March 2019 Thinking Bigger Business

Vol 28 | Issue 3 | March 2019

Adapt & Thrive Reinvention keeps Craig Safety Technologies ahead of the curve.

Innovation in Banking Local institutions find win-win partnerships.

Great Workspaces Small businesses tell us why they love their offices.

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Join us for Thinking Bigger’s quarterly BIG Breakfast.

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We want to bridge the gap between entrepreneurs and private lenders, young entrepreneurs and veteran business men and women. We will be creating an engaging space for business professionals to network, learn, and grow.

The idea is to curate an event that will bring together the lenders and investors, with the entrepreneurs and business owners. Attendees will learn about and apply for potential funding, hear talks on pertinent business advice, and selected entrepreneurs and business owners will be able to pitch their business on the big stage during The Tank.

“The Tank� is our version of Shark Tank, but possibly better! People will be able to learn about and apply for potential funding, hear talks on pertinent business advice, and selected entrepreneurs and business owners will be able to pitch their business on the big stage to our Sharks.

contents March 2019

on the cover 24 Changing for the Better Brenda Craig’s company has completely changed since it began in 1998, but the aim is still to help small businesses navigate regulations.

in focus 34 Innovation in Banking Local businesses seek out financial technology solutions that will be a win for the industry and consumers.

24 | Cover Story Craig Safety Technologies’ Brenda Craig operates her compliance and safety business out of an office in North Kansas City. She started the business in 1998 and currently staffs six on-site employees.

news 07 the bigger pitcure 08 big news 09 biz bits 12 big deals 15 25 under 25 updates 15 events calendar 50 big shots

smart strategies 42 smart management Let the Gig Economy Work for Your Business

44 smart law

28 What I Love About My Building

Nile Valley Aquaponics

Surf-By Lawsuits

hopes to grow a movement

Small businesses

in food production.

share cool amenities

46 smart sales Train, Manage and Measure Your New Salesperson 4

20 KC Made It

The New Wave:

thinking bigger business | march 2019

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18 Entrepreneurial Journey

22 New Way to Work

use, withoutpermission, of editorial or graphic content, in any manner is prohibited. Thinking Bigger Business(ISSN 1068-2422) is published

Realigning Morningstar

SymbioBiz

Empty nesters shift business

New organization aims to

to work for them in new

help parent entrepreneurs

are contingent upon the location in which the publication is sold.

phase of life.

find balance.

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thinking bigger business | march 2019

the bigger picture

T

hey say the only constant in life is change.

This publication has undergone many changes throughout the years. It started

in 1991 as Kansas City Small Business Monthly, a newspaper. The format evolved to a glossy magazine — plus a website and events — and the name changed in 2008 to Thinking Bigger Business Media.

As you see, we’ve undergone another change. We’re still Thinking Bigger, but we have a fresh, new look.

Along with the new logo, we plan to introduce new Ka t i e B ea n

events in addition to the 25 Under 25 Small Business

Edito r

Awards, Big Breakfast and the renamed Cheers to

kbean@iThinkBigger.com

Business after hours (formerly Brew:30).

This month, we’re showcasing a business that likewise has seen reinvention since its inception.

Craig Safety Technologies was featured on the cover of Kansas City Small Business Monthly in 2002. At the time, Brenda Craig sold CD-ROMs to businesses to help with OSHA compliance training. It was cutting-edge technology then. Her business, too, has evolved and is now at the forefront of regulation and compliance technology for companies with fleets of trucks. (Read more on page 24.)

Change is healthy. It keeps businesses relevant.

Brenda Craig previously appeared on the cover of Kansas City Small Business Monthly in 2002.

Craig Safety has completely reinvented itself since then.

Even as Thinking Bigger changes its look, we’ll still focus on the meaningful small business news that our readers have looked forward to over the past 28 years. Our mission to support and spotlight area small businesses remains the same.

connect. build. grow.

7

news

Big News Kauffman Foundation launches investment pipeline for underserved entrepreneurs

E

very new business should have a

funds targeting underserved entrepreneurs

fighting chance at success — regar-

in injection sizes of $250,000 to $1 million,

submitted to angel investors came

dless of the entrepreneur’s background, said

according to a news release.

from women entrepreneurs.

Victor Hwang, announcing a new Capital

Hwang said 83 percent of entrepreneurs

• Black entrepreneurs’ loan requests are

Access Lab to address opportunity gaps in

are underserved or ignored by traditional

three times less likely to be approved

Kansas City and across the U.S.

funding sources, citing a new Kauffman

than white entrepreneurs.

“It is up to us to collectively break down

Foundation report.

systematic barriers to entry that adversely

“(This report shows) that we should either

impact people of color, women and entre-

expand the other pieces to get that 17

preneurs with limited wealth,” said Hwang,

percent wider access or to implement

vice president of entrepreneurship for the

alternative ways to get capital to those

Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. “The

people,” he said. At the Capital Access Lab,

Kauffman Foundation is taking a proactive

“we’re going to look at how we can create

step in the creation of the Capital Access

new capital models.”

Lab to build a pipeline to fund investments

Additional statistics from the

for underserved entrepreneurs.”

Kauffman report:

The national program is fueled by a $3

rely on personal and family savings for

be distributed to three to five investment

startup capital.

thinking bigger business | march 2019

The Kansas City entrepreneurial community already has “stepped on the gas” in terms of capital assets since 2015, Hwang said, citing an increase of capital for entrepreneurs by 290 percent in equity funding.

“If you look at the rankings, (Kansas City) is still 24th out of 30 in terms of major cities with access to adequate financing for the growth of businesses,” Hwang said. “There’s still quite a ways to go.”

• Almost 65 percent of entrepreneurs

million allocation, which is expected to

8

• Only about 9 percent of proposals

Elyssa Bezner is a reporter for news partner Startland News.

news biz bits

The selected companies include Üdo, an employee benefit platform; Erkios Systems, a patented physical security ecosystem for network hardware; and Blockchain Water, a platform that manages water systems.

Digital Sandbox KC selects three startups for funding

This marks the fifth year and 111 regional

Pipeline announces 2019 fellows and 2018 award winners

Digital Sandbox KC, a proof-of-

“We’ve now had 76 Sandbox companies

concept program for early-

secure over $68 million in funding and

stage entrepreneurs, recently selected

have created more than 600 area jobs,”

On Jan. 25, the Pipeline entre-

three new startups for project funding.

said Jeff Shackelford, executive director.

startups for the program.

preneurial fellowship program announced the recipients of its 2018 Pipeline awards and unveiled its 2019 class of Pipeline Fellows at The Innovators event in Omaha.

iiM angel investment

Pipeline‘s 2019 class of 13 fellows

group funds $2.7M

includes includes eight from the

Local angel investment group iiM

Kansas City area.

(Innovation in Motion), launched in 2013,

Those include Bek Abdullayev

recently completed funding for nine ear-

of Super Dispatch, Anis Dayya of

ly stage companies in the animal health,

PiEARcings, Donald Hawkins of

ag-tech and human health verticals for a

CitySmart, Michael Fry of Astra

total investment of $2.37 million.

Brands and Heather Spalding of

iiM selected four of the nine businesses

Cambrian (KCMO); Liderman Duin

from Kansas and Missouri, including

of Bluepoint2 (Leawood); and Jeff

Green Dot Bioplastics (Emporia), Mazen

Dunn of Redivus Health and

Animal Health (St. Joseph), Mobility

Tammie Wahaus of ELIAS Animal

Designed (Kansas City, Mo.) and Nomi

Health (Olathe).

(Overland Park).

KC Tech Council welcomes

photography director for Pixar.

Pixar photographer as

Feinberg, a Harvard grad, directed the

No Coast keynote

lighting and photography for Award-

KC Tech Council, the regional advocate

winning films WALL-E, Brave and Coco.

for Kansas City‘s tech industry, recently

No Coast will feature an awards

announced the keynote speaker for its

ceremony honoring those who

inaugural “No Coast” event on March

have made a significant impact on

8: Danielle Feinberg, a lighting and

the industry. connect. build. grow.

9

news biz bits

140+ companies apply to

The event will be held March 19-20 at the

present at InvestMidwest KC

Westin Kansas City, where attendees will

More than 140 fast-growth startup

seek at least $1 million in funding.

companies from 19 states applied to

The forum offers “a carefully curated

present their cases to prospective

collection of the Midwest region’s best

investors at the upcoming InvestMidwest Venture Capital Forum.

Ultimately, 36 were selected.

young companies...seeking investments to help boost their businesses to the next level,“ says executive director Christine Walsh.

Women’s Business

program to help entrepreneurs start

Center announces

and grow their businesses.

Launch U Program BioNexus KC taps new CEO

The Kansas Small Business

The classes, which started in late February, take place in Kansas City,

Development Center recently anno-

Kan., at the KCK Chamber offices, 727

unced a partnership with the Women’s

Minnesota Ave. Classes will continue

Business Center and the KCK Chamber

every Monday from 6-9 p.m. until

of Commerce to offer Launch U, a

April 15.

Ridenour expanded membership

SHRM announces initiative to

The initiative, called “Getting Talent

by 40 percent and hopes to enact

employ individuals with

Back to Work,” equips business and

Human and animal health institute BioNexus KC recently announced Dennis Ridenour as its new CEO. Ridenour succeeded previous CEO Wayne Carter at the end of February.

As the previous CEO of BioKansas,

a similar regional impact with BioNexus KC. “My approach is very collaborative, and I think that‘s going to be absolutely critical to build out the infrastructure that we need to be

criminal records The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), in partnership with Wichita-based Koch Industries, recently announced a national initiative

resources for hiring applicants with criminal records.

