TK...Topeka's Business Magazine Winter 2010

TK Magazine

Winter 2010

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The American Home Life Insurance Company • 400 S. Kansas Ave. • Topeka, KS • (785) 235-6276 www.amhomelife.com 2

Winter 2010

TK Magazine

[contents] FEATURES

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Marketing Outside the Box

Topeka businesses are using out of the box marketing strategies to break through the noise and get noticed.

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20 Topeka Professionals Under 40 The Jayhawk Area Council of the Boy Scouts recognized 20 young professionals under 40 whose contributions help to make Topeka great.

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Evolve Your Business

TK wants to select your company to evolve with a business makeover.

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The Sign Says - Kansas Guitar, We Buy Guitars

Deb Goodrich-Bisel tells the story of Rick Roberts and his small block building bursting with enthusiasm and talent.

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Look Who’s Talking Now

Has the social media craze sweep you up? Or are you just getting started.

Whether connecting with friends or building your business, Lisa Loewen gives you the scoop on what social media is and who is using it.

In Every Issue

Columns

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From the Publisher Eyes are watching, do you measure up?

By the Numbers Local and regional news and statistics.

Help Desk You have questions, Topeka experts have the answers.

1 on 1 Q&A with Ken Lerman, Business Growth Consultant, on Employee Engagement

Scene About Town Topeka Active 20-30 Childrens Benefit Auction and Gala

2010 Business Expo

American Advertising Federation of Topeka

Legislative Candidate Forum

Capital Chapter of Credit Unions

Community Resources

Council’s Awards of Excellence

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Extra, Extra!

News and updates about Topeka businesses.

Business Toolbox: Finding Balance Tim Kolling brings you tips and tools to help your business grow.

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Tough Love with Raubin & Megan Raubin Pierce and Megan Mosack give their ideas on the 2010 Winners and Losers List of Topeka.

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Winning Rules: Remote Control Kevin Doel shows how business professionals like James Kies are using modern technology to make it possible for Topeka businesses to serve the world.

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TK Survey Says 302 Topeka professionals identify the top 5 keys to being a successful business person.

Daily Antics of the H.R. Industry Human resource professionals share the funny side of their industry.

Last Word: Anderson Chandler TK highlights Anderson Chandler, Chairman and CEO of Fidelity State Bank & Trust.

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Photo by Lock Photography

[from the publisher]

Eyes Are Watching As I read through the “20 Under 40” profiles and the recent TK survey results, I discovered that the majority of business professionals view a parent or a grandparent as their role model. Surprising? Not really.

Kids are supposed to respect and look up to their elders, right? I know I did. I lucked out and got two of the best parents in the world.

As I reflected on memories of my parents and what it was about them that had the most influence on who I am today, I started wondering about how my own kids see me and if I am role model material for them. Talk about a humbling thought. What if I don’t measure up?

So, I said a quiet prayer, took a deep breath and asked Hope, my oldest child, what she thought.

Without missing a beat, Hope told me I was courageous. Wow, I thought, my confidence ballooning, she thinks I’m courageous because I own a business and work hard to be successful. That bubble popped as she continued her explanation, “Mom, you have lots of courage because you thought it was funny and weren’t scared when we lost our car in the Disney World parking lot.”

“Anything else,” I asked.

“You work hard,” she said. “Because some days we don’t get to see you.”

With that, our conversation ended. She had more important things to do than get drilled by her mom asking for a self-evaluation. And, I was left asking myself if my “working hard” was a double-edged sword.

I feel strongly about teaching my kids by example to have a strong work ethic, just like my dad taught me. But, am I working so hard that I’m not showing up when I need to?

Eyes are watching you. What those eyes see may be different from the picture you think you are portraying. Those eyes see and remember the little moments in life, where we have only a second to make the choice to get angry or laugh, like losing our car at Disney World. It is often in these small moments, not during the tough choices and business decisions that happen daily, that you become courageous in another’s eyes.

It doesn’t matter if you are young or old, a community leader, a parent, a teacher or a businessperson. Eyes are watching and deciding if you are someone that measures up.

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TK Magazine

TK

Topeka’s Business Magazine Winter 2010

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief TARA DIMICK

Creative Director JENNI MONHOLLON

Writing Director LISA LOEWEN

Account Executives Tara Dimick

Contributing Writers & Columnists

LISA LOEWEN, KAREN RIDDER, TIM KOLLING, DEB GOODRICH-BISEL, KEVIN DOEL, MEGAN Mosack, RAUBIN PIERCE

Cover Photographer NATHAN HAM, NATHAN HAM PHOTOGRAPHY

Photographers NATHAN HAM, NATHAN HAM PHOTOGRAPHY LOCK PHOTOGRAPHY Doug Ruth

Founder KEVIN DOEL PO Box 67272 | Topeka, Kansas 66667 785-217-4836 | editor@tkmagazine.com www.tkmagazine.com

Comments & Suggestions Editor@tkmagazine.com

Publishing Company E2 Communications, Inc 2010© TK is published and copyrighted by E2 Communications, Inc. Reproduction or use of this publication in any manner without written permission of the publisher is prohibited.

Every effort was made to ensure accuracy of the information in this publication as of press time. The publisher assumes no responsibility of any part for the content of any advertisement in this publication, including any errors and omissions there in. 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 companies, 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.

If it’s important to you, it’s important to us.

People are different. But they all have something important they’re trying to accomplish in their lives. And at Capital City Bank we’re working hard to help our customers reach their goals, no matter what they may be. Because what’s important to us - is you.

We Make It Work.

785-274-5600 CAPCITyBANK.COM

PERSONAL BANKING. BUSINESS BANKING. MORTGAGE LOANS. TRUST AND ASSET MANAGEMENT. MEMBER FDIC

TK Magazine

Winter 2010

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[by the numbers]

$20,000

by the numbers

TIDBITS

TK…Topeka’s Business Magazine celebrates one year under the direction of publisher and owner, Tara Dimick.

$500,000

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The Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce/GO Topeka and MAMTC, along with partners Washburn University, the National Growth Through Innovation Foundation and the Eureka! Ranch have been awarded $500,000 from the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program (NISTMEP) as part of a $1.1 million project to promote innovation and competitiveness in Topeka and Shawnee County.

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Q:

What do you get when you:

Move and shape 130,000 cubic yards of earth over 240 acres, Plant 8.5 tons of grass seed, Bring in 8250 tons of sand, and Plant 260 trees?

A: Firekeeper Golf Course

Cox Communications of Kansas has donated $20,000 to the Kansas Wildscape Foundation’s WildLifer Program to get kids active outdoors. www.wildliferchallenge.com

C AIR P ARAVEL L ATIN S CHOOL 635 SW Clay St. • Topeka, KS 66606

Narnia Night

Tuesday, November 30 • 6 - 8 p.m. • Barnes & Noble

J

oin us for a sampling of our fine arts in this fun public setting. Enjoy student music, poetry and more during an evening at the bookstore. Staff and faculty will be available to answer questions for those interested in learning more about the school.

785-232-3878 www.cpls.org

’t be.

ch shouldn n lu d re te a c e h T . g tings can be borin

Mee

2833 S.W. 29th

st 15 years, or event. For the pa your next meeting for ’s m small wg Fro Ha as. ss ns Bo nd taste of ghout northeast Ka Enjoy the one-of-a-ki r to businesses throu nt a success. yea eve r a als you ke me 0 ma ,00 to 20 the staff we’ve catered over the experience and of guests, we have groups to hundreds

On the Terrace at Brookwood

785.273.7300 | www.bosshawg.com

Call our Catering Coordinator, Christina Barth, at 785.273.7300, ext. 27, or visit our web site for more information.

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Winter 2010

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[help desk] HUMAN RESOURCES

Q.

How do you handle “tough conversations” like body odor, inappropriate remarks, being late, and suspicion of theft, with employees?

A.

Dealing with “tough conversations” is probably the hardest part of a manager’s job. You will have to deal with employee emotions, and you, the manager, have to communicate clearly without setting yourself up for a HR issue. The average manager may spend up to 37% of the day dealing with inappropriate behaviors.

First, be prepared for your meeting, have a full understanding of the issue or complaint before you schedule the appointment with your employee. Once you have completed your discussion, it is very important that the employee is committed to building a solution and that a change will occur.

Do not allow the employee to steer away from the issue (ie. no whining and no gossiping about others) just stay focused on the issue at hand. Get commitment to get the problem resolved immediately. If commitment is not fulfilled, the manager must call the employee in to address and remind him/her of what they had committed to.

Unfortunately, the manager will also have to address the new issue of “trust.” As the manager, you have to trust that the issue will be resolved. Without trust there is no basis for a good working relationship.

Q.

How to I motivate my employees to be more productive?

A.

As a business owner or manager, you must elevate your company by taking on the number one challenge facing today’s organizations; retaining good employees.

Studies show that when it comes to retention, the most important factor is the ability to lead employees effectively through motivation.

Motivated employees are more productive and are much more likely to remain loyal. Refocusing attention on the employer/employee relationship can increase employee retention, loyalty and morale, not to mention productivity and profitability. Making your business the preferred place to work will enable you to recruit better employees and will result in them being committed to your business vision.

So how do you retain and motivate workers? Four key components: trust, regular feedback, annual performance reviews and rewards.

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Trust Build trust in your employees in simple ways: • Practice what you preach.

• Demonstrate you enjoy your job and take pride in what you do by setting a good example.

• Be honest with your employees, don’t make promises you can’t keep.

• Be approachable.

• Get employee feedback and input.

• Listen to and act on suggestions.

Building trust will motivate employees to be more committed and productive workers.

Regular Feedback Daily feedback is more profitable then annual feedback, and will prevent unpleasant surprises at annual review time.

