. S E C A . L R P E O G G G I B K N I TH 1 8 TH A N N U A L 25 UNDER 25 AWARDS
HONORING OUTSTANDING KC—AREA SMALL BUSINESSES
PRESENTED BY THINKING BIGGER BUSINESS MEDIA Saturday, Feb. 23, 2019 Downtown Marriott—Muehlebach Tower
PRESENTED BY
STAR SPONSOR
25 UNDER 25 AWARDS : : 2019 : : CONGRATULATIONS
WE ARE PROUD TO HAVE YOU JOIN US AS ONE OF KANSAS CITY'S 25 UNDER 25 HONOREES. KEEP YOUR ENTREPRENEURIAL VISION SHARP.
CLASS OF 2012
CLASS OF 2011
CLASS OF 2006
WE WANT TO BE THE BANK BEHIND THE LOAN BEHIND THE NEXT 25 UNDER 25 HONOREE. The bank built on entrepreneurial spirit congratulates bank customer Midwest Comfort Homes as well as all the honorees this year on this year’s 25 Under 25 ®.
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COMMUNITY | PHILANTHROPY | ENTREPRENEURSHIP
25 UNDER 25 AWARDS : : 2019 : : THE BIGGER PICTURE
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2019
I
If you’re looking for impressive
companies in this year’s class have just
companies, look no further.
moved into new, larger headquarters to
This edition celebrates the 18th class
accommodate their growing businesses. One honoree, Mi Rancho Tequila, recently signed
of 25 Under 25 Small Business Award
an international distribution agreement.
honorees. Thinking Bigger Business Media has now honored 450 outstanding
The theme for this year’s celebration is “Go
Kansas City-area businesses that, at
Places. Think Bigger.” We have no doubt that we
the time of their recognition, had 25 or fewer
will see these companies take off in the future!
employees. Many alumni have grown beyond
Please join us at the 25 Under 25 gala at 6 p.m. Feb.
that threshold.
23 at the Downtown Marriott’s Muehlebach Tower to
Small businesses are an economic engine, and the
celebrate the award winners and small business. Learn
2019 honorees are just getting revved up. Some of the
more at 25Under25.com.
Editor & Managing Director // kbean@ithinkbigger.com
2019 ENTREPRENEURIAL LEGACY AWARD HONOREE 04 Burns & McDonnell The company's commitment to supplier diversity grows the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Kansas City and beyond.
PANEL OF JUDGES 04 Meet the Judges Six of the city’s leading small business advocates selected this year’s honorees.
25 UNDER 25 HONOREES
08
Chief of Staff
13
MSP Consulting
08
Digital Maelstrom
13
My Child Advocate
09
e2E
14
OneHQ
09
Fresh Approach Cleaning Professionals
14
Otto Service
14
Porter Teleo
15
RedesignKC
15
The Running Well Store
16
Shamerrific Shine
16
Smith Mohlman LLC
17
TaxesPlus Inc.
17
Tea-Biotics
18
Umzuzu
10
HMC Performance Coatings
10
IntegriShield
11
KC Wine Co
11
Love Letters
12
Mi Rancho Tequila
07
Advantage Pressure Pro
12
Midwest Comfort Homes
07
Bulldog
12
Moxi Events
25 Under 25 Awards : : 3
25 UNDER 25 AWARDS : : 2019 : : ENTREPRENEURIAL LEGACY AWARD
Burns & McDonnell contributes significant resources to its supplier diversity program, which helps small businesses grow as they work with the company on big projects. (Photo courtesy of Bryan Fairbanks // Burns & McDonnell)
Building Up Small Businesses BURNS & MCDONNELL’S COMMITMENT TO SUPPLIER DIVERSITY GROWS THE ENTREPRENEURIAL ECOSYSTEM IN KANSAS CITY AND BEYOND.
T
The recipient of this year’s 25 Under 25 Entrepreneurial Legacy Award winner, Burns & McDonnell, doesn’t just talk the talk when it comes to diversifying Kansas City’s small business ecosystem. To provide equity for all entrepreneurs, the architecture, engineering and construction firm created a supplier diversity program to work one-on-one with small and diverse businesses. It provides opportunities for growth to minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned and LGBTQowned businesses.
FOCUS ON DIVERSITY No one works more closely with this 4 : : ithinkbigger.com
endeavor than Michelle Word, Burns & McDonnell’s director of business diversity. Word, who has headed the supplier diversity program since its introduction in 2004, said that the support of the company’s leadership and other employee-owners has been critical to the program’s success. “We recognized that we weren’t doing enough in the community with diverse businesses, so that need – as well as an opportunity – was there,” Word said. Word’s work with the supplier diversity initiative includes working internally with project managers in diversifying their project subcontractors as well as providing executive education for minority business owners. Burns & McDonnell hosts the annual Community of Inclusion Awards to
highlight outstanding small and diverse teaming partners who helped make its projects successful. It also sponsors its minority business partners to attend executive education classes offered by the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College. Neither incentive existed in the company before the supplier diversity program, Word said. Despite Burns & McDonnell’s impressive strides over the past 15 years, Word says her work is far from finished. “We have come a long way, but we know that we still have a long way to go,” she said. Some of the businesses that have worked most closely with Burns & McDonnell’s supplier diversity program give a clear picture of how the company’s program grows the small business ecosystem in Kansas City.
DUBOIS CONSULTANTS INC.
contracting for commercial companies
For Ajamu Webster, CEO and founder
and government entities.
of DuBois Consultants, Burns & McDonnell’s supplier diversity initiative was “life-changing.” DuBois Consultants, a civil and structural engineering firm that specializes in water infrastructure services, has partnered with Burns & McDonnell since Webster started his business in 1988. Webster has worked with the supplier diversity program throughout its 15-year lifespan. In 2015, Burns & McDonnell sponsored Webster to attend the Tuck business program at Dartmouth College, one of the leading business programs in the U.S. “It was the best business education I’ve ever received,” Webster said. “Burns &
For President and COO Nilson Goes, his company’s 5-year involvement with the program has been “invaluable.” “Michelle (Word) has been instrumental in helping introduce IEC to the right people at Burns & McDonnell, and to
Bigger Business Media presents the Entrepreneurial Legacy Award to an
large multinational company,” Goes said.
contribution to the entrepreneurial
“By working together on various projects
community. In recognition of
throughout the country, we’ve been able to earn our partnership and develop trust and relationships.” Goes added that Burns & McDonnell’s civic engagement with its small business partners, as well as Word’s hard work
Burns & McDonnell’s service and example, Thinking Bigger Business Media is honored to present them with the 2019 Entrepreneurial Legacy Award.
in supplier diversity, sets the business far apart from other large companies in Kansas City. “There’s a direct economic benefit in having people of different backgrounds
the operation of my firm and the delivery
and experiences working together—
of my services.”
ranging from creative problem solving to communication benefits and greater flexibility,” Goes said.
women-owned businesses and teaches
“Supporting underrepresented and
its students technical, managerial and
diverse businesses is crucial for overall
accounting skills.
economic growth, more opportunities for
Supplier diversity is vital to the health
Awards Dinner and Gala, Thinking
individual who has made a lasting
a business leader so that I could improve
specializes in growing minority- and
Every year at the 25 Under 25
align our competencies to the needs of a
McDonnell saw enough to invest in me as
The one-week intensive program
ABOUT THE AWARD
residents and a better quality of life.”
