TK Business Magazine - Summer 2019

DREAMERS AND THINKERS LOOK TO THE SKY FOR INSPIRATION, BECAUSE

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DOERS TAKE TO THE SKY FOR THE SAME REASON. Business is no longer restrained by location, in order to establish a presence, you have to be present. Nothing replaces being there. What we do is as much about the soccer game at night as it is for the business meeting during the day. An email will never replace a handshake. A video will never replace watching from the sidelines.

We handle the journey so our clients can focus on the destination.

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2May SUMMER 2019 TK Business Magazine

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CONTENTS FEATURES

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MEDICAL SERVICES INNOVATION

Stormont Vail Health invests in innovation and new technology to provide sustainable health care for the patients and community it serves.

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ALL IN THE FAMILY

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GOING TO THE DOGS

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ALL IN THE FAMILY

Chavez Restoration and Cleaning adds one more to its “all in the family” business that employs aunts, uncles, siblings, cousins and workers who seem like family.

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CELEBRATING GROWTH AND STRIVING FOR MORE

Three local businesses embark on expanding their reach and finding new opportunities.

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CREATING BEAUTY IN NORTH TOPEKA Photos by EMMA HIGHFILL

Discover some of the unique businesses that make up the NOTO Arts & Entertainment District.

GROWTH THROUGH ACQUISITION

COVER PHOTO

IN EVERY ISSUE TK BUSINESS EXPERTS

NOTO ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT

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PG.30 Mark Rezac PG.70 Michael Lesser

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SHOW ME THE MONEY

Local organizations help entrepreneurs find funding for business startups and expansion.

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GOING TO THE DOGS

It can be a dog-eat-dog kinda world sometimes, but these two dog businesses have found their niche in Topeka.

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Women’s Fund State of the Community TIBA Lunch & Learn

A Washburn University professor discusses the importance of data analytics.

SCENE ABOUT TOWN

Cover Photo Credit: Thomas Hall

THE MYSTERY IS IN THE DATA

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GROWTH THROUGH ACQUISITION

Acquisition of an existing business with complementary areas of expertise and compatible cultures offers opportunities for strategic growth, enhanced customer service, and employee recruitment and retention initiatives.

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TK Business Magazine

YOUR STORY is our passion.

The Kona Ice story at EnvistaBusiness.com

Matt Douglas & Jay Weber Owners of Kona Ice

A McElroy’s professional arrives at your doorstep with more than a toolbox in hand.

He carries a commitment founded on 65+ years of excellence and expertise.

He’s competent, meticulous, committed and polite.

He’s a professional.

785.266.4870

www.mcelroys.com SUMMER 2019

TK Business Magazine

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Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL

FROM THE PUBLISHER

I

HAVE BEEN HOSTING TK Business Live on WIBW 580 AM for the past three years thanks to our partnership with the Topeka Independent Business Association. One of my favorite questions to ask the business owners that I interview is, “What advice would you give new and aspiring entrepreneurs?” I always find the responses inspiring, motivating and honest, and I wanted to share a few of the recent ones.

“Never become complacent. Complacency will be the death of a company. When you stop trying to grow and create and be the absolute best that you can, you’ll get beat.”

—Neal Spencer Ernest-Spencer, Inc. “Sometimes you just have to throw the hat over the fence...you’ll figure out a way to get it. Take those giant risks.”

—Tammy Thiessen Thiessen Design Co. “Go into it with an open mind and know the culture that you want to create.”

—Abbey Brown The Brownstone “Faith is first. Faith. Family. Business. And, don’t give up when you face those uphill battles.”

—Lyndsey Adams Owls Nest Antique Mall & Flea Market

"Have a good support system at home, but one that also wants you to come home—it keeps you grounded.”

—Kurtis Wells West Side Stamp & Awards, Inc. “You just have to have faith in yourself and take that leap of faith.”

—Mike Conlin Jayhawk Pharmacy & Patient Supply “Never give up on your dream. If you are passionate about something, find a way.

There are times when it is going to seem like you are not going to be successful, but you just have to keep plugging away and it works out.”

—Angel McGhee The Firehouse—Topeka’s DIY Workshop

As I thought of how to sum up all the advice I have heard from the various business owners over the years, Theodore Roosevelt said it best: “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”

But if Theodore Roosevelt is not your cup of tea, join me in a little Chumbawamba: “I get knock down, but I get up again.

You are never gonna keep me down.”

Tara Dimick Tara@TKMagazine.com

@TKBusinessMag

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@TK...Topeka's Business Magazine TK Business Magazine

@TK Business

@tk_business_

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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.

BUSINESSES IN-THE-NEWS

BUSINESS GROWTH MARKETING:

BANISH THE SKELETONS IN YOUR BRAND CLOSET MARS WRIGLEY CONFECTIONERY will make a $30 million capital investment in their existing facility, resulting in an overall economic impact of $38.5 million.

Martha Bartlett Piland MB Piland Advertising + Marketing

FOULSTON SIEFKIN celebrates their 100th Anniversary.

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MANAGING PARTNER & SALES DIRECTOR Braden Dimick braden@tkmagazine.com 785.438.7773 LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER Emma Highfill COVER PHOTOGRAPHER Thomas Hall CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS John DeMeo Braden Dimick Thomas Hall Emma Highfill

Kristina Dietrick HR Partners

CONTRIBUTING EXPERTS Gail Hoover King Michael Lesser Mark Rezac Troy Roberts Gary Satter

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.

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

FOUNDER ǀ Kevin Doel

tkmagazine.com 2019 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.

STORMONT VAIL HEALTH has again been verified as a Level II Trauma Center by the American College of Surgeons.

McELROY’S celebrates their 68th Anniversary.

CREATIVE DIRECTOR & DESIGNER Janet Faust

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Samantha Egan Miranda Ericsson Kim Gronniger Lisa Loewen Wendy Long Karen Ridder Kathy Webber

Topeka’s EVEL KNIEVEL MUSEUM wins an international award for “Museum, Limited Budget,” from the Themed Entertainment Association.

KEY STAFFING celebrates their 30th Anniversary.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Lisa Loewen

HUMAN RESOURCES:

PERFORMANCE EVALUATIONS: STILL RELEVANT IN TODAY’S BUSINESS SPROUT COMMUNICATIONS, LLC announced their new name—SPROUT CREATIVE, LLC—in conjunction with its one year anniversary on Kansas Avenue.

PUBLISHER Tara Dimick

saturdays 10:30 AM - 11:00 am

WIBW 580 AM

TK Business Magazine

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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STORMONT VAIL HEALTH

MEDICAL SERVICES

Photo by THOMAS HALL | Eagle Aerial Solutions, LLC

INNOVATION

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FOR 59 YEARS CCO HAS FOCUSED ON 5 DEFINING WORDS:

quality • value • integrity trust • partnership

By MIRANDA ERICSSON Photo by THOMAS HALL

We thank our many customers for their continued support.

M

EDICAL SERVICES ARE COMPETITIVE. Like any other business, healthcare providers must stay on top of advances in the field, offer customers a better value for their money than their competitor, and continue to improve services. For Stormont Vail Health, the organization’s mission goes even further, aiming to positively impact the overall quality of life and health of the community that they serve. Stormont Vail’s leadership team is committed to empowering their workforce to continue to be viable and competitive, while also empowering patients to be active participants in their own care. It is no small feat, but CEO Robert Kenagy is proud of how well Stormont Vail is meeting its goals.

“Creating a sustainable care model relies on innovation,” Kenagy said. “Our investment in this innovation and new technology is an investment in our community. Not only are we investing in new technology to help our patients, such as the Virtual Nurse, we’re also working on a national level to develop and refine new medical treatments and therapies that can enhance patient care and well-being through our clinical research program.”

Looking toward the future, Stormont Vail Health is implementing new programs and technology to offer cutting-edge patient care at the best value for the cost.

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PHOTO SUBMITTED

The Heart Failure RIE team was one of the first to see remarkable results by implementing Lean into their process of transporting heart patients from home to the hospital's cardiac catheterization lab, where treatment begins after a heart attack.

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LEAN Quality service at a good value for the customer starts with contributions from everyone within an organization, which is why Stormont Vail Health has implemented Lean Six Sigma to improve performance. It is not only a set of improvement and innovation tools and strategies, but also a management system that leads to greater consistency and more reliable outcomes.

Chad Yeager, administrative director of performance, excellence and quality for Stormont Vail Hospital, said that leveraging Lean means empowering staff at every level of the organization to be a problem solver.

“With Lean we’ve developed improvement and innovation capabilities deep into the organization,” Yeager said.

“This has led to breakthrough results that would have been challenging to achieve through traditional means.”

Stormont Vail Health has implemented Lean by flipping the

TK Business Magazine

leadership structure. Rather than all of the decisions and improvements coming from the top, leaders act as coaches and develop those skill sets deep within the organization.

“The goal is to create eyes for waste and encourage ideas for innovation at every level,” Yeager said. “We train staff to be efficient and flexible, able to adapt and act with agency. Lean gives the crew more buy-in, because everyone owns the improvements.”

One of the first tests of Lean was with the process by which Stormont Vail Health transports heart patients from home to the hospital’s cardiac catheterization lab, where treatment begins after a heart attack. The government sets a time benchmark of 90 minutes for this process to meet quality standards, and the top 90th percentile of hospitals consistently complete the process in 48 minutes.

Stormont Vail wants to be excellent in all that they do, so they used Lean

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Entrepreneurial & Minority Business Development A GO Topeka Program

Find out if your business qualifies and learn about your options by contacting maryann.anderson@topekapartnership.com.

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Stormont Vail Health’s Virtual Nurse platform is changing the traditional nursing model by giving patients access to a nurse via video and audio as needed.

to evaluate their process and dramatically improved their time, surpassing the 90th percentile goal.

But they did not stop there.

They then applied Lean to inpatient length of stay to solve capacity issues and continue to look for ways to execute changes across all levels of the organization.

Stormont Vail’s commitment to systemic change has resulted in real stories of improvement in areas that had previously been challenging— allowing the organization to see movement in a positive direction with seemingly immovable problems.

VIRTUAL NURSE Nurses are some of the hardest working people you’ll meet, doing some of the most important work necessary to keep people safe and well.

They have a lot on their plates, which means that they might not always be available when a patient presses the call button.

Stormont Vail Health’s Virtual Nurse platform is changing the traditional nursing model by

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giving patients access to a nurse via video and audio as needed.

A virtual nurse does not replace human nurses with computers. Tracy Duran, RN and Nurse Manager, is glad to say that no one is being taken out of the equation.

“Virtual nurse technology is about changing the workflow around nursing,” Duran said.

“This is an addition, not a subtraction. You’ll still see the same bedside care, but with virtual nurse technology, you now have two nurses on the case.”

A virtual nurse looks like a 40-inch television and touchscreen computer in the room. If a patient calls for a nurse, or it is time to check in, a virtual nurse will ask for permission to turn on the camera, much like knocking on a door. When permission is granted, the patient will then interact virtually with the nurse, much like having a conversation via Skype. The camera is only able to live stream a session, so nothing is ever recorded.

Virtual nurses are Stormont Vail employees committed to the organization’s values and mission. They help coordinate the care plan and perform electronic functions such as compiling a medication list or updating medical records. The virtual nurse can also be present when a physician visits, which allows for better coordination of care. The virtual nurse can bring up images such as x-rays and other medical information needed to make an informed plan.

The virtual nurse system, which was implemented in 32 rooms in the beginning, has resulted in a substantial decrease in length of stay in those rooms where virtual nurses were put into action.

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Does an Affair Matter in a Divorce?

ith the advent of no fault divorce, many think that fault no longer matters. As it relates to divorce, the viewpoint is that an affair does not matter at all.

Some think that courts will not look at it and give it no weight at all. In the end, the view is everything is going to be divided in half anyway. Child support and maintenance is going to be what it is. And in terms of child custody, many think an affair is irrelevant.

Is this correct? The reality is that this viewpoint is not accurate in many states. It is true that to get divorced, parties do not have to show fault for a divorce to be granted. Prior to the advent of no fault divorce, parties would have to show fault like an affair, abandonment, emotional cruelty, violence or some other fault of some kind to get divorced.

But with no fault divorce, that is no longer required.

The exact language varies by state, but generally speaking, parties simply have to show that a marriage is irretrievably broken to get divorced.

But in terms of marital property and debt division, and spousal maintenance (alimony), many states still allow the conduct of the parties as one of the factors in terms of making that determination. States like Missouri and Kansas fall into that category. However, Illinois excludes fault as a consideration by statute.

But in terms of child custody, an affair could still have an effect in most states so long as it has a bearing on the best interests of the children. In cases where an affair can be pointed to as having a negative impact on the children and their custody or parenting time with either parent, an affair could still be looked at for a custody and parenting time determination.

Thus, parties who think an affair will have no effect whatsoever are potentially missing the mark. It is true that many judges will give little weight to an affair (even in states that allow it to be considered). At the same time, an affair is not completely irrelevant in every case at the same time. In some cases, an affair can ultimately impact

the result of the case. This is especially true where the affair had a financial impact on the marital estate.

If you are going through a divorce or family law matter, Stange Law Firm, PC can help. You can contact us online at www.stangelawfirm.com or call at 1-855-805-0595.

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Stormont Vail drives research and innovation through its clinical research program, which can potentially benefit participating patients without clear-cut treatment options.

Duran credits the Virtual Nurse platform’s greater coordination of care with the results.

Staff members are asking questions in a timely manner, which means setting up any consultations with other providers and services sooner, and that directly impacts the length of stay.

