Business Accelerator Podcast

Wichita Chamber Business Accelerator is a podcast devoted to supporting and learning from area business owners. Produced by Forge Podcast Co. and managed by the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce, the stories featured on this podcast are devoted to learning from local business owners about their experiences owning and operating companies in Wichita. The guests operate businesses across metro area and range from solopreneurs to companies employing nearly 150 people. Some of the businesses are fairly new to the community, while others have a long history of serving Wichita.

This free podcast is listed in popular podcast directories and aggregators, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Pandora and ICT Podcast Network and available on the Chamber website.

Wichita Chamber Business Accelerator

Episodes

Listen to all sessions or learn more about each episode below.

		Episode 154 What 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 > Re-released December 20, 2023
		Episode 153 Justin 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 > Re-released December 13, 2023
		Episode 152 Josh Oeding and Mary Beth Jarvis aspire to grow the Wichita business scene through NXTUS by capturing the rapid change created by new startups. They share how all of us can be involved in supporting startup growth with Don and Ebony. Learn more about Josh and Mary Beth > Re-released December 6, 2023
		Episode 151 Half of the guests on the podcast have mentioned her and now we get to hear directly from the legend, Christina Long. Don and Ebony explore with her how CML Collective and the Create Campaign have lifted other minority-owned businesses in the community. Learn more about Christina > Re-released November 29, 2023
		Episode 150 A 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 > Re-released November 22, 2023
		Episode 149 Andrea 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 > Re-released November 15, 2023
		Episode 148 When Brandon Gaide helped to start the strategy and innovation firm Sevenfold, he found an unlikely partnership with construction firm Hutton. Brandon shares with Don and Ebony how that partnership has allowed the creation of something new to help businesses make work more human. Learn more about Brandon > Re-released November 8, 2023
		Episode 147 Sometimes you just have to be willing to follow your passions and lean into what you don’t know. When Stacy Ward-Lattin and her husband, Torrey, started the Hopping Gnome taproom 8 years ago, they had no idea the adventure they were in for. Stacy joins hosts Don and Ebony to share the Hopping Gnome story, from home brewing to deciding to create something brand new in Wichita. Learn more about Stacy > Re-released November 1, 2023
		Episode 146 Bill Gardner has been around the brand creation game for a long time and has a ton of insight to share. Don and Ebony dive into what has made him successful with Gardner Design and how others can be successful at building their own brands. Learn more about Bill > Re-released October 25, 2023
		Episode 145 What 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 > Re-released October 18, 2023
		Episode 144 Mental 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 Dr. Larry Mitnaul > Re-released October 11, 2023
		Episode 143 JR 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 > Re-released October 4, 2023
		Episode 142 For 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 > Re-released September 27, 2023
		Episode 141 We wrap up our special three-part Journey Unseen series with Amy Williams who shares how she learned to own her own space when she enters a room. With these special conversations we share the stories of women in our community who have had a profound impact on our community through their leadership and achievements. Learn more about Amy > Re-released September 20, 2023
		Episode 140 In the second episode of our Journey Unseen series, Vera Bothner shares her unique professional path as a woman in business, reflects on the pivots and changes she has made each step of the way, and what she has learned from them. Learn more about Vera > Re-released September 13, 2023
		Episode 139 As a first generation student in the 70’s Yolanda Camarena experienced the many obstacles Latino students faced trying to get a college education. Yolanda vowed when she was able to help ease that burden for other Latino students she would assist them to fulfill their goals of getting a college degree. Learn more about Yolanda > Re-released September 6, 2023
		Episode 138 With a population of 7,000 and an economic impact of $825-million, McConnell Air Force Base operates as a small city. But as an Air Force pilot whose 25-year career included being stationed three times at McConnell, Cathy McClain tells Don & Ebony the real impact to the Wichita community is the people who work and live there. Learn more about Cathy > Re-released August 30, 2023
		Episode 137 Do you know what a bramble is? Don and Ebony didn’t. Katherine Elder walks through how her family farm has continued to grow into a larger culinary experience, culminating in the opening of 1400 by Elderslie at the Wichita Art Museum. Learn more about Katherine > Re-released August 23, 2023
