TK Business Magazine - January 2021 Issue

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aircraft ownership is complicated simple.

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@tk_business_

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“We’ve always considered Bartlett & West a leader in their profession, but they’re also a leader in our community. As we went through the redevelopment process with the City and private sector,

Bartlett & West was there hand-in-hand with us the entire time.”

Vince Frye, President & CEO

Driving community and industry forward, together.

www.bartlettwest.com

Downtown Topeka, Inc.

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TK BUSINESS MAGAZINE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021

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A local builder, real estate agent and designer share their perspectives on the 2021 housing market.MA

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PRESIDENTS AND TAX LAWS

A Topeka boutique lives up to its name by offering custom-crafted cards and gifts with a touch of elegance.

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A TRIBUTE TO ALL SMALL BUSINESSES Check out our stories MtoAfind out how local entrepreneurs are thriving AZ and succeeding in spite ofGthe pandemic.

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Washburn Professor Jim Martin weighs in on the Biden tax plan.

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EXPERTS

PANDEMIC FATIGUE

Local business experts weigh in on masks, safety and mental health.

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FAMILY BUSINESS: SIBLING EDITION Some business owners in Topeka can't separate business from family, even if they wanted to.

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Don’t just join a Club

Join a Family

The Topeka CounTry Club

KBUSINES S KBUSINES TO

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P E K A C.C EST. 1905

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“I’m going to play at home.

I love to be at Topeka Country Club.

MAG AZIN It’s where I grew up. That’s one - Gary Woodland E course I’d play every day.”

2019 U.S. Open Champion

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The Topeka CounTry Club www.topekacc.org JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021

TK Business Magazine

2700 Sw buchanan, Topeka, kansas 66611 | (785) 354-8561

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AGA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ZINE Lisa Loewen

CREATIVE DIRECTOR & DESIGNER Janet Faust

MANAGING PARTNER & SALES DIRECTOR Braden Dimick braden@tkmagazine.com MAG 785.438.7773 AZ

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MARKETING ASSISTANT Hope Dimick LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER Emma Highfill

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

MASamantha GAZ Egan Miranda Ericsson INE Kim Gronniger Lisa Loewen Adam Vlach

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS John Burns Emma Highfill M

AGA Z

CONTRIBUTING INE EXPERTS Martha Bartlett Piland Jared Schreiner, M.D. Laura Sidlinger, DNP Jim Martin, CPA

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E2 Communications

AZIN7512 SW Falcon St. E Topeka, KS 66610 785.438.7773

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tkmagazine.com

2021 TK Business Magazine is published by E2 Communications, Inc. Reproduction or use of this publication in any manner without written permission of the publisher is prohibited.

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PUBLISHING COMPANY

FOUNDER ǀ Kevin Doel

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PUBLISHER Tara Dimick

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Let’s face it, 2020 was a Looking through this issue challenge. We spent the majority of TK Business Magazine, I was of it worried, frustrated, angry M struck by the number of microand a little shell shocked. We AGbusiness AZI entrepreneurs and E watched small businesses close startupN businesses that are making their doors as others are still a name for themselves here in struggling to survive.

Topeka.

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And it is working for them.

With flexible hours and creative use of space, these microentrepreneurs can grow their businesses at a pace and on MAG AZIN a budget that works for them, E allowing them to act on their dreams now, rather than waiting for all of the pieces to fall into place.

It takes guts to start a business at any point in time, but it takes a little crazy and a lot of MAG AZIN faith to do it when the world seems E Lisa Loewen to be at a standstill. If so much Editor-In-Chief positive can come out of 2020, TK Business Magazine just imagine what 2021 may hold.

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Every effort was made to ensure accuracy of the information

this publication as of press time. The publisher assumes AZinnoIN responsibility of any part for the content of any E advertisement in this publication, including any errors

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and omissions therein. E2 Communications, Inc. makes no endorsement, representation or warranty regarding any goods or services advertised or listed in this publication.

Listings and advertisements are provided by the subject company. E2 Communications, Inc. shall not be responsible or liable for any inaccuracy, omission or infringement of any third party's right therein, or for personal injury or any other damage or injury whatsoever. By placing an order for an advertisement, the advertiser agrees to indemnify the publisher against any claims relating to the advertisement.

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congratulations KANSAS FINANCIAL RESOURCES congratulates

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on earning the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) designation.

This honor is achieved only upon completion of extensive course work, demonstrated practical skill and advanced product knowledge. Further, it reflects the goal of KFR to offer all clients the utmost in professional service. Eric will concentrate on wealth management and specialized planning for his clients.

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From the initial start-up to continued success, join us for the area’s most exciting local business stories.

Registered representatives offer securities through Securities America, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Financial advisors offer advisory services through Securities America Advisors, Inc. Kansas Financial Resources, Inc. and the Securities America companies are separate entities.

Practical Business Experiences with an Entrepreneurial Focus

EVERY THIRD THURSDAY 7 PM

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TK Business Magazine

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AGAfrom the movie Remember the M saying ZINE Field of Dreams, “Build it and they will come?” While this concept is what most companies base their business model on (even online, customers must go MAG ZINlocal to the website), aAfew E businesses have decided on a different approach.

Having “built it,” these business owners are taking their services straight to their customers.

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We’re proud to announce that Tom Stringer has joined our team.

Tom Stringer Sales Executive

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Raylan Watson might not be old enough to understand his parents' business strategy for Frozen Drinks on the Go, but he does know how to showcase the equipment for the camera.

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Nothing says party quite like a delicious frozen drink. However, those icy beverages can be a real hassle to make. If only someone would just show up with a machine that would make them for you…

Voila! That’s where Frozen MAGDrinks on the AZIN Go saves the day.

E Ashley and Branden Watson took over the frozen drink company in October when it just kind of fell into their laps. A good friend had owned the business for eight years, sold it, then got it back, but was too busy toM run it. So, the Watsons AG decided to take it on. AZIN E “We've been wanting to do something for quite a while. I never really understood what I wanted to do. But oddly enough, a slushy business is the perfect starting point for us,” Branden said.

The Frozen MAGDrinks on the Go AZIN machine takes a liquid and E spins it, eventually turning it into a slushie. They have eight standard flavors, but customers can put anything into the machine as long as there’s sugar in it.

“Customers have tried everything fromMDr Pepper to coffee and apple cider,” AG AZIN Branden said.

E Peach Bellini is “by far” the best seller, but Branden says the lime margarita is also really popular. The Watsons don’t actually make the drinks; they buy the mixes from Texas.

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Frozen Drinks on the Go offers a hassle free Mexperience AGA as ZINE owners, Branden and Ashley Watson, deliver the equipment, set it up and then MAG return for pickup AatZtheIN end of the E event.

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While people can rent frozen drink machines from other companies, have to go pick them up and Mthey AGA them once the event is over. return ZINE Frozen Drinks on the Go delivers the machines, sets them up, explains how to use them and then picks them up later, taking the hassle out of the experience.

“We bring the convenience to you,” MAG ABranden ZINE said. “All you have to do is drink them. ” The model of delivering and picking it back up brings a lot of value, especially for weddings.

“For brides and grooms, it’s crazy enough without having to run around MAG AZINand get a machine and learn how it E and then take it back the next works, day,” Ashley said.

Surprisingly, the biggest challenge the Watsons have faced so far isn’t COVID. It is the late night events where someone has to go pick up the MAG AZIN machine.

E The Watsons rely mostly on word of mouth advertising and Facebook to market the business. They also have an agreement to provide drink mixes for a drink machine owned by Axe and Ale.

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This arrangement allows prospective customers to try different drink flavors before renting a machine from Frozen Drinks on the Go. MAGand They also offer giveaways AZIN E hope to build the fundraising side of the business as a way to support the community. They have been involved in The Villages, Junior League of Topeka, and serve on the Citizen Review Board for CASA. MAG AZaIN “We’re fortunate to have business E that can give back, so why shouldn’t we?” Ashley said.

Branden says he hopes to eventually grow the business into a fulltime career. He wouldn't be able to do this without M hisAfriend, GAZBrian Nitcher, INEDrinks on the former owner of Frozen the Go. “His willingness to help us by answering any and all of our questions, walking us through machine repair, and introducing us to all of his clients M Gto us was more than he passedAon AZ E for as new we could have everIN asked business owners,” Branden said.

“We were able to hit the ground running and that will play a part in everything we do moving forward.”

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Tony Staab, owner of Speedy Brakes, demonstrates the ease, speed and convenience of his mobile "come to you" brake business.

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When people think about super-fast services, they think of fast food. Rarely would brake replacement fit into that category. Traditionally, you would make an appointment to get your brakes fixed and either drop it offM forAhalf the day or G AZ sit around for a few hours and wait INfor E the repairs to be completed.

Tony Staab, owner of Speedy Brakes, decided he could make that experience much more convenient in a lot less time.

Watching Tony and one of his technicians replace and pads on a MArotors G AZ car is like watching a NASCAR INEpit crew.

From the automatic jack to the custom design electronic tools to make the job faster and more efficient, Speedy Brakes lives up to its name. From jack up to jack down, Tony’s record for front and rear brakes andM rotors AGAis 15 minutes and 6 ZINE seconds.

“We are going to set a Guinness World Record—they don’t have one right now; we have to create one. From jack up, tires off, pads on, tires on, jack down, car started, our fastest front brakes time is 3 minutes ” Tony said.

MA18 G seconds, ZINHays, HailingAfrom E Kansas, Tony joined the Marine Corps right out of high school at the ripe old age of 17. He was stationed in California and did two deployments in his first two years. He met

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Not only does Speedy Brakes offer fast service, they are also available 24/7 so no one is stranded without brakes.

MAG his wife, Shelby—also a marine— AZIN while stationed in Japan.

E “Here we were, from opposite ends of the country, and God brought us together in Japan, of all places,” Tony said.

Tony was stationed in Topeka in MAG AZIN April, and with two kids and another E on the way, he began thinking about his future beyond the military. His dad was a mechanic for Frito Lay and also owned Bakersfield engine machining and a tire and machine MAG shop in Hays, which he still owns AZIN and runs. So, auto mechanics is in his E blood.

“I had been working on the idea for this business for about a year, developing the business plan, building an app, and figuring outM the logistics,” Tony said. “But in June, I AG AZ INE was like, ‘OK, let’s do it!’”

On June 22, Tony officially opened Speedy Brakes.

“I thought it was going to be a soft opening, with a couple of signs and an ad or two, picking up MaAfew GAinZ jobs here and there while I am still INE the marines,” Tony said. “But it’s like this baby that I bloomed is already going off to college. It’s crazy to fathom how fast this is taking off.”

Photos by JOHN BURNS

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From jack up to jack down, Tony Staab's record for replacing front and rear brakes and rotors is 15 minutes and 6 seconds.

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With Speedy Brakes signs all over town and a huge social media presence, business has been growing exponentially. the company recently serviced 25 MInAfact, Aone carsGin ZINday.

E Tony employs eight technicians but is always looking for more.

“Sometimes my wife even swings in and helps out,” Tony said.

Tony says his business approach is MAG modeled after that of Jeff Bezos whose A ZINE is to make minimal profit at philosophy first so you can build economy of scale to create greater profit down the road. In fact, Speedy Brake’s prices are so low that they don't seem real. But he has negotiated with parts suppliers to get the lowest possible prices, which he passes along to MAG AZIN his customers.

E “I tell the companies I work with that if they go with me on this, I will take them with me to the next level in the future,” Tony said. “That is how I can do $99 brakes.”

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Speedy Brakes offers 24/7 service— simply because “it’s the right thing to do.” Tony says if someone calls at 3 a.m. he will be there. He plans to continue MAeven offering that service, if the company G AZ INE goes big.

“Why not?” Tony said. “I had a phone call once at 9 p.m. A guy was stranded on the side of the road. I brought all four rotors, four pads and two calipers. I got done at 1 in the morning MAGon the road. and he was back AZIN Eeven charge Speedy Brakes doesn’t extra for afterhours work.

“I want the mindset to be ‘We’re here to help.’”

Tony is leaving his military career to concentrate MAG on Speedy Brakes full time. Leaving Abehind ZIN the safety net and structure takes a realEleap of faith, but Tony has plenty of that.

“God will lead the way. It would be amazing to just watch this blow up in five years.”

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With many activities and events cancelled and workplaces and schools closed,M most AGTopekans A spent a lot more time in theirZINE homes and yards in 2020 than in previous years. And all that familiarity, in many cases, bred contempt not for loved ones but for outdated bathrooms, kitchens MAG and cramped communal AZIspaces NE ill-equipped to accommodate multiple family members home together all day every day for months.