Just like negative feedback, positive feedback needs to be recorded. A lack of appreciation leads to higher turnover.

Annual Performance Reviews Companies that make the effort to align goals with individual performance reap the rewards. Not only do they see increased profits, they also retain workers, especially top performers at a much higher rate. Always set clear objectives, measure progress and ability, and provide examples.

Rewards After the annual performance reviews and day-today feedback the issue of rewards follows close behind.

Rewards are an integral part of motivation. More than 83% of employees strongly believing that recognition improves morale, according to the National Association of Employee Recognition.

Be creative with rewards, ask for employee input.

Everyone gets motivated in different ways. Rewards can be anything from team recognition, rewards, cash, gift cards, time off, trips, etc. Never reward low performers.

Diana Ramirez Owner Express Employment Professionals 16 Years Experience

ACCOUNTING

Q.

Is there really a provision in the Health Care bill that requires my business to file 1099s for all my vendors, including national corporations and credit card companies?

A.

Much of what we know about what happens with taxes in the near future is, to some extent, up in the air right now - the tax rates next year for individuals, the estate tax situation, and now even something as simple as the Form 1099.

At the time the “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act�(a.k.a. the Health Care bill) was passed earlier this year, this provision received very little press. Once people were able to read the massive 2,074 page bill, they found many provisions that will affect their business. What they did not expect to find was a three page paragraph buried on page 737 that had nothing to do with health insurance, hospital costs, drugs, doctors, or employment costs.

For 2010 and 2011 businesses must file Form 1099s for payments in excess of $600 for rent and non-employee services. If the payments are to corporations or for merchandise a 1099 is not required.

The Health Care bill changes this beginning in 2012 by getting rid of the exceptions for corporations and for merchandise. This means that businesses will need to get tax ID numbers, track all their small expenses to know which vendors cross the threshold, and file 1099s for almost everyone. The time and money that businesses will devote to gather this information, prepare the forms, and pay for postage will be very costly.

The good news is that many groups are currently lobbying Congress on your behalf to repeal this rule: the accounting industry, small business advocates like TIBA, and even the IRS itself recently issued a report about their inability to process the anticipated exponential change in the number of 1099s, and their inability to actually use the data that woud be provided.

Congratulations, Marc Johnson, CPA Kennedy and Coe, LLC 16 Years Experience

we’re proud you are a part of the FryeAllen team.

Advertising & Marketing

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[business toolbox]

Finding Balance In this issue of TK, we feature those business professionals who have been selected as the top 20 people under the age of 40 in our community. These are people who have displayed hard work and determination in furthering their careers and becoming leaders in our community, while attempting to have balance in their lives.

Balance…isn’t that something we all struggle with every day? How do we balance our professional life, our family life, our spiritual life, a fitness routine, volunteer work, civic duties…the list goes on and on.

My family’s schedule is absolutely crazy. My wife and I are

by TIM KOLLING

My advice to the top 20 people under 40, and all young professionals looking to find balance:

Find a career you are passionate about.

Be there for your family no matter how busy YOUR life gets.

Be active outside of your career.

very active in our careers as well as in community activities and hobbies. We have an 8-year-old and a 5-year-old who seem to be involved in almost every possible activity. We literally have two or three things to do--or places to go-every night of the week, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Learn to say no when you know your heart won’t be in it 100%.

So how do we find that balance? We enjoy everything we do!

I believe balance comes in having careers that you love, having a family that supports each other, and only getting involved in activities that you enjoy. Our schedules are full, but everything on them is something that we look forward to doing. I truly believe that is what keeps us balanced.

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Tim Kolling is a Marketing Consultant for WIBW 94.5 FM and 580 AM. He has worked in the advertising industry for 17 years.

There are financial parasites within every business that would like n o t h i n g b e t t e r t h a n t o f e e d o f f o f y o u r b l o o d , s w e a t a n d t e a r s . We’r e n o t y o u r a v e r a g e a c c o u n t a n t s . W e k n o w w h a t ’s b u g g i n g y o u r b u s i n e s s .

CONTACT MARC JOHNSON at 785.234.6673 or KCOE.COM

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H G TOU Love Love them or hate them, they get Topeka talking.

Raubin and Megan offer their ideas on the 2010 Winners & Losers List of Topeka

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Raubin & Megan’s Winners: Grassroots movements made a mark this year in T-town, but none bigger than Think Big Topeka. The all-volunteer group took the world by storm to convince Google we were fiber-worthy. Ryan Gigous came up with the idea in March to rename our city Google, Kansas. Google pranksters reciprocated on April 1 and renamed the world’s-mostrecognized brand, “Topeka”, for the day. We will find out at the end of 2010, if we are star-crossed lovers with the tech giant, charting a course towards ultra-fast Internet, or just another footnote on Google’s information super-highway road map.

The Topeka Zoo would certainly have been near the top of the list for losers in 2009, with revelations of coverups and misdeeds, but with the “retirement” of the director on Christmas day, the real gift for Topeka was yet to come.

With AZA accreditation in jeopardy and USDA inspectors breathing down our necks, Topeka found its footing with the hiring of Brendan Wiley as the new director. Almost overnight, change we could truly believe in arrived to right the sinking ship. A new “Hope” was born with the arrival of our baby giraffe who battled against the odds to overcome a birth defect. A ground-breaking technique, coined by Megan as, “The Kamer Method”, after Topeka veterinarian Joseph Kamer DVM, literally saved Hope’s life by correcting her misshapen legs. Kamer’s actions may bring the “World Famous” moniker back to our beloved zoo, as other zoos around the world try to duplicate his success.

A new generation is captivated with the possibility of Downtown Topeka being, once again, the center of our

community. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, many groups are working for the survival of our downtown. Top City Thursdays’ efforts to get people to make a date to shop and eat downtown in the evenings and the Capital District Project’s Kansas Avenue design workshops, to visualize the future of our city center, has renewed the community’s interest in downtown.

And, while it may be a dangerous time to buy or sell a home in other parts of the country, Topeka’s Real Estate Market continues to be very affordable. We outpace national averages for stability and value. That’s a winning reality that’s easy to sell to newcomers in our community.

Raubin & Megan’s Losers

City Drivers continue to be battered, jarred, jostled and

driven to the brink by city leaders. After approving a $150 million sales tax, most citizens were incensed to learn that the city was using just a fraction of that money on actually patching potholes. Though the city eventually changed its tune, the window for repair had all but closed, ensuring that the streets would, again, feel like driving across a corn field and probably result in even more costly car repairs.

The Topeka Taxpayer will likely continue to be on the losing side of the scorecard until substantial change visits the governing body of our fair city. From the wasted opportunities to merge with county IT and parks and recreation, to crumbling infrastructure and misplaced priorities, the Topeka Governing Body has been impotent as leaders to institute corrective action.

The College Hill Redevelopment Project has been one misstep after another and surely proves the axiom that the road to ruin is littered with the best of intentions. After five years, almost $6.5 million in tax dollars, and, if the developers have it their way, at least $5 million more from the taxpayers, all we have are 24 overpriced townhomes that won’t sell on the open market. Washburn-Lane Parkway Renovation, LLC is six months late paying more than $130,000 in real estate taxes, and is in default in excess of $16 million to a private bank group. The only retail location occupied in the development is Jerry’s Bike Shop.

Contact: Shannon English Shannon@SheKnowsMarketing.com 785.383.8139 Toll-free: 888.364.4611 Facebook.com/Marketing Concepts Direct Mailing Printing and Signage Promotional Products

Your one stop shop for all your marketing needs

Disclaimer: Any views expressed in these pages are not necessarily those of TK…Topeka’s Business Magazine.

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We’re moving soon!

New location early 2011: 3100 SW Huntoon, Suite 103 Westboro Shopping District

Julie C. Swift, DDS, MS

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785.233.1756 www.topekaperio.com

Marketing Out of the Box

by KAREN RIDDER

W

hich of these products is tied to a local marketing campaign?

A. Hot air balloon wearing a tree.

B. Cardboard cut-out man with a mustache.

C. Cheap catfish.

D. Electrical coffee.

E. All of the above The answer is “E” all of the above.

It might sound like a joke, but the Topeka businesses using these out of the box marketing strategies are serious about breaking through the noise and getting their products noticed.

Topeka entrepreneurs face increased marketing channels and a tight economy that has consumers becoming more selective about how to spend their money. It is a competitive marketplace, and creative promotion is king.

Rick LeJuerrne, regional director of the Washburn University Small Business Development Center, says today’s small business owners really have to be on top of their game to make it in

this tough market. Companies that stand out are those that are proactive with their marketing approach.

“We talk to clients all the time about needing to be different and special. This ‘Out of the Box’ marketing is a way to do that. They are doing something unique to make them stand out from the companies they are competing with,” LeJuerrne said.

Here are some examples:

Something Big Custom Tree Care’s founder Greg Gathers likes big ideas. He likes big contracts and wanted to show potential customers that his company could handle large projects.

So, he bought a hot air balloon.

He got the idea at the 2009 Huff n’ Puff. “It just hit me that there are tons of people that come to this thing. A balloon is a huge advertisement, and I thought that it would be a good way to go big in the way of advertising,” Gathers said.

It also was unique – a movable billboard of sorts. Gathers didn’t know of any other tree service advertising with

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a balloon. He wanted to be first.

A year later, Custom Tree Care’s large white balloon took its place at the Huff n’ Puff accompanied by boom trucks, a booth and brochures for the thousands of people who came out to the event.

While the other balloons inflated and took off before returning for the glow and tether time, the Custom Tree Care balloon stayed-put. “I didn’t want my advertising to go away from the people,” Gather said. That meant the company spent more time offering tethered rides. Since the tethered rides are a fundraiser for Topeka’s Ronald McDonald House, they were also able to use it as an opportunity to give back to the community.