“More than 650,000 people are released from prison each year,” the website reads. “With 7.8 million jobs to

successful,“ Ridenour told The

that connects individuals with criminal

fill by 2020, employers must diversify

Kansas City Business Journal.

records to employers.

their talent pool.”

LSEDC selects 40 Under 40 winner in economic development

Investor Relations, was selected as a winner

170 candidates.

in the economic development profession’s

In her two-year tenure with the LSEDC,

40 Under 40 awards.

Hamilton has launched several

The Lee’s Summit Economic

10

HR leaders with the necessary

successful programs, including an

Development Council (LSEDC) recently

40 Under 40 recognizes young

online hiring portal to connect local

announced that Jessica Hamilton,

talent in the economic development

businesses with potential employees

LSEDC’s Director of Community and

industry. Hamilton was selected from

and interns.

thinking bigger business | march 2019

Real estate giant Hugh Zimmer, 88, dies Hugh Zimmer, one of the largest names in area real estate and development, died Feb. 1 at the age of 88.

Zimmer worked in real estate for 65 years and was a retired chairman of Zimmer Companies Inc. As a leading developer in the region for over 45 years, Zimmer was responsible for the development of over 2,900 acres of business parks and over 30 million square feet of commercial buildings throughout Kansas City and nationwide.

Kansas City highlighted in national report of medical office development In a January report released by The

matches those of larger metropolitan areas such as Chicago, Atlanta and Boston.

National Real Estate Investor, Kansas

Citywide growth in health care

City was reported to rank among the top

development mirrors upsurges in

markets in the medical office sector.

population and rent, as well as lower

Kansas City’s square footage for medical

costs for outpatient centers, according

offices under construction currently

to the NREI.

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million in 2018, ranking at no. 7 in the Silicon Prairie Annual Ranking and last among the four “Tier 1” Midwestern cities with populations over 2 million. “(Kansas City) appears to struggle with respect to producing large, high growth companies,” reads the report, and suggests that KC needs to “serve broader customer groups” going forward.

913-663-JOBS (5627) | www.staffingkc.com connect. build. grow.

11

news big deals

SMALL BUSINESS

BIG AMBITION awards & recognition

KC-connected startup Onward scores spot in NY FinLab

mentorship opportunities.

Headquartered in Washington, D.C.,

Onward Financial Inc., a startup with

Onward is a nonprofit employer-based

ties to Kansas City, recently won a spot in

savings and credit app. Founder Ronnie

the New York-based Financial Solutions

Washington graduated from NBKC‘s

Lab (FinLab).

FountainCity Fintech accelerator in

Only five U.S. startups were selected from 1,800 applications FinLab‘s 2019 class. The program, headed by JPMorgan Chase and

December and has previously received more than $1 million in grant funding.

“We want to provide a sustainable way

the Center for Financial Services Innovation,

to build up a financial cushion — that‘s

provides its members with $125,000 in

essentially our mission,“ Washington told

capital as well as partnership and

Thinking Bigger.

financing • On-demand home service Lula closes $750K round: The Overland Parkbased home services tech startup closed a $750,000 seed round in late January. KC-based real estate investment company Worcester Investments was a major contributor, says Lula CEO Bo Lais.

• KC-based insurance broker Mylo raises $28M: Independent digital insurance broker Mylo announced a $28M investment led by Guggenheim

tool Stackify in late January. Stackify CEO Matt Watson plans to use the funds for sales growth and expansion.

• Life Equals ranks fresh with $2.35M funding round: A funding round led by a former Anheuser-Busch Bev. exec saw a $2.35 million investment for Life Equals’ nutritional product Balance the Superfood Shot. Life Equals was

Partners, which it will use to scale up

a featured Startland News Startup

its influence in the insurance market.

to Watch in 2019 and ranked no. 7 in

• Angel investors help local startup stack $2M: Six local angel investors 12

helped fund $2 million for developer

thinking bigger business | march 2019

Kansas City companies expected to make news this year.

news big deals

openings New Business Round Up

good on Nov. 1, and Oklahoma City

• Award-winning chef opens modern

• Boulevard alum opens microbrewery

restauranteur Liming Zhang recently

Alma Mader: After serving brews in

Italian restaurant in Crossroads:

opened Crazy Crab & Seafood in

Denver and Seattle, ex-Boulevard

James Beard award-winning chef

its place.

bartender Nick Mader is bringing

Michael Smith opened his restaurant Farina on Feb. 5, located at 19 W.

craft beer back to his hometown

• El Toro Loco brings local Mexican

with Alma Mader, located at 2635

food to Legends: El Toro Loco Mexican

19th St.

Southwest Blvd.

Bar & Grill opened this month in

• Baramee Thai Bistro spices up the Crossroads: Co-owners Douglas and Nutnisa Hoffman launched their new restaurant at 1810 Baltimore in space formerly occupied by Pizzabella. The

a 6,700-square-foot space where

• Shawnee brewers make old space new again: After months of revamping

Johnny Carino’s used to be.

a century-old space in downtown

• Hattie’s Fine Coffee expands to

Shawnee, the family- and dog-friendly

downtown Mission: The Prairie

menu features traditional Thai dishes

Village-based coffeeshop, located at

from Nutnisa’s home province in

4195 Somerset Drive, plans to open

northeast Thailand.

an 800-square-feet space at 5918 and

Transport Brewery Taproom is open for business at 11113 Johnson Drive.

• Pawn & Pint owners bring big game to

5920 W. 59th Terr. in late March.

• Crazy Crab opens its doors in

Overland Park: The concept combining craft beer, games and bar food

Chubby’s old location: Iconic local

New Brews Add to Kansas City’s

has found a new home at 87th and

diner Chubby’s closed its doors for

Craft Beer Repertoire

Metcalf with Boardroom Family Pub.

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13

news big deals

new product Dimensional Innovations creates new tech for Helzberg Diamonds Overland Park-based Dimensional Innovations, a specialist in augmented reality and marketing experiences, recently

introduced technology that allows Helzberg

Experience--allowing customers to view

Diamonds customers to virtually “try on”

magnified diamonds on a 24-inch, 4K

more than 100 ring styles.

screen--and has provided digital two-sided

Additionally, DI made enhance-

signage for Helzberg’s storefront.

ments to the Helzberg Diamond Room

on the move RW2 finds new home on the Boulevard Production company RW2, previously located in the Crossroads Arts District, moved to 1000 W. 25th St. near Southwest Boulevard earlier this month.

The new space, off Southwest Blvd. and

creative out of this one space. We manage

of online shopping, which led to five store

productions all over the country from this

closings in 2017. To expand business,

one hub,“ RW2 co-owner and co-founder

Freiden recently purchased a local Pump It

Lyndon Wade said.

Up franchise, which provides large inflata-

U.S. Toy leaves State Line after 40 years After 40 years in South Kansas City, U.S.

bles, bounce houses and birthday packages for kids.

By moving to a larger location and adding

across from Boulevard Brewing Co., features

Toy has announced its move to a larger

new services, third-generation owner Seth

multiple spaces in one to host RW2‘s

facility at 119th and Metcalf. The small,

Freiden hopes to “Amazon-proof” his store.

variety of production services. Some of the

family-run business, currently located at

building‘s features include editing suites, a studio space with natural light and a garden.

“We can develop, shoot and edit all

103rd and State Line, will take over Office

U.S. Toy plans to move locations by the end of May.

Max’s old location in Leawood. U.S. Toy has faced declining sales due to the popularity

mergers & acquisitions Bank of Blue Valley to sell, merge with Morrill & Janes Bank Heartland Financial USA Inc., the parent

The merged entity will operate under the Bank of Blue Valley brand and will be

but St. Louis Composting has reported

headquartered in Overland Park, with 13

it will expand by $1.5 million with Lawn-

company of Morrill & Janes Bank & Trust,

full-service branch locations throughout the

recently announced that it will acquire

metropolitan area.

Overland Park-based Bank of Blue Valley.

The deal is expected to be completed in April for a combined $1.3 billion in assets,

The terms of the deal weren’t disclosed,

St Louis Composting acquires KC-based Lawn-Corps Kansas City-based Lawn-Corps was

Corps’ addition.

Lawn-Corps‘ owners, Patrick and Marisue Caskey, plan to stay on with the company as consultants following the acquisition. St.

making the Bank of Blue Valley the

recently acquired by St. Louis Composting,

Louis Composting will retain Lawn-Corps’

seventh-largest bank based in the

a compost, mulch and soil-blends producer

staff of eight for a combined total staff of

Kansas City area.

based in Valley Park, Mo.

115 employees.

14

thinking bigger business | march 2019

news 25 under 25 updates

25 Under 25 Updates Indigo Wild hires new exec, plans international expansion

Sphere3 Consulting acquired by Jacksonville company

KC-based Indigo Wild, which

Sphere3 Consulting, based in

specializes in organic and

Kansas City, Mo., was recently

natural products for the home

acquired by the Jacksonville-

and body, recently tapped Mike

based nurse call software

Stacy as its new chief sales

company Critical Alert Systems.

officer. Stacy started the new position on Feb. 1.

