Episode 14 | Wichita Chamber Business Accelerator

Sometimes it's not about creating a new business but more about bringing it to a new location. James Barfield discusses being a franchisee for a larger brand, Squeegee Squad, and how he focuses on being a resource partner locally in Wichita. Joining co-hosts Don Sherman and Ebony Clemons-Ajibolade, they dive into the opportunities Barfield has found, while also the challenges and struggles he faces being a black business owner. He, along with his team, has done some major commercial work in the mid-west including Garmin International in Kansas City and the Dallas City Hall in Texas. James is a Wichita native who was once a student of the YEK (Youth Entrepreneurs Kansas) program. He now lends his time and expertise by volunteering for this program.

Squeegee Squad
2250 N Rock Road Ct. - Suite 118 - 133
Wichita, KS 67226
(316) 202-6020
Like on Facebook
Follow on Instagram
Number of employees: 3
Chamber member since 2020

On this episode we discuss:

• How he engages in digital and print marketing
• Radio advertising on KMUW during Black History Month
• Being a resource partner instead of a service provider
• Using Squeegee Squad as an introduction to the whole business
• The value of word of mouth and relationship building
• How the support of a corporate team helps him locally
• Being safety-conscious with high-rise buildings
• Thinking about how a franchise can be expanded
• How a lack of competition creates opportunities to grow in Wichita
• Barriers that minorities have to overcome
• The stress and intimacy that comes with a small business
• The support gap needed for black-owned businesses
• Staying healthy through regular meditation, prayer and exercise

Learn more about Squeegee Squad on their website and like them on Facebook and follow them on Instagram. Check out the links below to learn more about James and his business:

James Barfield Brings Squeegee Squad to Wichita
Getting to Know James Barfield
Youth Entrepreneurs
BOMA
WIBA

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.