The balloon was an expensive initial investment, but Gathers says he sees it as a long-term marketing piece. It should last about 10 years. And so far, the response has been just what he hoped for - big.

“Anywhere from ‘I can’t believe you did that,’ to, ‘It’s crazy,’ to, ‘It’s really good.’ A ton of people see it. Almost every time it flies, I have people call me or send a text message that they’ve seen it. So, I know it’s reaching a ton of people,” Gathers said.

While he admits that most people seeing the balloon won’t have an immediate need for tree care, he hopes it will create a big brand image in Topekans’ minds. “It gives the impression that we’re not just a little company. We can handle all your needs,” Gathers said.

Building an Image SouthWind Gallery is also working hard to create an image – friendly, not snooty. “We are very serious about the art, but we like to have fun with it,” said Sharon Hotchkiss, gallery Marketing Consultant.

That is one reason they created “Art,” the digital and cardboard alter ego of owner Gary Blitsch. The gallery decided to use “Art” to engage customers and make people comfortable with its business. “What we wanted to do is create a relationship with our customers and with our followers on Facebook,” Michelle Leivan, assistant gallery director, said. “We wanted to create entertainment for them, something fun to do and something fun for them to share with us.”

The gallery introduced the “Take ‘Art’ on Vacation” campaign this summer, offering

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a free 8x10 frame from partner company Framewoods for anyone who took the cardboard cut-out on vacation and sent back a picture with “Art” in it. The pictures were posted on Facebook, with comments from “Art” himself.

The campaign was so successful, that the gallery decided to continue it in the fall with a “Take ‘Art’ to work” campaign.

“Art” was upgraded to “Art 2.0”. He is now changeable with different clothing options to suit your company’s image.

“He’s good to go whether he’s in an office or at the grill or at the bar,” Leivan said.

Blitsch says one of the advantages of ‘Art’ marketing is that it doesn’t cost a lot of money. “We’re constantly looking for ways that we can do this without costing us the business,” Blitsch said. “This has not been a good time for a lot of businesses. We sell things that are normally considered on the margins end of the budget. We’re constantly tuned into that, but we do think it’s necessary to continue to promote the business in marketing and advertising even in this down time.”

“Art” is also consistent with the gallery’s efforts to be a friendly place. He allows them to reach out to people who aren’t necessarily in the market for fine art now, but might be some day. “My attitude about it is if we can do that, when things turn around we’ll be at the head of the pack. That’s where we want to be,” Blitsch said.

Finding a Unique Market Another local business owner is finding success by focusing on an overlooked target market.

The Catch 2, a new take-out only restaurant that specializes in catfish, is located in the building that used to house Topeka’s much loved Bobo’s Drive-in. Although the area has struggled with crime and a bad reputation, Catch 2 owner Michael Davis saw an underserved market that could be tapped, even in a bad economy.

Key to his plan was setting prices at what he calls a “community friendly” rate. Nothing on the menu costs more than $5. “People deserve to have good food at a good price,” Davis said.

“Because of that concept and the economic time that we’re in, the place has truly exploded.”

For Davis, “Out of the Box” also meant back to the basics. While he is getting the word out about his restaurant in high tech ways, he also went door-to-door passing out menus, getting

CONSIDER THIS YOUR

PROFESSIONAL WAKE-UP CALL

RANKED IN KIPLINGER’S TOP 10 BEST CITIES FOR THE NEXT DECADE, Topeka, Kansas is

on the go. Chosen because of our smart people, great ideas, and our collaborative community that embraces both, Topeka is the place for young professionals who want to make a real difference. Find more mobility in a smaller city that thinks big. WE CAN DO THAT.

www.GoTopeka.com

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feedback from neighbors and personally asking people to come try the food.

The restaurant is only a few months old, but already has lines out the door and is developing a wider customer base than Davis expected. The Catch 2 has people coming from all parts of town. Davis says his success is a combination of the price and the product. “Now that the restraints on us are tight, the consumer is getting tight. People want that community friendly price. They don’t feel like we’re trying to rip them off. ” Davis is also trying to be a community friendly business by encouraging trash pickup, and opening the restaurant on Sundays for customers from the four churches within walking distance. People are excited to see a clean – new look on an old favorite location. Davis has been impressed by the sheer volume of support he’s received from the surrounding neighborhood. “I didn’t know they would be as receptive to it as quickly as they have been. It’s exciting,” Davis said.

also led them to partner with another successful Topeka company, PT’s Coffee Roasting Co. Greenwave approached PT’s about putting an “Electric Brew” label on one of its blends. The idea was to create a thank you gift for Greenwave’s customers that would stand out and complement the service the company offers its customers.

“When I think of coffee and I think of Topeka, I think of PT’s. We want to support local business and what better way than to cross-brand,” Ryan Gigous, vice president of Marketing for Greenwave, said. “It’s a simple way of showing appreciation to our clients in a unique way, and it gives PT’s additional exposure.”

Gigous says he wants Greenwave to be associated with PT’s because of its reputation for a reliable honest product and its respect for the community. Greenwave shows respect for its customers by showing up on time, wearing booties to protect customer carpeting and keeping clean equipment. “In any relationship, trust is everything because it demonstrates respect,” Gigous said.

Connecting with Other Businesses

Will it work?

Small business owners who are proactive with marketing A connection to the greater Topeka community is a big instead of reactive are the ones more likely to find success. part of the culture at Greenwave It is essential to understand who Electric. Matt Gassen, director your best customers are and of business development, PR EM IU M gR oU nd co ff EE bl En ww d w. gr ee nw av ee le ct market or build a brand in that says the company tries ric .c om direction. “You can get much to be involved with grass more bang for your buck if you roots community-oriented know who your best client is,” projects. “We value our place LeJuerrne said. in the community and we The common factor in these want to give something “Out of the Box” campaigns is back to our customers,” connection to the community.

Gassen said. Recently, that While the businesses are striving involvement has included to get noticed, they are doing helping sponsor an event it in a way that focuses on for the Topeka Shawnee Topeka and its positive future.

County Public Library’s “We do business with people Big Read, creating a radio we like, and giving back to the spot on WIBW/AM 580 community endears people to to notice “Hometown the entrepreneur,” LeJuerrne said.

Heroes,” and giving Those businesses that give back to discounts to customers the community and follow it up who agree to donate nE T WT 12 oz . with effective marketing are rising canned goods for local (34 0g ) above the competition and finding charity. success in today’s tough economy.

That combination of connection to community and customer appreciation has

ii i

i

elect ric brew

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] 1 n [1 o

EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT

A business owner conversation with Ken Lerman, Business Growth Consultant Each year the Business Owner has three primary business resources to plan with and invest back into their business: time, talent and dollars. All businesses, regardless of size, have the same resources – but different amounts of each. How, where and when these three resources are invested is what fuels your business plans in pursuit of annual and longer term objectives.

TK:

Of the 3 business about an environment supportive resources, time, talent of Employee Engagement?

First, I recommend transparency and direct and dollars, which do you believe communication.

Directly and clearly communicate that this is serious is the most valuable and why? business to all employees. Every employee must clearly

I believe it is Talent, because talent spends your time and dollars. The better talent spends your business resources of time and dollars, the more efficient your business and greater your profit.

Whether or not you’re in agreement, engaged employee talent is a key element in stretching to and meeting strategically planned business objectives.

TK:

What is Employee Engagement?

TK:

How does a business owner or manager bring

We often hear the statement “Employee Engagement…

We know it when we see it.”

Most satisfying to me is to paraphrase Towers Perrin’s definition of employee engagement: “When different levels of employees are so involved in their job scope and their organization that they are willing, able (and motivated) to contribute to company success by putting (investing) their own discretionary effort into their work (your business) in the form of extra time, brain power and energy.”

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understand their role and responsibilities to your/our business. All employees, managers – even the business owner – should be able to say, “I know what is expected of me; I have the materials, equipment and training to do my work right; and the opportunity to do what I do best every day.”

Second, increase the skills development and abilities of your employee talent.

Increasing the ability of an individual to consistently perform for your business is perceived by the employee as a sure sign of their job security along with your business acknowledgement and investment in their personal growth.

In 1978 Johnson & Johnson sent me to the first American Management Association school on Business Strategic Planning which has enabled me to contribute throughout my career and enabled Johnson & Johnson in 1979 to enter the new (then) start-up “clean room” and Silicon Valley computer markets.

Cross training of an employee, when done correctly, will have a similar, positive effect. For example, “Linda we are training you here, not to give you more work, but to broaden your exposure to our business and your abilities in our business. We are confident you will do well.”

Implement employee coaching through your entire business – include “employee coaching” in your human

resource process and policy. An engaged employee will say “They care about me at work!”

Have supervisors take the time to visit with their employees (at every level, including management) and discuss individual job performance to both their prioritized responsibilities and to business / department objectives, documented within this year’s annual plan.

Ask questions like: “Ken, how do you think it is going?

What might I do to further support you? What are your thoughts on this customer? Where do you see yourself in two years? Here is how I can help you.”

There are many opportunities to handle a good “employee coaching conversation.” Just try a few.

Third, provide sincere, valid Employer Recognition.

With consistency, reinforce good employee performance and immediately eliminate poor performance results or factors.

Depending on the employee, words of encouragement from an owner, manager, supervisor can become more motivating and personally rewarding than dollars.

For taking Johnson & Johnson into the computer industry, I received an unexpected mid-year bonus; neither my wife nor I recall the amount. I do remember the chairman of J&J, Jim Burke, presenting me the check and praising me in the office of my J&J company president. Thirty-one years ago – still a big deal to me.

Finally, and perhaps most important, in developing a culture filled with engaged employee talent, the business owner must be a true “Role Model” for everyone associated with their business.

