from Ernest-Spencer lets you take full advantage of modern fabrication technologies. Precision, repeatability and high throughput mean we can deliver unmatched manufacturing performance in building your products.
We invest in the advanced machines and processes and extended capacity to be more agile, efficient and profitable.
Our focus is on providing superior quality metal fabrication, precision machine shop services, advanced industrial coatings, and a wide range of specialty manufacturing services.
16 PAGE 20 Under 40
Meet the 20 young professionals the Jayhawk Area Council has recognized for their outstanding leadership and community service this year.
Photo by JOHN BURNS
Finding Their Shine
After quitting their corporate jobs, this local couple expanded their successful window cleaning business into a training ground for young professionals.
Garage to Growth
A Washburn economist explains why Kansas HB 2343 could help home-based entrepreneurs grow without punishing success or burdening cities with unclear regulations.
From Startup to Success Stories 50
DL Smith Electric, Schendel Lawn & Landscape and Heritage Bank prove there’s more than one way to grow your business if you stay true to your values.
Prioritizing People’s Health
An optometrist, a wellness clinic and a martial arts gym all have one thing in common: they refuse to settle for “just okay” when it comes to their clients’ health.
Table Talk:
Q&As with Local Restaurateurs 82
TK talks with the people behind Deano’s at Deer Creek, The Forgotten Grain Bakery and Bistro, and Chef’s Kiss Ristorante.
Behind the Scenes with TK
Molly Howey talks about her journey to becoming Greater Topeka Partnership’s first female CEO and her plans to bring resources directly to small businesses.
Photo by BRIAN PETERS
Photo by BRIAN PETERS
Photo by JOHN BURNS
CONTRIBUTORS
PUBLISHER Braden Dimick & SALES DIRECTOR braden@tkmagazine.com 785-438-7773
CREATIVE DIRECTOR & DESIGNER Janet Faust
EDITOR Lauren Jurgensen
COVER PHOTOGRAPHER John Burns
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kim Gronniger Corinn Guemmer
Lauren Jurgensen
Jennifer LeClair
Lisa Loewen
Danielle Martin
India Yarborough
PHOTOGRAPHERS
John Burns
Brian Peters
CONTRIBUTING EXPERT Michael Austin
WEBSITE MANAGER Cordell Dimick
2025 TK Business Magazine is published by E2 Communications, Inc., 7537 SW 26th St., Topeka, KS 66614. 785-438-7773. Reproduction or use of this publication in any manner without written permission of the publisher is prohibited.
Every effort was made to ensure accuracy of the information in this publication as of press time. The publisher assumes no responsibility of any part for the content of any advertisement in this publication, including any errors and omissions therein. E2 Communications, Inc. makes no endorsement, representation or warranty regarding any goods or services advertised or listed in this publication. Listings and advertisements are provided by the subject company. E2 Communications, Inc. shall not be responsible or liable for any inaccuracy, omission or infringement of any third party’s right therein, or for personal injury or any other damage or injury whatsoever. By placing an order for an advertisement, the advertiser agrees to indemnify the publisher against any claims relating to the advertisement.
Do you enjoy playing your cards right at the blackjack table? Or doubling down on massage tables at the Cedar & Sage Spa? Maybe you prefer to go all in – into the pool, that is. Prairie Band has it all. So you can have all the fun. Discover more ways to play your way
FINDING THEIR SHINE
SQUEEGEE SQUAD
By LISA LOEWEN
Photos by BRIAN PETERS
Jordan Kuntzsch knocked on Mike and Melissa Coburn’s door in June 2020 with his arms full of dripping wet clothes. His girlfriend’s washing machine next door had broken midcycle, and he needed help.
As they waited for the clothes to finish spinning, the Coburns learned about Jordan’s life and career plans. By the end of the night, they had offered him a job at their window cleaning company, Squeegee Squad.
“Mike and Melissa spent a lot of time with me, helping me realize what I am good at and what I want to do with those skills,” Jordan said. “I can’t imagine working anywhere else.”
That’s how the Coburns run their business: finding potential in young employees and training them for both the job and their futures. Jordan now supervises all of Squeegee Squad’s technicians.
Mike and Melissa didn’t start out as entrepreneurs. Both of them were former Westar employees who were climbing the corporate ladder. As the director of fleet and facilities, Mike oversaw 20 buildings and 300 trucks. Melissa was the manager of a high-performing IT app development team.
They both loved their jobs but were also busy raising three children. None of that stopped them from purchasing a fourbay car wash in North Topeka, in 2018, from friends whose family had owned it since 1965.
“We really cut our teeth as entrepreneurs with that car wash,” Mike said. “We were both still working full time, we just added late nights and cold mornings to our already hectic lives.”
Photo by BRIAN PETERS
Mike and Melissa Coburn | Owners
“People think owning a car wash means passive income,” Melissa said. “What they don’t know is that Mike was shoveling mud at 6 a.m. every single morning because we have a lot of big trucks in North Topeka. And I was counting money and refilling soap dispensers twice a day.”
CRYSTAL CLEAR PLANS
In late 2019, when both of their fathers experienced health declines, Mike and Melissa began looking for a way to spend more time with family. That search led to an opportunity where they could start a boutique window cleaning company in Topeka.
“Mike has always had that entrepreneur ‘jump’ spirit,” Melissa said. “He has these hare-brained ideas all the time, and for some reason they don’t scare me when we do them.”
Melissa quit her job the next day, and they signed the contract with Squeegee Squad in January 2020. The entire window cleaning crew consisted of Melissa and one employee, whom she had interviewed at the McDonald’s in North Topeka because they didn’t have an office.
Squeegee Squad's owners pride themselves on finding potential in young employees, then training them for both the job and their
“We had a hard time finding employees who would stick with it,” Melissa said.
Then in June 2020, they hired Jordan Kuntzsch. With a crew of three, business began to steadily pick up, enough so that in October of 2020 Mike felt it was time to quit his job and put his full focus on growing Squeegee Squad.
“It was during the COVID shutdowns, and the opposite of what was happening to other businesses happened to us,” Mike said. “Businesses shuttered and people were sitting at home looking out of dirty windows. Our business boomed.”
Over the next 18 months, Mike and Melissa poured their energy into their residential window cleaning business. In 2021, they put out a Facebook post looking for additional employees. Jordan Finnesy, a Washburn football player from out of town, answered the ad.
They were so impressed with his work ethic that they bought season tickets on the 50-yard line just to watch him play. The next summer he brought six more players with him. That opened
the doors to a whole new seasonal employee pool, and the business steadily grew.
“We go to the Washburn games and scream for every player who has ever worked for us,” Melissa said. “I actually had someone ask, ‘Whose mom are you?’”
In 2022, they took the leap into the commercial window cleaning arena. With specialized training on commercial glass and highrise equipment, they discovered a burgeoning business opportunity that soon became 60% of their revenue.
“We were small but mighty,” Melissa said. “We knew from the beginning that we wanted our business model to be customer service based. Having personally seen what a poor customer experience looked like, where contractors didn’t show up on time or didn’t provide the service as expected, we were passionate about offering our customers something different.”
Mike and Melissa focused on customer service and hired honest, hard-working kids, found what they were good at and then directed them on that path. People started taking notice, and referrals and repeat customers kept their schedules full.
Their success also caught the attention of the Squeegee Squad corporate office, who asked Mike and Melissa to help turn around a struggling franchise in Des Moines, Iowa.
“We spent six months driving to Des Moines on Mondays and coming home on Fridays while our team managed operations here,” Mike said.
“A team of 24-year-olds, by the way,” Melissa added.
Even though that experience was a little chaotic, it allowed Mike and Melissa to identify the holes in their own operations: the processes they didn’t have defined and the cross training and knowledge transfer that was needed to ensure every customer experience met the same standards.
“Chaos seemed to be working just fine until this year,” Melissa said. “In 2025, we know what we really want to do for a living. We want to empower
Photo by BRIAN PETERS
futures.
young people and help them discover a path to a successful career no matter what education path they choose.”
ONE WINDOW AT A TIME
Mike and Melissa assessed their personal strengths and used them to figure out how to better train employees. Next, they implemented generational training concepts to help them understand the different lenses that their employees bring to the workplace.
“Mike and I were banging our heads against the wall at first,” Melissa said. “It seemed like we were speaking in Greek when we were trying to train some of these young people early on. We figured out that putting someone younger in that role and helping them be successful was better for us because they could speak their language.”
The blank stares Melissa would get when she suggested someone turn to the employee handbook for answers to questions turned into nods of understanding when Jordan Kuntzsch,
who is now in charge of supervising all the technicians, would simply tell them to scan the QR code on each piece of equipment.
Mike and Melissa also started role-playing with their employees to help them learn better communication skills. They do a company reset twice a year, where they have the entire staff in training for a day. The first half is technical training, and the other half is interpersonal and communication training.
Melissa is the first to say those interpersonal skills are the reason the business continues to thrive.
“Just because you face a window, it doesn’t mean someone isn’t standing on the other side watching you. And if someone asks you a question, a smile and eye contact go a long way when you give them an answer,” Melissa said.
In fact, an interpersonal connection is what drew them to Haley Smith, who now runs the front office. Mike and Melissa met Haley at the local Mexican
restaurant Jose Pepper’s, where they liked to go every week after church. Haley waited on them several times, and one day they asked her if she would consider coming to work for them at Squeegee Squad.
“Her customer service was just so beautiful, we had to have her,” Melissa said.
Haley had been waitressing since she was 16 and was coincidentally looking for something that would give her different work experience. Realizing they were serious about the job offer, she called them the next day and started working at Squeegee Squad two weeks later. She has been there almost two years now and says she loves it.
“Everyone at Squeegee Squad is so close. It is like we are one big family,” Haley said. “Mike and Melissa are so supportive. They understand that we all have lives outside of work and that sometimes things happen that we don’t plan for. I didn’t have a babysitter one day when my son
was out of school, and they didn’t bat an eye when I asked if I could bring him to work with me for the day.”
Mike and Melissa still ask to sit in Haley’s section on Sundays at Jose Pepper’s, where she still works on the weekends.
A JOYFUL DISCOVERY
Mike doesn’t do the day-to-day work anymore. He goes out on jobs to monitor each crew to make sure the customer experience is top level and find those employees who might need a little extra support that day.
“That is the emotional support we try to give our team. We can tell when someone is struggling or has some additional stress,” Mike said.
Many of their employees are Washburn football players from out of town, which means they often don’t have immediate access to their parents. Some of them just need some ‘dad’ things, like a chain saw, a tool or even advice. They all know that with Mike, they have a Topeka dad.
“The people who work for Squeegee Squad in the summers learn about what it means to be professional, to complete a job with exceptional care, how to talk to customers, even in the corporate world,” Jordan Kuntzsch said. “But the personal life lessons are valuable as well. Lots of the guys have bought their first car, their first house, gotten married or
had kids. They have a support system here to help navigate those things.”
Melissa says she enjoys watching these young people grow and that she and Mike have learned how to work together effectively.
“Mike does everything from 35,000 feet and I am at five feet,” Melissa said. “Every time we have a conversation, we know that now, but it took us six years to figure that out.”
“We received a contract a year ago for a big gas station company that had more than 200 stores they needed pressure washed. I did the sales pitch. I got the contract. I was done. I tossed it over the wall to Melissa,” Mike said.
“I then had to figure out how to manage a five-state contract to service 223 buildings,” Melissa said. “We sent two of those Washburn football kids up there, and they smoked it.”
THROUGH THE GLASS
In addition to the window cleaning business, Squeegee Squad has a lighting division that installs custom Christmas lights for more than 100 houses and does event lighting.
“What goes up, must come down and be inventoried and stored,” Melissa said.
That winter work enables the company to maintain a core of six employees that work throughout the year. Many of those employees are now
working on setting up lighting displays for this year’s Zoo Lights.
Mike and Melissa have worked with the Topeka Zoo since 2021 to install the lights that are in the higher areas of the zoo. Their involvement with the project has grown every year and after their response to a request for proposal last year, they were awarded the entire project. This means Squeegee Squad is managing the design, the volunteer schedule, the project plan and every detail for Zoo Lights.
“We have been working on this project since June,” Mike said. “It is quite complex because unlike other lighting projects, we have to take into consideration curators, extinction cycles, hibernation cycles, color intolerances, pedestrian traffic and so many other factors.”
Mike and Melissa chose the Zoo Lights theme “Holidays Around the World” this year to celebrate the demographics and ethnicities that make up the Topeka community. They see the Zoo Lights project as significant for the Topeka community.
The Coburns attribute some of their success to sheer tenacity, and the rest to the Topeka community.
“The other small businesses around us have been amazing,” Mike said. “Even those that you might think of as competitors have been some of our biggest champions.” TK
by
Photo
BRIAN PETERS
Squeegee Squad employees Jordan Kuntzsch, Sebastian Willms, Trevor Angle, Dacoda Hunt, Haley Smith, Conner Botts, Carter Olson, Andrew Funk and Charlie Mitchell.
Written and compiled by LAUREN
JURGENSEN
Excellence has many faces in Topeka, and the Jayhawk Area Council Boy Scouts of America is celebrating 20 of them. The 2025 Top 20 Under 40 honorees represent the city’s most promising young professionals, who are proving that age is no barrier to exceptional leadership.
These rising stars are working to solve today’s challenges while making Topeka an even better place to live and work. Here are their inspiring stories.
Photos by JOHN BURNS
Photo by JOHN BURNS
Photo by JOHN BURNS
ZACHARY “ZAC” SURRITT
Business Development Director
R&S Maintenance Services
As part of the third generation of family ownership at R&S, Zac leads the business’ marketing, community engagement and strategic growth initiatives. He is also an advocate for young professionals and civic engagement: as a leader with Forge Young Talent, he launched the annual Young Professionals Advocacy Day at the Kansas Capitol and the YP Gala.
Zac serves as chair of the Topeka Human Relations Commission and on boards including the Sunflower Music Festival and United Way of Kaw Valley. Recognized as a NextGen Under 30 Kansas honoree in 2024 and a Leadership Greater Topeka Class of 2025 graduate, he pushes Topeka forward with energy and vision.
What book has inspired you lately?
Mel Robbin’s book “The Let Them Theory.”
When work or life becomes stressful, saying “let them” might be the answer you’re looking for. When other people are getting you down or the world seems like too much, we need to say “let them,” followed by “let me.” Taking back control of our lives and our well-being will boost confidence and create a healthy balance in life. I recommend this book to other leaders who are feeling burnt out or discouraged.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned about leadership?
What’s the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
Young Professionals (YP) Day at the Capitol. I have a passion for civic engagement, and I always want younger generations to know that we can make an impact in our communities through simple actions like voting,
volunteering or supporting others. Young professionals are underrepresented in areas of decision-making, but our power comes from numbers. I started the YP Day at the Capitol because young Kansans deserve to have their voices recognized and we are stronger when we work together!
