Wichita Chamber Business Accelerator

When Gabe Juhnke and Rik Dubiel left KPTS to start their own video production company, Method, they wanted to stand out.  They share with Don and Ebony how they help businesses who don’t have Hollywood budgets.   On this episode we discuss: The trial by fire at KPTS How art and passion fit into entrepreneurship Finding an underserved market Why launching a business in Wichita is great The necessit...

When Cyle Barnwell went to help the previous owner of Keystone Solid Surfaces sell his business he had no idea he would eventually buy the business with his best friend.  He shares his story with Don and Ebony on transitioning from accountant to entrepreneur.   On this episode we discuss: The role of good mentors Moving the business from Benton to 16th and Wabash Involvement in the community The i...

Tim Young came in as a consultant but stayed on as a CEO with Heartland Dermatology.  He shares his story with Don and Ebony on transforming the business and serving the community.   On this episode we discuss: 90 days to set the course for the future Seeing an opportunity in an underserved area The growth of the aesthetics industry since COVID Helping others see how they contribute to the success...

A desire to be an entrepreneur took this air traffic controller into the world of bartending.  Hear how Pat Pelkowski moved from side gig work to creating a thriving business with a unique position in the market.   On this episode we discuss: An Air Force and Air Traffic Controller background brought Pat to Wichita Getting a degree in entrepreneurship and looking for that opportunity Bartending as...

Tasha Parker loves community psychology so much that she thinks everyone should get involved.  She shares with Don and Ebony the pivot she made in December to create the Institute of Development.   On this episode we discuss: Making changes and creating a new business Finding something where you can see the efficiency build Helping non-profits maximize their impact Getting introductions through th...

Cold starts in the medical field are intimidating and challenging.  Dr. Greyson Barger did just that with Opticology Eyecare, and he shares with Don and Ebony how he went from doing everything himself to recently moving into a new building to handle the growth.   On this episode we discuss: Moving into a new building The path to becoming an optometrist Delegating and micro-managing Starting a busi...

What do you do when you don’t think someone else will hire you out of college?  You start our own business and grow from there.  Dave Wells shares with Don and Ebony the journey he went on with Key Construction.   On this episode we discuss: Deciding to start his own business with his brother Making mistakes and looking for solutions Getting kicked out of college but persisting Never quitting Fail...

What are you willing to give your 100% to?  Renaire Palmer found this out on his journey to becoming a small business owner with Fundamental Fitness and he shares some excellent fitness tips with Don and Ebony.   On this episode we discuss: Getting kicked out to start his business in a basement The connections and getting started The role of diet in fitness Portion is in the palm of your hand Help...

For four generations, Johnson’s Garden Center has been bringing beauty to Wichita through horticulture.  Hear from Marty and Jeremy Johnson as they share their past and exciting future with Don and Ebony.   On this episode we discuss: Starting over 90 years ago Loving spending time in the dirt The impact that the garden center brings to the community The value of supporting local Big announcement...

We spend much of our daily time in the workplace.  Often, that is where it’s easiest to see that our friends and colleagues need support and help.  Empac CEO Stacey Winter shares with Don and Ebony how her EAP brings that help directly to businesses.   On this episode we discuss: Loving your life and loving your work How an Employee Assistance Program works The origin of EAPs in Wichita Pivoting s...

No one was hit harder during the pandemic than music venues, but when faced with this challenge Jessie and Adam Hartke persevered and found new opportunities that have positioned them for success now.  They show Don and Ebony how the music community in Wichita is primed for growth.   On this episode we discuss: How their personal and business relationships are very intertwined First surviving, the...

From humble beginnings getting paid in cinnamon rolls, Stu Lungwitz has always been growing as an entrepreneur.  Listen as he gives Don and Ebony a behind-the-scenes look at how The Print Source has had to adapt and innovate over the years.  On this episode we discuss: A family history of entrepreneurs Getting paid in cinnamon rolls A business legacy that dates back to 1947 Moving beyond bumper st...

Sometimes you just have to take your passion and run with it.  Hear from Scott Huynh as he talks with Don and Ebony about how his passion to create led him away from the path he always thought he would follow.  On this episode we discuss: Starting down the path to a medical degree A chance opportunity in a photography class Listening to others about what you are good at Selling drawings for Hot Ch...