“Virtual nurse makes sure that patient needs are met, and also helps balance nurse’s workloads,” Duran said. “It helps us meet our quality and regulation standards, and raises the bar for patient care.”

MAYO NETWORK In healthcare, having an expanded network means the opportunity for a second set of eyes on a medical issue at the touch of a button. Instantaneous communication makes it possible for healthcare providers to work together in the moment, which is why Stormont Vail Health is a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network. The Mayo Clinic Care Network uses technology and physician collaboration to deliver a full spectrum of medical expertise to communities across the country and throughout the world.

Through the network, Mayo Clinic collaborates with local providers, complementing their expertise. So what does this mean for patients?

Clifton Jones, M.D. and vice president of specialty services at Stormont Vail Health, notes that being part of the network means

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additional peace of mind and the best quality care close to home.

“We have the ability to transfer lab data, pathologic slides, imaging and hospital and clinic documentation along with specific consultation questions to any Mayo Clinic subspecialty, frequently answering diagnostic and therapeutic questions without the need for the patient to travel out of state,” Dr. Jones said. “These are specialist-to-specialist consultations and typically are for extraordinarily complicated illnesses or unusual manifestations of common problems.”

In other words, the Mayo Clinic Care Network is like bringing another expert or specialist to the table to collaborate on patient care, and it can make all the difference.

Dr. Jones said that Stormont Vail has had more than 1,000 e-Consults over the past five years. The Mayo Clinic Care Network models the possibilities of collaboration to expand the reach of services.

TK Business Magazine

“We’ve established this relationship with an international leader in the delivery of healthcare in order to advance the care we provide to this community and this region,” Dr. Jones said. “We can model our delivery systems through consultations focused on many different services and health issues, based on Mayo’s experience and vast reach, even where our volumes and reach are limited by where we are geographically.”

CLINICAL RESEARCH PROGRAM Stormont Vail is not just relying on doctors outside of the community to make advancements in patient care, they are also driving research and innovation through their clinical research program, working on a national level to develop and refine new medical treatments and therapies that can enhance patient care and well-being. Mary Martell, director of research services for Stormont Vail Health said a strong

PHOTO SUBMITTED

research program benefits the community in a number of ways. First, clinical research means that patients who are suffering without clear-cut treatment options are able to access other avenues with improved efficacy or safety.

Clinical research also results in innovative approaches to care, often in collaboration with other organizations moving toward similar goals, such as the National Cancer Institute.

“We work in many different therapeutic areas across the organization,” Martell said, “so patients suffering from many different conditions and diseases can access the research process and potentially benefit from participation.”

Martell said research programs also influence the culture of an organization, encouraging a learning environment and innovative spirit, and elevating expected outcomes. Staff members who work on clinical research have access to the newest information and best technology and are given opportunities to learn complicated procedures while assessing the efficacy and safety of a new treatment or medication. A standard treatment setting does not always allow the time necessary to work in this way, so clinical research allows staff to gain experience with components that are not yet part of standard care.

“This means that our staff are ahead of the curve,” Martell said. “When those innovations become the standard, our health personnel are already trained and ready to put that innovation into practice.”

Stormont Vail’s clinical research program also makes the organization more appealing to physicians, so it improves recruitment and retention.

“We’re not an academic medical center,” Martell said, “so the scale of our program is bigger than expected, and that is often of interest to physicians. Bringing those doctors to Topeka has a ripple effect, where we are providing the best possible care.”

Recruiting high-caliber physicians and specialists means that patients are more likely to be able to receive care right here in Kansas, rather than having to travel.

The goal is to ensure that people in need are able to access research opportunities and care close to home, which means that they can keep the support of their communities. It can make all of the difference.

Clinical trials are heavily regulated, and all of the research that Stormont Vail Health participates in requires scientific approval and protections by an institutional review board. The study design must support an appropriate risk-benefit analysis, and patients must always be protected. Most importantly, patients must truly be a part of the process.

“Patients are active partners,” Martell said. “They are highly engaged and informed decision makers. We work closely with them to make their consent to participate

an ongoing process, with real-time updates and analysis, not a one-time decision. We help the patient to stay connected to the process, and we work to ensure access to all community members for the potential benefits of our clinical research.”

Martell said Stormont Vail Health is doing more than just sharing information with patients: it is actively listening to the community that it serves.

“Our goal is to empower patients in all aspects of their own well-being,” Martell said, “and to make a positive impact on the health of our community. It sounds so simple, but that’s really what it’s all about.”

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Chavez Restoration and Cleaning is an “all in the family� business.

Nick Chavez (son), Dan Chavez (father) and Amanda Chavez (daughter) run the company that also employs aunts, uncles, siblings, cousins and workers who seem like family.

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IN THE

Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL

ALL

By KAREN RIDDER

Photos by EMMA HIGHFILL

Last fall, Dan Chavez, owner of Chavez Restoration and Cleaning called his daughter, Amanda, to see what she thought about joining the family business: “Now? Five years from now? Or is it never? You tell me.”

DAN CHAVEZ KNEW IT WOULD soon be time to find a new General Manager for Chavez Restoration and Cleaning. He wondered if Amanda was ready to take the job.

A true family business, Chavez siblings, aunts, uncles and cousins have worked beside many very dedicated employees through five decades to build the business Dan’s father, Trinidad Chavez, started in 1967.

Dan’s son, Nick, had already helped the business reach into a third generation by joining his father at the company 13 years ago.

Nick currently shares operational

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Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL

management responsibilities with Steve Ortega, who has been with the company for more than 30 years. The question was, could Amanda, who had grown up in the industry but veered toward a career in development, see herself taking on the dream of coming back into the family business?

“We wanted to make sure it would be the right decision for all of us,” Amanda Chavez said. “I knew it was something I wanted to do. It is an honor to carry on the family name. I knew, looking back in five years, I would be disappointed in myself if I didn’t try.”

She said, “yes.”

In January, Amanda Chavez became General Manager of Chavez Restoration and Cleaning.

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AN AMERICAN DREAM Trinidad Chavez started the company 52 years ago as a carpet cleaning service.

Dan Chavez calls his father’s story a true American “I knew it was something I wanted to Dream. Trinidad was born do. It is an honor to carry on the family in a railroad car just outside name.” of Lawrence as the oldest of —Amanda Chavez 13 children. He had to leave General Manager school after 10th grade to go Chavez Restoration and Cleaning to work to help the family.

“I always wondered, if he had the opportunity to finish school, where he would have ended up,” Dan Chavez said.

Trinidad, who was always work and provider oriented, started Chavez Restoration and Cleaning when he saw a need for good carpet cleaning services in Topeka. In the 1970s, the company expanded into janitorial cleaning and other types of cleaning.

“Most of the business evolved with client-based needs, but my father was always about staying on the forefront

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of the industry,” Dan Chavez said.

“He found a way to get himself and my older brother to classes across the nation. We were on the forefront of restoration.”

A big market need at the time was cleaning up water-logged basements. That work typically involved pulling all the wet carpet out of a basement, drying it and re-installing or replacing it. Chavez learned to do things differently and to dry the area thoroughly instead. He brought this form of structural restoration to Northeast Kansas. Chavez also started working on fire restoration services before many people were doing that work.

Being on the cutting edge is not always easy. When they began drying out basements, it brought the added benefit of less cost and fewer hassles for the homeowner, Dan Chavez explains. They had to convince insurance companies that drying would work, and provide a better result for everyone.

“A contractor can come and tear everything out and build it new. That’s okay, if there’s a need to. Our goal as professionals is to restore it, to dry it out. We are actually restoring what was there,” Dan Chavez said.

Their success has opened the door for more competition. Seeing the business opportunities, other companies eventually began to offer similar restoration services in the area.

As a business owner, Dan Chavez says they try to keep their own business strong by being the best at what they do.

“We want to have people calling us because they respect our professionalism. I want to make sure things are done correctly. We try to do a better job than anybody else,” Dan Chavez said.

FOLLOWING IN FOOTSTEPS Nick Chavez says he fell in love with the restoration business when he was a young child. He remembers tagging along on a water loss situation at Shawnee Heights when he was about 10 years old and watching the whole operation.

“You meet people in stressful situations and you get to make their situation a lot better, and they are smiling by the time you leave. That’s pretty rewarding,” Nick Chavez said.

He always knew he wanted to work in the business. Nick also takes a lot of pride in continuing something his grandfather started. That, however, does not necessarily mean continuing to do things in the same way previous generations did it. In fact, the key element Nick and Amanda want to emulate is Trinidad Chavez’s push to be on the forefront of the industry.

50-PLUS-YEAR-OLD START UP “I think one of the things we’ve said about the third generation is that we are a 50-plus-year-old start up, right now. We are looking at all of our

ONE COMMON GOAL Dan Chavez says the beauty of a family business is everyone pushing and working toward a common goal.

He sees an energy level in Nick and Amanda to not just to be content with the old way, but to push for putting their own stamp on things.

“It’s interesting to me, being in the middle of this. I remember pushing my dad for new ways and better ways, changing some of the things he started

with. Now, I’m on the other side of that,” Dan Chavez said.

Though Nick and Amanda are working to create a lasting future for Chavez Restoration and Cleaning, they recognize they are just the next piece in the puzzle. They understand the company would not be the success it is today without very dedicated and long-term employees, including those willing to be on emergency call so they can provide services 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

“We realize we are just carrying on a legacy that has been built by many family members and employees who have put blood, sweat and tears in to keep the business where it is today,” Amanda Chavez said.

TK

Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL

Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL

“You meet people in stressful situations and you get to make their situation a lot better, and they are smiling by the time you leave.”

—Nick Chavez Operations Manager Chavez Restoration and Cleaning

services. We are looking at adding new services. We are looking at what we need to do to be successful in the future,” Amanda Chavez said.

Nick says, after 13 years of being with the company, he has enjoyed working with extended family as well as his father, but it is great to have his sister by his side.

“I always assumed my sister and my brother would join the business. For a while, it was just me, and I thought it would stay that way. I’m really glad we have a sibling working with us now. It’s been great,” Nick Chavez said.

Amanda Chavez says, even though she was familiar with the business, it was still a little bit scary because she did not know what to expect—especially since she was walking into what is a little bit of a male-dominated type of work.

“For me it’s been even better than I expected it to be. It’s been great working with Nick and my dad every day. Our personalities mesh well together, and we aren’t afraid to push back,” Amanda Chavez said.

Dan Chavez says watching his children work together reminds him of what it was like when his brother and he were working with his father.

“These guys will have a mindset that they want to do it their way, and it comes back to me. Sometimes they tell me something I don’t want to hear, but I remember doing that to my dad,” Dan Chavez said.

“I remember pushing my dad for new ways...Now I’m on the other side of that.”

—Dan Chavez Owner Chavez Restoration and Cleaning

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AND STRIVING FOR MORE

Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL

CELEBRATING GROWTH Matt Appelhanz Appelhanz Roofing

Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL

By SAMANTHA EGAN

Photos by EMMA HIGHFILL

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Jon Haas Cycle Zone Power Sports

Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL

Growth means something different to every business.

Appelhanz Roofing, Cycle Zone Power Sports and Custom Tree Care are all well past their 10-year milestones, but each business is far from plateauing, as they embark on new ventures to help widen their reach and find new opportunity.

Greg Gathers Custom Tree Care

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Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL

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A new roof above their heads

APPELHANZ ROOFING | MATT APPELHANZ

A

Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL

PPELHANZ ROOFING TURNS 40 this year.

Better than cake and balloons, their celebration involved moving to a new location that is larger and more accessible than the original storefront Matt Appelhanz’s father opened in 1979.

After a search lasting more than five years, Appelhanz found the location he was looking for on 2015 NW Brickyard Road.

“It has absolutely everything for us, as far as being on the corridor of I-70 and Highway 75,” he said. “We can dispatch anybody extremely quickly.”

Back in 2011, there was no need for a new, larger space. Appelhanz was a one man show, going from house to house, still doing paper estimates. But when a major hailstorm sent the demand for new roofs sky high, Appelhanz found himself struggling to keep up with that demand— and missed a lot of opportunities as a result. To manage the company’s sudden and dramatic growth spurt, Appelhanz brought one of his part-time workers on as a project manager. Then he added another.

Eight years later, Appelhanz has a team of seven, including five project managers and a two-person office operations team. Since the 2011 surge, Appelhanz Roofing has sustained steady growth, but now Appelhanz is better prepared to handle it. Building a solid team was a huge piece of the puzzle.

“Without a doubt, I couldn’t do it without our team,” he said. “Everyone gets along and anybody can do anybody else’s job if they had to.”

Their agility has paid big dividends.

Prior to 2011, Appelhanz estimates the business completed 200 new roofs each

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year. Five years later, they finished over 600 annually.

In addition to growing staff, the company has upgraded their processes using new technologies, like a cloud-based system for estimates (replacing the carbon paper system Appelhanz used in his solo days) and an app that allows project managers to instantly upload on-site photos and send them directly to the main office computer, cutting out hours of lag time.

“The logistics of ramping up to handle the growth is a nightmare,

Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL

Appelhanz Roofing celebrated 40 years of business by moving to a larger, more convenient location that gives them a new show room, upgraded technology systems and room to grow.

but it’s also absolutely fun to figure it out and get it done,” Appelhanz said.

Now settled in to the new storefront, Appelhanz is excited for the warm weather to bring clients into the new showroom, where they can see and touch roof materials and even take samples home with them.

“It’s hard for a customer to know what they are going to want until they see everything right there,” Appelhanz said.

The new location also puts Appelhanz Roofing in an ideal position for its next goal: expanding into Lawrence and Manhattan.

