Podcast
Wichita Chamber Business Accelerator
Hosted by Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce · EN
Explore the world of business and entrepreneurship in Wichita. Learn from local business owners from a variety of industries as they share their experiences with hosts and Evergy leaders, Don Sherman and Ebony Clemons-Ajibolade, who are also small business owners. You’ll learn how they have built and grown their companies and the challenges and opportunities they encountered along the way. This podcast is brought to you by the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce and is powered by Evergy.
12episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
De-Clutter Your Marketing (Jordan Walker - Bondfire Strategy) [Re-release]
Dec 27, 202300:36:04Tap to summarizeBondfire 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. On this episode we discuss:Taking the clutter out of marketingHaving a focus on people and relationships to build connectionsNot being afraid to ask for helpThe network connections the Chamber providesConnecting with and supporting in-house marketing teamsChoosing WichitaLearn more about Bondfire Strategy:https://bondfirestrategy.com/Facebook ProfileInstagram ProfileLinkedIn ProfileBondfire Strategy exists to take the clutter out of marketing, ignite inspiration and humanize results.Through our partnership, businesses will see results through connecting with their customer and empowering their team to feel capable, confident and ready to grow the business.Jordan Walker is the owner of Bondfire Strategy, a firm dedicated to helping companies plan, measure and optimize marketing efforts to yield greater results and form deeper connections with customers.As a connector, Jordan loves meeting new people, building relationships, and is energized by engaging with her community where she champions local startup efforts with Wichita Startup Week and serves as the 2022 Vice Chair of W Young Professionals Impact Team.When she's not at her desk, you'll often find Jordan tilling up dirt in the garden, hitting the road to one of our many state and national parks, or reading a book on the patio at one of our fine local establishments.Other Resources:Join the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce! This podcast is brought to you by the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce and is powered by Evergy. To send feedback on this show and/or send suggestions for future guests or topics please e-mail communications@wichitachamber.org. This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network. For more information visit ictpod.net
Transcribe →Using Your Trials to Forge Culture (Mary Kate - Mary Kate and Company) [Re-release]
Dec 20, 202300:36:50Tap to summarizeWhat 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. On this episode we discuss:Her sister, “Company”Having a different kind of salonNever having to recruit new hiresForging ahead through financial headwindsDealing with painful lessons in businessCulture created through the refining processBeing a “giving” companyHaving the “Norm” factorStepping away from the day-to-day to lead the businessStructuring the business so that one person’s success is everyone’s successLearn more about Mary Kate and Company:https://www.marykateandco.com/Facebook ProfileInstagram ProfileI’ve been blessed with a long, fulfilling career in the beauty industry.I remember knowing from a very young age that I was interested in hair and beauty. I love looking back at all I’ve learned and how much I’ve grown through it. My passion for learning and growing personally and professionally drives me to always reach for more. That led me to go big with my sister, Becky, and Mary Kate and Company was born. She had all the talents, qualities, education and experience that complimented mine. Together we make an awesome partnership. We started our company in December of 2006. I have transitioned into a new phase of business ownership serving behind the scenes. big picture visioneering, coaching and leadership along with making connections in our community and industry.My life experiences have given me a unique perspective as a leader. I’ve picked myself up and dusted myself off numerous times. It’s funny how you grow more from adversity than you do from anything else. Because of that, I always coach everyone to embrace and even celebrate difficult experiences, negative reviews and embarrassing moments as the building blocks of character, strength and resilience. I am passionate about personal growth.Other Resources:Join the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce! This podcast is brought to you by the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce and is powered by Evergy. To send feedback on this show and/or send suggestions for future guests or topics please e-mail communications@wichitachamber.org. This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network. For more information visit ictpod.net
Transcribe →Mission Before Profit (Justin Eklund - Grove 9) [Re-release]
