TK Business Magazine Fall 2017

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Weekends: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

4505 N.W. Fielding Road Monday-Friday: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Weekends: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

1130 N. Kansas Ave. Monday-Friday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Closed weekends 6725 S.W. 29th St. Monday-Friday: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Weekends: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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CONTENTS FEATURES

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PG.

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A summary of potential actions established for the five pillars identified in the comprehensive Momentum 2022 initiative.

TFMComm has been providing two-way radio communication services for 70 years.

MOMENTUM 2022

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FOOD TRUCKS

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

How Topeka is working together to build and maintain a well-trained workforce.

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Local food blogger gets the inside scoop on mobile restaurants.

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PG.

HEART OF THE ENTREPRENEUR

Kelly Dempewolf shares the story behind the sweet success of Shana Cake.

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PG.

PG.

PG.

OLD SCHOOL TECHNOLOGY

HOBBY TO BUSINESS

Austin Wright used the adrenaline rush of drone racing to turn a hobby into a viable business.

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PG.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

PG.

VET-PRENEURS

Local business owners use the lessons they have learned in military service to strengthen their entrepreneurship.

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Dr. David Price discusses the role of entrepreneurship in business and its relationship with innovation and creativity in this four-part series.

IN SEARCH OF EVENT VENUES

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

Local businesses offer ideal event spaces for all types of gatherings.

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PG.

PG.

• TIBA Golf Tournament • Tap That Topeka • Evel Knievel Museum Grand Opening • Jayhawk Area Council Boy Scouts of America Distinguished Citizen Dinner

TK BUSINESS EXPERTS

COVER PHOTO

VET-PRENEURS

Chris and Kim Turner, Governor's Row House Jon Bohlander, The Wheel Barrel; Jennifer Bohlander, Matryoshka Tattoo Cody and Hannah Rhinehart, Lionheart Athletic Performance & Fitness

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PG.

MELISSA JARBOE

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PG.

MONIQUE PITTMAN-LUI

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PG.

MATT DEUTSCH

SUNDAYS 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM

@TKBusinessMag

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@TK...Topeka's Business Magazine

TK Business Magazine

@TK Business

WIBW 580 AM

Hosted by Tara Dimick, Owner & Publisher of TK Business Magazine

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SATELLITE OFFICES Convenient locations all across N.E. Kansas

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CHECK OUT

magazine.com Check out TKMagazine.com to get expert business advice and up-to-date information on business in Topeka. Send your news releases to braden@tkmagazine.com.

BUSINESS NEWS

BUSINESS GROWTH

MEET JOHN O’LEARY, #1 NATIONAL BESTSELLING AUTHOR AND SPEAKER, when he presents “Are You Ready to Live On Fire?” at Topeka Collegiate School on October 10, 2017. Tickets are available by navigating to Topeka Collegiate’s website.

CORY PROEHL, PGA, HEAD GOLF PROFESSIONAL AT THE TOPEKA COUNTRY CLUB will be serving as the new Flint Hills Director on the Midwest Section PGA Board. Cory will be responsible for all operations of the Flint Hills Chapter.

MARKETING:

THE CUSTOMER JOURNEY STARTS WITH YOUR EMPLOYEE JOURNEY Martha Bartlett Piland MB Piland Advertising + Marketing LEADERSHIP:

WHO IS WINNING THE RACE Doug Sterbenz Present to Win Leaders TECHNOLOGY:

HUMAN BEHAVIOR CAN BE THE WEAK LINK IN YOUR CYBERSECURITY Irene Haws Dynamic Computer Solutions of Topeka, Inc.

A NEW PEDEGO® ELECTRIC BIKES STORE HAS OPENED in Topeka adding momentum to the cycling revolution that has taken over the town.

WORKING CAPITAL is about local and regional businesses within the KTWU viewing area. WORKING CAPITAL showcases entrepreneurship and provides an atmosphere for sharing business concepts and practical business experiences.

Tune in to KTWU-HD, Digital Channel 11.1.

SUNDAYS 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM

WIBW 580 AM

Hosted by Tara Dimick, Owner & Publisher of TK Business Magazine

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PUBLISHER Tara Dimick

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Lisa Loewen

CREATIVE DIRECTOR & DESIGNER Janet Faust MANAGING PARTNER & SALES DIRECTOR Braden Dimick braden@tkmagazine.com 785.438.7773 ASSISTANT EDITOR Lyndie Copeland COVER PHOTOGRAPHER Rachel Lock CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Ryan Cavanaugh Adam Cole Create/Uplift Braden Dimick Jared Hitchens Keith Horinek Jennifer Kirmse Rachel Lock Megan Rogers CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kim Gronniger Lisa Loewen Tricia Peterson Karen Ridder Jamie Slack Kathy Webber CONTRIBUTING EXPERTS Matt Deutsch Melissa Jarboe Monique Pittman-Lui Dr. David Price

PUBLISHING COMPANY E2 Communications 7512 SW Falcon St. Topeka, KS 66610 785.438.7773

FOUNDER ǀ Kevin Doel

tkmagazine.com 2017 TK 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 therein. 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 company. 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.

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FROM THE PUBLISHER

SQUIRRELS

Tara Dimick Tara@TKMagazine.com

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O

NE OF MY FAVORITE movies of all time is the 2009 Pixar film, “Up.” Not because of its beautiful storyline but rather because I felt this inner connection with the dog in the movie.

Yes, the dog.

He was a loyal and loving companion that was focused intently on what was most important—until he would see a squirrel. Then all was forgotten and his entire focus shifted to the squirrel.

Squirrels are everywhere, from the fires you spend your day putting out rather than focusing on the most critical work for your company to the simple donut that sidetracks you from following your diet. We tend to gravitate to the “squirrels” when the going gets tough. These squirrels are busy work that makes us feel like we are accomplishing something, but they don’t change the game, help us make real progress or achieve the goals we have made for our company or ourselves.

What are your squirrels? Busy work? Shiny objects? Donuts? (Yes, I do happen to like donuts.)

What are your squirrels keeping you from accomplishing?

What could you do, right now, to grow your business or improve your life?

Maybe it is time to see what we can accomplish if we just ignore the squirrels.

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WWW.SSCCPAS.COM | 785-272-4484

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TOPEKA/SHAWNEE COUNTY

THE 5 PILLARS OF

MOMENTUM 2022 DEVELOP HOMEGROWN TALENT

CREATE VIBRANT AND ATTRACTIVE PLACES

Research, public input, and a diverse steering committee led to the determination of a strategic framework that organizes the range of efforts and initiatives that Topeka/Shawnee County will advance in the coming years to become a more prosperous and successful place. The project is being funded by the Topeka Community Foundation, GO Topeka, Heartland Visioning, Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library, and United Way of Greater Topeka.

GROW A DIVERSE ECONOMY

PROMOTE A POSITIVE IMAGE

COLLABORATE FOR A STRONG COMMUNITY

Align the "Talent Pipeline"

Optimize Tools and Programs to Improve Quality of Place

Enhance the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

Align Marketing Messages to Boost Efficiency and Impact

Foster and Promote a Diverse and Inclusive TopekaShawnee County

Ensure That All Children are Ready for Kindergarten

Develop a Dynamic Regional Core

Maintain a Best-Practice Economic Development Program

Project a Positive Image to Residents and Outside Talent

Encourage Healthy, Safe, and Engaged Communities

Prepare Students for College and Careers

Invest in Infrastructure that Promotes Quality of Place

Pursue Policies that Support Holistic Economic Development

Expand Continuing Education for Adults The entire plan is available at topekashawneecountystrategy.com

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www.bartwest.com TK Business Magazine

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HOT TOPIC WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

DEVELOPMENT A well-trained workforce is essential to creating a vibrant community with payoffs that extend far beyond paychecks.

Workforce development not only elevates business productivity and efficiency but also impacts philanthropy, community affinity and activism, and quality of life endeavors that promote entrepreneurship and cultural enrichment. Find out how Topeka companies, nonprofit organizations and schools are collaborating to make the capital city an even more rewarding place to pursue a profession now and into the future.

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By KIM GRONNIGER

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E xperi ence the Tra di tion

TO

.

P E K A C.C

The Topeka Country Club

EST. 1905

membership - golf - tennis - swim - dining

The Topeka Country Club is in the midst of multi-million dollar clubhouse expansion and renovation. Soon, members of all ages will enjoy spectacular new amenities, including: • • •

Now Offerin

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Dining Membe rships

A state-of-the-art fitness center with group exercise classrooms A beautiful resort-style pool complex complete with a kids splash pad, a zero edge entry main pool, a lap pool, pool-side pavilion/stage and patio cabanas Plus, new indoor and outdoor dining options for both casual and elegant gatherings

These new amenities are in addition to The Topeka Country Club’s award-winning 18-hole golf course, impressive seven-court indoor/outdoor tennis facility and exciting social calendar.

Multiple membership options are available to fit your busy lifestyle. Learn more by visiting www.topekacc.org!

w w w. topeka cc. org

Contact Gina Patterson at (785) 354-8561 or gpatterson@topekacc.org for more information.

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INTEGRATING A QUALIFIED WORKFORCE WITH QUALITY OF LIFE Matt Pivarnik, president and chief executive officer of the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce and GO Topeka, believes that creating a well-trained workforce depends not only on skills acquired on the job, but also on recreational and cultural opportunities available after hours.

“It used to be that someone would graduate from college and move to a community to take a job, but now it’s more likely that younger workers, especially, will choose where they want to live and then find a job,” he says. “The focus now is on quality of place.”