Burns & McDonnell’s supplier diversity initiative has allowed ACS to expand its presence nationwide. “The program has given us the opportunity to be a national company, and it’s given us greater access outside the Kansas City area,” Taylor said. Taylor added that Supplier Diversity programs like Burns & McDonnell’s allow
and well-being of Kansas City’s small
A CLEAN SLATE LLC
women- and minority-owned businesses
business community “from a business
Carol Taylor, president and founder of
to attain access to larger projects
sense, a social sense and a community
A Clean Slate LLC, which specializes
and opportunities.
responsibility,” Webster said.
in construction and final cleaning, has
INFINITE ENERGY CONSTRUCTION
five years.
worked alongside Burns & McDonnell for
“Having access is key,” Taylor said. “That’s what every business wants, whether you’re large or small. I think
Infinite Energy Construction, another
“It’s opened up doors for us into larger
overall the program gives people access
supplier diversity participant, specializes
projects,” she said. “It’s helped us
to opportunities they otherwise may not
in electrical contracting and general
scale up.”
have access to.” 25 Under 25 Awards : : 5
25 UNDER 25 AWARDS : : 2019 : : PANEL OF JUDGES
Katheigh Hull Degen CO-OWNER ::
twin financial inc
With more than 30 years of financial services experience, Katheigh Hull Degen has helped hundreds of clients discover their potential to build wealth, create security and live their dreams. With her twin sister, Raleigh, Degen founded Twin Financial in 1988. Their complementary expertise in asset protection (Katheigh) and wealth accumulation (Raleigh) helps ensure clients always receive a comprehensive view of their financial status.
Daniel Kjergaard, CPA LEAD MANAGING DIRECTOR ::
cbiz mhm llc
Christal E. Watson is deputy chief of staff for the Unified Government of Kansas City, Kan., and Wyandotte County.
Kjergaard provides tax and consulting services for primarily small to mediumsized clients in a variety of industries. Kjergaard serves on boards and is a member of several community service agencies and professional organizations.
Jeff Schackelford
Previously, she was CEO of the Heartland Black Chamber of Commerce. Under her leadership, Heartland was the fastest growing minority chamber in the Midwest. Watson has served in leadership roles with companies such as Sprint, United Way, Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools and Truman Medical Centers.
EXECUTIVE digital sandbox kc
The program has funded 108
PRESIDENT AND
development projects
KANSAS CITY
with more than $1.9
MARKET
million in funding. It has
MANAGER ::
6 : : ithinkbigger.com
heartland
director in CBIZ’s Kansas City office.
SENIOR VICE
Alan Farris is senior vice president and Kansas City market manager for Landmark National Bank, where he coordinates all aspects of commercial banking. Farris sits on the board of the Center Education Foundation, which helps to support the teachers and students of the Center School District, his alma mater, and has served on numerous civic and business boards.
CEO ::
black chamber of commerce
Alan Far ris
bank
PRESIDENT AND
Daniel Kjergaard serves as a managing
DIRECTOR ::
landmark national
CHRISTAL WATSON
assisted in securing more than $50.8 million in follow-on investments and created nearly 580 new Kansas City area jobs. Jeff Shackelford’s professional background blends a rare combination of Fortune 100 experience with entrepreneurial, startup and early-stage ventures, including a successful track record in capital fundraising of more than $500 million.
Michelle Word DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DIVERSITY :: burns
&
mcdonnell
Michelle Word is manager of supplier diversity for Burns & McDonnell. She is responsible for assisting in sourcing and utilizing diverse businesses with expertise in performing the scopes of work necessary to support specific projects. Word actively participates in several organizations with a goal to increase business development opportunities between majority and diverse businesses, such as area chambers, the Minority Contractors Association and the Mountain Plains Minority Business Development Council, among others.
25 UNDER 25 AWARDS : : 2019 : : HONOREES
Advantage PressurePro RHITA ZAROOR AND
BULLDOG PROFESSIONAL INSPECTION SERVICES
JASON ZAROOR
STEVE RODRIGUEZ
There was more bad luck
harrisonville
raymore
in store: Due to sudden
founded
11
:: 1991
employees
founded
3
up with bills and provide for his family.
downsizing, Rodriguez was
:: 2005
unexpectedly fired.
employees
pressurepro.us
bulldoginspect.com
It was in this desperate moment that
When a truck driver showed Phillip Zaroor an idea—sketched on a napkin—for a tire-pressure monitoring system, Zaroor was convinced it was a good one.
When Steve Rodriguez started his
Rodriguez focused his energy solely on
company in 2005, he was new to Kansas
Bulldog and delivering quality service
City and had no home inspection
to Kansas City home buyers rather than
knowledge. But with a booming real
things outside his control like market
estate market and a strong hunch,
fluctuations and his competition.
Zaroor bought the trucker’s idea, patented it and founded Advantage Enterprises in 1992. The product, which has evolved since the original model, monitors tire pressure on commercial trucks, recreational vehicles and other heavyduty vehicles.
Rodriguez began the process of crafting
Since the founder’s passing in 2016, the Zaroor family continues to run and expand the company, led by Phillip’s wife, Rhita, and son Jason, who is CEO. Four of Jason’s siblings also work for the company.
and building a business.
he enlisted input from clients and real
Nearly 10,000 inspections later,
estate agents on what they wanted in a
Rodriguez has not only turned Bulldog
home inspection company. This estab-
Professional Inspection Services into the
lished the core of Bulldog’s culture.
highest-rated home inspection company in Kansas City, but he's helped thousands of local families along the way. But things haven't always been easy. When the economy crashed in 2008, it almost took Bulldog and its clientele with it. Rodriguez took another job and sidelined his home inspections to keep
“From day one, PressurePro has been disruptive,” said Vanessa Hargrave, Phillip’s daughter and COO. “Today, we're working on being disruptive again to the entire concept of tire maintenance, working to provide the information and analysis tools needed to move tire maintenance from reactive to predictive.” “OUR TEAM MIGHT BE 'SMALL' BY SOME STANDARDS, BUT WE'RE MIGHTY, AND WE'RE ABLE TO MOVE FAST AND REMAIN INNOVATIVE.”
In the process of rebuilding his company,
“By the end, I'd come to understand a simple yet powerful concept: Home inspections are more about people than houses," Rodriguez said. “HOME INSPECTIONS ARE MORE ABOUT PEOPLE THAN HOUSES.”
WE Class of 2007
Nomination Sponsor
BIGGER BUSINESS
®
Branding
Design
Digital
25 Under 25 Awards : : 7
25 UNDER 25 AWARDS : : 2019 : : HONOREES
CHIEF OF STAFF
Digital Maelstrom
JESSICA UNDERWOOD
JEFF STICE-HALL,
our customers.”
kansas city, mo.
KRISTOPHER STICE-HALL,
After a strong year, “we
:: 2011
MICHAEL HUSTON-LOWRY
next intend to continue
founded
6
employees
chiefofstaffkc.com
Founded in 2011 by Jessica Underwood, Chief of Staff is a womanowned and WBE-certified personnel recruitment firm that provides job placement options for businesses such as temporary, temp-to-hire and permanent placements. “Our mission isn’t only to match the credentials of our applicants with client job requirements,” Underwood said. “We also focus on finding the right
kansas city, mo. founded
5
build ongoing trust with
'putting the gas pedal
:: 2006
down' in order to accelerate
employees
digitalmaelstrom.net
IT consultancy Digital Maelstrom advises clients on custom software, IT operations, IT security and strategy.
the growth patterns of 2018,” Kristopher said. “We’ve learned how planning, budgeting and execution has to be incorporated into every fiber of the company. “
Founded by Jeff Stice-Hall, the company grew slowly at first but was able to tackle more and bigger projects by bringing on co-owners Michael HustonLowery and Kristopher Stice-Hall. Now with five employees, the company’s 2018
“IT IS NOT UNUSUAL FOR US TO HEAR FROM A POTENTIAL CUSTOMER DURING
revenue and profit nearly doubled that
OUR SALES PROCESS
of 2017.