The two companies will combine

With new executive sales

their software-based nurse

experience under its belt, Indigo Wild is eyeing increased sales

Square One Interiors transitions to Trilogie brand

and the international expansion

Boutique furniture and design firm Square One Interiors recently

of its brand.

announced its decision to rebrand as Trilogie.

call platforms. Sphere3’s CEO, Kourtney Govro, will join the Critical Alert executive team as vice president of business

“This company is my baby, and like any baby, it has grown and

development and managing

evolved over the last ten years,” owner Courtnay Bradley wrote in

director of the Sphere3 clinical

her post. “It was important to me that the new name be some-

advisory division.

thing that actively represents that evolution and encapsulates the three things that our team deems critical to our clients’ success.”

Midwest Sports Productions announces partnership with Easton Midwest Sports Productions recently announced a new partnership with Easton for the 2019 season.

Crema Lab expands to new Crossroads space

“Forming this partnership with

Crema Lab, a digital product agency and startup based in the

Easton is a huge win for not just

Crossroads Arts District, added a new space called Crema Loft in

Midwest Sports Productions,

early February.

but also for the teams who participate in our events,” said Jeff Wallace, director of business development at MSP, in a press release.

The new building is located directly across the street from the original Crema headquarters at 1815 Central St. A video posted to Crema’s social media showed the owners and team “breaking in” the new space. connect. build. grow.

15

events calendar

MAR Big Breakfast

March 14 Chamber Board Room, Union Station

InvestMidwest Venture Capital Forum March 19-20 Westin Kansas City

Greater Kansas City Chamber Small Business Celebration Candidate’s Showcase March 27

APR

KCDMA Ambit Awards April 4

Cheers to Business

April 18 Bridge Space, Lee‘s Summit

Women’s Employment Network Annual Luncheon April 18 Sheraton Crown Center

Leadership Lyceum

April 23 Overland Park Convention Center

MAY

Greater Kansas City Chamber Small Business Celebration May 2 Think Tank Breakfast May 23 Awards luncheon

16

thinking bigger business | march 2019

National Small Business Week May 5 - 11

JUN Kansas Business Appreciation Month

OCT

National Women’s Small Business Month National Minority Enterprise Development Week Cheers to Business

Kansas Governor’s Exporter of the Year Award Go Global KC luncheon June 6

Big Breakfast

June 13 Chamber Board Room, Union Station

JUL

Cheers to Business July 18, KC Wineworks

AUG KC Animal Health Investment Forum August 27

SEP Big Breakfast

September 12 Chamber Board Room, Union Station

NAWBO KC Women in Business Summit

NOV

Global Entrepreneurship Week AltCap Your Biz Pitch Competition UMKC Henry W. Bloch School of Management Entrepreneur of the Year Awards Small Business Saturday

DEC

National Write a Business Plan Month Big Breakfast

December 12, Chamber Board Room, Union Station

WEEKLY

1 Million Cups KC

9 a.m., Wednesdays Plexpod Westport Commons

connect. build. grow.

17

entrepreneurial journey Morningstar Communications

Realigning Morningstar Couple’s business evolves with their life stages.

T

hey can still recite their resumes from back in the day, but it’s been a lifetime

since Eric and Shanny Morgenstern weren’t spouses, parents and business partners all rolled into one. For almost 40 years, they have been the driving the magic behind Morningstar Communications.

Today, as the two have transitioned the business yet again to meet both their needs and those of their customers, they are also taking time to branch out, to reflect on their accomplishments and to plan.

Ground rules The starting block for Morningstar began more than 20 years ago; both Morgensterns were working for others – Shanny as a consultant with a telephone company and Eric at the then-newish firm of VML (now VMLY&R).

This is usually the part of the story where someone throws something or gets fed up and walks out an office slamming doors and yelling, “I quit.” Sorry to disappoint, but this story doesn’t go that way.

Eric and Shanny had been talking for quite a while about Eric opening his own firm. VML was going through some transitions and Eric thought it better to leave of his own accord, rather than be forced out.

18

thinking bigger business | march 2019

out that “he’s in charge of everyone

forward, taking the work and not themselves

you have, the more vulnerable your job is,”

who pays us; I’m in charge of those

seriously, asking many questions and

Shanny said. “The best way for us to control

we pay.” They know their strengths,

enhancing their reputation based on their

our future was to start and own our

and they play to them.

actual work and not what they plan to do.

“In the agency industry, the more seniority

own business.”

Thanks to Eric’s longstanding good

The business model for the company has

Evolution Morningstar grew quickly, but never too

evolved into what they call the Morningstar

reputation in the community, they had

big. They company was in the inaugural

constellation, a collection of independent

clients immediately. But that doesn’t mean

Thinking Bigger Business 25 Under 25 class

professionals they can bring into projects

that things were perfect. For one, in addition

in 2002. By 2018, there were 100 employees.

on an ad hoc basis. But, for the most part,

to learning about running a business, the

But sensing a shift in the marketplace, and

the business is as it was when they started

couple had to learn about working in the

in their lives as they are empty-nesters now,

– Eric working face-to-face with clients and

same space.

the Morgensterns decided to close the office

Shanny working with vendors and clients on

and bring the business back home.

the back end.

“The first lesson that we learned was that Eric and I couldn’t share a computer,” Shanny said.

Technical issues aside, they quickly

That’s not to say they are slowing down —

“Our clients keep returning because they

quite the contrary. They are just building on

get great value,” Eric said. “At least that’s

their entrepreneurial passions in a different

what they tell me.”

worked out a system of 24/7 togetherness.

way. They are continuing to take their own

Mixing family and business is difficult.

advice to other entrepreneurs of paying it

Kate Leibsle is a freelance writer in Kansas City.

Through the years, three “ground rules” emerged:

1 | Shabbat is for family. “We are not the most observant reformed Jews,” Eric said. “But during Shabbat – from sundown on Friday to sundown on Saturday – we don’t talk about work.”

Obviously, there are exceptions, but for the most part, that’s a quiet time for the business.

2 | Each of them has a “not now” veto privilege when it comes to talking

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about business. Recently, Eric was watching a football game and Shanny came to him with work talk. “Not now” was the response. She knew that his answer didn’t mean never, it just meant “come back later.”

3 | Trust has to be implicit, and it is.

Sounds weird to say that a married

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couple should trust each other, but there’s a difference between being married and being in business.

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connect. build. grow.

19

kc made it Nile Valley Aquaponics

Growing More Than Food Urban garden offers skills, mentorship to young men.

by Claire Martin

C

ommunity center Nile Valley Aquaponics is bringing a splash

of green to the Kansas City metro’s urban landscape.

Created in 2015 by Dre Taylor, Nile Valley Aquaponics is a community greenhouse that provides free, year-round access to local, organic food and health education.

“Our goals are to provide fresh, local food, to reduce our carbon footprint and to build a community,” Taylor said.

Nile Valley also offers a free community

Taylor was inspired to start the business after visiting Milwaukee-based nonprofit

Planting new roots Nile Valley Aquaponics’ location at 2900

garden where customers “can pick whatever

Growing Power Inc. in 2011. Taylor met with

Wabash Ave. sits on less than an acre, but

they want, whenever they want.”

the organization’s leader Will Allen, an urban

its expansion is nigh: In 2017, the business

farmer who, at the time, produced 1 million

partnered with architecture and engineering

pounds of food on 100 acres of land per

firm HOK to plan a new urban farming and

year. Allen received a MacArthur Genius

sustainable living facility in East Kansas City.

What‘s aquaponics?

Aquaponics is the eco-friendly farming process of raising plants and fish together to model the natural ecosystem. The waste from the fish provides the food and nutrients for Nile Valley’s plants and vegetables, while nutrients from the plants filter into the water

Grant for his work in urban farming and

The joint project won an Unbuilt

sustainable food production and was

Architecture Honor Award in the AIA Central

named one of TIME’s 100 most influential

States’ Excellence in Design

people in 2010.

competition in 2017.

and return to the fish tank. The symbiotic

By the time Taylor returned home, the

practice uses 90 percent less water than

seed had been planted: He was going to

include three greenhouses, an indoor and

traditional soil-growth methods, making it

root urban farming in the heart of

outdoor event space, beehives, rainwater

sustainable, healthy and chemical-free.

Kansas City.

collection cisterns, a wind turbine, raised

20

thinking bigger business | march 2019

Amenities of the expanded space will

garden beds and a marketplace. Nile

Nile Valley Aquaponics teaches low-

Valley’s annual harvest is estimated to

income youth how to grow and harvest food

double to a projected 50,000 pounds of fish

and provides employment opportunities for

and 70,000 pounds of vegetables. Taylor

young men.

hopes to see the facility implemented later

Kansas City f resh Nile Valley’s approach is progressive not just for its community-based focus and its environmentally friendly practices, but also

Taylor also launched the mentorship

for the uniqueness of the practice itself.

program Males to Men in 2013, which aims

Aquaponics may be highly beneficial in

“We hope to keep expanding this year,”

to raise strong, conscious and productive

several ways, but it’s still a niche

Taylor said. “We started building in 2015, but

young men into responsible leaders in the

this is our first full year in operation. We’ve

community. The program currently includes

seen anywhere from 1,500 to 2,000 people a

more than 30 mentees, ages seven to 17.

this year.

year from all over the world. Visitors from 35 to 40 countries have been here so far.”

Mentorship & employment

Adding to his environmental initiatives, Taylor plans to plant 200 fruit trees in Swope Park through his foundation, KC

In addition to promoting practices of Taylor contributes to the community through his mentorship of Kansas City’s youth.

By providing hands-on work opportunities,

putting Kansas City on the map for sustainable food production.

“There aren’t too many other cities doing this,” Taylor said. “Because I’m from Kansas City, I wanted to implement it here.”