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Keeping the wheels turning

Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL

Cycle Zone Power Sports | Jon Haas

S

INCE TAKING OWNERSHIP of Cycle Zone Power Sports in 2013, growth has been a constant factor for Jon Haas to contend with.

But, for him, that was always the goal.

“The cost of keeping the store open was marginal, in terms of having a big enough market space,” Haas said.

“We needed to be a multi-line dealer, so we could increase our customer base.”

Multi-line indeed. Once a motorbike destination, Cycle Zone now sells mowers, golf carts and boats, carrying major lines such as Yamaha, Bad Boy Mowers and Tracker Boats.

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“We want to get our arms around every power sport we can,” Haas said. “We take on those new lines, and it takes a bit of time to get our name out there, but now we’re seeing more customers coming into the store to look around.”

More products quickly filled up storage space, particularly the boats.

To keep up, Cycle Zone will open an additional showroom at its location off of US-24 this summer.

Haas said he expects to see a 50 percent increase in sales this season as a result of their additional products, new showroom space and marketing efforts to gain name recognition. Given his growth mindset, Haas said he sees even

Jon Haas, owner of Cycle Zone Power Sports explains, “We want to get our arms around every power sport we can.”

Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL

more expansion in Cycle Zone’s future.

“We want to give our customers all of the product we can,” Haas said.

“They usually have to go to Kansas City to buy power sport vehicles.

We’re trying to be a one-stop show for anything outdoor power sports.”

Keeping up with the growth can be a challenge for employees, but Haas said building a strong team has been instrumental.

“Finding a really great group of people has really been the success,” he said. “Everyone working together as a team has really made it enjoyable for me.”

As for staying knowledgeable on all the new product lines, Haas said it comes naturally to the team.

“It takes a lot of time, but the guys have been really enthusiastic about each new product,” he said.

“Everyone is an enthusiast, and when you like something, you naturally want to learn about it and become better at it.”

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Spreading more seeds for success

Custom Tree Care | Greg Gathers

Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL

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G

REG GATHERS, OWNER of Custom Tree Care, made headlines in 2017 for taking a crew to Florida to help clean up tree debris in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. That venture spurred significant growth for the company and allowed him to invest more resources into his local business.

His latest venture capitalizes on this reinvestment, this time in the form of mulch. Gathers plans to add a new revenue stream to his 20-yearold business by opening a green waste recycling center on a 12-acre plot of land off of 21st and Rice Road, set to open in 2019.

The center will take tree materials, both from business and homeowners, and pull usable materials to make lumber and firewood, which Custom Tree Care will then resell. Leftover tree will be ground up for mulch, which will also be sold to consumers.

For Gathers, the new venture fulfills a longtime goal.

“I’ve always wanted to own and operate our own recycling site,” he said.

Another plus—the recycling center will give Custom Tree Care a place to dispose of their own tree debris for free. In addition, new equipment they are purchasing for the recycling center will allow them to offer tree-grinding services for communities cleaning up tree damage from natural disasters, a service Custom Tree Care has previously sub-contracted to other vendors.

The new site, and its growth potential, is a product of Gathers’ perpetual growth mindset.

“I just want to keep pushing and get to the next level,” he said. “Once you hit a target, you set a bigger target. It keeps it exciting.”

That “keep pushing” mentality has paid off for Gathers. Since opening, Custom Tree Care’s sales have increased every single year, topping $5.4 million in 2018.

“A big reason why we’ve been successful is we keep driving forward,” Gathers said. “In this industry—and others—some businesses hit one level and just stay there. They don’t chase new opportunities.”

Gathers continues to look for those opportunities to pursue. In

Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL

Gearing up for a new chapter in his 20-year-old business, Greg Gathers, owner of Custom Tree Care, will be opening a green waste recycling center that repurposes useable tree materials and mulches the leftovers.

fact, Gathers is already thinking of new business lines for the recycling center.

He plans to buy additional equipment to dye and color the mulch, and bundle and wrap firewood to sell in smaller quantities. Looking even farther down the road, Gathers said he hopes to eventually open a truck repair shop to service Custom Tree Care’s fleet and equipment, and then solicit that business to other truck owners.

“I think it’s our duty to be the best we can be and maximize every opportunity we have,” Gathers said.

“I’d be bored if we weren’t pushing and growing.”

Gathers said finding ways to grow a business is not a magic formula. It is about being willing to keep moving forward.

“It’s just about doing it, really,” he said. “Do your research, know what you’re doing. But you just have to be committed to what you want to do. You don’t have to have all the answers right away, you just have to know where you want to go.”

TK

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SELLING YOUR BUSINESS

Mark Rezac PHOTO SUBMITTED

AGENT│PARTNER KANSAS COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE SERVICES, INC.

Consider the following before putting your business on the market: Your business is your baby. It is your pride and joy. You have invested time, money and all of your energy into making it grow and thrive. So when it is time to sell, do not rush through the process or sell your company short. Be prepared.

• Understand how selling your company will affect you, your family, your lifestyle, your employees and others who depend on you.

• Be able to supply three to five years of tax returns and internal financial reports as well as three to five years of financial statements generated by a third party.

• Learn the tax ramifications of the sale.

• Meet with your financial advisor to ensure you can maintain or improve your current lifestyle.

• Meet with a commercial broker to discuss the ability to find buyers at your desired sale price.

For many sellers, the business broker serves as a confidante. He or she takes this important journey with you and not only finds a buyer, but also protects you during the transaction. Some solid, first steps include: • Meet with a business broker to understand the current market. Discuss what is available, pricing, purchase options and strategy for cleaning-up financial reports.

• Talk with your broker about identifying the changes ahead for you and your family.

• With the help of your broker, consult financial experts about the financial changes this transaction will bring.

The benefits of using a business broker include business continuity. Because selling a company is time-consuming, the business broker can work on the sale while the business owner continues to focus on running the business.

Business brokers also have the ability to reach a large base of buyers, market your company to maximize the sale price and close the deal in less time. The broker, who’s helped along the way, will be compensated with a negotiated percentage of the transaction price at the time of sale.

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN SELECTING A COMMERCIAL BROKER: • RELATIONSHIP. Meet with a potential broker face to face. Both sides need to be comfortable with each other.

This is a big decision and can be emotional.

• MARKETING. The broker should communicate with you about how they will market the business and to whom.

• CONFIDENTIALITY. Because these types of sales can be sensitive, the broker must be able to keep it quiet.

• HONESTY. Good brokers will be truthful about the market value of the business, even if you do not want to hear it.

Starting, growing and maintaining a business can be one of life’s most rewarding endeavors. When you’re ready to end this journey and retire or begin a new adventure, put the same care into selling the company as you did into building it.

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Photo by THOMAS HALL | Eagle Aerial Solutions, LLC

C R E AT I N G BEAUTY

NOTO ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT

The NOTO Arts & Entertainment District is more than a collection of art studios, galleries, antique stores, retail shops and eateries.

It is a community of business owners who share a common goal—to revitalize, restore and reinvest in a vision for North Kansas Avenue.

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By WENDY LONG, MIRANDA ERICSSON, KAREN RIDDER & KATHY WEBBER Photos by THOMAS HALL & EMMA HIGHFILL

SUMMER 2019

Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL TK Business Magazine 33

NOTO A RT S & E NTE RTAINME NT D IST RICT

By WENDY LONG

M

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Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL

ANY TOPEKA NATIVES have fond memories of the area north of the river.

Originally a vibrant area in the mid-1900s, shops and businesses lined North Kansas Avenue. The flood of 1951 and subsequent collapse of the bridge, among other contributing factors, left the area in disrepair and disarray.

But something beautiful has been created out of this chaos. Something historical and meaningful. With a tremendous amount of art and an even more tremendous amount of hard work, the beauty and charm of the NOTO Arts & Entertainment District is continually emerging.

Instead of destroying aging and disheveled spaces, the investors and businesses in NOTO are utilizing the structures in place and enhancing what already exists. The last few years have brought some remarkable improvements only made possible through extensive collaboration. From

huge murals to outdoor entertainment venues, private and public entities are working together to develop this a premier arts and entertainment district.

“Our vision is to make this not just a local but a regional destination location,” says Thomas Underwood, executive director of the NOTO Arts & Entertainment District.

With a new logo, stunning artwork and updated signage, exciting things are happening. The district features an evergrowing array of retail stores, art galleries, photography studios, restaurants, entertainment venues, tattoo studios and much more.

These are all alongside various trades and service businesses, and thriving nonprofit organizations.

“Every business down here is a small, local business,” Underwood says.

“We are here to support each other.”

Purchased in 2014, the NOTO Arts Center is the hub for the district. It houses an art gallery, offices

and spaces for community meetings, educational events and art classes. This place alone has welcomed guests from across the nation and around the world, including Germany and Puerto Rico.

The proposed renovations throughout the building include converting the basement into a multipurpose room, art studios and storage. Updates outside the building will include additional landscaping, painting and lighting.

Just across the street, Redbud Park is making its debut this year. The park will be true to its artistic roots with an outdoor stage and sculptures throughout. There will be an indoor venue for visual and performing arts, as well as areas for food trucks and vendors. The gardens will feature redbud trees in honor of Clair Swogger, one of the founders of the Redbud Foundation, which donated the money to purchase the property.

NOTO represents the unwavering support of those who love the arts and their city.

Located in the NOTO Arts District at 925 N Kansas Ave

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E XC E E DI N G T HE VISIO N

STUDIO 831 BARBARA WATERMAN-PETERS

P Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL

ICASSO’S WORDS, “Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life,” ring true for this once-forgotten industrial part of town, sadly neglected for decades. Now, the beautiful soul of a community re-emerges.

Barbara Waterman-Peters was one of the first to be a part of creating the NOTO Arts & Entertainment District.

Along with several other visionaries, she explored the old buildings and deserted blocks in the North Topeka area. Some of the places were full of dead pigeons and others were so dark they needed flashlights to see inside. The flood of 1951 had left water damage and a thick layer of mud in the basements of most of the buildings.

But Barbara saw beyond the dust and damage to the potential this area held.

“I was very passionate about the whole concept,” she says. “The timing was perfect for me. And Topeka was ready.”

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By WENDY LONG

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Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL

Barbara Waterman-Peters moved her art studio and gallery to NOTO nine years ago.

Barbara decided to move her art studio and gallery space into the NOTO area almost nine years ago. The building at 831 N. Kansas Avenue is one that she and some of the early volunteers came out to paint, the first of many beautification projects in the district. Friend and fellow artist, Lois VanLiew, joined her in the space. Since then, a number of artists have shared Studio 831 with them.

There is always a waiting list of other artists who want to join if space opens up.

“I am fortunate to be here,” says Barbara. “I feel I

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have done some of my best work here.”

Studio 831 is just one of the “storefront” businesses in NOTO with studio space that also offers items for sale to the public. People can walk down the block and right into art galleries and shops brimming with amazing and interesting pieces. The arts district gives people from all walks of life access to various expressions of art.

“We have broadened the opportunities for people to interact with art and artists,” Barbara says. “We can have a dialogue about art. It has

TK Business Magazine

led to the most interesting conversations.”

From a call for volunteers to a call for artists, the people of Topeka have responded.

Private investors and monies have always funded the area, not governmental entities or large corporations.

Every business, every investor, every artist, every shopper—each in their own way doing their small part for the benefit of all.

“I think the development of NOTO provided the spark for other areas of Topeka,” Barbara says. “At the very root of it

is the enhancement of our city. I am so excited to see how the city is recognizing its value.”

Working with downtown partnerships and collaborating with other entities, the area maintains its unique ambiance as it continues to grow and evolve. Barbara is proud to have been part of the catalyst for this evolution.

“I did a painting of how I envisioned the NOTO area would look, and it did not begin to capture all the wonderful things happening down here,” she says. “It has—and is—exceeding our wildest dreams.”

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Architecture.

Planning.

Interiors.

Ony x S a l o n a n d We l l n e s s S p a , N OTO, To pe k a, K S

L I ST E N . D E S I G N . I N S P I R E .

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WWW.AO.DE SI GN 785 .27 1 .7 0 1 039 TK Business Magazine

B RIN G I N G P EO P LE & CE R AMICS TOGET HER

FIRE ME UP CERAMICS & FINE ART STUDIOS MONETTE MARK

M

Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL

ONETTE MARK LOVES ceramics.

And she loves people. She felt like these two should be able to come together more often.

“I wanted this medium to be available to a wider variety of people,” Monette says. “For those who wouldn’t normally have access to it, especially those who need it.”

For many, making pottery is a form of therapy. It is relaxing and cathartic—a stress reliever as well as a form of self-expression.

“Not everyone believes they can paint or draw, but clay is easier for them,” Monette says. “If you mess up clay, you can squish it up and start over.

Clay is very forgiving.”

And so Monette took that dream of bringing people and ceramics together and began one of the of newest additions to the ever-growing NOTO Arts & Entertainment District, Fire Me Up Ceramics & Fine Art Studios.

Monette had already done the big city business thing as a successful graphic designer.

She wanted a change of pace and decided to return to her Topeka roots. She finished her Master’s in Fine Arts with an emphasis on ceramics

By WENDY LONG

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and painting at Washburn University and then taught there for eight years after her graduation. But she still wanted more people in the community to be able to join in the creation of art.

NOTO was the logical place for her new business.

She had friends throughout the area and was drawn to the flourishing arts district.

Monette bought the building at 1000 N. Kansas Ave. in November 2018 and immediately had other artists ready to join her in the space.