Dec 13, 202300:26:47Tap to summarizeJustin Eklund has one primary goal with Grove9: to help businesses and organizations focus more on the mission and good they provide our communities. 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. On this episode we discuss:Valuing mission over profitFrom ministry to the marketplaceHelping organizations tell stories that really matterStanding out from the crowd in an ad-saturated worldFocusing on the one thing you can be known for to clarify your brandDefining success through your clients successSupporting mission driven organizations here at homeValuing internship opportunities to grow new talent in WichitaLearn more about Grove9:https://grove9.com/Facebook ProfileTwitter ProfileInstagram ProfileLinkedIn ProfileYouTube ChannelJustin Eklund is the founder and Chief Brand Strategist at Grove9. He brings over two decades of experience in marketing and advertising, both on the agency and nonprofit side. An equal blend of left and right-brained thinking, Justin loves strategy and planning brought to life by creativity and compelling storytelling. He’s passionate about helping Grove9’s amazing clients clarify their brands and grow their revenue to make a greater impact in this world.Other Resources:Wichita Eagle ArticleJoin the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce! This podcast is brought to you by the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce and is powered by Evergy. To send feedback on this show and/or send suggestions for future guests or topics please e-mail communications@wichitachamber.org. This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network. For more information visit ictpod.net
Transcribe →Championing Wichita Startups (Josh Oeding / Mary Beth Jarvis - NXTUS) [Re-release]
Dec 6, 202300:40:28Tap to summarizeJosh 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. On this episode we discuss:Josh’s transition from Koch to NXTUSEstablishing the entrepreneurial mojo of WichitaHelping any business leader that walks through the doorTaking inspiration from the local craft brewery sceneHow NXTSTAGE is Shark Tank without the makeup and camerasWichita Startup WeekHow we can all be involved with local business startupsLearn more about NXTUS:https://www.nxtus.io/Facebook ProfileTwitter ProfileLinkedIn ProfileAt NXTUS, Inc, is a catalyst for the region’s startup ecosystem. At their essence, they serve as a nexus for entrepreneurs, investors, corporate partners, and the community at-large. Their primary aim is to achieve the ‘next us’ by growing startups, strengthening innovation culture and building support systems. Based out of Wichita, they collaborate with other entrepreneur support organizations, government agencies, economic development groups, corporate innovators, and, most of all, founders and investors to positively impact and advance the economy, culture and vitality in our Midwest region. NXTUS currently manages Accelerate Venture Partners, a fast-growing regional Angel investor syndicate, the NXTSTAGE Pilot Competitions, aimed at connecting startups to mature businesses and regional partners looking to become customers for their technologies, and NXTCONNECT and AVP Insights, free monthly education series presenting wisdom and resources for our entrepreneurs and investors. In 2014, a group of experienced entrepreneurs came together with a vision to reinvigorate the entrepreneurial spirit of Wichita. Thus, an organization then called e2e was launched in 2016, with the support of many passionate individuals and corporate sponsors. Here are some history and program highlights:An initial e2e Accelerator class, launched in 2016 was made up of Appointment Launch, Buddy Brands, Knoxx / Alyss Analytics, KingFit, Reverie Roasters, and Tru-Building. LaunchPrep, launched in the Spring of 2017 as a partnership between the Wichita State University Center for Entrepreneurship and NXTUS, is a 90-day mentor driven accelerator program for early stage entrepreneurs.In 2018, Accelerate Venture Partners was formed to broaden the base of angel-stage capital investment in the region. By the end of 2019, AVP had become one of the fastest-growing angel syndicates in the U.S.In January 2020, e2e became NXTUS, continuing its vital work to support founders and their young, growing companies. NXTUS launched the NXTSTAGE Pilot Competition, and a new era of community-wide innovation began.Other Resources:Join the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce! This podcast is brought to you by the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce and is powered by Evergy. To send feedback on this show and/or send suggestions for future guests or topics please e-mail communications@wichitachamber.org. This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network. For more information visit ictpod.net
Transcribe →Lifting Minority-Owned Businesses (Christina Long - CML Collective) [Re-release]
