THE FUTURE LOOKS BRIGHT WHAT EMPLOYEES WANT
HILL’S PET NUTRITION GLOBAL HQ MOVES TO THE ASPIRIA CAMPUS
JAZZERCISE WICHITA NEW SPACE BOOSTS BUSINESS
One of the opportunities and challenges in today’s market is the fluidity of change. As a business, you have to be in a position to pivot quickly. That’s one of our biggest strengths at Occidental Management; our ability to see opportunity, realize challenges and adjust accordingly.
We are lucky to also be within the Wichita and Kansas City markets, which are well-positioned for growth in 2023. Both markets saw strong employment growth in 2022, with Wichita experiencing an above the historical average growth rate, according to the Wichita State University Center for Economic Development and Business Research.
According to the CEDBR, although global and national market conditions are slowing, the Wichita metropolitan and Kansas City areas are expected to have some of the strongest growth rates within the state.*
As 2023 kicks off, we’re seeing a trend in businesses coming back to the office full-time and seeking a flight to quality assets to create a vibrant work environment. We believe both markets are well-positioned to fill these needs for companies. Both Overland Park and Wichita have good education systems, robust arts and culture, convenient transportation access, and a lower cost of living. Most importantly, both have a very strong entrepreneurial fabric.
We have a lot of really great things going for Wichita and Kansas City. Our job is to get out in front of others and tell our stories to those who still consider us “fly-over country.” There are plenty of opportunities to attract and retain top talent in Kansas, at both the regional and national levels.
I am proud of our teams in both Wichita and Overland Park. It’s been a lot of fun to do the projects we have done, to see our team grow, and be in a position to continue doing so in the future. And I am also proud to be able to share and tell your stories … in person and through this E-zine.
Chad Stafford President, Occidental Management
* Source: wichita.edu
So, that’s the fabric we are weaving every day. We are telling our stories … your stories. Because these stories illuminate the success that companies and entrepreneurs can have in our markets.
Are you a fan of Occidental Management? Do you have an interesting story or an idea for an article?
We look forward to hearing from you. Reach us at MarketingTeam@occmgmt.com. Share and subscribe for future issues.
Robert
Substantial investments in the downtown sub-market, new industrial campuses, medical offices, and schools are spurring strong momentum in Wichita’s commercial real estate market. Downtown Wichita has become a thriving hub of social, professional and cultural experiences with 350 new residential units under development (adding to the over 3,200 existing units), over 120 unique retailers, and 4.1 million square feet of occupied office space. With solid manufacturing, technology, and medical job growth, Wichita has grown into a vibrant Midwestern city.
The Wichita urban core continues to see strong growth and investment, both in the central downtown and surrounding districts. In the neighboring Delano district, the Riverfront Stadium marked over $75 million in new investment, driving increased demand in the surrounding areas for additional dining, lodging, multifamily, and office use. A primary focus in Delano and downtown development has been to engage the Arkansas River, which acts as a natural dividing line between the heart of downtown and Delano. This emphasis can be seen with the completion of the River Vista Apartment complex and surrounding projects.
As downtown office development continues to see strong momentum and lease-up from both local and national office users, medical office and educational uses are driving a flurry of new investment. The recently completed $75M Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine welcomed its first class to campus this fall. The campus renovated five buildings to include housing, an AC by Marriott Hotel and the medical school. It is the first osteopathic school in Wichita and will create a hub of healthcare education and training programs to serve the potential growth of the healthcare field’s employment needs
Additionally, the University of Kansas and Wichita State University recently announced a planned partnership to establish and relocate a biomedical campus to downtown Wichita. The initial estimated costs of the project are more than $300 million and will bring more than 3,000 students and staff into the urban core.
In addition, a new 24-bed geriatric psychiatric hospital has been approved with a budget of $10 million. The hospital will provide long- and short-term inpatient care, as well as outpatient services, and aims to act as a resource for the region’s nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
Like other markets throughout the country, the local industrial market has experienced sharp increases in demand coupled with a lack of existing inventory, driving rents and new speculative development. ICT21, a master-planned industrial development along the I-135 corridor, finished its first speculative building and recently announced a 180,000 SF lease with JTM Foods, a new-to-market food manufacturer.