Despite initial concerns last spring that pandemic might MAthe GA ZINE hinder the home construction and remodeling industry, Topeka’s housing market has remained competitive and shows no signs of slowing down in 2021. A local builder, real estate agent and MAGshare their perspectives designer AZIN E on consumer trends.

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AZIN CONSTRUCTION OUTLOOK 2021 E

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MARK BOLING | Mark Boling Construction, Inc.

Current rates Mlow-interest G AZ are a boon forAindividuals IN wanting to build a customE home or remodel one. Mark Boling, owner of Mark Boling Construction, Inc., is getting inquiries for both options, despite Mcosts AGAand manufacturing delays caused in ZIpart NEby COVID-19.

"When the pandemic hit, a lot of lumber mills shut Mark and Karen down because they thought our Boling, owners of Mark industry would slow down, but Boling Construction, instead it's thrived," said Boling.

M AGA Inc., give credit to his "Lumber availability Z INE has also father for teaching him been impacted by the wildfires in carpentry skills and the California, which hit large mills value of hard work from hard, and tariffs on Canadian the time he could lift a lumber, all of which moved hammer. the cost of lumber up about 20 MAGpercent. We're hoping that in the AZfew next INmonths inventory will

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be back up and tariff issues with new family configurations that Canada will be resolved." need to be considered in floor The pandemic's impact on plans, M like a bedroom, sitting AGA manufacturers has also affected room and bathroom ZINfor an aging the availability of windows, parent who's moving E in with the appliances, appliance parts, family." lighting and other materials.

Boling said most of his new Despite increased lumber construction clients have tended costs and infrastructure hurdles to be 40 and older, but last year Mworked often associated with rural he AGA with several clients in INE settings, some prospective their earlyZ 30s. homeowners prefer to have a "They have good jobs, they Boling-built custom home on know what they want and they're acreage even with additional willing to go ahead and build a expenses for clearing trees, nicer home now rather than wait creating longer driveways, M to do it later," he said. running underground electrical AG ABoling ZIN said older clients and plumbing lines, and pursuing aEcustom-built home installing septic systems. are often looking for a smaller space with high-end finishes, EVOLVING PRIORITIES including custom cabinetry, Boling, who has been in the flooring and zero-entry/ADA MAG features. construction business for more AZIN"They're often willing to than 35 years, said the home E plans he builds range from 1,400 sacrifice square footage for those square feet on up and typically amenities," he said. have three bedrooms or more.

Other clients are interested Popular floor plans include two in adding value to their bedrooms on the main floor and residences by remodeling MAG two in the basement, although AZIN bathrooms and kitchens, Efinishing basements and/or Boling said there's growing willingness among some clients adding new rooms for greater to pay more to have four firstfunctionality. floor bedrooms.

From inception to Boling said customers are completion, Boling said a new also interested inMstructural home's construction could AGA wiring and technology take up to a year. With major ZIN enhancements to complement E renovations, a project could the rapid growth of wireless take six to 10 weeks or more products used by multiple family depending on the scope. members.

"Consumers are really savvy BE AN INVOLVED CLIENT about the features they're looking Boling said individuals MAG Aalso for," he said. "We're seeing interested in building or ZI

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Mark Boling Construction, Inc. is seeing new home building trends that include technological enhancements, more first-floor MA bedrooms and living quarters that accommodate an aging Gwill AZIN parent.

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remodeling a home are clients. We encourage open undertaking a substantial communication throughout investment in money and the process so our clients time and should thoroughly know what we're doing and vet contractors beforeM signing AGA why."

ZINE a contract.

“Check references and GRATIFYING WORK check with the homebuilders’ Growing up, Boling's association to make sure father was a carpenter who the person is licensed," said taught him the value of Boling. "If something sounds hard work and the skills too good to be true, there he’s carried with him from MAG AZIN the time he was old enough may be a reason. The team E you hire is going to be in your to lift a hammer. Around home daily for an extended the age of 20, after getting period of time and you have married and starting a family, to be able to cultivate trust.

Boling began building his Trust is major because there construction business.

MAGor two in may be a hiccup "I've always enjoyed ZINtoE a project, and youAwant working with my hands and be comfortable that your I discovered that I enjoy contractor can make things working with clients too," right." he said. “That’s what got me Once a project is engaged with the industry on underway, Boling said, a larger scale and what's kept MAG should check “Individuals me interested all these years AZas out the job site as later. It's gratifying when INmuch E they want to. I tell clients people tell you how much they're welcome to see they love their new home or what's going on any time new space. There aren't too and I encourage them to ask many things outside of this questions. I have great trade industry where you can partners, and we take good see what you’ve bought care of each other and our from start to finish."

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E RICK NESBITT | Berkshire Hathaway Home Services

Despite the 2020 pandemic, the housing industry in Topeka remained strong, sustaining a seventh-year sellers’ market asMinterest rates dropped sharply.

AGA year-to-year data, Citing October ZINE Rick Nesbitt, a real estate agent with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, said, “Whether it was a $45,000 house or a $445,000 house in Topeka, it typically sold within 18 days compared to 37 days the previous MAGyear. Buyers, everyone from firstAZIN to empty nesters, want time homeowners E to take advantage of historic low rates, but the overall listing availability in Topeka is down 49 percent compared to 2019, and I think that trend will continue in 2021. If I had a client right now looking for a home $200,000 to $250,000 range, I might MinAthe GA have one and if that number Zavailable, INE pushed up to $350,000 to $400,000, I might have four.”

Although he works with buyers and sellers across multiple demographics, he said adults 28 to 45 are typically MAG wanting to upgrade their residences while A people and older often are looking for ZIN60 E properties with less square footage.

BUYERS: LOCATION & SPACE AMENITIES Buyers often seek homes with larger yards and inground pools, and the pandemic has heightened interest in such MAG AZIN open-air amenities.

E “This past year especially, my clients have wanted to look at homes with acreage to accommodate a trampoline or a pool,” he said. “Inground pools were hot commodities this year because families spent so much time at home and were MAG AZIN looking for ways to entertain themselves.

E Because of that interest, it might take 18 months or more to get a pool installed now.”

Inside the home, Nesbitt said buyers continue to gravitate toward large kitchens

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Rick Nesbitt, real estate agent with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, notes that the pandemic in 2020 led clients to search for more acreage and outdoor amenitiesM to entertain themselves.

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and bedrooms and locations in their preferred school districts.

“Topeka is territorial in the sense that people who grew up in a certain section of the city tend to MAthere GAZso their kids can attend the same gravitate back INE“The community is familiar schools they did,” he said. to them and there’s a sense of pride in that rite of passage of returning as a homeowner.”

Nesbitt said some buyers are looking for properties that can accommodate merging families.

“Adult children may be moving home with M AGA so a larger basement is needed,” said grandchildren, ZINE Nesbitt. “Or they may need a bigger bathroom and bedroom on the main floor so an older parent won’t have to use stairs.”

While new construction can deliver a homeowner’s desired amenities within a set budget,

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purchasing an existing structure is often a more economical choice.

“With new homes, you may have to pay special assessment taxes for 20 years M too,” said Nesbitt. “PostGA pandemic the price of materials A and labor have also ZIN E to half increased. If an empty nester wanted to downsize his home’s square footage, he might end up using all of the sale price of his current home on the new, smaller structure while paying a third or half as much more in taxes because of special assessments.”

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desire large lots for greater privacy, many are seekingIN wellE appointed smaller homes with lawn care and snow removal services provided.

A popular building trend he’s seen in Lawrence, Manhattan and Kansas City involves homes in the 2,000 to 2,200 squarefoot range built on concrete slabs without MAGbasements.

AZare “Since we live in a tornado zone, builders INcreating E closets,” he concrete safe rooms with steel doors in master suite said. “I think this type of housing is truly needed in Topeka.”

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AZIN SELLERS: AMP UP THE WOWG FACTOR E “Given the keen competition for existing housing stock, sellers can take low-cost steps to enhance their ability to close the sale and amp up the wow factor,” Nesbitt said.

“I tell my clients they need to have the right price and a good presentation.

MMost A Aof what I recommend involves sweat equity—clean theG house, shampoo the carpets, ZIN E touch up the paint, and move some of the furniture around or out of the room entirely so that the space looks like a magazine photo.”

Decluttering is also key.

“Rent a storage unit and pile it as high and tight as you need to,” M he said. “Everything you don’t use every day AGA needs to be removed from counters and stowed in ZINthe E cabinets.

Restaging your space so it looks larger will allow buyers to visualize their possessions in the space and won’t indicate you’re selling because your stuff is bursting at the seams.”

He M also proactively spending $425 on Arecommends AZIN to avoid surprises and assume a pre-listing G inspection E control by fixing them.

“Having that pre-listing report card on the counter conveys to a prospect that you’ve had the property reviewed by a trustworthy inspection company and you’ve fixed deficiencies,” he said. “It takes a lot of the negotiation work the table and makes for a smoother, faster MAoff G AZ transaction. ” IN E

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DOWN THE ROAD In Nesbitt’s estimation, more maintenance-provided housing would be a welcome addition to Topeka’s housing inventory. Although some of his clients 60 and older still

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DESIGN TRENDS 2021

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MONICA PARSEL | Winston Brown Remodeling

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For nearly five years, Monica Parsel has worked with Winston MAGBrown Remodeling clients and AZIN contractors E to reconfigure homes of all sizes for greater functionality and aesthetic appeal.

The daughter of an interior designer, Parsel’s career trajectory was set early. At 18, she landed a gig MAG the guest suite for the AZIremodeling NE Designers’ Showhouse, a popular spring fundraiser for the agency now known as Child Care Aware® of Eastern Kansas.

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Monica Parsel, designer at Winston Brown Remodeling, has seen a substantial uptick of more requests to solve for communal areas and basement remodels MAG Ashifted ZINE as the pandemic in 2020 homeowners' families to more time at home.

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G AZ OUTDOOR SPACES INE These days, Parsel said her clients are also eager to transform patios and decks into an outdoor oasis for work or play.

“They’re interested in adding MAG retractable screens, outdoor heaters AZIN and electrical components E for their mobile devices, enhancements that allow them to capture extra square footage for living and entertaining,” she said. “Working from home and being M on Zoom for much of the day, AZINwant to be able to a lotAofGclients have a change ofEscenery even if it’s just their backyard.”

COMMUNAL AREAS The experienced designer typically helps clients select flooring, cabinets, backsplashes, fixtures, showers and other components to expand and energize residential spaces. But since the pandemic has prompted additional homeowners to evaluate their surroundings with a critical eye, she’s fielding more requests for solutions for communal areas and basements.

“Before COVID-19, a lot of us DESIGN PROCESS were living ‘drop and go’ lifestyles,” Parsel’s clients range from MAindividuals she said. “Now that people have eager to remodel a hall G AZ INE been confined to their homes, bathroom for $20,000 to flipping a they’re often juggling multiple floor plan or building an extensive activities in the same space—work addition for several hundred for them, school for their children. thousand dollars.

They’re feeling cramped and “New construction is expensive noticing all the things that they’ve so the value of what the client maybe put off for a while, includingMAG already has invested in the home AZIN wall colors and trim work they can’t oftenEcan be better leveraged stand to look at anymore.” depending on what they want,” she Parsel and her team assist said. “The client may have a pool with reimagining indoor spaces to or an outdoor kitchen or some provide storage functionality and other amenity that won’t be easily versatility. replicated with new construction

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“We do a lot of mixed paint and stain treatments to soften the look and provide greater longevity so the design isn’t easily date M“In AGhigh stamped,” she said.

M AA G Ztraffic INAEZIN areas, you may want a medium E stain that might be more durable as opposed to having white paint throughout or a lighter or darker stain that may be trendy.”

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ZIN “We do a lot of mixedApaint and stain treatments to E soften the look and provide greater longevity so the design isn’t easily date stamped,” said Monica Parsel, designer at Winston Brown Remodeling.

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E Home • Auto • Business • Contractors Worker’s Compensation • Life Disability • Surety & Notary Bonding MA1415 GAZSW Topeka Blvd • (785) 271-8097 INwww.peoplesinsure.com E

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without incurring substantial cost. built-in or removable, are popular, as MAG With inflation and rising property areAhand-held sprayers, which allow ZINE values, sometimes remodeling the for easier cleaning. kitchen or the master bathroom will be For clients considering kitchen MAG AZIN less expensive than starting over.” remodels, Parsel said, “We ask a lot E Although demand for remodeling of questions. Do they microwave services is high year-round, Parsel everything or cook from scratch five AT A GLANCE said inquiries often ramp up when nights a week? Those answers help us winter weather keeps people insideMand AGA determine what storage and appliance Zneeds INE they might have.” holiday hosting frustrations are still MAG fresh.

