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CONTENTS TK BUSINESS MAGAZINE | MAY 2020
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TENDER LOVING CARE PET NURSING HOTEL
Aging pets sometimes need more tender loving care when they are away from home.
Photos by EMMA HIGHFILL
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CONTENTS TK BUSINESS MAGAZINE | MAY 2020
Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL
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LEAP OF FAITH
Being an entrepreneur takes more than hard work; it takes a leap of faith.
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MANUFACTURERS INVESTING FOR THE FUTURE Hill’s, Reser’s Fine Foods and Mars Wrigley are once again investing in the future of manufacturing in Topeka.
Meet the 2020 Class.
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THE PROFESSOR
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CALL OF DOODY
@tk_business_
The dean of Washburn University School of Business shares the seven key attributes great leaders share.
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It takes a special kind of entrepreneur to turn No. 2 into a viable business opportunity.
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LEADERSHIP LESSONS LEARNED ALONG THE WAY
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WORKING THROUGH COVID-19
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ON THE COVER
LEAP OF FAITH ENTREPRENEURS Lori McNorton, Jon DeMeo, Angie Grau and Ashley Carson
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FROM THE PUBLISHER
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WE RISE
Tara Dimick Tara@TKMagazine.com
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There are moments in time where we are forced to do things differently, to see things differently. Times that give us a new environment, a new situation and a new perspective that doesn’t allow the “this is how it’s always been done” to even work. Times when you want to throw your hands in the air and give up, but you can’t. And from these hardships—these opportunities—we rise. Whether what keeps us motivated is the dream or the bills, we rise. Every business owner I have talked to over the last several months is adapting. It is in their nature to bob, weave and throw a few punches as they navigate each challenge that they are confronted with. Those punches are filled with innovation, creativity and probably a little anger and frustration. But the key is that they keep fighting. We also grieve. The losses have been great. I had to close a business a few years ago, and it continues to haunt me as I mourn that loss, that failure. I still ask myself constantly—why did I give up, where did I go wrong? But this storm is different… this storm feels out of our control. No matter. We are resilient. We are fighters. We are creative, innovative and strong. And today is not the day we stay down. Today is the day we rise. We rise to survive. We rise to learn. We rise to serve. We rise to thrive. As with all storms, this one will eventually end. We must not miss the opportunity that the storm presents… What will you do differently? What should stay the same? Where do we go from here? Don’t just ride out of the storm. Rise.
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ONLINE ONLY PROFILE OF A BUSINESS OWNER SERIES Special online-only TK Business series of interviews with local business owners. Get the inside scoop on local entrepreneurs.
LOVE & BOOKS: ROUND TABLE BOOKSTORE The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting shutdown has fundamentally changed the way that Round Table does business, making it impossible to be the cultural center and gathering place that they have aimed to be since opening. Read more online.
GOOD GROUND IN HARD TIMES The Fords are determined to ride out the pandemic, just as they’ve endured through other setbacks, but they’ve had to get creative in providing alternatives to shoppers. Read more online.
BUSINESS GROWTH
NEW DISTRIBUTION CENTER Cameron Ashley Building Products announced the opening of their Topeka Distribution Center.
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MEET THE TK TEAM Learn more about our team of writers and photographers. This month we are featuring writers Samantha Egan and Miranda Ericsson, and staff photographer Emma Highfill.
TECHNOLOGY FUNNY MEMES OR PHISHING IDENTITY THEFT AND EXPLOITATION Olga Detrixhe Nex-Tech
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LEAPof 10
By MIRANDA ERICSSON Photos by EMMA HIGHFILL
may 2020
TK Business Magazine
FAITH
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Angie Grau, owner of Paper June, brought her dream for Topeka to life with a store that inspires children to love to read and create art.
paper june
Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL
DREAM Angie Grau dreams big. At Paper June, she wants to cultivate an arts community for children and grow a love of reading in our youngest citizens. Grau imagines a future Topeka brightened by innovators and big thinkers who developed their problem-solving skills through creativity and play. She opened her small business in the NOTO Arts & Entertainment District to accomplish these goals, by enriching the lives of children. Grau describes Paper June as a children’s book and creativity shop. It’s not only a bookstore, it’s also a space for creativity and an event venue. Somewhere in the back of her mind, she had been dreaming of such a space for many years, but she didn’t picture herself as the founder. “I can’t really say that this was my dream,” Grau said, “not exactly. I would say how nice it would be to see a place in Topeka that could bring kids together as an arts community, or talk about the kind of bookstore I’d like to see for my kids. It was just talking among friends about how cool it would be. Then a friend agreed that it would be great and said that I should be the one to make it happen. At first I laughed it off, but the idea took hold.”
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BELIEVE Once the idea took hold, Grau couldn’t shake it off, even though striking out on her own would mean big changes for herself and her family. Grau had been
working at Advisors Excel for about six years when she made the decision to go out on her own, leaving the comfort and security of a job with one of Topeka’s beloved employers. “It wasn’t an easy decision,” Grau said, “but the timing was right. I was at the top of my form in my work with Advisors Excel, and I was ready to change and grow. I was at a point in my career where I wanted to do something bigger than myself. I wanted to see the positive impact I could make on our community, and I believe that reading, writing and art, and learning through play have the power to transform the minds of kiddos. I believe these things are the building blocks to a successful education and future.” Grau points out that her time working at Advisors Excel was extremely influential in her decision to open Paper June. Colleagues and friends from AE supported Grau on her journey, beginning with encouragement to pursue her “wouldn’t it be cool” idea, and on to brainstorming and providing feedback to help Grau name her business, design the logo and build the store’s online presence. “AE taught me a lot about building relationships and never being complacent at work,” Grau said. “I also learned what type of business I want to own and what kind of boss I want to become. Cody Foster was so supportive, and gave me great advice. I learned how vital it is for businesses to support the local
DON
community—that being a local business comes with responsibility for supporting, growing and loving our community.”
QUIXOTE
RISKS Perhaps most importantly, Advisors Excel built Angie’s confidence, so that she felt comfortable taking a big risk. “AE taught me that it’s OK to take a risk and ‘fail,’” Grau said. “Not succeeding in the way you anticipated isn’t true failure. Real failure is giving up, giving in or not trying at all.” Opening a children’s bookstore and creative space has inherent risks. A business that serves children from infancy through elementary age has a smaller target market. The average years that customers will frequent the store is less than it would be for a traditional bookstore. And of course, as the owner and person in charge, Grau takes most of the responsibility for any hiccups. “If there is an accounting error, it was me,” Grau said. “If there was an issue with inventory, it was me. If someone cried on the phone to the Department of Revenue because she was confused and overwhelmed, it was me. It’s all on me, and that is hard… and scary. Some of the best advice I received before opening the business was to figure out where your time is best spent and work with people to assist in some of the other areas.
JUNE 27 at 7:30PM JUNE 28 at 1:30PM LACEE SANDGREN, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
TOPEKA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
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My First Ballet: Pirates &
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Paper June is a children’s bookstore and a creativity shop that serves children from infancy through elementary age.
Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL
Someday, I am going to take that advice!” Grau sees the greatest risks of starting a business at this time in her personal life. “Business risks can be worked through,” Grau said. “For me, the family risks are more delicate. As a wife and mom to three, my biggest risk is time away from my family. I stepped away from a Monday through Friday, 8 to 5 career to open my own business.” BALANCE Grau points out that for a business owner, it is harder to truly be “off work.” A business owner is often worrying, planning and brainstorming even when they are not on the job site. Fortunately, Grau has a great partner in her husband. She is optimistic about achieving a good balance between work and home. “In our family, we often tell our kids, ‘family first,’” Grau said. “I have a feeling this will be a lifelong battle that will ebb and flow, but I need family time. It hurts to find out my youngest
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said new words while I was working, or there was a funny joke I missed. I know I can’t be home 24/7 and run a successful business. I’m going to miss some things at home, and I’m going to miss some things at the shop. Both Paper June (and my family) will be better for the balance, and my kids get to see their mom building a business and bringing joy to kids.” NEXT Now that Paper June is established and off to a good start, Grau is thinking ahead to her next steps, which means more risk. In the next two years, Grau hopes to host more events. She would like to hire a curriculum director with a background in art education, and to grow the art space. She plans to introduce preschool art programs during the day, and to connect with homeschool families. She also wants to continue building her business-to-business relationships, including doctors’ offices who can help her get books into the hands of kids.
TK Business Magazine
“The possibilities are endless,” Grau said. “I get new ideas every day, and I’m listening to the kids, parents, and grandparents who visit my shop, to hear their ideas, too.” PASSION Grau has no doubt that her leap of faith was the right call. Her sincere passion and enthusiasm for her mission lights up her face when she speaks about her shop. “On any given day, a child will walk through the door at Paper June and his or her eyes will light up and a big smile will fill that little face. A grandma will sit for half an hour reading every board book on the shelf. A child who doesn’t like to read will beg mom or dad to buy a chapter book. Kids will create something beautiful in the studio and beam with pride. And Charli recently told me that she is proud to be my daughter, and proud of the store. She asked if she could work there when she grows up. So, naturally, I cried.”
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COVID-19 UPDATE How has the stay at home order impacted the way that you work? ANGIE: Paper June is nonessential so we packed up the store and brought it home. I provide a personal shopper experience through social media or email, and I launched an online store. We offer free local delivery in Topeka and all items are left on the doorstep or in the mailbox to avoid contact with families. We moved our classes from the art studio to Zoom! We hand-deliver art supplies to students and conduct Zoom classes online. It’s so great to see the kiddos’ faces and connect with them virtually. Has the shutdown affected your strategy? ANGIE: Our number one priority right now is family—my family and yours. My strategy is the same. My mission is the same. My place is different. I still want to nurture and encourage creativity through reading, writing, art and play. I still aim to provide amazing service in a comfortable setting. And we’re doing that—online.
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Jon DeMeo, owner of Top City Creative, strives to be creative, fun and efficient for his clients throughout the collaborative process.
Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL
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MISSION Jon DeMeo, owner of Top City Creative, believes that generosity starts today. Growing up, he saw his parents giving to others, always willing to offer a hand up to those in need. Their example inspired his commitment to nonprofit organizations and small businesses. DeMeo wanted to do more to help nonprofits achieve their missions, so he went into business on his own. For DeMeo, the work is part of a personal mission to do good for others. “Our faith drives everything that we do,” DeMeo said. “My wife, Elaine, and I want to live our beliefs, and we want to model generosity for our kids.” Top City Creative assists small businesses and nonprofits by providing high quality marketing that includes graphic design, branding and video production. DeMeo says that Top City Creative forms relationships, becoming a part of the team that is working to accomplish the organization’s mission. Each project is personal, and Top City Creative crafts custom solutions that fit the needs of the organization. DeMeo’s background is in communications and design, and he has always worked in the nonprofit realm. He points to his work with Trash Mountain Project, based in Topeka, as the starting place for his dream of owning his own business that would help nonprofits reach their goals. “Trash Mountain Project has been a catalyst for my career aspirations,”
DeMeo said, “and I had the opportunity to help grow the organization from its very early stages. I worked for them for four and a half years and still continue to contract with them.” Just prior to starting Top City Creative, DeMeo worked full time in communications for Topeka Public Schools, focused on design and social media marketing. He enjoyed the work and learned a great deal, but he felt a career transition approaching. FREEDOM “My wife and I were looking for something in our lives that would give us more family and financial freedom,” DeMeo said. “We knew that it was time for a transition and
that could have gone in a number of directions. I’d been freelancing in design and video work for years to supplement my income because that was my passion, but as a parent to young children, it’s harder to work in the evening. I could only put in so many hours.” DeMeo decided to start small by setting up the business. Then, after a discussion with his wife, he sent out a bid for a job, with the understanding that if he got that contract, it would require him to quit his fulltime job. He got the contract. He admits that in some ways, it wasn’t an ideal time to make the leap. “I am married, and we have a 2-and-halfyear-old and a 6-year-old,” DeMeo said. “Not really
the best time to risk and give up guaranteed salary and benefits.” INSPIRATION Again, he took inspiration from his parents. He had seen his father in action as a successful entrepreneur when he was growing up, and he admired his mother’s drive and passion and the work that she put in to care for her family. “I saw that it can work, but that it won’t always be easy,” DeMeo said. “And I didn’t want to look back and wish that I had tried.” DeMeo also gives great credit to his wife, saying that without her, Top City Creative would not exist. “Elaine was instrumental in the launch,” he said. “Honestly, without her
support, I would never have gone for it.” DeMeo calls starting his own business a calculated risk. He had nearly a decade of experience in freelancing design and video and a strong background in nonprofit and communications work to build on. In addition to the transferable skills that he gained from this experience, he also developed a keen insight into how donors respond to marketing and communication that crosses over to small businesses. “Top City Creative has the ability to be nimble and flexible,” DeMeo said, “which makes us a good fit. We strive to be creative, fun and efficient throughout the process. Our goal is to be collaborative and
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Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL
“Grow small” is one way Jon DeMeo wants to ensure Top City Creative stays true to its core mission of helping nonprofits and small businesses reach their goals.