Bel Aire (a suburb of Wichita) hosts numerous planned and under-development industrial projects in the Sunflower Commerce Park, including an industrial campus owned by Occidental Management, capable of hosting 1M SF of space under one roof.
Existing companies are driving industrial growth through expansions and additions within their own campuses. Textron Aviation recently announced plans for a 180,000 SF expansion to customers worldwide. Chad Stafford, President of Occidental Management added, “With the continued capital investment that is happening in downtown Wichita and in the market overall, we will see continued growth in the coming years across all commercial real estate asset classes.”
Integra Technologies, the largest outsourced semiconductor assembly and test operation in the United States is expected to bring 2,000 jobs to the Wichita area, and another 3,000 to the Wichita metro. The announcement was the second largest economic deal in Kansas history, totaling $1.8 billion dollars in expansion for the company. It is the largest expansion in the semiconductor industry in the United States.
The Wichita area is projected to add around 8,100 jobs next year, an exciting prospect in a market that could be moderated by likely recession and labor constraints. Wichita’s economy has always been closely linked to the aviation industry.
According to the Center for Economic Development and Business Research at Wichita State University, as recently shared at the Kansas Economic Outlook Conference, the relative strength of aerospace manufacturing is expected to make the Wichita area an outlier for job growth in Kansas in 2023.
Learn more about Occidental Management at occmgmt.com.
What once was a simple pleasure and a way to relieve stress has flourished into a franchise ownership for Wichita native Stephanie Kelley-Ruedy.
Stephanie began taking classes at Jazzercise Wichita in 2012 as a way to maintain her physical health and get some added “me” time. She quickly fell in love with not only the style of the exercise classes but the social and mental benefits as well.
by Stacy Jones
She tried other fitness strategies through the years, but each time always ended right back in a Jazzercise class. Soon she took things up a notch and decided to become an instructor.
“Jazzercise is feel-good fitness and so much more,” Stephanie said. “I’ve heard it said that movement is medicine and that’s true. It’s a preemptive boost for our aging bodies and a release of feel-good hormones for our mind. And the benefits go much deeper than that. The community is what sets Jazzercise apart. The people are genuine and passionate. We have multi-generation family members and people
who’ve been members for 35 years.”
By 2021, Stephanie was ready for even more. The former owner of the Wichita franchise was ready to sell, and Stephanie felt the natural next step for herself would be to buy the franchise, which she purchased in October 2021. With the lease at the original location expiring soon,
Stephanie wanted to search for a new location that could provide extra amenities for members.
Occidental Management’s sales and leasing agent, Nick Flores, helped Stephanie and her tenant representative agents, Dave Brown and Laura Mormando of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, to find the 2,600-sq-ft space within Northwest Centre, which is at the busy intersection of 13th St. and Tyler Rd. With the high visibility of the new space and a grand re-opening in October, Stephanie immediately saw an increase in memberships.
Stephanie said Nick and the Occidental team were very accessible and helpful throughout the leasing and build-out process.
- Stephanie Kelley-Ruedy Owner, Jazzercise WichitaJazzercise is feel-good fitness and so much more. I’ve heard it said that movement is medicine and that’s true.
Nick says given how much the world of fitness has changed, it was time for Jazzercise Wichita to update their space to better serve the needs for the fitness studio today.
“Brands that simply provide a place for exercise won’t survive like the ones that are able to build a community and a lifestyle around fitness, like Stephanie’s Jazzercise franchise does,” said Nick.
“The new boutique fitness model doesn’t work in any open retail box in any old building, he added. “Stephanie has built a custom home for her fitness community in a vibrant neighborhood center.
The ability for members to walk to lunch after class or meet for coffee beforehand is key to building her repeat business, which will be with her through the ups and downs of market cycles.”
Jazzercise Wichita is part of the global Jazzercise business, which has more than 8,300 franchises in 32 countries.
“Nick showed me the space and had the vision to see what I couldn’t quite see at first,” added Stephanie. “He and the Occidental team helped me throughout the build-out process, which I knew nothing about. I appreciated their determination and support.”