Urban Farm Coop.

sustainability and environmental awareness,

technique of farming and growing food,

“My main mission is to provide economic

With its local success and influence,

opportunity, healthy food and health

Taylor hopes to grow Nile Valley and

education, and to build the community

aquaponics practices outside of the KC

up,” he said.

area and to branch out to other cities.

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21

new way to work SymbioBiz

Symbiotic Relationship New organization helps parent entrepreneurs achieve balance.

by Claire Martin

22

thinking bigger business | march 2019

A

fter 10 years in Kansas City’s

running a business with kids in the picture.

entrepreneurial community and

As she juggled the responsibilities of her

as a mom of three, Stephanie

business and a high-needs baby, Zamora

Zamora saw something severely lacking in local business circles: resources for parent entrepreneurs.

So in November 2018, she started up her business SymbioBiz, where her team provides parent entrepreneurs with the support they need to run their businesses.

“SymbioBiz is a nonprofit organization that takes underutilized spaces in the community

struggled to attend networking events and business classes while meeting the steep demands of childcare.

Zamora says the enthusiastic contributions of “nontraditional” entrepreneurs like parents are an untapped resource in Kansas City.

“We’ve found that those parent entre-

and then matches them to local entrepre-

preneurs are very active in the community,”

neurs that are fit for that location,” Zamora

she said. “We want to encourage that and

said. “This provides flexible space that

find ways to group that labor and passion

allows family businesses to scale up.”

together with resources so we can make

SymbioBiz’s first location is South Summit Christian Church in Lee’s Summit, where it will operate for the entirety of 2019. The business’ first client within this space is FlexPlay, a coworking space for parent business owners that also provides built-in childcare.

“The resources provided by FlexPlay have been huge for parent entrepreneurs,” Zamora said. “Their biggest struggle is that

group impacts.”

Zamora has plenty of other ideas in the pipeline for 2019: For starters, she wants to launch a Youth Entrepreneur Club to support young business owners who are starting out, a collaborative coworking experience called “Workingshops” and initiatives for parents with special-needs children.

Zamora hopes to expand to more

they’re trying to balance building a cohesive

locations in 2020, but she’s been careful

business around children.

not to grow her business too quickly; she

“Together with FlexPlay, we’re able to provide them that space, and the coaching and counseling they need, to be successful, and our childcare allows them to actually do business and have their kids learning onsite with them.”

wants to focus on the small community she’s already fostered.

“Our parent entrepreneurs love working together and promoting each other. What

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they’ve all found is that they enjoy being able to be part of a community,” Zamora

Supporting nontraditional

said. “They finally feel like they’re not

entrepreneurs

the only ones doing this crazy

Zamora is no stranger to the difficulties of

Expect Accept the Unexpected.

entrepreneur thing.”

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connect. build. grow.

23

kc entrepreneurs cover story

Adapt & Thrive

Craig Safety Technologies stays one step ahead of trends. entrepreneurs

year founded

Brenda Craig

1998

company Information

employees

Craig Safety Technologies 1321 Burlington St North Kansas City, MO 64116 (888) 257-0124 ComplianceSafetyManager.com

6

type of business

Compliance/Safety Technology

keys to success

“Our goal is to create a one-stop-shop platform for managing companies’ compliance around personnel and assets.”

— Brenda Craig

by Claire Martin | photography by Dan Videtich

B

renda Craig‘s entrepreneurial

“I knew the issues my dad faced with

journey has been one defined

government compliance, and that’s why I

by adaptation.

Before starting Craig Safety

started the company,” Craig said. “I wanted to serve people because I could offer them

Technologies in 1998, she had been a

a better way to manage their business with a

teacher, a flight attendant and a hotel

simplified system.

manager. She also spent more than 10 years in the food distribution business,

“My purpose is to help simplify compliance and to create consistent compliance systems.”

serving on the board of directors at her father’s company.

In 1997, Craig started selling CD-

‘It continues to evolve’ When Thinking Bigger first interviewed

ROMs with instructions for OSHA

Craig for a feature in 2002, Craig Safety

(Occupational Safety and Health

Technologies was primarily an OSHA

Administration) compliance — but few

consultation firm.

of her clients had technology capable of

In 2004, Craig acquired server-based

accessing the training yet. She quickly

software for Department of Transportation

discovered that several companies in

compliance. But by 2006, she had discovered

the Kansas City area didn’t even have a

that OSHA and DOT regulations were very

safety department to begin with.

So she adapted.

24

thinking bigger business | march 2019

different and that selling software was another learning curve.

Brenda Craig and her fiancÊ, Vice President of Operations Scott Sander, run Craig Safety Technologies from their office in North Kansas City. Craig Safety’s location has benefited them, Craig says, thanks to the Northland being a technology and logistics hub. connect. build. grow.

25

kc entrepreneurs cover story

She sold her consultation business and began the process of deconstructing the technology and rebuilding it from scratch.

physicals, background checks and motor

companies with fleets of trucks

vehicle requests.

that face stringent compliance and

Overland Park screening service Validity

safety requirements.

After years of managing companies’ various

Screening Solutions serves Department

safety records in paper files, Craig simply

of Transportation-regulated employers by

streamlined what she had learned.

the vehicles from cradle to grave—from

conducting checks on criminal histories,

entrance to exit of a company,” said Craig

driving records, past employment

Safety’s director of sales, Scott Anderson.

flagship SaaS (software as a service) system,

verifications and drug testing. The company

“Rather than having HR, fleet, safety, DOT

Compliance Safety Manager.

started working with Craig Safety in

or maintenance managers all running on

September 2018.

disparate systems, our platform allows them

The end result was Craig Safety’s current

The cloud-based, centralized platform allows Craig Safety to interface with

Validity CEO Darren Dupriest said

several other companies’ services and

that Craig Safety’s best-in-class services

store all compliance, safety and personnel

“perfectly complement” Validity’s and

documents in one secure, centralized and

that CSM has “allowed Validity to

easily accessible enterprise platform.

enhance its service offerings to DOT-

The programming also permits unlimited users and provides 45-day alerts, which

regulated employers.” “(CSM) significantly enhances the

forewarn those in the system when their

collaboration efficiency of our respective

compliance and safety documents are

developers,” he said. “Our mutual clients are

nearing expiration.

afforded customized workflow that uniquely

“It continues to evolve. Our goal is to create a one-stop-shop platform for managing companies’ compliance around personnel and assets,” Craig said.

CSM interfaces with other companies that

serves their operations and employees, and this allows them flexibility in accessing their files, documents and data.“

Cradle-to-grave services Craig Safety Technologies currently

“Our platform handles everything with

to share one space.”

Craig Safety recently witnessed a surge in business due to new government requirements: As of April 2018, all “hours of service” for commercial driver logs must be stored in electronic logs as opposed to paper systems.

“Companies are now more willing to look at technology and how it can streamline and improve their business. People are embracing safety along with how risk management can improve their bottom line, and documentation will mitigate risks. Most people didn’t care 30 to 40 years ago, but now they get it!” Craig laughed.

provide a variety of compliance services,

manages the information of more than 350

CSM is also beneficial to clients in its

such as drug testing,

companies. Of those, its central clientele is

organizational structure. Rather than using

“I’m diverting people from systems they’re used to.”

- brenda craig 26

thinking bigger business | march 2019

spreadsheets, filing cabinets and outdated silo systems, companies can ensure they have “all their ducks in a row” through cloudbased storage, Craig explained.

She detailed a few instances in which her company’s platform was crucial for her customers maintaining their businesses, such as the morning when a truck driver collided with another automobile. The incident resulted in a fatality and almost certainly ensured an impending lawsuit. But thanks to CSM, it never came.

“Within three hours after the accident, we had all the documented maintenance and repairs on that truck, and all the records and file information on the driver,” Craig recalled.

“We saved hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of dollars in legal expenses just because our client had all of his paperwork organized through our system.”

CSM provides a detailed list of regulation checks that truck drivers must adhere to before hitting the road. The drivers physically inspect their trucks and sign off

loss of documentation.”

Entrepreneurial roots When asked about the inspiration for her company, Craig smiled and pointed to a

“I’m diverting people from systems

office wall.

where you came in, but you better be

“See that milkshake candy bar truck? My dad started out with 50 peanut vending

listening when someone tells you to go a different direction.”

machines and $500 that he borrowed back

Continued expansion

in the late ’40s,” she said. “We ended up with

Craig’s software keeps track of more than

over 200 tractor trailers and became one of

6,000 locations for the hundreds of

the top 30 food distributors in the U.S.”

businesses it serves. Craig and Anderson

Craig credits her entrepreneurial spirit to

are looking at dual authentication software

her father, Farris L. Craig, who started Craig

for the new year, and they hope to expand

Distributing Co. in 1947. He then won an SBA

customers’ knowledge of their services

Missouri award in 1975 and an SBA Hall of

across the country.

Fame award in 1986.

Craig started her consulting business

“I see us being able to expand into more national markets,” Anderson said. “New

after witnessing her father struggle with

technology has allowed us to reach markets

government compliance regulations in his

that we couldn’t do as a smaller company.”

company. Her passion for her industry she also attributes to her family.

“My family was very advanced with

something isn’t, the software immediately

caused me to be more inclined to get into

pings a mechanic.

software and technology,” she said.

customers are compliant. They come first,”

she said.

they’re used to. It’s not easy to change

on everything that’s up to par—and if

we’re really focused on making sure

to a better route, which is what I do here,”

faded, black-and-white photo framed on her

technology for the times, and it’s always

“Our care for our customers is key, and

attendants have to be sure to divert them

When asked about the lessons learned

Even though the technology may evolve, Craig’s motive remains the same going forward as when she started more than 20 years ago.