Pivarnik praises Topeka and “It used to be that someone would Shawnee County’s educational graduate from college and move to pipeline with its awarda community to take a job, but now winning programs for early it’s more likely that younger workers, childhood initiatives through especially, will choose where they want post-secondary education to live and then find a job. The focus opportunities available from now is on quality of place.”

—Matt Pivarnik area colleges and universities.

“Education is a driving President and Chief Executive Officer factor in workforce development Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce and corporate competitiveness,” and GO Topeka he says. “We’re not looking at our third graders as dollar signs, but they will be the people who will eventually run our cities, county and country, and we need to make sure they are prepared.”

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GO Topeka offers several programs, such as “Manufacturers in the Classroom,” to acquaint Shawnee County high school students with career paths in stateof-the-art, high-tech manufacturing and distribution facilities. In addition, “Bring Your ‘A’ Game to Work,” a workethic curriculum program, provides school districts with work skills training that underscores the importance of appreciation, attitude, attendance, appearance, ambition, accountability and acceptance on the job regardless of industry.

The presentations share information about desired work skills and certification programs that can allow high school graduates to find fulfilling, well-paying positions with potential to pursue degrees through tuition assistance programs. In 2016, eight sessions reached 950 students.

Targeted to open in 2018 and operated through the Washburn Institute of Technology, the East Topeka Learning Center, 2014 SE Washington St., will offer a variety of programs to help students earn GEDs, obtain certifications or pursue associate’s degrees to further bolster the region’s talent pool.

Barbara Stapleton, vice president of GO Topeka, facilitates initiatives to ensure

local companies have the ability to recruit and retain employees.

“We’re work-ethic advocates and believe in programs that provide cradle through career success,” she says. “Many of the companies that have located here in recent years have received accolades and awards for their productivity and ingenuity. Home Depot, Mars Chocolate North America and Bimbo Bakeries are just a few examples of local plants that

have excelled with a workforce hired from within our region.”

Pivarnik agrees. “Their success stories along with those of other companies illustrate our pro-business climate and a well-trained regional workforce.

Whether a company provides health care or financial services or puts products on store shelves, nimble companies can flourish here.”

SHAPING THE STORY EARLY The Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library and the United Way of Greater Topeka have joined together to potentially prepare more than 10,000 Shawnee County children ages 0-5 for lifelong success by mailing them a book each month through an alliance with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.

Gina Millsap, chief executive officer of the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library, says the benefits of early childhood literacy have a lasting impact

not only on brain development but also on economic development.

“What happens in the first five years shapes the next 80,” she says. “Ultimately, good readers make good citizens and productive adults. They are more likely than non-readers to volunteer; visit museums; attend plays, sporting events and concerts; participate in outdoor activities; vote; and have better paying, more satisfying jobs.”

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EXPANDING CAREER EXPOSURE

Through an extensive partnership with Westar Energy, Topeka Public Schools offer students of all ages numerous opportunities to connect their math and science homework to a potential career path in the utility industry. Westar’s “Electrify Your Future,” established in April 2012, creates awareness about career pathways through job shadowing opportunities and provides post-secondary scholarships for area high school graduates who plan to pursue engineering, environmental science or business degrees.

This fall, the new Jardine Elementary School will focus on a STEAM curriculum (science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics), and the Scott Dual Language school will continue to prepare a bilingual workforce, even receiving recognition as a school of excellence from the Embassy of Spain.

“We’re doing what we can to spark Each summer Westar interest in practical applications for math and science as they explore career and Youth Entrepreneurship Kansas work with a select possibilities.”

—Mark Ruelle number of high school President and Chief Executive Officer students who participate in Westar a 10-day intensive look at diverse careers with the utility company.

“We’re doing what we can to spark interest in practical applications for math and science as they explore career possibilities,” says Mark Ruelle, Westar Energy president and chief executive officer. “We also want to see if we can help keep some of our best and brightest students right here in Kansas.”

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Topeka Public Schools Superintendent Tiffany Anderson envisions that by 2018 all high school students will have access to 30 to 60 college hours, an associate’s degree or industry credentials that will allow them to be placed in jobs while still in high school. During her first year as superintendent, she has added monthly college tours, assigned staff members to mentor seniors as they move through college and hired a career advocate to partner with universities to provide expanded opportunities and scholarships.

Topeka Public Schools has collaborated with multiple businesses and organizations including Architect One, Inc. to create the Topeka Center for Advanced Learning Careers, which will open in August 2018. The innovative curriculum will be offered in a stateof-the-art building on the Kanza Park property. Students will have access to 18 career pathways during half-day sessions through which they will work on projects with professionals in their field of interest.

As a result of these and other initiatives, Anderson anticipates higher graduation rates with all students equipped with a post-secondary plan.

“The revitalization of downtown, the stability of residents and the investment from businesses into schools make Topeka uniquely positioned to be a top city that will provide a high quality of life experience,” Anderson says.

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ENGAGING YOUNG PROFESSIONALS For years, a young professionals organization organized through the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce has brought people together for socialization and volunteerism to create an affinity for the capital city. Renamed Forge in 2016, the group promotes six initiatives to encourage young professionals to call Topeka home—attraction, leadership, business development, diversity and inclusion, volunteerism and government relations.

Chair Sean Frost, a development director for the Washburn University Alumni Association and Foundation, estimates membership at more than 1,500 and says social activities, connection to seasoned community leaders and corporate support provide rewarding reasons to start or sustain a career in Topeka. Forge sponsors include Advisors Excel, Bartlett & West, Capitol “If you show up and help out and get Federal, FHLBank Topeka, to know the people involved in our Washburn University and community projects, you can make a big Westar Energy. impact on Topeka’s future.”

“My experience with the —Sean Frost organization has led me to Development Director better career opportunities Washburn University Alumni Association that have put me in roles and Foundation I never anticipated were a possibility for me,” Frost says.

“I have been asked to serve on several boards for organizations I am passionate

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about. If you show up, help out and get to know the people involved in our community projects, you can make a big impact on Topeka’s future.”

Some of the initiatives Forge has fostered include Forge Fest, an annual downtown concert event; voter registration initiatives and city council and mayoral candidate forums; downtown revitalization and NOTO Arts District development; a summer internship program undertaken with corporate partners; and entrepreneurial endeavors that enhance quality of life.

“It’s often hard to make new friends after college and there is a misperception that there is no place for young people to hang out in town, so our monthly Pub Club makes the rounds to different locations that are fun to visit and allow participants to not only meet new people in the community but to get involved,” Frost says.

Some of Frost’s favorite establishments are the Norsemen, Blind Tiger and Happy Basset breweries and the Wheel Barrel.

“Young people like to spend money on experiences, and it will be great to see more types of places in downtown and NOTO where you could walk from one fun place to the next,” he says.

TK

Entrepreneurial & Minority Business Development A GO Topeka Program

SMALL BUSINESS INCENTIVE PROGRAM Are you looking to grow or expand your small business? Do you or your employees need training to become more competitive? Ask about the Topeka/Shawnee County Small Business Incentives program.

Equipment Purchase Reimbursement

JAMES P. RANKIN

Construction & Renovation Reimbursement + Employee Training + Marketing Assistance Find out if your business qualifies and learn about your options by contacting manderson@gotopeka.com.

JEREMY L. GRABER

CHARLES R. HAY

THOMAS L. THEIS

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THE HEART OF THE ENTREPRENEUR

By KAREN RIDDER

Photos by RACHEL LOCK

Kelly Dempewolf did not intend on becoming an entrepreneur. When she was younger, she wanted to have a career that helped people.

That is why the owner of Shana Cake in Topeka and Lawrence started out as a teacher.

Dempewolf taught high school chemistry for 10 years. She got her PhD in Science Education. She ran a science education grant program. She worked at the State Department of Education. Her entire life was composed of all things education.

Then, she ran into a variable that would change her career equation and make her a business owner.

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Kelly Dempewolf, a high school chemistry teacher, became a baking entrepreneur because she was driven to solve her young daughter's health issues.

W

Photo by RACHEL LOCK PHOTOGRAPHY

HEN DEMPEWOLF'S DAUGHTER, SHANA, was 8 ½ years old she started having headaches and stomachaches so bad that she often missed school. She started losing her hair. It took a while for Dempewolf to solve the problem, but when gluten was eliminated from Shana’s diet, the girl went back to her happy, healthy self.

They went to the store searching for gluten-free snacks, treats, breads and cookies. There wasn’t much selection and what they did find tasted terrible compared to their gluten-filled counterparts. Dempewolf went online and started trying out recipes for gluten-free baking. The recipes were inconsistent.

Some worked. Some didn’t.

FINDING RECIPES “When you look through cookbooks you’ll find chocolate cakes are just about the same from cookbook to cookbook,” Dempewolf said. “When you start looking at gluten-free recipes online, they are all over the map. It was hard to find a pattern. You might find one recipe that worked well, but you didn’t know what about that recipe worked well.

When I couldn’t find a single pattern, that’s when I switched into scientist mode.”

As Dempewolf applied her chemistry knowledge to the problem, she knew she had to understand what the different ingredients in the goodies were supposed to be doing before she could figure out how to replace them.

She started with the sweet stuff— cookies and cakes—which went fairly well, but had to work harder on the bread. Shana had gone through four brands of gluten-free store bought bread before she found one she could tolerate.

But Dempewolf did not think that was good enough.

“No one wants to just tolerate their food,” Dempewolf said.

As a former high school teacher, Dempewolf also understood the teenage

mind. Dempewolf knew in order to have a prayer of convincing her daughter to stay gluten free through her teenage years, the food would have to taste really good.