Parsel said cabinetry shouldn’t AZIN E “People often want instant have to be updated for 20 or 30 gratification after they’ve made the years, but as time goes on hardware, initial decision to remodel, but a lot of lighting, and backsplashes can be Home Sales planning goes into the project that they “spruced up to change the look and According to the Sunflower Association MA often don’t realize initially,” she said.

GAZ feel of the space.” of REALTORS Inc., home sales within INE As in other areas of the home, “They may watch reality remodeling its multiple Mlisting AG service area rose by shows and are wary about surprises, Parsel said a blend of paint and ZINtoE328 units as 23.3% in OctoberA2020 but some of those developments are stain is often used to shape a compared to 347 units in October 2019. staged for ratings. We plan upfront so kitchen’s personality. She added that Total sales volume was $72.5 million, up there won’t be any surprises for the countertop finishes that continue 45.4% from the previous year. client or the contractor.” up the wall as backsplashes also can MAGthe After the first phone call, make the room appear larger.

The median sale price in October was AZIN MAG up from $132,000 in 2019.

E process entails an in-person assessment “For flooring, tile used to be the $146,288, AZ followed by a plan that accommodates standard, but hardwood floors feel E Homes that soldIN in October were typically the client’s budget, a signed contract nice underfoot and are practical as on the market for four days and sold for and design selections. Parsel said long as you’re not negligent with their 100.0% of their list prices. most remodeling jobs take four to six care,” she said. months or more depending on the The pandemic has delayed Active Listings MAG scope. deliveries of cabinets and appliances total number of active listings in AZIN MAThe GSunflower E AZIN multiple listing service “We’ve built a one-stop company in recent months. the E where clients can meet with a designer, “It’s been hard to predict,” said at the end of October 2020 was 382 a draftsman, an architect, a plumber Parsel. “We’ve seen a whole suite of units, down from 756 units in 2019, or any of our other subcontractors kitchen appliances arrive except for representing a 1.1 months' supply of underroof,” she said. “We’ve created the range and a dryer delivered but homes available for sale. relationships with all the key players not the washer.”

MAG on the project and MAG The median list price of homes on the who will be working AZIN AZIN E our facilitate their interactions with SOLVING A CLIENT'S WISHES marketEat the end of October 2020 clients throughout the process.”

A self-proclaimed “people was $149,900. During the month, 315 person,” Parsel loves interacting with contracts were written up as compared KITCHEN & BATHROOM TRENDS clients to solve their design dilemmas to 288 contracts the previous year. At The most popular remodeling and deliver satisfying spaces. the end of October, 378 contracts were requests are for bathrooms and “It doesn’t matter how small pending compared to 307 at the end of M MAG kitchens. AG AZ or how big the project is,” she said.

AZIN October 2019.

INE preferences Parsel said bathroom “A remodel of any size is a major E tend toward “clean, beautiful, highdecision for our clients and one quality, low-maintenance finishes,” they’ll remember forever. It gives me larger tiles with less grout and quartz a sense of accomplishment when we countertops or a natural material with a create something wonderful for them lifetime seal. She said shower benches, to enjoy for many years to come.” TK

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Janeen, Greg and Nija Bailey | FINICKY

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TANGIBLE SENTIMENTS WITH MELEGANCE AG AZIN

Photo by JOHN BURNS

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COMMITTED TO PROVIDING THE BEST DENTAL CARE

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Walk into FINICKY at 5618 SW 29th St. and the first thing that catches your eye MAG is the sparkling AZIN E chandelier. From there, your eyes are immediately drawn to an elegant gold wall where customMAG designed cards, AZIN E complete with jewels and ribbons, are displayed like pieces in an art gallery. Once you have taken a MAG the artistry on display, the rest moment to appreciate AZIN Efocus, revealing custom of the boutique comes into pillows, coasters, gift bags, boxes, T-shirts and more.

Everything in the boutique lives up to its name— FINICKY. Owner Janeen Bailey meticulously hand designs every item in the store, making sure every detail is just right. This need for perfection, according MAG Greg, permeates everything Janeen to her husband, AZIN E does.

“I nicknamed her “Finicky” when we got married 28 years ago because she is picky about how she wants things done,” Greg said. “She likes things neat, precise and, honestly, perfect.”

When the couple decided to open a boutique in MAG 2017, theAname seemed appropriate.

ZINE Janeen always loved photography and started taking pictures of her sons playing sports. She turned those pictures into sports cards and soon had other parents asking her to do the same for their children. That evolved into taking senior pictures and family pictures and also turning those into custom cards.

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IN A E FRIENDLY, PLEASANT ENVIRONMENT

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Photo by JOHN BURNS

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785-266-9100

3316 SE 28th Terrace ǀ Topeka, KS 66605 MAG AZIwww.thetopekadentistry.com NE

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Custom-designed cards, complete with jewels and ribbons, are displayed like pieces in an art gallery at FINICKY.

Photos by JOHN BURNS

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created a pillow with Joe’s image E The card business boomed.

Word of Janeen’s hand-crafted, and a button that also MAplayed GM AhisA ZG custom-designed cards and a recording of Joe singing INAEZIN E invitations started to spread. favorite song, “It Is Well with My Then came the pillows and Soul.” engraved coasters. Pretty “She loved the image on the soon, the Bailey’s house was pillow,” Greg said. “But when overflowing with inventory— she pushed the button and heard MAGitMbrought her something that drove a finicky Joe’s voice singing, AA ZG INAEZIN person crazy. to tears.”

E “We had so many things Janeen is the first to admit in our house that we were that FINICKY isn’t for everyone. leaning over,” Greg said with a A custom-made card has a laugh. “We knew we had to do higher price point than one something; we just weren’t sure you could buy in the card aisle MA GM AA what that was.” at the store. It also G Ztakes INAEZlonger INEis They looked for storage to produce because each one options, but nothing they found hand made. But the end result is really worked for convenience breathtaking. or price. They happened to “Janeen loves to create. drive by Barrington Village and Her favorite thing is to take a MAG vision and create saw a space for lease, and after customer’s AZINbetter than a negotiating a fair contract, all of something even E a sudden Janeen was in business. customer imagines,” Greg said.

The Bailey’s decided to The one-on-one attention, open the store as a boutique making sure every little detail is rather than a retail shop so that done right, results in customers Janeen would have the flexibility sing Janeen’s praises, spread MAwho Gword to manage their 16-year-old the and keep coming back AZIN daughter Nija’s extra-curricular for more. E activities.

“We didn’t anticipate “With Nija on the Topeka the business growing so fast,” West dance team, in the band Greg said. “We are blessed, and teaching dance classes, we but we have to remember didn’t want to limit our ability MAG that everything can’t happen ZINE to be part of her activities,” Greg Aimmediately.

We want to make said. smart decisions and not get FINICKY has seen steady in over our head with debt. growth since opening its doors Purchases have to happen when three years ago. Customers the money is there.” can schedule appointments FINICKY products are now MAG at www.finickyboutique.com sold AZIN all over the country through E orders. In fact, business or find them on Instagram @ online finickyboutique. While the cards has grown to the point where and stationery still drive the Janeen is on the brink of needing largest portion of the business, to hire someone, but that would the custom pillows and T-shirts mean trusting someone else have risen in popularity. to be as meticulous as she is.

M G One of Janeen’s A newest Instead of sole product creator, AZIN E she would have to become products is a memorial keepsake pillow. The idea actually came quality control inspector. from the loss of family friend, “People forget that she is former Fire Chief Joe Douglas. doing everything by hand,” Greg They wanted to do something said. “Sometimes that means if special for Joe’s widow, so Janeen she has a big order, we all have M

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INE to chip in. I can’t create the cards, but I can sweep the floor and keep the boutique clean.”

The Bailey’s hope that Nija will want to take over the business one day.

She is technically already a co-owner M AGA and helps as much as she can in the ZINE store. She also contributes design ideas, especially things targeted to a younger demographic, like shirts for the dance team.

“We would like to see Nija create her own product line at the boutique,” M Greg said. “She has great ideas for AG AZ INE people her age.”

Mostly, they just want Nija to see that it is possible to be successful working for yourself and enjoy what you do. They also want to share the value of hard work and theM importance AGA of giving back to others.

ZIN “We’ve been extremely fortunate,” E Greg said. “Our Topeka community is so supportive of us, and we do what we can to be supportive back by donating items to nonprofits and helping with fundraisers. We all need MAtoGtake care of AZINTK each other.”

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HAPPY NEW YEAR

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FINICKY has introduced custom pillows and T-shirts to its inventory.

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from the Greater Topeka Partnership to all the small businesses of Topeka and Shawnee County!

2021 the year to start or grow MAMake G AZ your business. For all your small business IN needs visitEGoTopeka.com or contact

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Glenda.Washington@TopekaPartnership.com.

Greater Topeka

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Topeka MAGreater G AZIN Partnership E

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FROM THE PROFESSOR

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AZIN E Candidates running for president typically lay out their vision for America with lofty goals and plans to pursue these goals once elected. Following the MAG election, often reality sets in AZIN E as the new president deals with the constraints that come with governing. President-elect Biden is no different. During the campaign he often spoke of his MAG AZIN plans to deal with multiple issues E such as the pandemic, health care, the environment, racial equity and taxes. The following is an analysis of the Biden tax plan.

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Numerous presidents left their Mhave A A mark on taxes. During the lastGfew Zdecades INE Ronald Reagan is often cited as instituting the largest change in the tax law. Based upon “trickle down” economics, his 1981 Economic Recovery Act and 1986 Tax Reform Act provided sizable tax reductions aimed at restartingM a recession-bound AGA ZINE economy.

In more recent times George W. Bush made his mark in presidential tax history with tax reductions from the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act in 2001 and the and Growth Tax Relief MJobs AGofA2003.

Reconciliation Act ZIN Barack Obama extendedEmost of the Bush tax cuts in 2010 with the Tax Relief Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization and Job Creation Act. In 2012, most of the Bush Tax cuts were made permanent MAwith or extended the American Tax Relief G AZ INE Act. Donald Trump, in 2018, implemented the largest overhaul of the tax code in decades with the Tax Cut and Jobs Act (TCJA).

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EDITOR’S NOTE: At the time this article went to press, control of the US Senate had not been resolved nor had all legal challenges to the 2020 presidential election been resolved.

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GAhelp The right tax plan can get ZINyou E elected. With the Biden tax plan, it is clear the president-elect will face strong crosswinds, if not head winds, from a potential Republican majority in the U.S. Senate. In addition, President-elect Biden will be operating a tax environment that MAin GAZ unsettled. is socially and politically INE First, the tax environment is socially unsettled given the uncertainty surrounding possible extension of provisions of the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).

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This 2020 law offered temporary tax relief to many affected by the Coronavirus. As of M this article’s publication, provisions of this AGM AG AZ INAEZIN act, which expired in 2020, have not been E extended, despite calls for additional relief.

Second, the tax environment is politically unsettled as the Trump tax law changes of 2018 (TCJA) have only been in place two years. Many of the TCJA tax provisions MAGM AG AZ include a “sunset” provision, which effectively INAEZIN E terminates them in 2025. However, in the meantime, a number of the TCJA provisions stand in stark contrast to Biden’s stated plans.

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Central to the Biden tax plan is a campaign promise to not increase taxes to anyone earning less than $400,000 per year and a promise to increase taxes on corporations. Although not formally included inMthe official AG AZtax INE plan, Biden also stated he would repeal Trump tax cuts, although he did not specify which Trump tax cuts were on the chopping block. Presumably the targeted provisions of the Tax Cut and Jobs Mthose AGAthat benefited Act (TCJA) are ZINE individuals earning over $400,000 and corporations.

The following is a summary of key components of the TCJA that could go away or be limited under a Biden presidency.

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Itemized Deductions As a general rule, taxpayers deduct the larger E INDIVIDUAL TAX CHANGES AGAdeduction or their itemized of theirM standard Z NE deductions. BecauseIthe TCJA increased the standard deduction so markedly, beginning in Reduced Tax Rates 2018 most taxpayers took advantage of the Prior to TCJA passage, the range of individual standard deduction and did not deduct itemized income tax rates spanned from 10% to 39.6% deductions. To those who itemized, several depending on a taxpayer’s level of taxable changes income and whether the taxpayer filed as single, MAG were made to the determination of A taxpayer itemized married, or head of household. Beginning in ZINEdeductions. These include: • Personal casualty and theft losses became 2018, for most taxpayers, tax rates spanned only deductible for federally declared from 10% to 37%. disasters.

• Miscellaneous itemized deductions were Standard Deductions and Personal eliminated.