After a career in the aerospace industry, Michael Gomm and his wife, Valerie, were looking for something different.  They share with Don and Ebony how they spotted a great opportunity to start a Glass Guru franchise in the Wichita area.  On this episode we discuss: Beginning in aerospace and coming to Wichita Changing priorities and goals Revenue is secondary to a great customer experience The dif...

Mental health and wellness continues to come more infocus for businesses, leaders and their employees.  Dr. Larry Mitnaul of the Ascension Medical Group talks with Don and Ebony about what this looks like and practical ways to engage mental health and wellness in our homes and workplaces.  On this episode we discuss: Having a passion to help kids and families with mental health Always being availa...

Bondfire Strategy is closing in on its first anniversary in business, but Jordan Walker is already making an impact in the local marketing scene.  She shares with Don and Ebony how she builds relationships with her clients to deliver them great results.  On this episode we discuss: Taking the clutter out of marketing Having a focus on people and relationships to build connections Not being afraid...

Sometimes all it takes is a screwdriver and the will to figure it out.  Hear how Andre Anderson Jr applied this philosophy to his unique mobile automotive service business.  On this episode we discuss: Starting with the screwdriver and a fuel pump challenge Bringing convenience to others Watching his grandfather save his flooded car Butler’s automotive education The challenge of explaining his ser...

Starting out with a background in art, Robin Lies found her way into the jewelry business with Burnell’s Fine Jewelry.  Learn how customer experience is at the forefront of creating a lasting legacy through business.  On this episode we discuss: From art teacher to the jewelry business Having someone dedicated to social media marketing Switching from traditional to digital media Recreating jewelry...

Ever wonder what it was like to do branding and marketing for a professional sports team?  Bob Moulette shares with Don and Ebony what it has been like to build the MLB affiliated Wind Surge from the ground up.  On this episode we discuss: Building something special from scratch Marketing in professional sports Creating the brand identity of the Wind Surge Culture of the Wind Surge Being Wichita’s...

After decades in business, nothing scares Anita Oberwortmann.  She shares her entrepreneurial origin story with Don and Ebony, revealing the key business lessons she has learned along the way.  On this episode we discuss: From scrubbing toilets to maintaining Koch Industries Organic growth of a business From small cars to 28 ft. freight trucks Why not all business is good business The Chamber is t...

After taking care of his their own grandparents, it became clear to Robert Stark’s family that there was a clear need in Wichita to provide higher quality care for the elderly struggling with dementia.  He is joined by Robert Miller as they share their journey with Don and Ebony to bring more compassionate care to Wichita.  On this episode we discuss: How it all began Being a healthcare hero with...

For many years, it didn’t even dawn on Robert Moody that he could become a lawyer, but at the age of 35 he went back to school and now finds himself as a partner at Martin Pringle.  He talks with Don and Ebony about his Leadership Wichita experience and how he is pulling others up to give them hope through our justice system.  On this episode we discuss: Moving from Montgomery, Alabama to Kansas A...

It took a lot of phone calls, but the determination of Troy Brooks to be great eventually broke through as he created Greatness Vodka.  He shares with Don and Ebony how he was inspired to create his own liquor brand in Wichita.  On this episode we discuss: How liquor is recession-proof Standing up instead of laying down Calling (and being hung up on) anyone he could find Showing up when no one els...

When sisters Deborah Gladney and Angela Muhwezi-Hall saw a need for the workers and employers in the service industry, they didn’t let their lack of tech knowledge hold them back from starting QuickHire.  They share with hosts Don and Ebony how their tenacity led them to create a tech startup that is on the rise. On this episode we discuss: Starting a tech company with no tech background How the p...

Julie Breault has always been focused on helping furry friends, but now with The Hairy Sofa she has created a business that gives dogs the VIP treatment.  She shares with Don and Ebony how she has dealt with growth and struggles since opening in 2013.  On this episode we discuss: Always wanting to work with animals, first as a vet tech Creating a one-stop-shop to support dogs Poaching a fantastic...