FINDING A MARKET After finding some successful recipes, Dempewolf started taking her product to the Lawrence farmer’s market.

(There was no open space in the Topeka farmer’s market.) Immediately, people started asking her about the elimination of other allergen related ingredients.

Her products currently are free of dairy, wheat, soy, peanuts, tree-nuts, shellfish, fish and corn. Nearly everything can also be made without eggs or vegan.

Dempewolf says those top allergens compose 90 percent of the food allergies in the population. She also threw out artificial flavors, colors, GMOs, Casein and preservatives.

Dempewolf uses a combination of “replacement” ingredients including brown rice flour, millet and sorghum flour, potato, tapioca and arrowroot. She mixes her own blends because people are still allergic to some of those ingredients and the

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“I didn’t intend on being an entrepreneur. I intended on helping people and realized I needed to become an entrepreneur to do that.”

—Kelly Dempewolf Owner Shana Cake

Photo by RACHEL LOCK PHOTOGRAPHY

learn how to start a business, work with the city planning department and follow health codes, all in addition to developing her recipes and hiring a staff.

The business challenge has been rapid growth.

“From the day the Topeka store opened, my sales have been higher than projected,” Dempewolf said.

She opened a second location in Lawrence in April of 2017. Sales there outpace Topeka. She works to make sure the quality stays consistent and she also likes interacting with the customers.

“I still need to be in the kitchen baking and making sure the product is good and that my customers are being treated with the best customer service,” Dempewolf said. “I like my customers.

I don’t want to be too far removed from the customer in the business side of it.”

chemical properties of the ingredients produce varying textures. There is no one-size-fits-all solution.

“Wheat is an amazing flour and it can do a lot of things. There’s no other grain that can have all the same textures by itself,” Dempewolf said. “When you buy store brands, the blend might work well for cookies but not cupcakes because you need different properties for different textures. By blending them myself, I can control it better.”

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FINDING ENTREPRENEURSHIP Dempewolf also had to find the right ingredients to be a business owner.

“I didn’t intend on being an entrepreneur. I intended on helping people and realized I needed to become an entrepreneur to do that,” Dempewolf said.

In December of 2015, she opened the first “Shana Cake” in Topeka with a menu that includes breads, muffins, cupcakes and other treats. She had to

TK Business Magazine

FINDING GREAT TASTE While the primary target market is people avoiding certain ingredients in their baked goods, Shana Cake has many customers who just come in for the taste.

Dempewolf ’s goal is to make all of her baking so good it is impossible to tell the difference. That’s where her son comes in.

“He is 14 and can eat anything he wants. If he and my husband like it, then it’s good,” Dempewolf said.

The best part about her business is that it meets her original goal of helping people.

“People walk into my store and they are in tears because it’s the first time either they can walk into a bakery or bring their kids into a bakery. Literally, it is the only place they can take their kids and say, ‘Pick out anything you want.’ It’s totally safe. It’s humbling and satisfying and it makes all the work worth it.” TK

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MILITARY VETERANS IN BUSINESS

Photo by MEGAN ROGERS PHOTOGRAPHIE

Melissa Jarboe MILITARY VETERAN PROJECT

O

NE OF TOPEKA'S best kept secrets might be the increasing veteran population who own businesses and fill corporate leadership positions locally.

Military training provides a foundation for success in life after serving. Veteran entrepreneurs do not have to boast about their service or sacrifice to gain momentum in our community. Instead, they focus their efforts on accomplishing their goal by leading from the front.

Last year, Livability.com identified the best places for military retirees to live and ranked Topeka as #6 in its Top 10 List.

Livability.com considered a number of factors: climate, cost of living, unemployment rate, proximity to military installations, VA hospitals, recreational opportunities, cultural amenities, best military retirement states and overall livability. They also asked military veterans what they wanted in a city.

Melissa Jarboe is the founder and chief executive officer of the Military Veteran Project, a non-profit organization that commits funding to find cures for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injuries of pre and post 9/11 veterans.

VET-preneur — a military veteran who owns and/or manages a business enterprise.

By 2020, more than 5 million post-9/11 service members will transition from the military into civilian life. Many will enter the workforce, while others will use the GI Bill to earn their bachelor’s or graduate degrees. People and organizations in Topeka are helping with this transition.

4 WAYS TOPEKA SUPPORTS MILITARY VETERANS Recruiting Veteran Students Washburn University recruits veteran students from across the nation which brings diversity to the classroom.

While fewer students are earning a postsecondary education, institutions can compensate by enrolling service members who already come with governmental subsidies.

Military Relations Council The Topeka Chamber of Commerce created a Military Relations Council to unite the military and civilian communities in Topeka. Over a dozen members from Topeka businesses met to discuss changes that are needed or wanted in the community.

Veterans from businesses, city agencies and the education field are leading the charge.

Military-Student Success Space Washburn University created a MilitaryStudent Success Space on campus to address veterans who are adapting to the loss of camaraderie and belonging to a troop.

The success space offers free counseling sessions and a dedicated place for veterans to congregate, study and meet one another.

Programs such as Student Veterans of America and vet-to-vet mentorships with local businesses offer opportunities for leadership and community engagement.

Veteran Engagement Groups Forge for young professionals, with an overall mission to recruit, retain and train young talent for the Topeka Community, has expressed interest in creating Veteran Engagement Groups in Topeka businesses to assist with the ongoing need for qualified employees.

MILITARY VETERAN SERVICES 24

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VETERANS IN BUSINESS

By LISA LOEWEN

Photos by RACHEL LOCK

VET-PRENEURS As entrepreneurship across the country continues to grow, so does the number of businesses owned by military veterans. Veterans are the perfect archetype for an entrepreneur.

They are driven, resourceful, team oriented and know how to get things done. Building a business is a natural extension of the experience, training and civic identity that veterans all share.

}

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Photo by RACHEL LOCK PHOTOGRAPHY

M

OST OF US have no idea how many of our local entrepreneurs are also military veterans. We are surrounded by hardworking business owners whose military service has taught them valuable skills and character traits but doesn’t define who they are as business owners. Whether their service was for three years or a 20-year military career, “vet-preneurs” are putting their unique set of skills to use right here in Topeka.

Security Benefit was founded in 1892, when 11 men with $11 came together in a small Topeka, Kansas drugstore with a progressive idea pioneering life insurance for everyday working men and women.

Strength

Innovation

Excellence

125 years later, we’re proud to be a leader in the U.S. retirement industry. As we continue our mission of helping everyday Americans plan and save for the future, we reaffirm our commitment to Kansas, with the vast majority of the company’s over 1,300 associates investing their time and resources in our local communities.

TO AND THROUGH RETIREMENT

FALL 2017

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99-00484-60 2017/07/19

VETERANS IN BUSINESS

Photo by RACHEL LOCK PHOTOGRAPHY

Army veteran Cody Rhinehart and his wife Hannah, opened Lionheart Athletic Performance and Fitness, a CrossFit workout facility.

COURAGE LIONHEART ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE AND FITNESS

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Walk into Lionheart Athletic Performance and Fitness and you may think you have entered a boot camp training facility. In some ways, this may be true.

Lining the full length of the gym is a gauntlet of pull-up bars, rings, ropes, weights and platforms designed to offer CrossFit workouts in an efficient and safe environment. Cody and Hannah Rhinehart opened Lionheart because they wanted to share their love of fitness and help change people’s lives.

Growing up in southern Georgia, Cody was introduced to military life at an early age. His neighbor, who was an Army Ranger, taught Cody many of the survival skills he learned in the military. His fascination with military training led him to enlist in

the Army a year after his high school graduation. He was stationed at Fort Bragg in the 82nd Airborne Division.

However, he wasn’t quite prepared for the rigors of training.

“It was terrible,” Cody said. “I played soccer in high school. I was a swimmer. I trained in Tae Kwan Do. I thought I was in great shape. After the first day, I realized I wasn’t.”

For the next three years, the Army taught Cody what it meant to be really fit. While he enjoyed his service and learned a lot of valuable skills, Cody knew a military career was not for him. After his discharge, he took a job with a security company and found himself traveling all over the country. While in Medford, Oregon, he saw an ad for a local MMA fight and decided to put his martial arts training to use. Once again, he found himself ill prepared for the experience.

“I vowed right then and there that I would never take a fight without being physically prepared again,” Cody said.

He threw himself into studying nutrition and fitness to hone his body into a fighting machine. Unfortunately, a shattered arm resulting in three surgeries cut his MMA fighting career short. Looking for another avenue to use his expertise of fitness and nutrition, Cody convinced Hannah to try their hand at business ownership.

“I told her, ‘give me six months and see where it goes’,” Cody said.

They started by renting space at Title Boxing and soon had a few clients. When the opportunity came to take over the gym space, they jumped at it. At the end of the first year, Lionheart had 35 members. By the second year that number had grown to 100. Now in its third year, the gym has more than 140 members and is still experiencing growth.

Both Cody and Hannah are trainers. They fit their daily lives, including caring for a new baby, around their class schedules. Even though this means Cody works about 80 hours per week, he says he doesn’t mind the long days.

“I still get to do what I love,” he said. “I get to help people discover what they are truly capable of.”

Everyone at Lionheart holds to the philosophy that they can accomplish anything they set out to do. Cody attributes a portion of this attitude to lessons he learned from his military service.

“The Army not only reinforced the need for hard work,” Cody said. “I also learned personal responsibility and the importance of doing what I say I am going to do.”

His time in the military also taught Cody the value of service to others—something he strives to continue in civilian life.

“We are a community here [at Lionheart],” Cody said. “Others notice when you are not here for classes.