Exemptions MAG • A The deduction for state and local tax is In 2017, the last year prior to the TCJA, Z INEat $10,000 for married filing capped standard deductions ranged from $6,350 jointly and $5,000 for single filers. for single taxpayer to $12,700 for married • The deduction for home mortgage interest taxpayers filing jointly. With the passage of TCJA, was tightened to exclude deduction of the 2018 standard deductions went to $12,000 some home equity loan interest and for single and $24,000 for married filing interest on new mortgages in excess jointly. These amounts are adjusted annually MAG for inflation. In 2017, the personal exemption AZIN of $750,000 for married filing jointly Etaxpayers. deduction for each qualifying dependent was • The “Pease” limitation on itemized $4,050. The TCJA eliminated the deduction for deductions was eliminated. The “Pease” personal exemptions. The TCJA did increase the limitation had the effect of reducing child tax credit from $500 to $2,000, providing itemized deductions for upper income tax relief in some cases due to the loss of taxpayers. personal exemptions.

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G AZ WILL THE ACARES INEACT BE EXTENDED? The most recent changes to the Tax Code are those brought about by MA GAct. the 2020 CARES These AZ INElaws were passed in response to the coronavirus pandemic and are generally only applicable in 2020. Given the ongoing nature of the pandemic, an extension of these provisions or other provisions MA dealing with the pandemic AZcould economicG fallout INEbe part of a Biden Tax Plan.

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Other Changes M deduction • The moving expense A GAZ was E eliminated except for members IofNthe Armed Forces who move pursuant to an order.

• The exemption for estate and gift tax was doubled from $5 million to $10 million.

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The corporate tax rate went from 35% to 21%.

The TCJA includes a limitation of deductibility of business interest expense for companies M G whose gross receipts A$25 averagedAover million per year.

ZIN E on The TCJA includes a limitation taxpayers’ ability to deduct business losses. The initial limitation was set at the amount of the taxpayers’ business income plus $500,000. corporate alternative minimum tax MThe AGeliminated. was AZIN Unlike other provisions E sunset in 2025, the of the TCJA, which alternative minimum tax will not be back in 2025 absent Congressional action.

A deduction for 20% of qualified business income was passed for individuals and some small businesses.

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AZIN Tax Rebates E Tax rebates of up to $2,400 for married couples along with $500 per qualifying child were paid off in 2020 as part of the CARES Act. Not everyone received a rebate as rebates phased out for higher income taxpayers.

MAG Retirement Fund Provisions AZIN The requirement for many retirees to take the required E distribution from their retirement plan was waived in 2020. If the distribution had already occurred, a rollover option was made available to some. In addition to this, some taxpayers were allowed to take up to a $100,000 retirement plan distribution. The M distribution would be AGA would be subject to income tax, but the taxable income ZIN spread over three years. The 10% early withdrawalEpenalty tax would not apply.

Charitable Contributions In most years, charitable contributions are only deductible by taxpayers who itemize. M In 2020, AGAtaxpayers who do not ZINEcontributions itemize may deduct up to $300 of charitable to qualifying institutions.

BUSINESS CARES ACT CHANGES

Employee Retention and Payroll Protection MACredits G AZ Program (PPP) INE Qualifying employers affected by the coronavirus pandemic were entitled to an employment retention tax credit on a portion of the employers’ share of social security tax. Aside from this, the PPP authorized business loans with favorable terms for loan forgiveness. Corporate participants in the PPP were notM eligible AGfor the Employee Retention Credit.

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Technical Modifications The CARES Act also provided a number of technical changes, which temporarily provided tax relief to some corporations and business owners. These changes include: • The TCJA $500,000 limitation on deduction AGA losses by owners was eliminated ofMbusiness Z years E 2018-2020, allowing for larger retroactively forIN deductible losses. The CARES Act also, for years 2020 and prior, made it easier for businesses to deduct net operating losses.

• The TCJA 30% limit on the business interest deduction was increased to 50% for year 2019 and 2020.

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FROM THE PROFESSOR

WHAT DOES THE BIDEN MAG TAX PLAN LOOK LIKE? AZ INDIVIDUAL TAX CHANGES

Social Security Tax Currently employees pay, through paycheck MAG withholding, 6.2% of their wages to Social Security A ZI on the first $137,400 of wages. Employers matchNE this amount from their pockets when remitting the tax to the Social Security Administration. The Biden plan would continue this practice but also require employees (and presumably the self-employed) to also pay 6.2% on earnings $400,000.

Mabove AGA the Employers would be expected to match ZINE additional 6.2% tax when remitting.

Tax Rates The Biden tax plan proposes to increase the income tax rate for ordinary taxable income in excess of $400,000 from 37% to 39.6%. Capital gains MA G AZ would be taxed at 39.6% under theIN Biden plan for E taxpayers earning over $1 million as opposed to a top rate of 20% today.

Tax Credits The Biden tax plan offers new or expanded tax credits in several These include: Mareas.

AGA no one pays more than • A tax credit to ensure ZINE 8.5% of their income on healthcare.

• A tax credit targeted to helping pay for the cost of the elderly.

• Expanding the Childcare Credit to $8,000 per year for low to middle income families.

• A tax of up to $15,000 for first time Mcredit AGA home buyers.

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Domestic Taxes The Biden tax plan would increase the corporate tax rate from 21% to 28%. The alternative minimum tax eliminated by the TCJA would be reinvented and brought back as a 15% tax on book income.

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President-elect Biden has published his tax plan and has spoken to other possible additional tax changes going forward. These changes include:

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Needless to say, there is a MofAuncertainty high level as to G AZ INElook what income taxes will like going forward. Not only do we have the confluence of International Taxes the Biden plan, the CARES The Biden tax plan would include a 21% Act provisions, and the minimum tax on foreign earnings of U.S. Trump tax cuts, but we also companies located overseas. The plan will also MAG AZIN have possibility of either a include a penalty on companies that ship jobs E Republican or Democrat overseas in order to sell products to America. controlled Senate.

The determination of Other Possible Tax Changes which party controls the Although not specifically outlined in the Biden Senate could have a greater tax plan, estate taxes have been mentioned M effect on AGA tax policy than any as a possible source of new tax revenue. Two ZIN of the just mentioned plans.

E specific tax changes have been mentioned.

With a Democrat-controlled • Reduction in the current estate tax Senate, we will likely see exemption. In 2020, the estates of those laws closer to the Biden plan. dying were exempt from federal estate tax With a Republican-controlled if they were valued at less than $11.58 million. Biden has discussed the possibility MAG Senate, little may change until TK AatZleast of lowering this exemption dramatically in INE2022. order to expand the tax base for the estate tax.

EDITOR’S NOTE: At the time this article • Elimination of the “stepped up basis.” went to press, control of the US Senate had not been resolved nor had all legal Currently those who inherit assets are challenges to the 2020 presidential allowed to “step up” the “basis” of the election been resolved.

M assets to the fair market value at the A date G AZ I NE of death of the descendant (or six months later). Biden has discussed eliminating this “step up.” Why is this important?

Consider this example: John’s grandfather investedM $10,000 AGA (the grandfather’s basis) in a business ZINE many years ago. The business is worth $1 million today. John’s grandfather dies and John inherits the business. Under current tax law, John would now have a $1 million basis in the business. If John sold the business forM $1 million, he would A pay no income tax becauseGheAsold it for ZIN E his “basis”. If “stepped up” basis was eliminated, John would instead have a $10,000 basis in the business. A capital gains tax on the $990,000 increase in value would be due from John, presumably if he sold the business.

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JIM MARTIN, CPA, is a Henrietta and G.W. Snyder Jr. Professor in Business/Sr. Lecturer at Washburn University School of Business.

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According to The World Economic Forum, data analyst will be one of the most in-demand job categories across all U.S. industries in the 2020s.

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Most retail and service businesses need a physical space of some kind in order MAG to operate. Even when the AZIN E majority of transactions take place online, space is needed to do the work, store inventory, prepare goods for shipping, and so on. Traditional store or office space is a big expense MAG AZIN and a big commitment, so many E small business owners find their fit by leasing booth or office space in a community of other professionals. Property managers who lease space to small businesses provide the MA G AZ maintenance and service needed INE Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL to keep a building running and also help small businesses to grow their networks and connect with clients. In Topeka, many shared workspaces are truly MAG communities.

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Todd Konkel, owner of Topeka Vendors Market, felt partnering with small businesses to fill space would be a win-win for his recently acquired building near 6th and Adams.

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MAaGbig vision when he Todd Konkel had A ofIN decided to invest in a groupZ buildings near E 6th and Adams in Topeka. Konkel was inspired by the work that many have done to revitalize Topeka in recent years, especially downtown, and saw an opportunity to contribute to the momentum by tackling a project of his own. He M G searched in lessA developed AZINareas of the city for a site that could be restored E and adapted to new use and found the former Stacks Secure Record Storage complex at 528 SE Adams St. It checked off all the boxes.

“I came across the buildings and really liked them right for their history, condition, MAaway G AZ location, and their potential INE for creativity,” Konkel said. “We decided to redevelop these historic buildings in such a way that it would bring something really unique to the Topeka market, a really interesting and fun place to be.”

Konkel found himself with a lot of square MAGand decided that partnering with small footage AZ N E space would be a win-win. businesses to Ifill the On the first floor of the former Topeka Transfer and Storage building of the complex, Konkel opened Topeka Vendors Market, a retail location that leases space to other businesses.

MAG “Vendors have the ability to essentially open their own small business in the company AZ I with E little risk,” Konkel said. “Many of othersN vendors like being part of the community of other vendors. Many also thrive on the ability to use their creativity and talents in decorating really fabulous spaces.”

Another benefit is that everyone who leases MAG Aspace ZI can work together to promote the market

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The first floor of the former Topeka Transfer and Storage building is now home to the Topeka Vendors Market.

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to their networks, support each other’s growth, and contribute to positive customer experiences MA AZIcoming that keep G people NE back. Leasing space at the Topeka Vendors Market means a built-in MAG business network. For customers, the eclectic mix A of Z vendors INE means a shopping experience that suits many tastes, all in one unique space where all purchases support local businesses.

“Ours is a situation where the whole is MAG AZgreater definitely INE than the sum of the parts,” Konkel said. “All of our current and prospective tenants see very clearly the synergy involved MAG with the various pieces of the project and are AZIN E committed to promoting one another and the project as a whole.”

MAG Konkel expected to build his network in the AZINbusiness community through his work, Topeka E but he has been surprised and overwhelmed by kindness and generosity.

MAG “Prior to starting this project, we had AZIN very little connection to the Topeka business E community,” Konkel said, “but now, on almost a daily basis, we make new connections and meet new people that are deeply involved in the local

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scene. There are a lot of insightful and generous people in this community, and we are grateful to be a part of what isM happening AGA in Topeka.”

ZIN Konkel has plans for more development in the E near future. The Topeka Vendors Market will open shops on additional floors in its building; they already have a waiting list of businesses ready to move into the space. Konkel sees an opportunity for artisan studio lofts on the top floor, as well.

MAGhas signed a lease with a Next door, Konkel AZIN E Another nearby group that is opening a distillery. building will be an indoor food truck park, and another will be a music venue and event space.

The Jordan Bakery building on the north end of the project will be an office area with a coffee bar, a space M to be utilized for business workshops and a AGA fitness floor.

ZIN “We hope to play aEsmall part in the revitalization of the downtown area by creating a place that helps draw people to the area,” Konkel said. “The positive feedback that we have received so far has been amazing. A refrain that we constantly MA hear is, ‘This is exactly what Topeka needs.’”G AZIN

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Cory and Jill Smith are metalSMITH, a business that repurposes discarded items into new home decor, yard art and furniture.

MAG AZIN “We M take things that were going to a E AGAin a farmer's field and landfill or rotting ZINE upcycle them into one-of-kind works of art,” Jill Smith said. “Our pieces go great with farmhouse, rustic or industrial style decor, which is really popular right now. We can also work with customers to create custom MAG AZIN M”AG pieces.

E Like a A lotZofIN small E businesses, metalSMITH began with a hobby. Jill and Cory enjoyed going to auctions and flea markets together to search for old treasures.

Jill often found upcycled pieces that she wanted on Pinterest and would ask Cory to MAG M AGthem AZIN make for her with their finds. After Jill AZIN E Eof several successful pieces posted photos on Facebook, friends and family wanted to commission pieces from Cory, too. The couple decided to give the flea market circuit a try and have officially been in business for MAG MAGalmost seven years.

