Think MHK Podcast

Our guest for episode twenty-five is Bryce Buchanan, Program Managing Engineer at Ultra Electronics in Manhattan. Bryce discusses the company's significant role in the local economy and its global impact. Ultra Electronics designs, manufactures, and repairs electronic and mechanical control systems for aerospace and defense, employing around 70 people in Manhattan. The company, originally founded...

In this episode of the Think MHK Podcast, Josh Brewer, a 2025 20 Under 40 winner and Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of the Northern Flint Hills, discusses his journey to Manhattan, Kansas, and his role at Habitat. Brewer, originally from Arkansas, moved to Manhattan in 2017 after his wife got a job at K-State. He joined Habitat in 2020, leveraging the challenges of COVID-19 to revamp t...

Our guest for episode nineteen is Madison Williams, a 20 under 40 winner, shared her journey from Marysville, Kansas, to Manhattan, where she works in treasury management at K-State Bank. She discussed her involvement in the HYPE group, which has helped her grow as a leader and build a network. Madison highlighted the small-town feel of Manhattan, its supportive community, and the outdoor opportun...

Our guest for episode twenty-two is Lauren Farwell, a 20 under 40 recipient, discusses her journey from being a kindergarten teacher to a real estate agent and property manager. Born and raised in Manhattan, she studied at KU and K-State, earning a degree in elementary education. Lauren transitioned to real estate for flexibility, allowing her to spend more time with her three children. She is inv...

In this episode of the Think MHK Podcast, 20 Under 40 honoree Eric Holderness, Vice President of Development at Kansas State University Foundation, discusses his journey from Montezuma, Kansas, to Manhattan, where he attended Kansas State University. Eric highlights the importance of relationships in fundraising and the challenges of attracting first-generation students from western Kansas. He sha...

In episode twenty, we are joined by Tyler Jackson, a 20 under 40 winner from 2025, shared his journey from Dodge City to Manhattan, Kansas. He discussed his career path, including working at Sherwin-Williams, Peerless Tires, and B104.7 radio. Tyler launched Manhattan City Lifestyle magazine in January 2022, focusing on connecting readers to local stories and businesses. He highlighted his success...

Our guest for episode nineteen is Peter Oppelt, a 20 under 40 winner and city commissioner, discusses his journey from Fort Riley to Manhattan, where he pursued an economics degree at K-State. He works in data and analytics for Travelers Insurance. Peter's wife, a successful pie business owner, inspired him to stay in Manhattan. He emphasizes the importance of community involvement, citing his rol...

In this episode of the Think MHK Podcast, 20 Under 40 honoree Courtney Ellis shares her journey from growing up in Kansas City to building a fulfilling life and career as a CPA at Sink Gordon and Accountants & Advisors in Manhattan, Kansas. Courtney discusses her unexpected return to the community, the firm’s recent office relocation, and the benefits of Manhattan’s size, diversity, and tight-...

On this episode, Jason has a conversation Veronica Sims, 20 Under 40 honoree and a CPA and principal at Varney and Associates, discusses her career journey from Kansas City back to Manhattan. She highlights her involvement in the community, including her role in young professionals groups and the young trustees program. Veronica shares her experiences of working for a big four accounting firm and...

On this episode, Jason sits down with Samantha Ellison, a 20 Under 40 recipient and member engagement manager at the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce. Ellison discusses her career journey from Derby, KS, to Kansas State University and the hotel industry, and eventual transition to the Chamber. Samantha highlights her involvement in community activities, including coaching soccer, volunteering wi...

Our guest for episode fifteen is Brad Ross, an architectural engineer and a 20 Under 40 recipient. Ross discusses his background and career as a mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineer at Orazem & Scalora Engineering. Ross moved to Manhattan in 1994 and attended Wamego High School, and later graduated from Kansas State University in 2008 with a degree in architectural engineering. Brad e...

On this episode, Jason is joined by Heather Peterson, a 20 Under 40 recipient, architect, and active chamber member. Peterson shares her journey from Omaha to Manhattan, where she attended K-State and began her career at Anderson Knight Architects. She discusses her notable projects, like the No Stone Unturned building and the Ahearn Natatorium demolition. Heather emphasizes her commitment to comm...