Construction was—and is— still underway, but they were not deterred by the scope of the project. Instead, the artists quickly joined together to form a sort of co-op where everyone helps one another.

“It has been so touching the way people have been incredibly supportive,” she says. “This place is just as much theirs as it is mine because they have put so much work into it.”

This collaborative spirit embodies the spirit of NOTO—a community where everyone does what they can to support one another. There is a true sharing of resources, services and knowledge.

Whether it involves trading, bartering or simply giving, they take care of one another.

THE TOPEKA LAW FIRM FOR BUSINESS Monette Mark, owner of Fire Me Up Ceramics & Fine Art Studios, says making pottery is a form of therapy—a stress reliever as well as a form of self-expression.

Foulston Siefkin’s team can help you with everything you need to start, grow,

“Everyone is a good neighbor,” Monette said. “We truly want this to succeed.

We all are happy for each other when something good happens.”

Fire Me Up Ceramics & Fine Art Studios currently houses studio and shelf rentals for ceramic and mixed media artists. On that side of the space are numerous pottery wheels and kilns, as well as tables and booths for the artists. On the other side, an art gallery features paintings, pottery and other pieces from local artists. There is a large common area for classes and events.

Whether throwing on the wheel or hand building, there are opportunities for all ages and skill levels.

Monthly events include First

Friday Art Walk and Ceramic Demonstrations, Final Friday Get Dirty with Your Date Night, and Third Thursday Wine and Wheel. The studio offers numerous ceramics classes, including summer sessions and other special events. Monette also offers lessons for disabled veterans and community groups, such as Girl Scouts and 4-H. “It is amazing how people can express themselves,” Monette says. “It helps them to open up and makes them feel better.”

One of Monette’s next projects is to offer products made from the ’51 flood clay in the basement of her building. Now who could resist that historic mug for their collection?

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PU SH I N G T HE E NVE LO P E

NOTO BURRITO JENNY TORRENCE

Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL

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By KATHY WEBBER

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I

T CAN BE HARD to be a small business owner when your competition is big chains or franchises, but Jenny Torrence, owner of NOTO Burrito located at 822 N. Kansas Avenue seems to be managing things well.

It all started in 2011 when Torrence bought her first building in the NOTO Arts & Entertainment District to house Serendipity, an event venue for a variety of occasions, including wedding receptions, high school reunions and even comedy shows.

“I landed here on a fluke,” Torrence said. “I grew up in North Topeka and I had a whim about opening a wedding event space. I was walking up and down the streets peeking through windows, and when we looked into Serendipity, it was this white, old raggedy building and something just sparked.”

Shortly after buying the building for Serendipity, Torrence bought the two buildings next it and began renting those spaces to other businesses. When those renters vacated and the buildings were left empty,

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TK Business Magazine

“We’ve always considered Bartlett & West a leader in their profession, but they’re also a leader in our community. As we went through the redevelopment process with the City and private sector,

Bartlett & West was there hand-in-hand with us the entire time.”

Vince Frye, President & CEO

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Jenny Torrence, owner of NOTO Burrito, describes her restaurant as a gourmet dive burrito joint that serves funky named burritos to match her quirky personality.

Torrence decided to open NOTO Burrito.

“I had always told people that we needed a gourmet dive burrito joint in Topeka,” Torrence said. “My friends said, ‘why don’t you do your dive burrito joint?’ I knew nothing about cooking or anything about kitchens. But my friend Pedro Concepcion, who helped open Burger Stand, Boca Cafe and the Pennant, knew enough for the both of us. So I reached out to Pedro and he helped me open NOTO Burrito.”

Torrence and Concepcion worked together to design a menu that would fulfill Torrence’s dream of a funky

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burrito shop that she had always wanted. NOTO Burrito has a variety of Tex-Mex food that includes gourmet burritos, tacos, taco salad, nachos and bowls. Each menu item has a quirky name that fits her personality.

“I like a little tongue and cheek, I like to push the envelope. I couldn’t do that with Serendipity because I have three other business partners, so I have to watch myself, but here, I don’t have to worry about that. I wanted to challenge people a little bit.

I think it’s fun to have people ask for Roman’s Wankie or Thai Me Up, or the Big V. I just love it!” Torrence said.

TK Business Magazine

When Torrence first opened NOTO Burrito, she was one of the few restaurants in the area. She said she had no idea how hard it would be to run a food business.

“I don’t think people really understand how hard this business is,” Torrence said. “When we first opened, I had days all the time where we would bring in zero dollars. Our sales have slowly increased as other businesses have moved into NOTO, and the foot traffic has increased quite a bit.”

Torrence likes to be referred to as a Topeka home grown business or Topeka owner occupied.

“I love my town! I have a lot of pride in my community, and that is why I have joined so many different committees and boards—to help better my community,” Torrence said.

Torrence not only loves Topeka—she also loves people, all people. Acceptance is the underlying theme at NOTO Burrito. A large sign hangs inside the entrance for all to see that says: Welcome all sizes, all colors, all ages and sexes, all religions, all cultures, all types, all people, all beliefs are welcome and accepted.

NOTO Burrito is for everyone.

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SP E C I A LI Z I N G IN G O UR ME T CO MF ORT F OOD

THE WHEEL BARREL JON AND JENNIFER BOHLANDER

Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL

By KATHY WEBBER

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EOPLE CAN BE pretty picky about food, but one staple that almost everyone can agree on is a great grilled cheese. That is what Jon and Jennifer Bohlander were counting on when they decided to open a gourmet grilled cheese restaurant in Topeka.

“My wife always said that everyone loves grilled cheese, and after we ate at a gourmet grilled cheese food truck in Austin, it gave us inspiration,” said Jon, owner of The Wheel Barrel located in the NOTO Arts & Entertainment District.

The name, The Wheel Barrel, is a reference to a wheel of cheese and a barrel of beer. While The Wheel Barrel specializes in gourmet grilled cheese and craft beer, that is not all they serve. The Wheel Barrel also features house made soups and salads, and a Sunday brunch with a build-yourown Bloody Mary bar.

Jon said they opened their gourmet grilled cheese restaurant because they wanted to do something local that was unique and original.

“We wanted to do something you can’t get just anywhere, and we didn’t want to compete against Wanamaker and do burgers and fries. If you are going to do something, do it well and be different,” Jon said.

Jennifer Bohlander already owned a business in NOTO, Matryoshka Tattoo, so it was a natural move for them to open their new restaurant in the district.

“I wanted to work for myself, and we thought it would be good for NOTO as well to have something that would draw people into the district all week long rather than just on First Fridays,” Jon said.

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Unique and original gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches are signature menu items at The Wheel Barrel in NOTO.

Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL

JOIN OUR

Now, three years after opening its doors, The Wheel Barrel does just that. In fact, the restaurant has become so popular that it is already outgrowing itself.

“We were busy from day one,” Jon said. “It was kind of ugly getting our feet underneath us, but it keeps getting better. We used to have big lulls between lunch and dinner, but people come at all times now.”

The Wheel Barrel building, which was built in 1911, has housed several different businesses over the years and most recently served as a workshop for a company called Custom Kayaks. It took eight months for the Bohlanders to remodel the building to create the atmosphere they wanted for their restaurant.

“It was just one big room that was being used as a workshop when we bought it,” Jon said. “We put a lot of blood, sweat and tears in this place. We put in a kitchen, did all the heating and cooling, electrical and plumbing. I did all the carpentry and some of the structural stuff.”

Even with all of the improvements, Jon admits they could use more space, and not just for customers.

“Our refrigeration and storage is in the basement right now, and it would be nice to not have to carry stuff up and down the stairs, so a bigger space would be nice,” Jon said.

But for now, Jon will keep carrying things up the stairs and offer his customers the best grilled cheese in the country.

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B RIN G I N G A RT ISTS UNDE R O NE ROOF

KAW RIVER RUSTICS BOB SECORD

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By MIRANDA ERICSSON

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Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL

B

OB SECORD HAS LIVED his whole life in North Topeka, so when he saw an opportunity to take part in the revitalization of the NOTO Arts & Entertainment District, he could not pass it up. He believed that NOTO had potential to become something great, and he wanted to be a part of that transformation.

“North Topeka used to be considered a dead area,” Bob said.

“It had a bad reputation, and people saw it as the rough side of town. I wanted to see that change.”

Bob also wanted to be a part of the artistic energy that was buzzing around the district.

“I’ve been a wanna-be artist my whole life,” Bob said, “so I saw this as an opportunity to be with like-minded people, with the same feelings about art and creativity. It was really exciting.”

It turns out that Bob made a great move. Nowadays, when people think of NOTO, they think of the arts and having fun on First Fridays.

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Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL

Bob Secord, owner of Kaw River Rustics, gives many artists a platform to succeed with affordable booth rentals to display and sell their work.

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artists and creatives to display and sell their work for a rental fee of $100 per month.

Bob says that rental space is usually completely full, and he is working to add more booth space to meet demand.

“I looked around and saw that Boomers are retiring, and they have time to get creative. They need a place to display and sell their work and connect with other creatives,” Bob said. “At Kaw River Rustics, artists set up their space the way they want it, build relationships, support each other and promote each other.”

TK Business Magazine

Business is thriving now, but Bob took a gamble when he bought his space five years ago. Like all new businesses, he knew he would need to build a customer base, and the older property also needed a lot of work. Like many businesses in the area, there was flood silt in the basement from the 1951 flood, so there was a lot of cleaning to do before the remodeling could begin. It took nearly a year to prepare the building for opening day.

“It was almost a total renovation,” Bob said. “This is a 150-year-old building.

Fortunately, I could do a lot of the work myself as a retired glazier and carpenter. I put down floors and built booths.”

Kaw River Rustics gives many artists a platform to succeed, and Bob has also become a successful artisan in his own right. In a big shop at the back of his building, he builds rustic benches and tables as well as other unique, one of a kind pieces of furniture—functional art.

“I’m swamped with work,” Bob said. “I never thought I’d be a furniture builder as my artistic niche, and I love what I do. It’s just a dream come true for me.”

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MAK I N G A V I SIO N A R E ALITY

STUTZMAN LEATHER SHOPPE STEVE AND RACHEL STUTZMAN

Stutzman Leather Shoppe carries a wide variety of quality leather goods including hats, jackets, vests, wallets, purses, luggage and travel accessories.

O Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL

N A RECENT FIRST FRIDAY, Stutzman Leather Shoppe buzzed with customers browsing and visiting in the sunlit store. Owner Steve Stutzman sat near the front window, greeting customers, while his wife and co-owner, Rachel, worked a counter near the back.

One couple spent time trying on hats, including a steampunk style fedora, while another customer asked Rachel for information about leather repair. A little more than three years into business in NOTO, the store is clearly a hit with the First Friday crowd.

Steve and Rachel Stutzman had a vision for a specialty leather store when they visited NOTO to look at rental space back in 2015. Steve had been a manager and buyer for Hillmer’s Luggage and Leather for a number of years and really enjoyed the work.

When Rachel and Steve decided to go into business on their own, filling the niche left when Hillmer’s closed in 2009 seemed like a natural choice.

“We thought Topeka could use a good luggage and leather goods store again,” Rachel said.

The couple began looking for a location for their specialty leather store right around the same time that the

By MIRANDA ERICSSON

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Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL

NOTO Arts & Entertainment District was really starting to take off, and they felt like their store would be a good fit. The rent was much less than other areas of town for a similar space, too, so they made the leap and chose to open their shop at 840 N Kansas Avenue.

Before the Stutzmans could open their store, they had to get the building ready.

“Our store was formerly a bar,” Rachel said, “so besides cleaning the interior, we had to remove an incredible number of nails, screws, staples and tape from the walls, as well as the drink rail and foot railing that ran along the length of the old bar counter.”

Stutzman Leather Shoppe, which opened in November 2015, immediately filled a need in Northeast Kansas for quality leather goods and expertise. And while online shopping is undercutting some brick and mortar businesses, the Stutzmans believe that it is best to purchase leather in person.

“Our store is a place to see, touch and smell luggage

and leather goods,” Steve said. “Our inventory includes jackets, vests, chaps, hats, wallets, purses, a variety of brief bags, padfolios, luggage and travel accessories. It’s worth a trip to the store to experience our products that can, with care, last a lifetime.”

For the Stutzmans, owning their own business has been rewarding. Steve coordinates the purchasing and advertising, and both run the day-to-day operations.

They enjoy meeting new people and helping them discover well made products.

At times, though, they find that people still think of North Topeka as an area of town to avoid. The Stutzmans, like many other NOTO business owners, find themselves encouraging people to come and see the thriving district for themselves.

“We expect to see continued growth and engaging activities up here,” Rachel said. “We are excited to be part of it and watch developments unfold around us.”

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INNOVAT I N G CR AFTSMANSH IP

STEVENSON COMPANY, INC. JOE PENNINGTON

Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL

By KAREN RIDDER

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TEVENSON COMPANY, INC. had already been a staple in North Topeka long before artists began moving to NOTO. The company, which employs about 25 people, opened in its current location in 1952 as a sheet metal shop. Prior to that, the building had housed other businesses and actually originated as a stable.

Joe Pennington’s father, Jerry, bought the sheet metal business in 1990. Joe took over in 2006. Stevenson does 90 percent of its business in the food industry, creating customized products as part of the manufacturing process.

The company currently specializes in making an innovative product from stainless steel that helps eliminate breakage in fragile foods. One of the company’s top products, a stainless steel spiral chute, gently delivers manufactured food products—particularly fragile foods, such as chips or crackers—from the machine into the bag so they are not broken into pieces.

