIGNS

BIZ BITS

CDFI expands to Kansas

KCALSI is now BioNexus KC

AltCap, the Kansas City, Mo.-based community development financial institution that supports new business development and capital investments in distressed communities, is expanding further into the metro area. Previously serving Jackson, Cass, Clay and Platte counties in Missouri, AltCap’s reach will now include Leavenworth, Wyandotte and Johnson counties in Kansas. AltCap provides financial products and business development support to those who are underserved by traditional banks and other institutions. The loan fund lends to small business owners, nonprofit social service providers and catalytic real estate development projects.

Kansas City Area Life Sciences Institute has rebranded. The nonprofit organization, which aims to coordinate regional life sciences initiatives, is now BioNexus KC.

Applications open for Workshop in Business Opportunities AltCap is accepting applications for its Workshop in Business Opportunities, a 16-week course focused on how to grow a profitable business. The peer-to-peer training program is for those ready to launch a business as well as those aiming to take an established business to the next level. Cost for the program is $500, and needbased scholarships are available. Classes meet Tuesdays at 6 p.m., beginning Sept. 4. Contact T:7.5” info@alt-cap.org for more information.

Digital Sandbox KC receives renewed funding, adds 4 companies Digital Sandbox KC has welcomed four more companies to its portfolio, bringing its total projects funded to 104. Additionally, it received two recent grants totaling nearly $1 million. The proof-of-concept program offers funding and resources to help launch ideas from concept to commercialization. Companies selected for support include Case Helper, College Coaching Network and Fast Democracy. PowerPlus IMPULSE Cleaning System received $25,000 through the Energy Sandbox, a partnership between Digital Sandbox KC and GXP Investments. Grant funding supports Digital Sandbox KC’s investments. The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation renewed it support for the program with $450,000, and the

T:4.625”

More business means more challenges. And more ways we can help. At Commerce Bank, we know that as your company expands, new financial challenges arise. That’s why we work with you to secure new equipment, streamline cash flow and finance real estate. That means you can get back to focusing on running a successful business.

SMART COMPANIES THINKING BIGGER®

BIZ BITS

Missouri Technology Corp. awarded a $500,000 MOBEC grant.

ECJC fund aims to boost Midwest startups The Enterprise Center in Johnson County is leading a bi-state initiative that’s working to capitalize a $5 million Fountain Innovation Fund. The fund—built by the Midwest Seed Consortium—aims to increase the number and pace of scalable firms by investing in the most promising Midwest early-stage firms and offering them a clear conduit to success. Maggie Kenefake will serve as the fund’s managing director.

KC streetcar sets ridership records The Kansas City streetcar broke ridership records in July. It recorded its highest weekly ridership the week of July 2 with 78,998 rides. It saw its highest daily ridership to

Companies must be in the seed and earlystage rounds of financing. For more information, visit KansasAngels.com.

date on July 6—First Friday—with 19,181 rides, shattering its previous one-day record by nearly 2,000 rides.

Kansas tax credits available to angel investors The Kansas Angel Investor Tax Credit program has $5 million in tax credits available to investors. The program offers tax credits to qualified individuals who provide seed-capital funding for emerging Kansas businesses engaged in development, implementation and commercialization of innovative technologies, products and services. Applications for companies seeking investment are open through Aug. 31.

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New ombudsman will help Kansans cut red tape Kansas Gov. Jeff Colyer announced in July that Tom Arpke was hired as regulatory ombudsman at the state’s Department of Commerce. Arpke will help businesses looking to expand or begin operating in Kansas to navigate the regulatory process.

KCRise Fund invests in two more startups KCRise Fund announced investments into two local startups, PayIt and Main Street Data, bringing its total funding to $6 million across 14 companies. Since its launch as an initiative of KC Rising in 2016, KCRise Fund has raised $19 million in private capital from corporations, family offices and individuals. The fund targets companies in the Greater Kansas City region who are seeking at least $1 million in capital and have an approved institutional investor for the funding round.

New chamber president coming to Lee’s Summit The new president of Lee’s Summit Chamber of Commerce will take over this month. Blake Fry plans to begin his tenure Aug. 15. Fry is president of the Hudson, Wis., Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau.

Coding program touches down at Rockhurst University Rockhurst University is the new home of LaunchCode, a program that offers free courses in coding and apprenticeships. Rockhurst offers the program the opportunity to expand with space for more students in each 20-week course.

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BIG | deals

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

EXPANSION

NBKC Bank CEO named as a top boss The average CEO approval rating on Glassdoor is 69 percent. NBKC Bank’s Brian Unruh is rated at 98 percent. Because of his high rating, Unruh was named one of 2018’s top CEOs in North America and parts of Europe. He is the only CEO in the metro area to make the list. The awards, which were announced in June on Glassdoor’s website, ranked the top 50 executives for small to medium-sized businesses, of which NBKC Bank qualifies, and the top 100 for large companies. Unruh, a first-time recipient, is ranked at No. 22.

Architecture firm opens Baltimore office

Allen Press snags 5 Premier Print Awards Lawrence’s Allen Press Inc. earned five awards from the Printing & Imaging Association’s Premier Print Awards Competition, which were chosen from among 2,000 entries. Award of Recognition honorees included Orchids magazine, Plough Quarterly magazine series and Spencer Museum of Art Phase newsletter. Its Certificate of Merit honorees were Current Affairs Magazine, November/December 2017, and Naked Food Magazine, Winter 2017. CERTIFICATION JSMM earns WBE certification Jennings Social Media Marketing has attained certification as a woman-owned, woman-controlled business from the National Women Business Owners Corp. National Certification Program. 12

THINKING BIGGER BUSINESS //August 2018

Clockwork Architecture + Branding Agency

has opened an office in Baltimore, adding to its offices in Kansas City, Mo., and Boston. In a blog on the company’s website, Clockwork said Baltimore has seen huge growth, including in the construction industry. “Clockwork is built upon a foundation of working with emerging clients in emerging markets. It’s no wonder we moved our office to Maryland’s largest city,” the company said. Sauna retailer partners with Nebraska Furniture Mart Sunlighten Inc. has entered a partnership with Nebraska Furniture Mart. The Overland Park business now has a showroom in the Dallas NFM store. Sunlighten sells infrared saunas to homeowners. The NFM partnership could open doors to the retailer’s other markets in Omaha and Des Moines. Made in KC opens Plaza food hall and marketplace Made in KC, a retail showcase of locally made goods, opened a new location at Country Club Plaza in July. The Made in KC Marketplace, 306 W. 47th St., includes a café, bar, creperie, ice cream and bubble tea shop, in addition to retail wares. Grinders is ready to franchise Grinders, a popular eatery that started in Kansas City’s Crossroads Arts District, will begin franchising. Owner Jeffrey Rumaner, aka Stretch, said he has received requests for years, and now the business has created the processes to handle that expansion option. The restaurant also opened an owneroperated Lawrence location in July, adding to its Lenexa and Leavenworth locations.

Ruby Jean’s opens new concept at YMCA Ruby Jean’s Juicery

embarked on a new retail model in July when it opened Ruby Jean’s To-Go

inside the North Kansas City YMCA. It’s the first time the YMCA has partnered with a third-party food and beverage provider, said Ruby Jean’s founder Chris Goode.

Brass Tacks hits radio airwaves The Big Brass Inc., a service from attorney Michelle Suter that aims to provide business owners with the skills and networks to succeed, will bring its message to a new platform. Suter hosts the Brass Tacks for Better Business radio show at 2 p.m. Saturdays on KCMO Talk Radio 710AM and 103.7FM. St. Joseph firm opens NKC office SJC Marketing is setting up another shop in the Northland. The full-service marketing communications, content creation and branding firm opened a second location in April at the iWerx coworking center, 1520 Clay St. in North Kansas City. Four team members, including Anna West, SJC’s vice president of operations, will work out of the NKC office. SJC Marketing retains its headquarters in St. Joseph; the remaining staff of 16 work there or remotely. New clinic opens in Midtown ARC Physical Therapy+ has opened a new Midtown location at 3120 Gillham Road,

Kansas City, Mo. The clinic’s rehabilitation services include physical therapy, occupational therapy, sports medicine and workers’ compensation specialties. The new clinic adds to the company’s Midwest presence with more than 20 locations. It has about 90 employees. M&A

Acendas adds South Dakota travel agency Acendas Travel, a travel management company with headquarters in Mission and Eden

Prairie, Minn., announced the acquisition of Travel Partners, a destination and special events agency based out of Sioux Falls, S.D., effective immediately. Acendas will take over some operational activities of Travel Partners, which specializes in destination and event packages in the United States, the Caribbean and Europe. The agency will retain its name and operate as a subsidiary, and the seven-member staff will remain with the agency.

Risk management company grows St. Louis office Thomas McGee Group, a risk management company based in Kansas City, announced in July it acquired a St. Louis company. Thomas McGee Group closed an asset purchase agreement with Corporate Claims

Management Inc., a provider of third-party

property/casualty and workers compensation claims administration services. The move adds five employees to the St. Louis office, which opened in 2017, bringing the staff in that city to 13. The firm has 84 total employees.

