Wichita Chamber Business Accelerator

Being a dentist that intentionally considers their practice a business is rare.  Dr. Ashley Humlicek talks with Don and Ebony about her unique perspective as a healthcare provider that focuses on her practice as an entrepreneurial opportunity.  On this episode we discuss: Getting started purchasing a practice from a retiring dentist with consistent values Creating a different dental experience Lea...

In this epic 2 part conversation with Jeff Turner, TNW founder and former Spirit Aerosystems President and CEO, we cover a broad range of thoughts on leadership.  Jeff shares with Don and Ebony the lessons he’s learned and how he has grown over the years.  From that he shares his philosophy and principles on leadership in our community. On this episode we discuss: Are there enough resources for sm...

In this epic 2 part conversation with Jeff Turner, TNW founder and former Spirit Aerosystems President and CEO, we cover a broad range of thoughts on leadership.  Jeff shares with Don and Ebony the lessons he’s learned and how he has grown over the years.  From that he shares his philosophy and principles on leadership in our community. On this episode we discuss: Being a grandfather How TNW was s...

After years of growing in high-level leadership roles developing some of the largest brands in the world, Anita Greenwood felt like she was missing out.  She tells Don and Ebony how she found something different in Wichita that gave her the freedom and lifestyle she wanted. On this episode we discuss: 00:04:00   Professional Coaching and Mentoring 00:06:00   A real-life “Emily in Paris” 00:07:00  ...

While never intending to start a business, Mark Daniels and his wife, Grace, saw a void in the marketplace because of one company who never wanted to come to Wichita.  So they decided to fill that niche and have been growing ever since. On this episode we discuss: 00:04:00   Grace and I Discovered Our Cheesecake Business at a Bridal Show 00:06:00   Journey to expansion, the slow approach to growth...

Starting at the bottom as a dishwasher, Darren McGilbray had ambitions to grow his career in the restaurant business.  While others didn’t see a viable career path, Darren shares with Don and Ebony how he saw an opportunity for a bright future. On this episode we discuss: Beginning as a dishwasher Desiring to join the ivory tower Tennis opportunities and success Family ties to USD 259 Seeing oppor...

The Leadership Wichita program has been a staple in the community for 40 years, but over the time it’s objectives have changed.  Kim Doze-Lohmann and Joseph Shepard share with Don and Ebony how the mission has shifted from the C-Suite to helping the community have leaders of all levels engaged in tackling big challenges we share. On this episode we discuss: 00:03:00   Exploring Leadership Wichita...

With over 40 years in the real estate industry, Cindy has been growing her business.  But what you might not know is she has had a passion for growing flowers in downtown Wichita.  Find out with Don and Ebony what adventures this has brought. On this episode we discuss: Whose friend is Cindy? One summer to figure it out while working for her dad Creating from the ground up Focusing on a more colla...

Sometimes we lose touch of dreams as we grow up.  But for Darrin Teeter, he sees his company at Fiber Dynamics as an opportunity to let his team pursue their own passions.  He shares his vision with Don and Ebony. On this episode we discuss: The uses of carbon fiber Diving into the nerd stuff Launching with a new baby and $13,000 in the bank Hardwired to be an entrepreneur Helping employees to dre...

Through her long career in the Air Force, Cathy McClain has seen a lot of exciting things.  But what she has found is an intense appreciation and love for the people she has been around.  Now retired from her military career, she shares with Don and Ebony how she serves people by helping them become the most effective leaders they can be. On this episode we discuss: Developing leadership strengths...

When Cody Beard and his wife started on their journey to find a franchise business they could run together, they focused on their own lifestyle desires.  Cody shares with Don and Ebony how that led them to Prime IV. On this episode we discuss: Having ambition to start a business together The franchise courtship dance Knowing what you want out of your life The Prime IV business model Helping you ac...

Ben Arnold started his catering business with only $30lk in the bank and his Dodge Intrepid and a couple of ice chests.  He shares with Don and Ebony how his energy, hustle and creativity led him to find a steady stream of customers. On this episode we discuss: Starting as a dishwasher (at 11 years old) When he decided to start moving and start his own business What’s in a business name Being crea...