AZIN Smiths decided to lease space in AZIThe E NE Vendors Market after sales took a the Topeka hit in 2020 because of canceled events. They were visiting the Topeka Vendors Market as shoppers when they ran into Todd Konkel Jill and Cory Smith, Owners | metalSMITH and started chatting about options to lease space. The price was “doable,” with month MAG AZIto month rental, so the Smiths signed up. So Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL

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times, and their products can still be seen and purchased. They are hopeful that the Upcycled and repurposed Topeka Vendors Market will continue to grow.

MAG salvaged items make for unique, works of art at AZone-of-a-kind “The Topeka Vendors Market has a INmetalSMITH E the booth located lot of great ideas for this business district. in the Topeka Vendors Market.

We just hope that Topeka and surrounding communities will come out to support them, us and the other small businesses that are setup here,” Jill Smith said. “We MAthat have sheds full of rusty old barn finds GA we can't wait to turn into something cool, ZINE we just need to make room in the booth.”

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move.

“Some of our Mitems AG are big and not ZINbenefit easy to move, so it was aAgreat to E set it up and leave it from weekend to weekend, ” Jill Smith said. “When we do MAG AZ a flea market, the and teardown INsetup E process is labor intensive. And in our booth, we aren’t dependent on good weather conditions.

MAG ” AZ The Smiths also have INEkids, grandkids and aging parents, so it’s a bonus that Mthey do not have to be at the market at all

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The Painted Edge booth at Topeka Vendors Market is filled with painted MAGwood furniture and an abundance of AZ N E decor Iitems.

MAGVicki Claassen & Kristan Smith, Owners | The Painted Edge AZIN E

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Vicki Claassen and Kristan Smith are The Painted Edge. The two offer a mix of furniture and decor in their booth at the Topeka Vendors Market, pieces transformed through power of paint Mthe AGA into one of a kind designs.

ZINE “We try to find interesting pieces that could make a statement in your home or upcycle a simple desk or dresser that will become a family favorite,” Smith said. “We can also transform a well-loved furniture pieceM you already own and AG AZ give it new life with our paint.

INEWe love the pieces we do and have a hard time letting them go after thinking, ‘that would actually look great in my house.’”

The Painted Edge got its start when Claassen and her husband decided to take M G on a kitchenAremodel/quarantine project AZI E painted all of in the spring of 2020.N She her kitchen cabinets and the original hardware, and when Claassen and Smith saw the results, they were hooked, and began painting all of the wood furniture theyMcould find.

AGA Z “When weIN started to run out of E room for finished products in our own

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homes our husbands homes,” Smith said. “Plus, joked we needed to start we both work full time jobs, selling some of the pieces andMleasing AGAspace allows us ZINE to support our new-found to leave the management of hobby,” Claassen said. the space to TVM.” “Likely they just wanted Claassen and Smith to free up some space in have found a community our garages! The timing of of support for their new Topeka Vendors Market’s business at Topeka Vendors opening was perfect and Market. The vendors all MA G Z other, knowing gave us the nudge to start boostAeach INE our new business.” that everyone succeeds Claassen and MAG A when buyers are drawn to ZINthe Smith were ready for an E market. Claassen and opportunity when they saw Smith have enjoyed getting an article about Todd and to know many of their Nicolle Konkel and their MAG neighboring vendors and Ahave ZIN idea for Topeka Vendors benefited a great deal E Market. They decided to from the variety of small go to an openM house business owners in the AG for ZINE vicinity. prospective vendors A and they liked what they saw.

“We have been tagged For The Painted Edge, in social media posts by MAG leasing a physical space other vendors and in turn A we tag them in some of seemed preferable to selling ZIN E exclusively online. our posts as well,” Claassen “A store space gives us said. “We have traded ideas MAG Zstage a dedicated areaAto and discussed tricks of INE our furniture and allow the trade. Several of our people to picture it in their neighbor vendors have MAG own homes instead of been in this industry for ZINE years and had booths in seeing it in pictures inA our other locations so they have provided some guidance MAG AZIN and insight to help us as we E are just starting out.”

So far, Claassen and MAG Smith have been pleasantly AZIN surprised with the response E to their booth and their sales. Customers are MAG AZIN sending requests for custom E pieces, too, work that is sure to keep The Painted Edge MAG busy and challenged for AZIN some time to come.

E "We love that people have tagged us on Social MAG Media telling us they are AZIN E happy with their purchase and even showing it in their own home," Smith said.

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Being a part of Milestone Market allows event professionals to have a greater connection to the events community and an opportunity to collaborate with colleagues.

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TheEMilestone Market has one goal in mind: to promote a community of elite www.themilestonemarket.com event professionals to take the industry to the next level in Topeka. Abbey Brown created MAG AZIMilestone Market to give NE event professionals in Topeka a better way to market their services. Located at 3935 NW 25th St. in Topeka, Milestone Market provides a physical location for event professionals MAG AZIN to collaborate with colleagues, E meet with clients, and show off their talents and skills. In the event services industry, much of the work and planning is done behind the scenes, so visibility to clients can be a problem.

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Abbey Brown, Owner | Milestone Market

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“We have phenomenal event professionals in the Topeka area and after working with them closely for over five years, I have become invested in their success M and growth,” Brown said. “The AG A IN allows for 365 MilestoneZMarket E days of exposure, community and education specific to event professionals.”

At Milestone Market, event professionals can test the waters MAGwith a monthly lease, and pricing AZIN varies depending on how much E they utilize the space. Being a part of Milestone Market means greater connection to the events community and an opportunity to collaborate with colleagues.

Brown also facilitates a Facebook

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group that is available for any the barriersIN toEentrepreneurship event professional to join, free of and allows for open conversations charge. The group features monthly about the business and industry we trainings and industry support share.” articles. Businesses can also share Brown also features event ideas with the group and receive M professionals on the Milestone AGMarket AZINpodcast. Brown started the feedback or share information on E response to pandemic projects and happenings, so that podcast in members of the group can all help restrictions, and it quickly caught promote. on.

“The entire business model “In its short existence, we is built on lifting each business have had over 25 episodes with up and providing a community a mix of industry interviews and MAof professionals with an abundancyG AZIsolo NE episodes, averaging over 500 mindset focused on growing each downloads,” Brown said. “This also other’s business,” Brown said. provides a new piece of content “Providing the opportunity through for our event businesses to share a physical location or online on their social media channels, community to connect with other websites and other marketing industry leaders helps M break down avenues.”

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AZIprovides Milestone Market NE a physical place for event professionals to display their products and services while also having a space to meet with clients.

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2020 has been year of challenges, but MAaG AZIN Brown has seen the Topeka business community E thrive. rally together to survive and even “The event industry has risen to take this pandemic head on,” Brown said. “The business owners in this space have fought for their businesses as well as the health and safety of the MThere community.

AGAis a true balancing act that ZINteams must ensue. I have seen E share resources, so they do not have to lay off their beloved staff.

I have seen random acts of kindness such as buying gift cards, flowers, and other items to support each other’s businesses on a particularly hard week. I have seen the distribution of M G businessArelief in the form of AZeducation INE businesses sending specific PPP guidelines, grant applications to other business owners. It has been truly incredible.”

Looking ahead, Milestone Market will scale down on retail to dedicate more room to event co-working space and a new event Mindustry AGAIn 2021, Milestone Market will offer venue.

ZINE event space to rent for showers, engagements, birthdays, graduations and more, along with experts on site to help you plan a perfect party.

“We are excited to celebrate once again!” Brown said.

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After working at the shop for M AGAPalmer felt ready to go into some time, ZINE business for herself.

She took classes to round out her skill set and launched Peach Petals Floral Design in the early spring of 2018. Milestone Market was the perfect location to grow her Mbusiness AGA into a success. Palmer has ZINE “The fragrance, the colors, the had an opportunity to connect with size, the textures and placement customers, and to establish an online of the arrangements all contribute following. Leasing in the space opens to the mood, provide sweet and up opportunities to connect with luxurious details, and tie in all the other local businesses, as well. elements of decor,” Palmer said.

“The wedding vendor community M Peach Petals Floral Design is the AG A created ZI by the Milestone Market is realization of a longtime dream for a gemNinEthe Northeast of Kansas,” Palmer. She studied floriography in Palmer said. “As a young entrepreneur, college and took her first job in floral community is very important to the design at a chain flower shop. She success of my business. There is no fell in love with the elements of floral other community so supportive, and design and how each creation was open to facilitating relationships to MAG unique and special. educate, collaborate and grow.”

AZIN E Palmer spent much of 2020 “I designed for weddings, funerals, graduations, birthdays, revitalizing and rebranding, anniversaries, holidays, everything,” improving the client experience to Palmer said. “I love being creative, make it top-notch. She’s prepared and I found that in floral design I for 2021, and excited to tackle the flourish artistically.” M challenge.

MILESTONE MARKET www.peachpetalsfloraldesign.com

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E Peach Petals Floral Design is a custom floral design service specializing in weddings and events in Topeka and the surrounding area.

Owner and designer Lauren Palmer worksMto realize her clients’ vision for AGA their special day.

ZINE “Our mission is to make every wedding and event unique,” Palmer said. “I love working with brides, hosts and their Pinterest boards to curate their dream aesthetic and achieve that Hallmark moment.”

M AGA Floral ZIdesign NE is a key factor in creating the guest experience. Palmer notes that custom floral designs support each element of a wedding or event, such as decor, lighting, and the venue, to pull everything together.

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Fellers and Rakestraw planned to focus on booking weddings, so Milestone E Market was a perfect MAfitGfor their business.

AZinto The team has felt welcomed events INthe E community, and Abbey Brown has been happy to help Flashy Owl Photo Booth grow.

“Not only do we get to advertise to the wedding community by leasing the space, MAG AZIN but we also participate in fun pop-up events E MAMarket, at the Milestone GAZ ” Fellers said. “Abbey Isupporting NE Brown truly cares about local businesses and that makes the opportunity even better. She has planned several pop-up events since we started leasing space a few months ago, such as a Trunk or Treat on MAG AZIN Halloween, MAaGFall Race Event, and a 12 Days E of Christmas giveaway.

AZIN It's a great way to get E have a lot of fun at our name out there and the same time.”

Rakestraw and Fellers officially got their business license in the beginning of February, right before the pandemic led to MAG AZIN MAG and a stay at home order. While restrictions E AZIstart it was not the NE that the two had planned, they seized the opportunity to better their Kayla Fellers & Christina Rakestraw, Co-owners| Flashy Owl Photo Booth business. They worked on their website, took photos of all of their equipment and Flashy Owl Photo Booth is signs (not the DIY props), highdeveloped their marketing plan. a photo rental business, grade backdrops, a flash drive of all “All the time we had off from our fullMbooth AGA MAtime GAjobs ZINand available for parties events. Co- pictures and unlimited 2x6 print this pandemic gave us the ZI during E E owners Christina Rakestraw and outs.” time andN opportunity to make the business Kayla Fellers are a mother-daughter Fellers and Rakestraw wanted what we envisioned,” Fellers said. team dedicated to bringing quality to go into business together and Flashy Owl was able to book several photo fun to events. considered a few other possibilities events, despite the challenges of the “Having a photo booth is a before landing on the idea of a pandemic. great way to bring people of all photo booth.

“Even though it's been a crazy year, we M M A A ages G together allows you and “It just clicked for both of us,”AG AZ ZINand are just so grateful that we are open and have IN E your guests to keep memories of Fellers said. “We loved the idea of been E able to participate in events in a safe that special day forever,” Fellers being in the event industry because way,” Fellers said. said. “We use a professional DSLR no matter the type of event, it’s As a bonus, running a business together camera, so all your pictures come always a fun time. We love what we has been a bonding experience for mother out looking great. Our booth comes do, and it never feels like work for and daughter, bringing them closer and with fun and high quality prop us.” deepening their respect for each other.

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The Sola Salon Studio model allows stylists to focus on their art rather than be distracted with building concerns and expenses.

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Salon Studios at 2727 AZISola NE SW Wanamaker in Topeka brings

together beauty professionals in hair, nails, tattoos and more under one roof. Sola Salon Studios leases quality studio and salon space, providing an opportunity for beauty MAG professionals to own and operate AZIN E own business, while facility their owners John and Sue Kollhoff take care of maintenance.

“We try to eliminate pain points for stylists and allow them to focus on their art,” John Kollhoff MAG AZIN said. “The core of our small E business is creating an environment that allows beauty professionals to focus on their business while we

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take care of the facility, Mutilities, AGA HVAC and so on.”

ZINE Professionals at Sola Salon Studios support each other and refer clients to other stylists for services that they don’t offer.

“It’s a very positive MAG said. “I feel environment,” Kollhoff AZIN like everyone wants everyone else E to succeed.”

The model has been such a success that the Kollhoffs are looking for the right spot to open a second location in Topeka.

