Wichita Business Magazine Summer 2023

BROTHERS GO FROM TO BASKETBALL

DREAM CLEAN

BASKETBALL TO DREAM CLEAN

Jordan Harris, with the help of his brother Lance, grew Harris Dream Clean from a $45 Dirt Devil vacuum and knocking on doors to a $1.5 million company that earned him the U.S. SBA’s 2023 Kansas Small Business Owner of the Year.

IMPORTANCE OF A BUSINESS FINANCIAL PLAN

Craig Korol with Korol Financial Group LLC provides the facets of a business financial plan.

DELIGHTING THE SENSES

Meet the visionary owners behind Bungalow 26 and Lucinda’s and learn how they parlayed their entrepreneurial aspirations and eclectic tastes into beloved Wichita boutiques.

THE VISION FOR WICHITA BUSINESS COMMUNITY

The Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce looks at their accomplishments over the past 106 years and shares their vision for the future of Wichita.

RESTORING THE PAST

Tim Devlin has spent nearly two decades making clients’ dormant hot rod dreams come true with his team at Devlin Rod and Customs.

FOLLOW THE CHEAP SHEEP

Ryan Baty took The Mattress Hub from start-up to success story with industry disruption, explosive growth and a catchy jingle that sticks in your head.

A BUSINESS REFRESH

Under new ownership from a local group of investors, and with a branding and in-store facelift underway, Accent Interiors has been injected with some new life.

WICHITA’S HATTER

Jack Kellogg, owner of Hatman Jack’s, has fashioned a longtime love of history and the craft of creating customized hats into a business success story.

ONE-ON-ONE WITH KARMA MASON

Karma Mason, retired co-founder of iSi Environmental Services and the Chair of the Kansas Chamber, talks about her entrepreneurial journey, the business community and Wichita State University.

Scott Elpers Lisa Loewen Samantha Marshall

Parscale Aaron Patton Fernando Salazar

Korol

Dimick

Dimick

BROTHERS GO FROM TO BASKETBALL DREAM CLEAN

Jordan Harris knew he needed to do something. He and his wife, Marissa, were expecting their first child and he was unemployed, having lost his job overseeing a contracted cleaning crew.

While he didn’t have much in his bank account, Harris had some key assets going his way: the drive and discipline to do better than good enough and a deep faith in God.

“If you fail at something and you know you didn’t put your best effort into it, that burns,” Jordan said.

Using one of his unemployment checks, Harris bought a $45 Dirt Devil vacuum from Walmart, had some business cards printed up for his new venture, Harris Dream Clean, and started knocking on doors of businesses and industrial complexes asking to clean their offices. That was in 2015.

In the eight years since, Harris, with the help of his older brother, Lance, has grown the company significantly.

Harris Dream Clean currently has about 55 employees and generates annual revenue of more than $1.5 million with federal, county and commercial cleaning contracts. McConnell Air Force Base and the U.S. federal courthouse along with several Sedgwick County buildings are among the properties they clean.

Harris’ entrepreneurial success story earned him recognition as the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 2023 Kansas Small Business Owner of the Year.

EARLY DAYS

For Harris, a self-professed introvert, knocking on those doors in the early days wasn’t easy but he was willing to put in the work, often praying and meditating before approaching his cold calls, he said.

He would spend daytime hours drumming up business and checking in with current clients. Then in the evenings, he and his

Lance Harris, Chief Operations Officer, and Jordan Harris, Owner and Chief Visionary Officer, of Harris Dream Clean

AMY GEISZLER-JONES AARON PATTON

wife would head out to clean the businesses, often accompanied by their young daughter, Mariah, who would sleep while her parents worked. Marissa was just helping out, Jordan said, since she was a business owner running an in-home daycare.

By 2018, as Harris Dream Clean’s revenue was surpassing a quarter-million dollars and Harris found himself stretched thin managing all aspects of the business, he went to a person he holds in high esteem, trusts implicitly and knows would have his back. He asked his brother, Lance, who was the program manager of a cleaning crew at Cessna, to join the company as a partner.

The brothers were born less than two years apart and were inseparable growing up. They played basketball together as kids and at Wichita Southeast High School for legendary coach Carl Taylor.

They both went on to earn degrees at Wichita State University. Jordan got a business degree with minors in entrepreneurship and management in 2010. Lance was a walk-on for the Shocker basketball team between 2006 and 2008. He earned a coveted starting spot and got a sociology degree.

As the sons of a well-liked basketball coach, Leon Harris, who instilled a healthy dose of competitiveness, and a mother who worked with wayward youth, Jordan and Lance, along with their younger sister, Lindsay, shared the same values of looking out for one another and others. The siblings grew even closer when their father died in January 2005 at age 50 during a practice of the Peabody-Burns High School boys basketball team. It was their mother, June, who provided the inspiration for the cleaning company’s name when she suggested that Jordan dream about pursuing ownership of his own business.

GROWING THE DREAM

Based on their strengths, Jordan and Lance divided their responsibilities within Harris Dream Clean.

Jordan calls himself the chief visionary officer, charting the business’ growth plan and helping secure contracts. Lance is the chief operations officer, overseeing the company’s workforce and contracted duties.

Bringing Lance in as a partner triggered the company’s growth, Jordan said.

“Before, I was having to be a jack-of-all-trades. I was trying to do everything 100 percent. It wasn’t realistic. I was able to split the responsibilities down the middle and say, ‘OK, you focus on this and then I can focus on that.’ That’s when our sales started increasing,” Jordan said.

WE LISTEN TO YOUR DREAMS and then find ways to minimize the burden of wealth management, bestowing the freedom to enjoy everything else. Visit us at tckansas.com.

Freedom to enojy a day at the park.

Lance also embodies the company’s philosophy of creating opportunities for others.

“The reason he is so good at what he does is the same reason my wife is really good at what she does… they have the highest level of compassion and empathy toward people,” Jordan said. “They’re not thinking about how much money they’re going to take home to their kids, but they’re really focused on the people that they’re working with and how much money they’re taking home to their families, and how well they’re living.”

Satisfied employees mean most new hires are word-of-mouth referrals, having been referred by family or friends, Lance said. It’s how during the pandemic the company was able to quickly onboard nearly 30 employees to fulfill a contract to clean 88 Sedgwick County general election voting sites twice daily.

The business has also grown because of satisfied customers.

“Our work performance gave our existing clients reason to give us more jobs and refer us to other commercial property owners,” said Jordan in an interview for a profile on the SBA website.

Another impetus for the company’s growth was participating in the SBA’s 8(a) certification program. The program, according to the SBA, helps small businesses owned and controlled primarily by “socially and economically disadvantaged individuals” become competitive for federal contracts.

MORE FAMILY BUSINESSES

Harris Dream Clean’s success has helped broaden other entrepreneurial ventures for the Harris family.

In 2017, Marissa, who holds a master’s degree in educational psychology and a bachelor’s degree in

psychology with an emphasis in early childhood development, was able to expand the daycare business she had been running in the couple’s home since 2014.

Jordan and Marissa found the perfect location when they showed up at the wrong polling place during a local election in fall 2017. The nondenominational Woodland Lakes Church, located near Kellogg and Lincoln, had been looking to contract with a daycare provider so it was great timing — or perhaps divine intervention.

“The pastor said they had been praying about finding a provider,” said Jordan, recalling how he and his wife took an impromptu tour that day and secured the location.

In 2021, Jordan and Marissa purchased a 4-acre campus on East Harry, between Woodlawn and Edgemoor. The existing church on the campus became the second location for Angel Wings Learning Center, which serves children ages 2 weeks to 12 years. Another building on the campus became the main offices for Harris Dream Clean.

The three Harris siblings also own a residential real estate business.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

As both an entrepreneur and an individual, Jordan is always pursuing self-improvement.