I used to be the kind of person who felt like I needed a title if I wanted to be a leader. That kept me from being an authentic leader because I was just chasing a position instead of actually serving the community. Everyone is capable of impacting the lives around them in a positive way and no one needs to give you a title or permission to do it. Leaders don’t wait for permission; they act and support others that may not be able to.
KAYLEE CHAMPAGNE
Interior Designer HTK Architects
Kaylee brings creativity and purpose to her work designing community spaces, from schools and libraries to offices and childcare centers. She guides projects from concept to completion, ensuring each design is intentional, functional and meaningful.
A passionate community leader, Kaylee serves as the chair of Forge Young Talent. She also gives her time and expertise on the NOTO Board of Directors and the Leadership Greater Topeka Advisory Board, where she champions Topeka’s growth and future. She is not only known for her design talent, but also for her spirit of service in everything she does: mentoring peers, leading with empathy and making Topeka a better place to live, work and play.
What was your first job?
It was in high school at a familyowned pharmacy in downtown Gardner, where I worked behind an old-fashioned soda fountain making shakes, malts and hand-squeezed limeades. I loved the people I worked with and the customers I got to serve. That job helped me come out of my shell, taught me the value of serving others and gave me networking skills I still use today.
What’s your guilty-pleasure TV show?
“New Girl” is my guilty-pleasure TV show. I’ve rewatched it more times than I’d like to admit. I think it is witty, lighthearted and hilariously relatable
at times. It is my favorite show to put me in a good mood, no matter the day I’ve had.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned about leadership?
Leadership is an activity, not a position. It’s about creating an environment where people feel
empowered to give their best. I’ve learned that listening is just as crucial as guiding. A leader who takes time to understand different perspectives builds trust and uncovers ideas that may have been missed. Showing empathy, being approachable and encouraging open dialogue can drive better outcomes.
Photo by JOHN BURNS
Photo by JOHN BURNS
FATIMA PEREZ-LUTHI
Founder, CEO & Financial Health Coach
The Grind Coaching & Consulting Agency Owner
Luthi & Associates
From coaching more than 240 individuals and families in financial literacy to raising more than $157,000 for community programs, Fatima is on a mission to disrupt generational cycles of poverty. Her newest venture, Voyage CFO 4U, is a financial wellness platform designed to make financial education more accessible.
As an immigrant and former foster youth, Fatima now uses her experiences to empower others, whether that’s protecting families through insurance, mentoring first-time founders, coleading Munch Market in NOTO or serving with organizations like Omni Circle, MANA, Ronald McDonald House and Habitat for Humanity. Her leadership honors include Woman of Excellence (YWCA NE Kansas), Athena International Honoree, Forge YP Service Award and selection as a Kansas Delegate for GEC 2025.
What advice would you give to young professionals?
Change the way you think about failure and risk. Don’t be afraid to fail. Take risks, but do it with your gut, your vision and your heart aligned. And most importantly, don’t let the fear of what people might say hold you back.
What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
What has shaped the way you view your community?
I am an immigrant from Mexico. Growing up in Topeka, all I wanted was to leave. That’s what so many of us thought — that success was somewhere else. But life gave me the gift of adversity. It taught me that success has nothing to do with the money you make,
the title you hold or the school you went to. It’s about who you are at your core, how you respond when life gets hard, and how you choose to show up for others. Every challenge I’ve faced has been either a gift, a lesson or a blessing, and I believe the same is true for our community.
When I was working on my residency, my husband and I took a humanitarian trip to Mauritius, a small island off the coast of Africa, to help with marine life conservation. We counted fish, stopped illegal fishing and explored the ocean. On our day off, we hiked to Chamarel Waterfall, the tallest single-drop waterfall on the island. We rappelled down it and six more waterfalls. On the last one, only about 20 meters high, I decided to jump. I landed wrong and ruptured my ear. It was painful, but it was also exhilarating, and I’d do it all over again.
Photo by JOHN BURNS
JESSIE STONEBRAKER
Special Investigator & Response Team Specialist Kansas Department for Children and Families
Jessie has dedicated her career to protecting and advocating for vulnerable youth, especially missing and trafficked children in foster care. Since stepping into her role in 2018, she has helped reduce the number of missing children in Kansas foster care from more than 100 to just 36.
Jessie builds trust with kids in crisis, advocates in courtrooms and shapes trauma-informed policies that put children first. She serves on multiple anti-humantrafficking coalitions, volunteers with LifeHouse Child Advocacy Center and sits on the board of The Jones Project. She also coaches wrestling at Washburn Rural, where she’s helped lead the girls’ team to four state championships, and empowers women through Jiu Jitsu training.
I took along the West Coast, from Washington to Southern California, in our old 2001 Jeep Cherokee. We camped in national parks the entire way. We’ve also experienced Thai fighting in Thailand, and by the time this article comes out, we’ll have just returned from Japan after watching the final day of the Grand Sumo Wrestling Tournament in Tokyo, this time with our toddler in tow.
What are your favorite ways to give back to the community?
Coaching high school girls’ wrestling. I love helping the athletes build confidence on and off the mat, watching them grow into strong, capable young women. The culture on our team is incredible, and I know that the
lessons they’re learning now will carry them into the future as leaders in our community.
What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
Traveling. One of my favorite experiences was a 16-day road trip my husband and
Do you have a motto you live by?
“Be smart, work hard and do the right thing.” It actually came from a keychain my instructor gave our graduating class. Most probably didn’t think much of it at the time, but when I read it, I realized it was the key to success. Ever since, I’ve tried to live by those simple words every day.
CHARLES MORGAN
Connection & Belonging Manager Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas
(BCBSKS)
Charles is passionate about creating spaces where people feel valued, seen and included. At BCBSKS, he leads storytelling platforms like Blue Table Talk and On the Blue Couch, while also guiding employee and community partnerships that strengthen belonging across Kansas.
Beyond his professional role, Charles gives back through Junior Achievement of Kansas, the Kansas Inclusion Summit and as a youth soccer coach, where he fosters teamwork, confidence and joy for kids of all abilities. He’s also the creative force behind a powerful community mural celebrating unity and diversity. From board service to volunteerism, Charles leads with his heart and a commitment to creating a more connected Topeka.
What are your favorite ways to give back to the community?
Coaching, because it’s an opportunity to build trust, instill confidence and help kids discover their potential. It’s also an investment with a lasting return. The lessons learned, such as teamwork, perseverance, respect and self-belief, extend far beyond the game.
What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
My wife Kristina really wanted me to experience the top of Pike’s Peak. We tried driving there, but bad weather closed the road so we decided to hike it. We weren’t new to hiking, but the idea of hiking 12 miles to complete a fourteener felt a little crazy. Still, love will make you do crazy things! Nearly 10 hours later the next day,
we finally made it back down, exhausted but proud.
How do you keep yourself motivated during challenging times?
First, I stay active by working out or golfing, which gives me the energy and clear mind I need to show up fully. Second, I rely on
a strong support system: I have an incredible supervisor, HR team and company that support me, and my family gives me strength through love and prayer. Third, I have clarity of purpose in my family, work and community. It doesn’t erase challenges, but it makes every struggle worthwhile and keeps me moving forward.
Photo by JOHN BURNS
Photo by JOHN BURNS
CASSIDY ROBERSON
Director of Customer Experience
Schendel Lawn & Landscape
Green Pest Solutions
Cassidy oversees a 200-plus-person team that serves more than 7,000 households across the Topeka region. From rebranding two companies to launching innovative customer systems, she’s transformed how her organization connects with the community.
Beyond her professional role, Cassidy is investing deeply in Topeka’s future. She serves on the board of Crime Stoppers, created the Bug Club program with regional children’s museums to spark curiosity in kids, and has played key roles in initiatives like Top City Interns and Momentum 2027. As the first female partner at her company and a new mom, Cassidy is passionate about building systems that create lasting change.
What’s your go-to song?
I blast Lizzo’s “Like a Girl” or Missy Elliott’s “We Run This” when I need a confidence boost on the way to a big meeting. Those songs remind me that women are a force in the workplace and bring unique strengths and perspectives. As the only female partner in our business, I sometimes feel the weight of that role, but I also see it as an incredible opportunity. Music like this reminds me to lead boldly, inclusively and with the perspective that diversity in leadership is a gift that helps organizations grow in new and positive ways.
What’s one tool or resource you rely on daily that makes your life easier?
What achievement in your career are you most proud of so far?
Professionally, I’m proud of leading a pest control acquisition where we retained 95% of customers (an incredible number in this industry). More personally, I’m honored to have become a
partner in our business at such a young age. Being the youngest and only female partner is both humbling and motivating. I’m grateful to Brandon, Aaron and my dad for trusting me in this role, and I’m excited about the opportunity to shape what comes next for our business and employees.
Faith is my foundation, and spending time in prayer and God’s word is essential to keeping me grounded. More practically, I rely on two tools to keep me focused, intentional and accountable: Full Focus Planner, which helps me break down annual and quarterly goals into daily steps across all areas of life, and Microsoft To Do, which integrates with my phone reminders and helps me manage follow-ups and meeting topics with my team.
bcbsks.com
Photo by JOHN BURNS
LAURA PEDERZANI
Executive Director Arcare, Inc.
Laura oversees Kansas’ largest organizational representative payee service and advocates for individuals with disabilities across five states. She provides testimony at both state and federal levels, ensuring the voices of Kansans directly impacted by laws and policies are heard.
Laura helped secure more than $50,000 in grant funding to revitalize McKinley Park and has served on the Topeka City Council Redistricting Committee. She also mentors young women through her leadership in Alpha Phi and the Topeka Alumnae Panhellenic Council. Known for her commitment to the community, Laura encourages youth to become the next generation of leaders.
What’s your guilty-pleasure TV show?
“Ted Lasso,” hands down. It’s beautifully written, scripted and portrayed. The life lessons and character arcs were phenomenal. I cannot wait for the new season!
What was your first job?
I was a bagger at a local grocery store. What I remember most was the customers. I loved helping people load their groceries because I saw the relief on the faces of a busy mom or an elderly man when I offered to help. It was amazing to see the difference a small task made in
someone’s day. One day the tornado sirens started blowing. Everyone in the store went to the designated shelter area but there were a few kids who seemed scared. I passed out animal crackers and chatted with them to try to keep them calm. It was always the people I remembered most!
What role does failure play in your journey toward success?
Benjamin Franklin said, “I did not fail the test. I simply found 100 ways to do it wrong.” I think that learning what doesn’t work is often as important as learning what does! As a leader, it’s also imperative for us to be able to say “I was wrong” or “That didn’t work.”
When we admit when things aren’t going well, it helps build trust.
Photo by JOHN BURNS
JAKE HOLLY
Associate Attorney Foulston Siefkin LLP
Jake is a trusted advisor in transactional law, specializing in commercial real estate, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate governance. He also represents clients in complex litigation, providing practical, strategic guidance to help them achieve their goals.
Jake serves on the Topeka Bar Association Board of Directors, is a past president of the Young Lawyers Association and actively mentors law students at Washburn. His leadership earned him recognition as the Young Lawyer of the Year in 2022, and a spot on the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch list for two consecutive years. He’s also a Leadership Greater Topeka graduate, a volunteer for initiatives like Home Works USA and a champion for pro bono efforts such as expungement clinics.
What’s your guilty-pleasure movie?
“Joe Dirt.” It gets me every time. Great life lessons and dumb humor. I’ve got a Joe Dirt plaque hanging in the entryway of our home. I even did the fireworks stand monologue for my acting class in high school. If you can quote “Joe Dirt,” you’re all right by me.
What has shaped the way you view your community?
First, growing up here. Seeing all the positive progress Topeka has made has definitely shaped my perspective and given me a sense of pride. Second, as a
new father, my daughter has really shaped what I value in the community. I sincerely believe Topeka is a great place to raise a family and we need to continue growing great family-friendly resources, events and activities.
If you could instantly master a new skill, what would it be?
Singing. It has such good utility: you can entertain friends, serenade your special someone or blow away the crowd at karaoke night. Unfortunately for me, I can’t sing unless it’s in the shower when no one is within earshot.
MADELINE LAMBING
Lecturer
Associate Director of Leadership Experience Washburn University
For the past seven years, Madeline has been empowering students through leadership education, mentorship and community partnerships. At Washburn, she advises student leaders, teaches courses and coordinates programs that connect students with local nonprofits, helping them grow into changemakers who strengthen our community.
Beyond campus, Madeline serves on the TARC Foundation Board, has been active in the Junior League of Topeka and steps in as a volunteer soccer coach. Whether in the classroom, on the field or in the community, she is passionate about building connections, fostering inclusivity and inspiring youth.
What’s the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
The Community Action Project, which I designed and implemented for our introductory leadership course. It invites students to engage with local nonprofit organizations to address realworld challenges. Over the semester, students learn about the organization’s mission, explore a pressing issue and ultimately propose a thoughtful, actionable solution. What makes this project so meaningful is the transformation it sparks in students. One student who partnered with the Topeka Rescue Mission shared, “I think about homelessness all the time. I can’t drive to work without noticing homeless people and thinking about how to solve it.”
What’s one resource you rely on daily that makes your life easier?
My phone. I rely on it to stay organized, productive and efficient. It’s where I manage my calendar, jot down quick notes and even send emails or complete tasks when I’m away from my desk. It helps me keep everything moving forward
without missing a beat. It keeps me connected to the people I care about. In a busy world, maintaining connections makes a huge difference in how I live.
What’s your favorite way to unwind after a busy week?
I love doing something active with my kids. Backyard soccer, catch, even yard work together is fun.
For rainy or cold days, I keep a stash of balloons to play Keep the Balloon indoors. My kids also made a game called “fickle ball,” which is like lacrosse or soccer that we play inside. Our house definitely gets noisy and active at the beginning of the weekend, but we end it more quietly with a living room picnic and movie on Sundays.
Photo by JOHN BURNS
Photo by JOHN BURNS
ALICIA WALKER
Executive Director Community Action, Inc.
Founder
HEARTS: Helping Empower Adolescents Reject Thoughts of Suicide
After the loss of her brother, Alicia founded HEARTS to raise awareness about youth suicide. Through programs like Connection Resilience Empowerment Worth (CREW), she has empowered Topeka youth to take on community issues with confidence.
Alicia oversees strategic planning, program development, fundraising and leadership growth within her team at Community Action. With more than 15 years of experience in social services, she drives change by fighting poverty, building partnerships and uplifting families across Topeka.