All employees watch and many emulate their boss at work. Double standards and politics cripple employee engagement and performance. I know of many organizations

that consistently hire and lose quality performers but keep quality politicians.

Of all the business assets you have, the most important is your word – if you give it, keep it.

TK:

Ken, your examples of what engaged employees perceive, how they perform and grow in a positive business culture, especially during economic uncertainty, appears simplistic!

It is! Employee Engagement as we’ve outlined and discussed is simple, affordable and doable – especially in private U. S. businesses – right now!

Practice the Golden Rule of Business.

I rewrote the old Golden Rule of business in 2000. It used to say, “He or she who owns the gold, rules.” NO! Today, the new Golden Rule of Business is: “Do unto your employees what you would have your employees do unto you and your business.”

Ken Lerman is a national business growth consultant, a national speaker, management trainer and author for U.S. business across a diverse range of industries. www.kenlerman.com.

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JAYHAWK AREA COUNCIL OF BOY SCOUTS PRESENTS

TOPEKA PROFESSIONALS

r e d un

40 The Jayhawk Area Council of the Boy Scouts presents “20 Under 40” to recognize young people whose contributions help to make the Topeka community great. The individuals selected for this honor have chosen to make Topeka their home. They have established careers here and have set themselves apart as leaders, while embracing the community.

Nominations came from local residents who wanted to recognize people under the age of 40 for their outstanding work both professionally and personally. The organization received 71 nominations. A selection committee made up of 20 business leaders who have made a difference in the community had the challenging task of then narrowing that list down to 20. That task proved to be too difficult—they chose 21 instead.

The following pages provide a glimpse into the lives of these young leaders.

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Paul K. Bossert

Director of Operations for Premier Employment Solutions Age: 29 Favorite Quote: “The leader is best…when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, the people say, “We did it ourselves.” – Lau Tzu

Dedicated

Spouse: Hannah Bossert Children: Expecting a baby boy in February

Melissa Brunner

Pets: Tabby & Zoe

News Anchor for WIBW-TV Age: 37

Community Involvement: American Staffing Association, National Federation of Independent Businesses, Topeka South Rotary, Fast Forward, Topeka Symphony

Favorite Quote: “Remember to play after every rain.”

- Mattie Stepanek

Hobbies: Spending time with family, going out on the lake, golfing and bowling

Spouse: Doug Brown

Role Model: Parents and Larry Robbins

Pets: BamBam, Kicky, Lucy and Buddy (4 dogs), Spidey, Baby and Mini (3 cats)

Why? My parents have taught me commitment and perseverance. Larry Robbins has taught me how to lead with patience, listening and compassion.

Community Involvement: Kansas Association of Broadcasters, United Way

Best Advice Received: When you are faced with options, choose the one you will remember most.

Role Model: My Parents

Fire Behind Paul: With my background in creative arts and graphic design I am constantly exploring new concepts and ideas. Staying innovative and energized is important in today’s business.

Why? For teaching me it’s not where you’re from, but how hard you work that gets you where you want to go.

10 Mintues to Talk to Anyone Who Would It Be: Paul Rand, well-known American graphic designer

Hobbies: Running and antiques

Best Advice Received: An anchor at my first job as a producer, after a rough show, let it go and moved on, striving to do better, saying, “It’s only television, we do it all over again tomorrow!”

What Would You Ask Paul? Where do you look to find inspiration?

Fire Behind Melissa: Curiosity – I want to know what’s happening, why and what it means for people.

10 Minutes to Talk to Anyone Who Would It Be: Whomever is the current President at the time.

What Would You Ask Them? Why did you want the job?

What drives your decisions? And, whatever else pops into my head!

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Passionate

Living healthy just got easier!

Colorful Amber Gentry Bullock Vice President of Networks Plus Age: 31

Favorite Quote: “Be the change you want to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi Spouse: Joseph Bullock Pets: Roja (Horse), Macy (Maltese), Shelby (Shitzu), Tula (cat), Piper (cat), more cats and 3 fainting goats – yes, fainting!

Business & Community Involvement: Sales & Marketing Executives of Topeka – Vice Chair of Education, Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce – Vice Chair of Marketing, Fast Forward – BDC Chair, Healthcare Technology Alliance, American Quarter Horse Association Hobbies: Horseback riding, golf, boxing, swimming, gardening and Trooper Joe

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Role Model: My dad, Lewis Gentry Why: He works harder then anyone I know. He makes decisions soundly and always heeds the best advice. He loves our family like his next breath of air, and he has always made me proud to be his daughter.

Best Advice Received: The 6 P’s: Proper planning prevents piss-poor performance.

10 Minutes to Talk to Anyone Who Would It Be: Tiger Woods What Would You Ask Tiger: What were you thinking, Man?!?

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WebMD is not affiliated with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas.

N.1012

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Andrea Engstrom Senior Account Manager for MB Piland Fat Free Advertising Age: 29

Passionate Michelle De La Isla

Executive Director of the Topeka Habitat for Humanity Age: 34 Favorite Quote: “People don’t care about how much you know until they know how much you care.”

Children: Erick Alexander “Dude” (14), Cristina Ivelise “Nina” (7) and Michelle Lorraine “Rainer-Raine” (6) Pets: Goku (Black Sheppard/ Lab Mix), Shadow (Great Dane/Mastiff Mix), Phil & Jane, Sharkey, Twister, Torpedo, D, Dan & Danio (Fish) Business & Community Involvement: Northland Christian Church, MANA de Topeka, MANA National, Hermanitas, SerToMa, Better Business Bureau, Capital District Project Hobbies: I love to spend time with my kids. I also enjoy art, running, kayaking, writing poetry, biking and cooking.

Favorite Quote: “Be the change you want to see in the world.”

-Mahatma Gandhi Spouse: Josiah Engstrom Children: Joy (10) and Bailey (8) Business & Community Involvement: Topeka Chamber, Fast Forward, American Advertising Federation of Topeka, Chords & Oil, Capital District Project, Journey Church Hobbies: Spending time with family making music and art projects, traveling, going to farmer’s market and volunteer activities supporting community organizations and the arts.

Fire Behind Andrea: I am motivated by influencing people.

I believe that art can be a powerful catalyst for social and personal change. Whether it is getting people to support downtown revitalization or to think about how they relate to God. Art connects people and makes us think differently.

I am passionate about art in our community.

Role Model: Many! Jesus, My Grandma Angélica, Michelle Bachelet, Kim Morse, Michelle Stubblefield, Marge Henney, Abraham Lincoln Why? In order: unconditional love and hope mixed with the ultimate expression of servant leadership; continuous sacrifice for the betterment of her family; determination and pursuit of dreams amidst the hardships; an hyperactive brain filled with passion and the commitment to follow through; creativity and brutal honesty; self-awareness while celebrating who you are with your own style; and exceptional leadership.

Best Advice Received: Take the word I out of everything you do” and “You will NOT be able to achieve or do that” HA!

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Visionary

We take a more-rounded view in creating value for our clients.

With a portfolio of professional solutions—from engineering to landscape architecture, from GIS to information management, from field services to sustainable development —our people bring new perspectives to our clients’ challenges.

Bartlett & West. You can see the future from here.

1200 SW EXECUTIVE DRIVE • TOPEKA, KS • 272.2252 • BARTWEST.COM

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Julie Swift

Owner and Periodontist of Topeka Periodontics, PA Age: 38

Visionary John Fager

Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of CoreFirst Bank & Trust Age: 36 Favorite Quote: “Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.”- Steve Jobs Spouse: Cheryl Fager Children: Gabrielle Fager (11), Amelia Fager (9), Greysen Fager (7).

Business & Community Involvement: Kansas Bankers Association, ABA Marketing Network, Sales and Marketing Executives of Topeka, Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce, Greater Topeka United Way Board Member, Go Topeka Board Member, Jayhawk Area Council Boy Scouts of America Board Member, Kansas Native Sons and Daughters 2010 Past President.

Favorite Quote: “Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it." – Goethe

Child: Rachel (4) Business & Community Involvement: Topeka Dental District Society, Kansas Dental Association, American Dental Association, American Board of Periodontology Hobbies: Make piece quilts (completed over 70) and training for 60 mile, 3 day Susan G. Komen for the Cure Best Advice Received: Keep your dreams big and your worries small.

Fire Behind Julie: It's literally the way God made me - I've always wanted to be the best at whatever it is that I do.

10 Minutes to Talk to Anyone Who Would It Be: My older sister - she was killed in a car accident 20 years ago.

What Would You Talk About? I would spend that time telling her how much I love her and letting her know what an inspiration and role model she has been for me over the years. I would find out what her regrets are, what she would have done if only she would have had a chance.

Hobbies: Playing guitar, boating, reading, camping and mountain biking.

Role Model: My Grandparents and Parents 10 Minutes to Talk to Anyone Who Would It Be: Eric Clapton or Bill Self.

What Would You Ask Them: Talent aside, what are the greatest attributes you look for in people that you are considering adding to your group or team?

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Responsible

Compassionate Matthew Goodwin Lead Pastor of Oakland Church of the Nazarene Age: 33

Favorite Quote: "The man I am writing about is not famous.

It may be that he never will be. It may be that when his life at last comes to an end he will leave no more trace of his sojourn on earth than a stone thrown into a river leaves on the surface of the water. But it may be that the way of life that he has chosen for himself and the peculiar strength and sweetness of his character may have an ever-growing influence over his fellow men so that, long after his death perhaps, it may be realized that there lived in this age a very remarkable creature.� – W. Somerset Maugham Spouse: Bonni Goodwin Children: Zoey Grace Goodwin (10 months) Pets: Kozmo (Yorkie) Community Involvement: YWCA and The Hope House Hobbies: Guitar, travel, ultimate Frisbee and telling stories Role Model: My Grandfather, Alden Elliott Why? He was a man of great patience and character.