When Stan Shelden growing up he loved all the art and technology.  So naturally, he married those two into a career in architecture, brining the experience he gained in Chicago back to his hometown with Shelden Architecture.  On this episode we discuss: Loving a diverse range of things and staying a generalist Being inspired by the passion of students The influence of entrepreneurial grandfathers...

Sam Foreman is on a mission to change the way legal firms operate with his own business law firm.  He shares his views on caring about mental health and balance in the workplace with Don and Ebony (and a few dad jokes as well). On this episode we discuss: Sam’s alternative energy idea for Evergy Buying and selling businesses The startup above a sushi restaurant The historic toxic schedules of lega...

Do you know what a bramble is?  Don and Ebony didn’t, but Katherine Elder walks through how the family farm has continued to grow into a larger and larger culinary experience, culminating in the opening of 1400 by Elderslie. On this episode we discuss: Opening in the Wichita Art Museum What’s the deal with the goats? When Katherine hit pause Growing up with a culinary knack Being dedicated to sour...

When your view on leadership is that it’s not a position, but an action, then no one is exempt from being able to become a leader.  Julia Fabris McBride from the Kansas Leadership Center joins Don and Ebony to talk about the steps anyone can take to lead. On this episode we discuss: What the Kansas Leaderhship Center is Partnerships around the globe Getting to the why of leadership Why everyone ne...

When Kianga Kelley-Crowley was tempted to criticize others, she heard the call to help instead.  Now she shares with Don and Ebony how she has been blessed by the way the Wichita community has embraced her Simply a Lady journey. On this episode we discuss: Seeing a need to develop our connection with others The importance of nonverbal cues How negative thoughts turned into a calling Developing pro...

Despite what you may have heard, print isn’t actually dead.  Ashley Martin shares with Don and Ebony how the family business Valley Print Logistics has grown over the last few years and serves as a major component of any marketing campaign.  On this episode we discuss: What motivated her dad and grandfather to start the business The school that both Don and Ashley went to Campaigns and mailers Add...

When Audra Dinell was reflecting on what she would do if she were her most audacious self, she was inspired by another leadership experience to come back home and start The Thread: A Women’s Leadership Collective.  She shares with Don and Ebony the journey that has taken her on and the confidence others have poured into her.  On this episode we discuss: Moving away from home Being inspired by a se...

As we wrap up Black History Month we are joined by the legendary Regina Miller.  She shares her vision for early childhood education with Don and Ebony and how she pours her effort into community with the Trailblazers Academy.  On this episode we discuss: Decades of work in child care and early childhood education Carrying the legacy of her late daughter, Helen The value of staff that cares Why ea...

Government advocacy can make a huge difference for businesses, but often times that’s reserved for large companies with significant resources.  Gabe Schlickau and James Krstolich share with Don and Ebony how the Wichita Chamber has provided that advocacy for smaller businesses in our region.  On this episode we discuss: What government advocacy is Creating a healthy business environment The annual...

Has a love story ever led to the launching of a business success story? Hear the unusual connection Jacob Wayman and his wife made at OrangeTheory fitness.  He shares his unique journey to entrepreneurship with Don and Ebony.  On this episode we discuss: Getting started in the entrepreneurial community Being a community builder with E2E (now NXTUS) and 1 Million Cups What makes Orange Theory diffe...

It took some time, but Bonita Gooch’s father eventually convinced her she needed to buy The Community Voice and bring African American perspective to the news in our community.  She shares with Don and Ebony the key mentors who helped her grow this valuable business and resource.  On this episode we discuss: The reach of The Community Voice Getting more involved with western Kansas (and bringing o...

When Brandon Converse left his engineering career to join his brother at the Converse Team, he was motivated by the desire to help others secure their financial future.  Don and Ebony dive in with him on how they help make that possible for companies and individuals.  On this episode we discuss: The ways The Converse Team can serve others How Brandon found his way from being an engineer to the fin...

Mark and Summer Guerrero are all about supporting and empowering others with Affinity Automotive.  But they share with Don and Ebony how this empowerment first started with each other an after hours garage in their home.  On this episode we discuss: Giving others a solution with car repairs Mark starting out working with his dad and grandpa when he was 13 Seeing themselves in their apprentices The...