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we like to have a lot of fun with the client. Storytelling and marketing are exciting, so we naturally bring energy and excitement to every project we work on.” Of course, even with his background and experience, he was taking a leap of faith by starting his own business, especially financially. “When starting Top City Creative, we didn’t have any sort of infusion of capital or money to bank roll equipment purchases,” DeMeo said. “We learned as we went along, and we are developing the business from the ground up. It has been daunting at times, scary and unknown.”
much to pay for taxes, how much to pay yourself and how much to save is tough. We have worked with a great local accountant to assist with some aspects of this, but just forecasting in general has been difficult.” Another challenge is honoring his mission to help others, while also turning down projects when the company is working at capacity. “I can’t crush myself now if I want to be in this for the long-term,” DeMeo said. “I look for ways to compromise and work with organizations if at all possible, but I’ve had to learn to say no sometimes, too.”
FORECASTING DeMeo says that the biggest challenge has been forecasting. “I’ve never done this before,” DeMeo said, “and when you start the business at zero, knowing how much we need to bring in, how
BALANCE As he plans for the future, DeMeo is determined to stay true to his core mission of helping nonprofits and small businesses to reach their goals, but he wants to “grow small,” with a healthy and sustainable business.
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It is important to DeMeo that he be hands-on with the projects that Top City Creative takes on rather than becoming a manager to a larger staff. He would like to hire one more full-time person, though, to create a bit more breathing room and allow the company to take on more projects. It’s a tricky balance. Despite the challenges, DeMeo already feels that the risk has been worth it. He’s proud of the work that Top City Creative has done, with a list of clients that just keeps growing. “Being a part of building something special with so many amazing supporters has been amazing,” DeMeo said. “The Topeka community has been critical to our success and we are so unbelievably thankful for each and every person that has worked with us, referred us and encouraged us.”
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COVID-19 UPDATE How has the Covid-19 shutdown impacted your work? JON: Client communication. We are hands on, onsite, but now everything has gone to virtual meet-ups. Unfortunately, we had to cancel a few video shoots due to the social distancing orders. Has the current shutdown interfered with your projections or goals for 2020? JON: I think it is too early to tell exactly. Here is what I do know. We aren’t slowing down and will continue to work hard for our small business and nonprofit clients. Immediately I committed to not “taking a break” but to implement new strategies, continue to communicate with clients and even share resources and funding opportunities for small businesses.
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Lori McNorton, owner of Blooms on Boswell, knew from an early age that working with flowers would be a life ambition.
Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL
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CHANCE In December of 2018, Lori McNorton was preparing to downsize and slow down her life when a chance encounter at a holiday party opened an unexpected door. McNorton’s friend, Bill Lierz, who owned Flowers by Bill, had made the decision to retire and close his flower shop, and McNorton couldn’t believe what she was hearing. “I went home and told my husband that I was going to call Bill,” McNorton said. “I just knew. It pulled at my heart. I couldn’t see this shop close.” McNorton decided to take a leap of faith and purchased the flower shop. Everything happened quickly. McNorton and Lierz came to an agreement in December, and McNorton was in place as owner by January. The transition was seamless, and McNorton got her wish—the shop never closed. McNorton began connecting with the shop’s existing customer base while also welcoming her own network of clients from weddings and design projects to her new space. In June of 2019, she rebranded the flower shop as Blooms on Boswell. In the course of only six months, McNorton’s future plans had completely changed direction. “I had no intention of going into business in a retail location,” McNorton
Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL
said. “My husband and I were going to spend more time riding our Harleys and traveling.” However, when the opportunity to own her own floral shop presented itself, McNorton had to follow her heart. FLORIST McNorton knew from an early age that working with flowers would be a part of her life. Both of her grandmothers had beautiful gardens, and she remembers walking with both of them, learning about different types of flowers. There were also many flower shops in Topeka when she was growing up, and she has fond memories of attending open houses and viewings. “I was always drawn to the arts,” McNorton said. “In high school, I was handed a book describing different jobs and
asked to pick one that I might like. I chose florist.” McNorton attended the Kansas School of Floral Design in Lawrence, Kansas, where she learned more about color composition, form, texture and other aspects of design. Her first job was at Char’s Flowers in Topeka, where she made bows for holiday poinsettias. She also worked as a designer for Stanley Flowers and inspired other florists through her work with Florists’ Review Magazine. “Working in the floral industry is my passion,” McNorton said. “I’ve tried to learn every aspect of the work such as design, wholesale and marketing. I’ve made how-to videos and shared tips. All of that work and experience has a place in my current role as the owner of Blooms on Boswell.”
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Here to Help You Rebuild Your Life® New Encrypted Applications Gaining Prevelance
In divorce and family law litigation, text, email and cell phone records are often important. In many cases, parties seek this evidence in discovery when it bears on relevant issues. Text, email and cell phone records can sometimes be relevant as to child custody. For example, it might relate to inappropriate behavior and conduct that could bear on the fitness of a parent. The possibilities can be infinite, but it can show drug and alcohol abuse, inappropriate behavior and activities or time away from the family and children. In states where marital misconduct is a factor, it can also be relevant. In other words, it could provide evidence of affairs. It could also provide evidence of gambling, illicit behavior or even physical or mental abuse. Electronic evidence may also be important as to income and hidden assets. Some parties might, as an example, get their paycheck stubs emailed to them. They also might have receipts and statements emailed to them relative to unknown marital assets or bank or credit card accounts. To get this information, lawyers oftentimes issue requests for production. In other cases, lawyers may issue subpoenas for this information to the other party or third party carriers. A lawyer may also take a deposition or hire a private investigator. An increasing trend now is for parties to use encrypted applications to conceal communications that they do not want others to see. Three common applications are
Wickr, Vaporstream and Confide. These applications boast military-grade technology where they assert that the communication is protected. The features vary by application, but the messages often self-destruct after being read and do not have the name of the sender or receiver of a message on the same page. For lawyers, they have to be cognizant that individuals going through divorce or family law matters may be using these applications. For parties going through a divorce or family law matter, or where they reasonably anticipate litigation, an important question is whether they should use these applications. Ultimately, the big risk is that a court might conclude that a party is spoliating relevant evidence by using these applications. If the court concludes that a party is spoliating evidence, that party could be subject to sanctions in the family court. A family court judge might also conclude that a party using these applications has something to hide. Otherwise, why use applications like this? This may mean that the party ends up getting an adverse result as it relates to important components of a divorce or family law matter. Ultimately, anybody going through a divorce or family law matter should speak to a lawyer about their specific situation. However, parties should also probably steer clear from these encrypted applications. While the privacy components may be appealing, and may conceal the exact nature of the communications, the appearance of having something to hide is likely not worth the risk.
Nonetheless, encrypted applications are likely to become an increasing trend in divorce and family law litigation. The popularity, and ease of downloading these applications, is likely to make it an increasing trend. Stange Law Firm, PC limits their practice to family law matters including divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, guardianship, adoption, mediation, collaborative law and other domestic relation matters. Stange Law Firm, PC gives clients 24/7 access to their case through a secured online case tracker found on the website. They also give their clients their cell phone numbers. Call for a consultation today at 855-805-0595.
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DECISIONS McNorton notes that buying a shop that already had a following in the community helped with its early success, but there were many challenges in her first year, too. “Every decision is a bit of a risk,” McNorton said. “We don’t have records or data to tell us what did really well, so when we try something new, such as classes or new product, we are always dealing with an unknown.” McNorton has many ideas for how to grow her business and connect to even more people in the community. She hosted classes and community events last year, and hopes to offer more opportunities to get hands-on at the shop this year. She plans to offer classes for a parent and child to attend together, for example, and to expand into the space outside of her shop. “I want to open the side doors and put a gazebo and potting shed outside,” McNorton said. “I imagine this shop as a place where people can relax and spend some quiet time. College students who walk in have said that I should serve coffee and tea,” she said, laughing. “I like that idea!”
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Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL
Blooms on Boswell features a curated selection of gift items and home decor in a shop that originally was built as a grocery store in 1923.
VISIBILITY Already, McNorton has put her own personal touch on her shop, which was originally built as a grocery store in 1923. She painted the exterior a bright blue, increasing the visibility and curb appeal. She is confident that the color facelift resulted in more walk-in traffic. She has also added a curated selection of gift items and home decor. It’s a beautiful space for buyers to explore, full of green leaves and blossoms. Social media has also been an important tool to building the store’s connection to the community and reaching new buyers. McNorton hired Mikaela Gibbs to focus on social media and photography, and many new buyers tell her that they discovered the shop on Facebook or Instagram. This year, Blooms on Boswell plans to focus on weddings. McNorton and Gibbs use a computer program that helps couples design their floral arrangements by allowing them to visualize how the colors and pieces will look at their
TK Business Magazine
wedding. While McNorton will still offer her design expertise, she believes that being able to see an image on screen will give couples more insight and offer them an opportunity to customize arrangements even more. McNorton also wants to extend more opportunities for wedding parties to have fun together and get hands-on in preparation. “We recently hosted an event for bridesmaids to make their own bouquets,” McNorton said. “We set up a brunch area with mimosas, and everyone had a blast.” REWARDING For McNorton, the best part of operating a flower shop is the opportunity to be there for people in both happy and sad times. “It’s deeply rewarding,” McNorton said. “We’re here with people through the big and small moments of their lives. Whether it’s the birth of a new baby, or the passing of a loved one, we’re a part of those moments.”
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COVID-19 UPDATE How has the stay at home order impacted business? LORI: We are an essential business, so fortunately we are able to continue to work. We are offering “Positive Fridays” specials, so people can have flowers delivered in town at a reasonable price. They have been such a hit that after the first Friday, we had to limit the number of bouquets we can do to 50. When we deliver, we call and let people know when we’re on the way, and ask their preferred place to leave the delivery. Self Care? LORI: I feel very blessed, and fortunately my stress is not as high as many because I’m still working. Keeping busy and helping people stay connected makes me feel good. I stay positive, smile often, and greet people when they walk by. We’ll get through this!
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“I learned that there is never a perfect time to take the leap, but you have to go for it anyway,” said Ashley Carson, owner of Ash Boutique.
Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL
ash boutique
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DREAM Ashley Carson believes that clothing has power. At Ash Boutique, she and her team of stylists make it their mission to empower the women of their community, and through their online services, women everywhere. “Our productivity is impacted by what we wear,” Carson said, “and the way that we present ourselves to the world changes depending on how we’re dressed. Clothes are a great way to express yourself. When you look your best, you feel your best and you can do your best.” Carson remembers wanting to be an entrepreneur and run her own shop ever since she was a kid. “I would make bracelets and sell to the neighbors,” Carson said. “I also loved to set up a store in my room and invite my friends and family to come and shop.” Carson held onto that dream as she worked in retail during high school, then majored in advertising and public relations in college. After she graduated,
Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL
she felt ready to start her business, but her parents advised her to get some real-world experience first. Over the next few years she worked in corporate retail, got married, started her family and moved back to Kansas. She happened to be out driving one day when she saw a store space that was perfect for her dream boutique. “That was January of 2014,” Carson said, “and I had signed the lease by February.” The timing seemed perfect, but just as Carson prepared to hang up a “coming soon” sign, she found out that she was pregnant with her third child.
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“I learned that there is never a perfect time to take the leap,” Carson said, “but you have to go for it anyway.” REALITY A click and brick boutique that offers carefully selected clothes and accessories for shoppers in person and online, Ash Boutique was a big hit. Now, six years down the road from making her dream into a reality, Carson is ready to leap again. This year she will move into a new location in downtown Topeka. “I was always daydreaming when I worked downtown,” Carson said. “I walked down Kansas Avenue every day on
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Ashley Carson carefully selects clothes and accessories for in person and online shoppers from the inventory at Ash Boutique.
my lunch break, and I would envision my shop. The timing wasn’t right in 2014, but there has been so much work done on the infrastructure downtown since then. It’s time for more retail.” Ash Boutique has been experiencing growing pains for several years now in the original location. The downtown store will have triple the space for merchandise, so the store will offer a greater range of sizes and more fitting rooms, and it will now sell shoes. There will also be more space for the warehouse to store items to be shipped out for online orders. Carson sees a renaissance happening in Downtown Topeka, and she’s confident that her move there is the right way forward. “Downtown is really getting busy, and our community is supporting this development,” Carson said. “I don’t want to look back and feel that I missed out.”
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Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL
MAKERS Carson is ambitious, so she isn’t stopping with one store. Later this year she will open a second store downtown, called Makers. The store will focus on handcrafted goods, pairing Carson’s strength in marketing and sales with the creativity of area artisans. “I’m calling it a brickand-mortar Etsy store,” Carson said, “a place for creators to showcase their products. I see this as another way to support women, and a way to create and cultivate our community of female business owners who have a passion for their craft, but don’t have the capital or desire for a full store front.” Carson’s advice for those who dream of a business of their own is to embrace the discomfort, be flexible and take things one day at a time.
TK Business Magazine
“Fear could have told me not to start my business while I was expecting a baby,” Carson said, “and fear could tell me to stay in my old location where I’m comfortable. Ask yourself: what’s the worst that can happen? Maybe it won’t work, and you’ll go do something else. Feel the fear, then do it anyway. The outcome is worth it.” EXCITEMENT Carson’s excitement is infectious, and her sincere love for the people that she serves shines through in her energy and efforts. “I started out in this business for the clothes,” Carson said, “the fashion. What has changed is the love for our community, how that has continued to grow over the years. I want people to feel loved, supported and cared for.” TK
COVID-19 UPDATE How has the stay at home order impacted business? ASHLEY: As a nonessential business, our store front is closed, but it is essential that we continue business as this is how we support our family of seven. We’re fortunate to already do a lot of online transactions, and in the current crisis, our community has really supported us online. We’ve offered free shipping and free local delivery. We also stepped up our social media presence and online marketing. The affect on 2020 plans? ASHLEY: I prepared for our move to Kansas Avenue down to the minute, but this has really thrown my timeline off. We are still moving and taking it one day at a time. We want to have a BIG party, and I want to hug and love everyone.
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MANUFACTURERS Investing for the Future By KIM GRONNIGER Photos by SAMMIE ROBINSON
Manufacturers across the nation have been investing in new technology, facility expansion, additional product lines and workforce development. The same type of investments are being made by manufacturers that call Topeka home. Hill’s, Reser’s Fine Foods and Mars Wrigley have invested hundreds of millions of dollars over the past few years and added hundreds of jobs to the local economy. Now these companies are once again investing in the future of manufacturing in Topeka.
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MANUFACTURING EXPANSION
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Photo by SAMMIE ROBINSON
HILL’S
Hill’s broke ground on its Small Paws Expansion project in 2019 and anticipates a 2021 opening.
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H
ILL’S IS UNDERGOING A $20 million expansion to its campus to study the behavior and dietary needs of 80 dogs under 12 pounds. The company broke ground on its new facility August 15, 2019, with an anticipated opening in January 2021. The expansion will create six new animal care technician positions and a projected $30 million in economic growth. The animal care technicians will join more than 200 veterinarians, Ph.D. nutritionists, food scientists and other professionals working at the company’s global Pet Nutrition Center at 1035 NE 43rd Street. Residents of the Small Paws Expansion project will include a mix of small- and mixed-breed dogs and purebred dogs including Shih Tzus, Yorkies, Terriers, Poodles, Papipoos, Maltichons and more. The company is known worldwide for its science-based, specialized nutritional solutions for helping pets with weight management, urinary conditions and other needs to support them through all life stages. Through this project, the company will be testing its Science Diet Small Paws Adult (1 to 6 years) dog food made with nibble-size kibble, high-quality protein for lean muscles and a special antioxidant blend for lifelong immune support. Dave Baloga, vice president of research and development for the Pet Nutrition Center, said, “Around the world, small dogs are becoming more and more popular. We decided to invest in this specialized facility to better understand their needs and discover new ways to help them lead happier, healthier lives.” He said most dogs eat once or twice daily, while cats tend to eat
HILL’S | BY THE NUMBERS
$20 million $30
several small meals throughout the Overall Investment day. Noting that small dogs tend to be more “cat like” in their eating habits, Baloga said the company’s research tools will allow the company Square Feet to study small and mini dogs to deliver nutrition optimized for their unique physiology. A spacious bark Acres of Land park will also provide the pups with opportunities for outdoor exercise 10% Larger than Disneyland and observation. Baloga said researchers in collaboration with more than 900 pet partners will focus not only on the aroma, taste, texture and ingredients used in the pet food tested but will also assess dietary impact on well-being, stool and urine quality, and gut microbiome. “We want our pet parents to feel confident they’re feeding their pets a food backed by science, even for the smallest ones,” he said. Hill’s hosts about 1,000 visitors to its campus as part of its Transforming Lives Tours, and Baloga said the company hopes that number will double when the Small Paws facility opens. The company also offers continuing education opportunities through in-person seminars, roundtable discussions and webcasts for professionals on topics like nutritional management of diseases, COVID-19 UPDATE gut health and everyday nutrition for healthy pets. “Our goal as a global pet With the Pet food company is to support Nutrition Center, two every pet possible. It has manufacturing plants been inspiring to see how and a corporate office animal shelters, veterinary in Topeka, Hill’s is a key professionals, pet retailers member of the Animal and communities at large have Health Corridor, which gone out of their way to care extends along Highway for pets during this uncertain 70 from Manhattan, time. Through our Hill’s Food, Kansas, to Columbia, Shelter & Love program and Missouri. Hill’s Disaster Relief Network, “This expansion in conjunction with animal allows us to continue welfare partners, we are delivering global donating pet food to pantries, breakthrough shelters and other non-profit innovations right partners who are caring for here in the Midwest pets as the situation continues while supporting our to evolve. We will continue to hometown with provide support to pets and growth and jobs,” the communities who care for said Baloga. them as needed.”
25,000
176
million
6 new
positions Projected Economic Growth
80 dogs $295 (Planned) Small Paws Puppy Residents
900+ Current Pet Partner Residents
million+
Product Contributions by Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love Program
5,000 Employees Worldwide
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MANUFACTURING EXPANSION
MARS WRIGLEY
Photo by RACHEL LOCK
W
Mars Wrigley Topeka plant will soon be producing a much-anticipated fudge brownie version of M&M’S.
HEN AMERICANS CRAVE CHOCOLATE, they often reach for one of the millions of pieces of candy the Mars Wrigley Topeka plant produces every day. The plant makes classic confections like Peanut M&M’S®, Twix® and miniature varieties of Snickers®, but it also manufactures fun new flavors like Twix Cookies and Cream and M&M’S Caramel. The plant will soon be producing a much-anticipated fudge brownie version of M&M’S too. The plant’s new permanent flavor products are the result of a $30 million capital investment to expand production capacity for its Twix and M&M lines. In May 2019, the Joint Economic Development Organization (JEDO) approved a $66,000 incentive to help Mars Wrigley defray its capital investment costs for its Phase Two expansion, which is anticipated to have a $38.5 million impact. The Topeka site opened in March 2014 following a $340 million corporate investment and was named Food Engineering’s 2015 “Plant of the Year.” Whenever the company conducts consumer contests to select new Peanut M&M flavors, the Topeka plant has been tapped to produce the contenders, which have included coffee nut, toffee nut, chili nut and others. “The corporation’s continued investment in the Topeka plant goes back
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MANUFACTURING EXPANSION
Photo by SAMMIE ROBINSON
Mars Wrigley’s commitment to growth is one of the key factors in being named a 2019 Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® recipient.
to the original decision made to locate here,” said Bret Spangler, former Topeka site director. “A central location in the middle of the country, access to railroads and major highways and a talent pool to support the plant played out extremely well. What really flipped the switch, though, was assessing the community’s intangible qualities and realizing they were compatible with our corporate values.” The Phase Two expansion will position the Topeka plant to keep up with existing demand and evolving consumer trends.
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MARS WRIGLEY | BY THE NUMBERS COVID-19 UPDATE Mars, Incorporated announced an initial cash and in-kind donation of $20 million to support people, pets and communities most affected by COVID-19. In the U.S., Mars made donations of both human and pet food to organizations including Operation Gratitude, Feeding America and Rescue Bank, a program of GreaterGood. org. Mars Wrigley will also provide $1 million in product donations to food banks, frontline healthcare, and essential workers through our community partners.
TK Business Magazine
$500
million+
Overall Investment Since 2014
425
Full Time
200
Temporary # of Employees
$30 million Phase Two Investment
$38.5 million
Anticipated Phase Two Economic Impact
600,000 Square Feet
4 production lines
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2700 Sw buchanan, Topeka, kansas 66611 | (785) 354-8561
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MANUFACTURING EXPANSION
Photo by SAMMIE ROBINSON
RESER’S FINE FOODS
Reser’s Fine Foods, a privately owned company founded by a native Kansan, now has four plants operating on its Topeka campus.
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T
HE FOUR PLANTS THAT comprise the Reser’s Fine Foods Topeka campus produce about 2.2 million pounds of food every day, filling up to 70 truckloads of side dishes and hot entrees destined for kitchen, restaurant and picnic tables across North America. In addition to making meal products for its own label, Reser’s Fine Foods also supplies restaurants and the country’s largest grocery retailers with custom private label products. Reser’s Fine Foods, a privately owned company based in Beaverton, Oregon, built a new salad plant in Topeka during Phase One of its overall $86.5 million capital expansion announced in 2016. The Joint Economic Development Organization
Photos by SAMMIE ROBINSON
The former salad plant became a state-of-the-art hot-food enterprise during Reser’s Fine Foods Phase Two investment.
