Thinking Bigger Business—Smart Companies To Watch, 2016

KC

2016 // 2017

• A S P E C I A L E D I T I O N F R O M T H I N K I N G B I G G E R B U S I N E S S M E D I A K•C E DI T I O N // I T H I N KBIGGER .CO M

1

Thinking BIGGER? Take your growth-minded small business to the next level of success with Thinking Bigger Business magazine.

PRODUCED BY

Thinking Bigger Business Media Inc. ADMINISTRATIVE

Includes 12 monthly issues, the annual Thinking Bigger Guide, Smart Companies to Watch, a FREE digital subscription and our weekly “E-Newsletter”—iThinkBigger.com Extra. » $24.99 // one year » $36.99 // two years » $49.99 // three years » Digital Subscription Only: $9.95 // one year

Kelly Scanlon Publisher Megan Scanlon Operations and Events Manager EDITORIAL

James Hart Managing Editor PRODUCTION & GRAPHICS

Carolyn Addington Production and Traffic Manager Jen Ross Graphic Designer Kevin Fullerton Design Consultant P.O. Box 754, Shawnee Mission, Kansas 66201-0754 (913) 432-6690 // (888) 432-6444 // FAX (913) 432-6676 editor@ithinkbigger.com sales@ithinkbigger.com iThinkBigger.com A WBENC-Certified Women’s Business Enterprise See our SRDS listing at www.SRDS.com For Article Reprints Contact ReprintPros Jeremy Ellis (949) 702-5390 or www.reprintpros.com

CA L L (9 13) 432- 6690 OR VISIT WWW.ITHIN K BIGGER .C O M

2

KC S MART CO MPANIES TO WATCH // 2 0 1 6 - 2 0 1 7

Copyright © 2016, Thinking Bigger Business Media, Inc. All rights reserved. The information gathered and opinions expressed by the authors are intended to communicate information and are not necessarily the viewsof this publication. The intent of this publication is to provide business professionals with informative and interesting articles and news. These articles, and any opinions expressed in them, are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or business. Appropriate legal, accounting, financial or medical advice or other expert assistance should always be sought from a competent professional. We are not responsible for the content of any paid advertisements. Reproduction or use, without permission, of editorial or graphic content, in any manner is prohibited. Thinking Bigger Business (ISSN 1068-2422) is published 12 times a year by Thinking Bigger Business Media, Inc. Subscriptions are $24.99 per year. This amount includes varying sales taxes, which are contingent upon the location in which the publication is sold. Standard Mail Postage Paid at Shawnee Mission, KS.

SMART COMPANIES TO WATCH // 2016-2017

04

16

24

FREEDOM TRANSPORTATION

RUSSELL-HAMPTON CO.

PEOPLE PEOPLE

05

SQUARE ONE INTERIORS

17

25

FRESH APPROACH CLEANING PROFESSIONALS

SAGE RESTORATION

18

26

19

27

HITCH FIT GYMS

SPOTLIGHT

20

28

11

21

29

BUSINESS BITS

JR & CO. ROOFING CONTRACTORS

13

22

30

23

31

06

ALL SYSTEMS

09

ANSWERPRO

10

ARJ INFUSION SERVICES

EAG ADVERTISING & MARKETING

14

EMFLUENCE

15

ENERGYCO PARTNERS

SIPVINE

GREEN HOME SOLUTIONS

SPRINGBOARD CREATIVE

IXT INTERNATIONAL EXPRESS TRUCKING INC.

SYS-TEK

THINKVIRAL

MINDLIFT

NOTES TO SELF LLC

Twitter

Follow @iThinkBigger

TWIN FINANCIAL INC.

LinkedIn

Join the Thinking Bigger Business Media Group

Facebook

Like Thinking Bigger Business Media

K C E DI T I O N // I T H I N KBIGGER .CO M

3

EVERY GROWING BUSINESS HAS PEOPLE PROBLEMS We’re here to help with yours



F

F

PEOPLE STUFF MAKING YOU CRAZY?

CAN’T HIRE THE RIGHT PEOPLE?

THE INMATES ARE RUNNING THE ASYLUM?

Try us on Retainer

Try Our Recruiting for Culture

Try our People Toolkit

Go back to doing the stuff you do well,

Make sure candidates have the same goals,

The People Toolkit ensures that businesses

and let us manage all the people parts of

beliefs, and similar interests, instead of just

like yours have everything they need, including

your business.

looking at whether they can do the job.

a custom written Employee Handbook and a brilliant education.

YOUR EMPLOYEES AREN’T HUMAN RESOURCES Your employees are people, and they’re the ones who are helping you meet the goals of your business and building your culture. At People People we believe that you can’t grow a business without developing and growing your people.

A DIFFERENT WAY TO MANAGE YOUR PEOPLE Since 2009 People People has been giving entrepreneurs all the help they need with their most valuable asset, their people.

And, we’ve been doing it in a way that aligns the folks who work at our client businesses with the cultural glue that makes them successful. The solutions we create for our clients are as unique as they are, so if you’re tired of stuffy, compliance based HR in your business, maybe you should call one of our people?

913.940.5391 peoplepeopleus.com

4

KC S MART CO MPANIES TO WATCH // 2 0 1 5 - 2 0 1 6

7201 West 129th Street Suite 105 Overland Park, Kansas 66213

PUT YOUR WORKSPACE IN PERSPECTIVE.