First Consulting joins Kansas City firms A group of investors has purchased First Consulting and Administration Inc., a Kansas City, Mo., insurance compliance service company established in 1969 with 18 employees. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. First Consulting is now under the same ownership as Kansas City’s Affinity Worldwide and National Real Estate Insurance Group. It will retain its name and keep its

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location at 929 Walnut St., Suite 300. “We look forward to providing many more years of excellent service, and expanding services, for First Consulting clients,” said Tim Norris, lead investor and CEO of NREIG. NEW BUSINESS New brewery honors veterans Another brewery has set up shop in North Kansas City. Callsign Brewing opened in July at 1447 Gentry St. According to its website, its beers are “brewed by veterans to honor heroes.” “We name our beer after the call signs of lost military aircraft as a personal tribute to the men and women that have made that ultimate sacrifice to our country,” the company says. Duck Donuts migrates to KC area Two local couples have brought a Duck Donuts franchise to the Kansas City metro. It opened in late June in Ranchmart North in Leawood, 3630 W. 95th St. It’s a family operation run by Ryan and Katie McNeil, Katie’s father Lloyd Doolittle and his wife, Peggy. They plan to open two additional area locations by 2020. New event venue opens in Crossroads Bread & Butter Concepts opened a new event venue, Cherry Hall, in July. The space at 1720 Cherry St. in the Crossroads Arts

THINKING BIGGER BUSINESS //August 2018

District can accommodate 250 people seated or 450 for a cocktail reception. ON THE MOVE Service platform expands management team ChangePath, a Leawood turnkey asset management platform for financial advisers, has expanded its executive leadership team. The company hired attorney J.P. Rankin as chief compliance officer. Rankin has worked at a wealth management firm as well as the Kansas Securities Commission and National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Local Pig hoofs it to River Market Local Pig, a butcher shop, and its sandwich shop, Pigwich, will move this fall from their East Bottoms home. The shops will relocate to a space along Fifth Street in City Market that previously housed Winslow’s BBQ. Pigwich, formerly housed in a trailer with outdoor seating, now will have seating for 75 indoors, plus an outdoor patio with additional capacity. OTHER NEWS t.Loft closes Prairie Village location Health café t.Loft closed its Prairie Village grab-and-go location in June. “We opened this different concept to offer a fast solution for healthy snacks and drinks,

but realized that our heart is in the full-service concept that our customers love,” the company wrote on Instagram. Its other KC locations at Country Club Plaza, State Line Road and Leawood remain open. Innovation could become industry standard Terry Melvin, CEO of OE Attachments, said the company saw an opportunity for innovation in measuring forklift fork wear. In June, the company released the Fork Wear Indicator.

The Indicator is a stamp on the bottom of the fork, which corresponds with the wear levels of the attachment. A reference sticker identifies the wear zones: green means safe, yellow means caution and red means the fork must be replaced. “Based on our initial interest, we are confident the Fork Wear Indicator will become a standard in the material handling industry,” Melvin said. Olathe firm licenses promising biotechnology from K-State Olathe company Phoreus Biotechnology has licensed a Kansas State University biotechnology that, among other uses, can improve vaccines and cancer therapies. It’s called branched amphiphilic peptide capsules (BAPCs). “Few discoveries have the capacity to change the global landscape of human, animal, plant and environmental health, but BAPC is one of those discoveries,” said Randall Tosh, CEO of Phoreus Biotech. Phoreus will pursue research and sublicensing opportunities with other companies while it works to obtain regulatory approvals. The company expects to add three staff members this year.

2 5 U N D E R 2 5 ® U P DAT E S

Crema Crema (Class of 2016) announced in July on YouTube that it will open a Washington, D.C., office. That is the company’s second office outside of Kansas City, Mo., joining one in Lafayette, Ind. Crema has about 30 employees and told Thinking Bigger Business in July that it foresees further growth.

DON‘T WAIT, NOMINATE! In February, 25 outstanding small businesses will walk the red carpet at Thinking Bigger’s 25 Under 25 Awards. But first, we need to know who these great companies are.

Join the on Conversati inate om tN #DontWai

It’s time to nominate—your clients, your colleagues or even your own business. Companies must meet this criteria:

DuBois Consultants

• Employs 25 or fewer full-time (or full-time-equivalent) employees

Ajamu Webster, CEO of DuBois Consultants (Class of 2017), earned a Thrive Community Leadership Award. Thrive is an annual celebration of achievements in community development. Webster was recognized for his contributions including a Radio-Thon with the Prospect Business Association and the WeDevelopment Credit Union that he has worked to open.

• Has operated as a for-profit business for three or more years

EAG Advertising & Marketing EAG Advertising & Marketing (Class of 2007) has added three new clients, all of which are well-established family-owned businesses: Riverside Red X, a 70-year-old Northland grocery “and more” store; Pioneer Music Co. (Class of 2018), a 149-year-old electronics wholesale distributor; and Burd Fletcher, a 132-year-old company that develops and manufactures cartons and containers for the retail food industry.

KC Crew KC Crew (Class of 2018) plans to move its offices to Hy-Vee Arena in August. In addition, the company, which manage adult rec leagues metrowide, will work with the arena’s developers on a software solution to manage event and space bookings. The product would be similar to KC Crew’s LeagueAlly software.

• Located within the Kansas City metro area • And, of course, has never won the 25 Under 25 Award (once you’re in, you’re in!) Help us identify the area’s top small businesses. Nominate at 25Under25.com.

Kenton Brothers Inc. Kenton Brothers Inc. (Class of 2006) is moving to a new location after 120 years in Kansas City’s Crossroads Arts District. In August, the commercial security systems supplier will move to a 55,000-square-foot space at 3401 E. Truman Road—increasing its space tenfold.

Tricension Tricension (Class of 2014), a business advisory and technology solutions company, achieved the designation of AWS Standard Consulting Partner as part of its membership in the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Partner Network. Tricension’s partner status is a result of advancing proficiency in AWS cloud services achieved through significant investment in technical resource development and successful support of clients and their implementation of AWS cloud solutions.

SoftVu SoftVu (Class of 2007), a Kansas City, Mo., company that provides marketing auto-

mation strategies to clients in the mortgage lending industry, was acquired by LoyaltyExpress, a Boston-based company. Founder Tim Donnelly will remain CEO, and the company will keep its offices in the Crossroads Arts District. Terms of the deal were not announced. LoyaltyExpress is a portfolio company of New Century Partners, a Birmingham, Ala.-based private equity firm.

Useagility Kansas City, Mo., user experience company Useagility LLC (Class of 2015) has sold to First Tek Inc., a New Jersey tech company. The deal closed May 23 and was announced in July; terms were not disclosed. CEO Chrys Sullivan has become general manager of Useagility, and the company will retain its name and local presence.

SMART COMPANIES THINKING BIGGER®

AT A G L A N C E K C

E N T R E P R E N E U R S

BIG INFLUENCE | MARKSNELSON

Marks of Kindness Integrates Charity into Firm’s Mission In 2015, accounting firm MarksNelson took a step to reaffirm its commitment to the community: That year, it formalized its charitable program, called Marks of Kindness. In just three years, the program has had a big impact. “What really sets MarksNelson’s award-winning Marks of Kindness program apart is that it isn’t just about fundraising but about finding innovative ways for our employees to get involved and personally do something that makes an impact,” said Mark Radetic, managing partner. “Our focus is both on those causes that are important to our staff and clients and on helping those who don’t have stable shelter.” Once a year, the office is closed for Volunteer Day and the firm‘s 181 employees volunteer at one of 11 nonprofit organizations, selected by employees. The program also includes long-term projects. Not surprisingly for an accounting firm, the first project was a financial one: Each employee was given $10 and challenged to turn that into more money, which could be used to buy TVs for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kansas City. The three-year goal was 16

to earn enough to buy 80 TVs; that was surpassed a year early with a donation of 83 TVs. MarksNelson’s Wrapped in Warmth program collects hats, scarves and gloves for the homeless that are distributed in parks and other gathering places. In 2016, 400 items were donated; in 2017, that grew to 2,070 items, which included 150 hats and scarves hand-knitted by employees. The Marks of Kindness program has quickly become ingrained in the firm. “Giving back has become so important to our culture that even our team-building activities are Marks of Kindness programs designed to help the community,” Radetic said. “Giving back and moving our community forward is at the core of our values.” 1 On Volunteer Day, MarksNelson employees worked at 11 nonprofits across metro Kansas City.