(JEDO) provided the company with $665,000 in incentives—$329,000 for capital investment and $336,000 for job creation. During the three-year expansion period, Jeff Russell, vice president of operations, said Reser’s Fine Foods exceeded its initial financial investment estimates and grew headcount by 13 percent. Open since March 2018, the Crossroads salad plant, relocated from its 10th Street location to 6th Street and Croco Road, has gone from a daily production capacity of 700,000 pounds of salad to more than a million pounds. In addition to picnic and tailgate staples, the Crossroads plant makes Stonemill Kitchens specialty dips. The original salad plant opened in 1991 and despite four additions, the company was becoming unable to keep up with consumer demand. In addition to enhanced capacity, the new plant offers greater customization options and high-tech sanitation capabilities too, Russell said. “We don’t just make one kind of potato salad or one kind of slaw here,” he said. “We have about 100 recipes for potato salad alone—skin on, skin off, small diced, large diced, mayonnaise-based, mustard-based and more.” In October 2018, the company launched Phase Two, a $19.5 million investment to convert the former salad plant into a state-of-the-art hot-food enterprise, Main St Bistro. The company completely remodeled the site and installed new plumbing, walls, floors, ceilings and equipment, including three high-powered cooking ovens. Food cooks quickly, and a plastic film is applied immediately to seal the trays so they are completely contained while they cool. Main St Bistro makes scalloped potatoes and roasted tri-color potatoes, while a hot-fill plant makes family favorites like macaroni and cheese
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Photo by SAMMIE ROBINSON
MANUFACTURING EXPANSION
According to Jeff Russell, vice president of operations, the plants’ geographic location is beneficial for distribution, but also credits available and affordable utilities as critical assets as well.
RESER’S FINE FOODS | BY THE NUMBERS
$85.6 million+ $67 million Overall Investment
$19.5 million Phase Two Investment
1,150 Employees
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4
Plants
Phase One Investment
32,000
square feet Phase One Prepared Salad Plant
TK Business Magazine
and mashed potatoes. A fourth plant uses fresh tortillas and fillings to hand-roll Baja Café burritos. Russell said consumers seeking convenience and quality products fuel plant growth. About 40 percent of the company’s food products are made at the Topeka campus. “It plays to our strong suit,” he said. “Consumers can peel the film off a hot dish and put it in a microwave and have it ready to eat in five minutes or pop the lid off a readymade salad.” Russell said a tight labor market makes the company’s extensive offerings appealing too. “We find our restaurant customers love our products not only because it allows them flexibility in labor allocation, but also because of our extremely high quality and consistency,” he said. “Consumers, commercial and individual, tell us they won’t make scalloped potatoes anymore after eating ours. We use the same stuff you’d use if you were making them at home—real milk, real potatoes, real cheese—but we’re making them 400 gallons at a time.” Russell started at the plant in 1996. Reser’s Fine Foods bought half of La Siesta, his family’s business, in 1986 and the rest in 1996. “Al Reser, our founder, was a native Kansan,” said Russell. “In the early days, he would haul potato salad here and Mexican food back to Oregon. He created the market for us in Kansas City, which is still one of the company’s strongest regions.” The plant’s geographic location in Topeka is beneficial for distribution, but Russell credits readily available and affordable natural gas, electricity and water as additional critical assets for manufacturing. “That’s not always the case in other parts of the country where plant consumption is sometimes restricted, so we need to maintain that competitive advantage in Topeka,” he said. Russell cites access to highly skilled local contractors as yet another contributing factor to his company’s expansion success. “We used as many local businesses as possible,” he said, including HME, P1 Electric, D.L. Smith Electric, McElroy’s and Kolmer Concrete Flatwork. The Topeka campus supports community causes, literally providing tons of food each year to Harvesters to distribute to area individuals and families.
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The Reser’s team also has an affinity for its East Topeka location and the Mexican Fiesta put on by the Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. “We give the Fiesta materials to help them prepare the food and share safety measures and prep methods, but the church ladies make all that good stuff,” he said. “We just assist in helping them be more efficient in the kitchen because cooking in large quantities is what we do.” Each year the local plant management team receives a sum of money to distribute to local charities. Hourly employees selected for the Reser’s Cares committee review submission requests and determine distribution. “There are no pet projects,” said Russell. “If a group is having a fundraiser and needs potato salad or a ball team needs T-shirts or a nonprofit needs money for a program or service, the committee’s responsible for making the recommendations.” Having grown up in a family business, Russell respects and appreciates his employer’s commitment to its employees. He was the Topeka plant’s 19th employee and has watched it grow to 1,150 employees. Russell said the pervasive “family vibe” for a $1.3 billion company whose salads were once sold door to door is reinforced when CEO Mark Reser visits the plant. “He knows people, products and processes, and walks the floor talking to everyone,” said Russell. “It makes a difference for our employees to know they work in a caring atmosphere. I can’t imagine working anywhere else.” TK
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Leslie Fleuranges, owner of Tender Loving Care Pet Nursing Hotel, followed her dream of opening a facility that uniquely caters to sick, aging or recovering pets. Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL
TENDER LOVING CARE
Pet Nursing Hotel
By KATHY WEBBER Photos by EMMA HIGHFILL
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L
ESLIE FLEURANGES IS a 21st century pet parent; she sees pets as children, not just outdoor protectors. After retiring from a 15-year career with Hills Pet Nutrition, Fleuranges did the opposite of what most retirees do—she started working twice as hard to create a business that she had been dreaming about for years. Tender Loving Care Pet Nursing Hotel®, a day care and overnight boarding facility for ailing, aging, recovering and transitioning cats and dogs was born out of water cooler conversations and research into the needs of pets that are sick or elderly. “I had noticed over the years that a lot of my co-workers would stagger their hours so that they could be home with a sick pet or
Photos by EMMA HIGHFILL
would leave early to give their pet shots for diabetes or fluid for kidney disease,” Fleuranges said. “Many of them put their lives on hold to take care of their pet.” SPECIAL HEALTH CARE That observation spurred Fleuranges to delve into the issue of senior pet health care and the services offered to owners of aging, sick or dying pets. Fleuranges found through her research that while there are businesses that will teach owners of senior and sick pets how to care for their pets in their home, none actually offered outof-home daycare or overnight boarding for these at-risk pets. “Sick, aging or recovering pets can’t always be in a regular
pet day care,” Fleuranges said. “They need special care. Being able to create a sort of pet spa for pets that are older or for pets that have special needs is something I can do that is really important.” Tender Loving Care Pet Nursing Hotel® is the first business to house pets that don’t typically do well in normal pet daycare or with under supervised overnight boarding. The new facility offers 27 luxury suites for dogs and two for cats. Fleuranges designed these suites without grates or cages to reduce stress to the pets and to make them as comfortable as possible. “Each suite will have a comfortable bed and unique
décor,” Fleuranges said. “We will be watching, feeding, providing medications to the pets, playing with them, keeping them clean and loving on them around the clock. There is a whole separate area for the cats, because cats get stressed if they see, hear or smell dogs.” SPECIFIC PLAN OF CARE Fleuranges understands how much people love their pets and how they can become like children to their owners. “It can be very difficult for pet parents when their pets become sick or elderly,” Fleuranges said. “People will totally give up their lives for this creature that they just adore, and they don’t want anything to
Tender Loving Care Pet Nursing Hotel offers 27 luxury dog suites without grates or cages.
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The luxury cat suites are separated from the canine area at Tender Loving Care Pet Nursing Hotel in order to minimize stress. Photos by EMMA HIGHFILL
happen to them. They can’t trust just anyone to take care of them the way they could.” That is why the facility will be staffed by certified veterinarian technicians, or nurses, to care for the pets and administer daily medicines and treatments. A personalized “plan of care” based on the specific special needs of each pet will be crafted for each guest and a minimum of two staff members will be on site 24 hours a day to care for them. In addition to providing quality care for aging or sick pets, Fleuranges works with assisted living facilities in Topeka to help patients who need assistance with their pets. “Many senior citizens get into situations where they either can’t take care of their pets for a period of time, or need lodging for their pets when they travel, and that’s when we will step
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in and help them out,” Fleuranges said. “We will go to their location, pick up the pet, let them spend time with us, and then bring the pet back when the pet owner returns.” Tender Loving Care Pet Nursing Hotel® also partners with PetPace™, a company that makes smart health collars that monitor a pet’s vital signs and activity levels. “For an additional fee, if the pet parent agrees, we offer PetPace™ health collars for dogs and cats that tell us the pet’s body temperature and other biometric measures to help us know what is going on with their pet at all times,” Fleuranges said. OPPORTUNITIES Fleuranges, a New York native, chose to stay in Topeka to open her new business because she loves the community and finds the residents
TK Business Magazine
to be incredibly supportive of new business owners. “It’s not a typical town. If I asked anyone for help or insight, they were there,” Fleuranges said. “That would have never happened in New York, there just isn’t that same sense of community that we have here in Topeka.” Fleuranges says she plans on expanding her pet nursing hotel to other cities such as Overland Park, Wichita or Manhattan, and might even franchise her business if things go well for her. “When it comes to our pets, we are more alike than we are unalike, meaning we all love animals and we all want the best for them,” Fleuranges said. “I want to offer pet parents the peace of mind to travel, attend events, and live life without worrying.” TK
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Leadership Lessons Learned along the way
By DEAN DAVID SOLLARS
What do great leaders do? What can you do to be a better leader?
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Type “leadership” in the Amazon.com search box and you will learn there are over 80,000 books in the leadership category. The Oxford Dictionary defines leadership as the action of leading a group of people or an organization. My day job is managing an academic school at Washburn University, I have held board and officer roles in community and professional organizations, completed Leadership Greater Topeka and Leadership Kansas programs, and helped to develop a leadership program at Washburn. Do I know anything about leadership? Not in a formal sense. Of those thousands of Amazon books, I have read fewer than a dozen. However, I have been fortunate to study or get to know many leaders and have watched what they do and say. I believe there are seven key attributes of these individuals that we can emulate in our path to becoming better leaders.
TK Business Magazine
1
Leaders focus on the big picture, making sure the outcome is truly meaningful.
In business, the focus is on the bottom line. Generals who think about winning battles receive respect and honor. But what do leaders do outside of business or the military? Saint Teresa of Calcutta made it her life’s work to help the poorest of the poor in India. Her big picture was to be true to her faith—living the Christian gospel through love. Closer-to-home examples abound: Barry Feaker at the Topeka Rescue Mission; the great folks at Harvesters, Let’s Help and the Salvation Army; Deacon Harry Craig ministering to cancer patients; or the volunteers at Mary’s Choices. Can you think of more meaningful outcomes than housing the homeless, clothing and feeding the poor, comforting the sick and dying, or bringing life into our world? In your business or organization, in your community, or even your own space, what are the truly meaningful bigpicture things you need to focus on?
3 2
Leaders listen to a variety of input and use available data.
In our fast-paced world, we often feel we have to make quick decisions based on a gut instinct. While successful leaders will seemingly use their intuition, it is likely they developed a process to filter information and have built up a meaningful knowledge base. They also know what they don’t know and have a network of others to turn to when they need help. Leaders are always asking questions, often digging deep into their organization for new insight. A 50/50 proposition might require some hard thinking (and some Maalox on occasion), but slowing down and using a process where your decision is based on a variety of input and data has a better chance of being a good one. Do you have a process for building your knowledge base? Are you willing to listen to others?
“Charisma” often invokes thoughts of flamboyance, showmanship. Sometimes we expect our leaders to be loud, outspoken, flashy. However, many leaders have a charisma based on humility and kindness. Upon arriving in Topeka, one of the first folks I met was Jack Dicus. I later got to know
Develop and execute a (simple) plan.
Washburn alumnus Greg Brenneman is a well-known business leader and author of “Right Away” and “All at Once” (Rosetta Books, 2016). His successful career has been about turning around troubled companies such as Continental Airlines, Burger King, and several others. His first step for a successful turnaround is the creation of a one page “Go Forward” plan, a simple strategy statement that will fit on one piece of paper. By focusing on the big, important things and setting the direction, everyone in the organization will know where it is going and try to figure out what they can do to get there. Greg’s idea applies to our personal lives as well. This past year, 40 Washburn students participated in seminars based on Greg’s book, and they developed their own personal “Go Forward” plans! What would your “Go Forward” plan look like?
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A low profile is often successful.
his son John and his family. Many of you know of the years of leadership they have provided Capitol Federal Savings and are aware of the great philanthropic and leadership contributions
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Leaders make mistakes, and they allow others around them to make mistakes too.