INTERIOR DESIGN

CONTRACT FURNITURE

COMPANY CULTURE

Space Planning Programming Project Management

Private Office Collaborative Plan Seating, Lounge Areas

Build Morale Increase Production Inspire Creativity

We put the fun in functional.

Is your company growing and running out of space? Interested in having your physical environment strengthen your brand image? Looking for the latest office furniture without breaking the bank? We help businesses create incredible office spaces when they are ready or in need of change.

A different kind of furniture dealer.

Founded in 2009, SQUAREONE Interiors is a unique, turn-key design dealership focused on making the office furniture buying and interior design process simple, stress-free and fun! From space planning and interior design to office furniture and finished installation SQUAREONE Interiors specializes in helping companies of all sizes create healthy and productive work environments that have the atmosphere, functionality and personality needed for clients to focus on their business while simultaneously strengthening their company brand and employee morale.

8021 Santa Fe Drive Overland Park, KS 66204

913-747-4669

hello@SQ1INTERIORS.com

SQ1INTERIORS.com

K C E DI T I O N // I T H I N KBIGGER .CO M

5

‘We Wanted to Do More’

All Systems helps schools and houses of worship prepare for dangerous intruders.

A

ll Systems is dedicated to delivering exceptional service because, ultimately, it’s in the business of protecting the health, safety and even the lives of its clients.

The KCK-based company deploys mission-critical technology like fire alarms, video surveillance, public address systems and more in a range of buildings. Its clients include hospitals, schools and universities, factories, corporate buildings and government facilities.

Recent events have led the company to take an even bigger role in helping the community prepare for one of the most frightening threats in modern life.

“All Systems has provided safety and security to schools for over 40 years, but after the tragedy of Sandy Hook, we wanted to do more,” All Systems President Gary Venable Jr.

• Proactive Use of Technology • Practical Scenario Training • Community Resource Assistance • Mass Evacuations • Trauma First Aid • Lesson Preparation Trainees learn more about how active shooter situations typically play out, the pros and cons of proactive vs. passive response strategies—and how ALICE training can help save lives.

Those who attend the training will experience live scenario drills that compare a static vs. active ALICE response.

Even better, ALICE participants will learn strategies and materials they can take back and share in their organizations.

That’s why All Systems decided to partner with the ALICE Training Institute.

The two organizations have teamed up to give local schools and houses of worship the skills and tools they need to manage their worst day.

All Systems hosts two ALICE trainings per year, with 20 to 25 attendees at each session. In an effort to give back to the community, the company provides free tickets to its ALICE training sessions.

Superintendents, school resource officers,principals, teachers, police officers and security advisors have attended All Systems sponsored trainings.

ALICE—which stands for Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter and Evacuate— is a training course for threatening situations. These instructor-led sessions show individuals and organizations how to plan and prepare for proactively dealing with the threat of an aggressive intruder or active shooter.

“Being a local company, we treat every school like our own kids go there because they do,” Venable said. “We do this because we are the experts at school safety and serving our community is an important part of who we as a team are. We know we can’t stop every threat alone, but we are an important part of the right solution.”

moment of decision, the “ Inbestanything you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.

ALICE supplements current “lockdown” or “secure-in-place” procedures that are frequently used in public schools and other institutions. That way, staff members have another way to respond to dangerous situations until police can arrive.

”

“We know our kids are safer because of the critical communication products we provide,” said Holly Grohmann, sales manager at All Systems. “Just recently a superintendent said to me, ‘We have worked with the Department of Homeland Security for our school safety programs in the past. ALICE was that training on steroids.’

“As parents ourselves, we want to keep kids safe. We provide the technology to improve critical communications within the walls of our schools. It’s personal for us to keep kids safe.

Giving schools the critical communication tools to keep our kids safe is satisfying and reassuring all at once.”

Theodore Roosevelt

ALICE’s training program uses a “blended learning” approach that combines e-Learning with an on-site group training session. Topics include: • Policy and Procedures Review • Infrastructure Design 6

KC S MART CO MPANIES TO WATCH // 2 0 1 6 - 2 0 1 7

www.allsystemsonline.com • 913-281-5100

Hungry for Knowledge?

Then you need to register for the next BIG Breakfast. Learn behind-the-scenes stories from business owners featured on the cover of Thinking Bigger Business magazine.

RSVP TODAY AT ITHINKBIGGER.COM | (913) 432-6690 FOR SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

K C E DI T I O N // I T H I N KBIGGER .CO M

7

Join Us! Introducing Brew :30, a quarterly Happy Hour event where you can meet new business owners, make valuable connections and discover some of Kansas City’s local wineries, breweries and distilleries!

Every Brew :30 features a rapid-fire program introducing select “Companies on Tap”— up-and-coming companies that have appeared in the pages of Thinking Bigger Business magazine.

8

R S V P T O D AY AT W W W. I T H I N K B I G G E R . C O M | ( 9 1 3 ) 4 3 2 - 6 6 9 0 F O R S P O N S O R S H I P O P P O R T U N I T I E S KC S MART CO MPANIES TO WATCH // 2 0 1 6 - 2 0 1 7

K C E DI T I O N // I T H I N KBIGGER .CO M

9

Get Smart Lifelong care. People often miss the significance of what these two words mean. The first thing that comes to mind is not likely an infusion company.