Nov 29, 202300:33:32Tap to summarizeHalf 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. On this episode we discuss:Starting out in journalism through the Wichita Eagle, covering the ethnic and minority communitiesSmall beginnings with a t-shirt company and evolvingBecoming a creator and not just a consumerA time of homecomingThe critical need to create a flow of capital and mentoring for minority-owned businessesThe risk of missing the opportunity we currently have“I am because we are”Having birthday resolutionsA rising tide lifts all boatsWhat she learned from a red rubber ballLearn more about CML Collective:https://www.cmlcollective.com/Facebook ProfileTwitter ProfileLinkedIn ProfileInstagram ProfileProudly located in the heart of Wichita, Kansas in the e2e Incubator/Accelerator, CML Collective is an award-winning company that takes projects from conceptualization to completion at highly-competitive rates. Their company executes using a streamlined service delivery model that keeps us nimble, responsive and able to provide excellent services at maximum value for their clients. They also prioritize maintaining a supply chain, vendor base and partner network that is nearly 100 percent Wichita-based.Christina Long is an entrepreneur and community-builder who is passionate about diversity, inclusion and economic development through entrepreneurship. Long is a native of Wichita, Kansas; Wichita State University graduate and owner of CML Collective, LLC, an inclusive communication and design firm. She is also the Founding President/CEO of Create Campaign, Inc., a tax-exempt nonprofit she established to help urban entrepreneurs in Kansas to launch, innovate and grow. Long leads the Wichita Urban E-Community, has served on the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce’s board of directors and is an author of her debut book, “For the Greater Success.” Her numerous honors include being named among 50 Kansans Who You Should Know by Ingram’s Magazine; earning the Chamber’s Exceptional Young Leader Award; receiving a Wichita Business Journal Leaders in Diversity Award and being named the Kansas Minority Business Advocate of the Year by the Kansas Department of Commerce’s Office of Minority and Women Business Development. Long is married to Jonathan and the couple has three brilliant children, Amarah, Malcolm and Jordyn.Other Resources:Join the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce! This podcast is brought to you by the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce and is powered by Evergy. To send feedback on this show and/or send suggestions for future guests or topics please e-mail communications@wichitachamber.org. This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network. For more information visit ictpod.net
Transcribe →Making a Great Event First (Patrick Pelkowski - Shaken or Stirred Bartending) [Re-release]
Nov 22, 202300:37:28Tap to summarizeA 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. On this episode we discuss:An Air Force and Air Traffic Controller background brought Pat to WichitaGetting a degree in entrepreneurship and looking for that opportunityBartending as a side gigCreating a business from the ground up, business plans, market studies and moreWorrying more about creating good events than profitReceiving the Small Business Award from the ChamberGetting a new building to increase capacity and support growthAdding bar trucks (Tipsy Turtle and Mobiletini)The importance of being involved in the Chamber of CommerceGiving back to the community and the military at McConnellLearn more about the Shaken or Stirred Bartending:https://shakenorstirredbartending.com/Facebook ProfileInstagram ProfileLinkedIn ProfileOur local mobile bartending services came into existence with a simple love for entertainment and desire to explore entrepreneurship. Mix those together with my bartending background and a business is born!At each party I have hosted, it seems that I have spent a majority of the time behind the bar stirring up a new cocktail creation. All the smiles made it worth all the shaking and stirring! I was an air traffic controller by day and a home bartender by night. I loved connecting with my guests in the comfort of my own home and realized the need for professional bartenders.When a friend had a request for bartending services and brought this business idea to the forefront, I knew this could be a great opportunity! I had the entrepreneur knowledge and counsel to start what I thought would be a small retirement hobby- but I am pleased to say the growth has been exponential! Shaken or Stirred Bartending has been in business since 2015 and we anticipate no end to our evolution as the premier mobile bartending service of Wichita and surrounding communities!As we grow, we continue to train a professional staff of bartenders and bring forth more amazing experiences. We’ll work with your vision for any event to ensure you and your guests have a memorable experience!Other Resources:Join the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce! This podcast is brought to you by the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce and is powered by Evergy. To send feedback on this show and/or send suggestions for future guests or topics please e-mail communications@wichitachamber.org. This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network. For more information visit ictpod.net
Transcribe →A Community to Build Women-Owned Businesses (Andrea Hattan - The Hive) [Re-release]
