Community Voices

His path has not been a typical one. As a teen he’s had a goal to own and operate his own business. Well, actually not one business, but several. He’s been a day trader. He’s worked in software development. He’s worked as a business consultant. He hauls junk. He is one of many entrepreneurs in the Lee’s Summit community. This is Seth Kakuske.

They both started as band musicians. Neither planned to become teachers. They are a generation apart and first came together as teacher and student. Both spent a career conducting orchestras in the Lee’s Summit R-7 School District and the Kansas City Youth Symphony. This year, as the Lee’s Summit Symphony opens its 16th season, the two are united yet again — this time as co-conductors. This is Russ Berlin and Kirt Mosier.

Before moving to the world of Chambers of Commerce, he spent 20 years in higher education. The marketing and economic development work on behalf of a university helped prepare him for his second career as an advocate and resource-builder for the business community. And as of August of this year, he is the new President of the Lee’s Summit Chamber. This is Dr. Blake Fry.

He's a painter, singer, producer, engineer and songwriter. He's president of a Kansas City-based indie record label — Russian Winter Records. And he's probably a familiar face for those frequenting downtown Lee's Summit's Farmers Market and Fourth Friday Art Walk events. This is Ric Gordon.

He's been a self-proclaimed audio/video nerd since his teenage years. He's a local videographer, filmmaker and documentarian. Whether working working for a client or chasing down a pet project of his own, its a passion for storytelling that drives him toward success. He is the owner of BrainRoot Light & Sound. This is Chris Cook.

She was a business teacher, a grant writer, a district administrator and a principal. She spent more than 30 years inside the Lee's Summit R-7 School District before retiring after the 2017-2018 school year. Her retirement did not last long. Today, she is the new executive director of the Lee's Summit-based Pro Deo Youth Center. This is Elaine Metcalf.

He was a star basketball player at Lee's Summit High School. He went on to become a teacher, and then an administrator in his home school district. His story, however is not as stereotypical as one might think. In fact, he says, we need to discard that stereotype altogether. Now, he uses his story to better connect with students and create new and improved paths to graduation and success. This is Andy Campbell.

He is an entrepreneur. He is a mentor and president of growing local bank. His plan for success combines a passion for community with an analytical approach to business. For him, strategy sessions and financial planning go hand-in-hand with relationship building. And when it comes to getting involved in the community, he offers this advice — Do it with purpose and passion so the organization will truly benefit from your involvement. This is Rick Viar.

About a decade ago they exploded onto the national BBQ stage. The invention of the now infamous Bacon Explosion put Burnt Finger BBQ into an industry, media and internet spotlight. Since then, the Lee's Summit couple has lived life in the fast lane of BBQ competitions and media appearances across the nation. Last week, downtown Lee's Summit-based restaurant and bar, Stuey McBrew's hosted a special watch party for the premier of the couple's segment on Food Network's 'The Kitchen.' This is Megan and Jason Day.

She discovered art in her youth. As an adult, she found the passion and path for applying art to both her personal and professional life. For her, helping others find joy and purpose in the creative process has not only led her to personal gratification, but also to professional success as an entrepreneur. This is Jaime Lyon.