2022 Business Accelerator Podcasts
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Episode 103The holidays are a great time to take stock of our mental health! While our hosts take a break, please enjoy this episode with Stacey Winter, Empac CEO, as she shares ways we can see that our friends and colleagues need support and help. Winter shares with Don and Ebony how her EAP brings that help directly to businesses, where we and our employees spend the majority of our time. Learn more about Stacey > |
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Episode 102Justin Eklund's primary goal with Grove9 is helping businesses and organizations focus on their mission and the good they provide the community. He shares with Don and Ebony his journey through ministry and how it eventually led him to take a new approach in a profit driven world. Learn more about Justin > |
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Episode 101Tevin Manual has had a clear vision of his future for a long time, and he’s chasing it with Tandem Cyber Operations. He explores his past with Don and Ebony and how it led him to provide services to schools and universities to fulfill an unmet need. Learn more about Tevin > |
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Episode 100For this special occasion, we are putting our producer behind the microphone. How do you accidentally become an entrepreneur? Bryan Steele will tell you it happens one day at a time. He talks with Don and Ebony how the creation of Forge Podcast Co. was a long journey that he never saw coming. Learn more about Bryan > |
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Episode 99When Bill Maness left his sales job over disagreements about what it meant to support clients, he never imagined Syndeo, his own business, one day celebrating its 20th anniversary. He shares with Don and Ebony his thoughts on service, outsourcing and the value the Chamber provides to local businesses. Learn more about Bill > |
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Episode 98For this episode of the podcast, Don and Ebony were live from the 2022 Wichita Chamber Business Expo at Century II on September 29 meeting with business owners, organizations and attendees. LIVE from the 2022 Business Expo > |
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Episode 94The financial services industry finds itself with an aging workforce, but Margaret Dechant and 6 Meridian are focused on bringing a youth movement to their business. Join her as she shares her story with Don and Ebony. Learn more about Margaret > |
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Episode 97Maddie Butler thought she would be on tour with her background in theater productions. But she has found herself running a wide variety of events with Kent Audio Visual. She shares with Don and Ebony how her career led her here and how Wichita has been the perfect place to grow. Learn more about Maddie > |
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Episode 96Andrea Hattan had a vision for women to have their own place to collaborate and encourage one another on their entrepreneurial journeys. She talks with Don and Ebony how The Hive has created that space for the Wichita community. Learn more about Andrea > |
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Episode 95When an opportunity to buy the bakery they had been working at for years presented itself, Kalee Rose and Marisa McCall told themselves they were the only ones who could take over. They share about their jump into entrepreneurship with Don and Ebony. Learn more about Kalee and Marisa > |
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Episode 93After just four weeks, Ed O’Malley is well into his new role at the Kansas Health Foundation. He shares with Don and Ebony the impact our physical health can have on the local economy, and how Wichita can’t be left behind. Learn more about Ed > |
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Episode 92For years, Jose Gutierrez trained and developed Farmer’s Insurance agents. Then he realized it was time to open his own agency. He shares his journey with Don and Ebony. Learn more about Jose > |
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Episode 91Megan McCurdy Niedens shares with Don and Ebony her day in the life as a third generation auctioneer and COO of McCurdy Auction. Learn more about Megan > |
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Episode 90Kalene Hoffman's entrepreneurial spirit has always driven her to bring new businesses to Wichita. But it was in 2011 when she decided to incorporate her passion for healthy living. She shares her journey with Don and Ebony about her latest endeavor, BodyBar Pilates. Learn more about Kalene > |
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Episode 89This weekend is the first air show at McConnell Air Force Base in four years. Don and Ebony are joined by Mike Heldstab and Capt. Ryan “Sugar” Shieve to talk about air show retuning and McConnell's economic impact on the community. Learn more about Mike and Captain Ryan "Sugar" Shieve > |
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Episode 88JR Custom Metal Products went from making parts in a garage to a thriving multi-generational family business. Hear how Jorge Martinez and Patty Koehler father’s legacy lives on in their business. Learn more about Jorge and Patty > |
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Episode 87What happens when your business finances are in disorder, the IRS is coming after you and a negative article just came out in the press? Many would fold in that situation, but Mary Kate Denton regrouped with her team and shares with Don and Ebony how that forged a culture of thriving at Mary Kate and Company. Learn more about Mary Kate > |