In April 2003, Washburn University President Jerry Farley phoned me. “David, it is a beautiful day on campus, and we would like you to join us here at Washburn.” I was leaving a job where the leadership was in constant turmoil, and often settled scores in ugly, public ways. As I settled into my new role as an Ichabod, my direct boss, Dr. Ron Wasserstein, pulled me aside and said, “David, remember two things: At Washburn, we don’t like Emporia State; and two, when President Farley isn’t happy with what you are doing he will let you know in private.” Dr. Farley’s leadership attitude creates a culture at Washburn such that leaders can make mistakes as they try to accomplish some things that seem risky. We learn from our mistakes, our failures. Have you recently had a failure? What did you learn to apply to your next success?
to our community that CapFed and the Dicus family have made over the years. As quiet leaders, they deliver for their employees, customers, and their community every day. Do you show kindness, respect, humility, and deliver on your promise?
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When asked how the Cold War conflict with the USSR should end, President Ronald Reagan kept it simple: “We win, they lose.” Reagan was a gifted communicator, someone who honed his trade as a sportscaster, actor and spokesperson long before he entered politics. His British political contemporary, Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher also had a very direct style of communication—no wonder they admired one another. In one of our Washburn freshman classes each fall, we spend a class period talking about Lincoln’s Gettysburg address (Lincoln thought it was dreadful) and Churchill’s famous 1940 “We Shall Fight on the Beaches” speech (actually delivered in a boring monotone, unlike the Hollywood versions). We finish with Reagan’s 1984 speech after the NASA Challenger tragedy and review how in a five-minute speech he successfully connected with a variety of grieving audiences— school children and teachers, the astronaut families, NASA employees and the country as a whole. In these examples, Lincoln, Churchill, and Reagan used relatively unsophisticated language in their messages. Do you keep it simple?
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Topeka has witnessed tremendous success of a local company started by three Washburn graduates: Advisors Excel. I once asked one of the founders, Cody Foster, why AE was building the company in Topeka as opposed to a major city where there might be more opportunity, more resources. He told me he liked Topeka, his family liked Topeka, he wanted Topeka to be great so that his kids might stay in Topeka someday. Cody expects a lot of from his employees, but also wants them to enjoy their lives away from work. Many of the new things “happening” in our community are a result of Cody’s vision. In addition, I am always amazed by how much emphasis AE places on having their employees involved with charitable and other activities in our community. AE is not alone in this regard, as many of the great companies in Topeka have leaders who encourage their employees to volunteer. What are you doing to give back/make a difference?
I am not a leadership expert, but I have always tried to pay attention to the qualities of those folks I consider to be great leaders. Perhaps you have your own group of folks that you consider great leaders, or attributes different from the ones I think about. Maybe you would like to share your thoughts with me and we can continue this discussion? You can reach me at david.sollars@washburn.edu. TK
PHOTO SUBMITTED
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Communicate, and make it simple.
Get involved, have fun and give back/make a difference.
DAVID L. SOLLARS is Dean and Professor of Economics in the School of Business, Washburn University.
MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
YOU’VE GOT THE SPARK. It’s an unquenchable desire to improve your career, your life, and your future. Washburn University’s School of Business Graduate Programs unite your ambition with the real-world experience necessary to advance your career. Enroll today at washburn.edu/mba.
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Leadership
Greater Topeka
20
CLASS OF
Leadership Greater Topeka is a 37-year community leadership program of the Greater Topeka Partnership. LGT identifies aspiring and established leaders from the community and introduces them to the opportunities and needs of Topeka and Shawnee County while also teaching adaptive leadership concepts. They are encouraged to get involved in the community following their completion of the program.
Participants are nominated by individuals and organizations. Nominees who complete an application go through a brief conversation with the LGT selection committee. The committee then selects 36 individuals with the goal to build a class that is representative of the diversity within the community.
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Photos By EMMA HIGHFILL
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Photos By EMMA HIGHFILL
This year the class has had an experience like no other due to Covid-19. Class sessions have been postponed, with plans to reconvene in July to finish the program.
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Photo By EMMA HIGHFILL
TERRI BENSON
CARMEN ANELLO Bajillion Agency
What is the most important characteristic that every leader should possess? The ability to listen. Communication is at the core of resolution, and we are never truly communicating if we aren’t truly listening. Taking the time to hear others may not change our individual opinions/values/ beliefs completely, but our own ideals continue to grow by listening to others’ truths, and learning how to respect the differences, and see the commonalities that make communities so incredible. Who are your heroes? Those who continue to fight for all struggling through dismissive judgement, inequality, and adversity. They work tirelessly to ensure that voices are heard over the roar of countless obstacles.
What do you hope your legacy will be? I want to be remembered as the person who took the time to hold the door open for someone, enjoyed laughter to tears, knew when to dig in and get the job done and when to sit and listen. Who are your heroes? My sisters are my heroes. Both of them have physical challenges and work hard to overcome things people sometimes take for granted. They are confident, kind, compassionate and well, sometimes a little annoying (well, because they are my sisters!).
Photo By EMMA HIGHFILL
Topeka Capital-Journal
What have you gained from being a part of Leadership Greater Topeka? I have met some fantastic people in my class and have learned a lot from being around them and sharing their knowledge and experience. Learning adaptive leadership has also been a big part of what I have gained out of the program and getting to put those principles into action has helped me in my leadership journey.
What inspires you? Our children. I am immeasurably grateful every day that they became part of my life.
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Security Benefit products are available exclusively through independent financial professionals. For more information about Security Benefit, visit SecurityBenefit.com. 99-00507-17 2020/04/22
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THOMAS BRONAUGH Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office
PATRICK BIGGS Seaman High School
What inspires you? My inspiration comes from happiness. If someone ever says they love going to work because they love their profession, that is the same feeling I get when I help others. I love being able to help people make a difference in their community and even in their lives.
Listening to understand means a leader is open to diverse opinions and values other voices. In return, those you listen to feel valued and heard. This will ultimately lead to the success and positive growth for a community and organization. Photo By EMMA HIGHFILL
What do you hope your legacy will be? My legacy is my daughter, Rory. I hope I instill in her the same values my parents taught me, and that she is successful in life.
MEGAN BOTTENBERG Cox Communications
What is the most important characteristic that every leader should possess? Listening to understand is the most important characteristic for a leader to possess. In this day and age, it is so easy for us to hear to respond rather than listen to understand.
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Who are your heroes? My heroes are my parents. My mom has incredible strength; my dad is a man of integrity. They are both people with a strong faith in the Lord. They sacrificed a lot to provide my brothers and me with experiences, demonstrated a hard work ethic and ambition, and taught us the value of what is a “home”— it’s where your family is.
TK Business Magazine
Photo By EMMA HIGHFILL
What is the most important leadership characteristic? Every leader must possess faith. This faith is not exclusive to religion but faith in their community or faith in whatever they believe in and must not deviate from that path.
Photo By EMMA HIGHFILL
What is your theme song? My theme song is, “I Got Joy” by Lee Roessler. Lee is an amazing musician who I was blessed to go on a mission trip in the Virgin Islands with. His song “I Got Joy” has a melody line that says, “I got joy burning through my soul, so I gotta make some noise.” That line reflects how we should all share our joy with one another.
What characteristic should every leader possess? In my opinion, integrity is the most important characteristic every leader should have. In law enforcement, it is the basis of community trust and the foundation on which all other qualities are built. Integrity applies to all other professions in much the same way.
What was your first job and what did you learn from it? One of my first jobs in high school was working at the old Gage 4 theaters on SW Huntoon. I worked for Carlos Gomez, who was the General Manager at the time. Over the years I have looked back at that experience and Mr. Gomez’s leadership style and realized he was one of the best leaders I have ever had the pleasure of working with. What is the best advice you have received? Don’t wait for opportunities to drop in your lap. Move your lap to where opportunities are dropping.
Capitol Federal Savings Bank What do you hope your legacy will be? I hope my legacy is defined as a servant leader who wanted to make a difference, a life lived with integrity at all times and also a wisdom that allowed me to prioritize time on things that truly mattered in this world. Everyone will leave a legacy (good or bad), I want mine to be a template for how my kids and the people I interact with want to live themselves.
What is the best advice you have received? I’ll call out two. The first is simply to know who you are and stay true to yourself. This applies to everything in life. The second from a work perspective is it’s okay to say you don’t know or that something cannot be done. If you could have one superpower, what would it be? I would like to have unlimited wisdom as my superpower. Wisdom opens up so many opportunities in life…and it would also help me create a way that I could fly, which would be my second superpower!
Photo By EMMA HIGHFILL
TRAVIS BUCHANAN
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THOMAS CARMONA Schwerdt Design Group
KEVIN BURTON Topeka Civic Theatre
What have you gained from being a part of Leadership Greater Topeka? I have gained skills to grow as a leader and help our community take advantage of opportunities to continue improving Topeka.
Photo By EMMA HIGHFILL
Who is your hero? My hero is my father who died way too young because of ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease. My dad was always there for his family and friends. He was first in line to help the community or to comfort someone who has just lost a loved one. He suffered under the burden of this horrible disease with a smile and a twinkle in his eye. He taught me to always look for the bright side in any situation and work for the betterment of all.
ROBERT BUSH
The University of Kansas Health System St. Francis Campus What is your theme song? My theme song is: “One Day More.”
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What inspires you? I believe to whom much is given, much is expected. I have been blessed in my life and have had great experiences. I am inspired by giving back, either in the community or through the Church, helping the youth and making a difference in someone’s life.
TK Business Magazine
Photo By EMMA HIGHFILL
What was your first job and what did you learn from it? My first job was mowing lawns. That job taught me that attitude makes all the difference. You can be positive and learn from any situation.
Photo By EMMA HIGHFILL
What characteristic should every leader possess? I think the most important characteristic for every leader is curiosity. Curiosity to ask questions and to learn about the community and other people ensures that we keep growing as leaders.
What was your first job and what did you learn from it? My first job was at a movie theatre. I thought it was awesome to make money. I later enjoyed working on the projectors, popcorn machines or other items that would break down. It gave me confidence when managers would send others to me if something broke or if there was a difficult customer.
What motivates you? Making things better. I assume many architects or engineers always have a “better way.” I like to look around Topeka and try to figure out how I could make things better. If it’s people, programs or buildings. If I can help. I’ll try. What do you hope your legacy will be? I would like to be known for being generous and helpful. I would argue that it might inspire others to do the same. I think that our place is better off if people feel positive, well informed or confident.
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Quality of life, designed.
ARCHITECTURE 90,000 square foot corporate facility for FHLBank of Topeka
sdgarch.com
INTERIORS space planning for 200+ work stations, 50 multi-use spaces, 22 executive suites and 1 cafe space
PLANNING 17.25 acre environmentally sustainable campus affording 360 degree views of the city skyline and surrounding prairie
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ALEX DELANEY Sunflower Soccer Association Inc.
Photo By EMMA HIGHFILL
Photo By EMMA HIGHFILL
DENISE CYZMAN
Community Care Network of Kansas What is the most important characteristic that every leader should possess? It is hard to choose just one; three come to mind – integrity, courage, and vulnerability. If I have to choose, I would say integrity. Integrity requires you to be authentic with yourself and with others. It requires you to live and lead according to your values, always being honest and trustworthy. If you do not do this, it is challenging to lead others and to achieve your vision. All other leadership characteristics seem irrelevant without integrity. What do you hope your legacy will be? Being a change agent, taking what is working well and making it better. Or, taking what is broken and fixing it. The status quo is not acceptable for many reasons. First, needs are always greater than solutions. We can never say, we’ve done enough. Second, the world is ever-changing. What works today will not be the best for tomorrow. Third, we must continually seek to learn and obtain input from many, diverse voices. As we do so, we must consider how to use the new information in a way that is relevant and impactful. Fourth, seeking and embracing change is fun – it speaks to my belief there is always hope. What is your theme song? “Roar” by Katy Perry
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What characteristic that should every leader possess? Although there are many important characteristics of leadership, I think the most important is empathy. Empathetic leaders really get into the details of what matters to stakeholders and can understand the viewpoint of those they may disagree with, therefore giving them the most complete picture of every side of an issue before the ultimate decision is made. Learning to care about things as much as the people you lead care about them, or at least understanding why they’re important, leads every other aspect of leadership for me.
