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CONTENTS
FEATURES ► PG 8
The Carnival Guy
19-year-old Zach Haney is a young entrepreneur, author, presenter and student with aspirations for more. ► PG 14
Inspiring Innovation
712 Innovations and the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library have found ways to provide resources to would-be inventors and entrepreneurs to help them turn their ideas into reality. ► PG 18
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Topeka Business Hall of Fame
Junior Achievement of Kansas inducts Patti Bossert, Steve Briman, John Dicus and Greg Schwerdt into the Topeka Business Hall of Fame. ► PG 28
The Pathway to Entrepreneurship: Financial Literacy
David Sollars, PhD explains the value of financial literacy to the development of future entrepreneurs and the community as a whole, and discusses the pitfalls of financial choices. ► PG 32
Planes, Trains and Automobiles
Topeka is seeing signs of significant economic growth as tens of millions of dollars have been invested in local companies. ► PG 40
American Advertising Gold Award Winners
The Annual America Advertising Awards presented gold awards to local businesses for their creative and effective advertising design.
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32 IN EVERY ISSUE ► PG 52
Heart of the Entrepreneur
Jenny Torrence believes in the NOTO Arts District and puts in long hours to prove it. ► PG 57
TK Business Experts
Local experts provide valuable information on issues that affect you and your business. ► PG 64
Scene About Town Who’s who at local business events. ► PG 70
Last Word: Jay Loschke
2015 Fast Forward Chair and AVP/Commercial Lender for Equity Banks shares his outlook. SPRING 2015
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From the publisher Tara Dimick
Do It Anyway
SUNDAYS · 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM WIBW 580 AM Innovative Business Ideas, Services and Products Investing in Business Growth In the Trenches with Local Entrepreneurs Expert Advice for Your Business Hosted by Tara Dimick, Owner & Publisher of TK Business Magazine
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In order for this editorial to make sense, you need a little background information first. I have always had a love of scary movies, and one line from Stephen King’s “Carrie,” made even more famous by Adam Sandler, has always stuck with me. You know the one. Carrie is begging to go to the prom and her mom says, “They’re all going to laugh at you.” Recently, I met with Tim Kolling of WIBW AM/FM and Jennifer Kirmse of Educational Credit Union, who is also chair of the Topeka Independent Business Association (TIBA), to discuss the idea of a local business radio show. Well, that brief conversation about a conceptual idea suddenly catapulted into high gear. Within a span of only two weeks TIBA agreed to sponsor the weekly show, and TK Business Magazine (or more specifically, I) agreed to host the show. I was excited hosting a radio business show, but then suddenly it hit me. I hate my voice. I hate my voice so much that just listening to my playback as I set up my voicemail makes my skin crawl—and I just agreed to host a radio talk show. Then that line from “Carrie” jumped into my mind—“They’re all going to laugh at you.” I think we all have those moments of fear that keep us from moving forward, taking a stand, trying new things, doing something that no one else fully understands, or starting a business. We fear failure and we fear that “they” will laugh at us. Life is a journey of success and failure. As you travel down your own road of life, don’t let the fear of someone else laughing at you slow you down or cause you to try a different path. Forge ahead anyway. That’s what I plan to do. So I hate my voice. No one else has ever told me they hate the sound of my voice, time to get over myself. So I have never hosted a radio talk show before. That doesn’t mean I don’t have something important to share. So a business radio show is a new concept. Topeka needs more new concepts. So I hope you tune in on WIBW 580 AM at 11:30 AM on Sundays or check out the podcasts on TK Business Magazine, WIBW 580 AM or TIBA’s websites. You are more than welcome to laugh at me, but I’m going to do it anyway.
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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Melissa Brunner Lisa Loewen Karen Roth Ridder Adam Vlach Kathy Webber
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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Lisa Loewen
CONTRIBUTING EXPERTS Kristin Farley Scott Griffith Mark Reinert, CFP®, MBA David Sollars, PhD
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PUBLISHER Tara Dimick
COVER PHOTOGRAPHER Shelley Jensen
BUSINESS GROWTH
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By Melissa Brunner Photos By Earl Richardson Submitted by Zach Haney
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Zach Haney slides into a coffee shop, smile on his face and a gleam in his eyes, the prospect of conversation more motivating than the promise of caffeine from the cup in his hand. He is "The Carnival Guy," and, as the 19-year-old owner of an event planning and rental company, and student at Washburn University, the three-ring circus that is his life could rival that of any CEO three times his age.
Opening Act While most young people were playing video games, Zach was laying the groundwork for his future as an
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entrepreneur. He would watch CNBC, he said, fascinated by the stories of people like Wal-Mart founder Sam Walton. If a company caught his interest, he'd fire off an email for information. "People would call the house for Mr. Haney and my parents would say, 'He'll call when he gets off the school bus!'" Zach recalls. His first foray into business came in middle school, when he started selling candy in the hallways. "Eventually, I got in trouble. It just doesn't look good—people lining up at your locker," he laughs. "That drive to start my own business stayed with me." So Zach found a gourmet pepper jelly supplier out of Missouri. He tried selling to local grocery stories, without much luck. In fact, he thinks his family only recently unloaded the last of it as gifts. "I just wanted a business. It wasn't about the money—I just loved the idea," he said. "I guess I didn't realize what my passion was."
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Finding the Funhouse Of course, in the midway of life, finding that passion—that sweet spot where work could be called fun—can be as confusing as a hall of mirrors. Zach's peek into the future came in fourth grade when his parents helped him take up a collection of items for the Topeka Rescue Mission. He delivered them himself. "It was the first time I saw what a person's impact could be," he said. The experience inspired Zach to continue volunteering. He founded the group Teens Taking Action when he started his freshman year at Shawnee Heights High School. Zach wanted to facilitate a way for more teens to get involved in the community and he wanted to do projects with the Topeka Rescue Mission. The mission staff suggested a carnival for the children who lived there. The catch—they wanted it to take place in October. It was already September.
Zach went to work. What did the seniors think of this newbie trying to rein them in with so much enthusiasm? "I didn't have the nerve to get up in front of the high school, so I had to go back to middle school to recruit eighth graders to volunteer!" he admits. The carnival was a success, and Zach made an important discovery. "I found out I love planning events," he said.
Becoming the Ringmaster A year later, Zach went to work planning Teens Taking Action's second carnival for the mission. He soon realized he wasn't finding exactly what he needed for the type of event he hoped to stage. "I wanted clean equipment, great customer service and, if it was a [nonprofit] organization, I wanted some kind of discount," Zach said. At age 16, he sat down to write a business plan, and Kansas Carnival Supply, LLC—doing business as The Carnival Guy—was born. Zach purchased a cotton candy machine and a snow cone machine, then subcontracted with a church that owned inflatables. He later invested in a bounce house and, today, owns seven inflatables and offers 50 different party services via a network of subcontractors, including face painting and balloon artistry. The growth of a company can present some unique challenges when you're a teenager. Most people's workday is Zach's school day. His mother became an employee, functioning as his office person. All those inflatables? Until recently, they were divided between the garages at his parents', grandparents' and aunt's houses. "Luckily, we all live on the same street," Zach quipped. He recently got to the point where he is able to lease warehouse space in the Forbes Industrial area.
Without a Net As word spread about his services, Zach found himself planning corporate events for hundreds of people with a budget of thousands of dollars—even after
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continued from page 11 they learned the guy to which they were entrusting their success was still in high school. "That spoke volumes to me that there is faith in teenagers," he said. "There were some that said, 'Do we need to speak to your parents?' You can talk to them all you want, but I'm the one who's going to be planning your event. Still to this day, there have been some that don't realize I have the manpower, the equipment to do what they want to see." Still, he admits he did a bit of jumping without a net. He did not have a lot of money saved up so he needed to find other avenues to get equipment. He didn't think about insurance at first and he had to research contracts. Plus, he had to develop the art of saying no. "Customers would say, 'Do you have a photo booth?' and you want to say yes, but then you'd have to go scrounge around and find things," he said. "You agree sometimes to too many things. You have to learn to say no and give no excuse—just say no."