Mthe AGenergy “I love that everyone AZIN Eevery day. at Sola brings with them It’s the happiest place I know of,” Kollhoff said.

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Hairstylist Dee Strecker wanted a salon space where she could meet with MA clients in privacy. She also wanted GAZto answer to herself and be responsibleIN forE her own business, without the stress of the upkeep of a building. Sola Salon Studios offered exactly what she was searching for, and she was the first person to sign up for a salon in the building when it opened.

M Strecker has beenAaGhairstylist AZIN for 16 Elater in years. She came to the profession life, when her boys were in college. Since she loved doing hair, she decided to take a chance on cosmetology school, and the move paid off.

“At Studio Dee, my clients are M G experience,” offered a privateAsalon AZIN E Strecker said. “We have the opportunity to enjoy personal consultations without interruptions or distractions. My clients often tell me how much they appreciate the ability to have confidential conversations in the private space. It enables us to build MAG Knowing them on a our relationships.

AZI E me to better more personal level N allows make suggestions on hair styles and other beauty options.”

Strecker was able to personalize her studio space and really make it her own. love to decorate,” Strecker said. “I M“IAG can change for the seasons, or just change AZ INEit. No questions asked. because I feel like My clients seem to enjoy and notice this part of me. That may seem like a small thing, but it’s part of my personality.”

The beauty professionals at Sola Salon Studios support each other and build each MAG other up. A wide range of beauty services AZ INEat Sola Salon Studios, which are available means each stylist taps into a diverse network of connections and allies on site.

“As a Sola family, we are always there to promote and encourage each other,” Strecker said. "It is the best of both worlds.

We are a community within the building.”

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Qi Pan, owner of 77Ink Tattoo Studio, chose Sola Salon Studios for her business because the atmosphere fit her MAG requirements for privacy and AZIN peaceful E surroundings for her clients.

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As an artist and owner of 77Ink Tattoo Studio, Qi Pan is dedicated to creating designs that her clients envision and setting them in permanent inkMtoAbe enjoyed for a G AZ lifetime. She takes her work very seriously.

INE “To create the best design and best tattoos is the most important and meaningful thing for me,” Qi said. “I have always loved art, and I have a solid background in drawing and painting skills, MA as well as a master’s degree GAZin design.”

INE degree, After completing her master’s Qi worked for an architecture company as a designer. A friend asked her to draw several tattoo designs, and Qi loved it.

“I found out being a tattoo artist is the passion of my life after professional training MA AZIN from good tattooGartists in Topeka,” Qi said.

E “I opened my own tattoo studio in August 2020 because I want to provide the best tattoo experience for people.”

High standards for quality and cleanliness are crucial to running a MAtattoo successful GAZstudio. Qi uses the best INE needles and inks equipment, machines, available, to ensure a stunning outcome every time. Relationship building with clients is also essential because committing to a tattoo means taking a leap of faith in an Martist.

A“Tattooing GAZ is a matter of trust,” Qi INE said. “I know my responsibility. I work for my clients like I would for my own family.

People need to feel relaxed and know that they are in good hands.”

Qi points out that tattooing is not a fast MAG procedure, and the design work sometimes A IN than tattooing itself. She uses takesZlonger E a mix of online and direct communication to work with client schedules during planning. Clients are able to see the design as it progresses and give feedback, so that they will be satisfied with the design before www.77-ink.com MAG they come in for their appointment in the AZIN chair.

E Qi believes this helps clients to relax and feel in control of the process. She also ensures a quiet space free of distractions, where clients can choose a movie or music to set them at ease, and she provides snacks and drinks.“I try to create an environment

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boosting my business, they are really helping me build my own business network in town.”

Qi is just gettingMstarted, AGA but Z she’s excited about the future of Iher NE tattoo studio and her art. In time, she would like to compete at international conventions with the best tattoo artists in the world. For now, she’s excited to continue building her portfolio and MAGvisions to life. bringing her clients’ AZIN E and I “Clients tell me their wishes make it happen,” Qi said.

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where clients feel comfortable,” Qi Sola Salon Studios also provides MAGa convenient online booking platform said.

AZ N Qi chose Sola Salon Studios that Isaves E a lot of time for the because it was perfect for her needs. professionals, and Qi loves that she She wanted privacy and peace for does not need to take care of building her clients. She also loves that the maintenance or issues. building is newly renovated, classy Qi says that at Sola Salon Studios, and modern. she has a built-in network of support.

“Whenever you are insideM ofAG “With more than 30 studio A Sola Salons, the buzz and the laughs ZIN owners E running their business here, from all the customers and stylists is I’m independent but not alone,” Qi really wonderful,” Qi said. “It’s a very said. “I’m very thankful that other enjoyable relaxing atmosphere.” studio owners who lease with me are

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PREPAREDNESS & SAFETY Jared Schreiner, M.D.

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G AZ As the pandemic drags INE on into 2021, following COVID-19 prevention guidelines can feel like more and more of MAG AZIN a challenge. We find E ourselves experiencing pandemic fatigue. This is more than just being tired of following pandemicMAGAZ INE precautions like masking up and social distancing.

It is about conscientiously working to stay M G AZIN healthy and safe inAthe E workplace, acknowledging mental health concerns and still taking care of our customers—even MAG AZIN behind a mask. Local E Topeka experts weigh in on how to overcome COVID-19 Fatigue.

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Martha Bartlett Piland President & CEO MB M Piland Advertising + Marketing and BANKTASTIC

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SMALL GESTURE EXAMPLES

What can you do for your customers that aligns with your brand and makes them feel valued?

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COVID-19 has But in this COVID MAG people are challenged us all in many environment, AZIN Efriends, ways. One of the many areas worrying about home, slapped squarely in the face children, far-away relatives, is customer experience. their jobs and much more.

Experience is more than We can’t know what pressure service and is a differentiator a customer is facing just by for brands. It’s more than looking, MAG so it’s vital to assume AZIN the weight of saying thank you or delivering they’re carrying E a purchase promptly. It’s about the world on their shoulders how you make someone feel and act accordingly. about your brand when they Forethought goes a long interact with you. way to reassuring someone Why is great customer that you have their interests experience important? It says MAatGheart AZ and sincerely want to you took time to think about help. INE the customers and how your • Make a plan, then have a brand can make their lives conversation with your better every single time they’re employees so they know in contact with you. the kind of customer In normal times, thisM experience you expect A would be important anywhereG AZINthem to deliver.

E sure you’re treating a customer might be anxious.

• Be Think medical office, employees with the pharmacy, repair shop, DMV, same approach and care. utilities companies, etc.

They’re stressed, too.

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Use these examples to think about how MAGinteract with customers AZ your business. INE

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At TJ Maxx, greeters ask if shoppers would like a cart, then wipe it off with sanitizer for the customer.

At a local eye care

M clinic, AGcontainers are ZIN marked A “clean pens” E and “dirty pens” so patients feel comfortable filling out the paperwork.

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At Walgreen’s, employees say goodbye to people with “be well” or “take care.”

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You can’t touch or hug. With a mask, you can’t reveal your smile. What can you do?

SOME STARTER IDEAS MAG AZIN E

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Introduce yourself. Restaurant servers say their names to patrons when they’re seated. But in other settings, customer-facing people don’t.

A short “hi, I’m Ashley, and I’m doing (this) for you” begins to establish a rapport and puts MAG customers at ease.

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Speak a little louder. The mask may be muffling your voice. This is especially hard for anyone who has hearing challenges because they can’t hear you and they can’t read your lips.

Save them—and yourself—from frustration by M and GA being a bit louderA clearer.

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Make your nonverbal communications say what your smile can’t. Raise your eyebrows a bit when you smile or give a slight nod as you look them in the eye. While you can’t touch, you can offer a virtual hug or high-five. Waving or MAG up never requires contact and giving a thumbs AZIN E helps people feel acknowledged.

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Smile anyway. Even if they can’t see you smile, use it as though people can see it. The smile will come across in your voice.

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How you treat people in the worst of times is what they’ll remember in the best of times.

Now, moreIN than E ever, people want—and need—to feel good about the brands they’re investing in. A well-designed masked customer experience will build loyalty now and pay dividends when the world is safer.

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Jared Schreiner, M.D. CMO and Medical Director M Topeka ER & Hospital

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During the COVID-19 pandemic, business leaders in northeast Kansas have found themselves managing the health and safety of their team members and work environments in Mthem ways few of ever imagined would AGA ZIN be necessary. To many, it’sEconfusing, complicated and ever-changing.

Topeka ER & Hospital answers some of the most frequent questions you may have during this difficult (and often frustrating) time.

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What can I do to help keep my What type of tests are there for employees safe?

COVID-19?

1. Continue promoting social • M Antigen AGAtests look for a particular ZIwhich distancing, mask usage and viral protein, NE suggests protecting those who are most an active infection. While very vulnerable by: specific (rarely false positive), • Providing proper personal false negatives can occur. Studies protective equipment (e.g. suggest this may happen up to masks, face coverings) to 15% of the time.

M• AGPCR tests—molecular tests that employees.

AZ • Rearranging office layouts to look forIN theEgenetic material of promote social distancing. the virus—can be rapid, but often • Promoting work from home require several days to return when appropriate. results, but are the most specific • Limiting large gatherings, and sensitive tests currently meetings and conferences MAG available. The false negative rate AZfor to smaller groups or using tests is lower than antigen INPCR E though it’s important to electronic communication testing, • Providing hand sanitizing note that no test is perfect! stations, which have been • Antibody tests are blood tests shown in hospitals to decrease which look for evidence of a prior the spread of many infectious infection and the presence of MAG organisms, not just COVID-19. antibodies. Antibody tests do not AZIN speak to the presence of active E 2. Nurture a culture of encouragement infection. and support relating to employee health. This is crucial for your When should an employee employees to feel safe in reporting quarantine? their symptoms or potential close According to the CDC, anyone who has MAG contacts.

AZIN been in close contact with a COVID-19E positive person (unless they’ve had 3. Provide your employees with upCOVID within the last three months) to-date CDC guidelines and high should quarantine for 10 days after quality information to help them be their last contact with a COVID-19well-informed and avoid fear and positive patient, or 7 days if they panic. receive a negative test result.

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When should someone be tested for COVID-19?

MANEGATIVE GAZ DOES NOT exempt • TESTING I required E quarantine a person from theN after a close contact. Someone may test negative early in their quarantine but become positive later. For this reason, quarantine and observation may be all that is needed, eliminating the need for MaAtest.

GAForZasymptomatic people, testing INEto unnecessarily utilize may only serve the resources of health care systems and provide a false sense of security or incorrect belief that quarantine is no longer necessary.

• Testing is important for individuals who MAG Abecome ZINEsymptomatic, as this may lead to further close contacts who would require quarantine, and an additional quarantine from the date symptoms began for the infected person. More importantly, it provides a symptomatic person the opportunity to be evaluated by a doctor MAG AZINand ensure that their health is being E monitored.

• Several testing sites can be found on the Shawnee County Health Department website. At the time of this writing, only persons meeting certain criteria qualify for testing.

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What counts as close contact?

• Being with someone for 10 or more MAG minutes at a distance of A 6 feet or less.

ZINE of NOTE: this definition is independent mask wearing.

• Providing care to someone with COVID-19.

• Having direct physical contact with someone with COVID-19 (eg: a hug or kiss).

MAG • Sharing eating or A drinking ZINEutensils.

• Being sneezed or coughed on, or respiratory droplets somehow getting on you.

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It’s never been more important to focus on the health and well-being of our workers and their families. I hope this writing can help you, the business leaders of Mthese our community, to navigate AGArough ZINE waters with more clarity and confidence.

Stay healthy, stay safe.

MAG The Care You Need.

AZIN E The Compassion You Deserve.

Topeka ER & Hospital was founded on

the idea that quality

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emergency care can be given with compassion and empathy while

AGA ensuring little toMno wait time. It is on this

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premise that Topeka ER & Hospital was created in Topeka.

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Dianna Cox, BSN, RN Jared Schreiner, M.D. Chief Nursing Officer Chief Medical Officer

ZIare We are not better;Awe NEdifferent. We combine shorter wait times with state-of-the-art testing and imaging

services to allow more one-on-one time between our

physicians and their patients. Our family taking care of yourM family A is what we are all about.

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ZINE A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK 24 HOURS WWW.TOPEKAHOSPITAL.COM Find Us on Facebook

6135 SW 17th St.

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MENTAL DISTRESS SIGNS The Coronavirus has MAG signs of Warning caused business leaders to AZIN E impending decompensation face enormous challenges. include loss of positive From the beginning of the emotional connections. This pandemic, they have made may be loss of joy in things financial and workforce that used to make us happy, decisions which impacted shutting nearly every role in MAG out people with whom AZINengaged, and we frequently organizations. Some decisions E simply no longer being able to were necessary to maintain smile. People may report feeling viability so the business could more vulnerable, isolated, or survive. Others were strategic abandoned. and forced businesses to revise Signs of further decline business plans to meet new MAmay include becoming immune needs.