Best Advice Received: Act justly, love mercy, walk humbly.

Fire Behind Matthew: Calling: seeking to point people to God, and creatively serve the poor and broken.

10 Minutes to Talk to Anyone Who Would It Be: Walt Disney What Would You Ask Walt Disney? What inspired and fueled your dreams and creativity when everyone else thought you were crazy?

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Kerrice Mapes

Marketing Coordinator for Family Service & Guidance Center Owner & Publisher of seveneightfive Age: 29

Committed Fred C. Patton

Owner/Attorney of Patton Law Office, LLC Owner of Topeka Escrow Service, LLC Age: 36 Favorite Quote: “With great power, comes great responsibility” – Uncle Ben (Spiderman) Spouse: Kim Children: Zach (10), Andrew (8), Emily (4) Pets: Riley (dog), Bella (cat), Tiger (cat), Sully (African Sulcata Tortoise) Business & Community Involvement: Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce Board Member, North Topeka Business Alliance President, Topeka Bar Association member, Kansas Bar Association member, Seaman USD 345 School Board, President-Elect of the Kansas Association of School Boards Hobbies: I spend the majority of my free time with my school board service. Outside of school board commitments, most of my hobbies revolve around my kids. They are involved in sports, dance, scouts, etc. My wife and I enjoy being involved with their activities. In addition, my family and I are huge KU and Chiefs fans. We try to go to as many games as possible.

Favorite Quote: “to be humble in success, and without bitterness in defeat” – an excerpt from the creed of Zeta Tau Alpha, Shirley Kreasan Strout Business & Community Involvement: Association for Women in Communications, United Way Communications Committee, and Board for Topeka AIDS Project Hobbies: Enjoys playing tennis at Koosover, music (local gigs/concerts and shopping in old record stores), theatre performances, reading, art, trying new foods & wine, traveling, and entertaining friends Fire Behind Kerrice: People. I love creating a great design that speaks to people. I feel exhilarated when I set goals and we work as a team to achieve them. I’m humbled when I’m truly able to help an organization or business obtain their goals through good communication and public service. At the end of the day, I do what I do because I feel complete when I’m able to help people and I know I’m doing my part to make my organization and community successful.

Best Advice Received: Be your own Public Relations agent and have a personal marketing campaign.

And always conduct business with honesty, sincerity and excitement. If you make a mistake, be the first to admit it and find a solution.

Best Advice Received: “Just Do It.” Obviously, this is an old NIKE slogan, however, time and again in my life, my mother encouraged me to take chances or do things I may not otherwise have done by utilizing the “Just Do It” catchphrase.

Fire Behind Fred: For me, it all comes down to making Topeka and the surrounding community a place my kids and their friends want to live and raise their families. With good schools and a strong business climate, young people will desire to live in Topeka. It is that goal that drives my involvement in our community.

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Multi-Tasker

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Angela Haggard

Chief Financial Officer of Valeo Behavioral Health Care, Inc. Age: 34

Ardent Justin Glasgow

Favorite Quote: “Everything changes but change itself.” John F. Kennedy Spouse: Robert Haggard, Jr. Children: Twins - Isabelle (4) and Dylan (4) Pets: Sugar (Sharpei)

Vice-President of Performance Tire & Wheel Age: 33

Business & Community Involvement: SHRM and Shawnee Community Health Center Board Member

Favorite Quote: “Lead me, follow me or get out of the way”

Hobbies: Spending time with family, exercising, playing and watching sports, gardening, and anything outside.

Spouse: Tonya Glasgow Children: Paige Glasgow (4) and Lauren Glasgow (1) Pets: Bailey (Chocolate Lab) Business & Community Involvement: North Topeka Business Alliance, Topeka Active 20-30 Club, MidAmerican Tire Dealers Association Hobbies: Spend time with family at the lake and tailgating Role Model: Father – Jerry Glasgow Why: He equals the American dream. Started with very little, worked hard, created success, has a wife and 2 kids… everything a person could want.

Role Model: Gilea Ashley, CEO Valeo, CPA Best Advice Received: We judge ourselves by our intentions, but others judge us by our actions.

Fire Behind Angela: I always knew that I wanted to work with numbers and in the business arena. As early as I can remember I would play with my dad’s office supplies pretending to run a business. I love interpreting numbers into useful information for decision-making. But the best part is doing what I love for an organization that is helping change peoples’ lives and feeling like I’m helping to make a difference.

10 Minutes to Talk to Anyone Who Would It Be: My dad (deceased) What Would You Ask Your Dad? What’s it really like up there?

Best Advice Received: One can always be better, be willing to listen, be critiqued and grow.

Fire Behind Justin: I come from a family of “doers.” So there has always been a small competition to do a little more.

10 Minutes to Talk to Anyone Who Would It Be: Jesus What Would You Ask Him? How’s your father doing?

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Visionary

The officers and staff of CoreFirst Bank & Trust congratulate Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer John Fager for being named one of Greater Topeka’s “20 under 40!”

More than 50 years ago, CoreFirst Bank & Trust was founded on innovation and convenience.

Thank you John for continuing the legacy and inspiring us with your leadership, dedication, creativity and ingenuity.

Find us on

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Desmond Henry Financial Advisor for US Bancorp Investments Age: 24

Unconventional Cyndi Hermocillo-Legg Vice President of Entrepreneurial and Minority Business Development Age: 34 Favorite Quotes: "The secret to happiness is not in doing what one likes to do, but in liking what one has to do…” – Unknown

Favorite Quote: "You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help enough other people get what they want."

- Zig Ziglar Pets: Velvet & Elliott (2 dogs) Business & Community Involvement: Past President of the Topeka Youth Project Board of Directors, Board Member of the Jayhawk Theatre, Volunteer with Topeka Youth Court and Junior Achievement Hobbies: Coaching youth basketball, traveling, watching KU basketball and mowing the lawn

Spouse: John Legg, Jr.

Role Model: Michael Jackson

Children: Taylor (16), Caralee (9) and Hayley Grace (4)

Why: Have you seen those dance moves?

Pets: KC (St. Bernard) and Junior (Daschund)

Best Advice Received: Retain your dignity, regardless of the circumstance. Be praised for your integrity and feared for your courage.

Business & Community Involvement: United Way-GTCC 2010 Coordinator, Youth Entrepreneurs of Kansas Advisory Board for NE KS, IEDC, National SHRM Member, Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce

Fire Behind Desmond: I enjoy waking up every day knowing that I help others succeed and accomplish their goals.

Hobbies & Past Times: Spirit Screamer for Washburn Rural Volleyball, Track and Volleyball Club teams and U-10 Prodigy Soccer club and I love to run (Not Competitively!)

Role Model: My Mother, Doralee Hermocillo Why: My mother was a woman who lived to advance others and didn’t care if there was a reward in it for her. She invested her talents in those individuals who didn’t have for themselves, but could learn how through education and life skills.

Best Advice Received: Always do what is right and ethical, trust your instincts and get it done!

Fire Behind Cyndi: The Shawnee/County business owner or entrepreneur makes me feel the scorching blaze as they are my fire; they make me act with such urgency and diligence.

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Perserverance

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Richard J. Wells

Assistant Vice President of Operations and Technology for Security Benefit Age: 39

Determined Kimberly A. Ribelin

Favorite Quote: “It is a psychological fact that we cherish most what we have worked hardest to gain. The further we have come, the sweeter the celebration at the destination when we arrive.” – Denis Waitley Spouse: Brandi Wells

Special Programs Coordinator for the Kansas Secretary of State Age: 31

Children: Trinity (7), Ainsley (3) and Cooper (1)

Favorite Quote: “I always wondered why somebody didn’t do something about that, then I realized I was somebody.”

– Lily Tomlin

Business & Community Involvement: National TAD Sheltered Accounts Association, National Association of Government Defined Contributions Administrators, American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries

Pets: Pandora (Cat) Business & Community Involvement: Member of the Kansas Organization for Victim Assistance and the National Notary Association Hobbies: I love spending time with my friends and family, reading, playing or coaching volleyball and volunteering on political campaigns.

Role Model: My sister, Janese Boger

Hobbies: I am an avid sailor. We sail a 30’ sailboat and I race competitively with a team at Lake Perry.

Best Advice Received: You should always strive to do the best you can in any activity you undertake, and do not be afraid to fail on occasion. The lessons you learn from failure can often be far superior to those you will learn elsewhere.

Fire Behind Richard: A desire to affect meaningful change both professionally and in my volunteer activites. Within my personal life it is simply to live life to the fullest.

Why? As a survivor of domestic violence and a single parent for more than 10 years, my sister is a shining example of strength and determination. Janese has taught me to always be strong even when the opponent is fierce; to never give up on what I want, no matter the detours; that I can do anything as long as I am willing to work for it; and through it all to keep my family first.

Best Advice Received: The best pieces of advice I have ever received came from my parents in lessons over the years.

They all seem pretty basic but I have learned they mean the most. Look beyond the exterior of a person or issue to see what’s really there. Always live your life as an example for others. Be willing to admit your mistakes, correct what you can and then move on.

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Karl Fundenberger Social Media Director for FryeAllen Age: 24

Inspired Patrick Woods

Director of Governmental Affairs in the Office of Public and Governmental Services for the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services, President of the Topeka Public Schools Board of Education Age: 30

Favorite Quote: “To say that something is designed means it has foresight; otherwise it’s just planning.” -Ayse Birsel Business & Community Involvement: Chords & Oil, Topeka Community Cycle Project, Fast Forward, Heartland Healthy Neighborhoods Hobbies: Enjoys bicycling, painting, home renovation and gardening.