2 Wrapped in Warmth project items were distributed in December 2017 at area parks.

3 Employees volunteer at the Veterans Community Project. (Photos courtesy of MarksNelson) 2

THINKING BIGGER BUSINESS //August 2018

C O M PA N Y T O WAT C H K C

T R A N S P O R TA N T

E N T R E P R E N E U R S

Smart Bus System Reduces Headaches

(Photo courtesy of Austin Walsh Studios)

TECHNOLOGY ADDRESSES PAIN POINTS AND MAKES RIDE TO SCHOOL SAFER. EO John Styers and Alan Fairless co-founded Transportant to make getting a ride to school safer for students. Styers learned from a friend that several urban school systems were struggling to solve chronic problems in student transportation. “We met with half-dozen school administrators and were surprised at some of the information gaps they had to work around,” Styers said. “After more than 100 interviews with transportation directors and school administrators across North America, it was clear there were some widespread challenges we could solve through a completely new product and business approach.” Transportant integrates a mobile application, smart bus and digital dashboard to modernize school bus fleets. “We close an information gap that is hindering the advancement of student safety and security,” Styers said. “By collecting, sharing and measuring the right data, we improve the school bus experience for students, parents, school administrators and drivers.” Mobile app MyBusHopper reduces wasted time waiting for the bus. Similar to Uber’s service, parents and students receive updates on estimated arrival time, alerts for an approaching bus and notification of substitute bus numbers. The Smart Bus is equipped with Wi-Fi to make students’ commute time more productive. Drivers receive turn-by-turn instructions and a display of the names of students as they get on and off. School administrators can watch a live map of routes and the bus interior via live video. A Fleet Dashboard feature enables school administrators

ENTREPRENEURS

CEO John Styers and Alan Fairless C O M PA N Y I N F O R M AT I O N

Transportant Transportant.com TYPE OF BUSINESS

Integrated technology that collects, shares and measures data to improve safety and communication in school bus transportation. YEAR FOUNDED

2017 E M P L OY E E S

to track buses via GPS, view late estimated arrival times, and access live and archived video. “We connect the dots to increase student safety and make work smoother for transportation staff,” Styers said. The idea for Transportant grew out of Styers’ involvement in The Lean Lab, an education technology accelerator. “Lean Lab was critical to our rapid growth,” Styers said. “Neither Alan nor I come from the education world, nor do we have any previous experience in education technology. It’s a pretty complicated minefield.” Lean Lab leadership and cohort fellows provided “guidance, fine tuning and assertive coaching” to help Styers and Fairless to more deeply understand their customers’ challenges. Styers and Fairless, who had previous startup experience, knew that Lean Lab’s industry introductions and vast network of supporters would boost efforts “to get to market and break into profitability as quickly as possible.” Transportant also took home a $25,000 check following its successful pitch at Lean Lab’s Launch[ED] Day event. The introduction of this technology platform has been well-received. “Transportation directors tell us they are most attracted by the combination of so many well-integrated features from one vendor at a price that makes sense,” Styers said. “Most of the services we provide are currently available through a fragmented array of disparate vendors.” Pete Dulin is a freelance writer in the Kansas City area. SMART COMPANIES THINKING BIGGER®

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BIG STARTS | TEA-BIOTICS

MADE TO LAST | ALL NATIONS FLAG CO.

Kombucha Maker Rapidly Multiplies Output

Set Apart by 94 Years of Expertise

COMPANY // Tea-Biotics

One of the keys to All Nations Flag Co.’s longevity is offering top-quality materials and service.

ENTREPRENEUR //

Lisa Bledsoe, founder WHAT THEY DO // Tea-Biotics

describes itself as “handcrafted organic kombucha made locally.” The company produces and sells kombucha, or fermented tea, in flavors such as turmeric lime, hibiscus watermelon, blueberry and cherry lime. Its kombucha is gluten-free, organic, GMO-free and vegan. Its taproom has 24 flavors to sample. Customers may purchase 64-ounce growlers to bring kombucha home. Bottled kombucha is also available at stores throughout Greater Kansas City. THE INSPIRATION // “In my home, my family calls me the

‘Scoby Master’ because I love making kombucha and fermented vegetables,” Bledsoe said. “What started off as a healthy hobby quickly became a passion. I wanted to share the health I've found through fermented foods with my friends and family. Our business blossomed from there.” WHAT'S NEXT // Since September 2017, Tea-Biotics has grown

from producing 300 to more than 1,000 kegs of kombucha. “In early 2018, we partnered with Palmentere Brothers Distributing to get our bottled kombucha to more than 100 grocery stores in the Kansas City area,” Bledsoe said. “Our goal is to have our kombucha enjoyed nationwide.” HOW TO CONTACT // Tea-Biotics // 11415 Strang Line Road,

Lenexa KS 66215 // (913) 231-4515 // tea-biotics.com

“Our philosophy is we’re going to sell the quality,” said owner Greg Wald. “We sell the finest quality we can get our hands on. And everything we sell … it’s all made in the U.S.A.” Wald is the third-generation owner of the company, which sells U.S. and corporate flags, and installs and repairs flagpoles. There’s a retail store at 114 W. Fifth St. in Kansas City’s River Market, where the company also does some custom manufacturing. Wald’s grandfather started the company in 1924; it then passed to Wald’s father and uncles. Wald has three part-time and five full-time employees, including his son. “It’s wonderful to have him here,” Wald said of his son. “He has a daughter, and hopefully one of his children will take it over and be a fifth generation someday.” In the 1970s, Wald said, more buildings started to install flagpoles— banks, corporate headquarters, universities. That has bolstered his company’s business, along with homeowners displaying Chiefs or Royals pride. Another boost has been product innovation, including advancements in printing on fabric, which makes custom work faster and cheaper. “Unfortunately, that has stalled out in the last couple of years,” Wald said. “Ourselves and some friends around the country in the flag industry are trying to come up with new solutions.” SMART COMPANIES THINKING BIGGER®

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25 UNDER 25 ALUMNI FIND OUT ABOUT THE LATEST ACHIEVEMENTS OF PAST 25 UNDER 25 WINNERS IN THIS MONTH’S SHOWCASE.

25 UNDER 25 :: ALUMNI UPDATES

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mall businesses power the U.S. economy. They create 2 out of 3 new jobs, and more

than 50 percent of the workforce either owns or works at a small business. Kansas City in particular has a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem. It offers many resources to help new ventures get up and running. And once they’re running, many take off. Thinking Bigger Business Media’s 25 Under 25 Awards recognize small businesses that have hit their stride—they’re established and owning their slice of the marketplace. For them, it’s a marathon, not a sprint, and they intend to keep going and keep growing. Meanwhile, they’re boosting the economy and giving back to the community. The 25 Under 25 Awards are more than a great party. Launched in 2001, each year the program honors 25 outstanding companies with 25 or fewer employees, and it has evolved into one of the premier business awards programs in Kansas City. The program salutes the best of Kansas City’s small business community. These companies have achieved revenue growth and developed innovative products and services. Some have even outpaced the nation’s largest corporations. 30 THINKING BIGGER BUSINESS //August 2018

NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR 18TH ANNUAL CELEBRATION We don’t just decide who these companies are on our own. We turn to the business community at large to submit nominations. Once again, we ask you: Which businesses in the metro area should be considered for the 2019 25 Under 25 Awards? Think about your vendors and suppliers, your business owner friends, your customers and clients. Certainly you know of at

25 UNDER 25 :: ALUMNI UPDATES

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25 Under 25 Nomination At-A-Glance Nominations Open : : Aug. 1, 2018 Nominations Close : : Sept. 28, 2018 18th Annual 25 Under 25 Awards Gala : : Feb. 23, 2019 Where to Nominate : : www.25Under25.com Nomination Hashtag : : #DontWaitNominate Event Hashtag : : #25Under25KC

least one, and probably several, deserving companies. This is your chance to nominate them and give them an opportunity to be showcased citywide for their efforts. Nominations for the 18th Annual 25 Under 25 Awards are open through Sept. 28, 2018. You can nominate as many eligible companies as you like—there’s no limit. Self-nominations are encouraged, too.

ELIGIBILITY What qualifies a company for consideration? There are three basic criteria. » The company employs 25 or fewer full-time employees (or full-time equivalents) » It has operated as a for-profit business for three or more years » It’s located within the greater Kansas City area WHAT HAPPENS AFTER NOMINATION? Companies that are nominated receive an application notice, and they complete an online application package. We have to find out what makes them great! Then, an independent panel of judges from the business community reviews each application and selects the 25 winners.

Winners are announced in mid-December—and then the real fun begins. Winners attend several local events where they are showcased, culminating in the 25 Under 25 Awards Gala on Feb. 23, 2019, at the Downtown Marriott Muehlebach Hotel. The black-tie gala will include a cocktail reception with red carpet interviews, dinner, a fast-paced awards show and dancing with the nationally renowned Dave Stephens Band. Above all, the event will be abuzz with energy and enthusiasm as the movers and shakers of the business community celebrate the Class of 2019 and Kansas City’s history of entrepreneurial success. The 25 Under 25 Awards program is not just about honoring individual businesses—it’s also about opening the public’s eyes to the economic, social and community impact of small businesses. The Alumni Showcase in the following pages is a testament to the caliber of the 25 Under 25 alumni and demonstrates that the winners are going places. Take a look at what these companies are up to, and then nominate a business for the Class of 2019. #DontWaitNominate

Visit 25Under25.com to nominate. SMART COMPANIES THINKING BIGGER®

25 UNDER 25 :: ALUMNI UPDATES

Gragg Advertising ECCO Select

CLASS OF 2003

As a 25 Under 25 alumnus, ECCO Select knows the power of small businesses and the significant role they play in the Kansas City economy. We’ve been honored to help our community recognize the economic, social and community impact of small businesses as we continue to grow our company in the region.