Juggling Act At times, Zach finds the hardest person to say no to is himself.
Taking Home the Prize America's Top 5 Young Entrepreneurs, 2014 America's Top 10 Caring Award Honorees, 2014 Topeka's 20 Under 40 Honoree, 2013 Topeka Chamber of Commerce Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year, 2013 City of Topeka Champion of Character Award, 2011 12
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"When you're an entrepreneur, you have all these different ideas," he said. "I'd call myself a serial entrepreneur!" The problem is, once you start juggling, you risk getting too many pins in the air at once. With The Carnival Guy finding its legs last summer, Zach tossed a shaved ice business into the mix. He figured he already had equipment, he just needed a spot. "I'd never rented a building before, and there were repairs that were needed and fees to pay and the marketing involved," he said. "It definitely was an experience that made me realize I didn't want to be stuck in a snow cone shack for hours a day." The business closed before the summer was out. For a short time, he also tried an online commerce store that he acquired from a woman in Oregon. He says he quickly realized it was more than he could handle. "I try not to get too hard on myself," Zach says thoughtfully. "I look at ways I can correct it. I always look for another opportunity to not say it was a failure, but to say I can take it in another direction. Failures are never fun." It's watching the pins fall, he says, that's taught him a valuable lesson. "Eventually, you have to narrow your focus. If you have all these things taking up your time, you won't be successful at it," he said. "You could consider this my sport. You aren't always great at basketball—you have to practice. I wasn't going to make a basket every time. I had to find something I was good at and cared about, and that evolved into a party rental company."
Supporting Cast Even at the age of 19, life has had a way of adding perspective, too. Zach describes his family as very close. In June, both his grandfather and his uncle passed away on the same day. "It really hits you that what does all this matter if you're not there for your family?" Zach said. It may have seemed even more real because Zach had survived a health scare of his own. The night before the final day of his sophomore year of high school, he went
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to bed with his heart beating so rapidly, it was visible beneath his shirt. He thought he'd sleep it off and go to school because he had a test to take. Feeling light-headed, he went to the school nurse, who clocked his heart rate at 170 beats per minute and sent him home. By the time his parents got him to the doctor, it was 300 beats per minute. He was sent to Children's Mercy, where more tests couldn't pinpoint an exact cause. Zach spent months trying different medications and, that December, underwent a procedure called cardiac ablation, aimed at stopping the episodes of rapid heartbeat. He says it has helped somewhat, though not stopped them entirely. "You can either get bitter or better," Zach said. "I can complain about my condition or I can say I'm going to get better. I'm going to have a healthy heart. I realize I really need to de-stress my life." Part of lessening the stress, he says, is realizing he cannot do it all. "There are times you feel like you're running in circles," he said. "It's okay to ask for help. Create a team to help you because you can't do it all on your own."
Tricks Up His Sleeve Still, Zach believes some of the stresses in his life will lead to a better place.
He believes investing time in a degree at Washburn University is providing valuable networking and learning opportunities. He attended a Martin Luther King, Jr. Day conference in New Orleans and will visit the Clinton Global Initiative Institute in Spring. He also won a grant competition last fall, earning capital for the carnival business—or perhaps a new idea. "I want the degree, I want the education," he said. "I know I'll stick with it, even if I have to take a little time off." What tricks might he have up his sleeve once that degree is in hand? Public speaking might be a start. Zach recently published his story in the book, "The Teen CEO." It's led to invitations to speak at conferences around the state and region. "There are young people out there who want to start a business or organization and don't know where to start," he said. "Young people really have the best situation to start a business, to start a cause. At least as a teenager, I had my parents to fall back on. You're still going to have a roof over your head. Later on in life, you'll have other people to worry about." The Carnival Guy, he says, continues to grow. It now is a three-fold service of equipment rental, event planning and event production. One day, he may offer franchise opportunities. He would love a larger business where he could create jobs. He even aspires to be involved in job creation in a different way. "I have a passion for politics, so, one day, I would love to serve the state of Kansas if I could," he says. No matter what he pulls out of the hat, Zach says, he wants to TK do things in the community that inspire people.
Editor's note: After this interview, Haney entered the race for the District 4 seat on the Topeka City Council. He faces Jonathan Schumm, Les Parrish and Christina Rondash, with the top two vote getters advancing from the March 3 primary.
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INSPIRING
Jared Starkey Executive Director of 712 Innovations
By Kathy Webber Photos by Kyle DeRodes
Makerspace
A place where people can come together to share resources and equipment. The emphasis usually is on creating with technology. In a makerspace, several individuals contribute to the cost, so the average individual has the opportunity to use expensive, high-tech equipment.
Coworking Space
A space that involves a shared working environment where everyone works individually but shares the office space. For instance, each individual would share the phones, computers, desks, conference rooms and the WIFI. A coworking space gives the individual the opportunity to mingle with other entrepreneurs while sharing the office equipment.
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Many would-be inventors and entrepreneurs have ideas that would be successful if only they had the resources to create them. Without the proper equipment or space, these ideas simply sit idle and never become a reality. Topeka now has two venues where big ideas can become a reality. 712 Innovations and the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library have found ways to bring these resources to the people of Topeka by using two new workspace concepts: Makerspace and Coworking Space.
712 Innovations
712 Innovations, a 5,000 square foot facility located in downtown Topeka at 712 South Kansas Avenue, opened in February 2015. This combination of a makerspace and coworking space will give entrepreneurs, dreamers, students and creative thinkers a place to grow and exchange support. “We are trying to make entrepreneurship more accessible by lowering that barrier to entry,” said
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Jared Starkey, executive director of 712 Innovations. “You don’t have to buy that equipment; you don’t have to sign a lease anywhere; you don’t have to do it all on your own; you don’t have to sit by yourself at home. Here, you will have a social support structure; you will have an economic support structure; you will have resources and tools that will help you get started.”
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Inspiration
712 Innovations has coworking space to allow the entrepreneur to get out of the house and into a positive, innovative environment where hopefully he or she will be inspired. The facility includes 100Mbit Internet and high-speed wireless network, a conference room that seats up to 22 people with a digital whiteboard and projector, desks that can be reserved, a phone room and shared break room with free coffee.
Innovation
The facility is also a makerspace providing machinery and equipment for
Every month the facility will offer volunteer classes where members share ideas or teach a special skill or technique. Space-sponsored courses will also instruct members on how to use specific tools and equipment. “We are going to offer regular courses that show you how to use the soldering equipment, the laser cutter and the milling machine. We are imparting skills to the people who use this space,” Starkey said. In addition to these courses, 712 Innovations will also offer a programming structure that helps members with topics including, starting a new business, help with bookkeeping, increasing profit sales,
“If genius hits you at 2 o’clock in the morning you can come in, there are no rules against that,” —Jared Starkey, 712 Innovations individuals to build or create ideas. The five categories of machinery and equipment available are: • Machine Shop • Electronics Bench • Fabrication Lab • Soldering Bench • Textiles Workshop “We want to bring people in, give them access to tools, and then put them in an environment that encourages creativity and entrepreneurship,” Starkey said.
Association
Participation in 712 Innovations requires a membership. Several different tiers of memberships are available providing different levels of access to the facility. A full membership costs $50 a month and allows access to the facility 24 hours a day, 7 days a week using a key fob for access. “If genius hits you at 2 o’clock in the morning you can come in, there are no rules against that,” Starkey said.
Collaboration
712 Innovations is about more than having the tools, equipment and space available for its members. Its founders are interested in helping members become better equipped and educated.
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a marketing class and how to deal with hiring employees. Starkey says 712 Innovations is a springboard to success, not a permanent business location. “It’s about growing people from coming in on weekends and evenings, to going full time and then getting out to establish wealth.”
Make-It Lab
The Topeka Shawnee County Public Library added its makerspace room called the Make-It Lab on Dec. 8. Lisa Brien, Make-It Lab and 20/30s Librarian, says it has been very successful, but is still in the early stages of development. “We are still in Pilot. If the room is really successful, we hope to grow it,” she said. “Right now we are in the first month, and we are seeing what works and what does not. We are still figuring out what people want and care about.”