Role Model: Jim Ogle Why? Jim is an outstanding community advocate!

Favorite Quote: “What the wisest parent wants for his or her child that must the community want for all of its children.”

– Dr. John Dewey, American philosopher, psychologist and educator

Best Advice Received: What have you really got to lose? Suck it up and just do it.

Spouse: Anna M. Woods, a former Topeka Public Schools teacher

Fire Behind Karl: If it’s not fun, if it doesn’t help someone, if it doesn’t make the community better, it may not be worth it.

Children: Zen (4); and Itze, pronounced “Eat – Cell,” w/the accent on the 2nd syllable,(3 months)

10 Minutes to Talk to Anyone Who Would It Be: Grant Peterson, designer and innovator of bicycles

Pets: Jade (Shiba Inu) Business & Community Involvement: Board of Directors for the Topeka Community Foundation, Co-Chair of the Education Foundation Team and Steering Committee member for Heartland Visioning, and Board of Education for Topeka Public Schools.

What Would You Ask Grant: How would you describe the perfect bicycle build? Who was your favorite constructer and why?

Hobbies: Spending time with family, traveling, reading and learning languages.

Role Model: My grandfather, Zen Warrior, Sr. Best Advice Received: “Don’t ever think less of other people…

You might need them some day.”

Fire Behind Patrick: I’ve been blessed by the hard work and prayers of my mother, father and many other people. I know that I’ve only had the opportunities that I’ve had because other people invested in me. I want those same opportunities for my children and all children. So, while it may sound cliché, I truly do believe that “a life so blessed as mine deserves to be lived in service to others.” That’s what drives me to invest my time in other young people.

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Urbanist

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Alissa Sheley

Director of Social Media for jones huyett Partners Age: 29

Diligent Corrie Wright

HND Manager for the City of Topeka’s Department of Housing and Neighborhood Development Age: 34 Favorite Quote: “Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it. “- Ward Spouse: Theodore (Teddy) Wright III Children: Theodore Wright IV (26), Theus Wright (24), Kelsee Wright (17) and Myles Wright (7) Pets: Bud (English Pointer), Sasha (English Pointer) and Capone (German Shepherd) Community Involvement: Homeless Task Force, No More Victims Hope for the Homeless Support Group, Community Action, Topeka Rescue Mission, Kansas Legal Services, and many others.

Hobbies: I love to hunt, hence the English Pointers. Nothing is more relaxing than being outdoors with my family.

Role Models: Nancy Johnson and Betsey Bergen Why? Both of these women are very passionate about what they do. I love to be around positive people who get things done and don’t try to go along with the crowd. Both will stand up for what they believe and respect another’s view even if they don’t agree. I believe that is a powerful skill and a delicate line you must address as you progress in your personal or professional field. They have achieved their success by hard work and determination.

Favorite Quote: "Work hard. Play smart. Have fun." - my dad, Don Gillespie Spouse: Brandon Sheley Children: Leo (18 months) Pets: Roxy (Mini Dachshund) Business & Community Involvement: American Advertising Federation-Topeka, American Advertising Federation District 9, Fast Forward, Think Big Topeka, Capital District Project Hobbies: I love to paint and I love to play volleyball. Lately the closest I've come to playing is going to watch my sister coach her team, Seminole State College in Oklahoma.

Role Model: My parents, Don & Vickie Gillespie 10 Minutes to Talk to Anyone Who Would It Be: Mark Zuckerberg, founder of Facebook What Would You Ask Mark? I'd love to have a chance to pick Mark's brain and ask him about his grand vision for Facebook and their Open Graph protocol (enabling everything on the Internet to become social). Where does he see it in five years? How does he expect it to change the landscape of the Internet and the way people use it on a daily basis?

What's next for Mark and Facebook after it becomes a publicly traded company? Everything I've read paints Mark as a very driven, focused person with a big vision. I have no doubt he has a plan and I'd love to get a glimpse at it. Also, I've always had a fond place in my heart for Internet geeks.

10 Minutes to Talk to Anyone Who Would It Be: Okay, this is crazy but Ellen DeGeneres!

What Would You Ask Ellen? How do you stay so positive and have so much energy in all that you do?

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Competitor

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Social Jared Holroyd

Senior Executive Director for Atria Hearthstone Age: 39 Favorite Quote: "Under the bludgeoning of chance, my head is bloodied, but unbowed". - W.E. Henley (from the poem "Invictus") Spouse: Debbie Holroyd Children: Darby Sky Holroyd (10) and Jacek Darnall Holroyd (8) Pets: Stella (Miniature Greyhound/Black Lab mix) Crash (cat), Mittens (Leopard Gecko), and Daniel (Beta) Business & Community Involvement: Vice President of the Kansas Centers for Assisted Living Board, Topeka South Rotary Club and Leadership Greater Topeka Planning Committee Hobbies: I enjoy playing with and chauffeuring my children to/from activities, watching Ichabod sports, playing softball and golf. Not really too much free time though...

Role Models: Parents, Fred & Nedra Holroyd Why? My dad's compassion for people during difficult times has taught me how to help balance business needs with the needs and desires of the clients. His high level of customer service has made him very successful at PenwellGabel and within the Topeka community. My mother is a Registered Nurse and a very, very active lady. Her positive, powerful spirit inspires me to overcome obstacles without complaints. Both of my parents taught me to speak to anyone of any walk of life without prejudices, of which I am most grateful.

Ten Minutes to Talk to Anyone: I would love to extract some wisdom from Benjamin Franklin. I could learn a lot from a man of such great intellect, diplomatic abilities, business sense and drive.

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[scene about town] Topeka Active 20-30 Childrens Benefit Auction and Gala August 21, 2010 Ramada Convention Center

[Barbara & Scott Hughes, Shannon & Matt Bergmann]

[Dustin & Carrie Hawks, Beth & Tony Compton]

[Mike Lesser & Erin Henkel-Lesser, Meredith & Craig Preisner]

[Kevin & Shandy Vollrath, Kathleen Williams & David Heit]

[Braden & Tara Dimick, Jenni & Brian Lang]

[Rick & Sheri Kendall, Amy & Dave Cooper] 46

Winter TK Magazine [Noel &2010 Mary Etzel, Megan & Mike Burgess]

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[scene about town] 2010 Business Expo October 19, 2010 Ramada Convention Center [Mike Seybert, Mary Ann Redeker-Perez & Jay Perez: Better Business Bureau]

[Shannon English : She Knows Marketing, Will Nicklin : Riverside Marketing & Promotions, Rick Crouch : Marketing Concepts & Pete Nicklin : Riverside Marketing & Promotions]

[Brandon Stec: KC Chiefs, Diana Ramirez and Annette Engroff: Express Employment Professionals]

[Ashley M. Charest, Bill Yanek, Brian K. Pitman, Sara Neiswanger : Centric Management and Consulting]

[Mandi Walters, Andrea Engstrom, Tammy Thiessen and Martha Bartlett Piland : MBPiland Advertising and Marketing]

[Bud Reynolds and John Sperling : Lower Heating & Air Conditioning Services]

American Advertising Federation of Topeka AAFT Fall Preview September 9, 2010 TK :Magazine Winter 2010 [Kevin Kennedy and Joshua Haus Century Health Solutions] Kansan Grill

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[scene about town]

American Advertising Federation of Topeka AAFT Fall Preview September 9, 2010 Kansan Grill [Jeff Baker : FryeAllen, Alyce Bishop: Cox Media & Vince Frye : FryeAllen]

[Greg Palmer, Brian Haug, and Lisa Chapman : WIBW-TV]

[Brittany Burt, Jana Gough, Matthew Patton, Courtney Coverdale, Jerad Hefner and Thad Lockard : Envista Credit Union]

[Michelle Stubblefield, Gary Jones, Sherri Wilson and Jake Huyett : jones huyett Partners]

Legislative Candidates Forum Capital Chapter of Credit Unions Washburn University Memorial Union Ballroom September 16, 2010

[Angela Forbes, Jennie Ellis, Cole Carver and Katie Hermesch : Envista Credit Union] 50

[Jennifer Kirmse and Connie Dawson Winter 2010 TK Magazine of Educational Credit Union]

Don’t wonder about which vision plan is right for your company...

Ask your eye doctor!

Eye doctors created Vision Care Direct. We are private practice optometrists who formed a statewide association to deliver affordable, high-quality eye care directly to our community. When your company offers a plan from us, you can be sure that their doctor will give them more than just a simple refractive exam and bare bones materials. Our plans give patients access to high quality eye-health care and allow us to do what we’ve been trained to do...care for our patients.

We offer the most flexible vision plans on the market, including: Comprehensive exams Large network of highly trained eye doctors and labs Multiple plan options Voluntary plans with group rates Pre-tax contributions To learn more, contact:

Michael G. Eichten, CLU, ChFC

Peoples Benefit Group

The vision plan your eye doctor recommends

Phone - 785-271-8097 meichten@peoplesinsurance.com

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IntegrIty + ability Discover why our clients count on Brian and the CPAs at SS&C to deliver in-depth, practical solutions in their typical hands-on style. Our CPAs are progressive, forward thinking, knowledgeable and responsive advisors with a strong commitment to personal service. Let us put our values to work for you to ensure that your client experience exceeds your expectations.