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Episode 86Alexus Scott's passion for building an engaging community drove her to becoming an entrepreneur. She shares with Don and Ebony how the love of paper products led to Boutique 5 Stationary & Petite Gifts. Learn more about Alexus > |
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Episode 85What started as looking for a job during college turned into a passion for the art of coffee. Eventually, Sarah Leslie opened her own coffee shop, which went on to win one of The Chamber's Small Business Awards in 2022. She talks with Don and Ebony about surviving the pandemic and growing into one of Wichita's most popular coffee shops. Learn more about Sarah > |
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Episode 84You hear about cybersecurity on the news, but it’s hard for it to seem like anything more than a buzzword. Bill Ramsey, co-founder of Soteria Technology Solutions, breaks down with Don and Ebony how cybersecurity can impact any business. Learn more about Bill > |
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Episode 83The Wichita Business Accelerator Podcast hosts are taking a summer break. But don't worry, we're leaving you with one of our favorites from the archive. Tune in for Krissy Buck with WSU Tech. Krissy, Program Director of Digital Marketing at WSU Tech, talks all things social media and digital presence for small businesses and the biggest mistake she sees small businesses make online. Learn more about Krissy > |
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Episode 82The Wichita Business Accelerator Podcast hosts are taking a summer break. But don't worry, we're leaving you with one of our favorites from the archive. We're bringing back one of our favorite episodes featuring QuickHire, a tech start-up born out of the COVID-19 pandemic. We hope you enjoy the behind the scenes story of how Deborah Gladney and Angela Muhwezi-Hall's started a career discovery marketplace for the service economy right here in Wichita. Learn more about Deborah and Angela > |
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Episode 81From a lover of comics to creating her own business, Marisa VanSkiver (aka Captain Coder) has been on the forefront of everything digital marketing. She talks with Don and Ebony about how a great website is the foundation of marketing a successful business. Learn more about Marisa > |
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Episode 80When Gabe Juhnke and Rik Dubliel left KPTS to start their own video production company, Method, they wanted to stand out. They share with Don and Ebony how they help businesses who don’t have Hollywood budgets. Learn more about Gabe and Rik > |
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Episode 79When Cyle Barnwell went to help the previous owner of Keystone Solid Surfaces sell his business he had no idea he would eventually buy the business with his best friend. He shares his story with Don and Ebony on transitioning from accountant to entrepreneur. Learn more about Cyle > |
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Episode 78Tim Young came in as a consultant but stayed on as a CEO with Heartland Dermatology. He shares his story with Don and Ebony on transforming the business and serving the community. Learn more about Tim > |
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Episode 77A desire to be an entrepreneur took this air traffic controller into the world of bartending. Hear how Pat Pelkowski moved from side gig work to creating a thriving business with a unique position in the market. Learn more about Patrick > |
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Episode 76Tasha Parker loves community psychology so much that she thinks everyone should get involved. She shares with Don and Ebony the pivot she made in December to create the Institute of Development. Learn more about Tasha > |
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Episode 75Cold starts in the medical field are intimidating and challenging. Dr. Greyson Barger did just that with Opticology Eyecare, and he shares with Don and Ebony how he went from doing everything himself to recently moving into a new building to handle the growth. Learn more about Greyson > |
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Episode 74What do you do when you don’t think someone else will hire you out of college? You start your own business and grow from there. Dave Wells shares with Don and Ebony the journey he went on with Key Construction. Learn more about Dave > |
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Episode 73What are you willing to give your 100% to? Renaire Palmer found this out on his journey to becoming a small business owner with Fundamental Fitness and he shares some excellent fitness tips with Don and Ebony. Learn more about Renaire > |
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Episode 72For four generations, Johnson’s Garden Center has been bringing beauty to Wichita through horticulture. Hear from Marty and Jeremy Johnson as they share their past and exciting future with Don and Ebony. Learn more about Marty and Jeremy > |
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Episode 71We spend much of our daily time in the workplace. Often, that is where it’s easiest to see that our friends and colleagues need support and help. Empac CEO Stacey Winter shares with Don and Ebony how her EAP brings that help directly to businesses. Learn more about Stacey > |
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Episode 70No one was hit harder during the pandemic than music venues, but when faced with this challenge Jessie and Adam Hartke persevered and found new opportunities that have positioned them for success now. They show Don and Ebony how the music community in Wichita is primed for growth. Learn more about Jessie and Adam > |
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Episode 69From humble beginnings getting paid in cinnamon rolls, Stu Lungwitz has always been growing as an entrepreneur. Listen as he gives Don and Ebony a behind-the-scenes look at how The Print Source has had to adapt and innovate over the years. Learn more about Stu > |