Accessible
Brien says the purpose behind the lab was to give people in Topeka the opportunity to work and create with tools and equipment not commonly available. “We want to provide this technology to people who may not have access to it,”
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3D Printer at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library
Brien said. “Libraries are progressively becoming not just receptacles for books, but a place where people can create content as well, not just consume it.” The Make-It Lab has two Apple iMac computers with programs such as iMovie, Garage Band, Adobe Creator Suite and Google Sketchup. These programs can be used to edit photographs, create and edit videos, create digital art and graphic design, and record music. The space has a keyboard, scanner, microphones, Wacom digital drawing table, camcorder and 3D printer.
Affordable
Brien says library members may use the room for free. They simply reserve the room for up to three hours at a time. 3D creations are $5 no matter what size and just need to be completed during the three-hour reservation. “We would love it if someone wanted to create a commercial or create a prototype here,” Brien said. Both 712 Innovations and the Topeka Shawnee County Public Library see the need for exploration, innovation and growth. But beyond that, they see the creative potential in Topeka. TK
Julie C. Swift, DDS, MS www.topekaperio.com
Offering a full range of periodontal services, including maintenance, surgical, esthetic and implant procedures.
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topeka business hall of fame By Lisa Loewen
Photos By Shelley Jensen 18
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The Junior Achievement of Kansas Topeka Business Hall of Fame recognizes esteemed business leaders in the Topeka area. Business Hall of Fame Laureates are individuals who have not only forged successful careers, but who have also moved the Topeka community in a better, stronger direction. This year’s group of laureates differs dramatically from those in past years. For the first time the average age of the group is below 65. Three of the four are still actively working in their respective businesses, and the fourth only recently took early retirement. While all four laureates hail from different types of business, they all have noticeable similarities. Each one has catapulted his or her business into the next level of success. Each one has played an instrumental role in creating a legacy that will continue far into the future. And each one downplays that success by attributing it to “sheer luck” or simply being in the “right place at the right time.” Sheer luck has nothing to do with taking a company public. Being in the right place at the right time doesn’t turn a corporation into one of the fastest growing employee-owned companies in Topeka. Luck doesn’t expand a woman-owned company from two employees to more than 450. And it certainly isn’t luck that spurred architectural development all across the country. Many words can describe the successful rise of the 2015 Topeka Business Hall of Fame Laureates— luck isn’t one of them.
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Patti Bossert
Walk into Patti Bossert’s office, and you are likely to see her walking around with an infant in her arms. The company’s Infant at Work program is just one of the many employee perks that Patti has put into place at her business over the years. She has built three successful companies and is being inducted into the Topeka Business Hall of Fame, in part because this powerful business leader understands the challenges women face every day trying to juggle work and children. “My kids all grew up in the business because I was on call 24/7,” Patti said. “I would pick them up from daycare and
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bring them back to the office and make more phone calls.” Born and raised on a dairy farm in South Dakota, Patti was active in 4-H and wanted to teach home economics. After graduating from South Dakota State University, she taught for one year before moving to Nebraska, where she worked in finance, and then eventually to Topeka in 1982, where she began working for a staffing company. When the owner later sold the business, Patti faced a difficult choice— stay where she had job security, or take the risk of going out on her own. Wanting to build something she could share with
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her children, she chose the risk; in 1989 Patti opened Key Staffing. Five years later, Patti opened a satellite office in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, that was managed by her brother. Five years after that, Patti founded Premier Employment Solutions to address the need for direct placement services and higher-level contract staffing. What started as a business with one client and one employee turned into three separate companies with more than 475 employees. Her dream of creating a business that she could share with her family
“When Patti commits herself to something, whether it is her business or the community, she gives 110 percent. Otherwise she doesn’t make the commitment.” —Miriam Krehbiel, President and CEO United Way of Topeka
has become a reality. Today, all three of her children work in the business with her. Her son, Paul, moved back from Dallas in 2006 and serves as sales/operations manager. Her daughter, Jamie, joined the company five years ago and fills the role of risk manager. Her youngest child, Tracy, completed the family circle when she came on board last year. Even though it has become a family affair, the boundaries between professional and personal life remain clear. “While I may be their mom, at work the kids treat me as the owner of the company,” Patti said. “Many times the employees don’t even realize we are related.” No matter how successful the business becomes, Patti says family always comes first. Now that she is a grandma, she has decided to combine her workforce development efforts with early childhood development in a program she terms her “Work Force Development Early Childhood Initiative.” She began taking a half a day off every week to spend with her grandson. “It is not only a break for me from running three corporations, but also an opportunity to bond with my grandchild and help form his future,” Patti said. Reflecting on being inducted into the Topeka Business Hall of Fame brings tears to Patti’s eyes. “I always say ‘You always get back more than you give,’” Patti said. “With this honor, now I feel like I got more, so it is my turn to give again.”
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Moved to Topeka
Added an office in Sioux Falls, SD
Added an office in Manhattan, KS
1978 1982 1989 1994 1999 2014
Received home economics education degree from South Dakota State
bcbsks.com/LifeChanges
Founded Key Staffing
Founded Premier Employment Solutions An independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association N .1423
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Steve Briman
Walk into the office of Steve Briman and you will see evidence that retirement isn’t rewarding him with much free time. While his days may no longer be consumed with managing the affairs of one of the fastest growing companies in Topeka, Steve is finding himself taking on a new role in retirement—advocate for the Topeka community. Steve recently served as the President of the Topeka Civic Theatre Endowment board, is Chairman of the Downtown Topeka Foundation, and sits on the boards of
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the Topeka Community Foundation and Capper Foundation. Sitting on the boards of multiple foundations allows Steve to focus on one of his true passions—making Topeka the best place for people to live and work. He has always been involved in this endeavor, but, as an executive at Bartlett & West, he never truly had the time to focus on that vision. That desire to become more engaged in the community was one of the driving forces behind his decision to take early retirement in 2012.
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“I decided I did not want my job to consume my life completely,” Steve said. “I’ve always had a problem with that because I loved my job so much, I had difficulty separating myself from it, so I set a time to leave so I could go do other things.” It is a gross understatement to say the decision to pack up his executive briefcase and walk away from a company he had spent his entire adult life working for was difficult. Bartlett & West gave him his first job opportunity—
“Steve was a big part of everything that is Bartlett & West right now. His impact is part of our DNA. I’ve never met anyone who has as much passion as Steve has— passion for building a successful company, passion for his community, passion for giving back.” —Keith Warta, President Bartlett & West on a survey crew while he was still in engineering school at the University of Kansas. The company then offered him a career path that encompassed the next 38 years and allowed him to evolve from an entry level engineer to eventually holding the offices of executive vice president, chief financial officer and board director. “I never even considered working anywhere other than Bartlett & West,” Steve said. “I was blessed—lucky. I was fortunate to be surrounded by incredibly talented and selfless people.” Unwilling to sing his own praises, Steve credits his successful rise in the company to “being in the right place at the right time.” For those who know Steve, however, luck doesn’t really have much to do with it. Over the years, Steve was instrumental in the company’s sharp upward trajectory. He moved into a management position and played an integral role when the company transitioned to an employee stock ownership plan in 1986. As a member of the executive committee, Steve helped oversee acquisitions and expansion that grew the company to the more than 450 employees it has today in its 14 offices across the country. His management helped the company see almost continual growth, even through the economic slump in 2008. Steve says he is both humbled and honored to be included as one of this year’s Business Hall of Fame Laureates. “I’m not the type to bathe in the limelight,” Steve said. “I just want to keep making a positive difference.”
1973 1975 Received civil engineering degree from KU 1978 Named to the Executive 1986 Committee of Bartlett & West 1986 Began a more active 2012 leadership role in community organizations 2013
Graduated from Topeka High
Joined survey crew at Bartlett & West as a summer intern Bartlett & West became an ESOP
Retired from Bartlett & West
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John dicus
Walk into John Dicus' office and you will see a man with his eye on Topeka— literally. His wall of windows inside the Capitol Federal Building offers a bird's eye view of the revitalization taking place right under his nose. John grew up in the banking business, watching his grandfather and father build a legacy. While it was assumed John would follow in their footsteps, grandfather and father didn’t exactly agree on the details.