TK Business Magazine
What inspires you? Being the very best version of myself is what inspires me. I have led a life of failure, but I honestly feel that when I look back over the course of my life, I have emerged a better person from it. What is your theme song? My theme song is “You” by Bad Religion. It’s a good reminder to me that we’re all in this together.
KRISTY DRUSE Security Benefit
Who are your heroes? My parents are the cornerstone of our family. Their love, support and strength through the years has been unwavering. Always there to lend a helping hand or a shoulder to cry on, there is nothing they won’t do for their family. Best advice you have received? “Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.” —Ruth Bader Ginsburg What is your theme song? “How Far I’ll Go” from Moana
BARBARA DUNCAN
Clayton Wealth Partners
What was your first job and what did you learn from it? My first job was at Dairy Queen when I was 15. It taught me about responsibility and working with others, as well as how to properly get the curl on top of an ice cream cone! What is the best advice you have received? When dealing with new challenges that start to feel overwhelming, I remember my mother saying, “How hard can it be?” That was her attitude when jumping into a new project or commitment – if it was something she believed in, she would just dive into it.
Photo By EMMA HIGHFILL
LESSONS LEARNED FROM COVID-19: “I will not take anything for granted. I have a great appreciation for all those who continued to work—in every industry—during this time of crisis and who made personal sacrifices to keep this community in motion and safe.”
Photo By EMMA HIGHFILL
Photo By EMMA HIGHFILL
What motivates you? I am motivated by a desire to help others and create a secure and fulfilling life for my family.
RON EKIS
City of Topeka Police Department What is the most important characteristic that every leader should possess? Empathy. As a leader, we need to recognize and understand how all our employees feel and what is important to them. “No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care.” (Stole that quote from somewhere!) What was your first job and what did you learn from it? I worked in mess hall at Fort Carson, Colorado. I had a habit of calling in sick frequently so I could hang out with my friends after school. I learned that when I did so, it affected my co-workers’ ability to get the job done efficiently when they were a person short. I also learned you won’t be employed very long. What motivates you? My family, I want to do the best I can to provide for my wife and children. Even though both my parents have passed, thinking about the values they instilled motivates me to do the right thing each and every day and that family comes first and foremost. may 2020 TK Business Magazine
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ANDREW FRY
Topeka Metro Transit Authority What motivates you? The potential to do and have a better existence for myself and others.
What was your first job and what did you learn from it? My first job was an internship with KDOT doing construction inspection during the summer. I learned that granite looks awesome in countertops AND roadways. More importantly, it was a great exposure to translating the theoretical of plans and expectations of design to the reality of the built environment and having to adapt. If you could have one superpower, what would it be? Pause time so I could appreciate the world at any given moment as well as accomplish a few more things (not a ton) each day.
ABBEY FRYE
Kansas Gas Service Division of ONE Gas What is the most important characteristic that every leader should possess? Compassion. Leading is about people and if you don’t care, they will know.
What is the best advice you have received? Don’t share everything with the world. Let your actions speak for themselves and always stay humble.
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What inspires you? My kids, I want them to be proud of me. Also, other women who are sacrificing, juggling, executing and persevering to achieve and accomplish their goals. These amazing women inspire me to focus on a better version of me.
What is your theme song? “Just Like Fire” by P!NK. Leadership spreads like fire. Poor leadership burns everyone and leaves ashes. Great leadership can be the guiding light people need to find the pathway.
TK Business Magazine
Photo By EMMA HIGHFILL
Photo By EMMA HIGHFILL
What do you hope your legacy will be? I hope to bring awareness to mobility as a key enabler for Topeka’s growth. I can’t guarantee transit or bikes will be financially supported, but I can be a voice for the people that use them and the benefits that they can bring.
JESSICA HORTON Sprout Creative
What characteristic should every leader possess? I believe it is important for every leader to possess the desire to build people up. As a class, we have spent a lot of time talking about performance correlation between focusing on a person’s strengths over weaknesses. I have always wanted the people around me to be their best and think that successful leaders build on the strengths around them. What motivates you? Building a community that my kids will want to live in when they are grown. Best advice you have received? The best advice I have received is to think about how you make people feel. Getting business done is only half the job, I want people to feel respected and supported after working with my team. We try hard to focus on a lasting impression, not just the first impression.
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AUSTIN JACKSON Stormont Vail Health
What is your theme song? As a musical theatre nerd, I have to go with a classic. “What You Own” from Rent is a song that personally resonates with me. The song reflects on how people are often seen as
nothing more than what they own. To me, it’s a song that reminds me that I am more than the things that I have; I am buoyed by my connection to my family, friends, and community. What motivates you? I am motivated by solving problems for people. I get a great deal of personal joy and fulfillment from listening to friends and helping them work through their problems. If I can make a day better for somebody by relieving a burden or fixing a wrong, that’s why I wake up.
Photo By EMMA HIGHFILL
What is the best advice you have ever received? A friend once told me “It doesn’t matter what skills you have if you’re not using them to help people.” I think that’s how I try to live and work. Having talent and ability is next to meaningless unless you are positively impacting another person or group.
TREVIN JAMES
Federal Home Loan Bank
Photo By EMMA HIGHFILL
What is the most important characteristic that every leader should possess? The ability to relate to those you lead. I believe this allows you to put people in the best position to be successful. What do you hope your legacy will be? I did my best to help others and bring out the greatest in them. Especially my family and those who know me on a person level.
What motivates you? My children motivate me to do the best I can hoping it will inspire them to do accomplish their goals. What was your first job and what did you learn from it? Custodian at Kansas Neurological Institute. I learned that everyone is a person and you treat them all the same regardless of their title.
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Aspire. Prepare. Enjoy. With you for life. Fee-Only Fiduciary Independent Objective
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Photo By EMMA HIGHFILL
LESSONS LEARNED FROM COVID-19: “The situation has reminded me of the need for leaders to 1) communicate often/clearly, 2) encourage flexibility/creativity, and 3) remain calm.”
Photo By EMMA HIGHFILL
CHRIS KUWITZKY Washburn University
What motivates you? I love a good challenge, particularly when I’m told “that will never happen.” Finding ways to say “yes” in fiscally responsible ways helps organizations move their missions forward. What was your first job and what did you learn from it? My first job was a laborer on a golf course, which meant I spent most of my time with a mower, weed eater, or shovel in my hands. It reinforced what I’d been taught growing up, to take pride in your work and find joy in it. What have you gained from being a part of Leadership Greater Topeka? I’m broadening my peer group, enhancing my leadership skills, and gaining valuable insight into Topeka and Shawnee County.
KELM LEAR
Topeka High School Who is your hero? Bobby Kennedy is my greatest hero. Although he could’ve gone about his luxurious life as a white, privileged male with no regard for the struggles of other American populations, he decided to learn about and discuss the issues of America with steadfast optimism and hope. I wish to copy this behavior as I grow older, because like Bobby came to realize, “the purpose of life is to contribute in some way to making things better,” regardless of where you may reside in the hierarchy of the world. What is the best advice you have received? One of the best pieces of advice I have received is to K.I.S.S-
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Keep It Simple Stupid. I want to do big things in this world and already have several bold ideas that I have initiated with the Topeka High Interact Club, but as I’ve come to realize more often is that sometimes the simplest option, is the best option. Plus, the “Stupid” part helps to keep me from getting too big-headed, even though I’m reluctantly told that I already am. If you could have one superpower, what would it be? My superpower of choice would have to be the ability to speak any language in the world. I enjoy studying other cultures and one of the best ways of understanding another culture is through their language.
Photo By EMMA HIGHFILL
BRETT MARTIN
United Way of Greater Topeka What is the most important characteristic that every leader should possess? Listening. The ability to listen, and by extension, admitting mistakes or building on successes, as well as course correction are crucial skills for any leader. In listening, we better understand ourselves, our neighbors, and our world. These are key to any effective exercise of leadership. Who is your hero? My mother. She climbed and clawed her way out of poverty and was a woman of remarkable resilience and grit. Her epitaph sums it up: Here lies a woman of enduring grace and a quiet dignity, a beloved mother and loyal friend. What inspires you? I am inspired by those who quietly and unassumingly go about their daily lives serving others and making their own corner of the universe a little brighter.
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TJ MCDONALD
Brandon Aldridge State Farm
MICHELLE McCORMICK Kansas Attorney General’s Office
What characteristic should every leader possess? I think that every leader should have the ability to humble themselves and be open to the idea that we can and should create opportunities for others to lead as well. In my experience, some of the best leaders I have known were not people necessarily identified as formal leaders by title or position. They were natural leaders who inspired people to engage and join in collective action.
What is your theme song? “Like A Girl” by Lizzo. “Woke up feeling like I might just run for President…”
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What motivates you? Seeing people succeed after helping them, whether it be through personal development or coaching.
MACKENZIE MONDESIR U.S. Bank
What leadership characteristic is most important? I believe integrity is one of the most important characteristics that every leader should possess. As a child, I used to believe it was hard work and honesty, but as an adult I’ve seen many leaders work hard at being dishonest. What inspires you? My wife said she does, so I have to go with that answer. Photo By EMMA HIGHFILL
What is the best advice you have received? If the dress doesn’t fit…leave it on the floor! When someone criticizes you, it is important to try it on and see if there is anything you can learn and possibly need to change because of it, but sometimes criticism has less to do with you and more to do with the person doing the criticizing. So, try it on… but if it doesn’t fit there is no need to take it personal, just leave it on the floor!
What is the most important characteristic that every leader should possess? Humility. Not everything a leader says will be the right answer. It shows great strength to admit you are wrong and go with another idea even if it is not yours.
Photo By EMMA HIGHFILL
Photo By EMMA HIGHFILL
What is the best advice you have been given? When I was in car sales, I was told, “Take care of the customer and the money will follow; if you go chasing the money you will never get it.” I use that every day in my job. The other one I got was from Brandon Aldridge (my boss), he said “W.A.I.T” as in “why am I talking.” This showed me that it is better at times to just sit back and listen and take in the information rather than controlling the conversation.
TK Business Magazine
What was your first job and what did you learn from it? My first job was working at a retail clothing store called Aeropostale. I learned sales, money management, flattering, how to fold neatly, and how to work with others.
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LESSONS LEARNED FROM COVID-19: “I will be more grateful to those who are essential workers. Healthcare providers, grocery store clerks, environmental service workers, teachers and so many more.”
What motivates you? My family. So much of who I am and what I do is driven by my family. They are my biggest supporters and I work very hard to make them proud and to provide for them. I strive to be a positive role model for my children and do my best to live an altruistic life, hoping that my children will follow in my steps.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be? Teleportation. I spend a lot of time to and from. I could be so much more efficient with my time management if a snap of the fingers would take me where I needed to be. Corporate meeting one second, beaches of Fiji the next.
Photo By EMMA HIGHFILL
ROCKELL OTERO
NICOLE REVENAUGH Irigonegaray, Turner & Revenaugh, L.L.P.
What was your first job and what did you learn from it? My first job was working at a sports photography company in Liberty, Missouri while I was in college. This is where I was first introduced to concepts such as product sales, production, and photography, and given my first leadership opportunity in an employment setting. Working 1215 hours a day in varying weather conditions outdoors taught me strong work ethic that I still use in my law practice today. Who is your hero? My grandfather, Stew, is one of my favorite heroes. He has demonstrated the value of service by being an active leader and
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servant in his community. Stew is a lifelong learner, mentor, and supporter of the arts—which I also enjoy. At age 84, he enjoyed the attempt of studying string theory just to improve upon his scientific knowledge. He has mentored troubled youth, taught financial literacy to neighbors, and volunteers at our local hospital so that patients have the opportunity to enjoy his company—and a little humor as well. I hope that I can maintain a similar passion for service and dedication to my community just like my grandfather. Best advice you have received? Be true to yourself.