“I heard a phrase a long time ago that if you are the same person you were five years ago, you wasted five years. I live by that,” Jordan said.

Each day he assesses what was a challenge for him the day before and then spends 30 minutes watching videos or presentations on how to overcome that challenge.

“I heard a phrase a long time ago that if you are the same person you were five years ago, you wasted five years. I live by that.”

- Jordan Harris Owner

Lance and Jordan Harris, Harris Dream Clean.

Photo by AARON PATTON

Importance of a business financial plan

We are often approached by small businesses and business owners seeking to understand the most important elements in attaining an effective financial strategy. As a general starting place, regardless of the income a business generates, the ages of the owners, or how many employees it has, a business financial plan is essential in navigating the future and unexpected events. A financial plan is a road map of what the business is trying to achieve in the short and long term.

FACETS OF A BUSINESS FINANCIAL PLAN:

A long-term strategy.

A clear and concise strategy, along with the formation of well-defined goals, is necessary for the financial health and wellbeing of any business.

Compensation planning for staff and key employees as well as determining the appropriate retirement plan for the organization. Competitive compensation and retirement planning is an effective tool in maintaining a productive staff and retaining the key personnel that position your business a step ahead of the rest.

Budgets and cash flow management.

Efficient and appropriate budgeting and cash flow management is paramount to the financial success of a business. A proper business financial plan clearly defines the boundaries to help you develop the optimal budget.

Appropriate time for mergers, acquisitions, or a sale. Transitionary periods in a business are inevitable. Whether it is expansion or you are selling, proper planning can illuminate the path set before you.

Team of legal, accounting and financial planning professionals.

This is essential to navigate and design the most appropriate course of action for determining business type, continuity and succession planning, and growth strategies. Being surrounded by the right people matters.

CRAIG KOROL, CFP®., ChFP®, CLU®, RICP®, CPFA™ PRESIDENT KOROL FINANCIAL GROUP LLC

TOP LEGISLATION PROVISIONS: 7-STEP FINANCIAL PLANNING PROCESS

Another topic for the business owner’s consideration is recent legislation. On December 29, 2022, President Biden signed into law the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (CAA 2023) that included the Secure 2.0 Act of 2022, which is an effort to make it easier for Americans to save for retirement. The following is a brief summary of the top provisions:

• Modification of Credit for Small Employer Startup Costs

• Changes To Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)

• IRS Catch-Up Limit Indexed For Inflation

• Qualified Retirement Savings Contribution Tax Credit

• Matching And Nonelective Contributions May Be Made On A Roth Basis

• Expanded Automatic Enrollment

• Increased Simple Contributions

• Emergency Savings Accounts Linked To Employee’s Individual Retirement Account

• SEP And Simple Plans Can Allow For Roth Contributions

• Distribution From 529 Plans To Roth IRAs

• Reduction In Excise Tax For Failure To Take RMD

My ultimate advice for anyone desiring help with their financial plan is to seek out a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP®) or a CFP® firm as these individuals are stewards of the profession and provide their clients with a depth of knowledge from their Designation and their required continuing education. This enables them to keep you abreast of any changes to the current retirement and financial planning landscape. A CFP® will help you through the 7-step Financial Planning Process which includes the following:

1. Understanding the Client’s Personal and Financial Circumstances

2. Identifying and Selecting Goals

3. Analyzing the Clients Current Course of Action and Potential Alternative Course of Actions

4. Developing the Financial Planning Recommendation(s)

5. Presenting the Financial Planning Recommendation(s)

6. Implementing the Financial Planning Recommendation(s)

7. Monitoring Progress and Updating

Craig Korol Certified Financial Planner ® , ChFC®, CLU®, RICP® & CPFA™

Craig Korol, President of Korol Financial Group LLC, is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®), a Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®), Chartered Life Underwriter® (CLU®), Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor™ (CFPA™) and Retirement Income Certified Professional® (RICP®).

Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Global Retirement Partners a Registered Investment Advisor. Global Retirement Partners, and Korol Financial Group LLC are separate entities from LPL Financial.

KIM GRONNIGER SHELBY PARSCALE

If you’re looking for shopping experiences that delight the senses and tickle the funny bone, Bungalow 26 and Lucinda’s offer an eclectic mix of items perfect for personal pampering or giving to others.

Delighting THe sEnses }

Meet the visionary owners and learn how they parlayed their entrepreneurial aspirations and eclectic tastes into beloved Wichita boutiques catering to locals, tourists and a growing online fan base.

Photos by SHELBY PARSCALE

Photo by SHELBY PARSCALE

Lucinda’s VALERIE REIMERS

WHIMSICAL WARES AND CURATED DELIGHTS

With its welcoming hues and whimsical wares, Lucinda’s invites customers to linger and laugh as they move through displays of cards, books, home décor, apparel and accessories. The extensive and evolving assortment of curated delights appeals to customers seeking something sweet, sassy, or even sensible for themselves or someone else.

“I believe more is more,” said Valerie Reimers, who owns the shop with her husband, Ryan. “Things should be functional but also fun and colorful. In my home, the walls are filled with art. If you look in my clothes closet, it’s all patterns.”

One of her favorite parts of owning her business is having customers run into one another while shopping and overhearing their conversations as they marvel over items.

“I just love it when we’re on the list for people wanting to show Wichita to visiting friends and family,” she said. “We provide a magical reprieve for a few minutes in a fun atmosphere where they can just get lost for a little while as they hunt for treasures and admire the creativity of the people who make our merchandise.”

In business more than 22 years, Reimers’ retail training began as a 20-year-old Wichita State University student. She sometimes worked in a space within a building called The Farm and Art Market, now the Museum of World Treasures, where her sister, Lupe Sanchez, and her aunt sold Southwest décor and Mexican collectibles.

SISTER OWNERSHIP

When Sanchez’s aunt decided to step down that year, Reimers quit school and invested her college fund in the business to become a co-owner.

The sisters decided to change up their new brand to reflect their different personalities and perspectives.

Lucinda’s, a combination of Reimers’ middle name and Lupe’s first name, took off, keeping established customers and drawing new ones with additional offerings like jewelry, one of Reimers’ passions.

When The Farm & Art Market building closed and the siblings had to find a storefront, they scored Old Town space next to Warren Theatres in 2003, becoming one of the square’s first tenants.

“We were so bummed when we got kicked out of our original space, but it really worked out well for us,” she said.

Describing her sister as a minimalist and herself as a maximalist, Reimers said the partnership flourished but ultimately ended amicably in 2007.

When the tenant next door to Lucinda’s moved out, Reimers was eager to expand but Sanchez wanted to try a new concept in West Wichita, eventually moving that business back into Old Town Square across from Lucinda’s.

Photo by SHELBY PARSCALE

EXPANSION

“Right after I bought Lupe’s share of Lucinda’s, Ryan and I got married,” Reimers said. “Just three weeks after that we started tearing down walls to expand Lucinda’s and we also bought our first home. Ryan and I tend to do things in clusters, but that was a lot at once.”

The additional room allowed Reimers to carry more clothing, gift items, shoes and accessories.

“We played with a lot of things around clothing and what works for us is statement pieces, things you might wear every day or for a special event but that are a little more funky and maybe out of your previous comfort zone,” she said.

LOCAL VENDORS

Reimers supports local vendors like Nectar Republic, a maker of bath and body products, and Bungalow 26.

“Kelsey’s Splendid Alchemy Inhaling Salts is one of the top items in the store,” she said. “I love it when a local maker stands out in the sea of merchandise from all over the world.”

One of Reimers’ favorite artisans is Archival Jewelry made by Channing Taylor, a Wichita metalsmith who deconstructs vintage jewelry and repurposes it for a modern twist.

“I’ve loved her work since she started making it in high school,” Reimers said. “One of my favorite pieces is a necklace made with a Lucite napkin ring.”