It’s very addicting and a fun way to exercise, I do it for that, but I also do it because of the people. Everyone is so inviting, and Stephanie is such an integral part of that.
- Peggy Glanzer
A variety of memberships are available, including unlimited in-studio and online workouts. In addition, memberships can be utilized in other cities and franchises.
Peggy Glanzer has been a Jazzercise member since 1983 and has attended Wichita classes since 2008. She enjoys the physical aspects as well as the camaraderie.
“It’s very addicting and a fun way to exercise,” said Peggy. “I do it for that, but I also do it because of the people. Everyone is so inviting, and Stephanie is such an integral part of that. I also love that when I travel, I can attend classes at other franchises.”
The new location better serves the needs of the fitness studio of today.
Jazzercise Wichita offers 26 classes a week, ranging from 30-60 minutes in a variety of formats, including dance aerobics, HiiT, weight and resistance
training, and stretching classes. Jazzercise is ever-evolving and continually adding new formats to stay relevant within the fitness industry.
“It takes a village to start a new business,” added Stephanie. “So, my advice to other new business owners would be to gather people successful in their field to guide, assist and be a support structure. Wichita is a very community-driven city, and Occidental Management was one of my resources.
So, what’s next for Stephanie? “We are the only Jazzercise location in Wichita, and I would love to expand.”
You can support Jazzercise Wichita at 8404 W. 13th St. North, Suite 170. Full class details can be found on their website at Jazzercise.com
How will employer/worker “work relationships” change in the post-Covid world of 2023? This question was highlighted by the Gensler Research Institute’s U.S. Workplace Survey 2022 The big takeaway was that employees want a space where they can get work done.
said Janet Pogue McLaurin, global director workplace research and principal at Gensler, in a report accompanying the survey.
Those priorities could prove very important in 2023 as small and large companies are re-thinking how and where to office. Fueled by uncertain public health concerns and waning consumer confidence, companies are seeking:
• Convenience
• Service
• Flexibility
• Economies of scale
Many companies and workers are finding a solution in coworking and flex office space.
36% Socialize with Colleagues
“The data illustrates that employees are looking for offices that are both effective in supporting their ability to focus on their work and offer a more desirable mix of experiences,”
38% To Sit With My Team
EMPLOYEES COME TO THE OFFICE
24% Access to Amenities
48 % To Focus On Work
43% Access to Technology
35% Access to Senior Leaders
42% Scheduled Meetings
The percentage of employees who identified the reasons to the top left as one of the top reasons they chose to come to the office.
CO-WORKING HAS EVOLVED
Once a place for young innovators who huddled around long farm tables with a laptop, coworking and flex offices have evolved into a business hub and an important economic infusion for the local business economy.
As a result of COVID-19, businesses large and small were forced to adopt remote working. Then when cities began to open following the stayat-home stages of the pandemic, workers weren’t so willing to return to the status quo of the traditional office. This compelled many business and corporate executives to re-imagine their workplaces by balancing the pros and cons options for a decentralized workforce
Pros
• No commute
• Flexible work hours
• Fewer office-based interruptions
• No long-term lease commitment
• Virtual, diverse talent pool
Cons
• Reduced ability to collaborate
• Potentially unsecured internet connections
• Lack of separation between work and personal time
• Decreased creativity and innovation
• Decentralized sense of team and common vision
Should you decide to explore shared office space, use the following checklist to help you decide which space works best for you and your employees:
• Member access: Limited or unlimited
• Security: Verified member-only access; secure internet and firewall; security guard; etc.
• Resources for blended (virtual and on-site) meetings
• Storage
• Parking
• Conference rooms, member lounges
• Business support programs
• Other amenities
Pros
• Structured, professional work environment
• Amenity-rich environment
• Easy budgeting with all-inclusive lease
• Scale space up or down as needed
• Strong, stable internet connection
• Access to meeting and conference rooms
• Up to 30% capital and/or operational cost savings
• Vendor management and ordering supplies is taken care of
Cons
• Some may dislike working among other businesses
• Shared common spaces
• Lack of privacy in open-desk areas
• Limited customization of office design and decor
By using this list as a guide, you can compare locations to find the workspace that best meets your needs.
