[from the publisher]
Always Watching In honor of Father’s Day, we wanted to give a special tribute to fathers, the businesses they have built and the sons that they have brought into the fold. As we put the “Fathers & Sons in Business” article together, it made me reflect on my own father and the role he played in molding who I am. My dad turned a small business with two employees into a thriving company that never has enough employees to handle all the work. But like many small business owners, my dad wasn’t looking to build the next Fortune 500 Company; he was simply building a life for his family. As a child, I was always watching my dad—paying attention to the words he said, the decisions he made and the actions he took. Whether he was working his business, coaching my team or just being dad, I was watching. Watching my dad, I learned so much more than how to have a successful business: - Work hard and give everything you have to your work. - Be present and give everything you have to your family. - Embrace your own imperfections. - Accept other people’s imperfections. - Have your own opinion, but always listen to the opinion of others with an open mind. - Do business with people who look you in the eye and shake your hand. - Anyone and everyone can be your friend. - Give second chances. - Forgiveness and understanding will reward you many times over. Even today, I find myself watching my dad—the words he says, the decisions he makes and the actions he takes. And I feel blessed to have a dad who fought to give his kids the best life he could. To all fathers…Happy Father’s Day.
4
Summer 2013
TK...Topeka's Business Magazine
TK
Topeka’s Business letters to the editorMagazine Summer 2013
Publisher
TARA DIMICK
Editor-in-Chief LISA LOEWEN
Designer JENNI PONTON
Account Executives Tara Dimick - 785.217.4836
Photographer RACHEL LOCK
Contributing Writers Deb Bisel, Melissa Brunner, Rich Drinon, Tim Kolling, Rick LeJerrne, Dan Lindquist, Lisa Loewen, Kim Marney, Karen Ridder, Thomas Underwood, Doug Von Feldt, Robert A. Weigand, Ph.D.
Founder KEVIN DOEL PO Box 67272 | Topeka, Kansas 66667 785-217-4836 | tara@tkmagazine.com www.tkmagazine.com
Comments & Suggestions tara@tkmagazine.com
Publishing Company E2 Communications, Inc. 2013 TK...Topeka's Business Magazine is published by E2 Communications, Inc.Reproduction or use of this publication in any manner without written permission of the publisher is prohibited. Every effort was made to ensure accuracy of the information in this publication as of press time. The publisher assumes no responsibility of any part for the content of any advertisement in this publication, including any errors and omissions there in. E2 Communications, Inc. makes no endorsement, representation or warranty regarding any goods or services advertised or listed in this publication. Listings and advertisements are provided by the subject companies, E2 Communications, Inc. shall not be responsible or liable for any inaccuracy, omission or infringement of any third party’s right therein, or for personal injury or any other damage or injury whatsoever. By placing an order for an advertisement, the advertiser agrees to indemnify the publisher against any claims relating to the advertisement.