Alicia also gives back through community organizations like Topeka JUMP and El Shaddai Ministries Community Church. She is a graduate of the Strategic Leadership Academy and has been recognized as Washburn University’s Site Supervisor of the Year.
What’s your favorite way to unwind after a busy week?
Gardening and yardwork. I love being outside, listening to afrobeats and pulling weeds under the warmth of the sun. It may sound counterproductive, but staying busy outdoors helps me recharge. That said, I also enjoy curling up in bed
with a good show and an oatmeal cream pie.
What advice would you give to young professionals?
Participate. Early in my career as an executive assistant, I stayed quiet in meetings even though I had thoughts to share. The turning point
came when I asked my supervisor if I could begin contributing. That moment taught me that young professionals’ voices are just as important as seasoned leaders’ voices. Be confident, because your insight and experience can move mountains.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to be a leader?
Seek out a mentor who will invest in you and hold you accountable. There is nothing more valuable than being guided by someone who believes in you and recognizes your potential. Great leaders are often shaped by the people who surround them.
The team at Gage Dental offer comprehensive dental care for adults and children. We use state-of-the-art dental technology to ensure that you always receive the highest quality of care in the most comfortable environment possible Serving Topeka smiles for over 40 years.
Day Crowns Dental Implants Root Canals Cosmetic Dentistry
Grateful to Topeka’s Top 20 Under 40 sponsors for celebrating today’s leaders and inspiring tomorrow’s.
Presentin Sponsors Presenting Sponsors
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
SPECIAL THANKS
The Beacon (Spark Sponsor) · Topeka Zoo (Photo Venue Sponsor)
This event supports the Jayhawk Area Council, Scout ing America, in developing boys and girls through leadership and characterbuilding programs. Learn more at www.JayhawkCouncil.Org
Photo by JOHN BURNS
JARON CAFFREY
Director of Workforce & Health Care Policy Kansas Hospital Association
At just 25, Jaron is already leading efforts to grow Kansas’ health care workforce, improve hospitals and ensure access to quality care. His work has helped secure millions in investment, launch health care apprenticeships at more than 30 hospitals and create better opportunities for those entering the health care profession.
Jaron serves as board chair for Kansas HOSA, supports future leaders through the Aleshire Center for Leadership and Community Engagement, and gives back through his church and civic involvement. He is also a graduate of Leadership Greater Topeka. As he plans to marry his fiancée Elizabeth and plant deeper roots in Topeka, Jaron remains focused on building a healthier, stronger community for future generations.
What’s your hidden talent?
I love to cook. I’ve never considered myself artistic or particularly creative, but cooking is the one place where I get to be creative and really enjoy it. There’s something satisfying about bringing a meal together, and I find it one of the most relaxing ways to unwind.
What’s the best leadership advice you’ve ever received?
What advice would you give to young professionals?
Be a sponge. Soak up every opportunity to learn, connect and grow. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there, whether that’s introducing yourself to someone new or asking a leader you admire
to grab coffee. The worst thing that can happen is someone says no, and more often than not, they’ll say yes. Some of the most meaningful opportunities in my journey have come from simply starting a conversation and building a connection.
The best leadership advice I’ve ever received is to never burn a bridge. Even in moments of disagreement or difficulty, there’s usually a way to work through things while preserving relationships. Taking the time to have hard conversations and look for common ground not only leads to better outcomes, but often builds stronger trust in the long run.
DANIELLE MARTIN
Founder & CEO
Authentic Media
Danielle’s journey in media began as a TV news anchor and has grown into a career fueled by her passion for media. She recently served as a TV host at Advisors Excel, where she helped financial advisors share their stories, build trust with their audiences and step into their role as strong business owners.
Building on that expertise, Danielle launched Authentic Media, a boutique branding and consulting agency. She is also behind the Rise & Thrive Women’s Conference, which united more than 200 women for empowerment and growth. Danielle serves her community through the Topeka Zoo Board, Victory City Church and as a sought-after event emcee.
What’s the best leadership advice you’ve received?
It’s simple but powerful: “If serving is beneath you, then leadership is beyond you.” That truth shapes how I show up every single day. Leadership isn’t about titles, spotlights or being the loudest voice in the room. It’s about serving with integrity, listening before speaking and creating space for others to shine.
What advice would you give to young professionals?
Don’t chase titles, chase purpose. Let your “why” be bigger than you. The world will always tell you to run after success, but true fulfillment comes when you align what you do with who God created you to be. Michelle Obama once said, “Success isn’t about how much money you make, it’s about the difference you make in people’s lives.” Be faithful where you are, even in the small assignments, because excellence and integrity open doors that talent alone can’t.
And remember, obedience may not always look popular, but it will always position you exactly where you’re supposed to be.
What’s your guilty-pleasure TV show?
“This Is Us.” I love it because it’s real, raw and rooted in family and purpose. Every episode reminds me of the beauty and complexity
of life, the highs, the lows and how our stories connect us. As a storyteller myself, I appreciate how it weaves together past, present and future to show that every season of life matters. It makes me laugh, cry and reflect all at once. Honestly, it reminds me why I do what I do: help people own their story and see the value in it.
Photo by JOHN BURNS
by JOHN BURNS
CONNOR “CJ” SMITH
Financial Reporting Accountant Advisors Excel
CJ is a financial reporting accountant at Advisors Excel where he mentors associates, leads budgeting conversations and coordinates a shadowing program to give local students real-world exposure to careers in accounting and finance. He serves as an assistant alumni advisor for Kappa Sigma Fraternity at Washburn University, a youth leader at Mission Church and a board member and volunteer with ReJOYce, an organization supporting adults with differing abilities on their faith journey.
CJ’s leadership and kindness are rooted in his personal experience growing up alongside siblings with intellectual disabilities. He is inspired by his late brother, Christopher, who continues to shape his “why.” A proud Washburn graduate and CPA, CJ has been honored with recognitions such as Master of the Ritual with Kappa Sigma, Outstanding Grand Master and membership in Beta Gamma Sigma.
How do you inspire and motivate others?
What are your favorite ways to give back to the community?
The work I do with reJOYce, a nonprofit organization serving adults with differing abilities on their faith journey. It is such a rewarding experience volunteering and sharing in their vision of a community that is inclusive and full of so
much love. Spending Thursday evenings with worship and fellowship is the highlight of my week.
What’s your go-to song?
Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club” because it gets people going, especially when the chorus begins!
Being personable and building meaningful relationships rooted in trust and compassion. I make it a priority to ensure people feel seen, heard and valued, which fosters honest communication and genuine connection. By showing empathy, I create a deeper level of support that demonstrates true care and encourages others to bring their best selves forward.
Photo
DESIGN + CREATE + ENJOY
COMPLETE RESIDENTIAL REMODELING PORTFOLIO
INTERIOR DESIGN & FURNISHING
Photo by JOHN BURNS
LAURA NICHOLS
Associate Principal Topeka Public Schools
Laura leads the Topeka Center for Advanced Learning and Careers (TCALC), where she connects students with realworld experiences through career and technical education. From building partnerships with local businesses to developing workforce pipelines, she’s passionate about preparing the next generation of leaders and innovators right here in Topeka.
Laura serves on the Topeka Public Schools Superintendent’s Council, is a board member with Forge Young Talent and actively volunteers with Harvesters and local youth programs. Her dedication to creating opportunities for both students and the community makes her an inspiring force for Topeka’s future.
How do you innovate in your workplace?
It may sound simple, but my approach to innovation is largely about listening and learning. Educators are usually eager to share what they love, what they do well and the challenges they face. At TCALC, all of our work has grown from the ideas educators contribute, and we have been able to connect those insights in ways that spark meaningful innovation.
What legacy do you hope to leave?
The word “legacy” makes me think about people much larger than me. I appreciate so many people who came before me and worked to shape K-12 education in Topeka Public Schools. I hope people remember me as someone who worked to give
students more opportunities. I’ve been lucky to build relationships with many students over the years, and I hope I’ve had a positive impact on them. But what I’m most proud of is helping create programs and systems that open doors for students, especially through the career pathways at TCALC.
What’s your favorite way to unwind after a busy week?
Spending time with family and friends. With four kids under eight, our home is always full of energy and activity! We love to grill and just be outside. I enjoy cooking for others and value the chance to share a meal and conversation amidst our busy lives. My children have not only changed my purpose in life, they have taught me to slow down and enjoy life as much as possible.
JOLIE LIPPITT
Founder &
CEO
P&V Consulting & Advocacy Group
Through P&V Consulting & Advocacy Group, Jolie provides mentorship, training, policy consulting and advocacy to amplify marginalized voices and help others find healing and opportunity. She mentors at-risk youth, supports families in crisis and builds programs that focus on equity and empowerment. She has helped women leave cycles of abuse, supported individuals reentering society after incarceration and brought life-saving resources to vulnerable populations.
Jolie ran for Topeka City Council, District 1, and while the outcome was not what she had hoped for, she is profoundly grateful for the support, encouragement and love shown throughout this journey. She remains steadfast in her commitment to building a community where every person is supported.
What legacy do you hope to leave?
I have a strong vision for reformed policies that can comfortably integrate people like me into our systems, which are so broken. Not a single step of my journey has been easy and because of this, I believe that my life’s work is to make it easy for everyone else coming in behind me.
What book has inspired you lately?
I recently read “Three Cups of Tea,” a memoir by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin. It’s about a mountaineer who attempted to climb K2 mountain in rural Pakistan. He almost died but was rescued by a remote indigenous tribe. It’s the ultimate tale of adversity turning into something magical. It helped me learn to trust my own path and to stay focused, stay humble and trust the process.
How do you keep yourself motivated during challenging times?
My grandparents were Indian Residential Boarding School survivors. My grandpa Ernie was a language keeper and he suffered immense abuse for carrying his language and
ways for future generations. When I’m dealing with adversity or tough times, I remember that he endured extremely harsh conditions and did so for the benefit of people he may never meet. When I get discouraged or feel stuck, I remember that.
Photo by JOHN BURNS
What legacy do you hope to leave?
On the surface, I hope people feel grateful our paths crossed, even if only briefly. I’m in competition with no one and genuinely want to see others achieve their full potential — if a bit of my time can help make that happen, I’m all in. My legacy is
also closely tied to my children. They carry my name, and I want that name to hold value for them.
If you were a character in a movie, who would you be? If Jim Carrey played The Hulk. Sounds odd, but that’s me. I’m
DAMON SHORE
Continuous Improvement Engineer
Mars
At Mars, Damon leads a team focused on improving efficiency, safety and quality on the Snickers production line. Beyond the factory, he pours his energy into serving others. For more than 13 years, Damon has volunteered with Junior Achievement, teaching students financial literacy and entrepreneurship. He’s also a certified facilitator with Omni Circle’s Business Academy, where he mentors aspiring entrepreneurs and supports Topeka’s growing startup ecosystem.
A graduate of Leadership Greater Topeka, Damon reestablished Mars Wrigley site visits for the program, coordinated corporate volunteer teams and even helped lead his team to victory in Be Filled of South Topeka’s Charity Truck Pull fundraiser. Outside of work, he coaches youth basketball, football and soccer with a focus on building character.
funnier than I look, but my wife jokingly says I’m funny looking. I’m just a larger person and I try to bring humor and levity into everyday life. My size causes me to stand out and creates so many opportunities to engage with people. I use it to try and put a smile on their face.
What role does failure play in your journey toward success?
Failure is the reason I am where I am today. I’ve come close to losing everything, and at times I barely had anything to begin with. My biggest failure was living without purpose and faith, and focusing too much on the opinions of others. One of my passions is working out, which is all about pushing yourself to the point of failure so you can grow stronger — and the same principle applies to leadership. As the saying goes, “A hungry stomach, an empty wallet and a broken heart can teach you the best lessons of life.”
Photo by JOHN BURNS
Photo by JOHN BURNS
CHELSEA HUSTON
Community Outreach Director Woolly Farms Foundation
Chelsea has spent the last decade championing individuals of all abilities through initiatives like Abilities Day, a monthly event that recently drew more than 1,100 attendees at the Topeka Zoo, and Dialogue Day, a citywide effort launched in partnership with the mayor to spark conversations around belonging.
Beyond her professional role, Chelsea volunteers as a Special Olympics coach, serves on the Topeka Area Sports Commission and provides direct care and mentorship to individuals with disabilities. Her leadership is all about building spaces where everyone feels seen, valued and celebrated.
every step I’ve taken since then goes back to him. Jacob just graduated high school, and I couldn’t be prouder. I truly wouldn’t be where I am today without him.
What’s your guilty-pleasure TV show?
I’ve seen every episode of “I Love Lucy” countless times, and I can still watch it and laugh out loud every single time. It’s just such a happy, funny show, and it always puts me in a good mood. It’s also special to me because it’s the show I used to watch with my grandma.
What role does failure play in your journey toward success?
What inspired you to pursue your current career path?
My “what” is really a “who.” Sixteen years ago, I met Jacob when I started volunteering with therapeutic horseback riding. He was only two years old at the time, but he has this incredible spirit that draws
you in. He’s the reason I found my passion for working with people of all abilities. Because of Jacob, I started coaching Special Olympics when I moved to Topeka. I wanted to share the same joy, encouragement and opportunities with others that I had seen light him up. Honestly,
I don’t really see things as failures; I see them as opportunities to learn. Every challenge and “mistake” has been a stepping stone to where I am today. I truly believe God puts challenges in our path to teach us how to overcome them and grow. The times when things haven’t gone as planned have taught me patience, resilience and how to think creatively to solve problems. They’ve also shown me the value of leaning on others, asking for help and trusting the process.
BILLY SKROBACZ
Chief Retail Operations Officer
Capitol Federal Savings Bank
At CapFed, Billy oversees retail banking operations, customer experience and wealth management services while leading a team of more than 380 employees. Beyond the bank, Billy serves on the Stormont Vail Health Foundation Board and Finance Committee, directing charitable funds to support emergency assistance, medical equipment and nursing scholarships.
He’s also a board member of Downtown Topeka Inc. and an active member of the 20/30 Club of Topeka, supporting children’s charities through initiatives like Coats for Kids and Christmas for Kids. Billy is known for his forwardlooking leadership and his commitment to building a stronger, more vibrant Topeka for all.
What advice would you give to young professionals?
Never be afraid to respectfully disagree. Too many boardrooms are filled with “yes men” and “yes women,” but real progress comes from those willing to speak up with thoughtful, data-driven perspectives. If you can support your point of view with evidence and present it respectfully, you not only add value to the conversation but also demonstrate confidence, critical thinking and leadership potential.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to be a leader?
Stick to your guns and stay true to your role as a support system for your team. Leadership is not about having all the answers but about breaking down the barriers that prevent your people from using their expertise to the fullest, whether it’s outdated policies, inefficient processes or organizational roadblocks. By removing obstacles and creating an environment where your team can thrive, you not only earn their trust but also empower them to deliver their best work.