They encourage each other and challenge each other to be better. The larger community needs to do the same.”

}

Community Dynamic Discs encourages healthy fun together.

Dynamic Discs of Emporia makes and distributes an array of products for disc golfers. They also sponsor international tournaments that bring people together, supporting and encouraging the world’s disc golfing community.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas helps Kansas workers to stay healthy and more worryfree – supporting them as they make life in our communities more enjoyable.

bcbsks.com N.1710 An independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association

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VETERANS IN BUSINESS

Photo by RACHEL LOCK PHOTOGRAPHY

Jon and Jennifer Bohlander, owners of The Wheel Barrel and Matryoshka Tattoo respectively, met and married while both were serving in the Army at Fort Riley, Kansas.

CREATIVITY THE WHEEL BARREL / MATRYOSHKA TATTOO

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One married couple. Two military veterans. Two entrepreneurs with individual businesses. Jon and Jennifer Bohlander, owners of The Wheel Barrel and Matryoshka Tattoo respectively, don’t necessarily fit the stereotype of military veterans. Soft spoken and insightful, Jon harbors a love for NOTO and a desire to facilitate change in the community. Creative and artistic, Jennifer feels at home in the art district as she creates her unique style of art.

The Wheel Barrel is a gourmet grilled cheese restaurant and bar located in the heart of NOTO. Matryoshka

Tattoo is not only dedicated to the craft of tattooing, but also offers gift items and a fine art gallery featuring local artists.

Jon and Jennifer had different reasons for joining the military. For Jon, who had grown up in extremely rural South Dakota, it was a chance to see the world. For Jennifer, who came from a military family, it was a way to prove to a world that mistakenly saw her as both quiet and frail that she could accomplish anything. They both completed the Army Foreign Language Program, learning Russian, but they didn’t know each other at the time.

The couple met at Fort Riley and were married three months later. Jon did not re-enlist when his service was up, deciding to complete machinist training instead—a career he has held for the past 21 years until he quit this summer to focus on the restaurant. Jennifer originally thought she would have a military career, but opted out after serving for four years. An artist at heart, she was looking for a way to earn a living while doing what she loved.

“I was told my whole life that I couldn’t make art a career,” Jennifer said.

While she was still in the Army, Jennifer began a threeyear apprenticeship as a tattoo artist. At first she says she was worried about what people would think because tattoos still had a stigma about them. And it wasn’t a career held by many women. After working in a tattoo shop for several years, Jennifer knew it was time to go out on her own.

“I knew it was one of those now or never moments,” Jennifer said.

Because she is an artist, she was immediately attracted to NOTO and began looking for a suitable location in the art district. Three and half years ago she opened her own tattoo studio—Matryoshka Tattoo—staying true to her Russian influence.

As if life wasn’t busy enough, they opened The Wheel Barrel a year and half ago after sampling gourmet grilled cheese from a food truck in Austin.

“I thought it would be easy,” Jon said. “I planned to be really small. Hire maybe two people.”

Yet, things didn’t quite go as planned. Business took off immediately after The Wheel Barrel opened its doors, and eventually Jon decided to make the restaurant a full-time endeavor. While it has been more work than he originally thought, Jon is already making plans for the future.

“I would like to do another business concept here in NOTO,” he said. “There is so much potential in this area.”

Both Jon and Jennifer attribute some of their success to things they learned while serving in the military. In the Army they learned that things don’t always happen quickly or efficiently. You often have to stand around and wait. The same can be true of getting building permits and facing cumbersome regulations.

They also adopted the mantra, “Stop talking. Start doing.” A philosophy they put into practice every day.

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VETERANS IN BUSINESS

Photo by RACHEL LOCK PHOTOGRAPHY

Chris Turner, who retired from the Air Force last March, bought The Governor’s Row House in 2013 with his wife, Kim, as an entrepreneurship business opportunity.

PERSEVERANCE GOVERNOR’S ROW HOUSE

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For military personnel who choose to make the armed forces a career, entrepreneurship often comes after retirement. Or in the case of Chris Turner, it came as a business opportunity for his wife, Kim. Together, the pair own the Governor’s Row House, an event venue in Topeka.

For Chris, the son of a divorced mother with four kids in the house, college didn’t seem like a viable option. With all of the fervor surrounding the movie “Top Gun” at the time, Chris decided he wanted to be a pilot and met with a U.S. Air Force recruiter right after graduation. He began college

at Offutt Air Force Base and was on active duty for four years.

He then joined the 190th Air Refueling Wing working as a weather technician while finishing his degree in professional aeronautics. He applied to be a pilot and attended flight training school in Lubbock, Texas, where he met Kim. They were married the day after he completed flight training.

“That was pretty much the last time he was home,” Kim joked.

The couple moved to Topeka where Chris was now employed full-time at the base. Even though he was home more often and able to help out more with their two young sons, Chris still continued to fly as much as he could.

“It was always hard to believe that they were paying me to do what I love,” Chris said.

When their youngest son started kindergarten, Kim went back to work. Because her background was in education and sports, it was a natural fit to work at the elementary school.

She grew bored with that after several years and finally quit once her boys had moved on to middle school.

“I thought I would enjoy not working,” Kim said. “But I soon found out that I needed something more.”

Chris always harbored an entrepreneurial spirit, so he began looking for a business that the two of them could run together. When The Governor’s Row House became available in 2013, they jumped in with both feet, ready to work together as partners in the new venture.

A few months later, Chris was promoted to Vice Commander.

“That’s when I became a one percenter,” Chris laughed.

Kim picked up the other 99 percent of the work. With no business training and little experience in event planning, Kim struggled a bit at first. Every time she turned around something was broken or needed to be replaced. They had to invest a lot of additional money on repairs.

“The first year was hard. I kept thinking ‘why did we do this?’” Kim said.

As she gained more business knowledge and marketing savvy, the business slowly began to grow. Now Kim is pretty much as busy as she wants to be. When Chris officially retired last March, there was an initial thought that they would now be able to grow the business more. That is, until he immediately began working as a pilot for Fed Ex. “Now he really is gone all the time,” Kim laughed.

Chris now spends more time in the air than on the ground.

“I just have to fly,” Chris admitted.

With Chris’ head in the clouds and Kim’s feet planted firmly on the ground, The Governor’s Row House is in good hands.

TK

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In Search of

EVENT VENUES ROSE WOOD EVENT VENUE

SERENDIPITY GOVERNOR’S ROW HOUSE

THE BROWNSTONE

THE FOUNDRY EVENT CENTER

Local businesses looking for that perfect venue to hold their next company retreat or special event should take a closer look at some exceptional event spaces available right here in Topeka. From large formal dinners to small intimate business meetings, you can be assured that a local venue has just what you are looking for.

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}

WOMEN OF INFLUENCE September 20, 2017 Women of Influence awards honors six women who have influence within their company or industry.

These women display strong leadership experience and inspire other women. They are visionaries with track records of accomplishment.

Register at GOTopeka.com/Events Women of

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- WEST RIDGE MALL

See this year’s exciting structures September 30 through October 26 at the West Ridge Mall.

Admission is free.

Thanks to these companies for participating in Canstruction 2017 Architect One, P.A.

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Azura Credit Union

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Bartlett & West City of Topeka Ernest-Spencer Metals Falk Architects, Inc. Federal Home Loan Bank Topeka Futamura USA, Inc.

FALL 2017

Professional Engineering Consultants Schwerdt Design Group The Osborne Company TreanorHL Westar Energy

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ROSE WOOD EVENT VENUE OWNERS Amanda Bacon, Jim Allan and John Coleman LOCATION 3216 SW 29th Street

Photo by ADAM COLE

CONTACT INFO 785-806-1171 events@rosewoodvenue.com

}

Photo Submitted

Allie Deiter; John Coleman, Owner; Amanda Bacon, Event Coordinator; and Jim Allan, Owner

SPECIAL FEATURES Rose Wood Event Venue is centrally located in Topeka. It used to be a church so it has the feeling of classy elegance for any event. The space can be customized and decorated in a variety of ways.

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Nip It In The Polyp

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2200 SW 6th Ave., Topeka KMCPA.com

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GOVERNOR’S ROW HOUSE OWNERS Kim and Chris Turner

Photo by RACHEL LOCK PHOTOGRAPHY

LOCATION 811 SW Buchanan CONTACT INFO 785-409-3645 govrowhouse@gmail.com

}

Photo by RACHEL LOCK PHOTOGRAPHY

Chris and Kim Turner, Owners

SPECIAL FEATURES You work only with the venue owner, which give you maximum flexibility when planning an event. The venue can host intimate gatherings for as few as 20 or big parties for up to 200.

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From corporate planning to personal lnances, KFR provides you with the customized resources selected speciically for your needs.

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785.286.0015 mycreativelawn.com FALL 2017

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THE BROWNSTONE OWNERS Connie and Steve Brown LOCATION 4020 NW 25th Street

Photo by ADAM COLE

CONTACT INFO 785-235-0057 events@thebrownstonetopeka.com

Abbey Brown, Managing Director

SPECIAL FEATURES The Brownstone has a rich architectural history. Originally designed by Kansas State Architecture students in 1927 as a dairy barn. The venue, which sits on five acres of land, has been renovated into an event venue featuring a 2,400 square foot main hall, limestone patio with outdoor fireplace, glass conference room, state-of-the-art technology, and a salt-glazed brick silo bar.

Photo Submitted

}

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Architecture.

Planning.

Interiors.