ABOUT HOW BADLY
decreasing turnover for clients.”
The company’s goal is to guide
THEY'VE BEEN
The Chief of Staff team meets with
customers through complex issues.
BURNED BY OTHER
hiring managers before interviewing
“We enthusiastically dig in to find
candidates face-to-face.
solutions to their problems, offer
WHO OFTEN SHOVE
Chief of Staff has helped more than 100
targeted advice regarding their toughest
ILL-FITTING PATH
Kansas City businesses. Underwood
challenges, and stand ready to step in
RATHER THAN TAKE
hopes to expand her team’s work by
whenever they need us,” said Kristopher
THE TIME TO FIND THE
growing KC’s entrepreneurial community.
Stice-Hall. “In this way, we
RIGHT ONE.”
people for the company’s current culture, maximizing tenure for candidates and
TECH COMPANIES, THEM ONTO AN
“One of our goals is to assist entrepreneurs and small businesses as they navigate through their initial years of business,” she said. “Having been
SPECIAL THANKS TO THE 2019 25 UNDER 25 ADVISORY BOARD
through this process before, we know
J E A N I E B R E W S T E R // C E R T I F Y N O W. B I Z
how important it is to have the right
E R I C A B R U N E // L E V E R 1
team by your side.”
J OYC E C H R I S TA N I O // S P R I N T K AT H Y P E T E R S O N // H E A R T L A N D S E AT I N G , I N C .
“WE ENJOY CONNECTING PEOPLE; BUILDING STRONG, SOLID RELATIONSHIPS; AND BEING A CHANGE AGENT FOR OUR CLIENTS.” 8 : : ithinkbigger.com
K E L LY S C A N LO N // I N T E R R O B A N G S O L U T I O N S J O E VA L E N C I A N O // C O R E F I R S T B A N K & T R U S T M I C H E L L E W O R D // B U R N S & M C D O N N E L L M I K E W R E N N // A F F I N I T Y W O R L D W I D E
KC BUSINESSES THINKING BIGGER
25 UNDER 25 AWARDS : : 2019 : : HONOREES
e2E llc NANCY MCCULLOUGH kansas city, mo.
13.5
employees
founded::
2013
e2ekc.com
Nancy McCullough
Fresh Approach Cleaning Professionals SHARON AUCK
providing service. to me to have my own
employees
founded::
and asked her to continue “It had never occurred
lenexa
10
biggest client approached her
business,” said Auck, owner
1988
of Fresh Approach Cleaning
freshapproach.solutions
Professionals LLC. “That first
Sharon Auck grew up in an environment
contract was pretty big. That
in which the aspirations of women
when clients don't need
was my big break.
weren’t much of a consideration.
her anymore. After all,
I lived off that money, invested back
Women, she said, were defined by the
into my company and slowly got my
men in their lives.
name out there.”
grow is her goal.
That turned out to be true for Auck — but
Auck participated in Goldman Sachs’
"What's common among 95 percent of
probably not in the way people expected.
10,000 Small Businesses program in
our clients is that they have some plan
Auck said she was working dead-end jobs
2014 and ScaleUP! KC in 2015. She said
for growth," said McCullough, owner
in her 20s before she helped a man set
of e2E LLC. "We feel like there's not
up a new cleaning company. Auck did the
another business doing what we do. Our
bookkeeping, ordered supplies, ran the
goal is to help them grow and help them
crews and more.
get there."
“I did all of it,” she said. “I had to teach
considers it a success
helping small businesses
E2E offers CFO, accounting and HR services to small businesses. E2E has grown more than 40 percent in each of the past three years.
myself. I didn’t have a college degree.” But Auck didn’t approve of the way the owner conducted business, and she quit after less than a year. The company’s
those experiences provided valuable mentoring and helped make her business more efficient. She said 2018 was her company’s best year yet with 25 percent growth. “I DON’T WANT A REVOLVING DOOR. I WANT TO DEVELOP RELATIONSHIPS WITH BOTH CLIENTS AND EMPLOYEES.”
McCullough spent most of her career in controller and CFO roles before branching out on her own. "I always thought of myself as a great
WE
support person but never thought of myself as enough of a risk taker to do my own thing," she said.
"IN OUR OWN BUSINESS PURCHASES, WE PRIORITIZE BUYING FROM SMALL
Class of 2007
Nomination Sponsor
BUSINESS OWNERS
®
Branding
Design
Digital
BUSINESSES IN THE COMMUNITIES WE SERVE.” 25 Under 25 Awards : : 9
25 UNDER 25 AWARDS : : 2019 : : HONOREES
HMC PERFORMANCE COATINGS LLC
service/repair, retail and installation services.
readied the business for new clients. While HMC’s rapid growth rates and
AMIE BRISTOL
So in the spring of 2014, HMC
accomplishments are impressive, Bristol
tonganoxie
strategically focused its resources on
is not yet satisfied. The company’s
rebranding itself as a prime source
commitment to improving itself is just
for powder-coating services in
one more thing that sets HMC apart.
founded
23
:: 2013
employees
hmcperformancecoatings.com
Northeast Kansas.
HMC Performance Coatings is a prime
“The most critical decision for an
stay tenacious and not let any setback
example of a good idea not going quite
entrepreneur is to know when to stay the
derail our vision,” Bristol said. “While
as planned.
course or change direction,” co-founder
persistent entrepreneurs tend to think
Amie Bristol said. “In fact, the HMC
they are good enough, the tenacious
story would have had a much different
know they need to find ways to improve.”
In July 2013, HMC opened its doors as a customization shop for all-terrain and utility
ending had we not made the critical
vehicles under the name of
decision to pivot.”
Hobby Monster Customs LLC.
The decision paid off—HMC’s gross
“The trick to obtaining our goal is to
far outstripped that for the company’s
HMC’s “intense improvement focus” has
“THE KEY TO HMC’S SUCCESS IS BUILDING A TEAM OF GREAT PEOPLE WHO BELIEVE IN OUR VISION OF TAKING CARE OF PEOPLE — CLIENTS AND TEAM MEMBERS ALIKE.”
INTEGRISHIELD
rather than the perpetrators taking the
It wasn’t easy, though—the technology
fall. IntegriShield was created to protect
itself didn’t exist before IntegriShield’s
companies’ reputations and brand
inception, and it must keep up with bad
recognition on the internet.
actors and new and emerging “black hat”
However, in a matter of months, demand for HMC’s in-house powder-coating finishes
GAYLA HUBER kansas city, mo. founded
13
:: 2012
employees
integrishield.com
revenue has expanded at a rate of at least 30 percent a year. After streamlining its processes in 2018,
“It was clear a solution was needed,” Gayla Huber, President said. The
practices “IntegriShield was the true pioneer of compliance monitoring and remediation technology,” Gregory Gragg,
When Blue Chair LLC
company uses a platform called Integris,
launched IntegriShield
which scours the internet for violations,
the IntegriShield’s reach, the company
in 2012, it was to protect
misstatements, falsehoods or errors.
must evolve its capabilities to stop
businesses from fraudulent
IntegriShield then works with clients
violators in their tracks.”
and exploitative forces on
to remediate these instances before
the Internet.
they garner the attention of state and
Due to illicit activities in
federal consumer protection agencies.
all corners of the web ,
“IntegriShield’s work has only become
many businesses have been
more and more topical with the rapid
slapped with increasingly stringent regulations that target online marketing and advertising claims, with businesses 10 : : ithinkbigger.com
growth of the internet,” Huber explained. “Never have we as consumers been in greater need of protection than we are today.”