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His father encouraged him to spread his wings and get some banking experience in other places before putting down roots at Capitol Federal in Topeka. His grandfather, on the other hand, already had his name on an office the day after he graduated with his business degree from the University of Kansas. John chose to meet them in the middle and gained some extra experience earning his master’s degree before joining the bank in 1985. He
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worked his way up through the ranks, holding positions on the savings side as a branch manager and on the lending side as an appraiser before taking on an executive role. “I did pretty much everything except be a teller,” John said. “Which is probably a good thing because I might have gotten fired early on.” Unlike many third generation CEOs, John didn’t feel a need to put his own “mark” on the company.
“John didn’t start at the top. He started down on the ground floor and worked his way up. He understands the importance of every level of the work that is involved in running an excellent company.” —Jeff Dishman, Vice President Investments Stiffel Financial “I didn’t need to venture out and do things differently,” John said. “I wanted to continue to grow the bank in the same safe and sound manner that my father and grandfather had laid out before me.” That being said, John has left an indelible mark on the business by streamlining the transition from private to publicly held company and putting the company on the path toward significant growth. Even though the passing of the baton happened during that pivotal time, John says his father still played an integral role behind the scenes, happy to let John be the face of the future for Capitol Federal. “My dad had been with the company for 40 years and he embraced the idea of stepping back and letting me take the lead,” John said. The conversion to a publicly held entity enabled the creation of the Capitol Federal Foundation, which has funded numerous development projects, educational initiatives and charitable organizations within the community. “It is nice to be able to look back and see that we have made a difference in this community,” John said. Even with his impressive resume, John is humbled by the honor of being inducted into the Topeka Business Hall of Fame. “When I look at this year’s group of laureates, I see that we all have something in common,” John said. “We all believe in Topeka, and we are all doing our part to make our community even stronger.” Graduated from Topeka West High School
1979 1983 Received MBA from the KU 1984 1985 Elected President of Capitol Federal 1996 1999 Elected CEO of Capitol Federal 2003 Capitol Federal Financial converts from a mutual 2009 holding company to a stock form of organization 2010
Received degree in business from KU Began working at Capitol Federal Capitol Federal becomes a stock savings bank Elected Chairman of the Board 888-8CAPFED | CAPFED.COM |
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Greg
schwerdt
Walk into Greg Schwerdt’s office, and you will see pictures of buildings, large and small, gracing the walls. From recognizable local structures such as the Great Overland Station and Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church, to large senior living centers and shopping centers, Schwerdt Design Group has built a national reputation for excellence in design and service. While Greg is proud of the work the firm has done throughout the years, he receives even more satisfaction in the
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knowledge that he is taking care of his employees. “The best asset we have is our people,” Greg said. “I take my responsibility to my staff very seriously, to control our growth as much as I can so that in slow periods we don’t have to let anyone go.” Greg moved to Topeka in 1978 and took a position as an architect with Marvin Thomas & Associates, a small architectural firm. He quickly proved his worth and three years later became one of the youngest partners at the age of 26.
TK Business Magazine
The firm steadily grew over the next 10 years, but when Marvin, the firm's senior partner, decided to retire, Greg and his other partner, Donald Buchanan, had to weigh their options. Donald, a structural engineer who was in his 50s, didn't want to assume the added risk and hours it would take to start over, so he took a position with Bartlett & West. Greg faced a life-changing decision. He could go work for another firm and build a solid career; he could bring on a partner or two and try to meld together a
“The word I think of when I think of Greg Schwerdt is commitment. He always gives 110 percent.” — Mal Robinson, Retired Executive Security Benefit new firm; or he could plunge ahead as the sole owner of the business. Even though he had been working in a successful firm for 10 years, Greg lacked confidence in his own ability to run a business. “It was terrifying,” Greg said. “I wasn’t sure I could make it work.” Fortunately for Greg, his clients believed in him more than he believed in himself. Greg credits Bruce Christenson and Mike and Bruce McPherson with pushing him to go out on his own. “The confidence they put in me gave me the courage to make that decision,” Greg said. He took the plunge. In 1990, along with three of his former employees, he opened the doors to Schwerdt Design Group. Throughout the past 25 years, the company has grown to a 30-person firm that is licensed to practice architecture in 46 states. When looking ahead, Greg is open to a shift in the status quo. While he isn’t planning on leaving the business any time soon, the idea of bringing on a partner is playing in the back of his head. “I need to start developing a transition plan so that some of the younger members of the firm know what to expect in the future,” Greg said. That forward thinking mentality shines through in his outlook on family and community as well. He is involved in many local organizations and has set up an endowment fund for architecture students at the University of Kansas. He even views the honor of being inducted into the Topeka Business Hall of Fame as a way to help future leaders. “I am humbled by this honor,” Greg said. “Maybe it will show other young entrepreneurs that they really can make a difference in our community.”
Received environmental design degree from KU
1976 1977 Joined Marvin Thomas & Associates in Topeka 1978 1981 Started Schwerdt Design Group 1990 1995 Won Topeka Chamber Small Business of the Year Award 2010
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The Pathway to entrepreneurship
FINANCIAL LITERACY By David L. Sollars, PhD
stress financial literacy. The National Financial Educators Council defines financial literacy as: “Possessing the skills and knowledge on financial matters to confidently take effective action that best fulfills an individual’s personal, family and global community goals.”
The pitfalls of financia
The National Financial Educators Council defines financial literacy as: When did you learn to read? Most likely at a young age, probably “Possessing the skills and with the help of your parents and then in your early grades. You initially knowledge on financial matters teachers sounded out words, then sentences, and you knew it you could read for to confidently take effective before comprehension and deeper meaning. Today you read to expand your thinking, action that best fulfills an Student Loans your knowledge and sometimes just for The dream of a college fun. education is available to all. However, individual’s personal, family and Math was the same—one plus dreams don’t come cheap. Even at your local, one eventually became subtraction, relatively inexpensive, Washburn University, global community goals.” multiplication and long division. Your the estimated cost-of-attendance (tuition, fees, When did you learn about money?
When did you decide your career path and how to get there? When did you start thinking about funding your children’s college education, or your own retirement? As a reader of TK Business Magazine, you probably started thinking about money and finances a long time ago. Most likely you learned some hard lessons along the way. Unfortunately, far too many young people and even adults struggle with their finances, their careers and making financial choices in life. The evidence is abundant. So, how do we begin to turn the corner on these issues? We need to
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friends, Algebra and Geometry, followed as you became a teenager. Developing financial literacy is really not all that different. It starts early and builds over time. We all want our children and grandchildren to be able to read, write and do math. We also need them to be smart in financial matters.
Topeka has solutions.
We have a number of resources here in Topeka to help our young folks build financial literacy skills. A great asset is having one of the country’s premier Junior Achievement (JA) programs. JA Kansas serves 26,000 Kansas kids each year, with 12,000 of those being right here in Shawnee County. JA programs begin in kindergarten and continue through middle school. Through great cooperation with teachers
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books, room and board) comes in at $15,700 per year. How much do you have in your child’s college fund? The Project on Student Debt reports that in Kansas, 72 percent of 2013 graduates had student loans averaging $25,750. Overall, U.S. student loan debt now exceeds $1.13 trillion. With an interest rate of five percent and a decade-long repayment plan, the average monthly payment needed to discharge the debt is $273. This may be easier to do if your first job is as an accountant making $60,000 per year. But what if you are a preschool teacher, or a social worker, grossing less than half that amount? What if you incur the debt, but don’t finish your degree? And, don’t forget, student loan debt can’t be jettisoned in bankruptcy.
The number one problem in today's generation and economy is the lack of financial literacy. — Alan Greenspan
al choices in life.