Photo By EMMA HIGHFILL
Prairie Band LLC
What is your theme song? “Bohemian Rhapsody” because it’s full of emotion, chaos, fun, and as Roger Taylor called it, a little bit of nonsense in the middle. My family has had some memorable singalongs to this song.
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LET YOUR LOVE LIVE ON. We understand that there is a desire for your life’s ambition to not only have an impact today but tomorrow as well. So, whether it’s a focus on securing your family’s future or establishing a gift that betters your community for generations to come, it all demands financial planning and a steward of your vision. Which is why we’re here for you. www.bokfinancial.com/planning
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Planning | Investments | Banking Trusts | Specialty Assets © BOK Financial Private Wealth, a division of BOKF, NA. Member FDIC. Securities, insurance and advisory services offered through BOK Financial Securities, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC and a subsidiary of BOK Financial Corporation. Services may be offered under our trade name, BOK Financial Advisors. NOT FDIC INSURED | NO BANK GUARANTEE | MAY LOSE VALUE
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COMMERCIAL REALTORS • 273-3111 Brookwood Shopping Center | Brookwood Office Park | 21st & Belle Shops may 2020 TK Business Magazine
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CHERIE SAGE
What is the most important characteristic that every leader should possess? It‘s difficult to choose just one quality that matters more than any other, but certainly one of the most important is the ability to inspire. Inspiration sets wheels into motion. It sparks the fire. Inspiration is the seed of opportunity. It brings a wellspring of ideas and cultivates an environment of collaboration. History remembers those leaders who inspire others to come along on a journey, to be brave, to stretch ourselves, and rally around a shared belief and hope. And when inspiration occurs, great and powerful things can happen.
Photo By EMMA HIGHFILL
Safe Kids Kansas, Inc
JOHNNIE SANDERS Topeka Public Schools/ Pine Ridge Prep
What characteristic should every leader possess? The most important characteristic that every leader should possess would be integrity. A leader who has integrity is fair, honest, and will not simply tell people what they want to hear, but what they need to hear for the greater good. A leader with integrity will not lie or deceive others to get what they want. A leader with integrity earns the respect of others and is trustworthy.
What is the best advice you have ever received? A few years ago, I was in Santa Fe with my family and visited the Georgia O’Keeffe museum. She once said, “I’ve been absolutely terrified every moment of my life – and I’ve never let it keep me from doing a single thing I wanted to do.” That really resonated with me. It’s okay to be nervous. It’s okay to be afraid. But don’t let it stop you. She also said, “I hate flowers – I paint them because they’re cheaper than models and they don’t move.” Having a sense of humor is helpful, too. What is your theme song? I love jazz music but for a theme song, “One Voice” by The Wailin’ Jennys gives me all the feels.
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Photo By EMMA HIGHFILL
Photo By EMMA HIGHFILL
LESSONS LEARNED FROM COVID-19: “I plan to embrace relationships with friends and family differently. I plan to give more time to do the things that are important. I plan to slow down, laugh, serve more and tell people how much they mean to me. I am so happy to be alive.”
JENNIFER SAUER Shawnee County
Best advice you have received? Sometimes nothing is a wise thing to say.
Best advice you received? The best advice I received came from my mother. She told me to never let your children be broke. If they are broke, it leaves them in a situation where they can become desperate. Desperate people do desperate things and it leaves them vulnerable.
TOBIAS SCHLINGENSIEPEN First Congregational Church
What was your first job and what did you learn from it? Feeding and watering Japanese quail and cleaning the cages in the research department of the Menninger Foundation. I learned that I can endure foul odors and
What motivates you? I am motivated by the desire to help young children receive the best education possible. Education levels the playing field between those that have and those that have not. You can be born in poverty, and you don’t have to stay there.
that hundreds of Japanese quail scream bloody murder if you play rock ‘n roll while you do your job but are attentive and peaceful when listening to Gregorian Chants. Who knew?! What is the most important characteristic that every leader should possess? Facilitating communication. Leadership assumes group effort. It is important to bring together diverse talents and strengths in order to achieve a common goal, and one that everyone can own.
Photo By EMMA HIGHFILL
What inspires you? People’s willingness to be generous.
What is your theme song? “Man in the Mirror “by Michael Jackson. It’s a song that has always struck a chord with me and a song I listened to with my kids. If you want to make a change in the world, the first step is to make that change with yourself first.
JAMMIE SERRANO Advisors Excel
What do you hope your legacy will be? I hope my legacy is one of positive impact for those in my community. I would love people to say I was always a great friend, a wonderful mother, and an amazing wife. I would want to be known as someone who worked hard and shared often. What motivates and inspires you? My family motivates me. When I was growing up some of my fondest memories were traveling with my parents and my sister. My parents’ marriage is an inspiration to me. I want to be able to provide as many of those memories I can with my family and
Photo By EMMA HIGHFILL
What was your first job and what did you learn from it? My first job was at Harry’s IGA. My store manager’s philosophy was that we were a family; acknowledging that we spend more waking hours with our co-workers than our families. Having disagreements is fine, but to always treat each other with respect and kindness.
aspire to have a strong marriage as my parents have had for over 40 years. What is your theme song? “This Girl is on Fire” by Alicia Keys. may 2020 TK Business Magazine
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DEBBIE STANTON
Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library
What was your first job and what did you learn from it? My first job was in the kitchen of a family-owned pizza restaurant. I learned that colleagues can become friends, and even sometimes feel like family. I also learned that hard work is extremely rewarding. What is your theme song? Almost every day when I open the door to work I’m humming the theme song from Indiana Jones. It gets me energized and ready to face whatever challenges the day holds with a sense of adventure.
Photo By EMMA HIGHFILL
What do you hope your legacy will be? Building bridges. I hope to help every person I meet feel a little more connected and welcome in our community. When people feel connected to a community, they’re more likely to get involved, give back and treat others with compassion.
LESSONS LEARNED FROM COVID-19: “I realized how much I’ve taken for granted from our local businesses, assuming they would always be there to keep our economy vibrant. Seeing many of them struggle to stay open but also seeing their innovation during this time, has inspired me to do more local shopping.”
BRIAN THURLOW Reser’s Fine Foods
Photo By EMMA HIGHFILL
What motivates you? Opportunities that challenge me.
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What was your first job and what did you learn from it? I grew up on a dairy farm, so that was my first job. I learned to have a strong work ethic, that nothing comes easy in life, and to never take advantage of any opportunity that is put in front of me. This was instilled in me at a young age. What would your super power be? The power to read minds and the power to stay one step ahead of the competition.
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Architecture. Planning. Interiors.
Walters-Morgan Offices | Manhattan, KS
EXPANDING A LEGACY Walters Morgan Construction, Inc. has been a vital part of Manhattan, Kansas since the 1930s. Originally surrounded by dirt roads and open fields, the economic growth of the community has left their office staff with no room to grow. Their new expanded building, set to begin construction in the coming months, will provide an open floor plan concept and approximately 3,000 square feet of additional space to foster communication and collaboration within their team. Relocating to the industrial park will also allow better access for their trucks and equipment. Architect One is honored to be their trusted partner, helping make their vision a reality.
LISTEN. DESIGN. INSPIRE. may 2020 TK Business Magazine
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Photo By EMMA HIGHFILL
TARA WALLACE Tara Wallace, LLC
Who is your hero? My son Tavian. He is one of the most brilliant individuals I know. He was diagnosed with Asperger as a child and has overcome many obstacles to become the amazing young man he is today. Raising a child with autism was not an easy task, and I made many mistakes along the way. Now that he is an adult, Tavian has been reflecting on his experience of growing up with autism. The most memorable conversation we had involved him apologizing for how difficult he was sometimes. I reminded him that the things we did wrong were because we were learning, not because we wanted to cause harm. Watching Tavian face challenges head on and learning to be comfortable as an adult living with autism inspires me daily.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be? Reading minds. I work with individuals, primarily children, who struggle to put their feelings into words. If they have the words, it is not always safe for them to be expressed. Instead they act them out in the hope that someone will look beyond that behavior to understand what it is they are trying to communicate, and then hold on to all of that so they can feel safe again. I would use my superpower to create that space until they are ready to mend. What is your theme song? My theme song is “Bravo” by Ledisi. It’s bold and empowering, like me. It talks about loving yourself and strengthening that relationship. It talks about celebrating yourself and encouraging others to do the same.
Photo By EMMA HIGHFILL
LESSONS LEARNED FROM COVID-19: “I will take advantage of opportunities to connect with others however they present themselves. Those things should never be taken for granted again.”
MARCY WEEKLEY
Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Kansas What is the most important characteristic that every leader should possess? Integrity. It encompasses honesty and trust, which instills loyalty and respect in those they are leading. What motivates or inspires you? Organizations, events and causes that improve people’s lives and make the world a better place. What is your theme song? “What a Feeling” by Irene Cara What have you gained from being a part of Leadership Greater Topeka? Different perspectives while problem solving or discussing issues due to the diversity of the group. TK
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By SAMANTHA EGAN Photos by EMMA HIGHFILL
Yes, everybody poops, but it takes a special type of entrepreneur to turn No. 2 into a viable business opportunity.
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SS&C brings clarity and a unique perspective to your business.
We know it’s important to our clients that we monitor for innovations and always work to improve the clarity in their financials to help them gain the critical insights that keep their businesses moving forward on a clear path. We look beyond the numbers to provide real time information as well as assurance. Brian Lang, CPA, CVA, CEPA Chief Executive Officer Summers, Spencer & Company, P.A.
A UNIQUE APPROACH. NO TWO BUSINESSES ARE THE SAME. We are passionate about contributing to the success of our clients. We strive to free you up to focus on building your business. You benefit from the fact that we are small enough to offer highly personalized service, yet large enough to offer unmatched versatility and technical proficiency. WWW.SSCCPAS.COM | 785-272-4484
Thank you Topeka! We’re honored to support the community that has supported us for nearly 70 years.
PROUD TO PARTNER WITH
SUPPORTTOPEKA.COM
785-266-4870
mcelroys.com
may 2020 TK Business Magazine
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POO SQUAD
Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL
would like to purchase the first official Poo Squad franchise. “I talked to my wife about it and we decided it was great opportunity to get our two boys involved in a family business and teach them the importance of hard work,” Matt said.
While creative marketing fuels the company’s growth, Matt Young, co-owner of Poo Squad Topeka also credits its customer service reputation and its caring support in the community.
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LIFE DUMPS AN OPPORTUNITY Matt Young, co-owner of Poo Squad Topeka, admits his vision of entrepreneurship didn’t include owning a dog poop cleanup business, but when life dumps an opportunity on you, sometimes you need to just scoop it up. Matt’s nephew, Jaime came up with the business concept a couple of years ago and started a dog poop cleanup service company in Manhattan, Kansas. As business began to pick up, Jaime started getting calls from people living in the Topeka area to see if he would come service their yards as well. The time investment and cost of fuel to drive back and forth an hour each way, didn’t make financial sense, but Jaime knew he was onto something. He reached out to Matt to see if he
TK Business Magazine
POOP FOR PROFIT Matt and Tiffany started the Topeka business in October 2018 and started working to turn poop into profit. Matt owns his own landscaping and tree service business, so they had to work the poop scooping business into an already busy schedule. Fridays and Saturday mornings became the Poo Squad operating hours. Those working hours also made it possible for the company’s two youngest employees—their two boys ages 8 and 12—to help man the shovels. You know what they say, “the family that scoops poop together…” SMELLING LIKE A ROSE Poo Squad Topeka started out slow at first but is starting to come out smelling like a rose as the number of weekly customers continues to grow. In fact, they just hired their first employee so they can service yards on more days during the week. Part of their momentum came when spring melted the snow that covered months of built-up poop. The other part came from building brand recognition. “We poke fun at ourselves on social media all the time,” Matt said. If you own a business that deals with poop, you kind of have to embrace that.” Masterful Facebook marketing, accompanied by a growing word-ofmouth campaign, has built not only a loyal customer base but also high brand recognition.