CEO said. “As fraudsters learn to evade
“THE INTEGRISHIELD PHILOSOPHY IS EACH BRAND OR COMPANY IS UNIQUE; EACH ONE COMES WITH DIFFERENT OBJECTIVES AND NEEDS. IT IS INTEGRISHIELD’S RESPONSIBILITY TO CREATE CUSTOM SOLUTIONS THAT MATCH THOSE NEEDS.”
25 UNDER 25 AWARDS : : 2019 : : HONOREES
KC WINE CO. KIRK BERGGREN overland park founded
5
:: 2014
LOVE LETTERS LLC LEANN CRUCE
Love Letters now has a storefront in
kansas city, mo.
Kansas City’s West Bottoms and
founded
3
employees
opened an online boutique.
several thousands of followers on
:: 2013
social media.
employees
kcwineco.com
shoploveletters.com
At KC Wine Co.’s farm winery, you can get
According to the Love Letters formula,
a full country vineyard experience right
switched over to single
you only need three things to start a
ownership, so Cruce
successful business in KC: big love
runs the shop herself
here in town. Founded in 2014 by Kirk
The business recently
for the city, passion and a whole lot
Berggren, KC Wine Co.
of coffee.
features a “country-chic”
Maybe that’s not quite all you need, but
tasting room inside a
it certainly was enough to get the ball
renovated Quonset hut,
rolling for LeAnn Cruce. She and a friend
which incorporates handmilled cedar to resemble the inside of a wine barrel.
now along with her three employees.
started Love Letters in 2013 to offer Kansas City-themed merchandise for
“We believe the future of Love Letters is bright,” Cruce said. “We’re trying to find that balance of growth and being able to keep up with that growth.”
women in the 25 to 55 age range.
The success of Love Letters has
Surrounded by vines and a five-acre
While the company started out as a
continued, with year-over-year sales
pond, customers can listen to local
side business to sell accessories and
improving 20 percent in 2018. It has
musicians while enjoying hand-crafted
home goods, the duo quickly learned
hired a marketing agency and added
wine, hard cider, sangria or peach bellini
that Kansas City T-shirts were a hot
new products to the brand—such as
wine slushes.
commodity. They adjusted their business
cardigans, jackets and jewelry—to keep
The company recently began selling
plan accordingly, and two years later
up with increasing demand.
“Vine-Coolers,” packaged bellini and sangria slushes that make portability easy for its customers. “Product development has established KC Wine Co. as a revolutionary pioneer in
“WE HAVE PRIDE IN THE HARDWORKING, ALL-FEMALE TEAM THAT KEEPS THIS COMPANY RUNNING EVERY DAY. WE HAVE PRIDE IN LOOKING BACK AT ALL WE'VE ACCOMPLISHED IN THE FIVE YEARS WE'VE BEEN IN BUSINESS.”
the wine industry,” Berggren said.
WE
KC Wine Co. currently staffs five fulltime employees, and after a year of growth and renovations, Berggren plans to expand regional distribution this year
®
and to continue providing locals with a destination winery close to home. “OUR GOAL IS TO BUILD AN ORIGINAL, LAID-BACK RETREAT THAT WELCOMES WHAT WE CALL THE ‘EVERYDAY SOMMELIER.’”
Class of 2007
Nomination Sponsor
SMALL BUSINESS
Branding
Design
Digital
25 Under 25 Awards : : 11
25 UNDER 25 AWARDS : : 2019 : : HONOREES
MI RANCHO TEQUILA
Midwest Comfort Homes
MICHAEL DEAN
TRAVIS THONEN
kansas city, kan.
blue springs
founded
4
:: 2010
employees
founded
6
:: 2010
employees
miranchotequila.com
midwestcomforthomes.com
Michael Dean and his wife, Guadalupe,
Travis Thonen founded Midwest Comfort
wanted to leave a true Mexican legacy for
Homes in 2010 after being laid off from a
their six children.
local union.
The result of this dream—along with a decade of hard work and financial sacrifice—was a privately owned tequila brand and an international
company will donate $20 for each sold bottle of Mi Rancho Legacy Barrica Privada to the charity La Familia Dean Loyoza Foundation, which supports the education of Hispanic youth in subjects of agriculture, chemistry and international business. Amidst the company’s booming success,
sales — and it’s poised for further growth. In 2019, the company plans to launch a full slate of mitigation services to help customers across the board in the first phase of a disaster, damage or fire.
restoration, roof replacement and repairs, and mitigation services. inspired by Thonen’s personal experience
of Mi Rancho Tequila worldwide. The
percent increase in
contracting services for disaster
Choosing the restoration field was
Spirit Corp. has already sold $1.3 million
contractor saw a 300
including flooding, sewage backup, hail
distribution contract worth
American distribution, Hermitage
From 2017 to 2018, the
The company provides general
up to $35 million. While Dean still controls North
and restoration contractors.
— when he was young, his family home in Raytown suffered a fire, and his parents had to work with insurance companies
Moxi Events LAURA VANZANTE AND EMILY MCNULTY
7
collective 1,000 events worldwide. Moxi’s commitment to quality sets the company apart, VanZante says. “The standard for service is the driving
lenexa founded
“MIDWEST COMFORT HOMES IS, AT THE HEART OF THE COMPANY, BASED ON OUR SHARED VULNERABILITY WITH THE CUSTOMER AFTER A TRAGIC LOSS IN THEIR HOMES OR BUSINESS.”
:: 2008
employees
moxievents.com
force behind Moxi Events,” VanZante said. “(Our) team is filled with some of the greatest creative minds in the
Founded in 2008 by Laura VanZante
industry, but the level of service we
provide high-quality spirits at low,
and Emily McNulty, Moxi is a boutique
provide is truly what makes us unique.”
affordable prices.
corporate event-planning company that
Dean’s central focus has remained to
“Our mission is to provide a superior quality tequila product at an everyday accessible price to the consumer,” Dean said. “MI RANCHO TEQUILA COMPETES AT THE VERY HIGHEST LEVEL OF THE TEQUILA SPIRITS INDUSTRY AND HOLDS ITS OWN WITH BILLION-DOLLAR LIQUOR COMPANIES.” 12 : : ithinkbigger.com
specializes in meetings, conferences, incentive programs and special events. Its services include destination selection, budget management, logistical planning and on-site troubleshooting. Moxi is a certified Women-Owned Small Business through the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). Its seven event-planners have planned a
“MOXI HAS A KNACK FOR CHANNELING OUR CREATIVITY INTO INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS THAT PUT A FRESH TWIST ON OUR CLIENTS’ PROGRAMS YEAR AFTER YEAR. WE NEVER LIKE TO SEE THE SAME THING TWICE.”
25 UNDER 25 AWARDS : : 2019 : : HONOREES
MIKE HIGGINS, STEVE
My Child Advocate / The Layne Project
BEENE, PATRICK O’BOYLE
TRINA NUDSON
mediation in high-conflict
overland park
olathe
custody disputes.