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Call 785.231.6000 or visit www.letsgrowtopeka.org for find out how
Retirement
The time when the usual worker has a defined benefit retirement plan is passing us by. Instead, 401(K), 403(b) and other tax-advantaged retirement programs are now the way folks will fund retirement. Unfortunately, according to USA Today, 36 percent of adults have saved zero, nil, nada, for retirement, including 26 percent in the age-50 to 64 bracket, and 33 percent in the 30 to 49 year-old group. Many don’t even take advantage of cash-matching offered by their employers. Yes, most folks will draw Social Security, but we also know that the program “trust fund” doesn’t really exist. You have no contractual rights to your promised benefits, and in case you haven’t noticed, the Federal government is $18 trillion in debt itself.
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continued from page 28 and principals, every USD 501 K-8 student will have a JA experience each year, and many other local school districts also have an array of JA opportunities. Volunteer JA teachers from our business community spend hours with these students in their regular classrooms helping them to learn about our economic system and money matters related to
personal finance. Having a prominent banker or successful saleswoman working with kids in some of our challenging school environments is something that sets JA apart from other financial literacy programs. In addition, the curriculum is designed to be age-appropriate. For example, the middle school curriculum covers topics such as education and career outcomes, household budgeting, debt
Financial Literacy is Key to Entrepreneurship Having a fairly high level of basic financial literacy is necessary for success in life, as everyone has to make financial choices each day. For those who want to strike out and develop something new, an idea, a product, or a business, financial literacy is even more important. Topeka has a resource base to help those who want to become entrepreneurs, beginning even at the high school level.
Youth Entrepreneurs (formally known as YEK) is offered at USD 501, Seaman, and
Silver Lake high schools and teaches students the basics of starting their own business via the creation of a formal business plan. This year 174 local students are enrolled in the program. Local entrepreneur Betsy Johnson developed her Swimzip concept through the YE program. Topeka High School YE teacher, Murray Moore, was designated one of NFTE’s 2014 Global Enterprising Educators.
Washburn University School of Business has a new undergraduate degree program in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and also offers a certificate program for nonbusiness majors.
Washburn University Kansas Small Business Development Center
and FICO scores, and even some basics on insurance (14 year-olds seem to have a budding interest in car insurance for some reason). Skills to Achieve, a new JA program for seventh, eighth and ninth graders, helps young people develop skills needed to be job ready in our local community. Many of our local high schools offer curriculum pathways—concentrations in business-related courses students use to complete their diploma requirements. This coming fall the Washburn University School of Business and the Business Department at Washburn Rural High School plan to offer a pilot, college-level course in consumer finance. Students will develop a much deeper understanding of personal finance and consumer economics, while at the same time earning college credit (if they so choose.) Financial literacy programs continue at the college level. Every new Washburn freshman is introduced to financial literacy basics in the required first-year experience class. The course module covers everything from career options to wise-spending practices to retirement planning, but major emphasis is placed on limiting student loans and other types of debt (autos, credit-card) that seem to bedevil college students. TK
offers a variety of seminars and educational programs. Its main emphasis, however, is on one-on-one client consulting using both in-house and external expertise.
Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce/GoTopeka
offers a variety of seminars and educational programs through its Entrepreneurial & Minority Business Development programs.
Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library has data every small business
owner and entrepreneur needs, and will help you find it! Librarian Terry Miller offers a number classes and seminars on topics ranging from investment basics to small business start-ups.
Why tie Financial Literacy and Entrepreneurship together? Poor financial choices early-on in life will limit outcomes later in life. Karl Klein, director of the Washburn University Kansas Small Business Development Center, will tell you he meets with prospects every day who might have a viable business idea, but that their own personal financial situation is a mess. They can’t generate their own capital, or access that which is available from others—lenders don’t like to loan money to poor risks. So, if entrepreneurship is to flourish in Topeka, increasing financial literacy is key.
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David L. Sollars, PhD
Dean and Professor of Economics Washburn University School of Business
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Vaerus Aviation | PTMW, Inc. | Soave Automotive Group
PLANES, TRAINS an By Adam Vlach
Photos By David Vincent 32
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nd AUTOMOBILES SPRING 2015
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Topeka is seeing signs of significant economic growth as tens of millions of dollars have been invested in local companies.
SKY'S THE LIMIT
Patrick Traul, Director of Operations Brooks Pettit, President Vaerus Aviation 34
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Flight Group Management, founded in 2007 by Brooks Pettit, recently went through a complete overhaul and rebranding. On Dec. 4, 2014, the company reemerged as Vaerus Aviation. Vaerus Aviation focuses on aircraft management and the sales and acquisition of aircraft. With the rebranding came a new name, logo and website. “We have grown substantially in the last several years,” Pettit, president of Vaerus Aviation, said. “The last few years, actually. This year we added nine employees and had revenues of about 46 percent above the year prior. We made the name change with the intent of as we acquire new businesses and continue to grow we wanted a name that suited us a little better for that.” Pettit was born and raised in Topeka. He learned to fly planes at the Topeka Billard Airport and over the years there made business connections with individuals in the aircraft industry. He eventually came to notice that there was a lack of competent aircraft management in the local area. There were plenty of planes and pilots, he said, but pilots didn’t understand parts of operating aircraft such as maintenance, asset planning, and training and staffing new pilots. He saw an opportunity for the seizing right here in Topeka. “A company that just owns an airplane and hires a pilot to come out and fly the airplane for them – that’s not our business,” he said. “Our business is total turnkey asset management.” As Flight Management Group saw more and more success, the company made a $40,000 investment in the rebranding to Vaerus Aviation. Expenses largely included attorney and legal fees, as well as new marketing expenses. But this rebranding benefited more than Pettit’s company. Vaerus Aviation continues to bring growth to Topeka. Pettit’s hometown company exemplifies the opportunities in Topeka for those with determination and faith in the state capital. “It was a substantial expense, and the good thing is all the money was spent with local companies,” Pettit said.
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“PTMW started out a long time ago simply selling products to the railroad industry.” — Ed Carpenter PTMW, Inc.
RAISING THE BAR
Ed Carpenter, Senior Vice President of External Affairs PTMW, Inc.
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On the ground, PTMW, Inc., a metal enclosure and fabrication company, has made “massive” investments in Topeka, according to Ed Carpenter, senior vice president of external affairs. PTMW has long been involved in Topeka, and Carpenter shared evidence that it is here to stay. “PTMW started out a long time ago simply selling products to the railroad industry,” Carpenter said. “It got into the signal enclosure business back in the early ‘90s, and for a long time simply provided enclosures to the railroads. Now it does a great deal more.” Signal enclosures manufactured by PTMW, which look like large metal boxes, are used at railroad crossings. The enclosures contain all of the electronics and systems used to raise and lower the arms that halt traffic when trains pass by. So the next time arms come down at a railroad crossing to keep you from crossing paths with a freight train, chances are PTMW is behind it. “That’s probably the bread and butter of the business, although things are getting much more complex than they have been in the past,” Carpenter said. Like Vaerus Aviation, PTMW is growing. Carpenter estimated the company has grown on average 16 percent in gross revenues per year for the past seven or eight years. The number of permanent members PTMW employs has rocketed from 135 in 2009 to the 275 it boasts today. And with the growth has come investments. “PTMW has made massive investments in the city of Topeka in the tune of acquiring the property that was the old Payless Shoe Source warehouse,” Carpenter said. “It invested probably $3 million in renovating that facility so it could function as a manufacturing plant.” An additional $20 million was invested in equipment and other expenses for the new manufacturing plant. A $23 million investment in Topeka should speak volumes to investors and businesses considering investing here themselves.