Founded in 1995, ECCO Select is a talent acquisition + advisory consulting company, specializing in providing people, process and 4100 N Mulberry Drive, #105 technology solutions for our Kansas City, MO 64116 clients’ needs. We serve as “the www.ECCOSelect.com talent behind the technology.” That sounds simple enough, but providing the caliber of IT experts and the breadth of consulting our clients demand takes a skillful approach. ECCO Select is proud to serve both the commercial and the government sectors, harnessing the power of our people to enhance the power of technology for our clients. OWNER: JEANETTE PRENGER

Our steady organic growth, combined with investments in our own talent, technology and tools, have allowed us to build an award-winning company with offices in Kansas City, St. Louis and Washington, DC, and become a presence at client sites nationwide. ECCO Select has doubled the number of full-time employees over the last five years and with more than 100 percent revenue growth. ECCO Select has earned a spot on Ingram’s annual 100 Fastest Growing Companies list for a third consecutive year. We’re proud to be a minority- and woman-owned business, but it’s our people and our work that truly set us apart. IT experts on demand; Strategy, Business Process Management, Software Development, Program Management, Cyber Security— whatever your needs, ECCO Select is committed to providing the right technology talent and solutions to help you grow your business.

32 THINKING BIGGER BUSINESS //August 2018

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CLASS OF 2004

For over 27 years, Gragg Advertising has been developing technology and integrated direct response marketing programs for their clients. The company was on the fastest growing company list 14 times in its 27 years. Its spinoff company leadership also received numerous local and national award recognitions, such as E&Y Entrepreneur of the Year and KCBJ Women Who Mean Business, and Inc. Magazine’s 5000 list.

Gragg Advertising continues to innovate and has spent the last CEO: GREGORY GRAGG COO/PRESIDENT: three years evolving to meet the DARRYL MATTOX changing market demands. Gragg CIO: MIKE SCHULER has unlocked the key to modern 450 East 4th Street marketing through technology that Kansas City, MO 64106 manages the plethora of media www.graggadv.com channels through one source. Gragg (816) 931-0050 boasts strategic leadership and expertise in EVERY major media channel—Traditional, Digital, Social—helping to analyze and implement integrated programs for their clients that generate quantifiable results. “This is the next evolution in marketing. Long gone are the days of five media channels to generate results,” stated Darryl Mattox, President/COO of Gragg Advertising. “We understand how all media channels work together to get the best results in today’s competitive market. No other agency has this level of combined ability internally.” The company continues to maintain its level of gross sales and projects 15% to 20% growth in 2018. Gross sales are also projected to exceed $40,000,000 with margins of 14-17%. CEO Gregory Gragg said, “Modern marketing has evolved and so has marketing expertise. It is almost impossible to run integrated marketing in-house or with a small agency. Gragg uses high-level analytics and metrics combined with attribution analysis through our proprietary SaaS to generate optimal results for our clients.” Gragg Advertising currently is staffed to 45 people and is listed as a top five advertising agency in the Kansas City market. And continues to be ranked nationally.

25 UNDER 25 :: ALUMNI UPDATES

Meridian Business Services Meridian was named a 25 Under 25 company in 2018, and the honor came at the perfect time: With its rapid growth, Meridian is quickly surpassing 25 employees.

CLASS OF 2018

In the five months since receiving the award, Meridian has doubled sales and is forecasting even stronger growth by year end. The traditional CPA side of Meridian continues to see OWNERS: AMY GOODE excellent growth in its tax, ANGELA EBERHART accounting and business www.meridianbusiness.com advisory services. But the fastest-growing segment of (913) 837-4230 the business is its NetSuite technology practice, which helps small and mid-size organizations implement NetSuite’s cloud-based business management platform. Traditionally, ERPs or Enterprise Resource Planning systems were limited to very large companies. In today’s technologydriven world, Meridian is helping companies with as few as five employees move from QuickBooks to Oracle’s NetSuite, which provides them with a complete solution to manage their end-to-end business operations. Meridian works with clients to not only improve financial management, but to help their organizations undergo a complete digital transformation—providing a single system to manage all business operations, including: CRM, eCommerce, financials, inventory, purchasing, project management, expense reporting, payroll/HR and business intelligence/analytics. ”By combining our expertise in financial reporting and analytics with a highly knowledgable team versed in complex technology implementations, we are helping our clients tackle the daunting task of digital transformation,” said Amy Goode, managing partner.

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SARIN ENERGY SOLUTIONS

CLASS OF 2017

SARIN Energy, Kansas City’s premier commercial LED lighting company is proud to be involved in the 25 Under 25 program. Since moving into our new and improved office in Overland Park, we continue to provide the same personal service now with the resources of a much larger company. We have expanded our offerings with an exciting new product line to serve various industries. These products incorporate the latest efficient LED technological advancements with vibrant and PRESIDENT: modern designs. This makes it INAYAT NOORMOHMAD even easier for businesses to make Overland Park, Kansas the switch for reduced utility and maintenance costs with the custom www.sarinenergy.com style to match their brand. The old (855) 997-2746 abandoned water tower in Topeka is an example of the way in which SARIN balances function with design. Our lighting transformed the simple vacant structure into a work of art (see photo above). Opening another office in Houston has extended our reach to an even wider audience so we may continue to help reduce the carbon footprint. We believe sustainability is key for our future, and LEDs have many benefits aside from low energy consumption. LEDs produce less heat, are constructed without harmful materials, lower waste due to high durability and parts can even be recycled. SARIN Energy continues to be a leader in the industry by keeping pace with the latest innovation in LED technology development. Visit www.sarinenergy.com to see the range of products and services we provide for companies to take advantage of everything LED technology has to offer. With SARIN, the future is looking brighter than ever.

Meridian is up for the task of helping organizations manage their financials and digital transformation, but when asked what excites the Meridian team the most, their answer is simple: “The opportunity to help clients grow and realize their full potential.” SMART COMPANIES THINKING BIGGER®

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Photo courtesy of Jim Barcus

Travois Staffing Kansas City 20 YEARS AND GOING STRONG

CLASS OF 2016

Staffing Kansas City is excited to celebrate 20 years of providing “Personnel Services with a Personal Touch” to Kansas City’s premier companies. OWNERS: SHELLEY SEIBOLT AND ROSES AMMON

9930 College Boulevard Overland Park, KS 66210

2018 marks 20 years for Staffing Kansas City. We are very proud of the consistent service and results we provide to our clientele.

It’s so rewarding to watch our clients and their companies grow www.staffingkc.com (913) 663-5627 and be successful, knowing we had a part in that. In many cases, candidates we placed years prior have now moved into hiring manager roles. It’s fun to work with them again. We have continued to develop proprietary software, streamlining processes to increase productivity and client satisfaction. We’ve expanded our social media presence and adapted to new technologies, even rolling out a new website with a mobilefriendly application. We are giving more back to the community, in addition to donating 11 percent of our revenue each year to various charities. We have implemented “Give” days to donate our time as well. We are still finding ever creative ways to reach job seekers, not only to discuss openings but to educate them on our industry. For many, Staffing Kansas City is a bridge to permanent employment.

CLASS OF 2010

Since our 25 Under 25 win, Travois has successfully continued our mission of promoting affordable housing and economic development in American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian communities.

“We guide clients through complex real estate transactions that involve state and federal agencies, tax credit investors, accountants and attorneys,” said CEO Elizabeth Glynn. OWNERS: “We break down barriers so they ELIZABETH AND PHIL GLYNN can reach their goals of more 310 W. 19th Terrace homes, businesses and jobs in Kansas City, MO 64108 their communities.” www.travois.com (816) 994-8970

With Elizabeth Glynn and her husband, Travois President Phil Glynn, owning and running Travois, we have continued to thrive: growing to 50 employees, paid at least $15 per hour, and providing on-site daycare and generous PTO and benefits. We continually upgrade technology, built a proprietary database, added new investors, and have expanded into new states. Since 1995, Travois has helped provide investor equity for 5,500 homes and more than 20 businesses or services, with an impact of $1.3 billion across 22 states. “Safe, quality and affordable housing—for families, previously homeless people, those with disabilities and elders—creates strong communities.” Glynn said. “We’ve helped by bringing jobs to low-income areas with high unemployment, by improving access to essential services like health care and early childhood education. That’s why we always strive to do better.” We’ve been honored with individual and company awards but are even more proud when our clients’ developments are recognized. In the last four years, three clients received the most prestigious award in our industry for developments designed by our architects. We recently launched Travois First Fridays to support and promote Native visual artists with free receptions, open to the public. Join us!

34 THINKING BIGGER BUSINESS //August 2018

EQUITY BANK NAPKIN STORIES

V I N TA G E H O M E KC

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Vintage As a Venture DALE SCOTT HAS CHANNELED HIS PASSION FOR VINTAGE HOMES INTO SEVERAL LUCRATIVE BUSINESSES. ale Scott, the founder and president of Vintage Home KC, has earned a reputation refurbishing Kansas City homes that were originally built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They are mostly Craftsman-style homes that feature clean lines rather than ornate flourishes.