MSP COnsulting
founded
12
:: 2003
employees getmspadvantage.com
MSP Consulting goes beyond the norm in providing payment solutions. It aims to help transform the merchant services industry. Founders Mike Higgins, Steve Beene and Patrick O'Boyle built the business around transparent fee structures and accountability to deliver what was promised. Fifteen years later, it has grown to provide processing services thousands of clients across the U.S. MSP works to help its clients understand what they are paying and how they can maximize their profit by lowering their processing fees — even if MSP’s services are not used. The company strives to put its employees first, allowing flexibility and promoting an open-door policy that allows anyone to drop in on the partners. And they make it fun, hosting a weekly happy hour and
founded
14
Guardian ad Litem work), case management and
:: 2008
Meanwhile, The Layne
employees
Project focuses on working
mychildadvocate.com
with the children directly,
After years of social work in a frustrating
helping families rebuild as their
foster care system, Trina Nudson noticed
dynamics shift. These services include
something severely lacking in the
supervised parenting time and exchange,
Johnson County courtroom: protection
cooperative parenting programs,
for children in custody disputes and
parental education, co-parenting
other parental conflicts.
coaching and custody evaluations. The
In 2001, she went to law school. By
project also offers therapy for struggling
2008, she had opened her own practice.
parents and kids as well as a class that
From this passion, two central projects
teaches children coping skills for the
were born: Nudson’s law firm My Child
back-and-forth between two homes.
Advocate and her social service agency,
My Child Advocate and The Layne Project
The Layne Project Inc. Both work
combined currently has 14 employees,
personally and within the legal system
and after a decade of working with
to protect children from the collateral
families, Nudson and her team still are
damage of parental disputes.
dedicated to protecting and promoting
My Child Advocate’s work includes legal
the best interests of the children and
services (including but not limited to
families they serve.
“WE TAKE PRIDE IN PROTECTING CHILDREN FROM PARENTAL CONFLICT AND ARE WILLING TO BE OPENMINDED AND FUTURE-FOCUSED, ALWAYS SEEKING TO IMPROVE IN ORDER TO BEST MEET THE NEEDS OF FAMILIES WE SERVE.”
WE
®
monthly all-staff lunches. “MSP COMMITS TO GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND THE INDUSTRY STANDARD IN ALL AREAS. MSP DESIRES TO BE IN RELATIONSHIP WITH ITS CUSTOMERS FOR DECADES.”
Class of 2007
Nomination Sponsor
WINNERS
Branding
Design
Digital
25 Under 25 Awards : : 13
25 UNDER 25 AWARDS : : 2019 : : HONOREES
OneHQ
Otto Service
KYLE GINAVAN
ANDREW AND TERRI OTTO
leawood
kansas city, mo.
14
6
employees
founded
:: 2011
employees
founded
:: 1977
onehq.com
ottoservicekc.com
There was a time when many of the technology products used in the insurance industry had at least one major flaw. They were outdated, inefficient, had limited functionality or weren't industry-specific.
For 40 years, Otto Service of Kansas
At the suggestion of an acquaintance, Kyle Ginavan stepped into that void with something completely different. In 2012, Ginavan's startup, OneHQ, launched AgenciesHQ as an agency management system, customer relationship management tool, commissions processing system and reporting system designed specifically for insurance firms. The industry's response to the product, offered on a monthly subscription basis, was strong. OneHQ now has more than 150 clients in more than 40 states.
Otto said. "Customers had requested this in the past. A lot of our customers also own Toyotas or Lexus, so now they can bring all their vehicles here."
City Inc. carved out a niche by servicing
Terri Otto, a former teacher, also
Hondas and, later, the import's luxury
updated the shop's waiting area to
Acura line.
include puzzles, books and a play area
It didn't take long for Andrew and Terri
for children.
Otto to put their own mark on the family business when they bought the shop from Andrew's father, Alan, in January 2017. One of their first moves was adding Toyota and Lexus to the line of vehicles they service. "It's definitely increased revenue," Terri
“WE STRIVE TO SHOW OUR CUSTOMERS THAT WE DO NOT JUST CARE FOR THEIR VEHICLE, BUT WE ALSO CARE ABOUT THEM BECAUSE TO US THEY ARE FAMILY.”
Porter Teleo
Porter Teleo’s work has been
KELLY PORTER AND
and fashion publications
BRIDGETT COCHRAN
such as Vogue and Elle
kansas city, mo.
Decor, and its papers
founded
10
:: 2005
employees
featured in leading design
can be viewed in locales such as the Ritz Carlton, Waldorf-Astoria and
Ginavan said 2015, 2016 and 2017 were "insane growth years of more than 60 percent per year."
porterteleo.com
"Everything was running a little too hot by the end of 2017, so our 2018 focus was to improve our internal processes to build a sustainable company," he said.
creative abilities in 2005, their goal was
As of January 2019, Porter Teleo has
to bring fine art to interior spaces. They
a new commercial space within the
established Porter Teleo, a collection of
Crossroads Arts District.
"THE HARDEST TRANSITION WAS LEARNING HOW TO BECOME THE COACH RATHER THAN THE QUARTERBACK BECAUSE I ALSO ENJOYED THRILL OF PLAYING THE GAME.”
“We wanted to capture and create
14 : : ithinkbigger.com
When abstract artist Kelly Porter and designer Bridgett Cochran combined
celebrity homes all over the world.
hand-painted textiles and wall coverings. something totally new to the design world,” Cochran said. “We wanted to remain true to the authenticity of the processes and materials used in fine arts.”
“WE FEEL OUR WORK ENVIRONMENT VERY MUCH EMPOWERS WOMEN AND WE’LL CONTINUE TO DRIVE THESE TYPES OF PRACTICES AS LONG AS WE’RE IN BUSINESS.”
25 UNDER 25 AWARDS : : 2019 : : HONOREES
REDESIGNKC
prioritization of clear communication. The
design team to work with architects,
company uses cloud-based construction
contractors and customers.
RICK O’NEILL
management software that engages its
kansas city, mo.
in-house team, customers, vendors
founded
8
:: 2008
and trade partners. This allows for a comprehensive level of coordination
employees
redesignkc.com
through all stages and areas of the project.
RedesignKC is a full-service general
“Very few remodeling companies are using
contractor offering comprehensive design-build services for residential and commercial
these tools, so I believe that we were at the cutting edge of the industry when we adopted this program in 2014,” O’Neill
“This curated experience has created a devoted client base that is filled with recurring customers and enough referrals to grow revenue 558 percent in five years,” O’Neill said. In addition to growing revenue in the next five years, O’Neill hopes to add 20 more employees to the company’s
clients. This translates
said. “We continue to look to technology
8-person team.
to large-scale residential
to make our company more efficient and
remodeling, custom new
engaging, while still seeing tremendous
homes and commercial
value in high-touch, in-person
“REDESIGNKC CONSTANTLY STRIVES TO IMPROVE ITS PROCESSES AND SYSTEMS, AND IN DOING SO WE ARE CONSTANTLY IMPROVING OUR SERVICE, CULTURE AND PROFITABILITY.”
projects under 10,000 square feet.
interactions with our clients.” The company also focuses on accurate,
The key to RedesignKC’s success is its
financial transparency and provides a
CONGRATULATIONS to the 2019 25 Under 25 Honorees! www.aboveandbeyondcateringkc.com
816-221-1010 25 Under 25 Awards : : 15
25 UNDER 25 AWARDS : : 2019 : : HONOREES
the Running Well Store
Running Well Store’s 20 employees work
The core mission of TRWS is rooted in
KATHY GATES
one-on-one with clients to tailor each
its strong dedication to community. The
mission
shoe to their needs.
store hosts local charity runs and events
Founded in 2006 and owned by Kathy
in the interest of promoting community
Gates since 2012, The Running Well Store
health and wellness, such as free
has developed the reputation as a
weekly group runs and the Day One
local favorite.