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"We plan to be not only a quality automobile dealership reflecting the products we represent, but a partner in the community we serve.” — Robert Hellweg Soave Automotive Group
ROAD TO SUCCESS
Steve Maher, General Manager BMW of Topeka and Volkswagen of Topeka
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The Topeka market also caught the eye of Soave Automotive Group, a car dealership company based out of Kansas City. Soave Automotive Group, in mid-October of 2014, acquired Sunflower Motors in Topeka, a BMW and Volkswagen dealership. Marketing manager Robert Hellweg said it was because of the brands Sunflower Motors represented—BMW and Volkswagen—and because of the growing market in Topeka, Lawrence and Manhattan. “Being in Topeka is close to our home offices, and it also includes Lawrence and the Manhattan area, and it’s an area, especially in the case of Manhattan, that’s growing rapidly,” Hellweg said. Soave Automotive Group plans to renovate the communications system of its newly acquired dealership, and a remodel, pending the approval of BMW and Volkswagen, but no staff changes. “It was a very experienced and dedicated staff,” Hellweg said. “One of the attractive parts of [the acquisition] was the experienced and dedicated staff.” The name, however, will change to “BMW of Topeka and Volkswagen of Topeka.” As he looks to the future, Hellweg sees the new dealership proudly serving owners of BMW and Volkswagen automobiles, while becoming an esteemed member of the Topeka community. “As we have in the Kansas City market, we plan to be not only a quality automobile dealership reflecting the products we represent, but a partner in the community we serve,” he said. With companies such as Vaerus Aviation and PTMW growing in Topeka and companies outside of Topeka such as Soave Automotive Group moving their business to the capital city, new jobs open up and money is recycled back into the local economy. For these companies, the City of Topeka was a choice location to make investments. Nobody shells out more than $20 million on a whim; they do it because they know setting up shop in Topeka is a sound business decision. TK
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Carolyn Terhune Volunteers of the Year Terri Benson, Topeka Capital-Journal Carrie Jo Gros, jones huyett Partners
TK Business Magazine
The Silver Medal is the advertising industry’s lifetime achievement award. It is presented to an individual who has demonstrated a long-term commitment to the advertising community, through creative ability, commitment to AAFT and advertising as a whole, and service to the community. Steve’s father, Pat Patterson, was well known decades ago for establishing one of Topeka’s leading advertising agencies— Patterson Advertising. A subsidiary of the agency was created, called First Impression Printing. Steve took the helm of First Impressions and never looked back. He grew the printing company into a full-service operation that produced high-quality materials for corporate, agency and non-profit clients for more than 30 years. Steve served on the AAFT Board for several terms and was active on numerous committees. He also served on the board of Big Brothers Big Sisters and was the founding father of The Wormburner’s Society of Topeka, which raised thousands of dollars over the years for the Children’s Miracle Network. Steve retired from First Impressions on December 31, 2014.
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GOLD AWARD WINNERS
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Elements of Advertising Logo MotoVike Films Logo Amber Way Creative Kip Kraisinger
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GOLD AWARD WINNERS
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DIGITAL ADVERTISING – Branded Content More Than 60 Seconds Valeo Peer Support Video Gizmo Pictures Brian Broeckelman DIGITAL ADVERTISING – Branded Content More Than 60 Seconds Redi-Systems Central Vac Video JNT Company Jeff Hake, Collin Martin, Josh Fry, Hanna Kemble, CJ Drumeller, D.J. Stover, Michele Brentano and Thom Smith (COULD BE DELETED) DIGITAL ADVERTISING – Branded Content More Than 60 Seconds Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Prairie Spirit Trail Video jones huyett Partners The jhP Team DIGITAL ADVERTISING – Branded Content More Than 60 Seconds Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Sunflowers Online Music Video jones huyett Partners The jhP Team DIGITAL ADVERTISING – Branded Content More Than 60 Seconds What If Video MotoVike Films Josiah Engstrom and Andrew Ross RADIO – Local Campaign Bishop’s Nature Groomin’ Stuff WIBW Radio Team W Sam Argenio, Dan Lindquist, Frank Buchman and Joel Bishop
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GOLD AWARD WINNERS
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TELEVISION – Regional / National Single Spot Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Sunflower TV Spot #1 jones huyett Partners The jhP Team TELEVISION – Regional / National Campaign Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Sunflowers jones huyett Partners The jhP Team TELEVISION – Regional / National Campaign Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas GoBlue jones huyett Partners The jhP Team ADVERTISING FOR THE ARTS AND SCIENCES – Audio/Visual Grunt’s War Diary 502 Media Group Blade Mages ELEMENTS OF ADVERTISING – Cinematography Oakley Video 502 Media Group Tara Noel and Blade Mages LOCAL ONLY - The One That Got Away - Agency Doritos Falcon Gizmo Pictures MacGregor Greenlee and Greg Ready
Topeka Zoo Renew: Camp Cowabunga Inspired by vintage travel posters, the Zoo’s capital campaign brochure was designed to be fun, engaging and to raise money for the Zoo’s next phase, an African Safari Adventure. The brochure doubles as a poster and nested inside lay a poetic plea/call to action by the Zoo’s Safari Guru, Gary K. Clarke. The poster was adapted to an 8’x10’ outdoor banner and tshirts to remind zoo visitors of what’s to come.
Public Service Collateral Material Topeka Zoo Capital Campaign Bradbury Branding & Design Catharine Bradbury, Carol Bradbury and Kim Gronniger
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LOCAL ONLY - The One That Got Away – Local Media MaidPro – Let’s Talk Dirty WIBW Radio Team W Dan Lindquist and Casey Worcester
Find all of the gold award winning entries, including print, digital, audio and video, at tkmagazine.com.
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Jenny Torrence Serendipity | Gravity Gallery NOTO Burrito | Pinkadilly
By Karen Ridder Photos By Megan Rogers Jenny Torrence believes in the NOTO Arts District and puts in long hours to prove it. She is the entrepreneur behind four businesses in three buildings she owns in the district. Torrence has always been in sales, working for herself as a direct sales marketer for Mary Kay and Passion Parties. Three years ago that entrepreneurial spirit found a place to take root in the growing NOTO Arts District. The area had struggled for years, but that did not scare Torrence. “I think that I love a challenge. I love to take something that people say can’t happen and make it happen,” Torrence said.
Fortuitous Investment
“I think that I love a challenge. I love to take something that people say can’t happen and make it happen." —Jenny Torrence 52
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Torrence got into the brick-and-mortar business by chance—or Serendipity. She ran into a colleague at a networking event. They started talking about how they both saw a need for Topeka to have a new events space. It was a “whim” that turned into reality in just a couple of days. A building for sale in North Topeka appeared to be an ideal location for their idea. The area had just begun attract arts shops and to have events anchored around Topeka’s First Friday Art Walks. For Torrence, the set-up was perfect. She bought the building and partnered with her sister and two friends. Just more than a month later, Serendipity hosted its first wedding.
Profilic Opportunity
At the time Torrence purchased the building for Serendipity, she asked the owner for an option to buy two other
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Pinkadilly features upscale, home accessories. continued from page 52 buildings attached to the location if they ever went up for sale. Torrence figured after Serendipity got on its feet, she might try something else in a couple of years. It was a “back-of-the-mind” five-year plan, but the opportunity to expand came just a couple of months later. Torrence was so convinced that the NOTO area was going to be a success, she dove in with both feet and purchased the two buildings to the north of the Serendipity site. Torrence, who loves to travel, decided to create the kinds of shops that she would want to visit on vacation. “When you go into these little destination towns, there are always certain things that the towns have,” Torrence said.
Creative Concepts
She has studied other businesses in other parts of the country to see what is working. Now, she’s trying them in NOTO. Alongside Serendipity, Torrence created what she calls a “funky burrito
joint” named NOTO Burrito. It offers gourmet burritos with flair and also caters and hosts live music events. Pinkadilly is an upscale home accessory shop that features vintage, new and repurposed items. Gravity Gallery is more of a gift shop featuring clothing and creations from local artists. She opened all the shops within a year. “It’s really busy. I work a lot, but it had to be done,” Torrence said. “It was best for NOTO. Those places could not stay empty.”
Burgeoning Business
The investment appears to be paying off as business in NOTO grows. When Serendipity opened, there were just a few NOTO Arts district shops. Now more than 30 businesses operate in the area. Shop times have expanded too, from the once-a-month First Friday events to most businesses open several days a week all month long.