“I want to help companies be more efficient, more productive. I want to help them mitigate their risk and exposure,”

from her myriad of past professions, Craig

she said. “Above all, I want to provide

had some anecdotal wisdom to offer.

customers peace of mind and help them

Craig said. “We’re allowing customers to

“One of the things I know from being a

better manage their safety, compliance

do processes electronically and quicker

flight attendant is that people always try to

and risk management in a simplified and

through our system, thus saving time and

go out the same door they came in. Flight

secure system.” connect. build. grow.

27

feature what i love about my building

What I Love About My Building

by Claire Martin

A

cross Kansas City, innovative spaces and amenities have come to define

new work experiences for employees. Five buildings in particular caught our attention for breaking the mold on traditional office settings. The businesses currently occupying those spaces chatted with

name | Fishtech Group

that include a covered balcony and an

location | 13333 Holmes Rd.,

outdoor kitchen. As a result of the office’s

Kansas City, Mo.

founded | 2015 CEO | Gary Fish

cutting-edge tech, says Senior Marketing Strategist Jennie Hanna, the employees “are always connected.”

“Our office is cloud-based and we strive

about | Founded in 2015 by CEO Gary

to be totally paperless,” Hanna said. “While

Fish, Fishtech Group is a cloud-based

brainstorming, we can write on walls and

security company that focuses on providing

tables using glass boards that are easily

“next-generation” solutions for its clients.

cleaned. We can work where it suits us, and

Fishtech’s headquarters, located in Martin

our access to email, shared drives and other

City, acts as a crossroads for modern

resources is seamless and highly secure.”

architecture and some of technology’s latest innovations in cybersecurity.

The space features adjustable

In 2017, Fishtech’s office was awarded “Kansas City’s Coolest Office Space” by the Kansas City Business Journal.

Thinking Bigger about company culture and

workstations, open work areas, automated

what employees say | “The ability to

their favorite things about where they work.

collaboration rooms and outdoor spaces

work anywhere — the patio, a closed office,

28

thinking bigger business | march 2019

Thinking Bigger surveyed Fishtech Group and four other small businesses to find out what makes their buildings a great place to come to work.

a standing desk, next to a cooking grill, out in the midst of coworkers — helps me enjoy coming to work and want to work harder to be part of the team.”

amenities |

• A two-story lobby with glass elevator and custom desk that glows with orange LED lighting

• An Executive Briefing Center that features a formal dining room with a

• Two outdoor patios for employees

wine wall, a gourmet chef’s kitchen

for workspaces and entertaining,

and a state-of-the-art, fully interactive stage for presentations and performances

• Pepper, the humanoid robot, to help with office tours and real-life application of artificial intelligence

• High-end cars on display • A Metronap EnergyPod “napping pod”

including a covered balcony and an

for employees to relax

outdoor kitchen with seating, fans,

and reenergize

heaters and outdoor TVs

• Automated collaboration rooms with screens built into glass walls

• Three glass garage doors that open at the touch of a button to access a fully enclosed courtyard connect. build. grow.

29

feature what i love about my building

name | Plexpod Westport Commons location | 300 E. 19th St., Kansas City, Mo.

founded | 2017 CEO | Gerald Smith about | Plexpod Westport Commons is housed in a historic building at 300 19th St., repurposed and renovated to be a

amenities |

• HerSpace: a space designed specifically for women to work with other women

a diverse hub of workspaces with distinct personalities across five stories, including a restored theater, exercise spaces, an urban farm, a skywalk and a rooftop patio.

what tenants say | “The building has a remarkable amount of natural light, so much

• A skywalk • A rooftop patio • A gym and dance studio • Shuffleboard, billiards and ping pong • An urban farm

founded | 1897

about | Founded in 1897, Kenton Brothers is a security systems company that is women’s enterprise certified and offers a variety of products such as metal detectors, access and hosted and managed security systems.

The company is currently headed by fourth-generation owner and CEO, Gina Stuelke.

After 46 years at its Crossroads Arts

• Private prayer room

District location, Kenton Brothers relocated to a building 10 times the size and added

• 1Million Cups: Plexpod

so that our office only turns on our lights after 5 p.m.” — Andrew Brain, Brain Group, a

weekly program that teaches and

real estate development firm

connects entrepreneurs.

thinking bigger business | march 2019

Kansas City, Mo.

control systems, video surveillance systems,

Westport Commons hosts the

30

location | 3401 E. Truman Rd.,

CEO | Gina Stuelke

• A historic, restored theater

coworking space. What was formerly Westport Middle School now operates as

name | Kenton Brothers

amenities to enhance experiences for customers and employees.

Some of the new features include a Showroom Inspiration Center, where

customers can see security systems and

name | Walz Tetrick Advertising

the middle of the floor was replaced by a

advanced solutions in action, a state-

location | 5201 Johnson Dr., Suite 500,

pool table, bar and café tables.

Mission, Ks.

what employees say | “The bar and café

honors the company’s 120-year history.

founded | 1967

area is the center of all social activity within

what employees say | “The best part

CEO | Charlie Tetrick

of our building is our pickleball court, and

about | In August of 2018, Walz Tetrick

also that it’s a dog-friendly environment.

moved from the third floor of 6299 Nall

There’s a community dog bowl, and in

Ave. – which the company had occupied

the spring, we’re fencing in an area to

since 2000 – into the fifth floor of the

create a mini dog park.” — Luke Bergin,

Security Bank building at 5201 Johnson Dr.

Security Consultant

The five-story office tower was built

amenities |

in 1973.

of-the-art training and event center, a pickleball court and a museum area that

• Showroom Inspiration Center • Pickleball court • A state-of-the-art training and event center

• Museum and “key customers” area • A comfy lounge with a TV and complimentary refreshments

• An upcoming mini dog park

Prior to moving in, Walz Tetrick spent 120 days reimagining and rebuilding the space’s 14,000 square feet. The company tore down most of the walls to allow

the agency. Here, we hold staff meetings, monthly happy hours, impromptu celebrations and lunch gatherings.”

amenities |

• A bar and café with a wine cooler and a twin-tap Kegerator

• Vintage pool table and dartboard • 35-foot painted mural in the lobby • Enclosed conference rooms and casually furnished collaboration spaces

natural light to penetrate one side of the

• A 20-foot custom-built table in the

floor to the other, and then replaced the

main boardroom, with surrounding

remaining walls with glass to provide

space to seat a dozen more

privacy without blocking sunlight.

The cubicle village that once occupied

• A studio for shooting videos and still photos connect. build. grow.

31

feature what i love about my building

name | RW2

and experiential work.

location | 1000 W. 25th St.,

Judy Rush originally founded the business in

Kansas City, MO.

2002 as Rush Wade before her sons, Lindsey

founded | 2015

and Lyndon, rebranded the studio as RW2

owners | Judy Rush, Lyndon and Lindsey Wade

about | Production company RW2, previously located in the Crossroads Arts

in 2015.

The new location, right next to Boulevard Brewing Co. features multiple spaces within one building to enhance RW2’s developing,

ideate and create as a team, is so important.”

— Lyndon Wade, Owner/Partner

amenities |

• Three editing suites • A studio space with natural light • Dining spaces and “bars” stocked with cocktails

shooting and finishing processes.

• A garden

Southwest Boulevard earlier this month.

what employees say | “We can develop,

• A full kitchen

The new space allows RW2 to expand its

shoot and edit all creative out of this one space. We manage productions all over the

• A custom-made ping pong table

“one-stop shop” services as a full-service production company. Its studio work

country from this one hub. Having multiple

• Lounge areas

includes live action production,

spaces for each division to work indepen-

• Views of downtown Kansas City

photography, editorial, VFX, retouching

dently, but also common spaces for us all to

District, moved to 1000 W. 25th St off

32

thinking bigger business | march 2019

and Boulevard Brewing

Production studio RW2’s new location off Southwest Boulevard in Kansas City, Mo., features three new editing suites and studio space with natural light. connect. build. grow.

33

in focus innovation in banking

Onward Financial Inc. founder Ronnie Washington pitches his nonprofit startup at NBKC’s Fountain City Fintech Demo Day event in early December 2018. Five other financial technology founders also presented their products as part of the event.

34

thinking bigger business | march 2019

KC Advances Innovation in Banking In typical Midwestern fashion, local financial institutions look for partnerships that are a win for all.

by Claire Martin

W

ithin the past couple of years, innovations under the

blanket moniker “fintech” have taken international banking and technology industries by storm — and Kansas City is no exception. But, many ask, what exactly is it?

The term “fintech” originated as an abbreviation for “financial technology” and encompasses a wide berth of processes, including payment exchange systems like PayPal and Venmo, artificial intelligence and any tech related to digital, online or mobile financial transactions.

Over the past few years, in-bank interactions have dropped dramatically in favor of digital and mobile transactions.

A 2017 survey from financial services and technology firm FIS found that 72 percent of bank transactions are performed digitally, and that rate has only increased with the momentum of financial technology. connect. build. grow.