G AZ INsuffering to human around We are now at a new E us or on the news. These point in the pandemic where individuals only function in there is hope for an end— survival mode—just doing the the vaccines will be widely minimum. Persons entering available soon. A return to this phase of trauma response “normal” is within site. AM A may more unhealthy critical element to assess nowG AZ INdevelop E such as poor sleep responses is our people. Friends, family, patterns, unhealthy eating, loss colleagues have all been of physical activity/exercise, trying to maintain, but are and misuse of alcohol or other approaching their personal substances. In business, they limits. There have been many MAG may miss deadlines or produce discussions of COVID-19 A Fatigue, but this article hopesZINEwork output which is of lower quality than their norm. These to give practical strategies for negative results tend to continue recognizing a level of distress a downward cycle unless there is in ourselves and others and an intervention. resources for healing.

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If you, a colleague, or loved one experiences a mental health emergency please, REACH OUT! Valeo Behavioral Health Care is the community mental health center for adults, and we are available 24-hours.

Crisis Hotline: 785-234-3300.

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As leaders, it is important to offer many types of relief and intervention to those M G around us toAmaintain AZIN optimal mental health inE these extraordinary times.

Businesses have adapted some roles to “work-from-home”

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options to keep employees near family members in need and to minimize potential virus transmission at the workplace. Some employees feel disconnected from work peers and undervalued when not present on-site.

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RELIEF AND INTERVENTION TACTICS

Encourage celebration It is important to create opportunities to connect on a personal level. Consider a few minutes MAgiving GAto during the next Zoom staff meeting Zshare INE“joys and announcements.” Seek opportunities to celebrate with your staff. It is important to remember in corporate culture that individuals matter.

Provide healthy options For those in the office, stock the kitchen with healthy, MA GAthat ZIcan individually wrapped snacks NEbe taken on a walk break (indoors or outdoors, if possible), fruit or bottles of water/low calorie sports drinks. For persons working from home, allow for times to log off and take a mental health break during the day.

Maintain schedules MAG and routine AZ This includes getting up atIthe NEsame time and preparing to go to the office, even if you remain at home. Eat lunch away from your workspace. Go outside or at least to a window on breaks to disconnect from the problem of the moment.

Physical Mactivity AG and exercise ZIN Not everyone isA ready to return to the gym, so at home E workouts or yoga through various apps or businesses may fill the need to de-stress and relax. There are mediation apps and many exercise options on YouTube.

Promote remote support groups Community MAG groups have found ways to continue to meet ZINE platforms such as Zoom. Encourage through A conferencing employees to continue social groups safely such as book clubs, Bible studies/worship on-line, and 12-step programs to name a few.

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Journaling and note writing Putting words on paper is a powerful act. It requires mindfulness (being fully present in the moment) to express oneself in writing. A gratitude journal can simply be a daily Mfor list of things you are grateful in your day planner or it AG AZIN could be a more formal prose in a notebook Eor personal blog. These can be powerful keepsakes of a difficult time and reflections of overcoming adversity.

Phone calls We have become an M electronic society, but not everyone AGorAemail. Phone calls to friends communicates well via text ZIN or family, especially those who may notEengage with technology are very powerful.

News in moderation Ignoring the realities in our community is as dangerous as overdosing onM theA24-hour GAZnews cycle. It is important to INEis having on our resources know the impact the coronavirus and business partners, but we must assign time and limits to the intake of this information. Although many of us have “breaking news” apps set up on our smart devices, we really do not need them to optimally function. Consider disconnecting and viewing news at a specific time and from MAG a trusted source.

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Use of personal leave time Our staffs are working on overdrive in many businesses. It is important to encourage them to take personal time when available to prevent burnout and compassion fatigue.

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AGEmployee Promote AZIN Assistance Programs E managers identify staff who are not When supervisors or coping well with the pandemic or other troubles, offer and encourage the use of Employee Assistance Programs (EAP). If your company does not have a formal program, community mental health providers can be utilized.

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One of the most time-worn pieces of advice from successful business MAG to keep leaders is the suggestion AZIN E life separation between one’s personal and professional life. This concept is MAG in a number of different articulated AZIN phrases: “Work-life E balance”; “Leave your work at the office”; “Work to live, don’t live to work”—and so on. One MA goal behind this Gidea AZ is to prevent E family friction from personalIN and life from affecting one’s professional Mperformance, AGA and vice versa.

ZINsimple Sounds enough. There are E some, however, who can’t separate business from family even if they MAto.G wanted AZIN E professionals, For some business the same vice president who got upset MAG with them for sending the wrong AZIN report holds E another, much more influential title: brother.

For others, disappointing the Mcompany AGA president is bad enough.

ZINE But when the company president also happens to be your sister, well, that MAG just makes for some awkward holidays.

AZIN But if there’s one sentiment E that a group of business leaders and entrepreneurs around Topeka all share MAGin regard to their experience running AZIN E with family, it is that the a business positives far outweigh any possible drawbacks.

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On being IN business with a sibling: MAGA

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“You need a vision, you need to be on the same page, and then you need to be committed.”

MAG Appelhanz — Clinton AZIN E Owner Reliant Apparel MAG AZIN E

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Data-Tel Communications, Inc. FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1982

Business Telephone MAG Systems ● Unified Cloud Communication ZTrunking Solutions ●A SIP INE ● Structured Cabling

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Mark Ward II President

Paige Jones Vice President

MAG South Park Ave, Topeka, KS 66609 A3770 ZINSW E 232-8731 | www.datatelks.com (785)

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SIBLINGS: MARK WARD II & PAIGE JONES MAG

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Born and raised in Topeka, Mark Ward II, president of DataTel, understands the meaning behind and the value of having MAG roots. Data-Tel, deep community AZIN a provider of NEC phone E and voicemail systems, was founded in 1981 by Ward’s parents as a mom-and-pop operation before expanding into a multigenerational family with the MAbusiness GAof onboarding Ward.

ZINE “My first day of work was back in 1996,” Ward recalled. “A big storm had rolled through that evening, and Mom and Dad had a lot of projects going on and had Mto scramble all the guys to put out AG AZIN some ‘fires’ . Dad E pulled me out of bed and said, ‘You are officially old enough to work in the state of Kansas. Get your clothes on; you're going to work today.’”

Ward started off working in MAG the summers and during school A ZIN breaks,Eand has been part of the business ever since. In 2005, after graduating college, he took a fulltime role at Data-Tel and never looked back.

MAG Fast forward to 2014. Ward’s AZIN parents—still working full-time in E the business alongside their son— began to contemplate retirement and what that would mean for the business they had poured their time, attention and hearts into over MAG AZIN the previous three-plus decades. To E answer that question, Mark stepped up to the plate and offered to take over the business.

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HOSPICE HOME HEALTH PRIVATE DUTY CARE

New address, same Foulston.

Foulston Siefkin LLP’s office is now at

822 S. Kansas Avenue, Suite 200 just three blocks south of our previous location.

As a longtime Topeka firm, we’re very pleased to remain in the downtown area and move into a beautifully renovated 120-year-old building.

Our phone numbers and email addresses have not changed, and we remain ready to provide counsel and assistance, as always.

WE DON’T CRUNCH NUMBERS WE SAVOR THEM FOR THE DELICACY THEY ARE Proactive Accounting Tax Services Audit Services Outsourced CFO

btandcocpa.com

Jeremy L. Graber jgraber@foulston.com

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their life’s work would be in good THE SIBLING EDITION hands.

“My dad deserved retirement Amore ZINthan anybody, but I knew E PHASED PROCESS once Dad left, Mom was not too M There was no officialAG AZ far behind, so I knew there was a I retirement, Ward said, but rather NE void that would need to be filled,” a gradual phasing out—an said Ward. “I had no business incremental passing of the torch doing the inner operations of the from one generation to the next. business, so that’s where Paige got MAG AZINinvolved.”

Their father, for his part, still stops E Enter Paige Jones, vice by the office regularly MAGto see the AZINhe family and help with anything president of Data-Tel and Mark E can, particularly with longtime Ward II’s younger sister.

Data-Tel customers who Ward “I worked a little bit at himself may be meeting for the Data-Tel when I was younger, first time. As of today, though, the but I went to KU and then to M AGA "You’ve got to be working ZINE grad school,” Jones said of her business and all its major decisions MAG fall squarely on together, moving in the and responsibilities history with the family business.

AZ N same direction for things to the shoulders of WardIand E Jones.

“I got a job out of grad school as a But by no means do they feel financial systems consultant in the work smoothly.” alone in the journey.

Kansas City area. I was traveling —Mark Ward II “I feel like it’s actually easier about four days a week and did to work together as siblings since MAGPresident that for six years or so. I wanted A Data-Tel ZINE we know other so well, and to do my own thing and I loved MAeach Gin AZ I mean that the that it, but I got married and then had INsense E around we don't have to tiptoe a baby, and it turns out it’s really each other,” Jones said. “We’re hard to travel four days a week incredibly honest with each other when you have a baby at home.” about everything—the good, bad This was around the same and ugly. There hasn’t ever really time Ward had been considering MAG AZIN M been rivalry or competitiveness taking over the family business, AGa A E between Z us,IN and and he—and his parents—never E I think that’s because we do such different things missed an opportunity to remind as far as the business is concerned.

Jones what a great addition to the Our strengths and weaknesses company she would make.

“We’re incredibly honest complement each other really well.”

“It took me a while to come with each other about MAG around, but I soon realized MAG For the most part, Ward everything—the AZIN good, bad focuses AZINhis time and attention on this could be a really good E and ugly."

E sales, customer-facing work and opportunity,” Jones continued.

—Paige Jones working with employees, whereas “Mark and I could really start Jones’ areas of expertise encompass working together and take this Vice President behind-the-scenes workstreams over, and it would allow me more Data-Tel such as handling the financials personal flexibility. So, I joined and working with the company MAG full time in May of ’17.”

MAG AZIN A Once Jones was on board, she Z Ibusiness E NE systems.

“I was all for Paige taking over and Ward continued to take on those aspects from the beginning. increasing levels of responsibility, Paige is a very sharp person,” Ward paving the way for their parents said. “When I started taking over to retire with peace of mind that PHOTO SUBMITTED

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the business, a lot of the executive with each other and recreate that decisions were starting to land sibling bond that wasn’t as strong M on my shoulders, and I knew I AG AZwhen INE we were younger.” had someone I could bounce my thoughts off and get her true, IN LOCKSTEP honest opinion.”

Despite whatever typical childhood differences may APPLES & ORANGES have existed then, when Jones echoed the feeling it comes to looking to MAG of mutual trust and honesty.

AZIN the future, Ward and Jones Ecouldn’t be more in lockstep.

However, despite the mature, productive relationship the This may be best illustrated brother-and-sister duo now by the recent company decision enjoy and leverage to grow their to add a new, cutting-edge business, that may not have been technology to its portfolio of the case during theMschool-yard offerings.

AGA days.

“The new system is a unified ZIN “We did not get along when E communications platform. Now, we were younger,” Jones said with I’m the first to admit that I’m as a laugh. old-fashion as my father was,” “Like apples and oranges,” Ward said. “I like the traditional Mark quipped. “Growing up phone system. I like to put a with a 5-yearM age difference, I phone on everyone’s desk and AGA was always off doing my own program it up with a voicemail ZINE things and she was off with her and everything, but the industry friends. One thing I’ve learned is going to cloud-based solutions, to appreciate is that working and Paige saw the opportunity. It together allows us to spend more took a while for her to convince time together under the same me, but I’ve got to give her credit. roof. We’re discussing business She’s the one that’s been pushing MA AZbut most of the G time, it allows me down the road, and I find her INE us a chance to stay caught up teaching me things now—and I’ve

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been in this business MAG for over 20 AZIN years.”

E Even though Ward and Jones might make a brother-and-sister operation look easy, they both agree on two critical components that any business partnership— MAor with siblings otherwise—must GA ZINE have to be successful.

“It starts with the communication,” Ward said.

“Communicate with each other.

If you see something that doesn't look right, let the other person M G know.A You’ve AZgot INtoE be working together, moving in the same direction for things to work smoothly.”

“I agree with Mark on open communication,” Jones “You also have to Mcontinued.

AG ZIof have A a lot trust.”

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ZINdrawn People areA being E downtown to dwell, dine, dress and discover. There’s undeniable energy in our dynamic core.