Lastly, and extremely important, does the vibe of the space feel right? Many companies who are trying to attract a young workforce will find that it is easier to fill positions when a space is comfortable, attractive and conducive.
Should you need any guidance in integrating back to an office environment, feel free to contact us.
Robert Curland Community Manager 913.285.7300contact@aspirianow.com
Hill’s Pet Nutrition, a global leader in science-led pet nutrition, announced January 11th that it will expand its footprint in Kansas with the relocation of its global and U.S. headquarters to the Aspiria Campus, to create a new hub in the Greater Kansas City area. Hill’s said it will continue to invest in its science, technology and manufacturing hubs in Topeka. The move is expected to take place in Q4 2023.
offers all-inclusive, no-cost access to the three-story fitness center to all tenant employees, and Hills employees will enjoy their own dog park on campus.”
The Aspiria campus, located at 6180 Sprint Parkway in Overland Park, is owned by Wichita-based commercial real estate company, Occidental Management. Occidental Management President Chad Stafford says the addition of Hill’s Pet Nutrition to Aspiria is another example of companies seeking to create vibrant workplace environments and highlights the technological capabilities and best-in-class amenities that the campus offers.
“We’re excited to work with Hills to offer their employees an experiential, state-of-the-art headquarters location. It will offer indoor and outdoor spaces where they can have access to Aspiria’s 5G, high-speed Wi-Fi campus-wide network,” Stafford said. “Also, Aspiria
Hill’s presence in Topeka, Kan., includes its Pet Nutrition Center, a 170-acre research and development campus in North Topeka, which is inclusive of the new Small Paws Innovation Center, a $30 million, 25,000square-foot facility that opened in late 2021. Additionally, Hill’s Topeka and Emporia manufacturing sites will remain, as well as a new manufacturing site in Tonganoxie, which is slated to open in 2023. Hill’s will also continue its support of the Topeka community and its community partners, while expanding charitable efforts to the Greater Kansas City region.
“We are proud to extend our 75-year history in the Sunflower State. We will continue investing in our science, innovation and
We’re excited to work with Hills to offer Their employees an experiential, State-of-the-art headquarters location.
- Chad Stafford
manufacturing hubs in Topeka � while expanding our footprint with the creation of a new hub for our Global and U.S. headquarters in the Greater Kansas City area,” said John Hazlin, president and CEO of Hill’s Pet Nutrition, in making the announcement. “This marks an important step in our global growth as we work to meet the growing demand for our science-led pet nutrition.”
Hill’s conducted an extensive search in the Midwest region before selecting the Aspiria campus site. The Hill’s office design will feature a more flexible concept to create a modern approach to the workplace, including an on-site dog park. As a global company, the centralized location will provide closer proximity to the Kansas City International Airport, as well as greater access to the benefits of a major metropolitan area.
Founded 75 years ago with an unwavering commitment to science-led pet nutrition, Hill’s Pet Nutrition is on a mission to help enrich and lengthen the special relationships between people and their pets. Hill’s is dedicated to pioneering research for dogs and cats using a scientific understanding of their specific needs. As a leading veterinarian recommended pet food brand, knowledge is our first ingredient with 220+ veterinarians, PhD nutritionists and food scientists working to develop breakthrough innovations in pet health. Hill’s Prescription Diet therapeutic nutrition plus our everyday foods, Hill’s Science Diet, Hill’s Healthy Advantage and Hill’s Bioactive Recipe, are sold at vet clinics and pet specialty retailers worldwide. For more information about our products, nutritional philosophy, visit Hills Pet.com or HillsVet.com.
This is not something you’d typically hear at an art gallery, but it is encouraged at the Envision Arts Gallery & Community Engagement Center, located in the historic Grand Hotel building in downtown Wichita, and is just one of the reasons why the gallery is so unique.
For most people, art is a visual experience. For people who are blind or visually impaired, art can be a rich sensory experience of a different level. Creating art can become an outlet for self-expression. It can instill confidence and foster both tactile experiences and skills. It can also help people who are visually impaired feel more connected to other people and to their community.