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Episode 68Sometimes you just have to take your passion and run with it. Hear from Scott Huynh as he talks with Don and Ebony about how his passion to create led him away from the path he always thought he would follow. Learn more about Scott > |
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Episode 67After a career in the aerospace industry, Michael Gomm and his wife, Valerie, were looking for something different. They share with Don and Ebony how they spotted a great opportunity to start a Glass Guru franchise in the Wichita area. Learn more about Michael > |
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Episode 66Mental health and wellness continues to come more in focus for businesses, leaders and their employees. Dr. Larry Mitnaul of the Ascension Medical Group talks with Don and Ebony about what this looks like and practical ways to engage mental health and wellness in our homes and workplaces. Learn more about Larry > |
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Episode 65Bondfire Strategy is closing in on its first anniversary in business, but Jordan Walker is already making an impact in the local marketing scene. She shares with Don and Ebony how she builds relationships with her clients to deliver them great results. Learn more about Jordan > |
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Episode 64Sometimes all it takes is a screwdriver and the will to figure it out. Hear how Andre Anderson Jr. applied this philosophy to his unique mobile automotive service business. Learn more about Andre > |
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Episode 63Starting out with a background in art, Robin Lies found her way into the jewelry business with Burnell’s Fine Jewelry. Learn how customer experience is at the forefront of creating a lasting legacy through business. Learn more about Robin > |
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Episode 62Ever wonder what it was like to do branding and marketing for a professional sports team? Bob Moulette shares with Don and Ebony what it has been like to build the MLB affiliated Wind Surge from the ground up. Learn more about Bob > |
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Episode 61After decades in business, nothing scares Anita Oberwortmann. She shares her entrepreneurial origin story with Don and Ebony, revealing the key business lessons she has learned along the way. Learn more about Anita > |
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Episode 60After taking care of his own grandparents, it became clear to Doug Stark’s family that there was a clear need in Wichita to provide higher quality care for the elderly struggling with dementia. He is joined by Robert Miller as they share their journey with Don and Ebony to bring more compassionate care to Wichita. Learn more about Doug and Robert > |
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Episode 59For many years, it didn’t even dawn on Robert Moody that he could become a lawyer, but at the age of 35 he went back to school and now finds himself as a partner at Martin Pringle. He talks with Don and Ebony about his Leadership Wichita experience and how he is pulling others up to give them hope through our justice system. Learn more about Robert > |
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Episode 58It took a lot of phone calls, but the determination of Troy Brooks to be great eventually broke through as he created Greatness Vodka. He shares with Don and Ebony how he was inspired to create his own liquor brand in Wichita. Learn more about Troy > |
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Episode 57When sisters Deborah Gladney and Angela Muhwezi-Hall saw a need for the workers and employers in the service industry, they didn’t let their lack of tech knowledge hold them back from starting QuickHire. They share with hosts Don and Ebony how their tenacity led them to create a tech startup that is on the rise. Learn more about Deborah and Angela > |
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Episode 56Julie Breault has always been focused on helping furry friends, but now with The Hairy Sofa she has created a business that gives dogs the VIP treatment. She shares with Don and Ebony how she has dealt with growth and struggles since opening in 2013. Learn more about Julie > |
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Episode 55Although Tricia Wilson and her husband, Brandon, didn’t expect to start their own business, they slowly moved from side-projects to creating Icon Structures. Tricia shares their journey of humble beginnings to statewide success with Don and Ebony. Learn more about Tricia > |
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Episode 54Andrew Gough has shaken up with coffee scene in Wichita with Reverie Coffee Roasters. He shares with Don and Ebony his perspective on empowering and supporting employees and the community. Learn more about Andrew > |
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Episode 53Vicki Bond has always been ready to pick up the phone. From growing and selling her own business to starting a new non-profit while attending Leadership Wichita, she shares with Don and Ebony how she has been inspired to lift up the community with the Raise My Head Foundation. Learn more about Vicki > |
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Episode 52The first episode of 2022 starts with a bang as incoming Chamber Chair Damon Young joins the program. He shares his perspectives on leadership and entrepreneurship in Wichita with Don and Ebony and unveils the guest for the upcoming Chair’s Lunch at Intrust Bank Arena on February 9th. Learn more about Damon > |
Want to listen to more? Check out 2021 Business Accelerator Podcasts >