35

in focus innovation in banking

Fintech startups also have hit a

projects and launch products,” said NBKC’s

meteoric stride in the U.S. over the past

CFO Eric Garretson. “And likewise, banks

two years. While 2017 saw only three

have realized this technology is here to stay

fintech exits, reports from Forbes and

and asked themselves, ‘Is there a way to

TechCrunch estimate 40 accelerators

leverage through a partnership and benefit

valued at $100 million in equity funding

ourselves because of this relationship?’”

for 2019, continuing growth trend in the

Although many of the largest financial

fintech sector over the last year.

services institutions in the U.S. have a

While big coastal cities currently

presence in Kansas City, it’s community

dominate the fintech sector, both in size

banks like NBKC and Lead Bank that have

and revenue, Kansas City’s community

stepped forward to establish relationships

banks have claimed their own spots

with fintech startups

at the table, bringing partnerships

and products.

and much-needed innovation to

“Community banks have the best

local businesses.

of both worlds because we can really

The community

build a sizable business but stay small

bank charge

and nimble, and move quickly enough

Over the past year, two major trends

to partner with a lot of these groups,”

have emerged in the arena of Kansas City

said Zach Pettet, managing director of

fintech: Relationships between banks and

NBKC’s Fountain City Fintech accelerator.

fintech companies have accelerated, and

Rowland added that for many

it’s primarily community banks leading

community banks, these working

the charge.

agreements with fintechs are value-

“Our partnerships here with fintech

based, as community banks go to bat for

companies are part of that recognition

what they believe are in the best interests of

that traditional banks can benefit from

their local clients.

services, and that fintech companies

“A lot of fintech innovation that’s being

really need the operational powers to

led by mega corporations and huge banks,

deliver their services to customers,” Lead

they’re not approaching financial services

Bank’s CEO Josh Rowland said. In 2018,

from the standpoint of the responsibilities

Rowland was named as one of the 10

of community banks,” Rowland said. “It’s

Most Innovative CEOs in Banking.

our responsibility to provide economic

The relationship between banks and

development in the communities in which

fintech companies wasn’t always so

we’re situated.

symbiotic, most banks will admit. There’s

“Our role is to put community banking and

been a long history of animosity between

development at the heart of all our fintech

the two industries based on mutual distrust and competition.

But that’s changing in Kansas City, and rapidly.

“In the last two years, fintechs have realized they need banks to scale up 36

thinking bigger business | march 2019

Josh Rowland, CEO of Lead Bank

work,” he continued. “We approach our fintech partners with a perspective of: Is this fair service and ethical practice? Is this fitting for a community bank to do?”

think of Kansas City as a city four months

have to keep innovating to make sure our

Wealth — a participant in the Fountain City

Parker Graham, CEO of startup Destiny

ago,” Pettet said. “It’s changing our brand as

community gets the services it needs.”

Fintech accelerator — said he foresees

a city nationally.

that in the course of the next year or so, traditional banking services will continue partnering with fintech companies.

“I think we’re starting to see a more symbiotic relationship there,” Graham said.

“We’re starting to pick up some

Moving for ward Going forward into the new year, both community banks have big plans on the

fintech companies approach partnerships

fintech side: Rowland says Lead Bank is

through a ‘let’s get better together’ attitude

in the development process for at least

to help clients and consumers.”

three to five new fintech pair-ups, and the

Fintech is still a relatively novel development in the world of financial services, which places NBKC and Lead Bank in the visionary but frustrating position of

partnerships, both in and outside of

momentum as being more than a cow town.”

“I think, more and more, we’ll see banks and

‘More than a cow town’

NBKC also is looking to expand its

the accelerator.

Thanks to Fountain City Fintech’s success in 2018, Pettet and Program Manager Megan Darnell are already making plans for 2019 — with the caveat of promoting more businesses based right here in KC. “We love that we’re able to bring outside

company plans to expand the services it

companies and keep them here,” Pettet

offers through traditional banking products.

said. “But imagine who we could be and

“We want to make sure that we continue

how much we could grow as a city if we

to serve clients in a community bank-

actually started these companies in our

focused kind of way,” Rowland said. “We

own backyard.”

seeing Kansas City’s potential as a fintech hub — and its shortcomings.

“We’re still in the second inning of a nine-inning baseball game when it comes

New Entrepreneurs Need Your Help!

to fintech,” Pettet said. “But I think large companies have started taking action to understand the market, and they’re getting involved in the conversation.”

Rowland also has observed the slow traction in Kansas City’s fintech wave, despite last year’s momentum.

“We have multiple globally powerful institutions and financial services here, which are the seedbed of financial services innovation,” Rowland said. “We should be taking advantage of the local resources. We could be doing much more.”

Although KC may be slow out of the gate when it comes to a cohesive fintech movement, NBKC and Lead Bank’s accomplishments in the past two years have attracted attention from both coasts.

www.kansascity.score.org

Volunteer and join our professional team offering free mentoring/workshops.

SCORE is a non-profit partner of the Small Business Administration

“We’ve gotten a lot of questions from people all over the country that didn’t even connect. build. grow.

37

in focus innovation in banking

Fountain City Fintech, an accelerator hosted by NBKC bank, brought six financial technology founders to Kansas City and helped them to refine and launch their products. The accelerator was led by Zach Pettet (center) and Megan Darnell.

Successful starts: the fintech side Three of Fountain City Fintech’s founders

emergency savings account, promotes financial literacy and offers capital access to clients in case of emergency.

“We want to provide a sustainable way

spoke to Thinking Bigger about their

to build up a financial cushion — that‘s

experience with the accelerator, the big

essentially our mission,“ Washington said.

starts for their companies and Kansas City’s next moves in fintech.

Onward Financial Inc .

Shortly after Washington graduated from NBKC’s accelerator in December, successes

the Center for Financial Services Innovation.

The program, which provides its members with $125,000 in capital plus partnership and mentorship opportunities, selected only five U.S. startups.

Washington said something special is happening with financial innovation in Kansas City.

started rolling in for his startup, Onward. In early December, Washington received a $1

“The number of community banks in the

million grant (along with $40,000 in technical

area lends itself to a lot of conversation

Washington, it’s been a year of wins.

assistance) from the Rockefeller Foundation

about innovative ways of doing banking

Headquartered in Washington‘s

and the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative as part of

products, especially for vulnerable,

the Communities Thrive Challenge.

marginalized or forgotten communities,”

For Fountain City Fintech alumnus Ronnie

hometown of Washington, D.C., Onward Financial Inc. is a nonprofit employer-based

In January, Onward won an exclusive spot

Washington said.

savings and credit app that helps workers

in New York-based Financial Services Lab

“I’m from D.C. and I went to school in

save directly from their paychecks into an

(FinLab), headed by JPMorgan Chase and

the Bay Area. That level of access, plus

38

thinking bigger business | march 2019

the community’s willingness to open up a

Destiny is a mobile debt-optimization

network to new startup founders, is really

app that helps users calculate, step by step,

powerful and really hard to come by on

how much money they should spend on

either coast.

debt payoffs. Debt optimization takes

“Having been in Kansas City, I haven’t found that culture anywhere else.”

money already being used to make payments and automatically reorganizes it to show users how to pay off debts as efficiently as possible.

D e s t i n y We a l t h A former Baltimore Ravens player and now financial adviser-turned-entrepreneur, CEO Parker Graham started his company Destiny Wealth to help clients strategically overcome their unpaid debts.

Graham was inspired to start the business after watching his mother, a nurse, struggle

While Destiny’s model is user-friendly for any age, Graham particularly hopes to help

the benefits and impact from that at a very quick pace.”

Graham describes his 75-day tenure at the NBKC accelerator as “fantastic” and “a breath of fresh air,” largely due to NBKC’s characterfocused company culture and the resources provided for entrepreneurs. The program was monumental to fast-tracking Destiny for success.

“If we hadn’t had that program or the

millennials, of which a staggering 46 percent already experience credit card debt.

Already, Destiny is making massive

events it put on, we wouldn’t be where we are today,” Graham said.

strides, saving users on average $3,000 a year. “(Destiny) allows us the ability to impact

Graham sees the destiny of Kansas City fintech as a bright one and said he thinks that the community’s openness and hunger

with mounting debts for several years of

a whole lot of people in a short amount of

for new technology and businesses will be

his childhood.

time,” Graham said. “We’re already seeing

key to future innovations.

www.eliteeventsmo.com | 816-390-2908

connect. build. grow.

39

new house while learning about the buying

Chad Johnson, NBKC helped connect

KC, and we’re just getting started,” Graham

“You can win in finance and fintech here in

process. Digs also contributes funds specific

them with resources they were missing as

said. “We’re lucky to be at the ground level

to home buying for its users.

a team focused in fields of real estate and

of what’s happening here, and hopefully we can be one of the success stories. We hope we can provide people with a model that really changes the way they look at debt.”

McLoughlin thinks the app will have a significant impact on millennial users, as

experience with an executive team and

many are entering the home-buying phase

bankers that educated his business on

of life.

the regulatory aspects of operating a

“Our app puts homebuyers on the journey

Digs Buying a home doesn’t have to be

technology. It allowed them one-on-one

fintech company.

McLoughlin credits Kansas City’s

of making safe financial decisions; it helps

difficult; just ask CEO Pat McLoughlin,

them put away money in a slow fashion,”

openness toward startups as key for the

who’s expanding financial literacy on the

McLoughlin said. “And while they’re saving,

accelerator’s success. After struggling with

very subject.

they’re learning about things that will

an exclusive startup culture in Chicago, it

ultimately make them better buyers down

was a relief to find a program like NBKC’s.

McLoughlin was inspired to start his mobile app Digs after buying a house at age 25 — and watching his friends of the same age fumble through the process.

Digs is an educational home savings app that helps new home buyers save for a

the road.”