PERSONALITY WITH EVERYDAY OBJECTS

Although Reimers, a mother of two children, still enjoys going to markets, she doesn’t go as often as she used to, preferring instead to research artisans on Instagram or explore independent businesses when she travels.

“I like finding things that people aren’t going to see everywhere,” she said. “I have a couple of vendors from the United Kingdom now that I really like. I enjoy products that add a bit of personality to everyday objects, whether it’s something you wear or display in your home.”

SUPPORT SYSTEM

Reimers’ husband eventually joined the business and now handles bookkeeping, payroll and development of Lucinda’s own products.

“Ryan started working in the store a little at first and then a little more and then it became the two of us working long hours together,” she said.

Reimers works with Visit Wichita to promote the business and expands her industry knowledge by taking online seminars. She has also developed a long-term relationship with Jill D. Miller, a business consultant and owner of Creative Solutions, who helped Reimers create a plan for her first maternity leave 10 years ago.

“My pregnancy forced me to start delegating, something I tended to not want

to do,” Reimers said. “I have a wonderful team and I realized through the process that I don’t need to do it all, that other people are even better at some things than I am, which frees me up to do what I do best.”

Reimers attributes her business success to her sister and her mother.

“Without them, this opportunity wouldn’t have happened,” she said. “Everything fell together in a really lovely way, and it’s due to them that I’m where I am now. My mom went to markets with us and helped us come up with the store’s name. Until the pandemic, she still worked in the store.”

Reimers’ business advice for others considering an entrepreneurial leap is to “play to your strengths, delegate your weaknesses when you can and, of course, consider location, location, location. It’s really just about living and learning and failing and trying again. I’m still doing that 22 years later because it’s an ever-changing industry and there’s always some new aspect to consider.”

Photos by SHELBY PARSCALE

Bungalow 26 Kelsey metzinger

ECLECTIC GOODS FOR BATH, BODY AND HOME

Kelsey Metzinger began making homemade soaps and lotions in high school with her sister, Kimberly Christopher.

“We inherited our mom’s creativity and were always deconstructing things, including luxury body and bath things we wanted but couldn’t afford,” Metzinger said.

The sisters continued experimenting into adulthood, discovering that soybean oil was a component of a popular salt scrub they liked.

“We realized that many ingredients used in food were also used in the cosmetic industry, and our experimentation led to making lotions, lip balms and other beauty products,” she said.

NEW DIRECTION

Metzinger originally attended college to become a fashion illustrator but quit school when she felt the degree she was pursuing would push her into a career path of teaching art or working in graphic design.

“I loved shopping and I loved retail, so that’s what I did instead,” she said. “Every job I ever had involved creating visual displays and merchandising and allowed me to express my creativity and get paid for it.”

As a side hustle, she arranged wedding flowers and recommended painting options for friends’ places, developing a word-of-mouth reputation as a design consultant.

“I have always kept journals and made lists. I remember writing down that I would open a business by the time I turned 30,” she said. “I thought 30 was the make-or-break age. I visualized the lines I’d carry, the things I’d make, and the colors I’d have in my store. I didn’t tell other people about my dream until I put it on paper. There’s ego involved when you finally write it down and it becomes a goal.”

She took a class through the Small Business Development Center at Wichita State University and became energized by conversations she had with instructors and classmates while completing a business plan.

“I asked a lot of questions and connected with others and found the process helpful, especially around loans,” she said.

Before and after launching Bungalow 26 in 2006, Metzinger sought advice from other entreprenuers. When she made missteps, she corrected quickly.

“I originally wanted to sell furniture and I got a building that was too large with high overhead, so I was able to get out of my lease and get a smaller building in the Delano District and that really saved my business,” she said.

BUNGALOW-STYLE

Metzinger captured her lifelong affinity for bungalow-style homes in the store’s name.

Photo by SHELBY PARSCALE

Photo by SHELBY PARSCALE

“I wanted a name that would envelop the structure of the business and the contents all being something someone would put in a home to make daily living more comfortable,” she said. “Even though we didn’t have a lot of money when I was growing up, my mom was good at painting and tinkering and trying to make our home nice. I also take pride in my little nest. I’m a homebody and I want to be in love with my surroundings, and I want to provide my customers with products that can make it happen for them too.”

LUCK OF 26

Born on Jan. 26, Metzinger knew the shop’s name would need to reflect her lucky number.

“Twenty-six has followed me around in strange ways,” she said. “My employee number was 26 for two different jobs, and I was 26 when I wrote down my decision to open a store. And then I opened Bungalow 26 in 2006.”

ECLECTIC GOODS FOR BATH, BODY AND HOME

The lifestyle boutique’s tagline is “eclectic goods for bath, body and home” and Metzinger, ever mindful of her aspirational teenage yearnings and budget constraints, strives to offer price points within reach for the products she makes herself and those she sources from Europe and other places.

“I have customers who come in every week because I sell things they like and use every day for pampering,” she said. “If you need hand lotion, hand soap, a tin of tea or chocolate or a soy candle

that smells like a speakeasy or that’s named for a city neighborhood, you can find it here.”

Metzinger makes about 40 percent of the products she sells, including her best-selling Splendid Alchemy Inhaling Salts, crystals infused with “a headclearing blend of essential oils.”

“It’s great for headaches, migraines or an energy boost,” she said.

Splendid Alchemy is one of Metzinger’s house brands, born from a need for aromatherapy products without allergens.

“Scent is so important to me and the way I interpret the world around me, whether its products or food or nature,” she said. “I like making products that evoke emotion and help people relive a good memory.”

CASCADING EFFECT

Metzinger frequently visits markets in New York City, Dallas and Las Vegas and seeks out small shops similar to her own in different communities across the country to glean ideas.

“I love educating myself on new products and get excited by what other owners are offering and what they’re doing with their spaces,” she said. “I love the energy of New York and the visual look of tiny independent shops that are like a little genie bottle when you step inside and see all that they have for that ‘oh, my God’ moment. I want my customers to feel that when they come to my store too.”

Metzinger is already adept at providing those moments, which can have a cascading effect on customers.

When it Matters Most, Count on Us for ALL Your Needs...

HealthCare offers wide range of services

HealthCare of Wichta, the commitpeople’s lives isn’t just a company owned, and we put family first,” with his sister Jill Harrison the Wichita and Topeka Interim franchises. The Wichita franchise was parents, Don and Judy Stehley, been a leader in the home health HealthCare offers four key areas of Wichita market, which covers surrounding communities. Those in-home; home health, both Medicaid certified in both; staffing, doctors offices; and personal services, from non-medical to work is in patients’ homes, home or in a facility,” said Jay. best to help keep people in their

own homes as long as possible, and we provide the services to enable that.”

hospice services, and felt their loved ones were able

“Those kinds of responses from families help keep us going,” said Jay. “And it isn’t just Jill and I –our staff is dedicated and committed, and they all

Private-Duty Care

(Bathing, housekeeping, shopping, & medication reminders)

The family-owned business started when Don Stehley, who was a quarterback with Kansas State University in the 1940s, then a coach, and then with the KSU Alumni Association, came to Wichi ta to launch the Interim HealthCare franchise. Jay, who has a B.S. degree from Emporia State University in business administration, took over operations in 2001 after a 17-year career with PPG, an automotive paint and chemicals company.

Staffing | Skilled Nursing

“I grew up in Manhattan, and was involved in sports like my dad,” said Jay. He played football for Butler Community College, and later attended KSU and ESU.

Jay and his sister launched the Topeka franchise in 2012, and Jill runs that operation while Jay concentrates on the Wichita location.