Pennington credits the company’s continued success to its willingness to listen

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Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL

Ninety percent of what is manufactured at Stevenson Company, Inc. is for the food industry where they fabricate equipment like this stainless steel chute that gently delivers fragile food into its packaging.

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to what their customers need and the installation of new equipment and technology that allows them to meet changing demand.

When he first heard talk about changes coming to NOTO and the creation of an arts and entertainment district, Pennington admits he was a naysayer.

“I didn’t see anybody wanting to come down to that location,” Pennington said.

He has never been so glad to be wrong about something. As a business that was already established in the area, Pennington voiced concerns about how the creation of the new arts district would affect issues such as parking and security. He felt that his concerns were heard and addressed and has been glad to be part of the NOTO community, even serving as a NOTO board member. Having a place near work to grab a cup

of coffee or lunch has also been a plus for him personally.

Even though one might not view the industrial facility as a direct match to the new groove of the area, Pennington says they actually fit right in with the artisans.

“We are just a bunch of craftsmen. We are not artists, but what we do is definitely a craft,” Pennington said.

Stevenson Company does not rely on walk-in business, so while the creation of the NOTO Arts & Entertainment District has not technically added to his business, Pennington says the added name recognition as a NOTO business certainly does not hurt.

When Pennington attends First Friday events held in NOTO, he has found another reason to be glad his business sits near the action.

“I’m lucky because I have a built-in parking spot for First Fridays.”Pennington said.

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E M B R AC I N G TH E MO ME NTUM

ACE PLUMBING, HEATING, AIR CONDITIONING & APPLIANCE REPAIR DAVE COBLER

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Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL

CE PLUMBING, HEATING, AIR CONDITIONING AND APPLIANCE REPAIR has called North Topeka home since 1971. Owner Dave Cobler’s father bought 901 North Kansas to serve as a location to store supplies for his growing business. By the time the NOTO Arts & Entertainment District moved in, Cobler had purchased several other addresses on North Kansas including 900, 904, 906, 908 and 910 North Kansas. Some of the properties purchased became parking, new offices and buildings to meet the needs of the business. Other properties were purchased because the old buildings were vacant and in disrepair, and Cobler wanted to save them rather than see them torn down.

“When I bought the 900 North Kansas building, it had been boarded up. It had been Kaw Valley Animal Clinic,” Cobler said. “The second and third floor were the Knights of Columbus until the 1960s. The third floor was their dance floor for wedding receptions, and they had never changed it.”

During the decades of growth for Ace Plumbing, the retail and restaurant business in North Topeka dwindled. Even in 1971, when Ace Plumbing moved into its current location, North Topeka had already seen its heyday.

“I could tell you what all the stores used to be. There was still Ed Marling’s Store, a soda fountain, a Rexall Drugstore, a 5 and 10 store, barber shops and taverns,” Cobler said.

The changing nature of the area did not affect the bottom line of the plumbing business. While they have a walk-in retail store,

By KAREN RIDDER

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Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL

Ace Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning & Appliance Repair established its location in the 900 block of North Kansas Avenue in 1971.

they do not rely on walk-in traffic for customers. Most of their business is in service and repair work.

“It was a good location in the fact that I-70 is across the river. We can get north, east, and west quickly,” Cobler said.

When talk first started to refurbish the Overland Station, Cobler was encouraged. Then NOTO Arts & Entertainment District arrived. At first, he was a little concerned about the added traffic, because of the need for his service vehicles to drive out on calls.

“I thought, I hope they don’t forget that we’ve been here for 40 years,” Cobler said.

Despite his concerns, Cobler embraced the movement and worked to make the district a success. On First Fridays, the company makes sure its trucks are put away and personal vehicles are off of the avenue by 6 p.m. to provide space for visitors to the district. Cobler was also one of the first building owners to allow vendors a corner space to participate in First Friday events.

Cobler does not have a way of measuring how much positive impact NOTO has on Ace Plumbing, but he does recognize that they have picked up name recognition by having their trucks and buildings in the middle of the action.

He is glad to see a lot of the buildings that were vacant getting new investment with improved interiors and exteriors, and hopes there will be enough business soon for stores to be open more days a week.

“It’s making our area not only nicer in appearance, but an area where people want to come to North Topeka again. I’m for North Topeka,” Cobler said.

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ART

39 West Gallery Amused Clover Gear Fire Me Up Ceramics Foole’s Dream Studio

DINING Bradley’s Corner Cafe Front Door Catering J&J Gallery Bar KB’s Smokehouse

Great Overland Station Matryoshka Tattoo Morris Art Gallery Nathan Ham Photography Norsemen Brewing Company

NOTO Arts Place Studio 62 Art Bar Studio 831 True North

Norsemen Brewing Company NOTO Burrito The Wheel Barrel

SHOPPING A1 Restaurant Supply Clover Gear Faerie Tale Gardens 4 Girls Garage Kaw River Rustics NOTO Arts Place Portico

Studio 831 Two Days Monthly Market Amused Cross Roads Fire Me Up Ceramics Habitat for Humanity Restore

NOTO Arts Center Open Way Church Second Baptist Church St. Mark’s A.M.E Church Topeka Rescue Mission

Ballet Folklorico De Topeka Great Overland Station Habitat for Humanity Restore Kansas Avenue United Methodist Church North Topeka Baptist Church

Matryoshka Tattoo Pinkadilly Rodbrown Furniture Studio 62 Art Bar Stutzman Leather Shoppe 39 West Gallery

NONPROFIT

TRADES, SKILLS & CRAFTS 60

Ace Plumbing Davidson Funeral Home Fidler Machine Repair Jayhawk Fire Sprinkler Kaw Valley Hair Co. Larry’s Glass Midwest Auto Glass

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Quality Custom Cabinets Siglow Property Management Stevenson Company Carmona Air Embroidery Plus Galaxy Glass Johnson Upholstery & Furniture

Kaw Valley State Bank Lesser Electric Onyx Salon & Wellness Spa Salon Centric Six Auto Warner Electric Listing from exploreNOTO.org

ADVERTORIAL

Business Aviation— Not Just for the Big Guys When picturing a business aircraft most people probably immediately think of a corporate jet, filled with high profile executives. In reality, the majority of business aircraft owners are small to medium sized enterprises, flying efficient turboprop or light jet aircraft.

Business aviation is not just for the big guys. In fact, smaller businesses are as likely to benefit from business aircraft.

NEXA Advisors completed a study of the financial results of small to medium enterprises comparing users and non-users of business aviation. Three key findings stood out during the study1 SUPERIOR FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE—As a group, companies using business aircraft produced better financial results than companies that did not.

REDUCED RECESSION IMPACT—69 percent of these companies posted greater top line growth during 2008 and 2009.

BETTER CUSTOMER ACCESS—Companies saw improved customer retention and secured new sources of revenue.

Serving area businesses since 2007, Vaerus Aviation offers aircraft full-service assistance with aircraft acquisition and management. The services open up the door to aircraft ownership for small to medium sized businesses by simplifying the process and lowering operating costs.

“Our clients range in size but we typically work with smaller, privately held companies,” said Patrick Traul, Vice President and Director of Operations at Vaerus. “Companies are surprised how much financial sense private air travel makes for their businesses.”

Owning a share of a plane can cost about the same as a mid-level employee—around $65,000 per year—which means a business can be transformed for the cost of adding one staffer. From boosting productivity to tapping into new business opportunities, the value of business aircraft affects the bottomline in a variety of ways.

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Business aviation users were more successful at returning value to shareholders, with Total Return (stock price appreciation + dividends that was 245 percent higher than that of nonusers).

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Business aviation users were able to tap more new business opportunities, with 22 percent higher average revenue growth.

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No Plane, No Gain, study completed by NEXA Advisors for the National Business Aviation Association

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SHOW ME THE MONEY Entrepreneurs often have great ideas but need a little help with finding the funds to make those ideas come true. Local organizations offer a variety of financial assistance programs to complement traditional funding.

Whether it is matching incentive dollars for building improvements or training, offering gap financing that matches funds from a financial institution or helping business navigate the SBA loan process, these organizations can mean the difference between an idea and reality.

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GO Topeka: Entrepreneurial Minority and Business Development GO Topeka’s Entrepreneurial Minority and Business Development’s (EMBD) mission is to empower small, low to moderate income, minority and women owned business enterprises with the knowledge and resources to build wealth and contribute to the economic betterment of Topeka and Shawnee County. EMBD offers two programs to local businesses. The First Opportunity Fund is a loan program and the Small Business Incentive is a matching incentive program.

FIRST OPPORTUNITY FUND Topeka and Shawnee County First Opportunity Fund (T/SC FOF) is designed specifically for business owners who want to grow, but who do not qualify for loans at conventional financial institutions.

Businesses can qualify for a loan up to $100,000 through the First Opportunity Fund. The purpose of this fund is to grow the community by helping local businesses create jobs and increase production. To qualify for a loan, a Shawnee County business must meet at least one of the following criteria: • The business is owned by a low-income person. (Low-income is defined as having an annual income, adjusted for family size, of less than 80 percent of the area’s median family income.)

• The business is located in an economically distressed area.

• The business employs (or will employ) lowincome individuals.

STEPS TO APPLY The application is a three-step process: 1. Call GO Topeka Entrepreneurial and Minority Business Development at 785-231-6000 or get the initial paperwork online.

2. Complete an online pre-application form.

3. Complete the application and provide all supporting materials.

PROCESS TIMELINE After submitting the application materials to First Opportunity Fund, the review process takes about 30 days.

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APPLICATION DETAILS You should be able to provide the following: Summary of Financing Needs How much money do you need? How will the borrowed money be used?

Business Financial Statements If you are an existing business, provide balance sheets and income statements for the last three years.

Business Tax Returns If available, provide full returns with schedules for the last three years.

Business Plan Submit a complete business plan. This plan should include, at a minimum, the information requested on the First Opportunity Fund’s Business Plan Outline sheet.

Projected Cash Flow Statement Provide a month by month projection for the next twelve months, and a complete description of any key assumptions that influence financial projections, including any cash contributions to the project besides the First Opportunity Fund request.

Collateral Describe the collateral available to secure the loan, including dollar values and how valuations were determined. Both business and personal assets can be used to secure the loan.

Personal Tax Returns Provide the full personal tax returns with schedules from the last three years for all owners.

SMALL BUSINESS INCENTIVES The Topeka/Shawnee County Small Business Incentive is a matching incentive program that offers small businesses assistance in the areas of employee skills upgrades, equipment purchases and facility construction and renovation. The incentives are rapidly becoming popular as businesses gear up to meet the needs of their customers.

There are four incentives offered to small business.

1. SMALL BUSINESS EMPLOYEE TRAINING The employee training grant is available to independent small business owners (nonfranchisees) to enhance employee skillset. This incentive will cover up to $750 per employee and is limited to two employees per company. Funds can be used for training, skills enhancement or certifications, however, the funds cannot be used for transportation, hotel, or meals. To receive the incentive, the company completes the application process prior to training. Once the training is complete, the company provides a copy of the certificate, and submit a follow-up report.

2. SMALL BUSINESS EQUIPMENT PURCHASE This incentive can be used towards the purchase of new or used equipment needed for the day-to-day operation of the small business. The business must make the approved purchase(s) up front and submit all necessary paperwork and receipts. The business will receive a check for half the expense of the purchase, up to $5,000.

3. SMALL BUSINESS CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION This incentive can be used towards the enhancement of an existing business or the construction of a new property. The business must make the approved purchase(s) up front and submit all necessary paperwork and receipts. The business will receive a check for half the expense of the purchase, up to $5,000.

APPLICATION PROCESS

4. MARKETING This one-time $1000 per business incentive is for the development or enhancement of marketing programs for small businesses. Funds can be used for website update or building, newspaper, magazine, radio or television ads, banners, signage, or promotional materials. The check will be made payable to the vendor providing the service.

•

Depending on which incentive you are applying for, you will need to provide the following: • • •

• • • • • •

Copy of current City or State Business Licenses (if applicable).

Copy of your most recent tax return(s) (business/personal).

Copy of the last 12 months financial statements, or 12 months projections if start-up.

Copy of employee training registration prior to registering (if applicable).

Estimate for equipment being purchased.

Copies of paid invoices that will be submitted for the reimbursement.

Completed Reimbursable Receipt form.

Copy of your State Issued Identification (Driver’s License or State I.D. Card) Proof of ownership or copy of lease agreement for the property being considered.

Copy of construction project design if being considered.

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Shawnee Startups Shawnee Startups is an approved Network Kansas E-Community that has raised seed money for local entrepreneurs through donations from individuals or businesses within the community.

Information Provided By Gary Satter Executive Director, of Glacial Hills Resource Conservation and Development Member of the Leadership Team of Shawnee Startups

GAP FINANCING Shawnee Startups is in place to provide gap financing to help entrepreneurs start or grow a business in Shawnee County. The loan program matches up to 60 percent of other public sources of capital and/or funds from a financial institution. Up to $75,000 can be provided per project that can be used for a variety of business purposes, including: • Purchase of business equipment • Purchase of business inventory • Working capital • Improvements to owned real estate • Real estate, when partnered with commercial lender Essentia Salon and Spa and Brew Bank have taken advantage of the funding opportunities with Shawnee Startups.

WHO QUALIFIES Most startup or expanding small businesses that are creating or retaining jobs in the incorporated areas of rural Shawnee County plus the economically distressed areas in Topeka qualify for funding.

Go to www.novoco.com and click on New Markets Tax Credit mapping tool to obtain a map of the areas in Topeka. However, there are ways to qualify if a business is not in a distressed area.