For episode thirteen, Jason sits down with Rob Wild, a 20 Under 40 recipient. Wild shares his journey from Essex, England, to Manhattan, Kansas. After meeting his wife, Sarah, in Pennsylvania while working at a summer camp, Rob transitioned from working at a nonprofit in Hays, KS to owning an American Family Insurance Agency in Manhattan. He highlights the cultural differences between England and...

In episode twelve, we are joined by Craig Lauppe, a 20 Under 40 recipient and entrepreneur. Lauppe discusses his journey in Manhattan, Kansas. Craig grew up in a family business and started his own real estate property management company at 21. His businesses include Iron Gate Collective, Cobalt Real Estate Management, Titanium Painting and Construction, Copper Hill Cleaning, and Gray Lane Homes....

On this episode of the ThinkMHK Podcast, Jason Smith welcomes Kale Terrill, highlighting his recent recognition as a 20 Under 40 honoree and his role as chair of the Hype young professionals group. Terrill shares his background, growing up in Smith Center, Kansas, and his journey to Manhattan, where he now works as a trust officer and wealth advisor at the Trust Company. He discusses the growth of...

On episode ten of the ThinkMHK podcast, Paige Harmon, a 20 under 40 winner, discusses her journey from K-State to her current role at Fort Riley's Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) division. She highlights her environmental education program for children, which earned her recognition from the Secretary of the Army. Paige emphasizes the importance of community connections and outdoor activities...

Our guest this episode is Kendahl Goetzmann, a 20 under 40 winner and customer relations consultant at WTC Fiber. Kendahl discusses her journey to Manhattan and why she and her husband decided to stay. Kendahl highlights her role at WTC Fiber, focusing on Manhattan businesses and the company's fiber internet project. She emphasizes the importance of local service and reliable connectivity. Kendahl...

On this episode, Jason is joined on the podcast by Kylie Shipley, a 2025 20 under 40 award recipient. Kylie, a Manhattan native, returned from Texas during COVID-19 to work at Kansas Farm Bureau as Assistant Director of Member Services. She discusses her dual degree from Kansas State and Manhattan Christian College, her marketing roles at BNSF Railway, and her current role advocating for agricultu...

In episode five, Jason Smith welcomes Andy Ellis to the Think0MHK podcast, highlighting his recent recognition as one of the 20 under 40. Andy shares his K-State experience, his return to Manhattan to work at Arthur Green, a law firm founded by his grandfather, and their 75th anniversary. Andy discusses the 20 under 40 award, shared with his wife, and the benefits of living in Manhattan, including...

On this episode, Jason has a conversation with Stacy Kohlmeier, the chair of the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce. Stacy discusses her journey from Fort Hays State University to her current role at Florence Corporation, a manufacturer of mail and package equipment. She highlights the chamber's growth strategy, emphasizing the importance of community development for a stable tax base and quality...

In episode five, Jason sits down with Aaron Schroeder, president of Canopy. Schroeder discusses his journey from Wichita to Manhattan, where he met his wife and settled for its ideal blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities. He worked for 14-15 years at K-State, developing a data management system for the university's extension program and SNAP-Ed. This system, called PEARS, gained tractio...

In season five’s fourth episode, we are joined by Jan Miller, owner of Steve's Floral in Manhattan. Jan shares her journey from a farm in Frankfort, Kansas, to a 20-year career at McCall Pattern Company. She took over Steve's Floral after her brother Steve's passing, maintaining its standards and expanding the business. Steve's Floral, now in its 39th year, has thrived by being independent and off...

In Episode three, Jason and Daryn sit down with Aaron McKee, founder of Purple Wave. Aaron discusses his journey from Spearville, KS to Manhattan, where he started various businesses, including Purple Wave Auction. Initially, operated out of a building in Manhattan, selling surplus goods and liquidated assets. Over the years, Purple Wave expanded to multiple locations and now has over 400 employee...

In this episode, Jason is joined by Jeff Wick, CEO of 2024 Business of the Year award, WTC Fiber. Jeff discusses his background, including his time in Hays, KS, with NextTech and his role in revitalizing downtown through a community-funded brewery. Wick shares WTC’s history, from its establishment in 1912, to expanding its network to 750 square miles of fiber, covering rural areas and small towns....

The Think MHK Podcast is back with season five! We open up our season by sitting down Dr. Richard Linton, the 15th president of Kansas State University. President Linton discusses his career path, including his roles at Virginia Tech, Purdue University, Ohio State University, and North Carolina State University. He highlights his family's involvement at K-State, the university's strategic Next Gen...