Leave your mark.

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oG p eAkZa i n c . c o m SEE OUR AVAILABLE PROPERTIES: d o w n t o w n tA

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started getting accounts with bars. We slowly started getting different types of clientele, and then in 2011, we had enough demand and momentum that we openedM a storefront AGA in downtown ZINE Topeka.”

The company started as a small shop with a single printing press but quickly took on a life of its own, with Appelhanz and Stauffer building out a staff and their menagerie of MAexpanding Gequipment. production AZIN E to build a new “It was pretty cool thing between siblings,” Appelhanz recalled of the early days. In terms of the day-to-day now, things look quite a bit different—in a good way—yet

A lot of people dream of starting printing business. “I was just trying their own band, just as many others to print some shirts and make some MAG dream of starting their own business. money while on the road.”

There’s likely not many, though, who AZINE While Reliant Apparel may have start a business to support their own had humble beginnings, operations band; and even fewer who then turn began to pick up steam when that side-gig business into a fullAppelhanz was able to recruit someone fledged company with more than a whom he trusted greatly to help with dozen employees and growing. the business growth: his sister.

Mwork That is not how things AGAout for ZINE BUILDING TOGETHER most dreamers or doers. But Clinton Appelhanz found a way to achieve just “In 2011, my sister, Anna Shauffer, that, right here in Topeka. started with me. She got involved in the “I started Reliant Apparel out of business and we started printing shirts a need to print t-shirts for my touring in the basement of a rental house with a band,” said Appelhanz, speaking to the little tiny printer,” Appelhanz explained.

MAG apparel origins of his now-booming “I was bartending at the time, so we A

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ROLES DEFINED THROUGH GROWTH With the growth, naturally, came the divvying up of responsibilities and the delegation of ever-increasing MAG tasks to the staff.

Now boasting 15 employees, Reliant Apparel is A ZINE able to have more specialized roles within the organization.

“Anna does a lot with the bookkeeping and payroll,” Appelhanz said. “And she can do sales if needed. Myself, I'm the technology guy. I MAG and computers, plus maintain all the networks AZofIN sales and marketing. A lot our E stuff overlaps, but we also have our own distinct roles.”

That growth, while slightly hindered at the onset of COVID-19, has rebounded and then some since.

“The pandemic slowed us down a little bit, M ramping GAZ up. I believe the nature then it startedA INEput us in place to of our business fortunately benefit us with people needing PPE masks. A lot of it is luck that we’re in the industry that we are. We realize a lot of businesses aren’t so lucky. Now we also do full-on promotional products MAtoGround out offerings. We’re a AZIN complete, one-stop-shop E for everything promotional.”

The clientele of Reliant Apparel can range from the local garage band, to parents hosting a birthday party, to—in the case of one of Appelhanz’s favorite memories—Mars MAG who need to place a second order executives AZ for “Made inIN Topeka” shirts.

E Doing business with Fortune 500 executives aside, Appelhanz mentions one great benefit of owning a family business—as well as a few pointers for the entrepreneurial-minded.

“You need a vision, you need to be on MAGthe same page, and then you need to be AZIN E ” he said. “It’s not something you committed, get into and then decide you don’t want to do it. Once you’re in, you’re on the line. The difference between working for someone and working for yourself is the level of MAG commitment. But the tradeoff is you have your AZfreedom.”

Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL

Reliant Apparel started humbly in the basement of a small rental house until demand and momentum led them to open a downtown Topeka storefront in 2011.

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GA remain true to the founding purpose of theZIN company and the sibling relationship that madeE it all possible.

“There are challenges, but nothing we can’t figure out,” Appelhanz said. “We know what to expect from each other and are looking in the same direction: to grow theM business AGA as much ZINE as we can.”

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Avoiding conflict is a common behavior. It makes sense, of course.

AZIN Conflict and arguments around the E best path forward aren’t fun. No one wants to get into a disagreement. Or do they?

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BROTHERLY LOVE According to Pedro Concepcion, co-founder of K.I.T. Solutions, some of the best ideas and biggest wins that his company has seen have been the direct result of lively debates between himself and his business partner.

Some would call them arguments, some might describe them as

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spats, but after, Javier joined forces with E for Pedro and Javier Concepcion, the best term would him as he continued to Mprovide AGM AG AZ be “brotherly love.” his expertise and services to local INAEZIN E Pedro and Javier’s ventures eateries. This building momentum into the world of restauranteering finally reached an inflection point, and entrepreneurism began about culminating in the inception of MAG 13 years ago in the Windy City.

K.I.T. Solutions.

AZIN “I went to the Art Institute “Through the transition E MAGaM of Chicago for Culinary Art,” said that COVID brought, lotAof A ZG AEZIN IN Pedro, highlighting the foundation restaurants were losing sales and "Strip egos and remember E of his background in fine foods. their formulas weren’t working, so that you’re not working for “I worked in high-end restaurants we were hired to look at logistics yourselves, you’re working there to get experience and then and food costs, and to help make for the M business.”

AGA moved to Lawrence when I was sure they were making the right —Pedro ConcepcionZINE turning 21. The owners of the choices,” Pedro recalls.

MAG AZIN Burger Stand brought me in Co-Founder E because they were just about A POWERHOUSE TEAM K.I.T. Solutions to launch the restaurant. They The uncertainty of starting brought me in to work on the a new business venture was menu and sauces for the Burger minimized by the fact that he had MAG Stand. ” his brother alongside him in the AZIN MAG E Around the time Pedro was new venture.

A IN making a name for himself at the “Working Z with my E brother is Burger Stand, his brother Javier a really good thing,” Pedro said. was honing his own culinary skills “Some restaurants really want at a Lawrence restaurant. Pedro you to tell them what they want eventually became part-owner of to hear, but sometimes things MAG the Burger Stand before deciding aren’t right—whether they’re AZIN M AGA E to branch out and work on menus undercharging, ZINEor management for additional Topeka restaurants, isn’t up to par, or the food’s not including The Pennant and that good. No one wants to hear Norsemen Brewing Company. that, but my brother pushes me to “That’s when I realized that be honest with them about those developing menus and concepts things.”

MAG M in Topeka was something that was AGA The push that his brother AZIN ZisINgreatly E needed because there wasn’t really offers E appreciated a ‘food atmosphere’ here. There and very valuable, Pedro says, are some gems here for breakfast, but sometimes that also means but nothing really different or having to endure pushback. That unique, so when Cody Foster came pushback, however, is what makes to me about wanting to make The the duo such a powerhouse team.

MAG M Pennant, I was really excited. ” A AZIN GAZ “My brother has been a great INE” Pedro said. “He’s really E Pedro jumped at the asset, opportunity to work with The stubborn, just like I am, but we’re Pennant team on developing a both stubborn about different menu and recipes. Then, not long things. For instance, he’s really

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IN focused on how beautiful a dish “AtENorsemen Brewing looks, where I’m focused on Company, my brother made a how profitable it is. I want to cut decision for them to make beet this, cut that and so on, so he chips without my consultation,” helps me out of that.”

Pedro recalled. “I said ‘These This difference in approach are great, and they’re going to is particularly noticeableM inAthe GAZ sell, but we didn’t think through INallEthe logistics. The labor of it division of labor and the two distinct but equally important alone is harder to execute. It’s roles each brother takes on. possible, but it’s something we Javier focuses on new ideas and needed to think through.’ And new dishes—the innovation of he said ‘No, no, it will be fine.’ the business—while Pedro is “Well, the beet chips sold MA keen on the logistics, operations out the first night. So, even G AZ INE though he made that call on his and profitability side—the preservation of the business. own, it ended up being good This, Pedro says, allows them because the customers loved it. to attack a problem from two If it had been just me, I would different angles. have said ‘no, we can’t do it,’ so MAG

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I think debating and not always seeing eye-to-eye is valuable.

MA”G When it comes to runningAZINE a business successfully with a sibling, there are two things Pedro believes a person must do if they are to create a sustainable and successful operation.

MAegos “You need to strip G AZ and remember that you’re not INE working for yourselves, you’re working for the business,” he said. “And then you need to be able to have honest conversationsM and not assume AGA what the other person is IN Z E thinking and feeling because assuming is the worst thing you can do.”

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BUSINESS NEWS

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Stormont Vail Health Increases Minimum Wage MAG to $15 A“As population ZIaN E health organization, we know our mission of ‘improving the health of our community’ doesn’t stop at our doors,” said Robert Kenagy, M.D., president and chief executive MAG Stormont Vail Health. “One A ZINofficer, Security Benefit Charitable Trust ofEthe pillars of our strategic plan Donates to 11 Topeka-Area at Stormont Vail is Community and Organizations includes a specific focus on economic The Security Benefit Charitable Trust, a vitality. Our team members are a committee representing the employees of part of the communities we serve.

Security Benefit and SE2, made donations Creating more equity amongst our to 11 Topeka-area nonprofit organizations team and taking our minimum closer M AGThe to help alleviate financial stressors.

AZIN to a living wage will help to create total donation was $74,800. Organizations E healthier communities.” included: Stormont Vail Hometown Heroes Fund, Family Service & Guidance Center and Valeo Behavioral Health Care, Harvesters, Ronald McDonald House, Washburn University, Boys & Girls Clubs of Topeka, LifeHouse Child Advocacy MACenter, Salvation AZIN Army, United Way of GreaterGTopeka, and E Toys for Tots.

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ZINE Leadership Greater Topeka 2021 Class For 38 years, Leadership Greater Topeka has identified outstanding leaders from the community and teaches the participants aspects of leadership.

MAG The 2021 Class includes: A N Care Salon Leticia Anderson, Health e’ HairZ&ISkin E Michael Augustine, Shawnee County James Barraclough, Washburn University Nicole Bath, Stormont Vail Health Katie Beach, Azura Credit Union Ryan Bishop, Stormont Vail Health MAG& West Bryan Boutz, Bartlett ZISchool/Topeka Rene Cabrera, Seaman A High Youth Commission NE Navise Clark, Love Fellowship Church Dora Coronel, Cornerstone of Topeka Inc Hope Dimick, Washburn Rural High/TK Business Magazine Sarah Dunekack, MARS Wrigley Ashley Esquibel, Envista Credit Union Jesse Fray, News MKSNT AGA Jovy George, FHLBank ZITopeka NE Ashley Gilfillan, Evergy Plaza Jennifer Goetz, Blu Door Creative Gabriella Gonzalez, Advisors Excel Debra Hoffer, Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Tracy Jepson, TLJ Consulting Cashmere Gourmet Popcorn: A Alexander MAG Lancaster, Two Wolves Studio & Artists Den Family Affair Jeff Lane, TreanorHL AZIN E Association of Counties When life gives you lemons, make Dornella Leal, Kansas popcorn! That's pretty much how Amanda Lewis, Coldwell Banker American Home Cashmere Gourmet Popcorn got Steven Massey, It Takes A Village its start. Angie and Bill Anderson Alejandro Mateos, Naly's Lawn & Landscape LLC started selling their sweet treats to James Meitner, Evergy, Inc. family, friends and co-workers as a Marc Price, Shawnee County fundraiser for their Jefferson County MA Ronald GA Rutherford, Topeka Fire Department Relay for Life team. The motivation INE Advisors Excel JessicaZ Savard, was personal for the fundraiser - Bill Doug Shepherd, Kansas Electric Cooperatives Inc. was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Michele Stanley, Blue Cross & Blue Shield Lymphoma in 2000. Today you can Kim Strube, Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library find them in Downtown Topeka. Check Johnathan Sublet, FBC Hi-Crest Campus out the video on Cashmere Popcorn Michelle Whitehead, Capitol Federal at TKmagazine.com.

Carole Williams, Shawnee County Court Services M

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Abbott-Unlimited Acquires MAgency, Bajillion AGA MotoVike Films INE solutions Abbott-Unlimited, aZ software company located in Topeka, acquired Bajillion Agency and MotoVike Films from Earl Kemper, owner of the Premier Advisory Group, in a private sale. AbbottUnlimited was founded in 2013 to provide software development as a service.

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HOPE IS ESSENTIAL!

Valeo continues to provide essential mental health and substance use services during the pandemic.

HOPE IS ESSENTIAL! Valeo provides essential mental health emergency care 24-hours a day, 365 days a year at our Crisis Center.

HOPE IS ESSENTIAL! Valeo’s Recovery Center provides essential life-saving detox and substance use recovery services every day of the year.

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400 SW Oakley Avenue Topeka, KS 66606 (785) 233-1730 Valeo’s 24-Hour Crisis Line: (785) 234-3300 24-Hour Detox Line: (785) 234-3448

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021

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or valeotopeka.org

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