Envision Arts Gallery‘s mission is to foster these experiences and to grow opportunities for those with visual, physical, cognitive, and hearing disabilities to showcase their creativity and stories. Part of the parent company Envision, Inc., the Envision Arts Gallery is the nation’s first permanent gallery made by and for artists who are blind, visually impaired and/or disabled.
“Envision is opening doors and creating opportunities for people of all disabilities to share with the community,” said Sarah Kephart, MFA, Envision Arts Program and Gallery Manager. “We all have stories to tell, and we all deserve access to art and the opportunity to express ourselves through it.”
The gallery features art by local as well as international artists and rotates its main exhibition quarterly. Many pieces feature a variety of mediums, including elements such as dimension, texture and even braille to allow people to experience them through multiple senses, not just through sight. Each work of art has a designated QR code that links to a description which is repeated audibly on a person’s cell phone using a screen reading app.
For Roshunda Holt, creating art has helped her to develop skills and instilled new-found confidence. Roshunda was born with retinitis pigmentosa, which makes cells in the retina break down and causes a slow loss of vision. She was, as she describes, an insecure sighted person
“I appeared clumsy due to issues with depth perception and holes in my vision,” Roshunda said. “This caused me to collide into things or trip on curbs. If I dropped a pen on the floor, I couldn’t see it clearly to pick it up.”
I appeared clumsy due to issues with depth perception and holes in my vision...
-Roshunda Holt
At age 23, Roshunda was diagnosed with the genetic condition and sought out local resources to help guide her throughout her journey for living with the condition. It was through the Kansas Rehabilitation Services program (offered through the Kansas Department for Children and Families) that she learned about Envision.
She began taking classes and workshops through the Envision Arts program. Then through the “Train the Trainer program,” she eventually started working part-time in Envision’s call center. Today, Roshunda is the Envision Arts Assistant, and is the first student turned full-time employee.
“Envision provided me with knowledge, resources and employment, but more importantly, helped me to gain confidence as well as more responsibility in the blind/ visually impaired world,” Roshunda said. “I enjoy helping and being an advocate for others, and I realized that I am a benefit to the BVI world.”
Roshunda enjoys creating in multiple mediums, including string art, acrylic paintings and mosaics, and has been featured in several exhibits, both locally and nationally. One of her 4’ string art pieces can be seen at Mosley Street Melodrama in Wichita, and one of her Keeper of the Plains mosaics/sculptures is displayed at the local Aloft Hotel. She won 2nd place in the sculpture category at the 2022 American Printing House for the Blind’s annual InSights Art Competition for her piece titled Cat on a Windowsill.
Envision provided me with knowledge, resources and employment, but more importantly, helped me to gain confidence as well as more responsibility in the blind/visually impaired world,”
-Roshunda Holt
In 2013, Sarah was an adjunct lecturer in the School of Art, Design and Creative Industries at Wichita State University when she discovered the Envision Arts program. She was immediately drawn to the company’s mission and the people it serves.
“Envision empowers people,” said Sarah. “And I saw that participants wanted to do so much more and be more a part of and connected to their community. I believe that art is a conduit to all the other wonderful services that Envision provides. It raises awareness of our mission which leads to new opportunities.”
Sarah added that Occidental Management’s chairman and CEO, Gary Oborny, and his wife Gretchen had the mission to commit to the vision of the gallery and community center. The Obornys are long-standing supporters of Envision as well as big supporters of the local arts community. Occidental Management, which owns and manages the Grand Hotel building, handled the leasing for the gallery space.
“A location with good visibility is important to the overall success of the gallery, and thanks to Occidental Management, our gallery is in one of the most visible locations in downtown Wichita.”
People and agencies from around the world have taken notice of the gallery and are reaching out to learn more in hopes of bringing a similar resource to their community.
“We’re breaking stereotypes,” Sarah added. “Art is a universal language and we’re demonstrating to the nation that people with disabilities have powerful artistic gifts, while raising awareness for our mission.”
All proceeds from artwork and merchandise purchased from the Envision Arts Gallery and Community Engagement Center directly supports the artists as well as helps to fund artistic endeavors for the Envision Arts program. You can learn more about the gallery by visiting envisionartsgallery.com or by calling 316.440.1699.
