Blog

When 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.

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.

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.

As an auctioneer, Megan McCurdy Niedens is used to talking fast. When COVID abruptly shut down live events, McCurdy Auction had to act fast, too. She shares with Don and Ebony how that has created new growth and opportunity.

Kalene Hoffman's entrepreneurial spirt 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.     

This 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.

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.

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.

Alexus 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.

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 the 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.

You 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.

The 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

The 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.

From 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.

When Gabe Juhnke and Rik Dubiel 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.

When 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.

Tim 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.

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.

Dr. Tasha 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.

Cold 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.

What 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.

What 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.

For 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.

We 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.

No 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.

From 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.

Sometimes 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.

After 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.

Mental health and wellness continues to come more infocus 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.

Bondfire 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.