Nov 15, 202300:29:14Tap to summarizeAndrea Hattan had an idea, 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 safe space for women in the Wichita community. On this episode we discuss:Being a 5th generation entrepreneurAll the coworking spaces seemed to be men in the tech industryCreating a “coffee shop” model that helps women have their own space to do businessCollaborating toward a common goal while allowing members to have a safe space they can be vulnerableCreating a community from scratch while others watched and cheered her onOpening up in March of 2020How Wichita became cool before she came homeReceiving the Exceptional Young Leader award from the ChamberCreating business courses to help women launch their own businessesFinding opportunities to get women paid for public speakingLearn more about The Hive:https://thehivewichita.com/Facebook ProfileInstagram ProfileAndrea Hattan is a fifth-generation entrepreneur and founder of The Hive, a membership community with its own coworking space in downtown Wichita, KS. Her mission is to empower women who run businesses to show up authentically by providing connections, support, and space to belong. Andrea is a regular speaker and panelist at events the caliber of TEDx. She's also an Innovation and Enterprise Award winner in the Startup category. Combining her background in education and marketing, Andrea built a trusted brand quickly and sustainably. She's passionate about modeling inclusive leadership, especially for her young daughter. When she is not helping start and grow businesses, Andrea enjoys discussing her latest hyperfixation over a cup of Earl Grey. Other Resources:Join the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce! This podcast is brought to you by the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce and is powered by Evergy. To send feedback on this show and/or send suggestions for future guests or topics please e-mail communications@wichitachamber.org. This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network. For more information visit ictpod.net
Transcribe →Making Work More Human (Brandon Gaide - Sevenfold) [Re-release]
Nov 8, 202300:38:56Tap to summarizeWhen Brandon Gaide started 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. On this episode we discuss:Helping organizations become more strategicPartnering with construction firm Hutton to build something new for businessesThe meaning behind the Sevenfold nameThe marriage of strategy and innovationLaunching change, not just talking about changeHow getting married relates to business strategyDe-risking strategyGoing beyond operational conversations to give leaders a place to belongCan Wichita handle new ideas?Learn more about Sevenfold:https://huttonbuilds.com/services/strategic-planning/LinkedIn ProfileA piece of paper can take flight when you fold it seven times, which takes both imagination and intention. Ben Hutton sees this as the perfect metaphor for the challenges many of our architecture and construction clients face at various times in their careers as leaders. They know they need to change and are looking for help to get there. So why not create a service to meet those clients’ needs? Enter Sevenfold, a Hutton Company. Sevenfold is a strategy and innovation consultancy led by Brandon Gaide. He’s helping clients solve large-scale problems and design better futures by unlocking the genius and creativity in people. Sevenfold offers a fresh approach to strategic planning for companies and organizations of all sizes.A former Presbyterian pastor, Brandon holds an MBA from Indiana University, an MDiv from Fuller Seminary, and a BA from the University of Texas. Brandon has lived in five foreign countries, learned and forgotten four languages, has two daughters, two Vizslas, and one wife. He lives in Wichita, Kansas.Other Resources:Join the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce! This podcast is brought to you by the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce and is powered by Evergy. To send feedback on this show and/or send suggestions for future guests or topics please e-mail communications@wichitachamber.org. This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network. For more information visit ictpod.net
Transcribe →The Taproom Adventure (Stacy Ward-Lattin - Hopping Gnome) [Re-release]
Nov 1, 202300:39:06Tap to summarizeSometimes 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 6 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. On this episode we discuss:The upcoming 6th anniversary celebration of Hopping GnomeHome brewing competitionsTouring the taproom scene in ColoradoWanting to build something in Wichita and help the communityBeing a cheerleader for activities and events around townStarting a business with zero business backgroundOvercoming the fear of talking about their business idea to get support from othersComing up with the right name and locationRelationships with other local brewers in WichitaThe reason they used Kickstarter to help launchNew partnership with WSU TechSurviving the COVID-19 pandemic by getting creative and working with the Kansas legislatureCeiling Breakers PodcastAll the great things women are doing in the Wichita communityGrowing new relationshipsSupporting local artistsLearn more about Hopping Gnome:www.hoppinggnome.comFacebook ProfileInstagram ProfileTwitter ProfileCeiling Breakers Podcast Torrey Lattin started home