(Infusion therapy, wound care, & high-risk cardiac care) Physical, Occupational, & Speech Therapy Chronic Disease Management

With its diverse service offerings, Interim HealthCare has been able to meet a variety of needs in the Wichita market. In addition to meeting home health needs and hospice care for families, the personal care and support services can help individuals and families in even more ways, with non-medical help around the house, up to around-the-clock skilled nursing services. And, Interim HealthCare also helps other arms of the medical field in Wichita through its staffing services, providing skilled workers for hospitals and doctors offices.

More than 42 years of homecare experience. Our compassionate and loving employees will make your family member feel like a treasure.

“We take it one client at a time and improve their situation,” said Jay. He noted letters from families who have benefited from Interim HealthCare’s

For more information about Interim HealthCare of Wichita, visit www.interimhealthcare.com, or call 316-265-4295.

24 Hours/7 Days a Week

Matters Most, Count on Us for ALL Your Needs...

9920 E. Harry, Wichita, KS 67207 316-265-4295

121 W. Central, El Dorado, KS 67042 316-600-5190

525 N. Main St., Hutchinson, KS 67501 620-663-2423 | 800-593-4295

314 N. Washington, Wellington, KS 67207 620-359-1127

1005 W. South St., Salina, KS 67401 785-404-3800

“Someone will buy something and it’s a conversation starter for them,” Metzinger said. “They tell a friend who tells a friend and then a group of them will all come in together because they want to have the item too and see what else is here.”

WHOLESALE BUSINESS

Valerie Reimers, owner of Lucinda’s, carries a few Bungalow 26 products, including the inhaling salts. Retail stores in Kansas City and other locations sell Metzinger’s soy city candles and other items through Bungalow 26’s wholesale business.

With the boutique established and evolving, Metzinger said, “It’s been gratifying to see my personal growth through this process and the friends I’ve made in our business community. They’ve been a supportive sounding board, always available to share information and steer me and other entrepreneurs in the right direction. It’s very collaborative and a lot of the people I’ve gotten to know are my best friends.”

Photo by SHELBY PARSCALE

A Vision

FOR THE WICHITA BUSINESS COMMUNITY

SCOTT ELPERS AARON PATTON

Photo by AARON PATTON

It’s easy to overlook the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce’s office building when it shares a sidewalk on Douglas Avenue with the city’s most famous – and somewhat controversial – piece of architecture.

Despite a recent overhaul in the landscaping surrounding the pale brick building, it’s just that…a building. Two stories. Small offices. Conference rooms around every corner. Furniture so out of style it’s now back in style.

But inside this ordinary building extraordinary work is being done, and it’s shaping the future of Wichita’s business community.

“The Chamber is a testament to its members. The people who walk in and out of these doors everyday – business owners, organizations, CEOs, government leaders, you name it – can visualize Wichita’s potential. They see innovation, collaboration and elevation for growth,” said John Rolfe, president and CEO of the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce. “This isn’t anything new. The Chamber has been the catalyst, convener and go-to resource for the city long before most of these surrounding buildings were built.”

To see The Chamber’s vision for the future, you need to see what it has accomplished in the past.

The Chamber has been a vital part of the business community in Wichita for more than 100 years as an advocate for businesses, a resource for entrepreneurs and a driver for economic growth and development in the region.

In the past, aircraft manufacturing in Wichita was as prominent as it is today. Wichita also had textile mills, meatpacking plants, grain elevators and oil refining, and an endless list of other exports.

“If America needed it, Wichita made it,” Rolfe said. “Everyone thinks aviation, and it is, but it’s so much more.”

SENDING WICHITA TO SPACE

Manufacturing is still one of Wichita’s biggest assets, but the goals are higher and more diverse.

Blue Origin and SpaceX, two of the biggest names in commercial space exploration, have visited Wichita in recent years. Numerous manufacturing businesses in Wichita already make a variety of parts, components and technology that have made it out of this atmosphere.

Spirit AeroSystems, Wichita’s largest employer, has worked with NASA in the past on planetary science missions. The company also has a contract with NASA to carry back samples from Mars in 2026.

“Bringing space manufacturing to Wichita is not just a visionary goal, it’s a strategic imperative,” Rolfe said. “With its highly skilled workforce and advanced manufacturing capabilities, Wichita has the potential to become a key player in the new space economy.”

Back on Earth, The Chamber works to attract new businesses and industries to the area, as well as retain and expand existing companies. Through partnerships with local government and economic development organizations, The Chamber has helped bring major employers to the area from diverse industries.

According to data by the Center for Economic Development and Business Research at Wichita State University, the Wichita metropolitan area (identified as Sedgwick, Butler, Harvey and Sumner counties) is expected to have one of the strongest growths within the state by the end of 2023, adding 3,185 jobs. Production, manufacturing and the aerospace industry will see the biggest growth, according to research.

“It’s about creating a culture of innovation in the region and a thriving business climate,” Rolfe said.

THE SECOND LARGEST CAPITAL INVESTMENT IN KANSAS HISTORY

Back in February, Integra Technologies announced plans to invest $1.8 billion in a large-scale semiconductor facility in the Wichita region. This is the second largest private investment in Kansas history. The facility will establish Wichita as integral to the national effort to restore semiconductor manufacturing capacity and strengthen national security.

The 1 million-square-foot plant and headquarters will create nearly 2,000 high-paying jobs averaging $51,000 in wages over the next five years. A Wichita State University economic impact study estimates an additional 3,161 jobs will be generated by suppliers, construction labor and other service positions.

“Integra’s investment is further proof that we have put Kansas on the map, establishing our state on the forefront of innovation and national security,” said Kansas Governor Laura Kelly.

}Integra Technologies’ announcement to invest $1.8 billion in a large-scale semiconductor facility in the Wichita region.

Photo SUBMITTED

“Kansas is doubling down on its commitment to be at the forefront of this emerging and innovative industry,” said David Toland, Kansas Secretary of Commerce. “Integra’s plans matched perfectly with the state’s push to diversify our economy and we couldn’t be happier they chose to make this investment right in their backyard.”

Integra has been approved for Attracting Powerful Economic Expansion (APEX) incentives, a state economic incentive program that was led, championed and advocated for by The Chamber. This program, along with many other legislative agenda items by The Chamber’s government relations department continue to strengthen the region’s business incentive and regulatory climate.

“Integra’s expansion plans will address recent supply chain issues that impact everyone,” Rolfe said. “It will continue to strengthen advanced manufacturing right here in south central Kansas.”

BRINGING BUSINESS DOWNTOWN

Wichita State University, WSU Tech and the University of Kansas are moving forward with plans to build a 470,000-square-foot, $300 million biomedical campus in the heart of downtown Wichita that will bring a significant boost to the local economy and the healthcare industry in the region.

The biomedical facility is designed to be a hub for medical innovation, collaboration and technology, while providing training and educational opportunities for students, healthcare professionals and entrepreneurs.

“Establishing a biomedical center in downtown Wichita will be a transformative step for the city, bringing together world-class researchers, cutting-edge technology and top-tier healthcare professionals,” Rolfe said. “By fostering collaboration and innovation, this center will not only improve the health of our community, but also drive economic growth and create new opportunities for the next generation of healthcare leaders.”

Part of next year’s state budget, already signed by Governor Kelly, includes $142 million toward the new biomedical center.

RIVERFRONT MASTER PLAN

One of the most ambitious changes coming to downtown Wichita is the Riverfront Master Plan, which is also one of The Chamber’s strategic priorities for improving quality of place in the city.

This comprehensive strategy aims to revitalize and transform the city’s downtown riverfront area into a vibrant, thriving destination for residents and visitors alike. The plan covers a 4-mile stretch on the Arkansas River and its surrounding area. Main goals of the plan are to improve public access to the riverfront, create more recreational opportunities and spur economic development.

Key Elements of the Riverfront Master Plan:

• Development of New Public Spaces.

Envisioning the creation of new parks and plazas along the riverfront, which will be connected by a network of trails and pathways. These new public spaces will provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and events, as well as spaces for people to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the river.