Torrence grew up in Topeka, but does not remember the NOTO area from her childhood. What she does remember is her dad, a veterinarian, showing her the advantages of being in business for herself. “My dad always said it’s better to be your own boss,” Torrence said. As an entrepreneur, Torrence says the NOTO experience has taught her the importance of supporting local businesses. As a brick-and-mortar business owner, she now understands how that locally spent dollar pays back the whole city. “You’re supporting people you know. I have all local printers, window washers, attorneys, accountants,” Torrence said.
Community Pride
The First Friday Art Walks continue to be successful in NOTO, but Torrence believes many people in Topeka have still not tried it, or are not aware of how quickly the district has grown. She says the district has had some challenges overcoming the history of the area, but Torrence believes her business model works if NOTO continues to grow in popularity as a destination. “I wouldn’t change a thing; I love NOTO,” Torrence said. “You just see a community working together, focused on making it happen. We have just as many cool things in Topeka as anywhere else, if people just explore them.” TK
NOTO Burrito serves gourmet burritos with flair. 54
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t n e v e e t a r o p r o Make your next C
! n u f s u Serio s Discovery Center
ren’ at the Kansas Child
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Mike Orozco, Regional President – Kansas, NW Missouri, SW Iowa U.S. Bank
Lynn Gentine, Director of Development, Kansas Wildscape Foundation
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4400 SW 10th Ave in Topeka’s Gage Park
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TK BUSINESS
EXPERTS Scott Griffith
INTRUST Bank–Topeka
Kristin C. Farley
Valeo Behavioral Health Care
Mark A. Reinert
Reinert Wealth Management Photos By Megan Rogers
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Expert: Banking
Q:
What do I need to know about digital banking?
A:
Digital technology is booming across every industry, and banking is no exception. Whether using automated clearinghouse (ACH) payments online to process credit and debit transfers or employing big data to prevent fraud, the industry is keeping pace with digital changes. When it’s time to choose a bank, partner with one that cultivates a digital-friendly environment while connecting with the human side of business. Look for a bank that keeps it simple, relevant and real: it will provide the most satisfying business banking relationship.
SIMPLE
Convenience is king. Because business owners like to access their accounts remotely instead of heading to the bank for every service, many banks have evolved their digital offerings so customers can bank from anywhere. Online deposits, corporate credit cards, TurboTax® services and lockboxes are becoming the norm, not the exception. Banks also manage retirement websites and provide fraud detection services that alert customers via email of unauthorized activity. Ubiquitous smartphones make on-thego banking even more crucial, particularly for the business traveler. Mobile banking makes managing business even easier and more convenient by offering away-from-office access to business accounts and recent activity, including viewing and transferring funds, scheduling bill payments and depositing checks. Customers remain loyal when they’re able to quickly, easily and safely manage their accounts from anywhere.
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Photo By Megan Rogers
Scott Griffith, Community Bank President INTRUST Bank–Topeka
RELEVANT Banking products attract customers, but excellent service keeps them. Succinct, tailored, top-of-mind communication strategies let customers know--round the clock and where they are--that the bank is looking out for them. As banks develop online solutions, innovative apps and other digital offerings,
they likewise foster advisory relationships with customers. True, customers want banking technology that’s handy and efficient, but they also need bankers who offer sound financial advice customized to their goals. This trusted relationship, along with advanced technology, drives success for both the banks and their customers.
REAL While banks aim to stay ahead of the technology curve, they know that positive customer relationships are based on a reputation and history of trustworthiness. As a potential business customer, heed the advice of current and recent customers with firsthand experience with the bank’s customer service. Business owners of all sizes hold allegiance to banks that keep it real by staying true to their vision and mission. For example, INTRUST Bank stays digitally connected with commercial
TK Business Magazine
customers through IntrustKnowsBusiness. com. Financial professionals share expertise across a variety of subjects in articles and videos and respond to online questions and comments. The site offers real-world situations and advice in an easy-to-use digital format, with the option of connecting online, by phone and in person. Times are, indeed, changing. Business owners will do well by aligning with a bank that stays on the technology track and keeps business banking simple, relevant and real— it’s worth its weight in gold.
I want to get a loan for my business. What do banks consider when making a decision? Scan the QR code to watch INTRUST commercial banker Scott Griffith answer this question.
Get the free mobile app at gettag.mobi.
See our answers to this and other banking questions at
INTRUSTKnowsBusiness.com. Because from agriculture to restaurants, construction to manufacturing, we want to make your business our business.
Member FDIC I Š2015 INTRUST Bank
Scott Griffith | 785-431-5310 INTRUSTKnowsBusiness.com
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Expert: Mental Health in the Workplace
Q:
As an employer, how do you know the difference between poor work ethic and a mental health problem? Here’s what that might look like:
Photo By Megan Rogers
Kristin C. Farley, Program Manager Valeo Behavioral Health Care
A:
When an individual is experiencing a personal crisis or a mental health problem in the workplace, the signs are often overlooked. As adults in the workforce, we know that the rule of thumb with personal problems is that you leave them at the door when you come to work. This can be difficult when someone is going through a personal crisis and isn’t coping well. What might appear to be a “bad attitude” or “laziness” may in fact be a sign that your co-worker is in crisis.
How do I go about approaching the employee to get help?
As Employers we are careful not to get too personal with our employees. In the same regard our employees often don’t feel comfortable confiding in their supervisor. This can create a challenge when trying to get to the bottom of what is going on. The stigma of having a mental health problem could cause employees to deny there is a problem for fear they might lose their job. It is important to express to the individual that you are concerned, give examples of what you have witnessed or what has been brought to your attention and offer assistance.
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Carl has worked for the company for 10 years and has been a model employee. You have noticed that in the past six months he has been missing work more than usual, and during the staff meetings he doesn’t speak much except to complain. He used to be so positive and creative. Now he often says things like, “I just can’t take this anymore.” As his supervisor you think that maybe Carl just doesn’t like his job anymore, but you feel that maybe there is something more going on. You decide to talk to him about it. Employer: “Hey Carl, I brought you in here today because I have noticed some changes in your behavior here at work. You have called in three times this past month and when you are here you make negative comments. Are you unhappy with your job or is there something more going on?” Carl: “I’m just going through a really tough time right now. My wife is talking divorce and I have been drinking a lot on the weekends. I am so angry all the time. I feel like a failure.” Employer: “You have been a good employee Carl and I would like to support you through this tough time. I would like to refer you to talk to our EAP.” Carl: “I would like to talk to someone because I feel like everything is falling apart, and I can’t take it anymore.”
What if Carl doesn’t want help?
Continue to offer support and other resources.
EAP: Employee Assistance Program An EAP is an employer-sponsored service designed for personal or family problems, including mental health, substance abuse, various addictions, marital problems, parenting problems, emotional problems, or financial or legal concerns.
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Signs A Person May Be Experiencing A Mental Health Problem
Absenteeism Employee calls in often
or shows up late when they used to be dependable.
Irritability
Noticeable change in personality, has trouble getting along with others, anger outbursts, tends to complain a lot when previously easy going.
Withdrawal
Employee has limited interaction with co-workers when he/she used to be very friendly. He or she appears to be sad or expressionless.
Poor Hygiene Employee has a
noticeable change in appearance. Used to dress very nice and now shows up looking disheveled.
Presenteeism
Employee shows up to work but does not get anything done when he/she used to be a top producer.
Negative Comments Employee
frequently says things like, “I don’t know why I even bother getting up in the morning” or “I’m so tired of it all.” May be talking about stress or financial obligations more than usual.
What does it mean if my employee is displaying one or more of these signs?
An individual displaying one or more of the above signs may be experiencing any number of mental health disorders, including but not limited to; anxiety, substance use, abuse, or depression. Any of these can be brought on by stress, financial hardship, divorce, trauma or physical illness to name a few. It is important to get the person help before the problem becomes a crisis and long term effects take place such as job loss, criminal charges or hospitalization.
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Expert: Financial Planning
You're Never Too Young to Start a Financial Plan No matter what stage of life you are in, achieving financial independence is so much easier if you work from a solid plan.