Run on Jan. 1.
While brick and mortar has struggled in
The Running Well Store has been a
the new Amazon.com world, the benefits
four-time consecutive winner of the Top
of The Running Well Store’s stride
50 Best Running Stores in America by
founded
20
:: 2006
employees
therunningwellstore.com
If you’re looking for experienced, personalized fit when shopping for footwear, The Running Well Store may be the perfect fit. Through a deep understanding of biomechanics, learning the individual gait of each customer and knowing the technology in footwear, The
analysis is reflected in its growth. In 2015, TRWS opened its second location in Lee’s Summit and a third in Mission in 2018. “We focus on the customer, their needs and the right shoe,” Gates said.
Shamer rific Shine
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TODAY! Join us February 23 for the small business celebration of the year 25Under25.com
CHRISTINA SCOTT
AND KEVIN NEIGHLEY overland park founded
5
:: 2007
employees
“RUN WELL. WALK WELL. WORK WELL. WE ARE THE PLACE FOR EVERY PACE.”
drains. They wanted to differentiate themselves in the car washing and detailing market, abide by the rules and still have their customers’
shamerrificshine.com
vehicles look top notch.
Owners Christina Scott and Kevin Neighley spent years working to perfect the services at their Overland Park detailing and hand car washing business. But they grew their business by exploring a new market.
That’s when the the product
The married couple came up with a microfiber chamois, dubbed Shine Pro, that allows them to make more money by using less water. The patented product also saves time and eliminates the need for cleaning product, making it ecofriendly to boot. Scott and Neighley were aware of the Clean Water Act and the dangers of putting chemicals and soaps down
16 : : ithinkbigger.com
Competitor Running Magazine.
was born. They sewed prototypes in their basement. The company also offers full-service auto detailing, which includes specialized services such as high-end interior and exterior detailing, cigarette and mold removal, paint protection and correction, and more. “WHETHER A CUSTOMER IS NEEDING AN EMERGENCY SERVICE BECAUSE THEY SPILLED AN ENTIRE COFFEE, THEY HAVE FLOOD DAMAGE ... WE CARE AND WE PARTNER WITH THEM.”
25 UNDER 25 AWARDS : : 2019 : : HONOREES
Smith Mohlman LLC RACHEL SMITH
kansas city, mo. founded
10
:: 2005
employees
accidentlawkc.com
When Rachel Smith founded Smith Mohlman in 2005, her central goal was to help injured people who were bullied by
was founded by Smith, attorney Mike
lost days of work, causing stress over
Mohlman is a co-owner.
basic needs like paying rent and feeding
One of the keys to Smith Mohlman’s
their families. Insurance companies
success is its training and skill in
often exacerbate these struggles by
running focus groups, which the firm
delaying on settling claims and
does for all its cases. These specialized
denying liability.
focus groups enable the attorneys to determine what a jury may think and allow them to perfect strategies to get the damages to suffering clients. “What many people don’t know is that
insurance companies.
few law firms are actually willing to take
Smith Mohlman Injury
a personal injury case to trial, even if it’s
Law primarily represents personal injury matters such as wrongful death, nursing home litigation and vehicular crashes. While the company
the right thing for the plaintiff,” Smith said. “It’s extremely expensive, timeconsuming and risky.” Clients that come to Smith Mohlman often face mounting medical bills and
Smith Mohlman works to represent these individuals by making its attorneys accessible — they are available for free consultations and offer after-work advice to struggling clients. “SMITH MOHLMAN BELIEVES THAT INJURED PEOPLE DESERVE THE BEST POSSIBLE CARE, NOT ONLY IN THE MEDICAL OFFICE BUT ALSO IN THE COURTROOM.”
Perfect for happy hours, conferences, galas, or break out meetings, The Kansas City Club features 10 restored venues while still keeping the timeless neoclassical architecture that the building is known for. 816.352.5697
|
info@kansascityclub.com
|
kansascityclub.com
25 Under 25 Awards : : 17
25 UNDER 25 AWARDS : : 2019 : : HONOREES
Taxesplus INC. TIM SHEAHAN
complicated tax law and accounting
purchase a practice, TaxesPlus.
requirements. It offers a full range of
While the business was founded atop
shawnee founded
daughter’s college savings in order to
family sacrifice, the hard work paid off
:: 1999
employees
for the Sheahans. TaxesPlus’ accounting
taxesplus.com
revenues have grown 66 percent over the
9
In 1999, Tim Sheahan found himself drawn to a new career: He left his job as a general operations manager to start his own accounting
last two fiscal years alone. “I didn’t focus on the fear, simply on my clients and creating the best work product,” Tim Sheahan said about
firm to help clients with
growing the business. “Having faith and
accounting and taxes.
the right focus redirected this insecurity
He leveraged his
of the unknown.”
retirement accounts,
TaxesPlus is an accounting firm
home equity loans, credit
that specializes in helping small
card debt and even his eldest
businesses and individuals work through
income tax, accounting and bookkeeping, payroll and small business services. Its team includes seven employees in addition to Tim and his daughter Chelsea. “TAXESPLUS FUNDAMENTALLY EXISTS TO PROVIDE THE BEST ACCOUNTING AND TAX PRODUCT TO ITS CUSTOMERS WHILE ALSO DIFFERENTIATING ITSELF FROM THE AVERAGE TAX AND ACCOUNTING FIRMS WITH RESPECTFUL, HONEST AND PROMPT SERVICE BY ALL TEAM MEMBERS.”
25 Under 25 Gala Featuring Tea-Biotics LISA BLEDSOE lenexa founded
18
The Dave Stephens Band Along with emcee
Loren Halifax
:: 2015
employees
Sporting KC’s player lounge. Last year, Tea-Biotics experienced 400 percent growth and a $700,000 capital raise, teaming up
tea-biotics.com
with hundreds of retail
What started out as a healthy hobby for
locations throughout the
Lisa Bledsoe quickly grew into a passion
KC metro.
that launched her business—brewing
Moving forward, Bledsoe intends to
homemade, probiotic kombucha.
continue the momentum by expanding
Once she discovered kombucha’s health
Tea-Biotics’ customer base inside and
benefits for herself, Bledsoe wanted to share them with her friends and family, an undertaking that quickly expanded to include the entire Kansas City community. Her company, Tea-Biotics, now provides kombucha on tap for Kansas City athletes — it’s in the Chiefs’ training
18 : : ithinkbigger.com
facility, the Royals’ locker room and
outside the KC area. “EVERY DAY I HAVE THE PRIVILEGE TO WAKE UP AND DECIDE HOW SUCCESSFUL I WANT MY COMPANY TO BE TODAY, HOW MY TEAM AND I CAN CHANGE LIVES, AND THROUGH OUR COLLECTIVE SUCCESS, HOW WE CAN HAVE A FUN CAREER.”