• Expansion of the Riverfront Trail System. Expanding the existing riverfront, which will provide more opportunities for walking, jogging and biking along the river.

• Mixed-use Development.

Encouraging the development of new buildings along the riverfront, which will provide commercial, residential and office space.

• Advocacy at the Local, State and Federal Level.

“The Wichita Riverfront Master Plan is more than just a blueprint for development. It’s a roadmap for creating a sustainable and inclusive community,” Rolfe said. “By leveraging the natural beauty and recreational opportunities of the Arkansas River, this plan has the power to revitalize our downtown, attract new investment and improve the quality of life for all Wichitans. Its success will depend on our willingness to collaborate, innovate and think boldly about the future of our city.”

One of the most significant impacts The Chamber has on the business community is its advocacy efforts. They work closely with local, state and federal officials to ensure that policies are in place that support a strong and prosperous business climate.

“By advocating for policies and initiatives that promote economic growth, job creation and a strong business climate, The Chamber is able to amplify the voice of local and regional businesses. We recognize that a strong and vibrant business community is key to the quality of life in the Wichita region,” said Toni Porter, The Chamber’s vice president of government relations. “The greatest expense for most businesses, after compensating employees and covering their benefits, is the cost associated with taxes and government regulations. The Chamber’s number one government relations goal is to successfully advance the business interests of the state’s largest metro area.”

Providing a business-friendly environment for companies to be in position to grow is critical. During the legislative session, The Chamber aggressively pursues priorities that benefit its members and business community. The Chamber provides frequent policy updates to its members and regularly meets with and educates policymakers on issues, with numerous opportunities for members to interact with elected officials.

These political and governmental connections with the business community create strong economic and cultural growth.

“Every business owner needs to be proactive and communicate to elected officials what is important to his or her business,” Porter said. “The Chamber provides countless opportunities for business owners and leaders to make those connections.”

SMALL BUSINESS IS BIG BUSINESS

Another important role of The Chamber is to provide resources and support to entrepreneurs and small businesses, which make up nearly 85 percent of its membership.

“Small businesses are the backbone of Wichita’s economy. They embody the entrepreneurial spirit that has made our city a hub of innovation and growth. They are essential to maintaining a diverse and resilient business ecosystem,” Rolfe said. “By supporting small businesses, we are investing in the future of our community, ensuring that Wichita remains a great place to live, work and do business for generations to come.”

The Chamber offers a variety of programs and services designed to help businesses grow and succeed, which include:

• Networking Opportunities: Hosts nearly 150 events and networking opportunities

throughout the year, including the Small Business Awards, which recognizes outstanding small businesses in the region.

• Business Education: Offers a range of educational programs, workshops and resources aimed at helping small business owners develop new skills and strategies to grow their businesses.

• Access to Capital: Provides information and resources to help small businesses access the capital they need to start and grow their businesses.

• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Promotes a more inclusive business community by advocating for policies that support diversity, equity and inclusion and provide education and resources to businesses on these issues.

“The Chamber plays a vital role in supporting and strengthening our city’s business community by helping businesses of all sizes and sectors grow, thrive and succeed in an increasingly competitive global economy,” Rolfe said. “Whether it’s advocating for policies that promote economic growth, providing networking and professional development opportunities, or connecting businesses with resources and expertise, The Chamber is a powerful force for driving innovation, business and prosperity in Wichita.”

The Chamber showcases businesses, like Great Plains Ventures, with ribbon cuttings.

The Chamber hosts an annual Honors Night to celebrate outstanding people and organizations.

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“Traveling abroad with my BU406 class was one of the most impactful experiences I’ve had at Washburn. I learned so much about international business and networking through the coursework. The experience taught me a lot about myself professionally and personally; I was challenged and greatly rewarded. Getting to experience another culture first hand is amazing. I think all students should travel abroad to learn more about themselves and others.”

The world is yours. We’ll help you prepare. washburn.edu/business

bba@washburn.edu

785.670.1308

- Abigail McCrory, Rossville, Kansas

International Business

RESTORING the Past

DEVLIN ROD AND CUSTOMS

KIM GRONNIGER AARON PATTON

Tim Devlin’s fascination with cars began in childhood with Hot Wheels and intensified with go-karts and pop-culture exposure to Evel Knievel, The Dukes of Hazard and Smokey and the Bandit.

“My brother and I grew up in the country so instead of riding bikes up and down the street we rode threewheelers, four-wheelers and tractors,” Devlin said. “My bedroom walls had pictures of cars. My dad and uncle loved cars too, so there was always a car being talked about or being restored somewhere – not by them, but by someone who knew how to do the work for them.”

As an eighth grader in Augusta, Devlin said his first car was a 1986 Camaro that cost $6,400.

“I was spoiled,” he said, laughing. “I remember how excited I was as a teenager to get my license and experience that freedom to physically go see friends and get away from my parents.”

Photo by AARON PATTON

Gage Sacket, Bryon Wegerle, Tim Devlin and Austin Sacket inside Devlin Rod and Customs

Devlin’s maternal grandfather was a mechanic, artist and car enthusiast too. Pervasive family influence reinforced by Hollywood car culture led Devlin to think about opening an automotive business someday, but he never expected the entrepreneurship opportunity to arise just a few years after earning a business degree from Kansas State University.

Following graduation, Devlin had moved to Colorado and taken a job as a financial analyst with a company that bought and managed mobile home parks.

“I was traveling every other week and learned after three or four years that this wasn’t going to be my thing,” he said.

OPPORTUNITY TO BUY

While attending a technical school in Laramie, Wyoming, he returned to Kansas to complete an internship with Arcane Restorations.

“The owner, Rex Knepp, grilled me for three hours on a Saturday and said he wasn’t sure whether he wanted to hire me or sell his business to me,” Devlin said. “I was still in school and didn’t know whether I wanted to move back or was even ready to own a business.”

Devlin reviewed Knepp’s offer and returned to Wyoming to finish his program and get his instructor’s estimation of his readiness.

“My instructor was enthusiastic, but I got a lot of ‘no, bad idea’ comments from others,” he said. “My brother had just had his first child though and I decided that moving back to Kansas and spending more time with family would be a good idea, so I went for it.”

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1964 Cadillac DeVille

Photo by AARON PATTON

He finished school and officially opened Devlin Rod and Customs in 2005.

“There was definitely a ‘now what?’ moment when I got the keys at the closing,” Devlin said. “I opened the door and let out a big sigh and thought, ‘okay, let’s go.’”

OPERATIONAL PHILOSOPHY

Shortly after opening, he addressed a workforce twice his age.

“I told them I was going to figure it out with their help and we were going to make the best decisions we could at the time because it wasn’t my place, it was our place, and whoever had the best idea would be what we’d go with,” Devlin said.

Nearly 20 years later, his operational philosophy is still working.

FULFILLING DREAMS AND ASPIRATIONS

The restoration business caters primarily to affluent clients in their fifties fulfilling long-held aspirations tied to nostalgic cars.

“Some of our customers want us to build the whole thing for them and others want to complete a portion of the work themselves,” he said.

As cars have evolved, Devlin said customers often want to refurbish a car like the one they drove in high school only with added amenities like a better engine or air conditioning and other modern conveniences.

“We’re still seeing a lot of hot rod guys who want something low, mean and fast, but we’re also getting a lot of requests for off-road vehicles like 1980s and 1990s Blazers and Broncos,” said Devlin. “But now you can get heated seats if you want them.”

Devlin’s dad’s car collection includes a 1974 Jaguar XKE, a 1929 Model A, a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible and a 1957 Corvette.

Some clients are at a point in life where they can indulge in acquiring cars once out of reach, like Devlin’s dad, while others want to restore a deceased family member’s vehicle or one similar for sentimental reasons.