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Photo by ADAM COLE

SERENDIPITY

Jenny Torrence, Owner

OWNERS Jenny Torrence, Chris Page, Patti Torrence and Shannon Bannerman LOCATION 824 N. Kansas Avenue NOTO Arts District CONTACT INFO 785-286-7676 serendipitytopeka@gmail.com

}

Photo Submitted

SPECIAL FEATURES Serendipity offers space that can be configured to fit almost any occasion.

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WHERE TO SHOP

For Every Occasion WESTRIDGEMALL.COM 1801 SW WANAMAKER RD, TOPEKA, KS

FALL 2017

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THE FOUNDRY EVENT CENTER OWNERS Kim and Troy Pittz Jennifer Haverkamp, Event Coordinator

Photo by JARED HITCHENS

Troy and Kim Pittz, Owners

LOCATION 400 SW 33rd Street CONTACT INFO 785-633-1767 thefoundryeventcenter@gmail.com

}

Photo Submitted

SPECIAL FEATURES The Foundry offers a show stopping venue with a state-of-the-art audio/visual system and custom lighting to make this venue a top notch event center.

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EVENT SPACE COMPARISON CHART ROSE WOOD EVENT VENUE

GOVERNOR’S ROW HOUSE

THE BROWNSTONE

SERENDIPITY

THE FOUNDRY EVENT CENTER

200

200

200

300

300

SMALL GROUP SPACE(S)

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

AVAILABLE WEEKDAYS

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

AVAILABLE WEEKENDS

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

CATERING PROVIDED

✓

✓

ALCOHOL PROVIDED

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

MAXIMUM CAPACITY

OUTSIDE FOOD ALLOWED

✓

✓

✓

OUTSIDE DRINKS ALLOWED

✓

✓

✓

AVERAGE PRICE RANGE

$100-$1000

$100-$1200

$100-$1000

✓

$600-$2300

$150-$3500 TK

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ADVERTORIAL

We’ve all been there. Trying to connect via Skype, webinar or another conference call program and nothing goes as planned. Calls are dropped. Communication is limited. And is Joe playing golf?

Technology has brought many benefits to the business environment yet nothing can replace the experience of a face-to-face meeting. In a recent article in Forbes Magazine1, Michael Massari, Senior VP, Caesars Entertainment was interviewed about the importance of face-to-face meetings. “No matter what industry you work in, we are all in the people business. Regardless of how tech-savvy you may be, face-to-face meetings are still the most effective way to capture the attention of participants, engage them in the conversation, and drive productive collaboration.”

With this in mind, Business Aviation is a growing trend in a wide variety of industries. It is no longer out of reach for small businesses and professional services. In fact,

CONFERENCE CALL

85% of companies that rely on business aircraft are small to mid-sized companies.2 Vaerus Aviation is a perfect example of the reason why this is now possible.

and full travel itinerary planning. The service, based out of their two locations in Topeka, KS and Scottsdale, AZ, opens up the door to aircraft ownership by simplifying the process and lowering operating costs.

“Our clients consistently land the deal and have high levels of customer satisfaction because of their ability to arrange in-person meetings quickly and easily,” said Brooks Pettit, President of Vaerus Aviation. “Their aircraft is ready and waiting for them 24/7, 365 days a year which allows them to be onsite as soon as possible.”

BUSINESS AIRCRAFT BENEFITS Business aircraft offers an array of benefits vs. standard commercial travel3: ● Time savings—average trip is three hours less than commercial ● Increased productivity—80% of time spent on work vs. 30% on commercial flights ● Ease of travel—business aircraft have access to over 5,000 airports vs. 500 commercial

VAERUS AVIATION Vaerus provides Aircraft Management services—managing pilot staffing and training, flight scheduling, maintenance tracking,

“When one of our clients has a meeting they simply give me a call and we get the ball rolling,” said Sean Kuno, Scheduler at Vaerus Aviation.

“We can have them there and back in time for their son’s soccer game that evening.”

Learn more about how business aviation can help your business by contacting Vaerus Aviation at www.vaerusaviation.com or calling 785.246.5403.

1 2 3

Forbes Magazine, March 11, 2016, “The Immeasurable Importance of Face-to-Face Meetings,” Goman, Carol Kinsey.

No Plane, No Gain, Infographic, study conducted by National Business Aviation Association No Plane, No Gain, Infographic, study conducted by National Business Aviation Association FALL 2017

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BUILDING A BRAND VIA EVENTS

Photo by MEGAN ROGERS PHOTOGRAPHIE

Monique Pittman-Lui SPIRIT PRODUCTIONS, LLC

Building relationships is always a good goal of business, and sharing an experience is the best way to build those relationships.

Experiences build community and win advocates for your business.

T

HE BENEFITS OF HOSTING a business event last far beyond moments of great food and smiling faces. Your employees or clients take these new-found relationships and happy memories with them, long after the event is over.

Some only see business events as an expense, but in actuality you are building a bond between your brand and your employees, or your brand and your clients. Business events increase sales, retain employees, strengthen teamwork, and show your commitment and appreciation.

CONSIDER THESE 12 KEYS when you want to organize a stellar business event.

1

Set your goals and target audience.

2

Pick a date.

3

Determine the format.

4

Every successful event starts with a clear goal. Who is your target audience and what is the purpose of your event? Are you introducing a new product, or procedure, or making a major announcement? Do you want to reward a job well done or increase company morale? Are you rewarding your top clients or saying “thank you” to current customers? Before you can begin planning a successful event, be clear on why you are doing it because every decision after that should support your main goal.

For best results, know your audience and start planning early.

Schedule your event so it does not conflict with other events or dates your target audience will be interested in.

Your goals, target audience and date help determine the scope and kind of event that is the best fit. Will you have refreshments, entertainment, workshops or speakers? Scale the event’s scope to your level of comfort and experience. The format of your event will attract specific attendees.

Decide the location.

Location, location, location! Defining the milieu is key to a memorable business affair. Should it be at your place of business?

Outdoors? A local event space or restaurant? A hotel conference room or bed and breakfast? Going off site may individualize your theme and provide excitement and space to more easily execute your affair. Check into availability as soon as possible, sign contracts and pay deposits.

Monique Pittman-Lui is president of Spirit Productions, LLC, a business that specializes in planning and executing promotions of the performing arts in the Midwest.

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5

Determine the number of attendees.

6 7

Know your budget.

8

Select your staff.

9

10

Start promoting.

Nail down necessary equipment, etc.

Build buzz around your theme that stirs excitement about your event. Develop a marketing plan for how you’ll promote it, whether it is to employees or clients. Utilize all marketing and advertising outlets, including word-of-mouth, in-house communication, social media, print or online ads, flyers, store signage and more.

If appropriate, reach out to local reporters and ask them to attend and/or write about the event. Send information to all local publications that post or print event listings. Let local business organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce know as well.

This could range from tables, chairs and microphones to pens and paper or refreshments and speaker gifts.

11

Be prepared but stay positive.

12

Evaluate and follow-up.

If it is an invitation-only event such as a dinner or seminar, you’ll be able to get a head count by requesting an RSVP. Online RSVP and ticket business services that help you manage this are Facebook, Brown Paper Tickets, RSVPify, Evite, BlackbirdRSVP, AnyVite, and rsvpservices.com. Sometimes, RSVPs are not needed if you have enough space to accommodate all expected attendees.

Add up costs as you plan and scale back if needed. Consider bartering with local businesses or, if it makes sense with your event, seek other businesses or organizations to serve as sponsors. If the event is for clients, consider a joint venture with other businesses or organizations that have something in common with yours.

Plan human resources from the beginning. Don’t forget greeters, clean-up crew and someone to return equipment. Make assignments and be clear on duties. Hold an orientation session if need be. It is a good idea to have someone besides you in charge of logistics the day of the event. Thank everyone before and after from the heart, keeping in mind you are the face of the brand.

Get personal.

The bane of most business events is that they are…too business-y. People, especially employees and valued customers, want to feel genuinely appreciated. You can create fun and engaging themes that have a common thread throughout the event. Plan surprises that leave attendees wondering what else is coming. When choosing a theme and invitations, try to connect with your audience. Brainstorm with your team.

“Hope for the best, but plan for the worst” should be your guiding light. A few weeks before the event, meet with your team to run through logistics and what might go wrong. No detail is too small to consider. For example, if your event includes outdoor activities, have a solid plan in place in case the weather turns sour. On the day of the event, be prepared but also be ready to accept that if mistakes happen, your attitude is what matters most. If you stay positive, keep your sense of humor and make your employees or customers feel welcome and happy they came, your brand will meet its goals.

Your event may attract new or existing customers and prospects.

Gather their information when they RSVP or ask people to sign up on a clipboard to get on your mailing list if you didn’t get it electronically, or do “business cards in a fishbowl.” Follow up as soon as possible while the event is fresh in their minds. Offer something of value such as a discount code, free consultation or useful information. Evaluations of the event, especially from employees, may provide useful feedback.

After each event, review your triumphs and challenges so you can learn for the next time. The more business events you host, the easier it becomes to live your mission, and your brand will reap the rewards of this valuable internal and external marketing tool.

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TECHNOLOGY

OLD SCHOOL

TECHNOLOGY

By JAMIE SLACK

Photos by BRADEN DIMICK

Technology is always evolving—new ideas, increased efficiency—and undoubtedly it has changed exponentially in just the last several years. Phones, which double as computers and social connections, can fit in our pockets, and watches now control the apps with which we connect to the world. Even with so many innovations, technology from two or three generations ago still remains relevant today.

Photo by BRADEN DIMICK

}

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TECHNOLOGY

Photo by BRADEN DIMICK

Troy Flair, President and Scott Rowland, Vice President/Service Manager of TFMComm Inc. show off the company’s first drill used to install two-way equipment. Now it is permanently mounted as a relic.