“Both the city and NBKC were very

“Digs can really improve financial literacy

receptive to listening to the struggles that a

when it comes to the millennial generation

lot of fintech companies face getting into the

and everything real estate-related.”

industry, and its program is built around that:

For McLoughlin and his co-founder

making it easier,” McLoughlin said.

Content Calendar Here’s what topics are coming up in future editions of Thinking Bigger. Want to be a part of it?

Contact editor@ithinkbigger.com or sales@ithinkbigger.com to learn how to get involved.

40

Month

Focus

Content Deadline

Ad RSVP

Ad Deadline

APRIL

Technology

February 1st

March 1st

March 11th

MAY

The Northland

March 1st

March 28th

April 11th

JUNE

Legal

April 1st

April 26th

May 9th

JULY

Certifications

May 1st

May 29th

June 4th

AUGUST

Eastern Jackson County

June 1st

June 28th

July 2nd

SEPTEMBER

Health Care

July 1st

July 26th

August 1st

OCTOBER

Food Services

August 1st

August 26th

September 3rd

NOVEMBER

South Kansas City

September 1st

October 1st

October 7th

DECEMBER

Manufacturing

October 1st

November 1st

November 4th

thinking bigger business | march 2019

connect. build. grow.

41

smart management

Let the Gig Economy Work for Your Business When, why and how to hire a freelancer.

We used to say the way of the future was freelancing.

That’s no longer the case — the future is here now.

We’re in the middle of an industrial revolution. No longer are people clamoring for full-time jobs. Now they want to be their own bosses or “solopreneurs.”

The face of the workforce is rapidly changing. More than 30 percent of the U.S. population currently freelances full- or

of hands. Or maybe you could use a fresh perspective.

Need help but can’t afford a full-time employee? A freelancer or contractor can fill the shoes without you having to pay overhead, benefits or vacation.

Struggling to fill a full-time position?

part-time. By 2020, that number is

This may be the wake-up call you weren’t

expected to rise to 40 percent. With its

expecting. It could be time to re-evaluate

current growth rate, it’s predicted that the

the way you think about the traditional

majority of Americans will freelance by 2027.

work model.

The question is, are you ready? Are you

For example, if your company isn’t big

prepared to embrace this outsourcing

enough to sustain its own full-time

business model? With what’s coming (or

marketing department, consider eliciting

already here!), it’s important to be aware of

the talents of a freelancer — or form a

best practices and industry standards to

virtual agency with a few freelancers — to

ensure you’re well equipped for this new

fill that gap, whether for one project or as a

normal: the gig economy.

year-round resource partner.

When to hire a f reelancer

What to expect

• Deposits // Often a third to a half of the estimate up front • Contracts // Working agreements that protect both parties • Payment terms of net 30 days // Not when you get paid by your client • Rush rates and late fees // Depending on the situation and relationship The best client/vendor relationships are built upon communication and respect.

Communicate well and often. Set deadlines and expectations. Be honest throughout the entire process. And be mindful of expectations, one’s time and payments.

The money question Freelancers’ rates are going to vary.

There is no “going rate” for, say, a graphic designer because there are so many

Outsourcing work can come in handy for

Everyone’s different. Every self-employed

a variety of reasons. Maybe an employee

individual has his or her own policies

is out for vacation, maternity leave or an

and procedures.

extended illness. Perhaps your current team is overloaded and could use an extra set 42

thinking bigger business | march 2019

However, the following have become commonplace and industry standard:

variables involved, such as: • Years of experience • Training or schooling • Talent level • Awards won

• Demand • Where they live (Cost of living makes a difference.)

You can save a lot of money by outsourcing to an independent contractor

resource such as The Freelance Exchange

on industry standards, it’s essential

(FXofKC.com) a free, easy-to-use,

you’re ready.

searchable database of talented and savvy advertising/marketing freelancers in KC. Set yourself up for success by doing some

simply because they don’t have the

research ahead of time. View a candidate’s

overhead, so their rates will be cheaper.

website and business social media pages.

As with anything, though, you get what you pay for. Comparing a $25/hour freelancer to a $125/hour freelancer is comparing apples to oranges. And, of course, not everyone charges by the hour.

What to expect Ask friends and peers for a referral, do a

Interview them. View their work samples.

Ensure the fit is right for you, not just with the work but with their personality as well.

Ask questions so you know how they work and what to expect.

Entering the gig economy The workforce as we know it is changing

Google search, scour an online job board or

right before our eyes. The gig economy is

use an internet data pool. Locally, you

taking over and quickly. Whether you’re

could go through a headhunter or use a

charting new waters here or need a refresher

A few tips: • Be open to new workflow strategies.

• Be cognizant of freelance policies and procedures.

• Be humble enough to welcome new ways of doing things.

• Be communicative and respectful.

Following these strategies will get you far.

Julie Cortes is an award-winning freelance advertising/ marketing copywriter and proofreader, the founder of The Freelance Exchange of KC, an adjunct professor at the Kansas City Art Institute, a public speaker and professional coach. // copydiva@juliecortes.com // 913.484.8350 // KCFreelanceExchange.com

Commercial . Industrial Data/Comm Design Build Utility . Prime MO: 909 Troost, KCMO 64106 KS: 3236 N. 7th St, KCKS 66115

816-842-7023 www.markone.com

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43

smart law

The New Wave: Surf-by Lawsuits Business websites targeted for ADA compliance issues.

The Americans with Disabilities Act provides the basic legal requirement that employers must not discriminate against individuals who are qualified for a job, with or without a reasonable accommodation.

44

thinking bigger business | march 2019

Although the ADA applies to private

In one eye-opening ruling, a court entered

employers with 15 or more employees

a verdict against a business because its

(note: some state laws have lower coverage

website did not interface properly with a

If your company website accepts

thresholds), there is an often-overlooked

visually impaired person.

orders, posts goods or services for

requirement of the ADA. In addition to the ADA’s employment

In this case, the company did not sell any products on its website but allowed users

aspects, businesses (including those

to add coupons to their loyalty cards, find

with fewer than 15 employees) that are

the nearest brick-and-mortar store and refill

considered places of public accommodation

orders for in-store pick-up.

are required to comply with ADA Title III with respect to the goods and services they provide to the public.

The surf-by lawsuit

The disabled person complained that he

sale, permits customer reviews and testimonials, takes reservations, provides addresses and directions to business locations, accepts job applications, includes FAQs, has email or chat features or has any other online presence, you should

was deterred from shopping at the store

make sure these aspects are acces-

because he could not review and select

sible to persons with disabilities.

digital coupons (which also were provided in print form), could not easily locate a store

Remember, it’s not just visual impairments

online through the company’s website (even

to be considered when making your website

be “accessible” to persons with disabilities.

though he could obtain that information

compliant with the law. Some of the more

While this requirement was traditionally

from an accessible search engine) and

common website accessibility issues affect

considered to cover “brick-and-mortar”

could not refill his orders online for in-store

individuals with hearing impairments and

building access issues, Title III of the ADA

pick up.

those who are unable to use a mouse and

What this means is that the goods and services a business offers to the public must

also has been interpreted to require that

The court found that because the website

the website of a business be accessible to

offered services and because those services

persons with disabilities.

had a sufficient nexus to a physical store,

Significantly, during 2018, more than 1,000

the website of the business was covered

lawsuits were filed alleging that the websites

by Title III of the ADA and was required to

of businesses failed to comply with the ADA.

be accessible.

For years, businesses have been forced to deal with “drive-by” lawsuits under Title III of the ADA. These lawsuits typically involve a prospective plaintiff, or the plaintiff’s attorney, simply driving by or

W h a t s h o u l d b u s i n e s s e s d o?

The rise of “surf-by” lawsuits challenging businesses’ websites is inevitable.

Businesses need to be proactive to ensure

entering any businesses with technical ADA

their websites meet legal compliance

violations, such as inaccessible entrances

standards before a legal situation develops.

or improperly graded entrance ramps, and filing a lawsuit without warning.

Now, court decisions have paved the way

If your company website accepts orders, posts goods or services for sale, permits customer reviews and testimonials, takes

for a new type of lawsuit under Title III of the

reservations, provides addresses and

ADA — the “surf-by” lawsuit. In these cases,

directions to business locations, accepts

a plaintiff or his or her attorney simply needs

job applications, includes FAQs, has

to log onto a company’s website, regardless

email or chat features or has any other

of whether any sales are conducted on the

online presence, you should make sure

site, and determine whether the website

these aspects are accessible to persons

properly interfaces with disabled persons.

with disabilities.

must navigate with a keyboard, touchscreen or voice recognition software.

While the Department of Justice has not yet set forth any requirements or regulations for website accessibility, courts have looked to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines published by the World Wide Web Consortium for guidance. The WCAG provides web designers with criteria for making digital content more accessible to those with disabilities.

One approach to deterring and preventing such lawsuits is to consult with legal counsel or an accessibility consultant to identify any barriers to access on your company’s website, and prepare and implement an appropriate remediation plan.

As has always been the case, taking appropriate preventive measures is the best defense against Title III lawsuits – and it may open doors to a brand new customer base.

Greg Ballew is a partner with Fisher Phillips, a Kansas City, Mo., management-side labor and employment law firm. // (816) 842-8770 // gballew@fisherphillips.com

connect. build. grow.

45

smart sales

How to Manage a New Salesperson Training doesn’t stop after a few weeks on the job.

Editor’s note: In part 1 in the February issue, Ryann Dowdy covered hiring a salesperson.

Once they’re on the team, the focus shifts to training, measuring and managing.

New-hire training is an important part of making sure you set your new sales person up for success.

Use different tactics and ways to let your new hire get familiar with your organization and their new colleagues.