“Sometimes when we’re dissecting a car we’ll find all kinds of memorabilia, which is fun for us and the owners,” Devlin said. “We also appreciate the emotions involved in restorations of a loved one’s vehicle especially because the person seeking the work still wants to experience that family member’s presence in some way.”

“LUCILLE”

Devlin Rod and Customs typically works on six to 12 cars a year but for three years they allocated all of their resources to a single car, “Lucille.” Their hard work paid off when the 1934 Chevy Roadster won the America’s Most Beautiful Roadster award at the Grand National Roadster Show in 2022.

In addition to Devlin, the restoration team that worked on the project with local owner Jeff Breault comprised Austin Sacket, Gage Sacket, Dave Wehrheim and Brandon Wegerle.

“This award is the Super Bowl for hot rods and to have this opportunity with Jeff who was willing to go the distance with us was really special,” Devlin said. “We were all in. Usually when your goal is to win an award, it’s a recipe for disaster but we had a lot of faith in our little shop and a lot of support from our families. Hats off to them for helping us make this happen.”

Lucille also won the Goodguys 2022 Classic Instruments Street Rod of the Year award.

COMMITMENT TO THE COMMUNITY

Devlin’s commitment extends to the community.

For the past 12 years, Devlin Rod and Customs has sponsored Cars for Charities Rod and Custom Car Show, a benefit that started in 1957 with Darryl Starbird. Devlin, Dick Price, Carl Fry, John Fry and a board of directors promote the familyfriendly, nationally recognized show to raise money for Wichita charities.

Tim Devlin opened Devlin Rod and Customs in 2005.

Photo by AARON PATTON

Since Cars for Charities Rod and Custom Car Show’s inception, Devlin said the organization has raised more than $1 million for nonprofits like Ability Point, which provides programs and activities for more than 4,000 Kansans with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“We typically provide a platform for charities that don’t have high name recognition so they can gain more visibility for the good work they’re doing locally,” Devlin said.

Devlin has spent nearly two decades making clients’ dormant hot rod dreams come true with his team and is glad he made the leap to buy his business.

“Our outstanding employees have provided incredible input over the years and are responsible for the success we’ve had,” he said. “We twist metal and make it look good. That’s what our clients want and that’s all we offer so we have to get it right.”

Photo by AARON PATTON

Photo by AARON PATTON

Photo by AARON PATTON

Gage Sacket, Bryon Wegerle, Tim Devlin and Austin Sacket inside the Chevy they are fixing up.

Looking for a Lesson in Branding? FOLLOW THE CHEAP SHEEP

How Wichita native Ryan Baty took his business from start-up to success story.

SAMANTHA MARSHALL AARON PATTON

Photo by AARON PATTON

What is the mark of a successful business? Explosive growth? Disrupting an industry? A catchy jingle that sticks in your head for 15-plus years?

On the surface, the story of The Mattress Hub is a classic tale of rising from humble beginnings to create something that checks all of those boxes. But it’s also the story of an entrepreneur who came to understand what it takes to truly make a business great – even if it means scaling back.

FROM THE BIG LEAGUES TO A BIG DREAM

Well before he helped pen the infamous “Cheap Sheep” jingle, The Mattress Hub Owner Ryan Baty, a fourth generation Wichitian, started his career playing professional baseball. After signing a contract with the Tampa Bay Rays, Baty spent years grinding on the field where he learned the discipline, resilience and competitive nature that would later fuel his business.

“Sports teach lessons that are very applicable to business,” said Baty. “You have to compete if you’re going to be good at what you do.”

Baty’s big-league ambitions came to an end when an injury forced him to retire in 2005. He planned to pursue a career in law until a trip back home to Wichita connected him to a friend of a friend who introduced him to the mattress business. While some may think going from Major League Baseball to mattresses would be a snooze fest, Baty was immediately intrigued. While most Americans have a mattress, Baty learned that many were not happy with what they slept on. He also saw that the industry could use a dose of excitement.

“The advertising was really soft and lacked energy and appeal,” said Baty. “I saw an opportunity to create something with a different vibe that would be appealing to customers.”

Baty’s friend of a friend became his business partner. Months later, the two began opening mattress stores in Oklahoma and Kansas. Ready to commit to a new life

direction, Baty put everything he had into growing the business. For six years, he worked every day of the week, except for Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter.

“I absolutely loved every second of it,” said Baty. “But it was a grind.”

Baty and his partner did not use any bank loans or debt to finance their growth.

“It was always a fight. Every single month,” said Baty. “I would not be able to make that type of sacrifice if I had been married with young kids. But the season I was in at that point allowed me to sacrifice in order to build a company.”

His sacrifice paid off. In five years, The Mattress Hub grew to 27 stores.

THE JINGLE THAT BUILT A BRAND

As The Mattress Hub grew, Baty noticed a shift in the industry. Rather than focusing on the mattress brand when shopping for a mattress, customers were starting to think more about the retail brand.

“We were on the cusp of that,” said Baty. “We were very much in tune with the understanding that we had to build a retail brand that addressed what was most important in the eyes of our customers.”

But building a brand in an industry filled with giants proved to be challenging.

“We were the young start up among national brands,” Baty said. “We were desperate for people to recognize our brand.”

Baty and his partner turned to tv advertising. As they brainstormed concepts, they were looking for something that viewers would remember – even if it was a little quirky.

“We were getting lost in the shuffle,” said Baty. “We knew we had to do something to make our brand be more recognizable. We wanted it to be kind of crazy.”

Soon, the Cheap Sheep was born. Not long after it hit the airwaves in 2008, Baty realized the Cheap Sheep was more recognized than The Mattress Hub name.

“There’s something about this place and this community. It breeds good start-up culture.

If Wichita customers are given a viable local option, they will choose to shop local.”

- Ryan Baty Owner

“We realized the power of that branding,” said Baty. “Whether people loved it or hated it, whether they thought it was silly or smart, they recognized it. That’s how they identified our brand.”

The new-found brand recognition came at the right time. The 2008 economy brought plenty of opportunities to seal deals on new storefronts from landlords who were desperate for quality tenants. A risky move? Maybe. But Baty said those purchases marked a key turning point for the Mattress Hub.

“It took a lot of courage and discipline to make that growth when a lot of companies were downsizing,” said Baty. “It really made all the difference for our company.”

A NEW DEFINITION OF SUCCESS

While the thrill of seeing his start-up compete with the big players was once enough to energize him, Baty’s perspective changed soon after he married and started a family.

Less interested in working around the clock, Baty’s focus on the size of his business shifted to a focus on its health. In 2013, The Mattress Hub had expanded to 27 stores in three states. It was the growth Baty and his partner had envisioned. But that growth came with staffing problems and other infrastructure challenges.

“We had grown to such an extent that I was not enjoying the company anymore,” Baty said.

Baty bought out his partner in 2013 and made the decision to cut The Mattress Hub down to 13 Kansas stores.

“When I was in my 20s, size was most important to me,” Baty said. “But the older you get and the longer you do business, the more you realize that health is more important than size.”

Today, he said the company is healthier, both financially and culturally, than it was at its peak. In fact,

Baty said the company does more volume in 13 stores than they did in 27.

Baty attributes The Mattress Hub’s success, then and now, to its Wichita roots.

“There’s something about this place and this community. It breeds good start-up culture,” said Baty. “If Wichita customers are given a viable local option, they will choose to shop local.”

For other Wichita entrepreneurs who dream of becoming the next great success story, Baty has some advice: Enjoy the grind.

“So many young businesspeople just want to get to that level of prosperity,” said Baty. “But the struggles we had in those early days helped us survive. If you slow down and enjoy the grind, you’ll learn a lot.”

Photo by AARON PATTON

A BUSINESS Refresh

Accent Interiors, a half-century-old business in Wichita, is getting a fresh, new start. Under new ownership from a local group of investors, and with a branding and in-store facelift underway, this long-time business has been injected with some new life.