“I follow the 15-second rule,” said Scott. “When you walk in the front door for the first 15 seconds, I do my best to restore so that it appears the home is brand new, as it looked in 1920. Yet when you continue into the home, there are updates so that old meets new for modern living—a larger kitchen, master suites and bathrooms. I bring homes back to life, and that gives me a lot of joy. My greatest compliment is to hear someone say, ‘Oh, that’s a Dale Scott home‘ when they walk in.” That attraction to clean, simple style has proven to be successful in more ways than one for Scott. A chiropractor turned serial entrepreneur, Scott follows a clean, simple business model. While he was still seeing patients at his clinic, Scott started investing in real estate and then earned his real estate license. Very strategically, he launched various companies that support his real estate endeavors: a real estate brokerage, a property management company and a general contracting firm. The businesses not only support one another but also others involved in the real estate industry. FROM HOBBYIST TO SERIAL ENTREPRENEUR As Scott tells it, it took a banker to point out that he had a valuable venture right under his nose. Scott had been purchasing small postWorld War II homes around his clinic for several years. He said it was “therapy” for

him to fix them up on the evenings and weekends and then rent them out. By 2010, Scott had 15 rental properties. A banker approached him and asked if he was interested in a line of credit based on the equity in the properties. “Unbeknownst to me, I was playing a bit of Monopoly. The equity was loanable from a banker’s standpoint,” said Scott. That was the boost he needed to sell his practice in 2012 and leap full time into restoring homes. “I was able to make the leap with a nice safety net because a banker understood what I didn’t understand at the time,” said Scott. VENTURE INTO VINTAGE When Scott purchased a home near the Country Club Plaza in 2010, he realized his true passion was in restoring the Craftsman-era homes. He started purchasing other vintage homes, restoring them and selling them. Scott said these homes were built by true craftsmen, who often signed their work upon completion. “We believe that, because of the care, attention to detail, craftsmanship and classical architecture, these homes have a soul and deserve to be restored to as close to the vision of the architect as possible,” Scott said. SECRET TO SUCCESS When asked what makes Vintage Home KC successful, Scott said: “The pat answer is hard work and consistency. But I believe I really enjoy it. I get a kick out of taking something that was tired and freshening it up and giving it a new lease on life. And I believe that passion passes on when a potential buyer walks into a recently remodeled home and they see it.”

In addition to the passion he brings to each project, Scott credits relationships for the success of his companies—the relationships with his crew members who are true craftsmen, his relationships with suppliers who will go the distance to track down hard-to-find items for the homes, and his banking relationship. “Equity Bank is on the same page when I explain what my business model is and my growth strategies are. They go above and beyond to structure the financing for my deals,” Scott said. Being adequately capitalized has allowed Scott to bring his son into the business as well as a partner for his property management company. “Having both of them on board frees me to focus on investments, so we can grow,” said Scott. SHARE YOUR NAPKIN STORY

Some of the most amazing business stories started as an idea scribbled on a napkin. Mark Parman, Kansas City Market President of Equity Bank, invites you to share your Napkin Story. “We not only want to hear your origin story, we can help you continue to write the rest of your company’s story,” he said. Equity Bank is a full-service community bank with offices in Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas and Oklahoma. Our group of bankers are experienced with businesses from small to large. We take the time to listen to your story and help you design the services that will benefit you and your business. To share your napkin story, get in touch at marketing@equitybank.com or (913) 323-9300. Visit: Equitybank.com/napkin-stories SMART COMPANIES THINKING BIGGER®

BIGGER | strategy S M A R T

( by Kate Leibsle)

S T R AT E G I E S

SBA Offering Includes Resources, Connections 8(a) Business Development Program helps to refine focus, ramp up growth.

rowing a small business from your basement to eight regional offices involves not only a lot of work, but also taking advantage of available resources and opportunities. For Kimberly and Trent Robinett, owners of TREKK Design Group, those opportunities have included becoming a part of the Small Business Administration’s 8(a) Business Development Program. The Robinetts founded TREKK in 2002. Today, their offices are spread throughout Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska and Tennessee, and employ 125 people, offering engineering design and consulting services. “Our focus is on clean water and safe roads,” Kimberly said. Nuts and bolts of 8(a) The decision to pursue the SBA 8(a) designation was taken only after TREKK was wellestablished. The company had worked into a number of good contracts and projects with local and state governmental agencies and was ready to broaden its reach, Kimberly said. “It looked like a good way to grow the company,” she said. “You get another set of agencies you can work with.” It was a good way to grow—but also laborious and intensive. By definition, the 8(a) program is a business assistance program for small, disadvantaged businesses. The 8(a) program offers a broad scope of assistance to firms that are owned and controlled at least 51 percent by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. The benefits for a business include the ability to compete for set-aside contracts in the program, working with a business opportunity specialist to navigate federal contracting, 36 THINKING BIGGER BUSINESS //August 2018

TREKK performed work for the Kansas City Water Services Department water main replacement program in the Northland. (Photo courtesy of TREKK Design Group)

STRATEGY Take part in the Small Business Administration’s 8(a) Business Development Program. C O M PA N Y I N F O R M AT I O N

TREKK Design Group LLC 1411 E. 104th St., Kansas City, Mo. (816) 874-4655 info@trekkllc.com

TREKK performed emergency repairs at the City of Belton influent pump station to prevent future creek erosion. (Photo courtesy of TREKK Design Group)

forming partnerships with more-established businesses in the program’s mentoring program and using the assistance the program and the SBA provide. When the process began, the Robinetts had a third partner, another woman. Because there were two women owners and Kimberly is half Cuban, the company already was a designated MBE/WBE. However, that meant that more scrutiny was paid to TREKK as it went through the SBA process. “We had an extra burden of proof, but there were a lot of people willing to work with us and, in the end, you just have to go through the process,” she said.

and Trent have become the sole owners of TREKK. They also have gone through the required yearly review of their business plan. That process has helped the company reprioritize and refine its mission, she said. The reassessment means that this year, the company is focusing on its key services of engineering design and consulting services, specifically for sanitary sewer clients. “We still want to do everything, but we were too broad,” Kimberly said. “We have to put our energy into key services for our key clients.” The goal is still supporting the “clean water and safe roads” mission but in a more streamlined way.

Sharpening focus While the process may have been a long one, it was extremely beneficial for TREKK in several ways. The company, which was already eight old when it started the SBA process, had experienced sustained growth and had projects working with several departments of transportation. “It confirmed a lot of what we were doing,” Kimberly said. Unlike many companies that apply for the SBA designation, TREKK didn’t use a mentor company while it was going through the process. Kimberly said that because TREKK was wellestablished and had relationships with several state departments of transportation and bigger companies, it didn’t make sense to choose just one company to work with during the year and a half it took to complete the process. Since achieving the designation, Kimberly

Gaining traction Has achieving the designation made a difference for the company? Kimberly thinks so, especially with the constant need for

TYPE OF BUSINESS

Engineering design and consulting services FOUNDED

2002 E M P L OY E E S

125

review and the redefining of what the business’ focus is on. “I think it will help us get a foot in the door and continue being true to our Midwest (clients and roots). “I would do it again. I’m excited to live out our vision and excited to get the traction going and grow that part of our business.” Kate Leibsle is a freelance writer in the Kansas City area.

SMART STRATEGIES Want to do more with your business? Get smart. Our Smart Strategies articles offer advice from experts and experiences from other companies about what works—and what doesn’t. Whether it’s a learning opportunity or just a refresher, these guides offer a resource for owners to think bigger and do business better. Want to share your expertise with our audience? Contact editor@ithinkbigger.com with a topic and description of a proposed article.

Read on for more Smart Strategies SMART COMPANIES THINKING BIGGER®

BIGGER | growth S M A R T

( by Bill Strout)

S T R AT E G I E S

Why Working with Experts is Worth it Businesses can grow with help from specialized partners.

ou have as many hours in a day as Beyoncé. We all get 24 hours in one day. That statement can open your perspective to what a world-renowned pop sensation can accomplish for her brand with the same 24 hours. But between answering texts/emails, filling staffing holes, attending meetings, networking, attaining funding and trying to have a personal life, how do business owners also run a successful company with just 24 hours in a day? The answer is the same for you and for Beyoncé: Surround yourself with experts. Working with subject matter experts provides sound counsel, allows for business owners to focus and, ultimately, increases profits. And no matter whether the needed expert is in 38 THINKING BIGGER BUSINESS //August 2018

marketing, technology or insurance, all are valuable assets to a company. Trusted Advisor Subject-matter experts are a trusted source of deep knowledge in an aspect of business. They quickly identify risks facing an operation and understand common pain points for owners—and then bring solutions. Since experts primarily focus in one sector, they are closely familiar with best practices and efficiencies to quickly get to the desired solution. For example, if a clothing boutique company is establishing a social media presence, partnering with a marketing team from the outset accomplishes goals much faster and improves the overall quality of work. Working with experts also encourages owners to answer pertinent and sometimes

not-yet-considered questions to prevent a sticky situation down the road. These questions also encourage decisions owners could have been avoiding, while having a trusted source to help get to a good conclusion. Time for the Good Stuff Most owners start a business to give themselves an outlet for their passion, not to meddle with payroll, direct mail or insurance claims. Having subject-matter experts on hand saves time and resources to keep business needs rolling while owners can invest themselves in their passion, both physically and mentally. An owner with focus on his or her product or service offering can introduce new and more original products at a higher rate. In the long run, they can make a company whose product offering stands out from the rest. With more energy going into a better product by the owner, the business thrives all around— all while maintaining a tight ship. Do Your Bottom Line a Favor A good expert will work to increase a company’s profitability. While it’s true partnering with an expert requires an initial investment, experts offer turnkey services and proprietary products or service offerings. These add