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[scene about town] Community Resources Council’s Awards of Excellence October 25, 20101 Ramada Convention Center [Ralph Krumins & Chris McGee : Krumins McGee Financial Group]

[Ralph Hipp & Melissa Brunner : WIBW-TV]

[Joe Hodgson : YMCA of Topeka & Lisa Martin : K-State Research and Extension}

[Michelle De La Isla : Habitat for Humanity and Anita Wolgast]

[Barry Feaker : Topeka Rescue Mission & Nancy Johnson : Community Resources Council]

[Erin Mohwinkle : Heartland Visioning, Steve Jenkins : GO Topeka & Marsha Sheahan : Great Topeka Chamber of Commerce]

American Advertising Federation of Topeka AAFT Fall Preview [Connie Cook : Marion Lane Candles & September 9, 2010 H.R. Cook : Kansas Expocentre]TK Magazine Winter 2010 Kansan Grill

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[extra, extra!]

Bosco Opens Doors

Downtown bar and eatery Bosco’s reopened. New owners, Kent Bigham and Brock Spain, took over the restaurant from Craig McCullah less than a year after the trendy late-night spot quietly closed its doors.

Bigham is a 20-year veteran of the restaurant industry, having been the original proprietor of Paisano’s Ristoranteas well as Grazie’s in this same location. Spain started working with Bigham about eight years ago as a dishwasher. Now the two are business partners, and Spain is the executive chef at Bosco’s.

McCarthy Honored With Laureate Award

Aileen McCarthy, M.D., FACP, Cotton-O’Neil Clinic, was honored with the 2010 Laureate Award by the American College of Physicians, Kansas Chapter. The award is given to a senior physician and long-standing Fellow or Master of the College, with acknowledged excellence and peer approval in the field of internal medicine.

Topeka Company Partners with Snapfish HOLA Cards, a division of Nos Vemos Greetings has partnered with Snapfish and is now selling greeting cards, photo cards and notebooks on Snapfish.com.

PTMW Moves Into New Location PTMW has moved their corporate office, production, and new fabrication divisions to the new location at 5040 NW Highway 24, the former Payless distribution center, and has begun servicing new and existing cli-

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ents from that manufacturing facility.

The metal fabrication and assembly company plans to increase its workforce by approximately 140 new jobs over the next three years, putting its new home to good use.

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[extra, extra!]

Quinn Elected 2011 TIBA Chair Rise Quinn of Lower Heating, Plumbing and Air Conditioning has been elected 2011 TIBA Chair by the TIBA Board of Directors. The executive committee includes: Bob Evenson, RW Evenson, vice chair; Diana Ramirez, Express Employment Professionals, secretary; and Tim Royer, Fidelity Bank, treasurer.

26th Annual Minority and Women Business Awards Honors Three Topeka Companies

Davis Elected 2011 Chamber Chairman

James Davis, business and sales manager for Custom Neon & Vinyl Graphics, has been elected 2011 Chamber Chairman of the Board by the Chamber’s Board of Directors. His oneyear term will begin in January 2011.

Other Chamber officers for 2011 will be Greg Schwerdt, Schwerdt Design Group, chair-elect, and Coleen Jennison, Cox Communications, treasurer.

Ramada Receives Best of 2010 Award

Ramada Worldwide has named its downtown Topeka facility a recipient of the hotel chain's "Best of 2010" awards.

Four Awarded for Coalition Building

The Community Resources Council’s Awards of Excellence honored WIBWTV, Heartland Visioning, Topeka Police Department Community/City of Topeka Policing Unit and Sally Zellers, Safe Streets for setting the standard of excellence in coalition building in Topeka and Shawnee County.

The Kansas Department of Commerce’s Office of Minority and Women Business Development recognized 12 Kansas companies at its 26th Annual Minority and Women Business Awards Luncheon. Of those 12 companies, three were Topeka-based: Kelly Guerrero, Midland Contractors, Inc.; Allyson Fiander, Daddy Cakes; and Lena Hayden, Nos Vemos Greetings.

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now booking for 2011

golf for T wo!

Mid-week packages include:

weekend packages include:

• One hotel room (double occupancy) – Monday through Thursday

• One hotel room (double occupancy ) – Friday through Sunday

• One round of golf per person – Monday through Friday Spring (Opening Day – May 26) - $149 Summer (May 27 through September 5) - $169 Fall (September 6 through October 31) - $149

• One round of golf per person – Friday through Monday Year-round - $209 All packages include golf cart and are based on availability.

greaT holiday gifT idea!

TO purchaSe a package Or TO bOOk YOur grOup evenT, call 888-pbp-4WIn. Owned by the prairie band potawatomi nation. *get $25 in prairie cash when you join the prairie band players club. new members only. See the players club for details. keeps geTTing hoTTer

Just north of Topeka across from prairie band casino & resort | www.firekeepergolf.com

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The Sign Says,

Kansas Guitar—We Buy Guitars.

O

ne might pass the unassuming block building at 8th and Gage and never imagine the history that has passed through its doors, nor the incredible variety of people.

On the particular afternoon I dropped by Kansas Guitar, owner Rick Roberts was perched behind the counter answering the payphone mounted on the wall. He introduced me to a young man from England who was looking for work as a handyman and had a banjo on layaway. Another young musician was trying out a guitar he hoped to buy in a couple of weeks when he had one more payday under his belt. Doug Ruth, music promoter and proprietor of topekatonight. com, came in to visit. They come in to buy strings. They come in to buy accessories. Mostly, I think, they come to see Rick.

At 11 years old, Rick picked up music, as did many of his generation, when the Beatles landed in America.

He played guitar, a hobby his businessman dad viewed as just that – a hobby. Music was not a viable way to make a living. “Turn it down!” his parents shouted.

In Junior High, Rick, Mike

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Maxwell and Craig Gates teamed up – two guitars and a set of drums.

“No bass,” he added with a laugh. “We played cover stuff from the Beatles, the Monkees. We played the USO club downtown. Mike’s dad would haul us around.” Eventually, he moved to Oklahoma to pursue Christian music.

A constant throughout his musical odyssey has been a love of vintage instruments and his eyes literally dance when he explains why preWorld War II acoustic guitars have the best sound, or talks about electric guitars from the 1950s. For decades, he’s been going to trade shows buying, selling and swapping guitars and other instruments. Except fiddles. He doesn’t do violins because he doesn’t know violins. He only sells what he knows.

In many ways, Rick’s personality reflects his shop—modest and unassuming on the outside, bursting with enthusiasm and talent on the inside. He said that every day someone new will walk into his shop. Right on cue, a representative from FEMA, who lives in East Texas, but was in Topeka on business, walked in. They chatted about guitars (he plays in a praise

alissa sheley

dir. social media

Congratulations, Partner!

We are pleased and proud that jhP’s youngest shareholding partner is recognized for her leadership as a “20 Under 40” honoree.

band at his church).

Music is often considered the domain of the young. But “young” can be more than just physical age. Rick, like many musicians, is still 17 years old in many ways. He still gets excited over a great-sounding instrument or a particular song or melody. Rick has built his life around one philosophy …“A kind word, a servant’s heart, a teachable spirit.”

That’s what fills this unassuming little building on Gage Boulevard.

Every day, Alissa makes a commitment to think and act as positively as possible. Through her pioneering efforts in social media, she has contributed greatly to our community and to our firm.

Alissa’s efforts for initiatives like Think Big Topeka and the Capital District Project are proof that supporting energetic, creative optimism benefits everyone.

Deb Goodrich-Bisel Author and historian, masondixonwildwest.blogspot.com

the power of partnershipTM

jhpadv.com

Photos courtesy of Doug Ruth Deb’s photo by Rachel Lock Photography

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Look Who’s Talking Now

by Lisa Loewen

Have you updated your status on Facebook? Did your last tweet pick up any new followers? Maybe you are too busy yammering with some of your coworkers or creating a new lens in squidoo to update your blog.

If any of that makes sense to you, then you are part of the social media craze.

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S ocial media

is a phrase you hear tossed around by everyone from corporate CEOs to stay-at-home-moms, senior citizens to elementary school kids, so exactly what is it and who uses it?

We all know what social means— interacting with other people. We also know what media is—a vehicle for getting information. So, think of social media as a means of getting information that allows you to interact with others. In essence, social media is about enabling conversation among communities of people who gather online to share information.

How people choose to share that information, however, varies greatly.

The “social media” umbrella covers a broad spectrum of websites that facilitate this interaction.

Types of Social Media Publishing Media - Websites that allow for publishing of articles and information. Examples of publishing media are blogs and wikis.

Content Sharing - Sites that allow you to share content (music, photos, movies or links) with your social network. YouTube is an example of a content sharing site.

Discussion - Services for communication through chatting or video conferencing. Skype and Yahoo Messenger are examples of discussion media.

Social Networks - The most well-known of social media types, social networks are a community of people who interact with text, video, audio and photographs for social and professional reasons. Examples include: Facebook, MySpace, and LinkedIn.

MicroBlogging - Similar to regular blogging except content is shorter. Twitter only allows 140 characters for example.

Social Games – Online games that include your friends in the game play.

Examples include Farmville, World of Warcraft and Club Penguin.

Social Media Users— Personal If you are looking for a simple demographic breakdown of social media users, you will be sadly disappointed.

People from every demographic category imaginable have a presence in the social media marketplace.

Social media giant, Facebook, was created by a college student as a way for fellow college students to stay connected. Naturally, one would assume that Generation Y, the intended target audience, would comprise the largest percent of Facebook users. The latest demographic statistics however, show that 61 percent of Facebook’s users are 35 or older, and the age of the average social networking user is 38.

The Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project reported that social media users 50 and older are now the fastestgrowing demographic among Internet users. More than 42 percent of Internet users ages 50-64 are now using social networking sites. Even the Baby Boomers are connecting and using social networking sites!

Children and grandchildren seem to be the reason for an increasingly “gray” Facebook.

Social media connected grandparents can share information and photographs with those who have moved their communications online.

Social Media Users— Business Social media has spilled out of the “connecting with friends” arena at home and into the workplace. Not only do employees spend time at work checking their Facebook pages and tweeting about their bosses, but many of them also use social media as part of their job description. Increasing the number of “followers,” “fans,” “friends” and “likes” for an organization is as much an indicator of success as traditional sales numbers.