T

FM COMMUNICATIONS, located at 125 Jackson Street in Topeka and another location in Lawrence, has been providing valuable two-way communication services for emergency management, manufacturers and other industries since 1948. A licensed Motorola dealer, TFMComm has felt first hand the consequences of new technology in the two-way radio business as well.

“The biggest changes in the industry has been moving from analog to digital,” said Troy Flair, president of TFMComm.

Digital radio offers greater coverage and improved voice quality over analog radio. Where analog would often result in garbled voice messages requiring the speaker to repeat a message, digital provides automatic error correction to keep voices clear. Digital also offers better privacy and longer battery life.

The company began under the name Mobile Communications Company when two partners, Jim Frazee and Charles Holman, got into the two-way radio business. Long-time employee Doug Flair and his wife Marilyn Rowland purchased the company

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in 1974, renaming it TFMComm, Inc., and it’s still in the family today. While he remains CEO of the company, his son, Troy Flair, handles business development and creates communication plans for a variety of industries including construction, law enforcement, transportation and healthcare. Scott Rowland fills the roles of vice president and service manager, while Richard Gibbs serves as senior vice president.

The company saw continued growth as businesses and organizations recognized the value two-way radio communication systems could bring to day-to-day operations. Two-way radios connect people with, instant and reliable communications.

Dispatchers use two-way communication to direct their first responders—law enforcement, fire departments, emergency services and healthcare all rely on two-way radios.

PUBLIC SAFETY According to Gibbs, two-way radios are essential for public safety because they allow communication from one source to many people at once.

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Photo Submitted

TECHNOLOGY

A young Doug Flair, now CEO of TFMComm Inc., spent many hours on the repair bench as he learned the business from the ground up.

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“Let’s say you try to call all your officers in the police department and you need to make an allpoints bulletin about a bank robbery,” Gibbs said.

“You can’t try and call them all individually. By then the bank robbers are out of town.”

But public safety operations aren’t the only businesses that find value in two-way communication.

“I would say 70 percent of our business is for public safety and the rest is the other vertical markets like education and manufacturing,” Doug Flair said.

The world of two-way radios has remained relevant for the past 50 years because the system does what it is supposed to do, and no other technology has been able to improve upon it.

Even with advancements in cellular capability, no application can replicate the efficiency and quality of two-way radio.

CHARITABLE For the past 70 years, TFMComm has been able to thrive in our mid-sized community, while also donating equipment and time to various causes. The company has worked with the Special Olympics, Germanfest, and other organizations that facilitate large events that need streamlined communication to operate efficiently.

Doug Flair says the company provides twoway radios for non-profit groups to use at events for no cost because they want to give back to the community. And the appreciation shown by the community is evident in the TFMComm offices.

Various awards and recognitions of gratitude from organizations that have benefitted from their

TK Business Magazine

services attest to the importance TFMComm has played in Topeka.

The company employs 19 people in a variety of roles—sales, engineering, technical, installation, tower, office and management work.

“Most people don’t know we do tower and antenna work,” Doug Flair said. “It’s not just radios.”

TFMComm has done work on the WIBW Radio tower and works closely with other communications companies in Omaha, Nebraska, and St. Joseph, Missouri. Working in conjunction with other providers means that the TFMComm clients get the best coverage.

OPPORTUNISTIC Doug Flair is now semi-retired but continues to be involved wherever possible. He attributes the company’s success to being open to new opportunities.

“We had rapid growth from 1974 when I took over,” he said. “We continued to look at new things like the LED commercial lighting to keep the business growing.”

This philosophy of looking for new opportunities and listening to what their clients want and need from their communication systems has enabled the company to provide a better rounded service. TFMComm works to help clients get what they need in a turnkey environment so it becomes more of a value added product.

Part of these turn-key services include program management, system integration with various types of communication devices, coverage studies to ensure the service will provide what a client needs, and system evaluation to enhance current communication systems After serving Topeka and the surrounding area for more than 70 years, TFMComm, Inc. looks forward to many more years of service to the community. While the company recognizes the inevitability of more changes taking place with technology, the owners view it as a challenge they are willing to accept.

TK

Dr. Neela Sandal Owner of Atma Clinic

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FOOD TRUCKS

By TRICIA PETERSON Local chef and food blogger, checks out local food trucks.

Photos by MEGAN ROGERS

Owning a restaurant in Topeka can be challenging to say the least.

Brick-and-mortar establishments can be extremely costly and finding a good location is next to impossible. For some aspiring food entrepreneurs, owning a food truck is a more viable alternative. However, food truck businesses have their own set of challenges.

Photo by MEGAN ROGERS PHOTOGRAPHIE

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FOOD TRUCKS

Photo by MEGAN ROGERS PHOTOGRAPHIE

JLG BBQ has a large trailer-type food truck that can be pulled from place-to-place. This type of trailer is less expensive than a stand-alone truck, but requires a vehicle to pull it.

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UYING A FOOD TRUCK can range anywhere from $30,000 to $200,000 and up depending on what equipment is needed, what type of food truck is desired, and whether one can find what he or she needs used or brand-new.

In addition to vehicle and equipment costs, there are other costs associated with a mobile food business that some don’t think about. The City of Topeka wants to make sure food trucks are licensed and inspected before allowing them to legally roam the city and disperse their goods. The Kansas Department of Agriculture takes care of the licensing (all licenses expire December 31) at a cost of $300 for a full calendar year. While there is no zoning restriction, which means you can set up shop wherever you want, you are required to let the City know where you will be located so they can inspect the truck at their discretion.

To pass inspection, each food truck must have running water, wastewater disposal, a handwashing sink and somewhere to wash dirty dishes.

The equipment inside the truck will also have to pass inspection, depending on the type of food that is being sold. Just like a brick-and-mortar restaurant, food trucks have to take precautions and follow specific rules in order to ensure the food being sold there is safe. So the bottom line is that food trucks basically have to be a fully functional, mobile kitchen that can pass inspection at any time.

Usually, at street fairs the city will inspect every truck before allowing the festival to even open.

JLG BBQ Jeremy Guerrero, owner of JLG BBQ said he wants a brick-and-mortar location, but the food truck is much less costly and easier to maintain while he is still working a full-time job. Guerrero said he’d probably have to raise the cost of his

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“For us right now it’s a hobby. If it leads to a storefront—great.”

—Jeremy Guerrero Owner JLG BBQ

Photo by MEGAN ROGERS PHOTOGRAPHIE

food items in order to afford having a permanent location.

“Right now my food is affordably priced, and we make a reasonable profit,” said Guerrero. “[People] tell me I should charge more money. I don’t want to, but eventually I’m gonna have to.”

Guerrero said raising food prices happens with rising food costs, but if he moved to a permanent location, prices would have to go even higher to cover the costs of the building. Also, he says if he opened a brick and mortar location, he would have to quit his full-time job running the kitchen at Barnabas Cafe. That full-time job pays his bills, so he uses his free-time to run his food truck.

“For us right now it’s a hobby. If it leads to a storefront—great. But right now, to be honest, Topeka is hard,” said Guerrero. “I lived in Kansas City for 20 years and BBQ goes around well in Kansas City but in Topeka, it’s a little harder.”

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FOOD TRUCKS

Viet Lam, co-owner of 4 Guys Food Truck, prepares and serves menu items from a converted bus, customized to meet their needs.

JLG BBQ can be found at Happy Basset Brewing Company on weekends and sometimes other nights. Guerrero said he makes a lot of money when he does festivals and street fairs and tries to attend as many as his schedule will allow.

JLG BBQ is a large trailer-type food truck that can be pulled from place-to-place. These types of trailers are less expensive than a standalone truck, but you also need a vehicle to pull it.

However, Topeka zoning laws require any type of trailer without an engine attached to be parked in a commercial space. That means the trailer can’t just be parked behind a home in a residential area; it needs to be parked somewhere that is zoned as commercial.

Photo by MEGAN ROGERS PHOTOGRAPHIE

4 GUYS Stand-alone food trucks have their advantages as well. Brothers, Viet and Tuam Lam, owners of 4 Guys Food Truck, can attest to those stand-alone perks. Because they had very specific needs for their truck, they enlisted the service of Extreme Bus Builders, a company out of Lawrence that custom builds food trucks and other commercial vehicles.

They converted an existing bus and customized it to meet their needs, so the Lams had complete control over the design of the truck.

“We came up with the idea last year in July, and after that I looked online,” said Viet Lam. “The company got a transportation bus and converted it, then we picked what we wanted in it, and they were done around November. Then we got our license and paperwork done and came out on January 9 of this year.”

Viet Lam says they paid around $50,000 for their setup, but that is only because they purchased a used truck and sourced used equipment.

Purchasing a truck that is already outfitted and ready to go will cost significantly more money, but will also take less time. Lam said that with some planning and patience, it easy to save some money.

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FOOD TRUCKS

4 Guys Food Truck is sure to be at local weekend festivals as that is where they find the majority of their customers.

Most food truck owners in Topeka agree that in order to have a successful food truck one must have another avenue of income—whether it be an extension of that food truck business or a job elsewhere.

The Lam brothers both work full-time jobs and operate the truck on the side for fun. However, they both hope to someday quit their jobs and do just the food truck. They hope that since they have a unique concept—Asian-Mexican fusion—they can grow their clientele and their business.