Somehow Lisa Sackuvich, founder and president of ARJ Infusion Services, has incorporated what lifelong care looks like and delivered it to thousands of patients over the years.

ARJ provides specialty pharmacy and high-tech nursing care across the nation, delivering in-home infusion therapies for children and adults with chronic, rare, and complex conditions. Our expertise includes bleeding and neurological disorders, immune deficiencies, and gastrointestinal and rheumatologic conditions.

Established more than 16 years ago, Lisa Sackuvich founded ARJ with the idea that children and adults deserve a higher level of infusion care. Her belief is

How a national specialty pharmacy became Kansas City’s Smart Company to Watch. simple—every patient deserves high-touch, personalized care. This approach has allowed Lisa to grow the company and set the bar high—even during shaky economic times and the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare.

more than 300 miles to visit one patient. It’s one way our care team goes out of the way for that one-on-one personal touch.

People

Bigger & Better

Advocating for our patients and providing them a voice is one of our top priorities. One way we do this is through our patient satisfaction program. You have to compare yourself to your competition. We’ve partnered with a national benchmarking company to capture the data.

Lisa started the company out of a small office in the Kansas City area. And while ARJ’s headquarters remain in the Kansas City metropolitan area, we’ve expanded to eight locations across the United States.

For years, our patients have been our biggest supporters. We realized early on that achieving high patient satisfaction scores leads to increased productivity in other areas of our business.

This allows convenient, cost-conscious care to everyone, including individuals in the most remote and underserved rural areas.

The philosphy that patients and their families always come first has allowed us to be recognized in the top 10 percent for patient satisfaction in home infusion care throughout the Midwest.

Today ARJ is one of the fastest growing specialty pharmacy providers in the country, and has received countless recognitions and awards in business and clinical services.

Our nurses travel great distances—sometimes

Community ARJ has a strong belief in social responsibility.

This year we’ve secured more than $1 million in patient assistance and third-party resources.

Being involved in our communities includes supporting nonprofit organizations, sponsoring 5k races, donating to charitable causes, and serving as counselors at camps for adolescents who have hemophilia.

Compassion We strive to provide people with rare disorders the most convenient treatment options available. We want our patients to feel at home and live their best life.

866-451-8804 arjinfusion.com/getsmart

10

KC S MART CO MPANIES TO WATCH // 2 0 1 6 - 2 0 1 7

Business Bits. Growing your business bit by bit.

As an entrepreneur, you’ve done it; sending invoices after the kids are in bed, paying bills on Saturday, putting off creating that contact list because it just takes too much time. But what are the options? Other than the obvious answer of cloning, your options are to hire staff or outsource work. Depending on where your company is in its growth, this can be a tough decision. Hiring staff means you have enough work that you’ve been doing in your own spare time to fill someone else’s day for 20, 30 or 40 hours each week. But if you have less than 20 hours a week of work, outsourcing can be a very viable option.

Business Bits provides outsourced back office staff to support your growth, bit by bit and at bite sized rates. Employing user-friendly office tools such as QuickBooks and SharePoint, Business Bits can help you manage your growth in an accessible environment, where you are not limited by office hours. Pick one bit or two, pay by the hour, and grow your business bit by bit.

SERVICES OFFERED: ACCOUNTING BITS Detailed entry of information, job costing and specialty reporting. u Accounts Payable u Accounts Receivable u Payroll Time Entry u Bank Account Reconciliation u Credit Card Reconciliation u Certified Payroll Reporting

ADMINISTRATIVE BITS Schedule meetings, clean up email, manage contacts, data entry and more.

HUMAN RESOURCE BITS Set up new employees in QuickBooks and put together new hire packets.

And there’s a few things that Business Bits won’t do, because we’re not experts in everything.

We won’t sign your checks. But we will print them, match up the invoices, and get them ready for you to sign. We won’t submit your payroll for processing or file payroll tax payments and reports.

But we will do your time entry and generate reports for you to review before you process the payroll. We won’t do your taxes. But we will work with your tax accountant and help them with information and data.

Call or email Business Bits today to schedule your bits of business!

913.579.3603 or info@mybusinessbits.com K C E DI T I O N // I T H I N KBIGGER .CO M

11

dream We’ll provide the tools, strategies

BIG

and connections so you can make your dreams come true.

12

TO L E ARN M O RE TO DAY, PLEASE CALL (913) 432- 6 6 9 0 O R V I SI T WWW.I TH I N KB I GGER .C O M KC S MART CO MPANIES TO WATCH // 2 0 1 6 - 2 0 1 7

Grow Faster with EAG Advertising & Marketing Every business owner has an aspiration to be bigger – an insatiable appetite for growth. To climb the ladder, accomplish more, see more digits on the bottom line and never look back.

But it’s hard. Really hard.

Today’s sophisticated marketing requires an integrated strategy. And with the same budget as last year. That’s where we come in as Kansas City’s only agency operating like a complete marketing department for your growing business.

Grow faster, under control and with a purpose.