“Some people pay to have their houses cleaned. Some pay to have their lawns mowed. Why not have someone clean up after your dog?” Matt Young Co-Owner | Poo Squad Topeka citizens who find the task too difficult, people appreciate a poop free yard. “Some people pay to have their houses cleaned. Some pay to have their lawns mowed. Why not have someone clean up after your dog?” Matt said. In fact, he sees it as providing a luxury service at an inexpensive price. “People can brag that they pay to have someone else scoop their dog poop,” Matt said. “Now, doesn’t that sound like a luxury?”
Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL
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However, it might not be the marketing that is driving business growth. It is more likely the reputation the company has for integrity, taking care of customers and caring for the community. The Poo Squad participates in events that support Helping Hands Humane Society and the American Cancer Society. They also support other local dog shelters and organizations that help take care of pets in some capacity. They provide free poop clean-up services to people who foster dogs and sponsor a dog every quarter by paying for half of its adoption fees. “We knew when we started this business that we wanted to find a way to give back to the community,” Matt said. “It is important for us to teach the boys what that means. This lets us show them.” NOTHING TO SNIFF AT Matt laughs about being known as “the poop guy” but the business potential is nothing to laugh at. More customers call every week. From young professionals who are just too busy to clean their yards to senior
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Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL
PORCELAIN PURSUIT
What started as a funny idea, Porcelain Pursuit became a “flushed” out concept for Chase Brill and a team of college students who won $4,000 in the Fall 2019 Washburn University Pitch Competition.
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$4K FOR POO When we were little, our parents would often give us a prize for going poo. Porcelain Pursuit thinks you should still get a prize. But only if you do your business in a local restaurant. Created to support local eateries, the Porcelain Pursuit is the brainchild of Chase Brill, a senior international business and marketing major at Washburn University, who hatched the idea with a few friends. The concept is simple: go into a participating bathroom, then scan a QR code with your phone. Each scan gives the “pursuer” points that can be cashed in to earn prizes, like t-shirts or coupons. Each scan also gives the user some immediate gratification: a poop joke. “Originally, I just thought it was a funny idea,” said Chase. But after talking to his professors, Chase realized the idea had traction. His instincts were proved right when Porcelain Pursuit won $4,000 in the Fall 2019 Washburn University Pitch Competition. The Porcelain Pursuit team is made up of other college-age students Chase knows from various walks of life. The team includes a web developer, sales person, designer and social media manager. Right now, Porcelain Pursuit is web-based. But eventually, they hope to build an app using feedback from the initial pursuers. “We don’t want to waste time developing random features that may not be necessary for the user experience,” said Chase. BETA TEST Over winter break, Porcelain Pursuit launched a beta test with five restaurants in Chase’s hometown of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, where local places are on the rise. Supporting small businesses is personal to Chase, who didn’t experience much beyond chain restaurants while growing up. “I think there is so much you can get from going to local places,” Chase said. “The atmosphere and the food are incredible.”
BATHROOM HUMOR Porcelain Pursuit uses social media to build their brand. And make no but(ts) about it: Chase and his friends have no qualms about digging into their subject matter. For example, in one meet-theteam-style video, followers learned Marcus, the designer, is the team’s fastest pooper. “We want to push the envelope and take people a little out of their comfort
The QR code is a key component of Porcelain Pursuit that allows participants to earn points for prizes and coupons. zones without going over the line,” Chase said. Steeped in bathroom humor, their content reinforces how to participate while also giving followers a glimpse into the brand’s charm: a bunch of friends making each other laugh. Chase and his team members live in different states, so, right now the laughter happens via web conference when they hold their weekly meetings to talk strategy. “We’re making it work right now,” Chase said. “But it makes it difficult to enjoy the process together.” Upon graduation, Chase said most of the team expressed interest
Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL
Within six weeks of launching the beta test, 100 people scanned the QR codes. The most active users scanned in three of the five participating restaurants. The results not only encouraged the Porcelain Pursuit team, they also intrigued the restaurant owners. “I think, at first, the businesses just wanted to help out a group of college students,” Chase said. “But after seeing the reports, they were kind of impressed.” The participating restaurants don’t pay the Porcelain Pursuit anything— yet. But once they launch into a fully incorporated business, they hope to make revenue by charging restaurants for helping bring customers in. “It would’ve been a tough sell to ask them to pay in the beginning. We’re just trying to prove the concept and make sure it works,” said Chase. “Once we can show business owners we’re bringing people in, it will be a much easier sell.”
in continuing with the Porcelain Pursuit. But Chase also hopes to gain experience at an ad agency after graduation before focusing on it full time. “I want to get some experience on some of the creative aspects of the marketing stuff,” he said. No matter where Chase lands post-graduation, he and his team plan to keep toilets running in Oklahoma while gearing up for launching in their next city: Topeka. Interested in getting a QR code in your Topeka restaurant’s bathroom? Reach out to the Porcelain Pursuit. Then get your toilet Instagram-ready.
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JOHNNY ON THE JOB
Many festivals and events use Johnny on the Job units like these because of the convenience and cleanliness.
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CLEANLINESS COUNTS In recent times, with the onset of COVID-19 across the world and closer to home, cleanliness and sanitation have become a hot-button issue. While other companies have been scrambling to create a cleaner environment for customers, A-1 Rental Inc., Johnny on the Job has been on top of it for the last decade. Back in 2010, Carrie Kelly and her husband, Jack, stepped up their game by equipping every one of their portable restrooms with hand sanitizers. But in the 24 years they have been running Johnny on the Job, Carrie said cleanliness is not the only factor that has evolved in the portable toilet business. It turns out, people have gotten pickier about their restrooms, even the portable ones.
OPTIONS MATTER Back in 1997, in Carrie and Jack’s first year in business, there were few options for customers looking to rent a portable restroom. Today, things are different. With options varying in size and degree of luxury, the choice of what toilet to rent for a wedding may now be just as important as the cake. While much of Johnny on the Job’s business comes from events and weddings, construction sites are another huge part of their customer base. Through the years, Carrie said construction clients have asked for more out of their restrooms, often opting for the larger handicap units in order to get more space. Some of Johnny on the Job’s portable restrooms are arguably nicer than some permanent fixtures. The “women’s side” of
Optional luxury Johnny on the Job units for weddings and events have changed the dynamics of the portable toilet industry. their Ameri-Can portable restroom, for example, has three stalls, two sinks, heat, air conditioning and hot water. “It feels and looks just like a regular restroom,” Carrie said. Powering such deluxe accommodations requires big equipment. Each restroom is serviced by trucks with water tanks. More business means more wear and tear on the $100,000 trucks, forcing them to be replaced about every four years. MINORITY INTEREST Beyond the cleanliness of their units, Carrie is proud Johnny on the Job is a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) minority interest company, a certification
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“Toilets have gotten more important,” said Carrie. “People are much more likely to rent a portable toilet than they used to be because of the convenience and the cleanliness.” Johnny on the Job serves the Northeast Kansas area, all the way into Nebraska border, into Kansas City and down to Emporia. If you have attended downtown Topeka festivals, like the Food Truck Festival, Miracle on Kansas Avenue or the car show, you probably have been in a Johnny on the Job toilet.
for businesses that are owned and operated by a disadvantaged member of the population, which could be women, minorities, veterans or people with disabilities. Carrie’s 51 percent ownership in the company made Johnny on the Job eligible for this designation. While her industry that handles No. 2 may not be the No. 1 choice of other entrepreneurs, she experiences the same pros and cons of any other business owner. “It’s always nice to be your own boss,” she said. “But you work harder as an entrepreneur. You can’t just leave business behind at the end of the day. And as part of the larger community, you need to be involved and give back when you can.” TK
■ Independent
Living ■ Assisted Living ■ Home Plus ■ Skilled Nursing ■ Memory Care ■ Short-Term Care ■ Rehabilitation
aldersgatevillage.org 7220 SW Asbury Drive | Topeka, KS 66614 | (785) 478-9440 may 2020 TK Business Magazine
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Business Shout-Outs via Facebook
TK Business asked what business has gone beyond expectations during COVID-19. Here are just a few of the responses.
Megan Turner
Ash Boutique ALL THE WAY!!! She shifted all her sales to online and is offering free local delivery and shipping. She has also supported my local screen-printing company by creating an online collection of tees and sweatshirts that share positive messages to lift spirits during this stressful time. She also organized donations to assemble care packages for local health care workers, at this time, she is planning to deliver 50+ packages!
Vicky Finney
I’m loving Blooms on Boswell’s Friday positivity bouquets! Just seeing the flowers brings joy to my heart. And, every week they sell out which is awesome! :)
Mandi Biester
ML
Mike Lafontaine
ST
Sally Tenpenny
KB
Katie Blaufuss
JR
Jess Roberts
LF
Lacy Frederick
Jennifer Goetz
Tradepost Tees without a doubt. They’ve helped me create shirts, distribute my design and send a message of solidarity with, “Ad Astra Per Aspera,” to our fellow Kansans. On top of that, all my proceeds from shirt sales have been matched by Travis, owner of Tradepost, and are being donated to help Topeka service industry workers.
Rose Cantrell
Mommy & Me has done a great job offering a private shopping option, FB Lives, and curbside pickup from Live orders. I bought a ‘bundle’ in my daughter’s size, let them pick the items to put in it and picked it up curbside. Every item fit great and is so cute—can’t wait for the summer weather now!
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Master Overbey’s Martial Arts is such an amazing company that is ALL about their students. Not only for continuing virtual classes but all the extra things they are doing right now for the families. Absolutely incredible.
Topeka Pizza with beef, chicken and toilet paper for pick-up!
We wouldn’t have hand sanitizer at our offices if it were not for Prairie Fire Winery. They really came through for us.
Adam VanDonge at The White Linen is another business who has gone the distance by completely changing his business plan to make sure they come out the other side. Adam has gone back to his roots of his sandwich shop in Holton. Serving up amazing sandwiches during the lunch hour for just $10!
The staff at Radiant has spent endless hours making and posting videos for our dancers, so that they may continue to dance at home. They host zoom classes so the girls can see each other. They have come up with fun, interactive ways to keep the kids’ attention while learning online. They have fought to keep what they have worked SO hard to build in our girls. Skills can diminish quickly when not in use… Radiant Dance Studio found a way to still encourage our girls to strive for excellence. To push harder to achieve new skill sets and maintain the skills they have already learned… all while keeping their distance!
Bedsprings and Burlap delivering all the supplies for my home projects!
Celebrating OVER 50 years of recovery services Valeo Provides Hope Through Recovery! Valeo Behavioral Health Care:
• Serves 7,000 people annually • Provides 29 programs to assist in recovery • Crisis Center is open 24/7 • Crisis Line is answered 24/7 • Never turns anyone away for services due to inability to pay 330 SW Oakley • Topeka, KS • 66606 valeotopeka.org may • 785-233-1730 2020 TK Business Magazine 83
Empowering Our
Communities.
Stormont Vail Health has long been a leader in health care throughout our region. We invest in the most up-to-date technology and the brightest and most talented team members. In addition, we extend our reach out into the communities we serve by collaborating with organizational partners who share the same dedication to helping. As we continue to work through this worldwide pandemic, our vision and focus remain committed on togetherness. Together, we will continue to improve and empower the health of our patients, staff and communities for generations to come.
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