“The first time we came to a party for coworkers and friends they liked [our food] and said maybe you should go out and sell it,” said Lam. 4 Guys Food Truck can be found on 10th and Jackson when they are out for lunch. Usually the food truck is available on Thursdays in that location, but not always, so customers should check their Facebook page for hours and locations. Also, the Happy Basset Brewing Company doesn’t have their own food kitchen, so 4 Guys Food Truck sets up outside and sells food on Fridays. If there is a festival in town on weekends, the Lams are sure to be there because that is where they find the majority of their customers.

Photo by MEGAN ROGERS PHOTOGRAPHIE

FRONT DOOR CATERING Similarly to the Lam brothers, partners Nicole DeGennaro and Mike Weibel operate a food truck business as a complement to their catering business, Front Door Catering.

They had the grand opening of their catering shop in the North Topeka Arts District in June and began using that location to not only prepare their food for the truck, but also for their catering company that they operate full time. While they don’t really have a true storefront setup where people can buy lunch yet, that is the plan for the future. Right now it’s just a

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FOOD

Photo Submitted

TRUCKS

Photo by BRADEN DIMICK

Nicole DeGennaro and Mike Weibel operate a food truck as a complement to their catering business, Front Door Catering.

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great place to get large amounts of prep-work done and to meet clients to talk about catering events.

“Am I selling as many boxed lunches here as I was on the food truck? No, not yet,” DeGennaro said. “Is it helping me get established? Yes.” DeGennaro said the food truck came about because of a whim. She had a trailer that was just sitting in her backyard that wasn’t doing anything, so she decided to fix it up and use it for on site catering and as a food truck.

DeGennaro admits that after setting up their truck regularly for almost a year, when they ran the

books, they found they were only barely breaking even. She said it makes more sense to have the truck set up somewhere only once a month and then attend street fairs and festivals—that is where the profits can be found.

“If you have good quality food people will come, and I think if you cater to people’s specific likes and needs they will come,” DeGennaro said.

DeGennaro said she thinks Topeka needs a food truck court, a place where food trucks can all set up shop together on a regular basis. This way people don’t have to follow single trucks daily but could just show up to one location where multiple trucks always are no matter what day or time.

“If Topeka initiated a food truck court, I think you could make a living running a food truck. To be honest this would make your vending license even worth having,” DeGennaro said.

She also thinks the community would benefit from having a food truck court as well.

“If you and a group of friends were at work and you wanna go out to eat, but you can’t agree what to eat, you go there to the food truck court because you can get your Mexican, your barbecue, the street tacos and your Asian flair,” DeGennaro said. “You can all go sit at a picnic table and eat whatever you want, together.”

Despite all of the challenges food truck owners face, they all have a few things in common— mobility, delicious food and “togetherness.”

Photo by MEGAN ROGERS PHOTOGRAPHIE

NOTABLE

Taco El Guitarron—Located on the corner of 20th and California, this food truck serves authentic Mexican cuisine.

TRUCKS

Drew B Que—This local favorite serves serious BBQ, from ribs to sandwiches.

FOOD

Mr. Nice Guys Hot Box—opened in 2012, serving Philly Steaks, Cheese Whiz and grilled veggies. They also serve hot dogs, cheeseburgers, pulled pork sandwiches and Frito pies.

Taqueria Mexico Lindo—This food truck can be found on 8th and Harrison every weekday during the lunch hour. The food includes street tacos, quesadillas and other authentic Mexican street food items.

Pacha’s By The Pound—This award winning food truck business has been in the area for over 15 years. It’s owned by Kody and Jennifer Pacha.

Noble House Hawaiian Plate Lunch— The owner of Noble House is from Hawaii and always wanted to cook his food for others, and what better way than having a food truck? Chef Akamu Noble has cooked all around the world and still returns for street fairs and occasionally to set up shop for lunch in Topeka.

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365.com Kansas Mariachi Festival Sept 16 Aaron Douglas Art Fair Sept 23 Cider Days @ Kansas Expo Sept 23-24 Stone’s Folly Art Festival Sept 29-30 Kansas Chocolate Festival Sept 30 Chocolate After Dark Sept 30 First Friday Art Walk Oct 6 Kansas @ TPAC Oct 6 Jazz & Food Truck Festival Oct 7 Oktoberfest Oct 7 Rome Sweet Home Oct 7 Dia De Los Muertos Oct 7-8 BOOze at the Zoo Oct 13 Topeka Science & Tech Fest Oct 14 Gem & Mineral Show @ Kansas Expo Oct 14-15 Mother Earth News Fair Oct 21 & 22 Boo at the Zoo Oct 21, 28 Boo It Downtown Oct 26 Halloween Street Fair @ NOTO Oct. 28 First Friday Art Walk Nov 3 Holiday Food & Gift Mart @ KS Expo Nov 3-5 Spirit, Mind & Body Fair @KS Expo Nov 4 & 5 Blizzard Bash @ KS Expo Nov 9-12 Tower and TOUGH Tower Run Nov 11 Salute Our Heroes Festival & Parade Nov 11 Candlelight Christmas @ NOTO Nov 17 Neat & Polished Nov 18 Winter Wonderland Nov 22 - Dec 31 Miracle on Kansas Avenue Parade Nov 25 Small Business Saturday Nov 25 Festival of Trees Nov 30 - Dec 3 First Friday Art Walk Dec 1 WinterFest Dec 2 Kansas Ballet Presents The Nutcracker Dec 16 & 17 FIND OUT WHAT’S GOING ON IN

#TopCity

Download the free Visit Topeka app

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CASH FLOW MANAGEMENT

Matt Deutsch, CPA Photo Submitted

BERBERICH TRAHAN & CO.

Building a Cash-Rich Business

M

UCH BUSINESS AND PERSONAL STRESS can be related to low or lackluster cash flow. As entrepreneurs and business owners, we know that intermittent cash flow can cause sleepless nights and anxiety. So where do you even start in your pursuit of stabilized cash flow? Often times the best place to start is by finding and then fixing money leaks in your business. Here are some ideas to get the ball rolling.

Matt Deutsch, CPA is the director of proactive business solutions at BT&Co.

Track and Monitor Your Results I am sure we all have that “friend” who estimates they spend $200 per month on dining out. But when they start tracking their expenses, they are shocked to find out they actually spent $2,000 per month on dining out.

That is why it is so important that you are tracking all of your cash flow—in and out.

The most basic way to track your cash flow is to save your checks and receipts. Tally them up on paper or enter them into an Excel spreadsheet monthly. While adequate, it is a bit antiquated.

A quicker and more modern alternative is to use an online accounting software package such as QuickBooks Online or Xero. These software tools connect to all of your financial accounts—bank accounts, credit cards, etc.—and automatically pull in your income and expenses from the bank feed. You can then see how much you have been spending on rent, utilities, entertainment, memberships, etc., so you can be more deliberate with your spending.

3 Types of Expenses

Create a Mindful Cash Management Plan When most people think of a plan for spending their money, they think “budget.”

Many see a budget as a plan for restricting spending, but by spending money in a mindful way, you can increase your cash flow now while building a cash-rich business.

To create a cash management plan, stop thinking of “expenses” as a negative word.

PROTECTIVE EXPENSES—Protective expenses are how you safeguard your business, your productivity and the way you do business. A good example is putting money away into a separate account until you have saved at least three months of operating reserves. Include various types of insurance and a proactive CPA and business attorney you meet with periodically to discuss your business.

Start Recovering Cash Flow Now The numbers of a business can be intimidating. After all, you probably did not go into business to be an accountant. However, getting a thorough understanding of where

DESTRUCTIVE EXPENSES—In my opinion, the only type of expense worthy of a negative feeling is the destructive expense. Overdraft fees, spending on vices, products or services you don’t use or that don’t add value are all expenses that you most likely want to eliminate.

RAINMAKING EXPENSES—Rainmaking or productive expenses, however, are how you make money. Spending more money on the right employee, the right equipment, the right marketing campaign, or the right mastermind group can pay for itself over and over again. Education and training can be one of the greatest rainmaking expenses, too as long as you use it. Otherwise, it is destructive rather than productive.

the money is flowing in and out and creating a mindful plan on how to use your cash in the future are critical first steps in creating a cashrich business.

SMALL BUSINESS FINANCIAL PLANNING 66

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VISIONARY ENTREPRENEUR

Hobby to Business This newest fad is a hobby that can become pretty pricey, but that is not stopping people all over the world from falling in love with drone racing.

A

By KATHY WEBBER

Photos by MEGAN ROGERS

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USTIN WRIGHT FELL VICTIM to that adrenaline rush that comes with drone racing. After watching a drone racing video on Facebook, Wright decided to open a store that focuses solely on drones and their accessories. Located at 5835 SW 21st St., aDRONEaline RACING, opened for business last November.

“I’ve been a video gamer ever since I was a little kid,” Wright said. “I just knew that it was going to be the next big thing. I dropped everything to start this and I am glad I did.”

Drone racing involves pilots racing drones equipped with cameras through an obstacle course. The pilots wear goggles that give them a first person view of the drone flight, creating the sensation of being in the cockpit. The goal of drone racing is to complete the obstacle course in

Photo by MEGAN ROGERS PHOTOGRAPHIE

Austin Wright capitalized on his video gaming passion and opened aDRONEaline RACING, a store that focuses solely on drones and their accessories.

the fastest time. Races are short because drones are powered by batteries that last no more than two to four minutes.

The sport can be a little pricey. Racing drones can cost from $75 to $1,000 and goggles cost $40 to $500.

Drone racing began as an amateur sport in Australia in late 2014 and has spread quickly worldwide. The events are now covered by ESPN2 and NBC Sports, and pilots can win as much as $1 million in prize money.

Wright, a Topeka native, hopes to boost Topeka’s tourism by hosting

drone racing events for ESPN2 and NBC Sports.