BRANDING • DIGITAL • DESIGN • MIRACLES Learn more at www.SmallBusinessMiracles.com

14

KC S MART CO MPANIES TO WATCH // 2 0 1 6 - 2 0 1 7

James Freese, CEO www.energycopartners.com 816-945-2130

EnergyCo Partners Can Help You Save Money on Electricity

E

nergyCo Partners is an energy service company that specializes in finding energy-saving solutions that also save money for clients.

CUSTOMIZED SOLUTIONS The company offers affordable, customized energy solutions—according to clients’ needs. Prior to recommending any solution, EnergyCo Partners conducts an audit of the overall energy needs of a residential or commercial installation.

STEP 1 BENCHMARK your energy use

STEP 4

STEP 2

Share your successes and REPEAT for continuous improvement

Perform an energy AUDIT

WHAT IS AN ENERGY AUDIT? The energy audit is the first step to evaluating a facility’s performance. In the past, many companies have considered utilities “a cost of doing business.” By running an inefficient building, you are overpaying your utility for energy.

A good building energy audit points out how to reduce your energy costs.

The typical findings of an audit are related to:

1. Temperature Settings 2. Unoccupied Cycles & Set Points 3. Lighting & Lighting Control 4. Energy Management Systems

STEP 3 IMPLEMENT audit recommendations

tion and expenses—and then works with you to implement the plan.

We supply and install LEDs, Solar, Energy Storage, HVAC, lighting controls and much more. Our strong partnerships and our relentless focus on our customers are what drive us daily.

5. Air Flow

CONTACT US TODAY!

6. Exhaust Systems

Contact us before beginning new construction, remodeling, or purchasing an existing building. EnergyCo Partners will assist your efforts to increase your cash flow while helping the environment. Our desire to discover savings includes equipment and technology upgrades, rebate management, as well as performing utility and telecom audits. We promote a share savings program that leads to an additional avenue for more savings. Many energy audit companies simply do not have the proper training and expertise along with the equipment needed to properly diagnose the structure as a whole system—but we do!

7. HVAC Equipment Replacement 8. Demand Management 9. Maintenance Practices 10. Staff Participation

NEXT STEPS: PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION When the assessment is complete, EnergyCo Partners creates an Energy Plan designed to provide cost-effective energy management strategies that reduce energy consump-

K C E DI T I O N // I T H I N KBIGGER .CO M

15

Does Your Supply Chain Need Improving?

Leave it to the pros at Freedom Transportation: Set It and Forget It

Dedicated Freight and On-Time Deliveries with the Largest Shippers in the Area 26-Foot Box Trucks/Semi Trucks Veteran-Approved Hiring through KANSAS WORKS Contact Dan at 913-999-2387

ASC Logistics Company Kansas City’s hidden gem in the commercial transportation industry!

Sharon Auck Sharon@freshapproach.solutions www.freshapproach.solutions • 913-707-5500

A Fresh Approach to Cleaning

A

s a business owner, you’ve got more than enough on your to-do list. Fresh Approach owner Sharon Auck believes that you shouldn’t have to worry about keeping your building clean, too.

Fresh Approach provides a trusted resource utilizing our innovative staff to create a healthy environment for members of our communities.

She said Fresh Approach’s goal as a company is to provide the highest level of service tailored to meet each client’s needs and budget. “Our philosophy has never been to be involved in the proverbial revolving-door mentality. We truly want to partner with our clients to be more successful. We are here to stay,” she said.

To ensure that custom and quality service, Sharon hires loyal and innovative people who constantly strive to perform their duties more effectively.

All Fresh Approach employees are trained in the company’s own quality process. In addition to the training, Fresh Approach takes the time to assess each employee’s personal strengths to ensure they place the right people on the right job.

Commercial Cleaning Services Fresh Approach can provide standard janitorial and cleaning services on a daily basis, or as needed. Among the services Fresh Approach provides are: • Cleaning fingerprints from glass doors • Dusting desks • Removing trash • Sweeping • Mopping • Vacuuming • Blind dusting • Replacement of soap • Refrigerator cleaning • Inventory control • Quality assurance and control . . . and much more.

If you’re looking for more heavy-duty services, Fresh Approach can provide the following:

• Blind cleaning—ensures blinds stay dust-free longer • Power washing—parking lots, exteriors and other surfaces • Office building window washing— commercial window washing services for buildings up to 44 stories tall • Residential window washing— spot-free inside and out

• Carpet cleaning—using steam extraction • Floor restoration—strip and apply new wax to tile floors

“ We’ve had excellent results with Fresh Approach Cleaning

Professionals LLC for the past three years. Sharon is exceptionally responsive and has provided a crew that has been outstanding.

Jim C., 2016

”

K C E DI T I O N // I T H I N KBIGGER .CO M

17

Terry Amerine and Erich Amerine Green Home Solutions of Kansas City LLC www.ghsofkc.com 913-909-3582

Mold and Odor Control . . . Naturally!

G

reen Home Solutions of Kansas City is a family-owned professional mold remediation service company that uses natural products to improve the quality of air inside homes and offices.

Managing Partner Terry Amerine notes that as homes and offices have become increasingly energy efficient, indoor air quality is of greater importance. “Our commitment and passion is to ensure that we provide our customers with the healthiest indoor air quality possible.

Many times the cause of lingering health and respiratory issues is inside the home rather than outside of it,” he said.

