Episode 1 | Wichita Chamber Business Accelerator

Join us for episode 1 of Wichita Chamber Business Accelerator with co-hosts Don Sherman and Ebony Clemons-Ajibolade. Guest Sheryl Wohlford with Automation-Plus discusses everything from how her company utilizes LinkedIn to connect with customers to finding the "sweet spot" in their company size. Founded in 1987, Automation-Plus provides both direct part mark and label marking services using ink, laser, chemical and mechanical systems. A former Chamber Chair, Wohlford has led and participated in numerous Chamber initiatives and programs.

Automation-Plus
3409 W Harry
Wichita, KS 67213
316-946-9988
automationplus.net
Follow on LinkedIn
Number of employees:  20
Chamber member since 1991

On this episode you'll learn more about:
● Why the podcast series was initiated
● The "sweet spot" in company size
● How their rapid responsiveness to a customer request resulted in their production of COVID-19 components for COVID-19 testing
● How they identified an underserved niche in aerospace manufacturing and moved to set a new standard
● How they are impacted by the uncertainty in manufacturing
● Why they utilize LinkedIn for connecting with others on a professional level
● How the Chamber of Commerce has provided opportunities to connect with other small businesses
● The family feel they've created in their business
● How they create business plans 
● Why doing business in Wichita has been rewarding
● The importance of focusing on keeping local jobs and young talent in Wichita
● How they are approaching succession planning
● The key tenets of integrity and accountability in business
● The difficulty of saying "no" and balancing community involvement with business responsibilities
● How the world is being changed by Zoom and Microsoft Teams

Learn more about Automation-Plus on their website and follow them on LinkedIn. Check these links that feature the company and provide more information about Sheryl's role in the business community.

​A Quick Pivot (article published June, 2020)
2019 Uncommon Citizen​ (video produced April, 2019))
Chung Report​ (article/video shared September, 2017)
StartUp Grind​ (video produced March, 2017)

Listen on popular podcast directories and aggregators, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Pandora and ICT Podcast Network or using the player above. Send feedback on this show and/or suggestions for future guests or topics by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or emailing communications@wichitachamber.org.

Preview:

Wichita Chamber Business Accelerator is a weekly podcast devoted to supporting and learning from area business owners. Released every Wednesday, it's produced by Forge Podcast Co, managed by the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Evergy. 

Learn more about this podcast series by visiting our January 7 blog post.