Want to

GIVE BACK Looking for something to do? Bring your talents to SCORE and volunteer. You will share your skills and expertise helping small businesses achieve success. Come work with other enthusiastic professionals. Join us at KansasCity.Score.org

(816) 235-6675 efficiencies, therefore lowering operation expenses, giving a leg up on the competition and, ultimately, maximizing profit. When vetting subject-matter experts, owners should ask for examples of past work and typical outcomes for a business of their size and in their industry. Knowing this will more than make up for investing in an expert partner. When a client wins, an expert’s practice also wins, so they will invest as much of themselves as they can to see success. While many new and longstanding business owners grapple with bringing a subject matter expert on board, working with a specialist is worth it. Experts serve as trusted advisers who avoid negative situations, free up time for owners to invest in making their business better and, in the end, provide efficiencies that add to the bottom line. So when asked, “Who run the world?”— it’s you … and Beyoncé. Bill Strout is president of Intrepid Direct Insurance, a direct online, comprehensive franchise business insurance company with expertise in comprehensive coverage for restaurant franchisees and auto aftermarket owners. IntrepidDirect.com SMART COMPANIES THINKING BIGGER®

BIGGER | marketing S M A R T

( by Aaron Fulk )

S T R AT E G I E S

How to Use LinkedIn to Grow Your Business Tweaking your profile can catch the attention of clients and partners.

inkedIn has long been thought of as one of two things: a social media site to help you find a job or a recruiter’s alternative to picking up the phone. 40 THINKING BIGGER BUSINESS //August 2018

Since its launch in 2003, LinkedIn has gone through an incredible amount of development and change. Since Microsoft’s purchase of the site in 2016 for $26.2 billion, the company has soared and is currently adding two new users every second, and its quarterly revenue exceeds $550 million. With new users and advanced capabilities added to LinkedIn, it’s no secret that the site is quickly moving from “the social media site

for job searching” to “the social media site that can take your business to the next level.” Here are a few useful tips that can help you step up your LinkedIn game by utilizing the site to your advantage. Put your best face forward Your profile picture is one of the most influential aspects of your LinkedIn account. Whether we like it or not, the reason that

Wherever you are in your business, whether at the beginning stages of launching a company or trying to increase your company following, LinkedIn is an effective tool to help take your business to the next level.

platforms like Tinder and Bumble became popular in the dating world is because we all make snap judgements based on a person’s looks. We either gravitate to their appearance, demeanor and perceived personality, or we tend to withdraw due to disinterest. Your objective is to draw people in, so it’s crucial that you put your best face forward to provide an optimum first impression to your followers. Make sure that your profile picture only includes you (your kid is cute, but save that picture for Facebook). Your photo should radiate your business persona, so ensure that your picture aligns with your career field. If you are a highpowered attorney and you post a picture from a party on a Saturday night, your future clients and/or referring partners could lose trust in you before they even meet you. Finally, make sure that your picture is fairly recent. There is nothing worse than setting up a meeting with someone and then not recognizing them upon arrival. It’s all about trust; people work with people they trust. Don’t lose their confidence because you prefer a photo from five years ago when your hair was longer and the number on the scale was lower.

attention of others. Use it to your advantage to stand out in the crowd! Share valuable content People are now using LinkedIn to help grow their businesses at an astonishing rate. We are in a day and age where people are craving more information. Sharing valuable content on your LinkedIn page can help you emerge as a leader in your industry and will appeal to future clients and referral partners. LinkedIn has provided you with all of the tools you need (right inside their software) to be able to share compelling content. With an internal blogging structure and a video platform, there is no reason to have a profile

void of content. With valuable content and a proper hashtag strategy (yes, use hashtags on LinkedIn!), you will start to see the trajectory of your business propel forward to new heights. Wherever you are in your business, whether at the beginning stages of launching a company or trying to increase your company following, LinkedIn is an effective tool to help take your business to the next level. Remember, an appropriate picture, a captivating headline and valuable content will take you a long way. Oh, and go ahead and list three of your most impressive skills— LinkedIn reports that doing so will increase your profile’s view by 13 times. And that’s the end goal, right? Aaron Fulk is the founder and CEO of Lillian James Creative, who has used her LinkedIn following to grow her company over 800 percent in two years. (913) 730-0454 // aaron@lillianjamescreative.com

Get creative with your headline Did you know that your headline appears with your name and picture every time someone sees you in their newsfeed (when commenting, posting, liking)? Your headline is just as imperative (if not more) than your name on LinkedIn. You will notice that many individuals have headlines that only state their job title. Why in the world would I ever be enticed to click on another individual’s page by just glancing at their job title? However, if the individual’s headline said “10 years of experience helping people find their dream jobs,” I would probably want to know more about this person and their experience. Use your headline as leverage to set your profile apart from your competition. Your headline should reflect your personality, highlight your strengths and catch the SMART COMPANIES THINKING BIGGER®

BIGGER | law S M A R T

( byGarrett Hunkins )

S T R AT E G I E S

A Win for Arbitration Supreme Court’s decision benefits employers.

uring its recent session, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision that many businesses applaud. The case Epic Systems Corp. v. Lewis dealt with the enforceability of certain arbitration agreements in federal court. The Court, in a 5-4 decision, held that under the Federal Arbitration Act, agreements providing for individualized arbitration proceedings are enforceable. The decision has been heralded as a win for employers throughout the United States. Businesses have long preferred arbitration of employee disputes. Arbitration typically costs less, takes less time to conclude and allows the parties greater flexibility in resolving disputes. Background Prior to the decision, it was unclear whether an employer could lawfully require its employees to enter into an arbitration agreement, waiving civil suits, as a condition of employment. Generally, these agreements prohibit employees from litigating cases against employers in court and also prevent employees from joining class actions to collectively bring an action against their employer. Employers prefer arbitration due to reduced legal costs and greater predictability. Before the Supreme Court granted review, the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit had held that employers could not require employees to enter into arbitration agreements that waive the employees’ rights to litigate statutory employment claims or otherwise bring a class action to pursue these claims. The NLRB and Seventh Circuit reasoned that the National Labor Relations Act prohibited such agreements, holding that certain provisions of NLRA render them unenforceable. Writing for the majority, Justice Neil Gorsuch made clear that there is no conflict 42 THINKING BIGGER BUSINESS //August 2018

between the Federal Arbitration Act and the NLRA. Rather, the Court held that Congress in passing the Federal Arbitration Act “instructed federal courts to enforce arbitration agreements according to their terms— including terms providing for individualized proceedings.” Because the NLRA “says nothing about how judges and arbitrators must try legal disputes that leave the workplace and enter the courtroom,” Justice Gorsuch wrote, the two statutes do not conflict. Arbitration Benefits The Court’s decision provides clarity to businesses and employers. In response to this term’s decision, businesses will likely continue to enter into these agreements with their employees. The American Arbitration Association reports that the median length in time from the filing of an arbitration demand to the final award in commercial cases is just 7.9 months, whereas the median length of time from filing to resolution of a civil case is typically

four to five times as long, depending on whether cases are settled, tried before a jury or appealed. Partly for this reason, the cost to arbitrate a matter is significantly less than that of litigation. In addition, arbitration offers more flexibility. Parties can choose the arbitrator, the time and place of arbitration, and the manner in which arbitration is conducted. Arbitration is generally a less formal proceeding and may reduce stress on parties and witnesses. For all of these reasons, the Court’s decision should ease the way for employers that are already drawn to the benefits of employee arbitration. Garrett Hunkins is an attorney at Graves Garrett LLC and supports the firm’s commercial and business litigation, white collar criminal defense, and free speech and election law practice groups. He focuses his practice on complex litigation involving both corporate and political clients. (816) 256-3181 // ghunkins@gravesgarrett.com Twitter: @GarettWHunkins

BIGGER | hr S M A R T

( by Jennifer Niehouse )

S T R AT E G I E S

Dress Code: Le Freak or So Chic? Defining a policy sets image expectations.

ansas City’s summer temperatures can make dressing for the day a sticky challenge. As a business owner, you may be wondering whether a reminder about “appropriate workplace attire” needs to be on the agenda. Like it or not, beach-themed fashions may have already flip-flopped into the office. Dress codes have been a hot topic because defining business casual is confusing. Navigating issues around employees’ fashion sense can feel like a hassle. However, with today’s more relaxed work environments, it helps everyone to have parameters around workplace attire expectations to avoid any wardrobe blunders. The long-term benefits can also improve your company’s brand image. Why Casual? What did you wear to the office today? Your outfit, most likely, is certainly less formal than what was worn a couple decades ago, when men’s and women’s closets were dominated by shoulder-padded suits (following John T. Malloy’s rules on “Dress For Success”). Office attire shifted in the early ’90s when Silicon Valley’s casual Fridays turned into dressing casually all week long—and the fashion industry took notice of this new work wear trend. No matter how you say it—smart casual, business casual or just casual—people are perplexed. Expecting your employees to crack the appearance code on their own allows for office-wear blunders. With millennials (and now Gen Z-ers) growing up during these more casual times, bewilderment around dressing for the office will continue. Yet,we wonder why the youth doesn’t get what it means to dress professionally or know what to wear to an interview. Why Appearance Matters Anymore, it’s not so much about Stacy London’s “what to wear, what not to wear” but more about the “WHY.” Does is really matter what you wear? You bet it does! And as a company, understanding why dress matters could affect your bottom line.