46

thinking bigger business | march 2019

Classroom training

sales cycle is three to six months. They’re

sales team and going over the

already drinking from a fire hose — there’s

business. Celebrate wins, talk about

(yes, even for your more experienced seller),

no reason to add in any information that isn’t

challenges and get an overall feel for

product training, sales process and ideal

relevant in the next few days and weeks.

how things are going in the field.

This includes things like sales training

client profile are things that can be taught in a classroom setting.

Even if it’s one-on-one, walking your new hire through these key fundamentals is important. I strongly recommend teaching this versus video-style training. This gives people the opportunity to ask questions, brainstorm ideas, and get clarification.

Make sure to schedule ongoing check

important information about business

client onboarding, billing, invoicing, etc.

or process updates.

Measuring and managing Before you can measure OR manage a

Ride-alongs, proposal-building, brainstorming sessions and client meetings are great opportunities to introduce your new sales person to how you do business.

This is a teaching moment in many ways but also gives them the confidence that you

pieces for success for your sales team. Make sure you’re taking time at

but the main areas to measure might be:

• Prospecting activity: emails, phone calls, networking

• New business meetings: in person or over the phone

• Pitch/recommendation/ask meetings: how often are we asking

might sell.

for money?

The more they can see your business in

• Closing meetings: getting contracts

action, the faster they will learn your culture

signed, setting up onboarding, etc.

Time with team members Another way to make sure your sales

• New clients You should be managing all of these things to some extent, but depending upon

person is confident in what they sell is to let

your business model, one or two might be

them spend time with other team mem-

more important than others.

bers. Introduce them to product owners, upper-level management and coordinators alike. Let them spend 30 minutes asking questions and learning their new environment and company.

Wa l k b e f o r e y o u c a n r u n

training is one of the most critical

activity they should be focused on.

have the infrastructure to fulfill anything they

and your process.

3 | Ongoing Sales Training // Sales

sales person, you need to be clear on the

This will be different for each business,

Job shadow opportunities

This is also a great time to disperse

points to teach skills like order entry, new

Now that we know what to measure - how do we manage salespeople?

1 | Weekly One-on-Ones // Sit down with each member of your sales team

least one a month to train your team.

You will feel like you’re consistently training on the same things over and over again — do it anyway. Sales moves fast. We have a tendency to take short cuts and let our clients drive the process. Keep training.

4 | Ride Alongs // Whether you’re running inside or outside sales calls, you need to make sure you’re out in the field with your team regularly.

This is a great way to coach, build relationships with clients and spend some one-on-one time with your team. From your least-experienced rookie to your most tenured sales pro, ride alongs are great opportunities to keep your finger on the pulse of what is going in the field.

Make no mistake, finding good sales

every single week to do a quick

people that are a fit for your organization can

pipeline review. This will help you

be hard. Making sure you’ve got the tools,

Learning any kind of new job is a lot of

manage the business, spot any “red

resources and processes in place will help

information. It is important to make sure that

flags” in your salesperson’s activity

you KEEP the good ones and weed out the

there is ongoing training as your new hire

and find coaching opportunities.

bad ones quickly.

ramps up.

For instance, there is no reason to teach order entry during their first week, if your

2 | Ongoing Sales Meetings // At least once a month (if not twice) you should be sitting down with your

Ryann Dowdy is the founder of Uncensored Consulting and is experienced in training, building and growing sales organizations.

connect. build. grow.

47

scaleup! kc

Business in Bloom Program plants the seeds for new ways to make landscaping, nursery more profitable.

W

illiam Gibson spent his early career running a traditional

lawn and landscape business.

But in 2013, the entrepreneur decided to

drought-resistant plants. Cities also

A new perspective Now, he sees it from a different lens.

For starters, Gibson looked at his financial reports differently thanks to ScaleUP! Instead of looking solely at the income statement to make decisions, he put a bigger emphasis on cash flow to gauge business health.

In the past, he might have taken on any job to make money. It included small

have looked to rain gardens to manage

residential projects and large commercial

storm water.

projects that were at times outside their

The Gibsons needed help scaling to

expertise level of green projects. ScaleUP!

make sure they didn’t get swallowed up by

experts asked him to think differently. How

growing pains.

much did it cost the business to switch

It led them to ScaleUP! KC, a free program offered by the University of Missouri-Kansas City Innovation Center with support from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. The

gears when taking on clients outside their typical scope of work?

Gibson has started to better screen clients up front to make sure it’s a right fit.

risk it all. Gibson sold his old business and

program includes classes, peer mentoring,

followed his dream. He and his wife opened

professional guidance and more. It’s open

the now: What’s the most immediate thing

an environmentally-friendly lawn and

to small businesses that operate in a small

we need to take care of now?” he says.

landscape business, Down to Earth Services.

market capable of supporting more than

The business designs, installs and maintains

$1 million in annual sales and who want to

time and energy into capturing larger

native plants.

rapidly grow their business.

clients. The time is ideal given the massive

But they quickly learned it was nearly impossible to find a wide variety of locally sourced native plants consistently. It prompted him to open Green Thumb Gardens, a niche nursery offering an extensive variety of native plants, in 2015.

Together, the two businesses have thrived. The nursery started as a way to offer wholesale supply to Down to Earth and others. But it’s evolved into a seasonal retail pop-up near 30th Street and Troost Avenue.

Growin g lIke a weed The couple hasn’t looked back. What

ScaleUP! experts almost immediately impacted Gibson’s business.

On their advice, Gibson used data to create long-term financial projections for his business. Then he worked backward to determine how to make those projections come true.

It holds Gibson accountable. Instead of spending time putting out the proverbial

stormwater projects happening throughout the metro.

“It’s allowed me to start focusing on where we’re taking the company. One of the big things for us is getting in on the big infrastructure projects,” he says.

It’s important, he says, because statistically, many green landscaping projects fail. This is where his business stands out. Gibson hires employees with a background in environmental science.

spend his time on scaling and working on

He pays them more, but it allows the

long-term goals.

company to succeed where others fall flat.

“They retrain you how to think, which is crazy because you think, ‘I’ve got this

into a thriving business as consumers

figured out. I knew what I was doing,’”

turn away from fertilizers and look for

he says.

thinking bigger business | march 2019

The shift has allowed him to target his

small fires, ScaleUP! experts asked him to

started as a brave new adventure has turned

48

“We were just living day-to-day, living in

His employees know how to create the ecosystem necessary to start native plants.

ScaleUP! opened his mind to several ideas, including creating more partnerships

sponsored content

entrepreneurs

William and Natalie Gibson company Information

Down To Earth Services Green Thumb Gardens type of business

Down to Earth Services designs, installs and maintains native plants.

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Learn more at ScaleUpKC.com

he went to his coach with a challenge. The coach, whom he will continue to see, offered a plethora of solutions or resources.

Gibson also plans to stay in touch with the other entrepreneurs in his ScaleUP! cohort. with larger engineering firms that could help

ScaleUP! advisors showed him how that

the business grow.

hurt productivity.

ScaleUP! experts also opened his mind to the idea of franchising.

“Franchising had never crossed my mind,” he says. “The garden retail part of it is definitely something that can be franchised.”

It’s a model that would succeed in similar

On their advice, he created “work bibles” that are akin to checklists to make sure every employee knows what’s expected of them.

The staff also meets weekly to talk about each project. It means he doesn’t have to micromanage every job and complete tasks that others have left behind.

climates where the same native plants

Employees have thrived with the

might grow.

added responsibility.

Propagating knowledge To get there, though, Gibson has learned

“It’s allowed the people underneath me to spread their wings a little more and be in charge,” he says.

that he needs to trust the stellar employees he hired. He used to think it was an asset to have the owner show up at every job site. If

He considers them all trusted allies. Before ScaleUP! he didn’t have many entrepreneurs to lean on for advice.

“That’s an invaluable tool,” he says. “You wouldn’t just have that.”

Gibson’s wife and business co-owner, Natalie, says ScaleUP! has given her husband a fresh perspective on some nagging business challenges.

“It definitely re-energized him and gave him an extra oomph,” she says.

William Gibson recommends the program to anyone looking to take their business to the next level.

“This whole thing is free – get out of here.

‘A n i n v a l u a b l e t o o l ’ ScaleUP! business coaches were among

someone didn’t do their job, Gibson would

the more valuable components of the

fill in and pick up the slack. Ultimately,

program, he says. Gibson was amazed when

It’s insane!,” he exclaimed. “It’s insane that I applied and did this for free.”

Dawn Bormann is a freelance writer in Kansas City. connect. build. grow.

49

big shots

canstruction Pulse Design Group of Lenexa participated in February’s Canstruction Kansas City exhibit at Oak Park Mall. The snow day

event features teams of local architects, engineers and

Messner Bee Farm brought on a new snowman beekeeper

contractors creating displays like this Pikachu. The cans are

during a January snow day in Raytown.

donated to Harvesters Community Food Network.

coworking

workshop The Asian American Chamber of Commerce Kansas City hosted “Working Across Cultures Effectively” on Jan. 29 at Mazuma Credit Union in Overland Park.

50

thinking bigger business | march 2019

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Cheers to Business!

Kansas City’s Premier Networking Happy Hour If you’ve got the time, we’ve got the connections. Join Thinking Bigger for our quarterly networking event, Cheers to Business, where we host conversations with Kansas City business leaders and entrepreneurs as we discover different breweries, wineries, and distilleries around town. Raise your glass to expanding your network with Thinking Bigger.

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thinking bigger business | march 2019