Envision empowers people...
I believe that art is a conduit to all the other wonderful services that Envision provides.
by Bob Ale-Ebrahim
Fartleks Running Shop Smoothie Stop opened in April of 2022. Conveniently located in Wichita’s Delano district, Fartleks provides running shoes, clothes and accessories. They also have a smoothie shop, offering up made-to-order smoothies and the perfect place to gather prior to a riverside run or to relax after!
Store owner Andrew Schinstock opened the store after the pandemic and First Gear closed. Andrew always had a passion for running. He ran throughout middle school and high school, and his dream was to own his own business one day. He saw the opportunity to fill a need that wasn’t currently being served in the downtown area and that’s when he found the space available in Delano.
When it came time for naming his business, Andrew wanted to pick something that would be both memorable as well as something that runners would connect with. Fartleks might sound funny, but it’s actually a Swedish word for “speed play.”
“Our definition would be ‘non-stop running with spurts of speed.’ Webster’s dictionary defines it as ‘endurance training in which a runner alternates periods of sprinting with periods of jogging,’” said Andrew.
Our definition would be ‘Non-stop running with spurts of speed.’ Webster’s dictionary defines it as ‘endurance training in which a runner alternates periods of sprinting with periods of jogging’” said Andrew.
Fartleks is also defined as a system of training for distance runners in which terrain and pace are continually varied to eliminate boredom and enhance psychological aspects of conditioning.
Bob Ale-Ebrahim, marketing director of Occidental Management, became familiar with the term back in high school. “My cross-country coach at East High, Steve Sell, taught us how to use the Fartlek style of running when we were training,” Bob explained. “Coach Sell went to East High in the 60’s and ran cross country with Jim Ryun, who went on to become an Olympic athlete and Kansas State Senator. Jim Ryun held the record at East High for the fastest indoor mile at 4 minutes and 7.2 seconds.”
Interestingly Wichita teenager Clay Shively, a junior at Trinity Academy, just broke Jim Ryun’s 58-year-old state record in the high school indoor mile with a time of 4 minutes, 4.95 seconds at a track meet on January 13th. Not only did Shively comfortably edge Ryun’s 1965 record time of 4:07.20 by more than two seconds, but he also logged the fastest indoor mile time in the country for a high school runner this year.
I plan to have a Fartleks’ managed run in the future. Our ultimate goal is to be your first choice and one-stop shop for anything you might need if you are a running enthusiast.
-Andrew Schinstock
Fartleks sells a variety of running shoes and apparel. Running shoe brands that the store carries include Brooks, Saucony, Xero, Asics, Altra, Flux, and Newton. Running apparel that he carries includes Lululemon, Oofus sandals, Garmin watches, Junk headbands, FlipBelt running belts, Chicknlegs running shorts, Smartwool, and Feetures socks.
Andrew’s philosophy is to ask his customers what they’re looking for and help them find the right fit and style. He will perform a gait analysis watching his customer walk toward and away from him, observing the length of stride, arm movement, heel placement, and angle of the pelvis. He will take measurements for arch height and ankle muscle strength.
Andrew is an active supporter of the running community. One way he offers support is by sponsoring local runs, including the Exploration Parkrun
It’s a free weekly 5k walk/run organized by volunteers for the benefit of everyone. It is held at Exploration Place at 300 N. McLean Blvd, in Wichita every Saturday at 8 am.
Andrew said, “I plan to have a Fartleks’ managed run in the future. Our ultimate goal is to be your first choice and one-stop shop for anything you might need if you are a running enthusiast.”
When asked how his relationship has been with Occidental Management Andrew said, “They’ve been supportive from an entrepreneurial standpoint. Nick Flores is in here all the time and he checks in with me. He’s been great.”
Some new shoes or a delicious smoothie can be great motivators to start and keep the year going strong. You can visit Fartleks at 535 W. Douglas in Wichita. They are open Monday through Friday from 10 am-7 pm, Saturday from 10 am-5 pm, and Sunday from 12-5 pm. To learn more, visit fartleksict.com.