“I love my city, and Topeka could really use something new and fun that not only creates a new recreation for our community, but helps boost tourism,” Wright said.

Wright is a member of TopCity Drone Racing, directed by Topekan and YouTube drone icon, Travis Grindal.

The two have teamed up and hosted 70 events from Western Kansas to Central Missouri. In July they hosted their latest and biggest drone racing event, Summer

Sky Series, at Sunflower Soccer fields.

Wright brought in a huge glow-in-thedark outdoor obstacle course just like the ones seen on ESPN2, and for a $50 entry fee, pilots could enter their drone to win cash prizes.

There is more to win than money at these events; winning an amateurracing event could land drone pilots the opportunity to race in a much bigger playing field.

According to NBC.com, The Drone Racing League is always looking for the greatest drone

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Photo by MEGAN ROGERS PHOTOGRAPHIE

An easy way to get started in drone racing is to make your own drone from a kit at the “Build it Yourself” classes offered at aDRONEaline RACING.

racers on earth to compete in their worldwide drone races. Most recently, The Drone Racing League hosted the DRL Allianz World Championships on ESPN where the winner could win $100,000. Sixteen racers will travel around the world and fly their drones in different venues varying from NFL stadiums to abandoned malls.

Wright hopes to introduce people to the sport of drone racing and get more people involved. An easy way to get started is with the “Build it Yourself ”

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class aDRONEaline RACING offers once a month for $50. Here participants learn to build a $400 Quadcopter drone from a kit that costs $150, allowing participants to build a decent entry-level drone for about half the price. Accessories such as goggles, camera, batteries and charger will cost around an additional $150. Class dates can be found at www. aDRONEalineRACING.com.

“I’m trying to keep the cost down by teaching the build classes so we can create a community of pilots,” Wright

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said. “Once people actually experience it, they fall in love with it. I am trying to make it as affordable as I can.”

Wright would like to create aerial drone parks in Topeka where people can fly and race their drones.

“By taking the ‘build it and we will come’ approach and providing a venue for these new and exciting events to take place, we can be on the forefront of this new racing phenomenon. We can put Topeka on the map as having one of the best drone parks and facilities in the country,” Wright said.

Wright says ADRONEaline RACING is doing well even though he hasn’t spent any money on advertising.

The store has done $80,000 in business since opening its doors. Wright’s goal is to one day be as big as GameStop and be located in several different cities.

“I have always been entrepreneurial minded and this is something that I knew was going to explode. In my opinion drone techs and mechanics are going to be like auto mechanics in a few years. They are going to be everywhere,” Wright said.

Drones are currently used for several different industries. They are used to help those with disabilities complete difficult tasks they are unable to complete. Food and medicine can be delivered via drones to locations that humans are unable to reach, and environmental protection agencies use drones to help capture aerial images of landscapes and wildlife without causing a disturbance.

TK

This is what people notice first when they meet someone: 47%

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smile

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By DR. DAVID PRICE

The Relationship between

CREATIVITY

INNOVATION

Three inter-related concepts that each business owner should know and use PART 3 of a 4-Part Series on Entrepreneurship

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

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In the first two articles of this series, I described how creativity and innovation are integral components of any business, particularly in order to stay ahead of the competition and fuel growth in the short and long term. The third step or “entrepreneurship” is construction of the business itself, or growth or change of direction of an existing firm. That is, understanding key elements of how the business is designed, how it will operate, function and deliver the value of the innovation to your customers. It is a framework for the business, a template crafted around business functions that can be altered if and when it is necessary. This is often referred to as a “business model” and understanding the concept is valuable for any business opportunity.

WHAT IS A BUSINESS MODEL? Most business experts agree that owners and executives should know how business models work if their organizations are to be successful, yet there is little agreement on what it is exactly. Peter Drucker, often referred to as one of the leading business experts of all time, defined a business model as answering the following questions: Who is your customer, what does the customer value, and how do you deliver value at an appropriate cost?

In “Why Business Models Matter,” Joan Magretta defines a business model as having two parts, the first is the creation of the making something: design, raw materials, manufacturing etc. The second part is all activities associated with selling something: finding and reaching new customers, sales transactions, distribution or delivery of a service. A new business model may include designing a new product, meeting an unmet need or a process innovation, so it can be new at either end of the chain. It can also be new if an existing business model is introduced to a different market.

Recognize that business models are as old as markets themselves, for example selling direct to consumers is one version of a business model.

Others may be new and experimental based around new technologies such as the Internet. Other models include selling wholesale to retailers, selling through distributors, licensing products to other companies, selling online, selling through auctions, and many other alternatives.

There appears to be no one-sizefits-all solution, and many companies may use some combination of business models to arrive at a unique model.

Table 1 lists only some examples of business models and how each is slightly different.

Understanding the right business model requires the same thoughtful diligence and persistence as designing

TABLE 1

EXAMPLES OF BUSINESS MODELS MODEL

HOW IT WORKS

EXAMPLE

Bricks & Clicks

Integrates both offline (bricks) and online (clicks) presence Bring together buyers/sellers and charge fees per transaction Package related goods and services together Sell direct, sidestep traditional middleman

Target & many other retailers

Utilize another firms’ successful business model Offer basic services for free, charge for premium service Rent rather than sell, usually high price and high margin Pay royalties to another organization for rights to sell Lower prices by decreasing service

McDonalds, Subway, etc.

Offer high-margin product below cost and increase sales of low-margin companion product Charge a subscription fee to gain access to service Members have access to network (also advertising)

Printers & Ink

Brokerage Bundling Disintermediation Franchising Freemium Leasing Licensing Low-touch Razor/Blades

Subscription User Communities

the right product or service, but the approach and skill sets required are different. This is why there are often a team of founders in new companies, some have technical skill in building the product or service, while another has business acumen that helps develop the business model, most often done at the same time. In much the same way we prototype a product, we should also look for proof of concept with a business model to validate its design.

WHY IS BUSINESS MODEL THINKING IMPORTANT? Beginning in 2006, the IBM Institute has conducted Global CEO research which reported that senior executives across industries regard

Century 21, Orbitz Fast food, PC packages Dell, party plan systems

LinkedIn, Dropbox Cars, equipment Disney, MLB, NFL Walmart, Ikea

Netflix Angie’s List

developing innovative business models as a major priority. A follow-up study several years later revealed that seven out of 10 companies are engaging in business model innovation.

Furthermore, an amazing 98 percent are modifying their business models to some extent. Business model design is undeniably here to stay, but why?

As most business owners know, Plan A rarely works out. If your business is struggling, it certainly does not mean you have a bad product, or that you should fire salespeople or even close the doors. Rather, it could be something else at the heart of your company, such as its design. Often we have to look more closely at how you are conducting your business and

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and Virtual Reality technologies. Other current examples include search engine giant Google, that has pivoted from Internet search to other Internet-related services (email, maps, YouTube) to selfdriving cars and renewable energy farms.

But how do you know if you need an entirely new business model or just need to update? How do we know when it is time to pivot? Rita McGrath in "When Your Business Model is in Trouble" suggests when innovations to your current business create smaller and smaller improvements there is need for evaluation. There also could be concern when owners/staff have trouble thinking up new improvements or, worse yet, when customers are increasingly finding new alternatives.

HOW TO DESIGN YOUR BUSINESS MODEL Each business is distinctive in its history, culture, size, markets and future challenges, so the blueprint for your own business model will be unique. That being said, every business should be looking to evaluate its current position on how to improve.

CONCLUSION Ultimately business model design is about seeing the big picture, the core aspects of your business, its purpose, processes and structure. The simpler the understanding of this vision the better.

Of course, simple does not necessarily mean easy. Each business owner/ manager must be honest about what you can and are willing to change, as there will be consequences with each decision.

Once the building blocks of the business model are established, in the following issue we move to the next phase of the entrepreneurial process: TK growth.

FIVE KEY FACTORS

to evaluate when building the process of a business model design.

1

What is your value proposition?

Are you different from competitors?

2

Who is your target market?

Are there other demographics, industries, niches?

3

How do you make money?

Can there be additional revenue streams, are costs too high?

4

Can you develop internal advantages?

Production, management, processes, partnerships?

5

Can it scale/grow?

How is this done and what amount of time will it take?

Photo Submitted

adjust the model and pursue Plan B, and Plan C and so on.

For example, many well-known companies have changed their business model in order to take advantage of opportunities, keep up with competitors or to simply survive. The 3M Company is a huge multi-national corporation that sells industrial and consumer products worldwide in a number of different industries, from electronics, automotive to healthcare. But the company started out as a mining company (originally the Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company—3M) and almost collapsed until it diversified—and changed its business model.

The same can be said for one of the worlds’ largest video game companies Nintendo, which began selling playing cards, or Wrigley Gum entrepreneur William Wrigley who started selling soap and baking soda until he realized there was more demand from his customers for chewing gum he was giving away as a promotional product.

These types of changes to a business are often termed “pivot” points, where companies will notice an opportunity or threat and make the necessary adjustments to what they do. Innovative companies tend to have this ability to pivot quickly, and this skill is now more important than ever as the length of market advantage gained by innovations is becoming depressed.

Take Facebook for example, an incredibly successful company but one that is still looking for ways to expand. If the firm finds itself limited by its current business model (i.e. advertising revenue through social media), it attempts to pivot in other ways, which may mean acquisitions with the purchase of companies such as WhatsApp, Instagram

Dr. David Price is the Associate Professor of Marketing and Lecturer in Entrepreneurship at Washburn University.

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The story of you is the story of us.

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