25 UNDER 25 AWARDS : : 2019 : : HONOREES
Umzuzu
“It was a scary time,” he said, “but it was
relations management).
time to do it. People still needed email
TONY SHEETS
Sheets likened Umzuzu to a
even though there was a recession.”
manufacturer’s representative, offering
In 2006, Google announced it would
24-hour support for the platforms
support employers’ email in its
it works with. He said Umzuzu has
datacenters, aka the cloud. Sheets said
an “easy, Midwestern way of ‘talking
the offering changed email systems
Google,’” he said.
overland park
4 Employees founded
:: 2008
umzuzu.com
On the day Tony Sheets quit his job as IT
from a capital expense to an operating
director at a large, local firm, his
Business is good. Sheets said the
expense, making the business necessity
wife was pregnant with the
company has steady growth of 20
cheaper and easier to deal with. Umzuzu
percent per year.
couple’s third child, they
provides licensing and support for
were remodeling their
organizations making the change.
house and the country
Ten years after Umzuzu launched,
was mired in recession.
Google remains its largest partner, but
No matter. Sheets was
Sheets’ company also helps clients using
confident about his startup, Umzuzu, which helps customers transition to cloud services.
platforms like Microsoft Office 365, RingCentral, Clio (management software for law offices) and Copper (customer
“WE ASSUME THAT OUR CLIENTS WILL BE ON OUR SERVICES FOR FIVE OR 10 YEARS. WE GIVE AWAY MUCH OF OUR TIME INITIALLY AS WE SEE THE LONG-TERM VALUE OF THE CLIENT RELATIONSHIP.”
CONGRATULATIONS to the 2019 25 Under 25 Honorees! www.eliteeventsmo.com | 816-390-2908
25 Under 25 Awards : : 19
25 UNDER 25 AWARDS : : 2019
WELCOME 25 under 25 class of 2019 KC BUSINESSES THINKING BIGGER WELCOMES THE 25 UNDER 25 CLASS OF 2019 Thinking Bigger Business Media Inc. is proud to welcome the 25 Under 25 Class of 2019 to the outstanding group of companies that have received the annual 25 Under 25 Award.
2017
ENTREPRENEURIAL LEGACY AWARD RECIPIENT Bob Regnier, The Regnier Family Foundations
Artistic Concrete Surfaces LLC BioStar Lighting Brown Button Estate Sale Services Certified Radon DuBois Consultants Inc. ER | Marketing Fortiviti Generator Studio Hartline Construction
2015
HitchFit International Express Trucking Inc. J. Rieger & Co. Kansas City Bier Company LLC Lever1 MindLift Plasterkraft LLC SafeDefend LLC Sage
SARIN Energy Solutions Sphere3 STRATA Architecture Inc. Superior Disposal Service Inc. Towner Communications LLC Treadwell Worldwide Innovations & Technologies Inc.
ENTREPRENEURIAL LEGACY AWARD RECIPIENT Sherry Turner, Founder of OneKC for Women
ABPathfinder Inc. City Gym DRAW Architecture + Urban Design eJ4 Evolytics JNA Advertising The Land Source & Evergreen Real Estate Services Lifted Logic
20 : : ithinkbigger.com
Likarda LLC Neighborhood Painting Inc. Neuvant House of Lawrence Nexus IT Group Optimum Energy Solutions REACTOR Design Studio Shockey Consulting Services Spotlight Square One Interiors LLC SRKO Contracting
Structura Inc. Sunlite Science & Technology Inc. Team Drive-Away Inc. Totta Hardwood Flooring LLC Unique Label Inc. Useagility Whatever It Takes Electrical Contractors LLC
2018
ENTREPRENEURIAL LEGACY AWARD RECIPIENT Joe and Judy Roetheli, Founders of S&M NuTec
Adams Dairy Bank Cherry Code Koalas DMC Service Inc. Freedom Interiors FSC Inc. Good Energy Solutions Inc. Happy Food Co. High Prairie Landscape Group Kansas City Foot and Ankle |
2016
Heel Pain Center of Kansas City KC Crew KC Restoration LLC Meridian Business Services LLC Midwest Sport Productions Morgan Miller Plumbing MTI Events Network Innovations Inc. Notes to Self
Partners N Promotion Pioneer Music Prineta SureHosting Internet Solutions Inc. Sydney's Pet Spa Thirsty Coconut Wide Awake Films
ENTREPRENEURIAL LEGACY AWARD RECIPIENT John McDonald, Founder of Boulevard Brewing Co.
AlphaGraphics Kansas City Bier Station C&R Manufacturing Core Catalysts LLC Crema Dobies Healthcare Group Eagle Animal Hospital Elite Physical Therapy & Integrative Health
2014 Alight Analytics Engage Mobile Solutions Family Bicycles LLC Gunilla of Sweden Organic Skin Care Hearland Seating Inc. Hilary's Eat Well INTERNATIONAL ARCHITECTS ATELIER INC. K12itc Kansas City Testing
Exhibit Associates Inc. Johnson County Siding & Window Co. Inc. Jowler Creek Vineyard & Winery Kazoo Media Landworks Studio Leopold Gallery & Art Consulting MEDIAHEAD Muehlebach Funeral Care
New You Health Studio Platinum Realty LLC Prairie Design Build Prairie Elder Care Rosin Preservation Sage Restoration Staffing Kansas City Inc. Weave Gotcha Covered WomenSpirit
ENTREPRENEURIAL LEGACY AWARD RECIPIENT Bert Berkley, Chairman of the Board,Tension Corporation, William H. Dunn Sr., Chairman Emeritus, JE Dunn Construction, Donald J. Hall,Chairman of the Board, Hallmark Cards
and Engineering LLC Krueger & James Insurance Agency Lauren's Hope Medical ID Bracelets Level Five LMG Construction O'Neill Marketing & Event Marketing Quality Air Solutions RareWire
RESULTS Technology Sir Speedy Printing and Marketing Services The Tasteful Olive Tricension Turf etc., Authorized SYNLawn Supplier Twentyseven Global VALBRIDGE PROPERTY ADVISORS /Shaner Appraisals Inc. Weather Metrics Inc.
25 UNDER 25 AWARDS : : 2019
2013
ENTREPRENEURIAL LEGACY AWARD RECIPIENT Patricia Brown-Dixon, Region VII Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration
A/R Allegiance Group LLC Alpha Energy and Electric Inc. Belton Animal Clinic & Exotic Care Center Bullseye International Inc. Cates Auction & Realty Co. Inc. Data Locker Inc. Earthway Enterprises EPIC Entertainment Inc.
2011
hr-haven inc. Lewis Block & Supply Company LTD Signs & Graphics LLC Mano’s Corporate Gifts Mersoft Corporation Midland Metal Office Products Alliance Paige Technologies LLC ReTouch Design–Build– Renovate
Russell-Hampton Co. Sharma-Crawford Attorneys at Law LLC Snake ‘n’ Rooter The Lano Company TK Architects International Inc. TWI LLC Urban Tree Specialists Worldwide Wine and Spirits Inc.