Erika Choriego, operations manager for the store, says the store will build on the solid foundation of quality products and excellent customer service put into place by previous owners, Bill Little and Gary Fry.

LISA LOEWEN AARON PATTON

Photo by AARON PATTON

Donna Frick, Erika Choriego, and Emily Danley are the new owners of Accent Interiors.

WE’VE GOT YOUR BACK.

BACK. BACK.

The Kansas Chamber is here to help.

is here to

help. In business, the challenges never end. Let the Kansas Chamber be your

We provide unmatched resources on public policy and a powerful voice for you in state and federal government. We stand up for YOUR interests and ensure Kansas businesses aren’t blindsided by harmful taxes or new regulations.

In business, the challenges never end. Let the Kansas Chamber be your partner in success. We provide unmatched resources on public policy and a powerful voice for you in state and federal government.

The Kansas Chamber is here to help. In business, the challenges never end. Let the Kansas Chamber be your partner in success. We provide unmatched resources on public policy and a powerful voice for you in state and federal government.

A strong business climate creates a strong state economy, generates jobs, and provides for investments in communities. Learn more about how the Kansas Chamber has your back at KansasChamber.org.

We stand up for YOUR interests and ensure Kansas businesses aren’t blindsided by harmful taxes or new regulations. We work day to enhance the business climate here at home to make sure Kansas is one of the best states to do business.

We stand up for interests and ensure Kansas businesses aren’t blindsided by harmful taxes or new regulations. We work every day to enhance the business climate here at home to make sure Kansas is one of the best states to do business.

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- Erika Choriego Operations Manager

However, in addition to the traditional custom window treatments and wallpaper the store has been known for since 1978, Accent Interiors will now offer clients some exciting new products.

“We are going to continue on with the backbone of the business, Hunter Douglas blinds and shades, custom draperies and wallpaper,” Choriego said. “But we are planning to expand our product lines to include counter tops, cabinets and possibly even flooring.”

TURN-KEY

Choriego says the idea is to become more of a one-stop-shop for customers who are building homes or undergoing remodels.

“Customers like to be able to walk into a store and meet with a designer who can guide them through the design of an entire room,” Choriego said.

Accent Interiors is a Centurion location for Hunter Douglas products, which means they have products, styles and pricing options that customers won’t find at big box stores or other discount locations. They also offer a turn-key approach from consultation to installation.

“We have a Hunter Douglas certified consultant who will help customers find the right product for their needs. The ability to customize the window treatments based on style, efficiency, longevity and function, really set us apart from other stores,” Choriego said. “We also have our own measurers and installers, so the job is done right from start to finish. You aren’t out there trying to DIY this yourself.”

That means that when a customer walks into Accent Interiors, their product selection takes a back seat to an in-depth conversation about their project. The team members work with clients on each specific room to determine not only a product that looks great but that will also meet their needs.

“It is our job as consultants to guide them to the perfect product based on style, efficiency, price, and ease of use. Whether that’s a motorized window treatment, or washable wallpaper, we won’t steer them wrong,” Choriego said.

PERSONALIZED

Purchased in February, the store will remain at 511 S. Woodlawn, Choriego says. Depending

““Sometimes you walk into a big store that offers everything and wind up just getting lost. We don’t want customers to feel that way when they walk into our location. It is a really personalized approach from start to finish.”

Photo by AARON PATTON

on growth, they may need to expand sometime in the future, but she says the owners like the smaller footprint the current location has to offer.

“Sometimes you walk into a big store that offers everything and wind up just getting lost. We don’t want customers to feel that way when they walk into our location.” Choriego said. “It is a really personalized approach from start to finish.”

Customers may come in to browse products whenever the store is open, but when they are ready to make a decision, the customer service goes to the next level. A consultant will go out to their property and evaluate the space to determine any special considerations such as light requirements, crown molding, wall frames, the way the doors open, etc. to ensure she is making the appropriate product recommendations. Once the evaluation is complete, the consultant will walk the customer through the myriad of design and pricing options, provide a final quote, place the order and schedule the professional installation.

EXPERTISE

The focus the past few months has been on updating the store front and training the new team of consultants. In addition to Choriego, the team includes Emily Danley, certified Hunter Douglas Consultant, and Donna Frick, wallpaper consultant.

“Our entire team has been working to become experts in our respective fields,” Choriego said. “It has been really fun to learn about these products, and we are just as excited as our clients to work on their projects.”

CONNECTIONS

Choriego’s background in real estate has also provided some valuable business connections. While working at the store, she meets realtors, builders, designers and homeowners all the time and can relate to their individual needs. On the flip side, she can introduce her existing network of builders, home remodelers, designers and homeowners to products and services Accent Interiors has to offer.

We have been blessed to have numerous repeat customers who have known about us and not only give us repeat business, but tell their friends about us,” Choriego said. “We plan to start attending more events, holding open houses and inviting customers into the store so they can see for themselves what we have to offer.”

Photo by AARON PATTON

Photo by AARON PATTON

Photo by AARON PATTON

Jack Kellogg has been the owner of Hatman Jack’s in Wichita, for 46 years.

Photo by FERNANDO SALAZAR

HATTER Wichita’s

Forget the popular adage, “clothes make the man.”

It’s a hat that tells a more interesting story, says Jack Kellogg, who’s fashioned a longtime love of history and the craft of creating customized hats into a business success story.

“The hat projects the biggest statement about you,” said Kellogg, the owner of Hatman Jack’s in Wichita, which he started 46 years ago.

One can go bold and bright, or subdued and cool, or whatever mood and image the wearer wants to present.

It’s a statement a teenage Kellogg thought was pretty cool back in 1973 when at age 15 he bought a fedora he named Eustace. It’s the one and only hat he ever bestowed a name upon. He loved the look of leading Hollywood men like Humphrey Bogart, who often sported hats in his films.

SELLING HATS

Over the years, he’s enjoyed hearing stories of the hats his customers bring in, particularly if they’ve belonged to a grandfather or dad. As a history buff, he loves hearing how those hats left a legacy mark on the current owner of the hat.

He also respects the statements people want to make about themselves with their hats.

“Just because we can put you into a hat that’s absolutely perfect for you doesn’t mean you’re going to like it. So consequently, we back up and say, ‘Look

around. See if there’s something you like. Catch the vibe of the hat that speaks to you.’ From there, we can take it and tailor it in many ways,” said Kellogg. “But when it comes right down to it, I’ve got to make sure it’s the customer’s vibe.”

Take Kellogg’s personal experience with country artist Merle Haggard as an example.

While on a tour stop in Wichita, Haggard dropped into Hatman Jack’s where Kellogg proceeded to tell the famous singer that the hat he was wearing was too tall.

The 5-foot, 9-inch Haggard responded that as a short guy, he needed all the help he could get. When Kellogg saw Haggard’s concert at the Orpheum Theatre, he realized that the hat that was too tall “was absolutely majestic and perfect from that distance,” Kellogg said in a Wichita Eagle story.

It made a statement.

MAKING HISTORY IN DELANO

Hatman Jack’s is steeped in history, from the vintage wooden hat blocks and flanges — the latter of which are used to shape the brims of hats — that are packed a couple feet deep on the floor-to-ceiling shelves in the store’s workshop to its location in the Delano neighborhood.

In the 1870s, Delano was a separate town across the Arkansas River from Wichita. With its looser ordinances on such vices as gambling and prostitution, it became known as a place at the end

AMY GEISZLER-JONES FERNANDO SALAZAR

- Jack Kellogg

Owner of Hatman

of the Chisholm Trail where weary cowboys could take in what some would politely phrase as rest and recreation. The reality was much rowdier.