STEPS TO APPLY You will need a detailed business plan. The Washburn Small Business Development Center can assist with that development. In addition to the business plan, both a bank and the E-Community will need financial projections for

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the business. Once the amount of funding needed is known, the applicant should talk to a financial institution to identify if they can obtain the needed funds from them. If not, then they can apply for the E-Community funds, but these can be no more than 60 percent of the total loan amount needed. The remainder must come from a financial institution and/or a local or regional public source of capital. When ready to apply for funds, the entrepreneur or business can contact Gary Satter at 785-608-8801 for a loan application and to answer more questions.

KEYS TO SUCCESS •

A written, detailed business plan is required.

•

Existing funding from a financial institution should already be in place.

•

A proven business track record and solid financial projections are helpful.

•

Startup or growing businesses that may not meet regular bank lending criteria, but that have a track record of paying their bills on time and have reasonable prospects of being able to repay a loan will be considered.

•

Preference will be given to borrowers of startup businesses who complete an approved business training class.

Wakarusa Valley Development, Inc. Wakarusa Valley Development, Inc. (WVDI) is a non-profit economic development organization that works with local small businesses to assist them with their long and short-term financing needs. They provide financing when a business is unable to obtain conventional financing through their bank or other sources.

WVDI is certified and regulated by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to originate SBA loan products and to assist lending institutions with SBA programs. Specifically, WVDI focuses on SBA’s two flagship loan programs, the 504 Loan and the 7(a) Loan.

Information Provided By Troy Roberts Executive Director, Wakarusa Valley Development, Inc.

SBA 504 LOAN The SBA 504 Loan Program is designed to assist small businesses with their expansion plans by providing low 25, 20 and 10-year fixed interest rate loans for the purchase of real estate, long-term equipment and eligible debt refinance.

SBA 504 loans are the culmination of a cooperative effort between the financial institution, WVDI and the borrower.

A SBA 504 loan is a benefit to all the participants in the commercial loan transaction because it spreads the risk among all the parties. Businesses are able to obtain long-term financing with a down payment lower than conventional standards. This allows them to preserve working capital for more important things like growing their business. In addition, the small business gets the advantage of a loan with a long-term fixed rate.

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SBA 7(a) LOAN Under the SBA 7(a) Loan Program the borrower’s bank agrees to make a loan with a portion of the loan guaranteed by the SBA. Usually, the guaranteed portion is 75% (85% for loans less than $150K). This program allows a financial institution to make a commercial loan to a business that may otherwise be just outside policy, but with limited exposure in case the business is unsuccessful.

These loans come in all shapes and sizes, and can fall under specific categories such as SBAExpress (typically for revolving purposes), CAPLines, and even International Trade. SBA 7(a) loans can be used to finance real estate purchases, inventory, equipment,

revolving lines of credit, blue sky/ goodwill, debt refinance and many other business needs.

SBA loans are generally used in situations where a business owner does not have enough cash reserves or collateral to secure conventional financing. In some cases, a business can qualify for SBA financing with as low as a ten percent down payment; or no down payment at all if they have equity in the business or project being financed.

In other cases, SBA loans are used to secure financing for businesses that are high risk. Often these businesses have no other means of financing, and without the SBA, would not have a chance of getting off the ground.

WHO QUALIFIES For any SBA loan program, the eligibility requirements are designed to be as broad as possible to accommodate the most diverse variety of small business financing needs whether it is a start-up or existing business.

When WVDI first reviews a new project, there are three main eligibility requirements a business must meet: 1. For-profit businesses.

2. When purchasing real estate it must be owner-occupied.

• For existing properties, business must occupy 51% of available square footage • For new construction, business must occupy 60% of available square footage 3. Expectation of future job growth or ability to achieve other SBA goals.

Other eligibility factors for all SBA loans include: size, type of business, use of proceeds, character considerations, availability of funds from other sources (business or personal) and repayment ability.

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Contact Information: Wakarusa Valley Development, Inc. 4321 W. 6th Street, Suite B Lawrence, KS 66049

PROCESS TO APPLY WVDI markets itself as a "one stop shop for all things SBA related." This means that they work with the lender on all aspects of SBA regulations and assist them with preparing the loan from gathering the initial borrower information, putting the application together, submitting the application to the SBA, working through any follow-up with the SBA as well as providing additional guidance relating to the closing and servicing of these loans.

WVDI is governed by a Board which includes a cross-section of lenders, civic leaders, business owners, attorneys, accountants, and SBDC Directors. Many of their projects come from referrals from their Board and network of banks statewide. They work with a variety of lenders and have a rapport with these individuals.

Phone: (785) 749-7600 Fax: (785) 749-7601 Email: troberts@wakarusavalley.org Web Site: www.wakarusavalley.org

If a lender calls WVDI about a possible project, WVDI will meet with them and the business owner to review their business plan and financial information. WVDI will work with the lender and business owner to determine what the best financing package is—whether it is a 504 and/or 7(a) loan—to maximize the benefit to both the lender and the business owner. The project is reviewed to determine SBA eligibility and possibility of approval by the financial institution and/or WVDI’s loan committee.

WVDI will advise the lender and business owner if something needs to be changed or clarified. At any time during the process, WVDI may refer a client to the SBDC or SCORE. They usually like to make a field visit especially if it is an existing business and to the new location, if a business is moving.

WVDI provides a checklist of the information they will need to put an application together to the SBA or it can be downloaded from our website (www.wakarusavalley.org).

WVDI handles all correspondence to the SBA and works with both the lender and business owner after an approval is received.

KEYS TO SUCCESS A good business plan is the key—it is the road map for your business and the lender. The business plan should include proposed project costs and projections of revenues and expenses, historical business financial statements and tax returns, personal financial statements and tax returns. Other helpful advantages include a down payment and having prior industry experience.

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OVERLOOKED INSURANCE COVERAGE

Michael Lesser,

CRIS

PHOTO SUBMITTED

PRESIDENT PEOPLES INSURANCE GROUP, LLC

Three of the Most Overlooked Business Insurance Coverages That Will Save Your A#%!

1 Most small business owners are aware of the basic types of insurance coverages they need for their business: • Property coverage for their building and business personal property • General liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage • Auto insurance for their vehicles • Workers compensation coverage should employees become injured on the job However, both business owners and insurance agents often overlook three important coverages. My advice, if your agent does not ask you about these three exposures relative to your business, make sure you ask them.

EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES LIABILITY INSURANCE (EPLI) Many business owners mistakenly assume their general liability policy provides coverage for EPLI claims. The number of lawsuits filed by employees against their employers has been rising in the last decade, even more so with the Me Too movement. While most suits are filed against large corporations, small companies are not immune to such lawsuits. Recognizing that smaller companies now need this kind of protection, some insurers provide this coverage as an endorsement to their Business Owners Policy (BOP) or offer EPLI as a stand-alone policy. Many times, the most important part of this coverage is the “defense costs” that are included. While the accusation may be baseless, the legal bills are real.

EPLI provides protection against many kinds of employee lawsuits, including claims of: • Sexual harassment • Age, gender and race discrimination • Wrongful termination • Negligent evaluation • Failure to employ or promote

2 NON-OWNED AUTO LIABILITY COVERAGE If you think not owning company automobiles means you do not need auto coverage, you are wrong. If you, or any of your employees drive their own vehicles on company business, then you have an exposure for a non-owned auto loss.

In the event you or your employee is involved in a accident while using a personal automobile while conducting company business, there is a strong possibility that your business will be brought into the claim/lawsuit as well.

Non-owned auto liability coverage can help pay for legal expenses or judgments if your business is sued over a car accident you or your employees caused while driving a personal vehicle for business. Coverage extends for the company’s liability. While the driver’s auto policy is primary, the driver can still be held personally liable for any damage or injuries they cause under their personal auto policy.

3 CONTRACTORS ERRORS & OMISSIONS (E&O) Most of us are aware that lawyers, attorneys and physicians carry insurance to cover themselves in the event of a claim of malpractice.

Contractors E&O coverage acts in the same way for an artisan contractor’s “work product.” Most general liability policies include an exclusion for “your work.” Coverage for this exposure is picked up by a Contractors E&O policy.

In the past, errors and omission coverage has not been widely available and affordable to small contractors.

Now many carriers make quality protection available to small contractors such as plumbers, electricians, painters, finish carpenters, heating/ ventilation/air-conditioning professionals, select specialty trade contractors and others at affordable premiums.

One significant loss to a small contractor can have a devastating financial effect without this coverage.

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Home • Auto • Business • Contractors Worker’s Compensation • Life Disability • Surety & Notary Bonding

WE PUT PEOPLE FIRST

1414 SW Ashworth Place, Ste 100 • (785) 271-8097 www.peoplesinsure.com SUMMER 2019

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GOING DOGS

By KATHY WEBBER

Photos by EMMA HIGHFILL

It can be a dog-eat-dog kinda world sometimes, but these two dog businesses have found their niche in Topeka.

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Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL

TO THE

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Bark Avenue Salon

Referrals from satisfied customers grow the business and keeps the employees busy at Bark Avenue Salon.

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she worked with because she could not find a groomer that could deal with dogs that have behavioral issues.

“Some dogs are afraid of the blow dryer, or they are afraid of the brush, and they were difficult for groomers to work on, so I started doing it myself, and I fell in love with it!” Gallaghan said.

When Gallaghan first moved to Topeka, she worked as a pet groomer for a local veterinary hospital, but after receiving a small inheritance from her grandfather, Gallaghan ended up in business for herself.

“I was looking for a position as a pet groomer when I discovered that

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ASSANDRA GALLAGHAN, owner of Bark Avenue Salon located at 712 SW Gage, calls Topeka her home, but she did not grow up here; she grew up in Los Angeles, California.

Gallaghan fell in love with Topeka after spending three months here looking for her dog, which she had lost during a protection sport show in town. She found the people of Topeka so nice and welcoming, that she decided to relocate here.

“Whenever I was traveling across the country, I would stop in Topeka, and I just love the area,” Gallaghan said. “After a while, I decided that I was done with California and I moved to Topeka. There are so many people in the community who make you feel welcome by just the way that they treat you.

I don’t miss California, this is home.”

Gallaghan originally wanted to be a canine police officer, like her aunt, but discovered that her fear of the dark was not a good fit for that career path. She began training protection dogs but ended up grooming many of the dogs

Kassandra Gallaghan, owner of Bark Avenue Salon, was motivated to relocate to Topeka from California because of the welcoming spirit of the community.

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Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL

Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL

Placing little homemade bows on dogs' ears after grooming created a surge in referrals and quickly turned Bark Avenue Salon into a profitable business.

Bark Avenue Salon has seen triple digit business growth every year since it opened four years ago.

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Pampered Pets was selling one of their locations,” Gallaghan said.

“So, I called my grandmother to ask her what she thought about using the inheritance money my grandfather had given me to buy the business. She said my grandfather believed in small business, so I went ahead and did it.”

Things were not easy at first for Gallaghan and, like many new business owners, she struggled in the beginning, but a friend’s encouragement helped Gallaghan get through that first difficult year.

“When I first opened up it was just me as a groomer, and I had only one or two people a week coming in,” Gallaghan said.

“I started to panic, thinking this was the stupidest idea ever. I had invested every penny that I had in the business and I didn’t want to starve.”

A friend suggested that she make little bows to go on the dogs’ ears after they are groomed. People loved them.

After six months, her schedule began to fill up and the business TK Business Magazine

began to see a profit. Business continued to pick up, and Gallaghan says her business has tripled every year since she opened four years ago. Gallaghan claims her growth is largely due to referrals.

“I’ve never experienced anything like the Topeka community. Everybody knows everybody. There’s no better compliment than having a referral, especially when caring for someone’s dog because it’s like their child,” Gallaghan said.

“It’s my job to make sure they have a good experience and that they are safe. We take it seriously.”

Gallaghan not only owns Bark Avenue Salon where she is a groomer, but she is also a volunteer firefighter and works in search and recovery with cadaver dogs.

“I’m so blessed that I love every piece of what I do.

The grooming helps dogs, the firefighting helps people, and the cadaver work potentially provides closure for somebody,” Gallaghan said.

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W

care facility with dog training and boarding services.

“It took three days to get up the nerve to see what my husband thought of the idea because I had just retired, and now I was thinking of starting up a business,” Stevens said.

Stevens’ husband agreed to turn their new doghouse into a doggy day care business, so the Stevens began reconstructing the building. That is when they came up with the name for their new business.

“My husband and I both agreed the dogs would live the same lifestyle as we did in our home, so I was ordering little chandeliers and little medallions.

My husband would joke and say that he was going to go work on the Taj Ma Hall!” Stevens said.

“As we were trying to figure out

what to name this business, I said, ‘well you keep saying its Taj Ma Hall, why don’t we just call it Taj Ma Dog,’ and the name stuck.”

Taj Ma Dog quickly acquired regular clients.

But it turned out that their neighbors were not as excited about the new doggy day care business as they were. After many complaints, the Stevens decided to shut down Taj Ma Dog. “It was really sad for me because this was my retirement gig,” Stevens said. “This was me closing my eyes and opening them up and saying I just want to play with dogs for the rest of my life!”

Stevens did not want to give up on that dream, so they decided to open Taj Ma Dog in

Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL

HEN HER YOUNGEST DAUGHTER went off to college, Renee Stevens decided to finally do something just for herself. Stevens dreamed of retiring and starting a new hobby: English bulldog breeding and showcasing.

So, she bought four English bulldog puppies, and that is when it all began.

The Stevens household already had two Australian Shepherds, and with the addition of four English bulldogs, the home quickly felt overrun by the family pets. Stevens’ husband, Dave, decided the dogs needed a doghouse where they could live, but Renee was not very excited about the idea.