What’s your hidden talent?
Cooking. Growing up, I was surrounded by incredible cooks: my mom and both of my grandmothers. They sparked my passion for food, especially Italian dishes. When my wife and I lived in Washington, D.C., we were surrounded by Michelin Star restaurants, and
I loved trying to recreate those recipes at home. That hobby has stayed with me and I still enjoy experimenting in the kitchen and sharing meals with family and friends. I’ve even thought about starting a small catering side hustle, but I’m happy simply exploring new recipes at home for now.
Photo by JOHN BURNS
Photo by JOHN BURNS
INDIA YARBOROUGH
Founder & CEO
Local Lens PR
India’s journey in Topeka began as a business reporter for The Topeka Capital-Journal. She went on to serve as vice president of marketing and communications for the Greater Topeka Partnership, bringing Topeka’s people and stories to a national stage.
In 2025, India launched Local Lens PR. She also serves as the chair of Club Blue for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Topeka, where her leadership helped grow its annual fundraiser, netting more than $20,000 this year to support local kids. A graduate of Leadership Greater Topeka and an Omni Circle Emerge Academy alumna, India is passionate about community connection.
What podcast has inspired you lately?
There are two podcasts that consistently inspire me: “How to Be a Better Human,” which covers topics like how to communicate better, how to be a better friend and how to see the humanity in everyone you meet, and “The Moth,” which features personal stories told live by everyday Americans on stages across the country.
What qualities do you believe are essential for effective leadership?
What advice would you give to young professionals?
That where you start doesn’t have to be, and almost certainly won’t be, where you end. Feeling stuck isn’t permanent, and building a growth mindset will take you far. All that to say, your career is more like a jungle gym than the ladder
so many of us grew up hearing about. Sometimes you start climbing one ladder, decide to pivot and swing sideways, and suddenly find yourself on the monkey bars. Be open to lateral movement when it’s the right fit, as often as you’re open to upward progress.
Courage and humility. As leaders, we must have the courage to be honest with ourselves and others, even when speaking up or being transparent proves to be extremely difficult and shakes us to our core. We must also be humble enough to know when it is time to lead from behind and modest enough to understand that we can’t make a sustainable, lasting impact alone.
btandcocpa.com
Photo by JOHN BURNS
DR. BENTON MCGIVERN
Hospitalist Stormont Vail Health
Born and raised in Topeka, Dr. McGivern leads care for patients at Stormont Vail Health during some of their most challenging moments, ensuring compassionate, high-quality treatment. He also serves as Division Chair of Acute Care, representing more than 60 physicians while helping to maintain the highest standards of patient care.
Beyond the hospital, Dr. McGivern has served as president of the 20/30 Club of Topeka, providing coats, food and Christmas gifts for underserved youth. He is on the TARC Board of Directors, supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He also mentors pre-med and medical students, guiding the next generation of health care leaders. A proud husband, father of three and lifelong Topekan, Dr. McGivern is committed to building a stronger, healthier and kinder community.
orthodontics. She encouraged me, kept me centered on my goal of becoming a medical doctor, and was a sounding board during difficult times. Her mentorship helped me grow as a young professional and develop a core set of values. Today, Gena is one of my closest friends and I look to her for guidance.
What’s the best leadership advice you’ve ever received?
If you could instantly master a new skill, what would it be?
Speaking fluent Spanish. Communication is a big part of what I do at the hospital, and our community has a very large Spanish-speaking population. I’ve had many colleagues who can bridge that communication
gap, and the relief it provides families during times of grief and sickness is very impactful and motivating.
Who is your mentor?
My sister, Dr. Gena Hendrickson. She exemplified hard work and dedication while pursuing
“You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.” This advice came from my high school football coach Bill Arnold. I was new to leading our team and learning that teammates don’t respond as well to hostility as they do to encouragement. It prompted some serious reflection on how I wanted to lead moving forward. I changed my tone and adjusted to a leadership style that not only fit my personality better, but fit our team better, too. That lesson is why I continue to stay involved with my kids’ sports teams. TK
KANSAS HB 2343
The proposed No-Impact Home Business Act, will protect quiet entrepreneurs, save cities time and unlock small-business growth, all without sacrificing safety.
GARAGE TO GROWTH
FREEING NO-IMPACT HOME BUSINESSES IN TOPEKA AND BEYOND
MICHAEL AUSTIN Lecturer of Economics Brenneman School of Business Washburn University
Norman and Leatha Hein initially mowed their neighbor’s lawn as a basic form of community service, recognizing a need and acting to address it. Over more than thirty years, they ran a low-profile rural lawn-care business from their Sedgwick County residence, hiring local residents and helping their neighbors. As their business expanded, they requested minor adjustments from county authorities: to let more workers be on site temporarily, to allow sheltered storage of equipment and to enable employees to perform routine maintenance during rainy weather.
The county zoning board said yes, then neighbors and a nearby commercial operator appealed. Years of litigation followed. In the end, an appellate court concluded the Heins’ expansion created a “self-imposed hardship” and vacated the board’s variances.
In other words, success became the reason the Heins could not get the relief they sought.
If you influence policy or commerce in Topeka, whether you work for the city, the state or live here, this should trouble you. The Heins’ story is a living example of how good, lawful enterprise can run into idiosyncratic local regulation and end up punished for growth.
WHAT IS A “NO-IMPACT” BUSINESS?
The concept of a “No-Impact Home Business” is relatively straightforward. The term describes commercial activity that takes place in a residence and produces no meaningful or external harm, no extra traffic, no on-street parking, no loud noise, no visible commercial modifications to the property and no “impact.”
Imagine a bookkeeper practicing at a kitchen table, a woodworker shipping a few custom pieces a week or lawn care dispatchers who store mowers on private property out of sight of the road.
These enterprises are the economy’s low-friction on-ramps. They let founders test ideas, earn income, hire neighbors and, occasionally, scale into Main Street employers. They are essential to communities like Topeka, where low startup costs and flexible work can meaningfully expand economic opportunities.
However, the policy problem is also straightforward. Many cities and counties enforce vague, discretionary rules that make launching or scaling a home-based business a risky endeavor. Those local rules create uncertainty, and uncertainty is the enemy of entrepreneurship.
LOCAL CODES CAN VARY
If you read municipal codes, you discover two things very quickly: the rules vary wildly, and many provisions are written broadly enough to invite discretionary enforcement.
PRAIRIE VILLAGE
Prairie Village, Kansas requires a city license and enforces strict home occupation rules, including tight limits on how much of your home you can use.
CITY OF SHAWNEE
The city of Shawnee’s code limits outside employees and bans on-site sales, rules that don’t fit every small enterprise.
DOUGLAS COUNTY
Douglas County long used a tiered system that forced many entrepreneurs into a registration and fee regime; the county only recently moved to ease registration and fees for small rural operations after a public push.
GARDEN PLAIN
Garden Plain, Kansas’ code allows 50% of nearby property owners to trigger a review and possible revocation of a conditional permit. These are not hypothetical headaches; they are genuine red tape that stops people from adding a job or hiring for one.
TOPEKA
Topeka’s home-occupation permitting rules set common-sense limits: a resident must run a home activity, must not change the dwelling’s exterior or erect exterior signs, may not sell merchandise on the premises and may not create excess traffic. The code also caps home occupations at 25% of a home’s floor area and permits only one non-resident employee. The city charges a modest permit fee and reserves inspection rights. Those terms protect neighborhoods, but their broad phrasing gives enforcement officers a lot of latitude.
SHAWNEE COUNTY
Shawnee County’s home-use rules are similar: a home occupation must be accessory to residential use, may have no more than one non-resident employee, may not alter appearance or erect exterior signs and generally may not produce more traffic or utility use than normal residential levels. Permits, renewal fees and annual reporting are part of the regime. That mix of criteria plus discretionary permit authority creates administrative drag and opens doors to uneven enforcement.
WHAT’S THE RISK?
Two entrepreneurs doing equally quiet, compliant work can face different outcomes depending on which inspector visits, who files a complaint or whether a neighboring commercial interest pushes back.
SELF-CREATED HARDSHIP
Kansas law requires zoning variance applicants to satisfy several criteria, among them demonstrating an unnecessary hardship not caused by the landowner. Courts have often treated a business owner’s own growth as a self-created situation that does not merit post-hoc variances. That legal doctrine underpinned the result in the Heins’ case: because the business expanded with knowledge of zoning limits, relief was denied. The message to entrepreneurs is stark: grow cautiously, or risk being shut down for having done well. That outcome is perverse. We shouldn’t write rules that encourage entrepreneurs to stay small. A more innovative approach protects neighborhoods from real harm while giving lawful, low-impact businesses a predictable path to grow.
Topeka | Lawrence | Overland Park | Silver Lake
HOW DO STATES COMPARE?
States have started to draw more precise lines. Florida’s 2021 statute (Section 559.955) preempts local ordinances that would prohibit or unduly burden home-based businesses that meet no-impact criteria, while preserving narrow public-safety exceptions (fire, sanitation, traffic, pollution). The Florida law reduces administrative discretion by offering concrete standards and, critically, an enforceable cause of action for business owners. That makes it an excellent drafting model.
Other states and localities have moved similarly. Texas has adopted protections for no-impact home businesses. Closer to the city hall level, Bismarck and other municipalities have modernized homeoccupation rules to allow low-impact enterprises to operate by right without the drag of routine permits. Closer to home, Douglas County moved in 2025 to ease registration and fee requirements for many small rural home operations. Those changes aim to reduce enforcement burdens while protecting neighborhood quality, exactly the balance smart reformers seek.
WHY KANSAS NEEDS THIS LAW
The shift towards home-based and nonemployer enterprises is more than just a fleeting trend. According to the Census Bureau’s 2023 non-employer statistics, there is consistent growth in home-based and sole-proprietor businesses, which provide flexibility, extra income and entrepreneurial opportunities. Protecting legitimate and predictable home business operations is a strategic economic move: it reduces startup obstacles, lowers enforcement expenses and helps small businesses operate lawfully by paying taxes and hiring locally. Enacting a No-Impact Home-Based Business law could help prevent future legal conflicts for entrepreneurs like the Heins and offer many kitchen-table entrepreneurs the certainty needed to grow.
POTENTIAL BENEFITS
Kansas’ HB 2343 (the “No-Impact Home-Based Business Fairness Act”) embodies the right idea: to protect low-impact home businesses from needless regulation. Furthermore, its language can be tightened to prevent administrative loopholes and preserve durable predictability.
Make “no-impact” measurable. Spell out concrete thresholds: e.g., up to two non-resident employees (or the municipal occupancy limit, if lower); a cap on daily customer visits; a clear parking standard (“no on-street parking attributable to the business”); and explicit language about visibility from the street. Measurable rules reduce arbitrage and inspector discretion. Florida’s statute provides helpful drafting cues.
Clarify accessory-structure and signage rules.
Allow business activity in the primary dwelling by default; allow accessory structures to be used only under narrow criteria (size, setback, visibility). Permit one small, non-illuminated, residential-scale sign. This balances neighbor expectations with realistic needs for small businesses.
No new, home-targeted taxes or fees.
State the obvious: home businesses remain subject to existing business
BACK TO KANSAS VALUES
taxes, but prohibit municipalities from inventing special levies or registration fees that single out low-impact operations.
Ban retroactive and targeted enforcement.
Prohibit municipalities from applying new ordinances retroactively to lawful noimpact operations and forbid inspections or enforcement that are targeted solely at homes with businesses when similar residences receive no such scrutiny.
Keep narrow safety carve-outs and make courts require proof.
Preserve municipal authority for fire, sanitation, pollution and traffic concerns, but require local governments to justify restrictions by clear and convincing evidence if challenged in court, and award reasonable attorney fees to prevailing plaintiffs so that meritless enforcement is deterred.
Account for rural reality.
Premises outside city limits or lots over one acre should get lighter touch treatment unless clear, documented harm exists. Douglas County’s recent updates show how that balance can work in practice.
These changes do not remove local control over real nuisances. They translate a common-sense rule — if your business does not harm neighbors, it should not be punished — into enforceable law.
Norman and Leatha Hein did what Kansans have always done: they built something helpful, cared for their neighbors and tried to improve their lot. The law should nudge us to protect people like them. Their story is a warning and an invitation. It warns us what happens when local regulation outpaces common sense. It invites us to do better.
Kansas can follow the example of Florida and Texas, adopting a statute that protects no-impact home businesses while preserving necessary publicsafety authority, and we can go further by closing drafting gaps, so the law protects entrepreneurs from the very sort of discretionary, after-the-fact enforcement that shut down the Heins’ growth. All that keeps the path from the garage to the growth uncluttered. Do that, and Topeka and Kansas will be a place where people roll up their sleeves and build businesses at their kitchen table, in their garage or on a quiet rural parcel. TK
FROM STARTUP TO
SUCCESS STORIES
By KIM GRONNIGER, CORINN GUEMMER and INDIA YARBOROUGH
Photos by BRIAN PETERS
Some businesses grow by design while others grow by opportunity. DL Smith Electric launched a multigenerational legacy when a gas station worker took his uncle’s advice to become an electrician. Heritage Bank doubled its size and influence by acquiring a century-old competitor. Between the two are companies like Schendel, using handshake deals and hard work to steadily expand their reach. Despite taking different paths, they’ve all reached the same destination: sustainable success.
we need electricity for everything. Otherwise, we’d all be sitting around with candles.”
KEEPING THE LIGHTS ON DL SMITH ELECTRIC
By KIM GRONNIGER
Photos by BRIAN PETERS
In 1963, DL Smith was a married dad of two making $1.75 an hour at a gas station. When a concerned uncle showed up one day and encouraged DL, now a Topeka Business Hall of Fame inductee, to become an electrician, he decided to switch careers.
The career switch was successful — so successful, in fact, that DL is now the founder of an electrical construction company that’s continued for three generations.
LIGHTING THE WAY
DL established DL Smith Electric in 1972 with a $7,500 loan. His wife Suzy, then pregnant with their daughter, embraced her husband’s light-bulb moment and quit her job at the Santa Fe Railroad so they could take the leap together.
“We didn’t have a dime, and she still said okay,” DL said. “She’s a saint.”
After a short stint at Washburn University followed by completion of an apprenticeship program, he understood that “trades were an important part of society and that
DL’s family-run business is led today by his son Shawn, CEO and president, and his grandson Nate, associate project manager. Chase Ebert, the company’s chief operating officer, rounds out the leadership team.
Fittingly, DL and Shawn signed the paperwork transferring the family business’ ownership at the elder Smith’s kitchen table in 2005.