When Kellogg moved his hat store to West Douglas in Delano around 1980, the neighborhood looked much different than the gentrified area that it’s become, with boutique shops, restaurants, a fairly new baseball stadium just around the corner from his shop and deluxe riverfront apartments.

“It was the city’s rotting core,” Kellogg recalls.

But like a statement hat, it had good vibes — and historical ones too.

“My grandfather had started a business here, 100 years ago this year, on the 900 block of West Douglas,” Kellogg said. His grandfather owned Kellogg Feed & Seed, and later Kellogg Furniture in Delano.

He is also just down the street from where an earlier hat-making and retail hat store was located, the Wichita Hat Works that conducted business in the 1920s.

“I have some of their equipment now,” said Kellogg, as he shares black-and-white photos of the earlier store. For a time, Kellogg called his business Wichita Hat Works but now he uses it as a tagline for its more familiar name of Hatman Jack’s.

MAKING HIS OWN HISTORY

Along the way, Kellogg started making his own history.

His retail/customization shop is the third-largest hat business in the country in terms of square footage and sales. Of the shop’s 6,500 square feet, about 3,000 are dedicated to a showroom that features men’s and women’s dress and casual hats, fascinators, cowboy hats, driving caps, sun-protective hats and more.

Throughout his years in the business, Kellogg has carried as many as 100 different hat brands, including well-recognized names like Stetson and Bailey. As the business evolves, so does his vendor list.

“Just because we can put you into a hat that’s absolutely perfect for you doesn’t mean you’re going to like it. So consequently, we back up and say, ‘Look around.

See if there’s something you like. Catch the vibe of the hat that speaks to you.’”

Jack’s

Photo by FERNANDO SALAZAR

Photo by FERNANDO SALAZAR

Service and personalization for customers is paramount to Kellogg’s success. He and his staff are adept at cleaning and “blocking” (reshaping) hats and considers tailoring to be an art form. Hence, Kellogg often employs hatters and milliners with an artistic background.

Last year Kellogg was recognized as the Retailer of the Year by the Headwear Association, the oldest trade association in the fashion industry with members that include manufacturers, designers and retailers. This year, Kellogg joined the association’s nine-member board of trustees.

“It’s so culturally significant to me,” Kellogg said of the association. “It’s not just because of the craft but because of how passionate the people are. This group has members who are the sixth generation of a company.”

When that 15-year-old bought a Fedora back in the 70s because it was his vibe, little did he know that it was about to lead him on a journey and a legacy in the hat industry by making some “pretty cool” history of his own.

TARA DIMICK & TIM KOLLING

Photo by FERNANDO SALAZAR

Photo by AARON PATTON

ONE-ON-ONE WITH

KARMA MASON

Retired, Co-founder of iSi Environmental Chair of Kansas Chamber

Karma Mason calls Wichita home. This is where she and her husband Gary started their own environmental consulting firm in their dining room in 1990 and grew the company, iSi Environmental Services, both in number of employees (150+) and diversity of services. After 30 years, they officially turned the company over to their son and daughter in late 2021.

Karma also has served on a number of boards and committees. She has served sixteen years and four Kansas Governors on the Kansas Water Authority representing Commerce and Industry. Karma is currently the chair of the Kansas Chamber Board and serves on the Wichita Regional Chamber Board and Wichita State University’s National Advisory Council. She and Gary have three children and seven grandchildren.

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN BUSINESS?

Quite frankly, I never anticipated owning my own business or even working in the environmental field. Upon graduation, I taught school for a year then tried my hand at accounting. I probably wasn’t very good at either of those professions and, with that in mind, I returned to WSU to get a master’s degree in geology. I worked in the oil and gas industry for several years but found myself without a job when the oil industry entered a terrible downward spiral. Once again, I returned to WSU to beef up my geology degree with hydrology and ultimately, my husband (Gary) and I decided to start our own consulting business leveraging Gary’s experience in the environmental field along with my geologic background. So, in my case, I would have to say that the need to support my growing family is what led me to consider starting my own business. It’s somewhat humorous to me today to think that we started our consulting business in our dining room with a landline, archaic computer, fax machine and very little money in the bank.

AARON PATTON

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR JOY IN BUSINESS OWNERSHIP?

As we grew our business and started growing our workforce, I realized how we impacted our employees and their families’ lives. I began to hear about employee’s first home and vehicle purchases, weddings, births and so many things unrelated to the actual business. It was incredibly heartwarming to hear employees’ family stories and realize that iSi was integral to their own successes. I loved that!

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF AS YOU LOOK BACK ON YOUR ENTREPRENEURIAL JOURNEY?

I’m incredibly proud that iSi is the recognized leader for environmental, health and safety in the Wichita area. Over the years, we were able to diversify our service offerings to include almost anything related to that service industry. We are very fortunate that our children joined iSi several years ago, helped us grow the business, and are now pretty much running the show.

Project-wise, I’m proud of how the iSi team provided critical support to Spirit AeroSystems in 2012 immediately following a direct hit from an EF3 tornado. iSi was part of the team that Spirit called on to assist during assessment and cleanup, successfully restarting production just one week after the disaster.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR BUSINESS OWNERS AND ENTREPRENEURS?

You must have a passion for what you’re doing and be willing to work hard. Surround yourself with good, trusted people with whom you share common goals, and value those people. Grow and nurture relationships, including establishing a good working relationship with a banker. Finally, to ensure you don’t miss opportunities, be flexible

and adaptive to situations and circumstances because few things ever truly go as planned.

WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR THE KANSAS BUSINESS COMMUNITY?

For business to prosper in Kansas I think it’s critical that the state be attractive for both new and existing businesses. To accomplish this, it’s imperative that Kansas has sound tax policy, affordable utilities, enviable public education, modern infrastructure, and a fair legal system. All these things, as well as many others, are necessary for businesses to thrive. I DO think that Kansas competes favorably in these areas, but we must be forever vigilant and striving for improvement.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR LOVE FOR WICHITA STATE UNIVERSITY.

I’m a two-time graduate of WSU and a second-generation Shocker. In my undergrad days I was fortunate to be recruited by WSU’s women’s bowling program. Yes! WSU is known worldwide for its bowling program. I am honored to have been a team member on three national championship teams. I had a lot of fun competing for WSU, all while getting a great education. WSU was there for me a couple of years later when I decided to return for a masters in geology and then again when I needed to prepare myself to enter the environmental field.

As much as I value the education and experiences I received at WSU, both in and out of the classroom, I see a totally different institution of higher learning today. WSU is still known for its world class bowling program, but more importantly it has expanded its reach internationally in research and development and has opened its campus to business partners representing manufacturing and innovation. These partnerships bode

well for Wichita and its continued success as a significant manufacturing hub.

WHAT HAS YOU EXCITED ABOUT THE FUTURE OF WSU?

WSU is a vibrant, exciting place to be these days; there is so much going on. It’s the home of internationally renowned NIAR (National Institute for Aviation Research). It has also grown its Innovation Campus beyond imagination by providing world class research facilities, makerspaces and labs, and creating onsite partnerships with industry giants such as Textron Aviation, Airbus, Spirit AeroSystems, NetApp, Deloitte, PacMarTechnologies, and others.

WSU is also successfully enhancing the student experience. There are new student housing facilities,

a hotel, multiple onsite restaurants, an onsite YMCA, remodeled student rec center, and a soon to open Student Success Center. The campus is beautiful, thriving and offers an amazing campus life.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT WICHITA?

I was born and raised in Wichita and have spent most of my life here. Wichita is a large metropolitan area with a small-town feel, offering many entertainment options, a vibrant arts community, sports teams, a revitalizing downtown, and the best kind of people. My friends, children and their families, and businesses are here in Wichita and there is no other place I would want to call home.

Photo by AARON PATTON

Karma Mason was a member of the WSU Women’s bowling program that earned three national championships.