		Episode 136 When Brandon Converse left his engineering career to join his brother at the Converse Team, he was motivated by the desire to help others secure their financial future. Don and Ebony dive in with him on how The Converse Team helps make that possible for companies and individuals. Learn more about Brandon > Re-released August 16, 2023
		Episode 135 Mark and Summer Guerrero are dedicated to providing support and empowerment through their business, Affinity Automotive. They share with Don and Ebony that this journey of empowerment originated between themselves, beginning in an after-hours garage located in their home. Learn more about Mark and Summer > Re-released August 9, 2023
		Episode 134 For the past 25 years, Steve Dixon has been helping others live their best life by providing career opportunities at Hoidale, a third-generation, family-owned local business. He shares with Don and Ebony his passion for the people in his community and the employees who work for him. Learn more about Steve > Re-released August 2, 2023
		Episode 133 After 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 > Re-released July 26, 2023
		Episode 132 It all began with a single, humble restaurant in west Wichita, but now... Learn more about Scott > Re-released July 19, 2023
		Episode 131 When it opened, The Monarch was not necessarily in the best location in Delano, but owner Jen Ray trusted her intuition and has been able to thrive over 9 years in business. She shares her challenges through the COVID pandemic with Don and Ebony and her perspective on the local business community. Learn more about Jen > Re-released July 12, 2023
		Episode 130 Please enjoy this re-release episode with Dr. Ashley Humlicek of Humlicek Family Dental. Being a dentist that intentionally considers their practice a business is rare. Dr. Ashley Humlicek talks with Don and Ebony about her unique perspective as a healthcare provider that focuses on her practice as an entrepreneurial opportunity. Learn more about Ashley > Re-released July 5, 2023
		Episode 129 In the second half of our two-part conversation with Jeff Turner, TNW founder and former Spirit AeroSystems' President & CEO, we continue the conversation with Don and Ebony on the lessons he’s learned, how he has grown over the years and his philosophy and principles on leadership in our community. Learn more about Jeff > Released June 28, 2023
		Episode 128 In this epic 2 part conversation with Jeff Turner, TNW founder and former Spirit Aerosystems' President & CEO, we cover a broad range of thoughts on leadership. Jeff shares with Don and Ebony the lessons he’s learned, how he has grown over the years and his philosophy and principles on leadership in our community. Learn more about Jeff > Released June 21, 2023
		Episode 127 After years of growing in high-level leadership roles developing some of the largest brands in the world, Anita Greenwood felt like she was missing out. She tells Don and Ebony how she found something different in Wichita that gave her the freedom and lifestyle she wanted. Learn more about Anita > Released June 14, 2023
		Episode 126 While never intending to start a business, Mark Daniels and his wife, Grace, saw an opening in the marketplace because one company said they would never come to Wichita. So they decided to fill that niche and have been growing ever since. Learn more about Mark > Released June 7, 2023
		Episode 125 Starting at the bottom as a dishwasher, Darren McGilbray had ambitions to grow his career in the restaurant business. While others didn’t see a viable career path, Darren shares with Don and Ebony how he saw an opportunity for a bright future. Learn more about Darren > Released May 31, 2023
		Episode 124 Now in its 40th year, The Chamber's Leadership Wichita program has helped motivate individuals to take up influential roles in their community. Kim Doze-Lohmann and Joseph Shepard share with Don and Ebony how the program has shifted to helping the community have leaders of all levels engaged in tackling big challenges we share. Learn more about Kim and Joseph > Released May 24, 2023
		Episode 123 Cindy Carnahan has been growing her business in the real estate industry for the past 40 years. But what you might not know is she has had a passion for growing flowers in downtown Wichita. Find out with Don and Ebony what adventures this has brought. Learn more about Cindy > Released May 17, 2023
		Episode 122 Sometimes we lose touch of dreams as we grow up. But for Darrin Teeter, he sees his company at Fiber Dynamics as an opportunity to let his team pursue their own passions. He shares his vision with Don and Ebony. Learn more about Darrin > Released May 10, 2023
		Episode 121 With a population of 7,000 and an economic impact of $825-million, McConnell Air Force Base operates as a small city. But as an Air Force pilot whose 25-year career included being stationed three times at McConnell, Cathy McClain tells Don & Ebony the real impact to the Wichita community is the people who work and live there. Learn more about Cathy > Released May 3, 2023