FINANCIAL PLANNING IN YOUR
20s
The biggest mistake that you can make at this stage is to not begin. Get focused. Want to retire at 40? Save $1 million dollars? Save for your kids’ college? Once the future goal is established, we work backward to create the strategy for today. Save early and often. Time is truly of the essence at this stage due to compounding (Einstein called this the eighth wonder of the world.) And it works two ways, so don’t forget to attack student loans hard. Understand your risks. Life happens, so we must be protected through life, health, income and auto insurance, especially as you start a family.
FINANCIAL PLANNING IN YOUR
30s
This is often a time of great change with job opportunities, or starting a family. Formal planning becomes important. Ramp up savings and clean up debt. There is still plenty of time for compounding, and a systematic approach to saving can be very effective. The Tax Man Cometh. With two incomes likely, ensure that more of your hard earned dollars stay in your pocket and not Uncle Sam’s by using tax-deferred retirement accounts like 401ks and IRAs. Job change. Better to roll over your company savings than to spend it. Retirement is on the horizon!
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Mark A Reinert CFP®, MBA
Reinert Wealth Management Securities offered through LPL Financial. Member FINRA/SIPC
Check out the helpful calculators, articles, and videos at www. reinertwealthmanagement.com.
FINANCIAL PLANNING IN YOUR
40s
Sandwiched between aging parents and growing children, this decade brings the reality of long-term responsibilities clearly into focus. Planning becomes urgent. Transfer risk. Now is the time to make sure your insurance plans are in place to carry you through to the end. Legal documents such as wills and powersof-attorney are crucial. Pay it off. Zero balances at the first of each month gives you freedom and flexibility, and allows you to save more. Peer into the future. Update (or create) your financial plan now to focus the lens of retirement, which is now in full view.
FINANCIAL PLANNING IN YOUR
50s
This milestone decade provides a reprieve from college funding, raising children and hopefully a mortgage, but is often offset by aging parent care. Retirement is now firmly centered in the crosshairs. Clear the nest. Cutting the financial cord to the kids will not only improve your retirement planning, but will foster financial independence with your children as well.
TK Business Magazine
Photo By Megan Rogers Consider your health. Chronic health issues tend to sprout about now, and longterm care insurance is a crucial patch to a potentially disastrous financial strain from an unexpected nursing home stay down the road. Get it now while you’re healthy and it’s affordable. Catch up. Once you hit 50, higher “catch up” contributions can be made to IRAs and many other retirement plans.
FINANCIAL PLANNING IN YOUR
60s
Now the big question has finally arrived: How much is enough, and when can I call it quits? Consider your spending. This is not the time for guessing; better to track your monthly expenditures for a few months to get a handle on how much income will actually be needed. A housing downsize may be prudent. Cash (flow) is king. Now the trick is to devise a distribution strategy from your investments that fills the gap. Think long term. Expect a 30-year, two-person retirement. Chances are very good that at least one of you will make it to 95 or beyond so each year of postponement allows for additional compounding and one less year to fund in retirement. Consider part-time work.
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F I N D O U T H O W Y O U C A N G E T I N V O LV E D T O D AY !
ENGAGE.UNITE.GIVEBACK.
www.fastfor wardtopeka.or g
SCENE ABOUT TOWN
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Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting January 22, 2015 PHOTO 1 Zach Snethen, HTK Architects; Jared Starkey, 712 Innovations; Alissa Menke, jones huyett Partners; Emma Starkey, Community Resources Council
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PHOTO 2 Joel Oliver, Kenneth Scott, Daniel Lehman, and Carl Ricketts of Capitol Federal Savings
PHOTO 3 Vince Frye, Downtown Topeka, Inc.; Scott Gales, Architect One; Doug Glenn, CBIZ
PHOTO 4 Glenda Washington, Entrepreneurial & Minority Business Development; Sheyvette Dinkens, Women Empowerment; Mary Ann Anderson, Entrepreneurial Minority Business Development; Anna Zimmerman, Student; Angel Zimmerman, Zimmerman & Zimmerman, PA
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PHOTO 5 Jessica Somers, Liz Steffen, Andrea Kaberline, Lauri Fincham, Mike Bush, Jessica Wilson, Erik Evans, Christina Schmitt of Envista Credit Union
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American Advertising Federation of Topeka's American Advertising Awards February 7, 2015 PHOTO 1 Matt Parks, Westar Energy and Brie Parks, Advisors Excel
PHOTOS BY JENNIFER GOETZ
PHOTO 2 Nick Austin, Jake Hake, Shanna Goodman and Bill Richards of JNTCompany.com
PHOTO 3 Michelle Cuevas-Stubblefield, jones huyett Partners and Chris Stubblefield
PHOTO 4
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Megan and Dan Lindquist, Twilight Productions and Team W
PHOTO 5 Jeff Carson, Gizmo Pictures; Andrea Engstrom, ActionCoach; and Greg Ready, Gizmo Pictures
PHOTO 6 Back Row: Carrie Rich, Brian John, Dan Holmgren, Clayton Leis; Middle Row: Cara Fisher, Hanna Peterson, Courtney Boman, Jaclyn Collins, Ben York, John Holcomb; Front Row: Dusty Thomas and Colin MacMillan of Imagemakers
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PHOTO 7 Jennifer Goetz, Blue Cross Blue Shield
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SCENE ABOUT TOWN
94.5 Country Bridal Fair January 24 & 25, 2015 PHOTOS BY KEITH HORINEK
SUBMITTED BY TIM KOLLING
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PHOTO 1 Keith Montgomery, Larry Riggins, Tim Kolling, Seth Stevens, Jake Jacobson, Sean Carter, Jeremy Lamb, WIBW 580 AM & 94.5 FM
PHOTO 2 Kay Conner-Arnold, Lindsay Eshelman and LIndsay Kooser, Kooser Design
PHOTO 3 Aaron Starr, Bridget Broderick and Catherine McKinley, Edward Jones
PHOTO 4
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Ken and Maggie Doll, Ken Doll Photography
PHOTO 5
Sheila Wells-Moreaux and Haley Olson, It Works!速
PHOTO 6 Jenna and Brian Goodman, Brian Goodman Photography
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The Last Word
Jay Loschke AVP/Commercial Lender Equity Bank
What business professional do you admire the most?
A former colleague, Larry McCoig, taught me the importance of respect. He would treat the facilities director the same as he would the president of the company. That has always made a lasting impression with me, and is something I strive to implement in my daily life.
What company do you admire the most?
I admire any company who empowers their employees to make decisions, encourages and invests in their employees’ personal and professional growth, and clearly communicates guidelines and expectations.
What is one goal that you would like to accomplish during your lifetime? Photo By Megan Rogers
Involved in the banking industry since 2004, Jay has been an active leader in the community and serves as the 2015 Fast Forward Chair.
Why should young business professionals get involved in Fast Forward?
A successful business professional builds a personal brand. While our “brands” undeniably incorporate the businesses that we are associated with, they also encompass personal attributes unique to each one of us. Involvement in Fast Forward helps young professionals to build that personal brand and professional image.
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As the chair of Fast Forward, what advice would you give young business professionals?
In short, “SHOW UP & PAY ATTENTION.” Get involved, be active, and be visible. Begin creating those strategic alliances now!
What started your career in banking?
I always dreamed of playing professional baseball or being a veterinarian as a kid. My relationship with the banking industry was formed entirely by chance and luck.
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Personally I aim to live 100 percent debt free—no mortgage, no auto loans, and no credit cards, none of it.
What quirky habit do you have?
I like to see the vacuum lines in the carpet at home. So I will vacuum often times for no reason other than that.
Book recommendation?
Does BASSMASTER magazine count?
At this point in your life and career, what do you know for sure?
You can only give what has been given. Be willing to give those around you your time, respect, trust and attention if that is what you expect in return. Nothing is promised. You continually need to do everything you can to nurture, build and preserve your relationships – both personally and professionally. TK
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WeightLoss CLINIC
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Located with Family Medicine and Immediate Care at Tallgrass 72
601 SW Corporate View, Suite 200 • Topeka, KS SPRING 2015
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