LESS INTRUSIVE AND SAFER The most common airborne issue the company handles is mold. But unlike some mold remediation products, the natural, plant and enzyme-based products that Green Home Solutions uses are not harmful to children or pets. Green Home Solutions’ ingredients are safe when used according to their methods.

The biggest differentiation between Green Home Solutions and traditional mold remediators is the product and the non-demolition technique that is used.

“The combination of our proprietary EPA-registered enzyme-based products and application processes enables us to preserve more of the building materials while eradicating the airborne spores and hidden mold in a building. The result is a return to a healthy indoor air environ18

KC S MART CO MPANIES TO WATCH // 2 0 1 6 - 2 0 1 7

ment at a substantially lower cost. Many of our treatments are completed the same day, allowing the homeowner to return that evening,” Amerine said.

The product not only kills mold and bacteria, but also goes a step further and breaks down the allergenic protein components of the spore. Proteins are strings of amino acids held together by a peptide bond. By breaking the peptide bond, all that is left is harmless amino acids. No protein equals no allergen. The application method is a very fine mist, safe for virtually any surface or material, allowing the product to reach areas that conventional remediators cannot. This procedure not only takes care of the mold that can be seen, but more importantly, the mold you may be breathing.

When you work with Green Home Solutions, we follow a three-step process:

1.

First, we do initial air quality tests to determine the extent and existence of an issue.

2.

Second, if a mold issue is found, Green Home Solutions provides a custom quote for treatment, typically without demolition and reconstruction.

3.

Finally, after treating, we schedule an independent third-party to test the air quality to confirm that the indoor air quality in the customer’s home or office has been returned to a healthy state.

SURFACES AND SPACES TREATED We can treat a variety of surfaces and spaces, including: • Residential homes • Office and business spaces • Residential and commercial real estate • Marinas and boats • RVs/Campers • Hotel rooms • Cottages, lake and beach houses, and other vacation homes

Supporting the Community Environment, Too Green Home Solutions is committed to our customers and our local community. We donate 10 percent of our annual net income to local charities.

The company also strives to use only products made in the United States.

Green Home Solutions.

We’re Here to Help!

Hitch Fit Gym & Hitch Fit Online Personal Training www.HitchFit.com • www.HitchFitGym.com • 816-753-8900

ADDICTED TO TRANSFORMATION

A

ddicting. That’s the best word to describe the feeling you experience when you help someone change their body and life in a positive way. Hitch Fit co-founders and co-owners Micah and Diana LaCerte thrive on that feeling.

It’s the reason the Hitch Fit business model is laser focused on transformation. It’s the reason you will see hundreds of “before” and “after” pictures of clients lining the walls at the Hitch Fit Gym locations in Kansas City & Overland Park, and read their inspiring stories on the Hitch Fit websites.

“Our goal, our passion, is to help people become the best version of themselves,” said Micah. “Many people come to Hitch Fit because they have seen a transformation picture, or they have a friend who went through our system. Initially they want a physical result, but the most important part of Hitch Fit is how this process changes them on the inside— mentally, emotionally and even spiritually.

The change in their physical body ends up being the icing on the cake.”

Entrepreneurs: Micah & Diana LaCerte Type of Business: One on one personal training & online personal training Company Information: • Hitch Fit Gym 3036 Gillham Rd. Kansas City, MO 64108

• Hitch Fit Gym Overland Park 7431 W. 91st St. Overland Park, KS 66212

Transformer Profiles: www.HitchFitGym.com Customized Online Personal Training: www.HitchFit.com

How We Started Micah and Diana launched Hitch Fit (both the online personal training and one-onone services) in 2009, in the heart of a recession, with a big dream and a shoestring budget. Diligence was the key to developing a new business model and strategic plan within the fitness industry.

People and passion first. Money and sales second.

The online personal training has spread to 71 countries. The second gym location in Overland Park was opened in 2014.

They now have a team of 20 “Transformation” Trainers between the two locations, and have aided clients in shedding over 250,000 pounds of fat globally. Hitch Fit works with clients of all ages, fitness levels, fitness goals, and those who have hectic travel or business schedules.

“The goal was to create something different. A system where the client and their progress were the focus, not how many sessions we could sell or how long we could retain an individual,” Diana said.

Phone: 816-753-8900 Email: Diana.Chaloux@yahoo.com or MicahLaCerte@gmail.com

• Team of 20 Transformation • • • •

Personal Trainers “Transformers” No Gym Membership Fees 12 & 16 Week Transformation Programs Stay Fit Maintenance Programs 60 & 30 minute sessions available

Keys to Success: Believe—Transform—Inspire Class of 2012

Photo courtesy of Steven Smith

“We want clients to Believe in themselves, teach them how to Transform through proper nutrition, exercise and healthy sustainable life-style changes, and then encourage them to go out and Inspire the people in their lives to make positive changes too.”

Hitch Fit BIZ Fit— Connecting with Kansas City Businesses

I

n 2014 Hitch Fit launched a new complimentary program called BIZ Fit in an effort to work with area businesses towards creating a healthier community, and providing options for employees who are looking to make health and fitness improvements.

“Transformation is a personal thing. I’ve never had a client who wanted to lose weight or improve their health because it would boost the bottom line of their employer,” said Diana. “BIZ Fit is our way of getting companies and their employees connected with a far more personal approach to healthy lifestyle change.”