		Episode 120 When Cody Beard and his wife started on their journey to find a franchise business they could run together, they focused on their own lifestyle desires. Cody shares with Don and Ebony how that led them to Prime IV. Learn more about Cody > Released April 26, 2023
		Episode 119 Ben Arnold started his catering business with only $30,000 in the bank, his Dodge Intrepid and a couple of ice chests. He shares with Don and Ebony how his energy, hustle and creativity led him to find a steady stream of clientele. Learn more about Ben > Released April 19, 2023
		Episode 118 Stan Shelden grew up loving art and technology. So naturally, he combined the two into a career in architecture, bringing the experience he gained in Chicago back to his hometown with Shelden Architecture. Learn more about Stan > Released April 12, 2023
		Episode 117 Sam Foreman is on a mission to change the way legal firms operate, starting with his own practice, Foreman Law. He shares his views on mental health and balance in the workplace with Don and Ebony (and a few dad jokes, as well). Learn more about Sam > Released April 5, 2023
		Episode 116 Do you know what a bramble is? Don and Ebony didn’t. Katherine Elder walks through how her family farm has continued to grow into a larger culinary experience, culminating in the opening of 1400 by Elderslie at the Wichita Art Museum. Learn more about Katherine > Released March 29, 2023
		Episode 115 Leadership is an action, not a position. Julia Fabris McBride from the Kansas Leadership Center joins Don and Ebony to talk about the steps anyone can take to lead. Learn more about Julia > Released March 22, 2023
		Episode 114 When Kianga Kelley-Crowley was tempted to criticize others, she heard the call to help instead. Now she shares with Don and Ebony how she has been blessed by the way the Wichita community has embraced her Simply a Lady journey. Learn more about Kianga > Released March 15, 2023
		Episode 113 Despite what you may have heard, print is alive and thriving in some industries. Ashley Martin shares with Don and Ebony how the family business, Valley Print Logistics, has grown in recent years and serves as a major component to any marketing campaign. Learn more about Ashley > Released March 8, 2023
		Episode 112 When Audra Dinell was reflecting on what she would do if she were her most audacious self, she was inspired by another leadership experience to come back home and start The Thread: A Women’s Leadership Collective. She shares with Don and Ebony the journey that has taken her on and the confidence others have poured into her. Learn more about Audra > Released March 1, 2023
		Episode 111 As we wrap up Black History Month we are joined by the legendary Regina Miller of Trailblazers Academy sharing how she measures her success as an entrepreneur by the people she's reached back to help succeed. Learn more about Regina > Released February 22, 2023
		Episode 110 Government advocacy can be a game-changer for business, but it's often reserved for larger companies with significant assets. Gabe Schlickau and James Krstolich share with Don and Ebony how the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce provides these valuable resources for smaller businesses in our region. Learn more about James and Gabe > Released February 15, 2023
		Episode 109 Has a love story ever led to launching a successful business? Hear the unusual connection Jacob Wayman and his wife made at Orangetheory fitness. He shares his unique journey to entrepreneurship with Don and Ebony. Learn more about Jacob > Released February 8, 2023
		Episode 108 It took some time, but Bonita Gooch’s father eventually convinced her she needed to buy The Community Voice and bring African American perspective to the news in our community. She shares with Don and Ebony the key mentors who helped her grow this valuable business and resource. Learn more about Bonita > Released February 1, 2023
		Episode 107 When Brandon Converse left a career in engineering to join his brother at The Converse Team, he wanted to help others secure their financial future. He tells Don and Ebony how The Converse Team helps make that possible for companies and individuals. Learn more about Brandon > Released January 25, 2023
		Episode 106 Mark and Summer Guerrero are all about supporting and empowering others with Affinity Automotive Services. They share with Don and Ebony how this empowerment first started with each other and an after hours garage in their home. Learn more about Mark and Summer > Released January 18, 2023
		Episode 105 When Jenny Helms-Calvin arrived in Wichita, she already had a two-year plan to get out. But as she shares with Don and Ebony, she recognized her misconceptions and saw an opportunity to launch and grow SOMA Therapy to help improve mental health in our community. Learn more about Jenny > Released January 11, 2023
		Episode 104 The Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce 2023 Chair, Joy Eakins, is challenging the business community to make faithful investments in people. She shares her vision for this year with Don and Ebony. Learn more about Joy > Released January 4, 2023