Did you know that dressing more professionally than casually increases abstract thinking and gives people a broader perspective? According to a recent Wall Street Journal article, “wearing nicer clothes may raise one’s confidence level, affect how others perceive the wearer, and in some cases even boost the level of one’s abstract thinking, the type in which leaders and executives engage.” Two other important factors about fashion and dress code to keep in mind are: 1 Clothing is a nonverbal form of communication. People make snap judgments based on what you wear and how you wear it. You don’t want to risk making the wrong impression! 2 Clothing relates to branding. Your employ-

ees are “brand ambassadors,” so make sure their clothing choices best represent your company, both internally and externally. Business owners should consider these scenarios related to fashion: » Are you 100 percent confident your sales team is making the right impression when they meet with a client or customer for the first time? » Does the sales team look fashionably current, professional and up-to-date (not dowdy, dated or schlumpy)? » Are your employees representing the

right company image when they attend networking events? » An employee is presenting in front of a large group of business people. Does the outfit convey credibility? » Are employees paying attention to details such as making sure clothing fits properly and appropriately? (Not too tight, baggy or distracting.) Employees appreciate today’s casual work atmosphere, including the freedom to be more fashionably creative. If your company has loosened its tie, but you don’t want to loosen standards, defining a dress code will allow you to describe what professionalism (or casualism) looks like within your company culture. The goal is to educate your employees so they have more apparel awareness. Fashion is a powerful social tool and can offer enhanced professional development opportunities while improving company’s image and strengthening its brand. Jennifer Niehouse is a wardrobe consultant and image advisor. She’s the owner of It’s so U!, which has three components: Brand U, HR services and workshops; Grow U, interview attire and professional presence programming for students and teachers; and Style U, personal styling and shopping. jennifer@itssou.co // itssou.co // linkedin.com/in/itssou/ SMART COMPANIES THINKING BIGGER®

SCALEUP! KC

TICK TOCK ESCAPE GAMES

( by Dawn Bormann )

Search is Over for Focused Approach ADVISERS GIVE CLUES TO BETTER BUSINESS PRACTICES hen Roger Wagy started Tick Tock Escape Games in 2016, he had the romantic notion that if he built it the customers would come. Simple as that. Many customers did come to his escape room in Overland Park. They raved about the interactive technology that made it more than a series of locks. Customers said the music and responsive technology made it stand out from competitors. But Wagy came back to the same challenge each year. “Getting the word out has been a challenge,” he says.

44 THINKING BIGGER BUSINESS //August 2018

The Kansas City market is thick with competitors. Wagy spent considerable money on advertising, but he couldn’t find the right mix. “I felt like I was really wasting a lot of money on the wrong advertising,” he says. He needed advice. That’s when he found ScaleUP! Kansas City. ScaleUp! is a free program offered by the University of Missouri-Kansas City Innovation Center with support from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. The program includes classes, peer mentoring, professional guidance and more. It’s open to small businesses like Tick Tock Escape Games that operate in a market capable of supporting more than $1 million in annual sales and that want to rapidly grow the business.

THE RIGHT MARKETING MIX

Wagy immediately took the advice of ScaleUP! experts to diversify his marketing strategy. He cut back on his current advertising and hired Novella Brandhouse, a business that also took the ScaleUP! course, to infuse innovative and creative solutions to his marketing and branding plan. Wagy had wanted to hire a marketing company for a while but never made the jump. “I just didn’t know who I could trust to go to that wouldn’t just take my money and not deliver,” he says. “I feel better about Novella since they have a contact with ScaleUP!” He also purchased a software program to help Tick Tock employees track sales leads. It will help the staff know when a lead is hot,

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cold or where someone is in the sales funnel. It will remind Wagy when a business has its annual meeting and might need a reminder that Tick Tock Escape Rooms is an option. ScaleUP! also spurred several new ideas for Tick Tock to reach new markets and use the resources Wagy already had at his fingertips. For years he’s collected email addresses but wasn’t sure how to properly utilize the tool. “We haven’t really used it effectively,” he says. “We’re looking at overhauling that and trying to use it as a marketing tool.” That tip came from a ScaleUP! presenter who talked about expanding his reach by creating an email newsletter. Wagy can use email to track who opens messages and when to help shape his marketing strategy. DELEGATING RESPONSIBILITY

ScaleUP! experts almost immediately urged him to hire a sales director to better

target business clients. The business is located along College Boulevard—a prime corporate environment—in Johnson County. “A lot of what we’re trying to do is reach out to corporate clients so that they will bring their teams in and do team-building activities. In order to reach out to them, it might be better to have a touch from a real person and market to them with phone calls or dropping by,” Wagy says. Then other ScaleUP! experts showed him strategies for hiring the ideal person to fill that role. It’s a big leap for Wagy’s business, which now has one full-time and 10 part-time employees. But the entrepreneur has already made plans for hiring the sales director this fall. He has no hesitation given the feedback from ScaleUP! cohorts and advisers. “It’s helped enormously. Just seeing all the other success stories lets me know that I’m not alone and that other people have gone through this, and I can get through it,” he says. “I feel like we’re on the right track.” ScaleUP! also shifted the entrepreneur’s mindset about his day-to-day responsibilities. “Now I’m more focused on growing the business rather than operating and running the business,” he says. “That’s a huge mindshift that I think will help it going forward.” He’s handed off some game-master activities to a full-time employee. ScaleUP! advisers forced him to focus on accounting and metrics in order to create a long-term plan. Wagy realized if he didn’t track month-to-month profits, he wouldn’t be growing effectively. They also caused Wagy to think about profits in a completely new light. “I was managing based on the cash flow and not profits month-to-month,” he says. By tracking profits closely, Wagy knows how to better target marketing and work to resolve challenges as they arise instead of waiting for year-end reports to tell him where the holes were at.

also connected him to a community of fellow entrepreneurs who were generous with ideas and friendship. “If I hadn’t discovered ScaleUP! I would still be just on my own and still doing it solo,” he says. “But now I have the wisdom of all these other advisers that can help going forward.” Customers expect the changes to pay off, given that Tick Tock already provides excellent customer service. Students at The Barstow School’s summer camp have used the business for years, and there’s a reason, said Max Williams, assistant director of Summer at Barstow. “It’s not all about the money,” Williams says of Tick Tock. “It’s about getting you in here and making sure your kids have a good time.” They work to make sure every child is challenged in the right way. Sometimes that means opening new rooms on the fly—without charging more—to make sure students have a great time. “They really do a good job of acknowledging who they have in there in their building and the level of intelligence,” Williams says. Dawn Bormann is a freelance writer in the Kansas City area.

ENTREPRENEUR

Roger Wagy COMPANY

Tick Tock Escape Games www.ticktockescapegames.com Tick Tock Escape Games is an escape room in Overland Park that provides a unique interactive element with music, electronics and more to give the experience a twist. ARE YOU READY TO SCALE UP?

ScaleUP! Kansas City—a free program

GETTING PLUGGED IN

for KC small businesses—is looking for

Wagy has taken on entrepreneurial ventures before, but ScaleUP! opened his eyes to a diverse array of resources including accounting, management and branding experts. But it

companies that want to supercharge their growth. Learn more at www.scaleupkc.com

SMART COMPANIES THINKING BIGGER®

IN FOCUS

Eastern Jackson County ( by Katie Bean )

2018

Suburbs Pick Up

Urbanization Trend EASTERN JACKSON COUNTY CITIES ARE FOLLOWING IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF LARGE METROS BY REINVESTING IN DOWNTOWN

Downtown Leeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Summit at dusk. (Photo courtesy of Chad Godrey, Summit Video Services) 46 THINKING BIGGER BUSINESS // August 2018

trend rippling across the nation has reached Kansas City, and now it’s spreading out to its suburbs in Eastern Jackson County: the resurgence of downtown.