BIZ Fit options include on-site location visits, discounted training rates for both online & one-on-one services. Contact Hitch Fit to discuss the needs of your business if you would like your company to be involved.

K C E DI T I O N // I T H I N KBIGGER .CO M

19

3359 Brinkerhoff Road, Kansas City, KS 66115 www.ixtkc.com • 913-621-1525

Customer Focus Drives IXT Growth

S

ince its launch in 1993 as a certified woman-owned trucking company that provides international drayage services, International Express Trucking (IXT) has experienced double-digit growth year over year. Founder Karen Duff puts customer satisfaction at the top of the list when discussing the keys to the company’s success.

Not one to simply talk about doing something, Duff’s goal has been to demonstrate the company’s commitment to and care for customers. IXT does that through attention to detail and by providing quality, dependable service tailored for each client. The effort has produced a 99.5 percent customer retention rate.

“Above all, we remember that our own growth depends on that of our customers ... if we can help our customers grow through better services and rates, we will also grow,” Duff said. “We aren’t satisfied until our customers are satisfied.”

SERVICES Located in the Fairfax District in Kansas City, Kan., IXT provides intermodal drayage services throughout the Midwest. Their specialty is transporting goods over a short distance that is part of a longer transport.

One way to think of it is, in the relay race of getting the product from the manufacturer to the customer, IXT handles one leg of the race—from the rail to the customer.

The company is fully insured and has won numerous road and workplace safety awards.

Duff noted that technology has also played a key role in the growth of IXT. The company uses a web-based customer portal to ensure shipment visibility and transparency around the clock.

Complementing IXT’s drayage services, IXT has recently purchased National Permit 20

KC S MART CO MPANIES TO WATCH // 2 0 1 6 - 2 0 1 7

Services (NPS), which provides customers that haul overweight and oversize loads expedited permit services—permits in minutes vs. hours. Coupled with IXT’s technological excellence and business processes, Duff states, “time is money to the trucker, and we are excited about the opportunity that NPS brings to IXT. This is another way for IXT to deliver excellence to a broader range of customers within the trucking industry.”

PRINCIPLES FOR SUCCESS As services are delivered, IXT associates are guided by six principles of success that support company values every step of the way. The six C’s that the company has built its reputation and success on are:

Karen Duff, President & CEO

5. Consistency—Provide reliable service, with zero interruptions to the customer’s flow of business.

6. Cost—Deliver cost effective services with maximum quality and ROI for our customers.

Abiding by these core values has not only resulted in increased revenues and high customer retention, it has earned IXT a long list of industry and business awards, including the Kansas Department of Commerce’s 2015 and 2016 Kansas Minority Enterprise Development Business of the Year and several safety awards.

1. Customer Focus—Anticipate needs and enable our customer’s ability to achieve business objectives.

2. Communication—Be 100% accessible, responsive and respectful every time.

3. Convenience—Provide service and support for our customers and theirs.

4. Competency—Strive to performance levels never below 100% satisfaction.

Services that IXT provides: • • • • • • • •

Pick-up and Delivery Container Drayage Customer Service MWCP Chassis Pool Depot US Customs Bonded Carrier US Customs Courier Service US Customs Bonded Facility Truck Brokerage Services

• Driver Lease-to-Own Program • Storage and Distribution • Overweight and Over-dimensional Permit Services

• Full Diesel Maintenance and Repair • Gated, Secure Lot with Camera Surveillance –

Parking, Container, Chassis and Trailer Storage

• Additional Special Projects as Requested

1-888-888-ROOF www.jrroofinginc.com

JR & Co. Roofing Contractors Protecting What Matters Most

Commercial | Residential | Repair/Maintenance | Disaster Relief

Our Story There are a lot of roofing contractors in Kansas City, but not many that have lasted 30+ years. Finding the right company to work on your roof is extremely important, because you’re not just buying a roof, you’re buying protection for what’s under it.

J.R. & Co. has protected everything from Bartle Hall to Hallbrook. Big houses to play houses. Commercial, residential, multi-family and more. Serious experience and a reputation for quality that you’d expect from a 30+ year old home-grown and family-owned company.

Free Roof Inspection and Estimates

kc

Official Roof Repair/Maintenance Contractor for KCMO Certified on all Major Roofing Systems

Industry Leading Safety Rating

1-888-888-ROOF www.jrroofinginc.com K C E DI T I O N // I T H I N KBIGGER .CO M

21

www.themindlift.com • info@themindlift.com • 1-424-256-5226

M

indLift is an Overland Park consulting firm that helps midsize and large enterprises adopt innovative and advanced techbased solutions to solve real business problems.

We accelerate business value for our clients and drive strategic, insightdriven change. We augment our client’s existing solutions with leading technology to improve customer experience and increase brand loyalty. Happy customers mean loyal customers, which means healthier financial results. Our clients include Coca-Cola, Dell and other major corporations.

The name MindLift sums up what the company does: Whatever’s weighing on a client’s mind, we help shoulder

“

that burden. MindLift will investigate a problem and find advanced techbased solutions to surgically improve the client company’s effectiveness and results. We like to think of ourselves as contributors who supercharge our client’s team.