“I didn’t want to commercialize these dogs and be an irresponsible breeder. I wanted them to feel like they were at home,” Stevens said.

“So the agreement I had with my husband was that as long as our dogs could live the same lifestyle in the doghouse as they did at our home, it would be a go, and he agreed.”

Her husband did build her a beautiful doghouse. That 2,700 square foot doghouse included a nursery for her puppies, dog suites, television lounge, and a grooming and training area. When Stevens’ friends saw the size of the doghouse, they quickly encouraged her to generate income by starting a doggy day

An on-site groomer is part of the total package offered at Taj Ma Dog.

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Taj Ma Dog

Renee and Dave Stevens, owners of Taj Ma Dog, not only provide a totally safe doggy day care environment with state-of-the-art amenities, they have also instigated an enrichment program that helps with socialization.

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The Taj Ma Dog is a 7500 square foot building that sits on 24 acres of private land.

Fifty thousand square feet of fencing encloses three private exercise yards.

another location that would be better suited for the dog business—across from Washburn Rural High School on Wanamaker Road.

This new Taj Ma Dog is not just a little doghouse for Stevens’ English bulldogs. It is a 7,500 square foot building that sits on 24 private acres.

Fifty thousand square feet of outside fencing encloses three private exercise yards. A 1,600 square foot potty pavilion allows the dogs to do their business without having to get their feet wet if it is raining outside. Taj Ma Dog has its own groomer, training arena, television lounge and 42 luxury boarding suites.

“We wanted to create a safe environment for the dogs,” Stevens said. “We have 16 ventilation fans in our boarding suites, so we do not have return air ducts. Air goes out through the ventilation and does not cycle back in. Additionally, we have an ultraviolet system that filters the air and kills the bacteria.”

Not only is the air safe to breathe but their floors are clean as well.

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“We have the most extensive drain system ever. We are steel from the ceilings down, and then we have sealed stained concrete on the ground. We have floor drains everywhere in this facility and we clean, sanitize and hose several times a day,” Stevens said.

While the Stevens made sure the new Taj Ma Dog was safe and clean, they also instigated an enrichment program where the dogs are trained to learn good behavior through integrated socializing methods.

“At Taj Ma Dog, we don’t just have babies play with babies because puppies only teach other puppies bad behavior, Stevens said. “We acclimate the puppies with the adolescents so they will learn some manners, and then we take those puppies, and acclimate them with the seniors, where they learn some very valuable lessons.” Taj Ma Dog also integrates dogs of various ages and sizes, separating play groups by personality rather than size.

Stevens says they often have more handlers than dogs, and their philosophy is to keep dogs occupied

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through a structured enrichment program.

“Our training arena also serves as a play arena where we turn on sprinklers for the dogs to run through and we have swimming pools. So, in the dead of winter, when it is way too cold to play outside, they can play with water inside anywhere in the building.

We also have indoor play equipment, tunnels and ramps for the dogs to play with as well,” Stevens said.

From backyard doghouse to Taj Ma Dog, the Stevens have turned a new hobby after retirement into a huge success.

“Taj Ma Dog was never supposed to be a business,” Stevens said. “It was just me closing my eyes and saying this is what I want to do with the rest of my life.”

The Stevens plan on adding an agility course and sanctioned dock diving to their facility in the near future. They will also soon be living on site when the construction of their new home directly behind Taj Ma Dog is completed.

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Ever

CONGRATULATIONS

2019 SMALL BUSINESS AWARD WINNERS

wonder what happens to your digital

Instagram account when you die?

Capital City Business of Distinction

HAZEL HILL CHOCOLATE

3 ACTION ITEMS TO PROTECT YOUR DIGITAL ESTATE:

1 2 3

Take a digital inventory of all email, social profiles, and online accounts and share with a trusted loved one.

Innovation Award

STEVENSON COMPANY, INC.

List all passwords using a secure site designated for storage and protection, or upload your list to your secure digital vault within your financial plan.

Now that you’re on a roll, extend this exercise by taking a financial inventory as well, and consider launching or updating your financial plan.

Emerging Entrepreneur

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CORTEZ TRANSPORTATION CO.

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Charting Financial Courses since 1989!

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Small Business Advocate

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Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC SUMMER 2019

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FROM THE PROFESSOR

By GAIL HOOVER KING

Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL

U Gail Hoover King is a visiting Professor of Accounting at Washburn University.

SING DATA TO INFORM decisions is something businesses have always done.

Companies have long been using structured data to analyze issues and predict the future. However, today with over 2.5 quintillion bytes of data collected daily (Forbes, 2018), businesses have much more structured and unstructured data to inform practices and solve problems.

In addition, the advancements in technology make it possible to collect, store, process, and convert vast amounts and varieties of data into useful information for evidence-based decision-making.

The massive amount of data, commonly called "Big Data," was initially identified by four main attributes, referred to as the 4 V’s.

Today, there are 7 V's adding three to the original four.

7 V's of Big Data VOLUME VERACITY VARIETY VELOCITY VALUE VARIABILITY VISUALIZATION

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THE SIZE OF THE DATA THE TRUSTWORTHINESS OF THE DATA IN TERMS OF ACCURACY THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF DATA THE SPEED AT WHICH THE DATA IS GENERATED JUST HAVING BIG DATA IS OF NO USE UNLESS WE CAN TURN IT INTO VALUE THE DATA WHOSE MEANING IS CONSTANTLY CHANGING THE DATA IN A MANNER THAT'S READABLE AND UNDERSTANDABLE

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DATA AVAILABILITY The types of data available for management decision-making come from a variety of sources and are often free.

For instance, government websites have census, crime and spending data.

Consider the Internet of Things from which information is generated by such things as appliances, cars, mobile devices, fitness trackers and GPS devices. Uses of such data are numerous.

For example, a company could monitor employees’ activities through fitness trackers to reduce health insurance costs.

With technology pervasive in business today, companies now both generate and collect massive amounts of information from internal and external sources. Bernard Marr’s 2016 book, "Big Data in Practice: How 45 Successful Companies Used Big Data Analytics to Deliver Extraordinary Results," describes how companies used much more than internal financial data, and based decisions and invented whole new lines of business by utilizing insights gathered from the diverse types of data.

We all leave ‘digital footprints’ generated by our devices in business and in life.

Modern business strategy is now informed by analysis of data from geographic locators (GPS),

EXHIBIT 1. Automation Impact WORKFORCE

sensors, social media, text, voice, video and weather data, to name a few. Data analytics is the “new norm.” The future of organizations will be determined by their ability to analyze data and derive insights to improve business decision-making.

For example, the leading firms in the accounting profession now seek to hire employees with data science and data analytic skills as well as accounting skills.

Applicability of automation by business function Percent, U.S. data Finance

80

Administration

79

Customer service

75

Facilities management

74 74

Sales 69

Operations 67

Production 41

Legal Human resources

29

Healthcare and wellness services

28

Information technology

27

Marketing

24

R&D

22

Executive management Learning and development

14 12

DATA AUTOMATION All areas of accounting are influenced by the digital Source: www.ey.com/en_gl/workforce/how-do-you-ensure-you-are-automating-intelligently transformation which includes informationOnce the sources are based decision-making. Auditing, for example, is being determined, the data must transformed by using new forms of data, including full be extracted, transformed live data streams monitored for a continuous audit. and loaded (ETL). The Technology automation of routine business functions, extracted data needs to be including the integration of big data, impacts the type cleaned (transformed) to of “work” being done by humans. ensure it is complete, error To see the future effect on accounting, and corruption free, and view KPMG’s, “Audit 2023: Audit technology formatted and structured fit for the future,” (https://www.youtube.com/ consistently so that it can watch?v=AAyjbAJEwfM). be integrated (loaded) and The concept of automation builds upon the use accessible for analysis. of data analysis when monitoring real-time data flows Through data modeling, the that can then be used in automated processing and connections among the data computer decision-making. As tasks are automated, are identified, which leads to individuals in all areas of business have more time to more enriched data analysis. devote to value-added activities. Exhibit 1 shows all At this point, using data areas of business are being disrupted by automation. analytics tools, the mysteries in the data can be identified WHAT IS DATA ANALYTICS? and provide the information Although businesses and business problems for evidence-based decisiondiffer, the data analysis processes used to find insight making. Analyzing data is similar. After identifying a problem or an issue, it does not always require is critical to determine what data is relevant. Data statistics. Sometimes simply discovery involves identifying the data needed and converting the data into a sources of that data. Data is plentiful and can be visual is enough to show internally generated, purchased externally, or many patterns, relationships and times downloaded free from the web using web issues. Analyzing data can scraping tools.

Source: EY proprietary analysis of US BLS & Frev & Osborne data on automation

SUMMER 2019

help companies determine what has happened, provide insights into what could happen, or offer an understanding of possible future outcomes. For instance, hotels analyze the comments on Trip Advisor to monitor customer satisfaction. Retailers analyze customer purchases to offer individualized discounts and coupons. Airlines know when and where major athletic events will be held and analyze past travel patterns to determine flight schedules.

Analyzing data can lead to business insights for problem-solving and decision-making only if the analysis is effectively communicated. Just as companies use dashboards (visual representations) to monitor production, track key performance indicators and

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EXHIBIT 2. Power BI Desktop Example

DATA ANALYTICS IMPLICATIONS As the advances of artificial intelligence and technology continue to outpace human’s ability to adapt more tasks will be automated as illustrated in Exhibit 3.

As companies automate routine tasks and implement data analytics, employees’ work changes, and new and different skills sets are needed.

Image Source: powerbi.microsoft.com/pt-br/partner-showcase/cloud9-sales-management-analytics/

However, the supply of individuals with the necessary skills sets to perform data analytics has not met the growing demand as illustrated in Exhibit 4. Companies are addressing the changes by developing employee teams that together have the skills needed for this new approach to business. In response, universities are beginning to offer certifications, courses, and degrees in data science and data analytics. The School of Business at Washburn University is no exception.

Starting fall 2019, Washburn will offer a Foundations of Data Analysis course. They are also planning to offer seminars and develop a major area of concentration in Data Analytics that will allow Washburn to partner with businesses and provide students with the skills necessary for success in business.

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EXHIBIT 3. Rate of Change

Learn faster and govern smarter

Rate of Change

communicate with employees and stakeholders, effectively communicating the data analysis results requires data visualization. There are many data visualization software choices available that offer a multitude of visualization options from simple line graphs to heat maps to interactive dashboards. What is essential is that the visuals convey the information simply and accurately and with an accompanying narrative that provides context and insight that leads to evidence-based problem-solving and decisionmaking.

Multiple data analytic software products are available for organizing, analyzing and visualizing data. Any business that has a license for Microsoft Excel can download Power BI Desktop free. Exhibit 2 shows a screenshot example.

Human Adaptability

Technology

Time Source: “Thank You for Being Late,” Thomas Friedman

EXHIBIT 4.

Data science and analytics skills, by 2021 Data Science Skills by 2021 How will employers&fillAnalytical the talent pipeline?

Student supply

23 %

of educators say all graduates will have data science and analy�cs skills

69 %

of employers say they will prefer job candidates with these skills over ones without

Base: Higher educa�on: 127; Business: 63 Source: Gallup and BHEF, Date Science and Analy�cs Higher Educa�on Survey (December 2016)

Geerts, Guido. Introduction to Big Data. 2016.

Marr, Bernard. “How Much Data Do We Create Every Day? The Mind-Blowing Stats Everyone Should Read.” Forbes, May 21, 2018, downloaded April 11, 2019 www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2018/05/21/how-much-data-do-we-create-every-day-the-mind-blowing-stats-everyone-should-read/#7f8729ba60ba

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Employer demand

Image Source: www.pwc.com/us/en/library/data-science-and-analytics-skills.html

References

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We are here

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Competitors to Collaborators:

Business Growth Through Acquisitions During the past year, several companies have acquired local businesses with complementary areas of expertise and compatible cultures. These acquisitions not only offer more opportunities for strategic growth, customer service, and employee recruitment and retention initiatives but strengthen Topeka’s economy and support a focus on quality of life too.

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BT&Co.

BT

Century Business Technologies

cb

Capitol FederalÂŽ

CF

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TK Business Magazine

By KIM GRONNIGER

Photos by EMMA HIGHFILL

M

ERGING ENTAILS multiple factors, from consolidating data systems, software and office space to integrating teams and informing customers about expanded capabilities. Recently blended accounting firms, financial institutions, and document management and IT support firms share the benefits they have already derived and the hurdles they have overcome as they have transitioned from competitors to collaborators.

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to the True Blue® Family to all former Capital City Bank customers!

CAPITOL FEDERAL® NOW OFFERS:

• Commercial Lending • Business Banking • Personal Banking • Home Loans • Trust Services

FOR MORE INFO, CALL 1-888-8CAPFED OR VISIT US ONLINE AT CAPFED.COM 888.8CAPFED | CAPFED.COM

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Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL

Capitol Federal®

John Dicus CEO Capitol Federal®

Bob Kobbeman Chief Commercial Banking Officer Capitol Federal®

Employees: 783 Locations: 54 branches in seven cities Year Founded: 1893 Scope of Business: Full range of individual and commercial banking services, including commercial lending, mortgage lending, deposit products and services and a trust department

Matchmaking CF

BT

88

In July 2017, Capitol Federal® was interested in expanding its commercial lending capabilities and Capital City Bank was interested in finding a partner that could acquire the company.