brewing over 6 years ago, and after a couple of years decided to work on a business plan in order to help grow the number of breweries in Wichita. At the time, there were only two brewery/restaurants in the area, and after traveling to Colorado and visiting the small and unique taprooms there, Torrey and his wife Stacy decided this concept would be something fresh and new in Wichita, KS.They decided on a small taproom with a 5 BBL brewing system and distribution plan rather than a restaurant in order to create a beer-focused atmosphere, where friends can get together and play games, order in a pizza, and hang out like it’s your friend’s house (except you have to pay for the beer...we’re trying to run a business here).The couple had several names in mind, but most were already taken or too similar to other established breweries across the US. One night, Torrey was having a beer at home, and noticed a give-away from the 2012 Kansas City Royals All Star game that was a little gnome. He ran upstairs and said “how about Hopping Gnome? You know like hops, and gnomes are known for drinking.” The name stuck and after finding a local graphic designer to create the awesome logo, Hopping Gnome Brewing Company was born. Located in the up-and-coming Douglas Design District, Hopping Gnome Brewing Company joined the growing craft beer community as the first taproom in Wichita, KS.Thanks for listening, be sure to subscribe and leave us a review! Join the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce! This podcast is brought to you by the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce and is powered by Evergy. To send feedback on this show and/or send suggestions for future guests or topics please e-mail communications@wichitachamber.org. This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network. For more information visit ictpod.net
Transcribe →All in the Brand (Bill Gardner - Gardner Design) [Re-release]
Oct 25, 202300:39:59Tap to summarizeBill 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. On this episode we discuss:The constantly changing world of brandingHow success and risk are tied togetherThe connections and relationships that kept Bill in WichitaTips and pitfalls that companies need to be aware of during branding processWhere branding is going in the futureLearn more about Gardner Design:www.gardnerdesign.com Facebook ProfileInstagram ProfileTwitter ProfileLinkedIn ProfileIn running a business, cause, or institution, it’s easy to get into the weeds of day-to-day details. And difficult to know exactly how people perceive your brand. Not to mention how recrafting your brand could influence their perceptions for the better.That’s why we make your brand our business. We thrive on understanding who you are, where you are, and where you’d like to go. Then we create the best strategy and design to help you get there. Solutions that just plain work.We’ve had the privilege of working with organizations of all types and sizes, from Fortune 500 companies to one-person shops. Regardless of size or industry, we get fired up about helping you reach new heights. Because we see it every day – better branding leads to a better future. For your customers. For your employees. For us all.Bill Gardner is a graduate of Wichita North High School in Wichita, Kan., and he attended Kansas State University and Wichita State University, earning bachelor’s degrees in business and fine arts with an emphasis in design.Gardner started Gardner’s Graphic Hands, a graphic design firm, in 1983. In 1987, Gardner joined forces with Sonia Greteman and Susan Mikulecky to found American Institute of Graphic Arts Wichita. Gardner served as the chapter’s founding president. Gardner, Greteman and Mikulecky started a graphic design firm – Gardner, Greteman + Mikulecky – in 1989, which became Gardner + Greteman after Mikulecky left in 1992. In 1994, Gardner founded Gardner Design as the sole owner and president and remains such today.Gardner is also an international speaker on brand identity and graphic design. He presents logo trends annually at HOW Design Live and has participated in speaking engagements in countries around the world including Russia and India. He is additionally a contributing author to LinkedIn Learning.Gardner’s design work has appeared or been featured in Communication Arts, Print, Graphis, New York Art Directors, the Museum of Modern Art and many other national and international design exhibitions. His works and writings regarding corporate identity, environmental graphics and three-dimensional design have been published in numerous books, periodicals and podcasts.Other Resources:Gardner in the News (website)Logo Lounge (website)Thanks for listening, be sure to subscribe and leave us a review! Join the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce! This podcast is brought to you by the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce and is powered by Evergy. To send feedback on this show and/or send suggestions for future guests or topics please e-mail communications@wichitachamber.org. This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network. For more information visit ictpod.net
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