The root of this trend is called urbanization. After World War II, development focused on suburbs; now, that’s being reversed, with real estate developers, businesses and residents pouring back into cities. However, suburbs aren’t completely left out. According to CBRE Global Investors, a commercial real estate and investment company, suburbs that give themselves an “urban makeover”—investing in mixed-use developments, public transit and community-focused space—are having success creating vibrant, walkable areas that attract businesses and residents. As Kansas City reaps the fruits of downtown reinvestment, including the streetcar, ever-increasing luxury living options and renovation of old buildings, its neighbors to the east are likewise building up their downtown areas. Lee’s Summit, Blue Springs and Independence all are actively working to bring attractive businesses to their downtowns— and they’re succeeding. “If there’s an overarching theme, it’s that Eastern Jackson County tries to find stuff that isn’t there and create it to fill that space,” said Frank White III, director of business development for the Kansas City Area Transit Authority and a Lee’s Summit resident.

Blue Springs Corks and Canvas event held during Downtown Alive! (Photo courtesy of the City of Blue Springs)

The building he found at 1201 W. Main St. also offered everything he needed for the brewery, bar, kitchen and live music acts—a loading dock, available power and space. Not only that, but “the city has been very excited and supportive of us,” Mann said. “There weren’t any hoops to jump through that we weren’t expecting.” Blue Springs was eager for Mann to locate there LIVE, WORK, PLAY rather than a nearby city, he said. It helped that The key elements that make urbanization successful the building he chose was eligible for a 25-year revolve around live, work and play. Car ridership is tax abatement. decreasing, and the millennial generation in partic“That was something we worked with city ular prefers to live close to work, transit and on and was definitely an attraction to this area amenities, according to a 2015 CBRE report. versus down the road. That definitely helps, for As Eastern Jackson County cities have built up sure,” he said. “For us, it doesn’t lower the cost their downtowns, “play” has been the first step. upfront—we still had to secure all of that money Independence, Blue Springs and Lee’s Summit all for construction—but we’ll basically get it back in have succeeded in attracting unique boutiques and Dav the form of tax savings over the next 25 years.” interesting food options to draw people in. The id Ma nn Incentives aside, Mann said he was happy to locate next steps include adding options for working and in Blue Springs, and not just because the brewery is five minliving; these suburbs are in various stages of taking utes from home. He said he and his wife have found that options for those steps. local eats and hangouts in Blue Springs are limited. Area entrepreneurs are helping that vision become reality. “It’s kind of trying to be that change—bringing more stuff to Blue Springs,” Mann said. “We’re not alone. We know there’s a lot of people PLAY down here—younger people like ourselves, young families—and a lot David Mann started homebrewing eight years ago. His hobby grew of demand for craft beer and food, and they’re not having their needs into a passion that became a business this year. In June, he opened met out here, so they’re traveling to other areas. We’re trying to fill the East Forty Brewing in downtown Blue Springs. void that exists.” When he started looking for a home for his brewery, he said he There are other unique, independent small businesses in downtown looked at any available real estate in Eastern Jackson County—Lee’s Blue Springs, Mann said. He said he hopes the addition of East Forty Summit, Blue Springs, Grain Valley and Independence. Though he Brewing to the mix will draw not only visitors but eventually other lives in Blue Springs, Mann wasn’t set on locating his business there, businesses—even breweries. but he “grew to love downtown,” he said. SMART COMPANIES THINKING BIGGER®

IN FOCUS

Eastern Jackson County ( by Katie Bean )

2018

“If we can bring more breweries out here, get a cluster out here—which I think eventually we will get more breweries out this way—that would be great,” he said. “When there’s critical mass, it makes it more of a destination for people to go to. While we like being out here by ourselves—a new brewery, the first brewery in Blue Springs—I’m definitely not opposed to more breweries opening down the street.” And the feedback he’s received indicates residents are clamoring for more local hangouts. “That’s what we hear is, ‘Thank you for opening a brewery in Blue Springs—we’ve been waiting for this.’”

WORK

4 1 East Forty Brewing and Taproom, the newest business in downtown Blue Springs. (Photo courtesy of the City of Blue Springs, Mo.) 2 Outdoor patio of East Forty Brewing and Taproom. (Photo courtesy of Dhanu Shanmuganayagam) 3 Downtown streetscaping in Blue Springs. (Photo courtesy of the City of Blue Springs, Mo.) 4 Overview of the Bridge

Space coworking space and entrepreneur incubator in Lee’s Summit. (Rendering courtesy of Hollis + Miller Architecture) 48 THINKING BIGGER BUSINESS // August 2018

Blue Springs can look to its neighbor Lee’s Summit to see the success that downtown reinvestment brings. Downtown Lee’s Summit has a mix of unique, local businesses that have proven to be a draw for visitors and residents. It boasts boutiques, restaurants, a speakeasy and four breweries—it has attained the “cluster” that Mann hopes to see someday in Blue Springs. Between the interesting venues and the walkability of the area, Lee’s Summit has succeeded in attracting people. Now, the bedroom community hopes to keep more of them there. The next step is offering more places to work in the suburb so less of the population has to drive to Kansas City, Johnson County or other areas of the metro. That’s a key motivation for serial entrepreneur Ben Rao, who this summer will open Bridge Space in a former post office downtown. It’s the first coworking space in Lee’s Summit. Through the 16 month-process of renovation, Bridge Space is bringing back historical features of the 1962 building while adding the newest technology, including solar panels and LED lighting. “It is about creating an experience that doesn’t exist in Eastern Jackson County or Lee’s Summit,” Rao said. Always a big-picture thinker, Rao envisions Bridge Space as more the “bridge” than just the “space.” “A big part of this project was because there’s nobody focusing full-time on entrepreneurship in Lee’s Summit,” he said. “We’ve got great people, we’ve got great families. And I

just wanted to build this support mechanism so people knew they had a place to gravitate to, and we could be the central nerve center out here to help play traffic cop between schools and education, and the civic groups, and the city, and entrepreneurs and the larger business community, and to be focused on that full-time, to be that glue to hold all of that together because that will bring hundreds of companies into Lee’s Summit.” Ideally, he said, companies that incubate at Bridge Space will stay in Lee’s Summit. Say each company that starts at the coworking space grows to 20 employees, he said—“if we can do that with 100 companies, that’s 2,000 jobs.” And his goal with Bridge Space is not only to keep people in Lee’s Summit but also to draw them in from elsewhere—and to help those visitors experience the downtown. Bridge Space has event space that can accommodate 300 to 400 guests, Rao said, and it aims to host anything business- or philanthropy-related. For events such as fullday conferences, he suggests to the hosts that instead of catering in lunch, they buy downtown Lee’s Summit gift certificates so guests can try some of the local eateries. LIVE

The last crucial element in the urbanization formula is living space. So far, the Eastern Jackson County suburbs haven’t focused on adding much living space to their downtowns; however, these cities remain a draw for the quality of life they offer.

“Communities that attract millennials have a multitude of transportation choices and urban lifestyle components (whether they live in cities or in the suburbs).”

Millennials are cited as one of the key drivers toward urbanization. As that generation reaches their 30s, they are having children and looking for homes. As CBRE put it in a 2015 report: “Many of today’s younger urban professionals may eventually be drawn to the suburbs as they begin to raise families and they search for better-quality schools, a yard of one’s own and more space for storage.” The school districts in Jackson County’s suburbs have long been a draw for families. “That’s what got my folks out to Blue Springs when I was a kid—the school system,” said White, of the KCATA. “It’s a fact that, in all the school districts in Eastern Jackson County, you’ve got a really nice synergy between the civic community, the business community and the parents.” What draws families also helps to keep others in the area, White said. The strong schools translate to high property values, which entice even empty nesters like himself to stay. White said he and his wife recently downsized but chose to remain in Lee’s Summit. In addition to schools, public transit is a part of the urbanization conversation, especially for the millennial generation. “Communities that attract millennials have a multitude of transportation choices and

2015 CBRE Urbanization Trends Report

urban lifestyle components (whether they live in cities or in the suburbs),” CBRE wrote in its 2015 urbanization trends report. White agreed that there has been “heightened interest in public transit and different transit options” in Eastern Jackson County. Businesses there want employees to have options available so they can get to work, he said. New options like KCATA’s app-based RideKC Freedom program help public transit to scale in those growing communities, White said. ‘OPEN FOR BUSINESS’

Even as downtown Kansas City continues its resurgence, Eastern Jackson County will grow as well, thanks in part to the businesses that have made it their mission to see their cities thrive. “When I came to Lee’s Summit—we moved here in 1978, sleepy little town didn’t want to be bothered,” White said. “But now, it’s open for business. … The goal is to keep you from ever having to leave.”

Katie Bean is the president and editor at Thinking Bigger Business Media. (913) 432-6690 // kbean@ithinkbigger.com

1 Family-friendly music in Howard Station Park, Lee’s Summit. 2 Main street shopping in Lee’s Summit. (Photos courtesy of downtown Lee’s Summit) SMART COMPANIES THINKING BIGGER®

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Pipeline In Canada Joni Cobb, center, CEO of Pipeline, chats while on a visit to Alberta, Canada, for the INVENTURE$ Conference in June. Pipeline fellows took part in an event called Pitch for the Throne at the conference. 50 THINKING BIGGER BUSINESS //August 2018

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