Businesses know that solving customers’ needs is the key to success.

In order to know what they need, you have to listen to them and be where they are. If customers use social media to talk about what they want, you need to be part of that conversation. With social media, you can’t control the conversation, but you can influence it.

TK Survey Asked

Do You Use Social Media?

No 24.7% Yes 76.3% Results based on the responses of 302 participants in the 2010 Winter TK Survey.

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[winning rules]

Remote Control Modern Technology Makes it Possible for Topeka Businesses to Serve the World

At

5 a.m., like many area professionals, James Kies is waking up and getting ready for work.

After the usual shower, teeth-brushing and breakfast, out the door he goes for his daily commute of 1,200 miles to the tiny island of Bermuda. The door

he leaves and the miles he travels, however, are all virtual. His commute is an easy one.

James, among other roles, works as an Agile Scrum Coach and Trainer for a Bermudan software development firm. Roughly 600 miles east of Florida, it is 8 a.m. in Bermuda when it is 6 a.m. in Topeka, and a team of software development engineers, upline managers and support staff eagerly participate in the “Daily Scrum.”

Each morning, James dons his wireless headset and calls in via Skype to remotely guide this team through a process aimed at improving the success rate of their software development projects.

For those who may see “Agile Scrum” and are bewildered by the term, James says it is a much more efficient system of project management than what the vast majority of companies use.

“Current project management methodologies leave everyone in the process stressed out and they are proven not to work,” James says. “The largest percentage of firms and companies will admit wholeheartedly that the current model of gathering and managing requirements, estimations, long term project planning, GANTT charting and leadership just isn’t achieving the results they are after.”

The solution James believes in and coaches is Agile Scrum.

“When you take today’s managers and c-level execs that operate in a high-stress command-and-control project management style and you show them a new life in the Agile Scrum framework you will see cultures change, people become empowered, work results become inspired, and thousands of pounds of stress can melt away from the whole operation,” James says.

James worked with the software engineers in Bermuda in person for several weeks and now stays in contact remotely from Topeka to help them successfully adopt and integrate Agile Scrum into their corporate culture.

“Working remotely has far more up-sides than down,” James

says. “For one, it allows me to instantly zoom into the same room as many of my colleagues, some of whom are colocated while others are remoting in from a home office as I am. In the next instant, I can be back in my office to my loud music or my peaceful silence.

I have found many successful remote relationships with colleagues that may have not worked out had we all been in the same room.”

Many employers may wonder how they can trust their employees to be productive while working remotely from home. James says this issue becomes “baked into the process.”

“Let’s face it, no one is training or trained on ‘working from home’ or ‘managing remote workers.’ There is going to be some uncomfortable moments to work through, but if you have quality people that are motivated to do right by you, and you tool them up and set them up to be successful, I truly think you will find a greater overall return on your investment.”

Kevin Doel is president of Talon Communications Group, a Topeka-based company specializing in public relations, social media and marketing communications.

Kevin’s photo by Rachel Lock Photography

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TK SURVEY SAYS! The Top 5 Keys to Being a Successful Business Person “Understanding change and how to take advantage of change dynamics.”

#5 Plan and Vision

“Be flexible and have big picture thinking.”

“An ability to see beyond the immediate details to a bigger picture that considers the future.”

“Set and reach your goals.”

“Understanding change and how to take advantage of change dynamics.”

#3 Honesty and Integrity

“Be open to new input and knowledge.””

“Learn what you don’t know.”

“Have a good value system as your base.”

“Keep reading.”

“Operate “Be “Treat

your best.”

“Be truthful in all business

deals.”

others with respect.”

“Stay focused.”

each and every individual with respect through good times and bad.”

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“Learn on the job.”

#2 Perseverance and Determination

“Find

“Treat

“Know your market.”

with integrity.”

#1 Relationship Building

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#4 Knowledge

““Never give up.”

good mentors to network with.”

Results based on the responses of 302 participants in the 2010 Winter TK Survey.

More work than people?

Call us first.

When it’s time to hire more employees, Express is your number one resource.

We’d love to solve your productivity challenges. Call us today.

• Accounting and Finance • Customer Service • Information technology

• Administrative • Light Industrial

(785) 267-2773 www.expresspros.com

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[the last word] Board Involvement Who was your mentor?

My scout leader from my Boy Scout Troop #72.

What advice do you have for business professionals?

Get as much education as you can.

Study hard. Be considerate of other people.

What’s your favorite quote?

The Scout Law A scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.

The Scout Oath Photo by Lock Photography

Anderson Chandler Chairman and CEO of Fidelity State Bank & Trust Anderson Chandler moved to Topeka from Sterling, KS in 1958 when the Chandler Family purchased Fidelity State Bank & Trust Company. Anderson took Fidelity Bank from assets of $7 million to now over $100 million.

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On my honor, I will do my best, To do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; To help other people at all times; To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.

What is something that most people do not know about you?

I wanted to be a fighter pilot. I had the permission of my parents when I was 18. During my physical they found that I had a deviated septum and could not be a fighter pilot unless I had an operation to fix the problem.

So I had the operation, but due to other circumstances I became an flight engineer for the Air Force ROTC.

• Kansas Bankers Association* • Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce* • United Way of Topeka* • Downtown Topeka, Inc.* • Kansas Chamber of Commerce • Jayhawk Council Boy Scouts Council Topeka* • North Central Region Boy Scouts of America* • National Board of Directors of Boy Scouts of America • National Boy Scouts of America Properties Committee* • Native Sons & Daughters of Kansas* • Topeka Knife and Fork Club*

*Served as President

Awards • Only Kansan to receive three scout volunteer awards: - Silver Beaver from the local council - Silver Antelope from the regional council - Silver Buffalo from the national council • Distinguished Service Citation from the University of Kansas and KU Alumni Association • God & Service Scouting Award from First Presbyterian Church of Topeka, Kansas • St. George Award from Catholic Arch Bishop of NE Kansas • Topeka Business Hall of Fame • “Patrick Henry” Award from the National Guard Association of the United States • Distinguished Alumni of the University of Kansas School of Business

Local Charities: • Boy Scouts • United Way • YMCA • Topeka Shawnee County Public Library • First Presbyterian Church • Girl Scouts of Kaw Valley Council, Inc.

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daily antics of the H.R. industry Sources: Local HR Professionals

Human Resource professionals have seen just about everything that can happen in the workplace.

Employees call in with off-thewall reasons they can’t come to work; job applicants put things on resumes that make you raise your eyebrows; and people get fired for doing the strangest things. TK asked HR professionals to share some of their favorites with you.

References in ‘High’ Places It is not uncommon for applicants to have gaps in work history, so when a recent interview turned toward the subject I expected one of the usual responses: “Stay at home parent,” “In between jobs,” or “Medical leave.” Several companies have been experiencing layoffs as of late so hiatus was not unfamiliar. However, when asked about the gap in his job history, the applicant proudly boasted his knowledge of sales through his time as a drug dealer.

Tip: If your business clients are felons, you should not use them as references.

“SMALL” BUSINESS Job hunting is supposed to be serious business. When sitting in a waiting room full of fellow job applicants, the last thing you expect to deal with are children. While a handful of children are well behaved and sit quietly in the waiting area for their respective parent, most tend to indulge their curiosity and begin to explore. They might be adorable and irresistibly cute, but beware of some of those angels, because they are business people too—who will happily put a dent in your pocket book. I have to admit, pretending to apply for a job as you send your cute little nugget around to sell candy bars is pretty clever, but it is definitely not appropriate.

Tip: Leave your kids at home.

Clothing Check I recently had to terminate an employee for wearing a t-shirt to work that said “B*%@#” across the front.

Tip: If your mother wouldn’t approve, it’s probably not appropriate for the workplace.

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Quirky Resume Quotes Objective: To conquer Topeka…then the world!

Community Service: Twelve gallon blood donor.

Skills: I am familiar with all aspects of the production of donuts.

Past Job Duties: Assisted teacher with the following duties – classroom work, eating and bathroom problems.

Past Job Duties: Supervising sex employees while monitoring performance.

Description of Perfect Job: I want to be #1 on the CEO’s speed dial.

Skills: Excellent memory; strong math aptitude; excellent memory; effective management skills; and very good at math.

Accomplishments: Completed 11 years of high school.

Reason for Leaving Last Job: Pushed aside so the vice president’s girlfriend could steal my job.

Reason for Leaving Last Job: maturity leave Education: College, August 1880May 1984

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More than meets the eye Topeka’s Highest Rated Hospital

It’s what’s inside that counts St. Francis Health Center ranks among hospitals in the top 5 percent nationally in clinical excellence for 2009 and 2010, according to HealthGrades, a national health care ratings organization.

Innovative Care with a Soul™

The clinical excellence rating looks at mortality and complication rates among Medicare patients across 26 procedures and diagnoses, from heart attacks to total knee replacements. According to HealthGrades, St. Francis Health Center patients who have procedures done at St. Francis are 27 percent less likely to die and 8 percent less likely to incur a major complication.

Also in 2010, HealthGrades awarded St. Francis its Women’s Health Excellence Award. Only 165 hospitals out of 5,000 met the criteria.

It also earned the HealthGrades 2010 Emergency Medicine Excellence Award™, placing it in the top 5 percent in the nation for emergency medicine services.

1700 S.W. 7th Street | Topeka, KS | 785-295-8000 | www.stfrancistopeka.org

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MISSION STATEMENT | We will, in the spirit of the Sisters of Charity, reveal God’s healing love by improving the health TK Magazine of the individuals and communities we serve, especially those who are poor or vulnerable.