One of our favorite tools is Splunk, a solution that makes Big Data meaningful and a leading platform for Operational Intelligence. We use Splunk to stitch and monitor transactions between existing and new applications.

We are also introducing innovation from around the globe to our clients, including a natural language search, speech and text analytics pioneer from Europe.

What makes MindLift an incredible partner is not only what they do, but how they do it for us. I think of them as an extension of my leadership team. ”

Privately Owned, Former Fortune 100 Company

EXAMPLE PROJECTS • MindLift developed Omnichannel Customer Experience strategy and partnered with client’s business and IT teams through its adoption.

• MindLift led client teams in development of an actionable Identity & Access Management roadmap and managed the transformation with the use of cloud across the globe.

• MindLift architected Splunk solutions to harness the unstructured data for IT operations, developed standard and custom apps for business operations, and provided on-demand Tier 2/3 support to care for the lifecycle management activities needed by the platform.

22

KC S MART CO MPANIES TO WATCH // 2 0 1 6 - 2 0 1 7

Photo by Danny Iskak Photography

ENTREPRENEURS Erlinda Tjhai-Aydulun and Kaan Aydulun COMPANY INFORMATION

• MindLift

8400 W. 110th St., Ste. 220 Overland Park, KS 66210 1-424-256-5226 www.themindlift.com info@themindlift.com

TYPE OF BUSINESS Management and Enterprise IT Consulting SERVICES Omnichannel Customer Experience Operations Intelligence Security Intelligence Identity & Access Management

• • • •

DIVERSITY CERTIFICATIONS WBENC, NMSDC, USPAACC and CPUC AWARDS

• 2016 “Entrepreneur of the Year” Award •

•

by the Asian American Chamber of Commerce of KC 2015 “Professional Services Firm of the Year” Award by the State of Kansas Department of Commerce for MinorityOwned Business 2015 Splunk Partner Advisory Board Member

Words Make All the Difference®

L

aura Schmidt’s positive attitude is obvious the minute you meet the bubbly entrepreneur from Prairie Village, Kansas—even if you don’t get to see the happy words that appear on the toes and soles of her socks.

Schmidt is the inventor of notes to self® socks, which sport such sanguine phrases as “I am confident”®, “I am awesome”® and “I am courageous”®, and are available at more than 1,800 retail stores across the country and at notestoself.com.

The idea of optimistic socks occurred to Schmidt on New Year’s Day 2011, during a road trip with her husband and three children.

“I had my feet up on the dashboard, my shoes off and just socks on, and I was reading a book about positive thinking,” Schmidt recalled. “And it said that a really good time to say affirmations was first thing in the morning and last thing at night … because the subconscious mind is most open when you’re just starting your day or just winding down.

“So I thought, ‘What if I put the positive affirmations on the toes of socks?’ Then, at least twice a day, you’d be training your mind without even trying.”

In late 2011, Schmidt called on an independently owned Hallmark store that agreed to carry notes to self® socks in two of its locations. From there, she was able to place the product into a large network of independent Hallmark stores, along with many other retailers, including hospital gift shops.

“The stories are so meaningful to me,” Schmidt said. “Women have sent me pictures of themselves during chemotherapy with the ‘I am strong’ socks on.”

In a January 2013 plug on NBC’s “The Today Show,” the show’s style editor, Bobbie Thomas, bestowed her approval.

In February 2014, notes to self, llc was one of eight businesses recognized by the Kansas Small Business Development Center as an Emerging Business of the Year.

An important part of Schmidt’s mission is to share positive messages with the under-

Laura Schmidt

Chief Positive Person Photo courtesy of Don Delphia

privileged, so socks are regularly donated to homeless shelters, women’s shelters and other people in need. Schmidt is very excited about sharing the positive messages with the world as her company grows. She recently became a mentee in the Helzberg Entrepreneurial Mentoring Program (HEMP) and has already learned so much through that program.

notestoself.com

Schmidt’s advice to other entrepreneurs?

“It’s important to really just believe in yourself and have the courage to put one foot in front of the other and keep exploring possibilities,” she said. “I could never have imagined this success. I just thought it was a good idea, and I wanted to share it with the world.”

K C E DI T I O N // I T H I N KBIGGER .CO M

23

24

KC S MART CO MPANIES TO WATCH // 2 0 1 6 - 2 0 1 7

Disaster is Unpredictable—

Our Service is Not! Photo Courtesy of Julie Danelle

Sage Restoration works with all insurance carriers and has the experience and technology to restore your property.

WATER REMEDIATION • • • • •

Emergency Water Extraction Mold & Mildew Ordor Removal & Containment Drying & Dehumidfication Carpet & Carpet Pad Restoration Pack-out Services & Content Cleaning

MOLD REMEDIATION, INSPECTION & TESTING • • • •

Professional Drying & Dehumidification Full Mold Remediation Cleaning & Sanitation of Structure & Contents Air Duct Cleaning

• Pack-outs, Content Cleaning & Storage • Board-up Service • Air Duct Cleaning

BIOHAZARD SERVICES We also offer specialty cleaning services that include: • Blood & Body Fluid Remediation • Hoarder & Gross Filth Cleanup • Sewage Cleanup & Sanitation • Deodorization & Odor Control

“ We help people. We are in the business of

FIRE, SMOKE & ODOR REMEDIATION

helping people with their properties. We go

• Full Service Fire & Smoke Restoration • Smoke & Odor Removal & Sanitation of Structure & Contents

time to talk to the homeowners.”

in, and act as a guest in your home. We take Stephanie Sage Founder

Glad They Called Sage!