ENTREPRENEURIAL LEGACY AWARD RECIPIENT Danny O’Neill, Founder and Bean Baron, the Roasterie
Affinity Group Management Affordable Elegance Catering Associated Equipment Sales Bark to Basics Boyer & Corporon Wealth Management Freedom Bank Great Day Moving GreenAcres Market Harper’s Fabric & Quilt
Heartland Fabrication & Machine HushMat ikros.com Kansas City Center for Anxiety Treatment Lakewood Animal Health Center Light Bulbs Etc. MidWest Vascular Access
Nationwide Transportation and Logistics Services New Horizons Enterprises Northland Physical Therapy Oncimmune USA The Corridor Group The RED Force Fire & Security The Roasterie Café The Wellington Group Veracity Solutions
2009
Kurt Mueller, CEO of the former Kauffman Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership
3 Women and an Oven Arsalon Technologies Braces by Dr. Hansen EventPros Express Scale Parts & 0Manufacturing FRD Communications Galvmet Genesis Structures
Giltner & Sons Media Services & ShredTime Outlaw Cigar Company P/Strada Paceline Products Pass Dental Center Pat Riha Productions Poole Fire Protection Rainy Day Books
ENTREPRENEURIAL LEGACY AWARD RECIPIENT
River City Searcy Financial Services Skyline Displays Heartland TextCaster The Henning Law Firm Tickets For Less TNT Forage Unchained Creative
2012
ENTREPRENEURIAL LEGACY AWARD RECIPIENT Ewing Kauffman, Founder of Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and serial entrepreneur
Affinis Corp. American Digital Security American Midwest Distributors Big Momma’s Bakery-Café Blue Skyz Enterprises Inc. candid marketing & communications Consolidated Printing Supplies Great Getaways Travel
2010 40North Aurora Plastic and Hand Surgery Avatar Engineering Botwin Family Partners Bowman Bowman Novick Brockton Creative Group DVA Enterprises Fun Services of KC Homoly Construction
2008 Acceleration AesthetiCare Ard Glass Service CareStaf Convenience Xpress The DVS Group DXD Sports EAT Advertising and Design Express Business Supply
Horizon Orthotic & Prosthetic Experience HSMC InnovaPrep KDC Construction KR Legal Management MAG Trucks & MAG Capital Marathon Digital Services and MySmartPlans Mill Creek Animal Hospital
Moblico Solutions Mr. Tires Orbis Biosciences Rockwell Labs Ltd. SM Products/Spyder SSi Furnishings Summit Construction Company The UPS Store, Oak Park Commons Van Osdol & Magruder P.C.
ENTREPRENEURIAL LEGACY AWARD RECIPIENT Rick Krska, President and Chief Executive Servant of InkCycle
Insight Eyecare Specialties IntelliThink LeaderFuelNow Lon Lane’s Inspired Occasions Max Electric Mobile Surgical Lasers Office Products Recycling Associates Open Methods SCD Probiotics
Scovell Wolfe & Associates Technology Group Solutions The Koehler Bortnick Team of Reece & Nichols Real Estate The Planned Approach Travois Validity Screening Solutions WillCo Technologies
ENTREPRENEURIAL LEGACY AWARD RECIPIENT V. Cheryl Womack, Chairperson, Leading Women Entrepreneurs of the WorldTM; CEO, VCW Holding Company; CEO, The Star Group
Eye Care Optical Germinder & Associates I Love a Mystery Legacy School of the Arts Mission Bowl Nash Resources Group Olathe Animal Hospital Power On Technologies QTI
ROSnet Rush Tracking Systems Sound Products Stuff Tevis Architects Top Choice Contracting Visionpace
25 Under 25 Awards : : 21
25 UNDER 25 AWARDS : : 2019
2007
ENTREPRENEURIAL LEGACY AWARD RECIPIENT Robert Bernstein, Co-founder, President and CEO, Bernstein-Rein Advertising
All-Weather Window, Doors & Siding Aquarius Associated Audiologists Brookside Barkery & Bath Coleman Industrial Construction Design Ranch el dorado Entrepreneur Advertising Group Finkle|Williams Architecture
2005
Fish Development FPC Gage Machine Tool Gardner Animal Hospital Hangers Cleaners Industrial Supply Kansas City Master Companies Kansas City T-Bones Baseball Club Magic Touch Cleaning
Restaurant Link ReUse Concrete Sealing Specialists SoftVu sys-tek Top Innovations Uncommon Grounds Worldwide Clinical Research
ENTREPRENEURIAL LEGACY AWARD RECIPIENT Honorable Carol Marinovich, Former Mayor/CEO Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas
Adams-Gabbert & Associates Allstate Specialty Construction Bartunek Technology Group BuiltToLastHome.com Caption Services of Kansas CommWorld of Kansas City Design Supply ESC Index Greenleaf Construction Co.
2003
ProPrint Reynolds Consulting Sturges Word T2–Take Two The Best of Kansas City Union Packaging Versent–The Purple Guys Wrenn Insurance
ENTREPRENEURIAL LEGACY AWARD RECIPIENT Barnett Helzberg, Jr., Former Chairman of the Board, Helzberg Diamonds; Founder, Helzberg Entrepreneurial Mentoring Program (HEMP)
Bridal Wreath Business By Promotion C&M Restoration CHRW Advertising Curt’s Famous Meats ECCO Select FIVE STAR Speakers & Trainers Genghis Kahn Hamele Healthcare Resources
22 : : ithinkbigger.com
HOTMETAL Creative Jantsch Slaggie Architects L.R. Cloverleaf Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise Nature’s Window NCES Pegasus Capital Management Prairiebrooke Arts
Howell Construction Co. iKnowledge Leaderpoint Leatherwood’s Home for Children Nexus Relocation Group Original Juan Specialty Foods R&D Associates Rees Masilionis
Turley Architecture Rudroff Heating & Air Conditioning Russ Cline & Associates S&M NuTec–Greenies Dog Treats Steed Company Remodeling Contractors TeamOffice The Renova Group Threatt Nutrition Stores Transportation Logistics Systems
2006
ENTREPRENEURIAL LEGACY AWARD RECIPIENT Henry Bloch, Co-founder and Honorary Chair of H&R Block
ABMI–Merger and Acquisitions ACS Data Search AnswerPro Limited Aptora Baber’s Catering Birdies Bryan & Klein Creative Courseware The Culinary Center of Kansas City
2004
Accommodations by Apple Almar Printing The Auto Clinic Corbin Bronze The Cup and Saucer on Delaware Street Custom Engineering Financial Security Advisors Harmon Construction Indigo Wild
Mid-America Merchandising Missouri Office Systems & Supplier OCCU-TEC Prier Products Saepio Technologies Shatto Farms–Shatto Milk Co. Shear Madness
ENTREPRENEURIAL LEGACY AWARD RECIPIENT Dr. Patricia Greene, Dean of the Undergraduate School at Babson College; former Ewing Marion Kauffman/Missouri, Chair in Entrepreneurial Leadership at UMKC
Ben Weddle & Associates Canterbury Preparatory School City Market Coffee Company Dessonville Boler Wood Murray & Stalp Fulfillment Plus Gini L. Toyne & Associates Gragg Advertising J.M. Neil & Associates KC Creations
2002
Designers Delivery Services Evolv Solutions Felco Printing & Mailing GPW & Associates Home Rental Services Hometown Hearing & Audiology Kenton Brothers Systems for Security LionShare Marketing Metzler Bros. Insurance
Mid-America Sign Contractors Missouri Information Solutions Netchemia Old-Country Bakery Partners in Behavioral Milestones Phoenix Renovation and Restoration Plaza Personnel Scandinavian Country
Schloegel Design Remodel Serve & Clean Sienna Bistro Six Degrees Solutions The Smile Salon Two West Weather or Not YTC Services
ENTREPRENEURIAL LEGACY AWARD RECIPIENT Richard Bendis, Former CEO and President, Kansas Technology Enterprise Center
J. Schmid & Associates Junk Architects Meers Marketing Communications Minuteman Press Morningstar Communications Company Network Integration Services Noonshine Window Cleaning Service
PC Wizards Punch Software Roger the Plumber Santa Fe Auto Sound Serenity the Rejuvenating Day Spa SPIDERtel Tatjana Alvegaard Photography Wilson Johnson Embers Your Wellness Connection
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25 Under 25 Awards : : 23
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24 : : ithinkbigger.com