“Shawn had a couple of stipulations in the contract that I would come to the office at least once a month and also meet him for lunch once a month,” DL said. “I’m happy to say I’ve been able to keep those commitments.”
Shawn earned an engineering degree at the University of Kansas and worked as a consultant in Kansas City for several years. When his wife Olga, an only child, needed to move to Topeka to help her parents run their Mexican restaurant Pepe & Chela’s,
Photo by BRIAN PETERS
The DL Smith Electric team: CEO and President Shawn Smith, Associate Project Manager Nate Smith, COO Chase Ebert and Founder DL Smith.
Shawn approached DL about joining the company and relocating his family to Topeka.
“We all like to work and the dynamics just fit,” Shawn said.
“I’m old school,” DL said. “When I was starting out, I wore multiple hats and had to know everything. I brought Shawn in 10 years before I left because I knew he could come in and make the changes that needed to be made as the industry and the business became more complex.”
Nate, who has a bachelor’s degree in business analytics from the University of Kansas, creates tracking dashboards for manpower, project hours and more.
He says he never felt pressure to join the company but after spending time in the business as a kid and college intern, he felt drawn to it.
“I always liked the work the company did and the pride people had in the projects we completed,” he said. “The more time I spent here, the more I knew I wanted to stay. Each project is different, and each day is different.”
Shawn says the transition has been smooth, partly because of clear expectations and a commitment upheld by all family members to refrain from work discussions during dinners, holiday gatherings and vacations.
True to his word at the time of the company’s transition, DL still pops in for casual chats and occasional consultations.
“I like to step in and pat people on the back and tell them they’re doing a great job,” DL said.
“Mostly DL comes in and stirs things up and leaves,” said Chase, referring to what he described as DL’s “well-known” sense of humor.
“It’s great for me to work with my family every day and focus on opportunities together,” Shawn said. “It’s a fast-paced business and having that level of trust makes it easier to respond to changes and challenges that come up.”
BRIGHT IDEAS
A key aspect of the company’s adaptability is an appreciation for individual strengths and a personal growth mindset that blends autonomy with accountability.
“You can’t keep everything in your head like I used to in the early years,” DL said. “You have to delegate and let people make mistakes so they can grow in their roles. We all make mistakes, but it’s how we correct them that counts.”
Although three generations of Smiths are affiliated with DL Smith Electric, Shawn says the family name doesn’t guarantee a position and everyone has to earn their place.
“We all trained for the roles we have, and our business wouldn’t have survived without all of our employees grinding it out together every day,” he said. “Our workforce has similar attitudes in that we want to put our
heart and soul into making something that’s meaningful. That passion bleeds into everything.”
As the company continues to expand its regional footprint, Shawn says it’s imperative that more people are brought in to provide ideas and expertise.
“Many of our employees have worked here a long time and deserve the opportunity to help run the company,” he said. “They’re people who fit in with our family business and thrive in their roles.”
Chase’s responsibilities cover operations, employee relations and culture, which includes an opendoor policy where employees can feel comfortable asking questions.
“Chase and I are both relationship driven and want to ensure we’re accountable for our employees and our customers,” Shawn said. “Our ability to recruit and retain employees and make them team players has really amplified with Chase. He’s an excellent listener and can be more strategic with workforce activities and leadership opportunities.”
Chase works to build team unity and relationships. In hiring, he says character and coachability sometimes carry more weight than knowledge, which can be learned over time.
“I love employing people and giving them an opportunity to build
something and grow in their role,” Chase said.
Shawn agrees. “We’re in alignment on the DL Smith difference, which is giving the customer the best value. If the customer finds success, then we do, too. We strive to keep our relationships over the long haul.”
WIRED FOR SUCCESS
Like his dad before him, Shawn says he wants to stay ahead of the curve.
“I like to find ways to improve processes and do things better by investing in new tools early,” he said, adding that part of that investment involves Nate’s role. “He looks at our analytics every day and helps us manage through the chaos.”
Nate says he had a lot to learn when he joined, but that he came in with a different perspective that was helpful.
“I was able to identify opportunities for supporting team members and gaining a clearer view,” he said.
According to Shawn, some of the challenges DL Smith Electric still faces include access to skilled manpower and the increasing demand to power
everything from personal devices to data centers.
Artificial intelligence (AI) applications are already impacting the business by introducing training and robotics, troubleshooting, and enhancements for administrative and operational tasks.
“AI isn’t just a neat tool to ask crazy questions, but a means for getting work done efficiently so we can free up time to work on more important things,” Shawn said.
POSITIVELY CHARGED
As of this year, DL Smith Electric’s workforce includes 240 field electricians and 25 staff members.
Shawn says meaningful projects in health care and other industries have given a renewed sense of purpose to their team members.
“During COVID, we were classified as essential employees and that designation still means something to all of us,” he said.
Some of the company’s bigger projects include several Stormont Vail Health collaborations, the Docking State Office Building, the David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, Allen Fieldhouse, a utility-grade solar project in Chanute
and a $100 million expansion of the Michelin manufacturing facility in Junction City.
“Our work, for the most part, is outside of our office environments,” said Shawn, “so we’re always looking for ways to help us stay connected.”
To assist with that goal, Chase, who joined the company as an electrician in 2008, is focused on employee engagement.
“I’m always trying to better understand what the team’s tasks are and how we can move the dial to make their work easier,” he said. “We’re building a work hard, play hard culture.”
The company hosts quarterly gettogethers, an annual holiday party and Royals outings for their employees.
“Friday afternoons are a little livelier in the office,” Chase said. “People are enjoying what they’re doing and laughing, and that’s what we want.”
Nate agrees. “People are talking with one another more and not just about work. We’re discussing random stuff and getting to know one another better.”
They also embrace volunteering. Jaclyn Mullins, a project logistics manager at the company, encourages employees to participate in community activities such as Visit Topeka’s annual Touch-a-Truck construction event.
COMPLETING THE CIRCUIT
“It was a natural instinct to want to provide not only for my own family but also for the people we employed,” said DL, describing how he felt when he started the company. “If not for small businesses like this one, we wouldn’t have the economy we have.”
As president of the company, Shawn has embraced his father’s sense of leadership. He gives employees challenging work opportunities while supporting their ability to make time for family.
“Dad put in a lot of hours in establishing this business, so we’re now able to encourage our employees to use their leave to recharge and enjoy their families,” Shawn said. “We understand how important that is.”
Photo by BRIAN PETERS
DL Smith Electric employees work on electrical construction projects across the region, creating critical infrastructure for the community.
ROOTED IN GROWTH SCHENDEL LAWN & LANDSCAPE and GREEN PEST SOLUTIONS
What began as two Topeka teenagers mowing lawns in the early 1990s has grown into one of the region’s most recognized names in lawn care and pest solutions.
By CORINN GUEMMER
Photos by BRIAN PETERS
Brandon Moore and Aaron Jones started mowing lawns as teenagers, just trying to earn cash and stay busy. By 2002, they had committed to running the business full time.
Four years later, Brandon’s father put his house up as collateral so they could buy their first landscaping company. The deal included three employees and guidance from the former owner.
“We didn’t have much, but we had a solid team and a strong
work ethic,” Aaron said, adding that the challenge of the first four years often felt like survival mode.
“We didn’t really think of it as a company,” Brandon said. “It was just work we liked to do, and it kept us busy. But over time, we realized we could build something bigger if we stuck with it.”
Those early years meant long days while they learned the business from the ground up.
Photo by BRIAN PETERS
Schendel Lawn & Landscape and Green Pest Solutions Partners Aaron Jones, Cassidy Roberson and Brandon Moore.
SDG was proud to partner with the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center on their latest expansion of the children’s Museum! Bringing their vision of inspiring a lifelong love of learning for every child to life was truly an honor. From the earliest sketches to the final details, each space was designed with imagination, curiosity, and play at its heart. The expansion includes innovative, hands-on areas that encourage children to explore, create, and learn in new and exciting ways.
Worlds Tallest Climbable Sunflower
CUTTING A PATH
In 2011, Brandon and Aaron were introduced to Brent Boles, the owner of a large pest service company at the time. The three quickly realized their strengths complemented one another and together, they formed Schendel Lawn & Landscape. Partnering with Brent allowed the company to expand their services and create new systems that supported long-term growth.
“Brent really helped us grow up as a business,” Brandon said. “He brought structure and systems we needed. Having him as a partner made a huge difference.”
“We had the drive, we just needed someone to help steer the ship,” said Aaron. “We wanted to build something that wasn’t just successful for us, but something that could support families and create opportunities.”
Each partner brings unique strengths to the table.
“I’m creative and visual. I like the people side of things and building relationships, both internally and
externally,” Aaron said. “Brandon gets the numbers and the production side, and Brent provides experience and guidance. That balance has been critical to our growth.”
They didn’t stop at landscaping. The team added Green Pest Solutions, expanding their services to include pest control. The addition strengthened the company, diversified services and created new revenue streams.
Over the years, Brandon, Aaron, Brent and now Cassidy Roberson, their newest partner, have acquired additional pest companies and landscaping businesses, integrating them into Schendel Lawn & Landscape and Green Pest Solutions while striving to retain staff and customers.
One of their most valuable lessons came from acquiring Ozark Integrated Pest Services, Cassidy said.
“We did not have a takeover approach. It was about keeping the staff and the customers,” she said. “Internally, it was tough at first. We had coworkers working in two
different systems and following different processes, but it was worth it. We retained 95% of customers, and that was a big lesson for us in how to do acquisitions the right way.”
GRASSROOTS GROWTH
Cassidy’s journey with Schendel Lawn & Landscape began six years ago. After graduating college and gaining corporate experience, she joined the company and worked her way through inside sales, marketing and management roles. Now a partner, Cassidy oversees customer service, marketing and many responsibilities her father, Brent, has passed along as his role has evolved.
“I’ve watched Brandon, Aaron and Brent grow this company, and I’m excited to bring fresh ideas while maintaining the foundation they built,” said Cassidy.
“Cassidy looks at customer experience, marketing and internal processes differently than we do. Having that energy at the partnership level is a huge asset,” said Aaron.
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Green Pest Solutions team members celebrate at the Evergy Plaza pergola ribbon cutting, one of many community projects the company supports in Topeka.
NURTURING THE ROOTS
Quality and employee engagement are at the heart of their business.
“What motivates me the most is coming in and wanting to make the best product possible for our customers and the best jobs possible for our coworkers,” Brandon said. “We want to be better at the end of each year than how we started.”
Aaron agrees, noting the importance of strong relationships.
“Our team is everything. Strategy and planning matter, but without great people, nothing works. I’m always so proud to introduce new staff members to our team. Without fail, each new person is blown away by how incredible our coworkers are.”
BRANCHING OUT
Brandon, Aaron, Brent and Cassidy all grew up in Topeka and say they’re deeply committed to giving back to the community. They support the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center through
Bug Day and Bug Week events, Project to Restore, Big Brothers Big Sisters and many other organizations.
“If it wasn’t for the community,” Aaron said, “we wouldn’t have the growth we’ve seen. Giving back is just part of who we are.”
“We participate in a lot of familyoriented events because we believe community engagement is about enriching the lives of families in the community,” Cassidy added. “Many of the services we provide touch people’s homes and families directly, so it’s important to support the community in meaningful ways.”
As the company grows, the team says they’re always looking for ways to improve their operations and create more value for customers.
“We’ve been doing this a long time, and there’s always something to improve,” Aaron said. “We’ve seen rough economies and tough projects, but that’s what keeps us learning and getting better. Growth is a journey, not a destination.”
Cassidy says one of their biggest motivators is the customer base they’ve built.
“It holds all of us accountable,” she said. “Every decision we make affects so many people, and that drives us to get it right.”
Today, Schendel Lawn & Landscape and Green Pest Solutions has nearly 200 employees serving thousands of customers across the region. Brandon compares the work to building a house.
“Every day we lay bricks to build a great place to work and a great service to provide. That mindset ensures we keep improving year after year,” he said.
Cassidy says she looks forward to the next chapter.
“I want to honor what Brandon, Aaron and Brent have built while also pushing the company forward,” she said. “There’s still so much opportunity, and I’m excited to help shape the future of Schendel Lawn & Landscape and Green Pest Solutions.”
EXPANSION THROUGH ACQUISITION HERITAGE BANK
By INDIA YARBOROUGH
Organic growth in the banking industry has its limits. That’s why after several years of steady growth, according to President and CEO Tony Konrade, Heritage Bank began to consider acquisition as a path forward.
Tony started as CEO in 2020. In late 2024, the Topeka-based bank announced it was in the process of acquiring Fidelity State Bank & Trust. They closed the deal earlier this year.
“We identified that Fidelity was a really good fit for us early on,” Tony said. “We reached out to them before it was really for sale, just saying, ‘Hey we’d be interested.’”
WHEN TWO BECOME ONE
Fidelity’s history and reputation were attractive to Heritage, as the bank had operated in Topeka for more than a hundred years. Both banks got their start in the capital city, amassing loyal customers across Northeast Kansas.
“They’ve been there a long time. They know what they’re doing. They take care of their customers,” Tony said of Fidelity, which opened its doors in 1907 as Kansas State Bank. “That was important to us, because that’s how smaller banks survive — giving excellent customer service to people. Maybe we’re not able to offer a few things some of the
Photos by BRIAN PETERS
Photo by BRIAN PETERS
Heritage Bank President and CEO Tony Konrade.
big banks do, but we can really pick up the phone and talk to people and handle their problems.”
For Heritage Bank, founded in 2003, being able to onboard Fidelity’s centuryold banking experience was a win. With the merger now complete, Heritage has grown from one branch location to three and doubled its assets under management to about $300 million. It also grew from 17 to 47 employees, expanding the bank’s front line.
“Merging the two together allows us to tap into their experienced staffing and their resources,” Tony said.
According to Allan Towle, former president and CEO of Fidelity, the bank he led knew it needed to expand, as well.
“The shareholders were ready to transition the bank,” Allan said. “As a small bank, it’s hard to compete in today’s economy. They decided the best way to do that was to go ahead and sell the bank to another institution.”
He said Fidelity’s owners were intent on keeping the bank locally owned and operated if possible. They got
multiple bids and, in a show of mutual understanding, saw Heritage as the best fit.
“It’s really a perfect match,” Allan said. “Heritage has a very similar outlook on how they deal in the community, how they work with customers.”
NEW MONEY, OLD WISDOM
Now executive vice president of Heritage Bank, Allan has played a key role in navigating the merger transition — getting “all the stuff working together,” he said.
The banks used the same main processor, helping streamline some of the integration. Still, other technologies and standard operating procedures differed.