913-905-0500 | sagerestorationkc.com K C E DI T I O N // I T H I N KBIGGER .CO M

25

26

KC S MART CO MPANIES TO WATCH // 2 0 1 6 - 2 0 1 7

Rick Nash and Andrew Hsu, Managing Partners 510 Walnut, Suite 100 • Kansas City, MO 64106 www.spotlightar.com

ANALYSTS MATTER! What do you do when you lose a $15 million deal?

You start your own company.

T

hat’s exactly what Rick Nash and Andrew Hsu did in 2012. They were colleagues at a larger firm back then, and after spending considerable time and effort on a deal, they ultimately lost it because their company didn’t have the recognition of industry analysts.

In search of a partner to help change that, Nash and Hsu uncovered an opportunity— they couldn’t find a firm that tackles AR the way they felt it should. So, they co-founded their own firm, Spotlight, to build a better solution for analyst relations.

Spotlight connects innovative digital agencies and technology vendors with influential industry analysts to create meaningful, mutually beneficial relationships. Much like an agent helping a talented actor get his or her big break, Spotlight provides an exclusive service that helps its clients communicate their worth to related and respected analysts who report on and recommend the top organizations in their given niche.

In a nutshell, Spotlight helps companies build credibility with industry influencers like Gartner, IDC, and Forrester. That’s important because analysts serve as validators for a company’s product or service, influencing both market opinion and buying decisions.

WORK HARD, PLAY HARD Nash and Hsu are always looking for sharp, fun, passionate and digitally savvy people to join the Spotlight team. But they learned early on that they would have to do it differently. One of the challenges of owning a firm that operates within such a narrow niche is finding qualified people.

Photos courtesy of Joe Jimenez, Hermanos Design

“In essence, we invented a new market, so there aren’t analyst relations professionals out there that we can go hire. Unlike PR,

where you can go hire PR professionals, we just don’t have that luxury in our world, so it’s more important that we hire for great, bright people who are full of potential. Then we teach them the business,” said Nash.

The company culture is built around the Latvian word “kavorka.” It means having an aura that naturally attracts people.

Nash says, “Not only do we have remarkable, top performers who are dedicated to their craft and excel at what they do, we’ve hired a group of people who have fun working together, too. Business is hard, so being able to work alongside people you can laugh with and still get stuff done, I think that’s pretty unique in our industry.”

Nash and Hsu work to create an environment that is supportive, fun and encourages high performance. They strive to give each Spotlighter, as company associates are called, “their own runway to build and grow.” In other words, freedom to shape their careers.

Spotlighters own their relationships with clients. They are directly responsible for outcomes, but they are also rewarded for success.

REMARKABLE OUTCOMES “Through effort and methodology intensely focused on the needs of our clients and analysts alike, we’ve been able to achieve remarkable outcomes for our clients in a very short period of time,” Nash said.

This strategy has helped Spotlight overcome “coastal bias” to make Kansas City a beacon for high-tech firms that need expert promotion of their technology and services, which include mobile, eCommerce and digital marketing.

Spotlight’s early growth beyond its midwest roots isn’t lost on Nash: “Who would have thought that a cool little shop in Kansas City would be the catalyst behind the success of large Fortune 100 companies and the rise of pre-IPO companies struggling to get noticed?”

L E A P B O L D LY

Playing it safe never leads to success. If you want to be successful you have to take chances. Scary chances.

Crap-your-pants chances.

You can’t wade into opportunity.

You have to leap boldly. springboardcreative.biz

28

KC S MART CO MPANIES TO WATCH // 2 0 1 6 - 2 0 1 7

CREATING HIGH PERFORMANCE BUILDINGS THROUGH COMMISSIONING

SYS-TEK.COM

OUR CREDENTIALS CANNOT BE MATCHED

DOWNLOAD OUR FREE E-BOOK

• ANSI ACCREDITED BCA CERTIFIED

• CERTIFIED WONDERWARE DEVELOPER

• ASHRAE CERTIFIED

• EXISTING BUILDING COMMISSIONING

• BCA CERTIFIED COMMISSIONING FIRM (CCF)

• LEED AP

• BCAX CERTIFIED

• NEBB CERTIFIED TAB + COMMISSIONING

• CERTIFIED COMMISSIONING PROFESSIONALS (CCP)

• NEW BUILDING COMMISSIONING

• CERTIFIED LONWORKS INTEGRATOR

• REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS • TRIDIUM NIAGARA AXTCP + DEVELOPER CERTIFIED

KANSAS CITY 2801 NW STATE ROUTE 7, BLUE SPRINGS, MO 64014 • T 816.229.9009 HOUSTON 404 NEWPORT BLVD, LEAGUE CITY, TX 77573 • T 713.225.9009

30

KC S MART CO MPANIES TO WATCH // 2 0 1 6 - 2 0 1 7

K C E DI T I O N // I T H I N KBIGGER .CO M

31

32

KC S MART CO MPANIES TO WATCH // 2 0 1 6 - 2 0 1 7