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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“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
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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.
Are You Going into March Mania without a Strong Team? Midwest report shows KC underperformed by $100M in 2018 According to a 2019 report released by Silicon Prairie News, Kansas City underperformed by at least $100
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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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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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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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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
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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. Green Thumb Gardens is a niche nursery offering an extensive variety of native plants for retail and wholesale markets. a r e y o u r e a d y t o s c a l e u p?
ScaleUP! Kansas City—a free programfor KC small businesses— is looking forcompanies that want to supercharge their growth. 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
LOOKING FOR A UNIQUE OFFICE EXPERIENCE THAT WILL IMPRESS YOUR CLIENTS? THE BOX WILL PROVIDE BUSINESSES, CONTRACTORS, FREE-LANCERS, ENTREPRENEURS WITH AN EXCEPTIONAL LOCATION WITH AN AFFORDABLE CO-WORKING SPACE TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS.
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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