“We’re learning those as we go, very quickly,” he said. “One of the things I’ve been told by several customers is that they were really pleased with how little impact it had on their business or on their individual account. There were a few things in those first few days that
we spent a lot of time on the phone helping customers get through, but the comments I’m hearing are, ‘We haven’t had a lot of difficulty’ and ‘What we had, you guys did a fantastic job taking care of us.’”
Ensuring customers feel cared for through this period of change is a key element of the success strategy, he added.
“People ask me how’s it going, and I explain it to them this way,” Allan said. “It’s kind of like standing on top of that snow-covered hill with your sled ready to go, and it looks so nice and smooth. We jumped on our plastic sled, and we’re flying down the hill and feeling every little bump. But we haven’t hit any big rocks, haven’t hit any trees and haven’t fallen off a cliff — so things are going really well.”
Some of Fidelity’s employees had been with the bank longer than Heritage has been in business. When it came to uniting the two teams, Heritage chose to retain all staff, keeping the experience in house.
Photo by
BRIAN PETERS
Tony Konrade (right), Heritage Bank’s president and CEO, meets with Allan Towle, the former Fidelity State Bank & Trust president and CEO who now serves as executive vice president, to coordinate the merger.
Heritage Bank's three locations allow the bank to serve customers throughout Topeka and Shawnee County.
“In most situations, that’s not an option,” Allan said. “In this situation, they’re also a bank that wants to grow, and though we probably have a few extra people today, we’re going to grow into that pretty darn fast.”
He added the teams are getting along well, including at the executive level. They’re working to develop a cohesive culture and come to terms with the new structure.
“It’s something we have to do delicately,” Allan said. “We can’t become Fidelity Bank, because that’s not who Heritage Bank is. We as past employees of Fidelity need to recognize, and the employees of Heritage need to recognize, we are all now Heritage Bank — so whatever happens, good, bad or otherwise, we are part of that.”
BIGGER BUT STILL LOCAL
Both Tony and Allan say the HeritageFidelity merger is good news for Topeka.
“One of the things Topeka thrives on and does well with is locally owned businesses and taking care of them,” Allan said. “We keep being a locally owned bank by merging with Heritage, and now we’re twice the size. That creates a lot more opportunities for what we can do to help the community as a whole and help customers and businesses and consumers out here.”
It also makes the new Heritage Bank a more competitive force in the region’s banking market, Allan said, adding that they “plan to be aggressive and grow.”
According to Tony, consolidation in the banking industry has been a trend in recent years. Heritage and Fidelity joining forces could mean more banking power for Topekans.
“I think it’s good for Topeka to have options,” Tony said, “and two smaller banks joining forces to be a little larger fish in the market and be able to provide more services and products to Topeka and Shawnee County is important.”
As far as what the move means for Heritage’s future growth, the bank plans to enhance current products to better meet customer needs. They continue to be involved in the community, with staff serving on nonprofit boards and volunteering in their kids’ schools. They also have a long-term plan in place to ensure Heritage evolves.
“We’re looking to continue to grow,” Tony said. “If there are acquisition opportunities out there, we’ll always explore those. Our owners are all in on this. They have been since day one in 2003. They want to see this be a legacy long term.”
TK
Photo by BRADEN DIMICK
Photo by BRADEN DIMICK
Photo by BRADEN DIMICK
PRIORITIZING PEOPLE’S HEALTH
By JENNIFER LECLAIR and CORINN GUEMMER
What happens when health and wellness professionals decide to do things their way? Three local entrepreneurs are finding out.
Whether they’re helping people see clearly, develop their confidence or feel more like themselves, these businesses are prioritizing quality time with their customers and patients. No quick fixes or one-size-fitsall solutions here, just real conversations about real health goals.
Photos by JOHN BURNS and BRIAN PETERS
Photo by JOHN BURNS
Photo by JOHN BURNS
Photo by BRIAN PETERS
Photo by John Burns
CRYSTAL VISION
A CLEAR VISION FOR MODERN EYECARE
By JENNIFER LECLAIR
One day, a pianist came to Dr. Heather Triggs unable to read her sheet music. After treatment for chronic dry eye at Crystal Vision, the patient’s life changed.
“I like to see that kind of positive outcome,” said Dr. Triggs. “It’s fulfilling for myself as well as the patient.”
It’s exactly the kind of medical problem-solving that Dr. Triggs envisioned when she opened her Topeka optometry practice. Crystal Vision focuses on addressing the underlying causes of eye conditions, rather than just prescribing glasses.
“My building blocks and foundation are centered around newer technology, advanced treatments and medically focused eyecare,” said Dr. Triggs. “I will push boundaries and explore new options and opportunities to offer different treatment modalities beyond the standard of care.”
COMING INTO FOCUS
Dr. Triggs became interested in optometry during high school and college. She shadowed a female optometry duo whose practice showed her the profession could be both challenging and family friendly, something she says resonated with her personal and professional aspirations.
“I was lucky to see firsthand that this profession is challenging, not stagnant or boring,” said Dr. Triggs. “Luckily, I also saw that it was a career path where you could accomplish what you wanted to feel professionally fulfilled, while also having the flexibility to be present for your family.”
Photos by JOHN BURNS
Photo by JOHN BURNS
Crystal Vision Owner and Founder Dr. Heather Triggs.
Originally from Nortonville, less than 40 miles from Topeka, Dr. Triggs has ties to the city through her husband, a Topeka native.
“I did a lot of research before deciding where to establish business roots,” said Dr. Triggs. “From a business analysis perspective, I really took a look at where I had the opportunity to grow. There is a lot of potential to serve here, and the smaller city feel of Topeka really resonates with me.”
Dr. Triggs specializes in scleral contact lenses and stays current with new options on the market. She also focuses on managing eye conditions like dry eye, which she says is increasingly common among people of all ages.
“It stems from the fact that a huge part of our jobs as adults are computer based, and kids from elementary school to college spend a lot of time on tablets and computers,” said Dr. Triggs. “We get
dry eyes from staring at screens all day, so we are seeing the national average age for dry eyes getting younger year after year. It’s a nationwide problem that we have identified in the field of optometry, and I love exploring new, innovative solutions.”
She offers advanced treatments that address root causes rather than providing temporary relief, with personalized treatment plans to help patients reach their goals.
A SIGHT FOR SORE EYES
Dr. Triggs designed Crystal Vision to be welcoming and comfortable. The optical area resembles a high-end boutique, with fashion-forward frames displayed alongside more traditional options.
“I hope patients walk through the optical area feeling like there are options perfect for them,” said Dr. Triggs. “I
want them to find a frame that makes them feel confident and completes their total experience here.”
Crystal Vision uses newer diagnostic testing methods that no longer require patients to endure a sudden puff of air on their eyes. In the exam room, Dr. Triggs says she emphasizes clear communication and open dialogues, spending time answering patient questions to develop comfort and trust.
“I like to challenge myself and I’m not going to settle for average. The better I can get to know a patient and their interests, the better I can help them reach their goals,” said Dr. Triggs. “I will keep pushing to find the best options and I hope my patients appreciate that I will never settle for ‘just okay.’”
Understanding that doctor visits can often feel rushed, Dr. Triggs also says she schedules
Photos by JOHN BURNS
longer appointment times and asks about patients’ work and hobbies to better understand their vision needs.
EYE-OPENING CONNECTIONS
As a member of the Greater Topeka Partnership, Dr. Triggs says she has connected with and learned from other regional business leaders and looks forward to networking within local women’s professional groups.
Beyond the clinic, she participates in professional optometry networks to access continuing education and mentorship. Dr. Triggs said her involvement with the Kansas Optometric Association, headquartered in Topeka, and the American Optometric Association, provides important resources and networking opportunities with optometrists around the country.
Crystal Vision combines the latest diagnostic technology with a thoughtfully curated selection of eyeglass frames to provide full-service vision care.
Her involvement with the Independent Practice Institute has connected her with a network of colleagues to meet monthly and discuss the business management and clinical aspect of owning an independent practice. Dr. Triggs says she chose independent practice over corporate optometry to maintain more control over patient care decisions.
She’s also fond of how social media can be used to expand health knowledge and awareness. At continuing education conferences, fellow optometrists will often share their lectures and presentations on a variety of platforms to make the information more accessible.
“The access to information is incredible, and a simple post can inspire me to go find a research study and learn more,” said Dr. Triggs. “My thirst for knowledge is continuous and social media is an awesome tool for personal growth.”
PERSPECTIVE SHIFT
Early in Dr. Triggs’ journey to get to where she is today, she began to wonder if she had what it takes to make it in the profession. She recalls the advice she was given that kept her pushing forward even when the road felt difficult.
“An optometrist I was shadowing asked me if I really wanted to go into this profession and I said yes, I really do,” said Dr. Triggs. “Then he told me that if I was passionate and if I really care, I was going to make it.”
She offers similar wisdom to young individuals considering optometry as a profession, and she encourages them to do their due diligence in exploring all areas of the business.
“Meet people in all aspects of optometry: private practice, corporate practice, even within a medical ophthalmology group,” said Dr. Triggs. “If you care, you’re passionate and you’re motivated, you can do whatever you set your mind to.”
EPIC INTEGRATIVE WELLNESS
MAKING TIME FOR HEALTH
By JENNIFER LECLAIR
by JOHN BURNS
At Epic Integrative Wellness, Co-founders and Nurse Practitioners Kelsey Stringer and Amanda Whitson provide a personalized approach to health that differs from conventional medicine. Each patient’s personal health goals are the focus of their treatment plan, and Kelsey and Amanda agree there’s no one-size-fitsall solution for individual health.
“Our providers and patients decide together how much time to spend and what is necessary for true health optimization,” said Kelsey. “We walk alongside them as partners in their health journey, with the shared belief that self-improvement is a lifelong process.”
“Appointments at Epic never feel rushed,” added Amanda. “We have
by
Photos
Photo
JOHN BURNS
Epic Integrative Wellness Co-founders and Nurse Practitioners Kelsey Stringer and Amanda Whitson.
Co-founders Kelsey and Amanda started Epic Integrative Wellness to provide patients with longer appointments and personalized treatment plans that address root causes, rather than simply managing symptoms.
genuine conversations with our patients to discover their personal health goals and what they hope to gain from their journey with us.”
TIME WELL SPENT
The clinic, which opened its doors in early 2024, offers services that range from medical weight loss to IV infusions. Yet their most requested service is bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). Kelsey and Amanda say they not only consider it the foundation of their clinic, but it’s also what they have trained in the most extensively.
“Patients come to us because they want evidence-based, safe and effective solutions to hormone-related struggles,” said Amanda, “and the results are truly life-changing.”
BHRT caters to both men and women. For women, this can be a lifeline for navigating the oftenchallenging symptoms of menopause, a condition the clinic states they are keen to demystify and treat effectively. For men, testosterone replacement therapy addresses issues like low energy and diminished sex drive.
Epic’s approach differs from the shorter appointments common in many health care settings, giving patients more involvement in their care decisions.
Kelsey and Amanda founded the clinic in response to the systemic issues they noticed in modern health care, where providers are often limited by time constraints and insurance mandates, leaving little room for in-depth patient consultation and preventative care.
“Time is our greatest differentiator,” said Kelsey. “We intentionally build longer visits and ongoing monthly follow-ups into our model. Our patients feel supported not just in one area, but across all areas of health.”
Epic’s model focuses on addressing the root cause of symptoms rather than simply treating them, an experience that Kelsey and Amanda say begins from the moment a patient walks through the doors. The clinic aims to provide longer and more thorough appointments than typical health care visits.
“Every member of our team plays a role in the patient journey,” said Amanda, “from welcoming patients
at scheduling, to delivery of advanced treatments, to supporting lifestyle and wellness changes. Our philosophy and focus is always on whole-person care.”
DIGGING DEEPER
Epic Integrative Wellness offers several services targeting different wellness needs. In addition to BHRT, they offer wellness consultations that include diet, exercise, sleep, stress management and more to promote better health and prevent chronic disease.
Their clinical approach also includes functional medicine lab testing. Rather than relying on standard lab panels, they offer a variety of tests designed to assess more nuanced areas of wellness, such as gut health and food sensitivities. Kelsey and Amanda analyze the data to create personalized plans that address the underlying causes of a patient’s symptoms.
“If you’re simply seeking a prescription and a ‘See you in six months approach,’ we are probably not the right fit for you,” said Amanda. “When we were working in acute and emergency medicine, we were
Photo by JOHN BURNS
constantly reacting to crises rather than working proactively to prevent them. Here, we’re able to focus on prevention, optimization and true wellness.”
Epic also offers a range of therapies to boost energy, healing and overall vitality. The IV lounge provides customized intravenous vitamin and hydration infusions for everything from immune support to hangover recovery and enhanced athletic performance. The clinic uses cutting-edge peptide therapy to help reduce inflammation and provides a medical weight loss program that focuses on sustainable strategies.
They also offer an Executive Health Optimization Program, designed to support businesses by enhancing the health and productivity of their corporate leadership teams. According to Kelsey and Amanda, the program’s payoffs include higher energy levels, improved stress management, increased productivity, reduced sick days and a stronger company culture.
“We want our patients to know they’re stepping into a safe space where the entire team is behind them, helping
them achieve their best selves,” said Kelsey.
MORE THAN MEDICINE
Kelsey is a Topeka native with deep roots in the community. Not only was she a standout multi-sport athlete at Washburn Rural High School, but she went on to compete as a four-year starter for Kansas State University’s volleyball team, setting numerous blocking records that stand to this day.
K-State was also where she began her journey into health care, majoring in life sciences/pre-medicine. When she came together with Amanda to create a practice reflective of their shared values, the decision to open a clinic in the capital city seemed like a natural fit.
“Topeka is a close-knit, supportive community. It’s a place where people know their neighbors, care about one another and cheer for local businesses,” said Kelsey. “We wanted to plant roots where we could give back to the same community that has given us so much.”
The clinic operates on a fee-forservice model, which allows their
The clinic offers services ranging from IV infusions to medical weight loss. Their most requested service, bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), provides patients with a safe, evidence-based solution to hormone-related struggles.
team to spend significantly more time with each patient. This removes insurance companies as the middleman and enables a more collaborative relationship between provider and patient.
As Kelsey notes, this extra time is invaluable for truly understanding a person’s lifestyle and getting to the bottom of their health concerns. Part of the clinic’s philosophy is that “normal” on a lab report doesn’t always mean “optimal,” and they work with patients to dig deeper and improve wellness markers.
“Our favorite thing is being part of the patient’s transformation,” said Amanda. “The transformation is physical, mental and emotional.”
Together, Kelsey and Amanda have created a practice focused on rootcause treatment and longer patient consultations.