After leading Capital City Bank successfully for decades, Frank Sabatini and his son, Matt, chairman of the board, were contemplating retiring but wanted to secure the bank’s future for its staff and customers before doing so.

An exploratory conversation between John Dicus, Capitol

Federal CEO; Matt Sabatini; and Bob Kobbeman, former Capital City Bank president and CEO and now chief commercial banking officer at Capitol Federal, ultimately led to an acquisition that satisfied the needs of both entities.

“We’ve managed our businesses in similar ways, including our operating philosophies and cultures and business models that prioritize customer service and conservative lending,” says Dicus. “We went into this

collaboration knowing that we had complementary niches and an understanding that we each needed the expertise of the other.”

Kobbeman says, “When you’re considering an acquisition, assessing people and talent is just as important as reviewing a book of business. On the Capital City side, it was extremely important for us to honor what Frank and Matt and the other Sabatini sons had accomplished.”

Through the years, Berberich Trahan & Co. (BT&Co.) has expressed interest in various acquisition opportunities, but often the smaller firms initially considered fulfilled a market niche outside the scope of the CPA firm’s practice. So Karen Linn, managing director of BT&Co. since 2013, was immediately

intrigued when she discovered that CBIZ National Services wanted to sell its Topeka office, another well-regarded CPA firm that had been serving the region for 40 years.

Linn first facilitated a conversation with CBIZ’s local directors so the two firms could get to know one another better before moving to the next step.

“We needed to find out if the two businesses were a good fit in terms of culture, personalities and clientele,” she says, noting that the initial meeting unexpectedly lasted four hours. “We were pleased to learn that CBIZ had a family friendly environment, similar employee culture and a commitment to clients that matched our own.”

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Century Business Technologies began as a copier company before expanding into IT and software applications through a series of acquisitions.

Mark McCabe, chief business development officer, says, “As we became more entrenched in providing additional network services to our clients, we wanted to be more inclusive in our capabilities so we could handle all of our clients’ business needs.”

Since Century Business Technologies and Dynamic Computer Solutions had

previously collaborated to serve shared client needs, conversations about their respective capabilities ultimately led to an acquisition finalized July 31, 2018.

Lawrence Reynoso, Century Business Technologies executive vice president, says, “We’re dedicated to our clients and our employees and our company’s longevity, which means we have to be able to adapt to changes in the marketplace and anticipate and handle whatever our clients might be contemplating. Since

we had been one of Dynamic’s customers, we already knew the expertise and experience they could bring to Century.”

McCabe agrees. “Years ago if we went to a business to sell a copier and the owner didn’t need one, our conversation was over. Today we’re selling comprehensive document management and network solutions so we always have options to discuss what could help owners run their operations more efficiently.”

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WE DON’T CRUNCH NUMBERS WE SAVOR THEM FOR THE DELICACY THEY ARE Proactive Accounting Tax Services Audit Services Outsourced CFO

btandcocpa.com

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BT&Co. employees stand in front of their future headquarters building, scheduled to open December 2019.

BT&Co.

Merging People BT

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Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL

Employees: 60 (including interns and part-time personnel during tax season Locations: Two (until offices consolidate in December 2019) Year Founded: 1913 Scope of Business: Audit, tax, general accounting and consulting services for for-profit and nonprofit companies and individuals

Currently, BT&Co. occupies two buildings but will soon be housed in the same office space once renovation work on a newly acquired building is completed in December 2019.

The acquisition’s close in January coincided with the busiest time of year for CPAs so the temporary necessity to maintain two offices made forging relationships more challenging initially, Linn says. To encourage camaraderie in the interim, the 60-plus employees, including

interns and part-time personnel, participate in organized social activities and every two weeks a newsletter includes four employee profiles.

“One of the things we’ve prided ourselves on at BT&Co. is our tagline of ‘CPAs Redefined,’ an intentional focus to have more fun and flexibility at work while fulfilling our responsibilities to our clients,” says Linn, noting that the company has implemented policy changes to accommodate flex time,

dress for your day opportunities and other benefits.

“As we move forward with our strategic planning as a combined firm, we respect that we each bring strengths to enhance our working relationships, environment and client capabilities and interactions,” she says. “By utilizing the best processes from both offices, we’ll be able to serve our clients and grow the business with a continued focus on service and commitment.”

With 63 employees in six locations statewide, Century Business Technologies offers multiple business options, from document solutions to managed IT support and cloud-based phone services. Cross-training opportunities across different computer systems also allow the company to capitalize on team members’ talents and technical expertise.

Recognized as one of the top 100 Pros Elite dealers in the country, Century Business Technologies’ commitment to meeting stringent industry standards demonstrates its

emphasis on attracting and retaining exemplary employees and elevates the cache of its workforce.

“With this designation, we have access to mega-dealers five times our size to learn about best practices and resources we can make available to our clients,” says Reynoso.

Century Business Technologies is also one of 70 top dealers in the Copier Dealers Association and one of only 40 firms with a Ricoh Service of Excellence designation.

In addition to professional development, Century Business

Technologies’ employees want more work/life balance, which appeals to employees of the combined company as well as new hires.

“When we go to Washburn University to recruit, 80% of the people we talk to want to know about the culture, and that may mean anything from wanting to watch their kids’ participate in a school Halloween parade or playing on a company softball team,” says Reynoso, “so we’re mindful of how important those things are to having a satisfied workforce.”

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Managing Planning, Platforms and Possibilities CF

When Capitol Federal and Capital City Bank closed their deal Aug. 31, 2018, they retained 90% of Capital City Bank’s employees.

Although the two Topeka banks had similar legacies of service spanning more than a century (126 years for Capitol Federal and 127 years for Capital City Bank), they differed dramatically in size and scope.

“One of the main things that our Capital City Bank employees had to adjust to was going from a $434 million family owned, stateregulated bank to a $9.3 billion publicly traded company with a national regulator,” says Dicus.

“Capital City Bank benefited from the acquisition because we were able to bring products and expertise in certain areas where Capitol Federal didn’t have those strengths,” says Kobbeman. “It’s been a positive, comfortable transition with teams coming together as equals to collaborate and ask questions.”

Dicus agrees. “Capital City Bank brought us a trust department, something we have not had before, but we have a large customer base in multiple communities so we can expand trust opportunities and experience growth in that area.”

The merged entity now has 783 employees and 54 branches in Topeka, Lawrence, Wichita, Kansas City, Manhattan, Emporia and Salina.

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Reynoso and McCabe are also excited about the possibilities their newly combined company has.

“One of the advantages of our acquisition is that before both of our companies had people wearing many hats, so now that employees are able to be more focused on their particular areas of expertise, cross-training aside, we’re able to serve our customers even better,” Reynoso says.

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“We’re just a few months in on having Dynamic onboard, and we’re already bigger and deeper with the services we can provide our customers through our multiple locations,” adds McCabe. “Our document management services combined with Dynamic’s IT expertise means customers only have to make one call to get whatever need they have handled.”

Linn says transitioning data systems has been one of the most arduous and time-consuming aspects of the acquisition process but progress continues to be made.

“Our employees are our most important asset and we want to focus the most time and effort on them, so it has been frustrating that the data systems have taken so much time in this process,” she says.

Capitol Federal and Capital City Bank’s biggest hurdle also involved database integration, which was completed in April 2019.

“Whether you were a legacy client at Capitol Federal or Capital City Bank, you could begin doing business at any branch once we completed this piece,” says Dicus. “It was a monumental effort by our IT staff to make this come to fruition. Now we can really say we are one organization.”

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With Capital City Bank assimilated into Capitol Federal, Dicus acknowledges, “The process will never be over.

We’ve just got the first lap done by integrating the databases.

Now the heavy lifting starts as we take advantage of our alignment and grow the business as we provide our customers with new opportunities to work with us.”

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Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL

Century Business Technologies

Mitch Miller Vice President, Dynamic Division Century Business Technologies

Dawna McCabe President & CEO Century Business Technologies

Employees: 66 Locations: Six in four cities covering the state Year Founded: 1981 Scope of Business: Business technology including copiers, printers, managed IT services, document management software, hosted applications, managed print services and cloud-based solutions

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Century Business Technologies provides two days a year for its workforce to volunteer for a local cause and sponsors group outings for activities like Pilots hockey games, even providing tickets to Topeka Rescue Mission families.

Both Century Business Technologies and Dynamic Computer Solutions have been active with Sales and Marketing

Executives, the Greater Topeka Partnership and Momentum 2022, and McCabe and Reynoso emphasize that the shared importance placed on community involvement is a key aspect of their collaboration.

“Investing in the Topeka community benefits everyone—our employees, our clients and the causes we support,” says McCabe.

Capitol Federal and Capital City Bank have strong philanthropic traditions with extensive corporate and individual commitments to charitable causes designed to enhance Topeka’s economic vitality and quality of life. Dicus’s grandparents and parents instilled in him a desire to contribute, and Frank Sabatini did the same with his four sons.

“Our two families believe in giving back not only in dollars but in people’s time,” says Dicus. “We launched a charitable foundation

in 1999 when we took the company public in April 1999, and it’s a commitment that we value and will continue.”

Praising Frank Sabatini’s generosity and affinity for Topeka, including his support of art and recreational resources throughout the city, Kobbeman says, “Capitol Federal’s reputation for charitable giving is something the Sabatini family shares—having that legacy continue through the merged institution was a huge attraction for our employees.”

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BT Although community service and charitable giving have been focal points for both BT&Co. and CBIZ, the firms handled their programs differently. Directors made donation decisions for BT&Co. in contrast to a community service committee overseeing philanthropic requests at CBIZ. “We love the idea of having employees participate in the decision-making process, so that’s just one example of something that we’ve integrated recently,” says Linn. “We’re looking at best practices at both companies as we set our new culture because community involvement and support are very important to BT&Co. We want to give back to this community that has supported us in so many ways.”

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SCENE ABOUT TOWN

PHOTO 1 Sarah Sharp, Topeka Public Schools; Robin Wolgast and Angela Smith, Kansas Ballet

PHOTO 2

Women's Fund

Cathy Newland, Silver Lake Library; Kris Wellborn

PHOTO 3

TOPEKA COUNTRY CLUB APRIL 24, 2019

Laura Burton and DenĂŠ Mosier, Kansas Children's Discovery Center

PHOTO 4 Monice Crawford, Washburn University; Nikki MacMillan, Habitat for Humanity

PHOTO 5 Kim Sixkiller, Advisors Excel; Nadia Cabrilo and Sarah Jepson, Stormont Vail; Rachel Sachs, Advisors Excel; Tracy Jepson, TLJ Bookkeeping + Consulting; Erin Aldridge, Boy Scouts of America

PHOTO 6 Amelia Fager and Tanushree Jadhav, Washburn Rural HS students; Kiana Magee, Hayden HS student; Adriana Stewart, Topeka High student; Myah Berryman and Briana Jackson, Topeka Collegiate

Photos by JOHN DEMEO

PHOTO 7 Beryl New, Topeka Public Schools; Martha Patterson, Midland Hospice; Susan Garlinghouse and Lanny Moyer, Topeka Collegiate

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Glenda Washington, GO Topeka; Glenda DuBoise, Heartland Visioning; Monice Crawford, Washburn University; Jennifer Gordon, Topeka Public Schools; Renita Harris, My Company; Linda Jeffrey

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SCENE ABOUT TOWN

State of the Community DOWNTOWN RAMADA APRIL 18, 2019

Marie Pyko, Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library; S.J. Hazim, Boys & Girls Club of Topeka; Thad Hartman, Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library

PHOTO 2 Abbey Frye and Amber Gentry Oetting, Kansas Gas Service; Erin Lesser, Peoples Insurance Group

PHOTO 3 TK Adams and Lyndsey Adams, Owls Nest; Stacy Ricks, WineShop At Home

Photos by KEITH HORINEK & BRADEN DIMICK

PHOTO 4 Lissa Staley, Debbie Stanton, Mary Campbell and LeAnn Brungardt, Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library

PHOTO 5 Tim Krueger, Vision Bank; Cody Foster, Advisors Excel; Bob Archer, Shawnee County

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PHOTO 6 Nick Armstrong, Community Bank; Jason Fizell, Sunflower Foundation; Barbara Barnard, Community Bank; Kathleen Hein, Premier Employment Solutions

PHOTO 7 Matt Pavarnik, GTP; Jeff Martin, Evergy; Mayor Michelle De La Isla, City of Topeka & Evergy; Terry Bassham, Evergy; Mark Kossler, Fidelity State Bank

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PHOTO 8 Sarah Fizell, Arts Connect; Michelle McCormick, YWCA

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SCENE ABOUT TOWN

PHOTO 1 Bob Evenson, R W Evenson, Inc.; Keith Smith, College Hill Plumbing

PHOTO 2

TIBA Lunch & Learn

Tara Dimick, Envista Credit Union; Mitch Miller, Century Business Technology

PHOTO 3

THE PENNANT APRIL 9, 2019

Thomas Colgrove, Colgrove Media; Michael Lowe, Lyndon State Bank; Brandie McPherson, Kansas Chamber

PHOTO 4 Photos by BRADEN DIMICK

Patrick and Kristi O’Kane, Budget Blinds

PHOTO 5 Roger Laubengayer, Sunflower Strength & Conditioning; Ben Butler, Meridian Roofing Solutions; Mike Emmert, New York Life

PHOTO 6 Kevin Mapes, IT Solutions; Tim Kolling, Alpha Media; Kristin Scott, Scott HR; Spencer Duncan, Capital Connections

PHOTO 7 Jim Driggers, Computer Store; Brady Robb, The Robb Company; Chris St. John, Lawyers Title of Kansas

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