“Our goal is to guide all of our patients through personalized health optimization and help them add life to their years,” said Amanda. “Kelsey and I have both experienced firsthand the transformational benefits of an integrative approach. Experiencing and witnessing those results changed the way we saw health and it changed our career paths permanently. We are grateful to get to share that with others through our work.”
Photo by JOHN BURNS
IRON WARRIORS GYM
WARRIORS WITH A FIGHTING SPIRIT
By CORINN GUEMMER
In Thailand, Danny Harris fought five Muay Thai matches in six months. After each fight, he would share drinks with his opponent and their family. The tradition emphasized respect and community over competition.
“You fight, you show respect and you build relationships,” Danny said. “That’s the philosophy we brought back to Iron Warriors.”
Danny and his partner Erin Wilson train students in Muy Thai, fitness and discipline at Iron Warriors Gym in Topeka. Both have competed in martial arts, and both understand what it takes to overcome challenges — including Erin’s eight-year break from the sport to fight cancer.
FORGED IN FIRE
Erin started as a bodybuilder and later moved into mixed martial arts (MMA), eventually competing as an MMA fighter. Her training was intense, combining strength, endurance and technical skill.
“I always enjoyed training, but I also liked helping people get stronger,” Erin said.
Her path was not without challenges. In her early 20s, Erin was diagnosed with cancer and stepped away from martial arts for eight years. She spent the first year solely focused on treatments and recovery, navigating a difficult and uncertain journey. The experience is one she says she’s still recovering from, but it’s given her a deeper appreciation and understanding of resilience.
Throughout that period, Danny was a constant source of support and
Photo by BRIAN PETERS
Photos by BRIAN PETERS
Iron Warriors Gym Co-founders Erin Wilson and Danny Harris.
Co-founder Erin Wilson trains side by side with students at Iron Warriors Gym, where classes include drills, bag work and sparring with an emphasis on proper technique and safety.
encouragement. The two were already dating, and facing such a significant challenge together strengthened their bond and trust in one another.
Danny stayed by Erin’s side throughout her cancer battle, helping her maintain focus and determination even on the toughest days. Their relationship and shared passion for martial arts eventually led to opening Iron Warriors Gym together.
Danny’s martial arts story began when he was diagnosed with Attentive Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and started Taekwondo at age seven. Martial arts became his outlet, teaching him focus, discipline and self-control. Later, wrestling and football offered more opportunities to channel his energy, but injuries and school challenges tested his determination.
After Danny discovered MMA, he trained in gyms across Arkansas, Thailand and Australia. He also experienced periods of hardship, living out of his car while training before joining the military for seven years.
Danny met Erin through the martial arts community. He was cornering her during one of her early fights, and as their relationship deepened, the two began talking about opening their own gym.
IRONING OUT THE DETAILS
Erin brought business and marketing knowledge while Danny provided technical expertise and international fight experience. Mentors like Bryan Carroll in Kansas City and Owners Rico Steele and Donald Holliday of Rico Steele’s Martial Arts Academy helped them with business planning.
Rising rent at their first Topeka location forced them to move, but Erin’s tattoo artist Jennifer Bohlander at Matryoshka Tattoo, connected them to a space in the North Topeka Arts District (NOTO), known for its vibrant local arts scene and community events.
by
Photo
BRIAN PETERS
Co-founders Erin and Danny during a focus mitt training session. The couple uses their martial arts expertise to teach Muay Thai technique and conditioning.
Renovations began in March of 2024 and were completed in July. The gym has dedicated areas for Muay Thai, kids’ classes, yoga and adult fitness.
Erin describes the move as transformative. “The neighborhood is supportive, and the community engagement has been amazing,” she said.
Iron Warriors offers several programs. Adult Muay Thai classes focus on technique, conditioning and mental toughness. Women’s-only fitness classes provide a supportive environment for strength, flexibility and overall wellness. The kids and teen programs teach martial arts fundamentals, self-defense and discipline, giving young people a positive outlet for energy.
“Our kids’ class has definitely grown and is something we are very passionate about,” Danny said. “Down the road, we want to do more events for kids to develop their skills and confidence. We
know firsthand that martial arts is about more than fighting. It’s about learning focus, discipline and respect.”
Yoga is also part of their program. Instructor Katy, a recent graduate, helps students with stretching, recovery and flexibility, complementing the high-intensity training of Muay Thai and strength classes. Erin says that mentoring instructors like Katy reflects how she and Danny were mentored themselves.
“It’s exciting to bring someone new in and help them grow. That’s how we were taught, and now we get to do the same,” she said.
Daily classes begin with warmups and drills, followed by bag work, partner exercises or sparring. Classes emphasize proper technique and safety. Erin and Danny participate in training alongside students to
demonstrate their commitment and reinforce their culture of accountability.
FIGHTING FOR COMMUNITY
Since Muay Thai is not commissioned in Kansas, Danny and members of the gym travel to nearby states for fights, which provides experience and exposure. Erin and Danny hope to host smaller, in-house competitions in the future, giving students additional opportunities to practice in a competitive yet supportive environment.
The gym also participates in First Friday art walks, engages with local schools and partners with charitable organizations.
“We want people to know we’re part of this neighborhood,” Erin said. “We love making new connections here just as much as helping people get fit.”
Danny’s personal experiences with ADHD inform his approach to youth programs, he says. He understands the challenges young people face and wants to create a structured environment where they can channel their energy and develop confidence.
“I know what it’s like to have a lot of energy and not know where to put it. We want kids to leave here feeling capable and disciplined,” he said, adding that over the last year and a half, he’s seen many students at Iron Warriors improve their skills, focus and confidence. Even older fighters report that training has helped them become better students, family members and friends.
Danny balances a full-time job while continuing to compete, coach and manage the gym, and Erin helps her family’s business while using her personal trainer experience to support members with weight management, nutrition and strength training. Her programs focus on healthy, consistent progress rather than extreme dieting.
Members of all ages and abilities are welcome at Iron Warriors, and classes are tailored to individual skill levels — whether someone is stepping onto a mat for the first time or preparing for a competition.
“Everyone who walks in our door becomes family,” Danny said. TK
Photo by BRIAN PETERS
TABLE TALK
Q&As with Local Restaurateurs
New and Oh So Good!
The local dining scene is adding flavor to the area’s culinary community. These local restaurateurs share what inspires them and the fresh concepts they have brought to the dining experience.
Deano’s at Deer Creek Chef’s Kiss Ristorante The Forgotten Grain Bakery & Bistro
Deano’s at Deer Creek
ALEC WEAVER | OWNER
3150 SE 21st St. Topeka
“A phoenix rising from the ashes”: that’s how the team behind Deano’s at Deer Creek describes their breakfast-andlunch barbecue spot, which is building its own reputation with homemade comfort food on Topeka’s SE 21st Street.
In a TK interview, Owner Alec Weaver shared the vision for his restaurant and what makes it unique.
What inspired you to open your restaurant in Topeka?
I was inspired by the opportunity to continue the legacy our family has built in the restaurant scene here. Topeka has always been a place that takes pride in its long-lived, generational restaurants, and I was inspired to carry on that tradition by opening up Deano’s. I’ve always loved the old mom-and-pop roadside diners and felt this was an opportunity to provide quality, homemade breakfast and lunch fare for this side of town. Something a little more quality than just your chain breakfast place.
What unique flavors, dishes or experiences can customers expect?
I’m most excited about our breakfast. It’s a limited, simple menu, but nearly everything is made from scratch, including our thick, fluffy biscuits, savory sausage gravy and especially our red-eye bacon, which I cure for a week in my signature brown sugar and Columbian coffee rub. After that, I smoke the cured pork bellies over hardwood, then slice it by hand before it’s cooked to order for our guests.
Our Cozy Rolls have been a surprise hit for breakfast and lunch. We started out serving them just for breakfast, but more and more people who came in for lunch were asking if we had any left over, so I decided to add them to the lunch menu, too. They’re basically a cinnamon roll made from biscuit dough, which we then top with a homemade buttercream frosting that I make fresh every morning. Between the icing and the filling (which consists of butter, sugar and baking spices) there’s about two pounds of butter in every pan, and with all that butter present they have a tendency to get real loose and sort of “cozy up” next to each other in the pan, hence the name.
We’ve also turned our attention to offering smash burgers. Our current
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Blue Plate Special — a Little Bit of Everything Breakfast
signature burger is our Stampede Smash Burger, which is an all-beef quarter-pound patty on a brioche bun that we fry on the flat top, season with our house-made signature burger seasoning and top with pickled jalapeños, American cheese and coleslaw dressed in a creamy version of our house BBQ sauce.
How have you navigated the challenges of launching a new restaurant?
For me, the biggest challenge has been the balancing act of establishing a new identity in this building while also paying homage to the old Lonnie Q’s BBQ restaurant that used to be at our current location. I know there are those who would have liked for Deano’s to simply be Lonnie Q’s 2.0, but Deano’s is an entirely new restaurant with ties to the old. That’s why I chose a phoenix as our logo — it’s a symbol of reinvention. This is something new and as time goes on, I hope Deano’s can continue to grow in ways that make it a destination restaurant that can fly on the power of its own reputation. For me, whenever someone takes a chance on something new from our menu, it means everything. Especially when that menu item becomes their new “usual,” or they bring in their friends or coworkers to try new items on the menu. That’s what has been the most impactful. Makes me feel like I’m doing something right.
What role do you hope your restaurant will play in Topeka’s growing food scene?
I hope Deano’s can become a go-to institution. The next chapter in a family of restaurateurs.
Since the restaurant opened, what moment has captured why this venture is special to you?
I don’t think there’s any one moment that makes it a special venture. For me, it’s the day-to-day interactions with our customers — the regulars who are happy to have a familiar space to return to, and the newcomers who are trying us for the first time. It’s those everyday, one-on-one interactions that make it worth it and keep me going.
PHOTO SUBMITTED
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Scrambled Egg Breakfast Sandwich with Hash Browns
Quarter Pound Smashburger with Pickled Jalapeños and Smoky Slaw
Two best friends spent years hunting for great Italian food in every city they visited — then decided to create that destination right here in Topeka. At Chef’s Kiss, traditional Italian meets Southern cooking and beyond, with a curated dessert menu for those with a sweet tooth.
Head Chef Kelli Page answered TK’s questions about how Chef’s Kiss Ristorante came to fruition and the passion for Italian cuisine.
What inspired you to open your restaurant in Topeka?
It started as several conversations over dinner. Dustin and I have been best friends for seven years and our families do a lot of things together. That includes going on trips, whether it be to Kansas City or all the way to Colorado or Southern Missouri. One thing we always do is try to find the best Italian spot in each city we visit. Dustin wanted to open a bar and I loved working in the restaurant industry. We decided why not do both and bring to Topeka what we’re searching for when we travel? We wanted to be that spot for Topeka because, in our opinion, it really didn’t have one. The idea was to bring something unique, to be that “hole in the wall” where it may be small but you can always count on good food and great service. We searched for a place to open a restaurant until one day the sign went up at 17th and Washburn, and we knew we had to check it out. We saw the place and it was perfect, albeit a bit rundown, but we saw potential in it and set out to make it happen.
What unique flavors, dishes or experiences can customers expect?
My restaurant experience has been eclectic. I have worked in Italian restaurants, steakhouses, burger joints,
bars and grills. You name it and I have done it. I grew up in a home-cooking-style restaurant owned and run by my grandmother. We designed our menu with that food knowledge in mind. Our dishes are traditional Italian dishes but they’re not made traditionally. Most of them are inspired by Southern cooking, combined with knowledge learned elsewhere, to give the customers the best-possible product.
Given our diversity of food knowledge, limiting ourselves to Italian food seemed small minded. We both have Italian heritage and we both have experience in the restaurant and service industries. We wanted to make it special but add a little something extra. The name Chef’s Kiss came from my daughter. When we landed on that name, Dustin told me I could run specials that aren’t exclusively Italian. I loved the idea and so did everyone else involved. We ran with it.
Dustin also has a huge sweet tooth and loves baked goods, so he wanted to add something to the menu that would appeal to sweet lovers like him. With the help of our dessert chef, Jared Maler, we came up with the best homemade dessert menu Topeka has ever seen — at least in my opinion!
How have you navigated the challenges of launching a new restaurant?
Launching a restaurant in 2025, after being out of the restaurant industry since 2015, has been more than a challenge. The industry has
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Salmon Bruschetta with Sautéed Vegetables
changed so much in a decade that none of us really knew what to expect. DoorDash didn’t exist back then and neither did social media, at least not the way it does now. We asked questions and the community answered. Some in a positive way and some in a not-so-positive way. Either way, we have learned from it. We also received an outpouring of support from employees, specifically those with a lot of experience in the restaurant industry in the last decade, and you bet we hired them. Our kitchen manager, Kodiak McBride, has helped a lot with development and new ideas, as well as our experienced wait staff and kitchen crew. We hardly knew any of these people before we opened our doors, but we are all a family now. This community gave us that.
What role do you hope your restaurant will play in Topeka’s growing food scene?
We hope that Chef’s Kiss will not only become a frequent spot for the residents of Topeka, but a stop for anyone passing through. I am sure everyone hopes that, but it’s our belief that we have created something unique here, and we will continue to adapt to the community’s needs. Just last week, we received requests for more signature cocktails, later operating hours and showing sports games on local channels. You asked and we answered. We are now open late for appetizers and drinks and
we’re also showing local games. We even have plans for more live music and karaoke.
Can you share a personal story from the restaurant’s opening that captures what makes this venture special to you?
During our soft opening, we had a plan that we thought was pretty solid. Like all the best-laid plans, nothing went the way it was supposed to. Our hot water heater went out and had to be replaced mid-dinner service. It was a rough night and we barely made it through. By the end, everyone on the staff felt pretty hopeless. We scrapped our old plans completely, then replanned the way we did everything. It taught us something: improvise, adapt and overcome.
What makes Chef’s Kiss a great place to dine?
Because it isn’t a job, it’s literally everything we have learned and worked for our entire life, all rolled into one. We have taken a big, diverse group of people and molded their knowledge into one big experience for people to enjoy.
Dustin has years of experience in customer service and administrative duties, so he makes sure the restaurant provides excellent service and delicious drinks to the guests while also keeping the books in order. Jesse was a truck driver for the hospitality industry and does all our inventory, organization and ordering. Jared is a perfectionist who wants to achieve and display perfection in all he does, so he makes sure the desserts are like nothing you’ve ever tasted
before, and beautiful, too. Kodiak has years of restaurant experience in both the front and back of house, so he maintains our schedule and makes sure everyone knows their role. Our line cooks and prep cooks have their own niches, so they bring life to our menu every single day. I have years of culinary experience dating back to my childhood and even spent time in professional culinary school, so I share that knowledge with my kitchen staff. I am constantly readapting the menu and our specials.
PHOTO SUBMITTED
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Bruschetta
Chocolate Lasagna
The Forgotten Grain Bakery & Bistro
KONR AND HEATHER WILLIAMS | OWNERS
841B N Washington St. Auburn
When the owner lost her job during the pandemic, she and her husband took their stimulus checks and set their hopes on the region’s appetite for hearty, scratch-made breakfast. Now, The Forgotten Grain is whipping up beloved vintage recipes and hand-shaped bagels from its Auburn storefront.
TK interviewed Owner Heather Williams to learn more about the motivation behind the opening of The Forgotten Grain and its delicacies.
What inspired you to open your restaurant?
Growing up in Auburn, there was a lack of on-the-go breakfast food available until Auburn Apple Market opened in the late 1990s. When they closed in 2015, their absence left a gap because community members lost a place where they could gather and eat in the mornings and afternoons.
What unique flavors, dishes or experiences can customers expect?
When we expanded our square footage in 2023, we started offering cheddar chive biscuits with sausage gravy on Tuesday and Fridays. Our bread pudding is quickly becoming a sell-out, made from our rare, day-old cinnamon rolls that we cube and soak in a sweet egg custard. The farm-fresh eggs we use for our bread pudding come from Hidden Hills Farm right here in Auburn, offering the community the most authentic fromscratch dessert.
How have you navigated the challenges of launching a new restaurant?
Opening a new business right after COVID-19 was terrifying. My husband and I took our stimulus checks and invested in our business after I was let go from a salaried position in Topeka upon returning from maternity leave. To say that we took a financial gamble is putting it very mildly. I had to remind myself that regardless of how hopeless I felt after those early days, the sun would rise the next day and the community would still need a good breakfast. In the fall of 2023, we obtained our wholesale food manufacturing license and secured a few local contracts that allowed us to expand our restaurant, procure new equipment and hire a second employee.
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Cinnamon Rolls
O I N T O D A Y .
Running a business is tough, but you don’t have to do it alone The Kansas Chamber is your voice in Topeka, fighting for policies that create a stronger business environment.
As a member, you gain access to vital information, influential connections, and resources to help your business thrive. Join us and be part of a powerful network working for a better Kansas
What role do you hope your restaurant will play in this area’s growing food scene?
Our hope is that people will start to find more enjoyment again in eating older recipes that have been handed down over generations, or expand their tastebuds to try something inspired by a time when resources were scarce. For example, our bread pudding recipe from my maternal grandmother. Go wild and try one of our New York-inspired cheese bagels that are made by hand here at our bakery.
Can you share a personal story or moment from the restaurant’s opening that captures what makes this venture special to you?
Opening a business in my hometown was unlike any other experience. I was brought home as a newborn to a house right here on Washington Street, attended USD 437, spent years playing on the Auburn girls softball team, worked as a teenager at Auburn Apple Market and purchased my husband’s childhood home right on the outskirts of Auburn to raise a family. To then open The Forgotten Grain and have the honor of serving my community — the people I grew up with — is a very genuine, storybook ending to each day.
What makes The Forgotten Grain a great place to dine?
We are genuine here. My right hand man John Husman and I have worked together for almost 13 years now. He introduced me to my husband. Without John, this bakery may not have come to fruition. He and I work with his young daughter Cassie, who I’ve known since she was knee high. She is fresh out of culinary school and eager to learn. If you sit and eat with us you will definitely hear John cracking jokes, or you might be lucky enough to hear all three of us singing along to Disney radio while we shape bagels. It’s always good fun around here and we make sure people get to eat and relax — just like grandma did. TK
PHOTO SUBMITTED
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Blueberry Bread Pudding
Blueberry Scones
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS!
Small businesses are the heart of our city, driving innovation, creating jobs, and fostering a sense of community. They embody resilience, creativity, and the entrepreneurial spirit that makes our local economy thrive. By nominating a small business for the 2026 Small Business Awards, you're recognizing their hard work, dedication, and impact. Whether they've introduced groundbreaking solutions or brought people together through their services, your nomination can help shine a light on their achievements and inspire others. Let's celebrate the businesses that make our city unique and vibrant!
Nominations open November 1, 2025 & run until February 27, 2026!
wire • push through challenges
BEHIND THE SCENES
with TK Business Magazine
DANIELLE J. MARTIN
GREATER TOPEKA PARTNERSHIP
SPOTLIGHTING
MOLLY HOWEY CEO
Hosted by
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Behind the Scenes with TK Business Magazine is a podcast series hosted by Danielle J. Martin, delving into the innovation that fuels the growth of the Topeka community: local businesses.
Molly Howey serves as CEO of the Greater Topeka Partnership (GTP), housing economic development, tourism, Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Topeka. Previously president of GO Topeka for 14 years, she’s driven the creation of more than 2,000 jobs and over $2 billion in capital investment, supporting expansions for Mars, Walmart, Federal Home Loan Bank, Advisors Excel, Frito-Lay and HME.
Howey spearheaded the nationally recognized Choose Topeka talent relocation program, generating $14 million in media coverage, and secured a Plug and Play partnership. Under her leadership, GO Topeka achieved the first and only IEDC accreditation in Kansas.
She holds degrees from Washburn University and certifications from UOK Economic Development Institute and IEDC. Howey serves on boards including IEDC and Team Kansas. Her accolades include YWCA Woman of Excellence, Consultant Connect’s Top 50 Economic Developers, and Washburn University Fellow. She lives near Silver Lake, Kansas with her husband and three children.
Danielle Martin: It’s powerful to see a female CEO at the GTP. What was going through your mind when you found out you’d been chosen for the position?
Molly Howey: I think I knew it was the final checkpoint in my journey when I looked at my phone and saw the search firm was calling me. I hesitated a minute before I answered the call, but I had a lot of faith in the search committee. I came into it with eyes wide open, knowing the people making the decision really care about Topeka. I was trying to be open about any scenario and the final result.
Martin: You’ve been in leadership positions for a while, but you must be excited about this step forward.
Howey: It’s exciting. I’ve been with GO Topeka for 14 years, and a lot of great changes in the organization and community have happened in that time. I didn’t think I would be here as long as I have been, but there were so many projects I really wanted to see through. This felt like a natural progression in my leadership journey.
Martin: Talk to me about your plans for the city.
Scan the QR code to see the full interview with Molly Howey.
Howey: There are a lot of really great projects underway, some we can’t really talk about yet. That was something else that made me want to take on this role, because I knew I had a lot of relationships and involvement in several projects and believe I can take them to the finish line. I align with a lot of the community’s goals. Some of those involve collaborating with our partner organizations more, and assessing what our role should be in those collaborations —
whether we should be the lead or someone else should, and what our appropriate role should be to drive the future.
Martin: What was one of your most memorable projects?
Howey: The formation of the GTP. I know that sounds a little self-serving, but I was here before the Partnership was formed, and I worked for GO Topeka when it was still just GO Topeka and the Chamber of Commerce, while Downtown Topeka and Visit Topeka were separate from us. The segmentation of that work led to slower progress. So, the formation of the GTP — and [former GTP CEO] Matt Pivarnik coming in at the right time to really wake us up — was memorable. I learned a lot from him, and I really am grateful for the time I spent under his leadership.
Martin: What was it like when Matt announced his departure as CEO? I’m sure the transition had an effect on the GTP team.
Howey: Anytime you lose a coworker you’re close to who has a lot of impact on the team, that’s tough. I think there were a lot of unknowns for us. We were fortunate to have Stephanie Moran, a current member of our leadership team, step into the interim role.
Martin: As far as your leadership style, what can people expect?
Howey: I’m a pretty open book. I consider myself an authentic person and want to be my whole self at all times, and hope I can stay true to that. I also want to
continue to be collaborative. Yes, we want to be a solution and a catalytic organization, but sometimes there are other organizations who are doing great work that we could partner with. Being a cheerleader for them and amplifying what they’re doing is sometimes part of our role, too.
Martin: Do you have any leadership advice for other leaders out there?
Howey: Our team at GO Topeka took a survey — it’s like the love languages, but in the workplace. It was really helpful for me as a leader because it helped me understand what drives them and what their “why” is, so I can give opportunities for people to scratch that itch as much as possible. The test asked questions like “How do you like to receive recognition?” “What’s your
energized employees here, so it’s been great. I’ve been flooded with feedback, suggestions and ideas from everybody inside these four walls and outside, and I welcome that.
Martin: How do you maintain balance between your professional life and personal life?
Howey: My husband and I have been together for 25 years, and we have a strong partnership. He has been with me through my entire career, including when it required a lot of travel, and our kids were little at that time. We have a really good yin-yang relationship, and he’s a great helper. Fun is usually something outdoors and not people-y, because I’m with people all the time. I spend time with family and a small circle of longtime friends. My kids are older, so it’s fun. We play a lot of cards and board games. We’re also at the lake and go camping quite a bit.
HOWEY CEO of Greater Topeka Partnership
communication style?” “Do you want more free time and flexibility?” “Are you driven by what your paycheck looks like?” Those kinds of things.
Martin: You’ve been a CEO for a little over a month now. Has there already been a big shift behind the scenes?
Howey: Yes. Being the CEO is different than being the president of GO Topeka because you’re not only looking at economic development, but also downtown, tourism and the Chamber. Leading some really awesome leaders in those organizations has been fun. Making sure we have our leadership team poised and ready has been a top priority for me. As I mentioned before, Stephanie Moran did a really good job of maintaining the culture and norms throughout the transition. We have a lot of
Martin: What challenges you?
Howey: Economic development has challenged my sense of competitiveness, because those projects take a long time. Oftentimes when you lose out on an economic development project for a reason you couldn’t change, it’s like, “Oh, you were located too far away from X or Y,” but we can’t change where we’re physically located in the nation. So that can be frustrating at times. But I think the team effort is definitely key.
Martin: What do you think makes our community in Topeka so resilient and willing to embrace change?
Howey: I think part of it’s just the Midwestern work ethic and the way we’re very determined. The accessibility we have to decision-makers is something I think we probably take for granted, but it allows us to move things forward. If you want to sit down and talk with the mayor or an elected official in Topeka, you’ll eventually run into someone who says, “Oh, I have his or her cell phone number. Let me just send ‘em a text and see if they’re free.” That accessibility and authenticity is really great, and I hope we never lose that.
Martin: What’s something you’ve learned about yourself as a leader?
Howey: I’ve always prided myself on being pretty humble. I’m learning that it’s okay to come out strong and be confident. I’m confident, but I don’t
MOLLY
want to be seen as overconfident. I’m learning to own my confidence more.
Martin: What does personal development look like for you?
Howey: I read books and The Wall Street Journal a lot. I have a lot of conversations with all of our elected leaders and business leaders to hear what they’re doing. I watch all the city council, county commission and law meetings, and then I’m involved outside of the community and my professional networks, too. It’s important to understand what my peers are doing. I have networks outside the community so I can tap into them and say, “Hey, what are you guys doing over in Colorado or Texas or Arizona?” Just to understand the industry as a whole.
Martin: What does your morning routine look like? Are you a 5:00 a.m. person?
Howey: No. I like to have a slower morning. I like to get up around 6:00 or 6:30 a.m., take my shower, drink my coffee (I’m an espresso girl), and while I’m doing that, I listen to things. I check in on the news and then I’m usually checking in with my team pretty early in the day. And then I like to see what my inbox looks like, but only after I’ve had coffee.
Martin: What should people expect from GTP over the next year?
Howey: They can expect a lot more outreach and a lot more communication. We’re near the end of the Momentum 2027 strategy, so we’ll be getting more feedback and finding out what the next strategy should entail. I think we’ll narrow the scope so we can go deeper on fewer things and make a greater impact. The Small Business Council has undergone an overhaul over the past 18 months, and I think they’ve found a good spot to provide resources and a platform for discussion.
But there’s more we can do. GO Topeka has a lot of resources, but sometimes people aren’t aware of those resources or where to find them. We need to do a better job of taking those resources and conversations into the community. It’s hard for small businesses to get away and come to a training or networking event because they’re running their business. We plan to find more ways to get in front of people and have those open conversations. Small businesses are super important for this community. It’s what makes us unique. TK
Charlotte Adair
Honored as
Gold Rose Award Recipient
The Junior League of Topeka honored Charlotte Adair with its 2025 Gold Rose Award on September 17. The award, given since 1971, honors sustaining members who use their League training to serve Topeka. Adair joined in 1976 and served as president in 1988. She has led numerous civic organizations including the Topeka Rotary Foundation and League of Women Voters.
West
Ridge Mall
Completes Redesign Plans
West Ridge Mall recently completed its revitalization plans, including acquisition of the former Sears space that adds 121,000 square feet across two levels. The redesign includes three gateways (Meadow, Valley and Ridgeway), each with its own design and outdoor areas. Advisors Excel’s on-site headquarters will attract retailers by providing a steady customer base from its employees and clients.
Professional Hockey Returns to Topeka at Stormont Vail Events Center
The Topeka Scarecrows are back at the Stormont Vail Events Center, bringing professional hockey along with expanded ice sports programs for the community. The partnership includes youth hockey through Bison Ice Sports Association, the return of Topeka Adult Hockey League, public skating sessions and post-game skates after Friday and Saturday Scarecrows games.
Greater Topeka Partnership Names
Rhiannon Friedman as
GO Topeka President
The Greater Topeka Partnership selected Rhiannon Friedman as the president of GO Topeka. Friedman most recently served as planning and development director for the City of Topeka. She previously held leadership roles at the Greater Topeka Partnership from 20192022, including positions at Downtown Topeka, Inc. and GO Topeka.
Stormont Vail Health Welcomes
Dr. Leah Kemble, OB/GYN Stormont Vail Health welcomed Dr. Leah Kemble, OB/GYN, to its team at Stormont Vail OB/GYN Lincoln Center. Dr. Kemble specializes in providing lifelong women’s health care and believes in collaborating with patients to achieve better health outcomes. Her medical philosophy was shaped by working alongside midwives in Ghana, whom she described as “providing incredible care with limited resources.”
Bennington State Bank
Announces New Hire
Jason Hoffman
Bennington State Bank hired Jason G. Hoffman, ChFC, as senior wealth advisor for the Topeka market. With more than 25 years of financial services experience, Hoffman specializes in retirement planning, investment strategies and wealth preservation. He earned his chartered financial consultant designation in 2014 and holds a degree in agricultural economics from North Dakota State University.
Envista Federal Credit Union Welcomes New Chief Lending Officer
Envista Federal Credit Union appointed Andrew Lindeman as chief lending officer. Lindeman brings nearly 20 years of banking experience, most recently serving as market president for Landmark National Bank. He holds an MBA from Southwest Baptist University and serves on boards for Harvesters and Lifehouse Child Advocacy Center.
