ICTPODCAST

Actions speak louder than words. Shelly Prichard has spent her career taking action. And along the way she has made a major impact on people and our community. On display is a unique ability to lead with humility and strength. The Wichita Community Foundation has made incredible, generational impact on this community. Shelly is at the heart of it. I am so grateful to know her and I want more people to have the opportunity to grow by being within her sphere of influence.

The Kansas Humane Society is crucial to our community and our community is better because KHS does a phenomenal job. And it takes a leader with the intelligence, heart, compassion and diligence to understand how to keep this living ecosystem thriving. Emily Hurst is the new CEO and she takes the lead with these capabilities. Her personal story is enough to make you get off your tush and take action. Her attention to detail and work ethic are why the Kansas Humane Society will continue to improve animals' lives and all lives in our community.

Successful Tech Entrepreneurs Curt Gridley and Tracy Hoover created Groover and the accelerator is pressed firmly to the floor in the start-up tech/entrepreneurial space in Wichita, USA. We want to compete as a community for the best and brightest people— Groover Labs is the conduit for collaboration and connections. Tracy & Curt's vision went through the proverbial pause as the world wrangled with a pandemic. And like all successful entrepreneurs, they sought every solution to keep their vision alive— it is stronger and more focussed than ever. Come experience the ever expanding knowledge base that is Groover Labs.

I like Breweries because they offer a case study in entrepreneurism-- it is a lot of work to deliver that delicious pint. Jeremy Horn and his co-founder Greg Gifford chose to take action on their idea and allow their unique abilities to lead the way as they created every aspect of a start-up. Create the brand, focus on the mission, build the team and then take it to market-- this is an entrepreneurial success story. Wichita Brewing has several award winning beers and they have expanded organically as well as by purchasing recipes from other breweries that did not make it. They focussed on culture and creativity and just kept doing it. Jeremy and how Brewer, Cody Sherwood joined us for fantastic discussion along with a beer session with some of my favorite people with whom I enjoy sharing a pint. Pouring some fun to start this New Year-- this is Wichita Brewing Company.

Seth Etter leads in the technology space with class. His time and talents are making our community better and it is his intentional collaborative efforts that make him shine. Take the example of DevICT— a community is better when cutting edge resources are involved in an economy so a group of Tech Developers (including Seth) created DevICT.org with a mission of "be better at what we do." If Wichita, USA was lagging in technology opportunities for people, the community would be behind. But Wichita does have significant opportunities in technology. I thank Seth for his leadership and applied intellect.

Great leadership empowers others to use their unique abilities. Building that team is a painstaking process. Brad Elliott began his start-up with 19 people and the intention to grow a bank that is a true partner with it's customer. Brad will be the first to tell you that success is about getting the right people. With one 700 employees today, Equity Bank has grown into one of the most prolific lending institutions always looking to be the best partner for the customer. We are grateful to talk with Brad again on the ictpodcast.

Tech Entrepreneurs and Software Developers are uniquely equipped to collaborate with literally ANY business and that makes them excellent for conversations. Caffeine Interactive Technologies has collaborated with a lot of companies. They build app, web and mobile solutions so companies can communicate what they do better. Dustin DeVries founded the company with his wife Sharon and together have grown significantly to offer solutions to companies ranging from electrical grid transmission to Breweries. I am grateful to share the energy Caffeine Interactive Technologies brings to business.

Harvester Arts is the conduit between artists and the tapestry that is Wichita. They are literally enhancing the ability of all artists to share their voice (artistic talents) and we are the cultural beneficiaries. Building the creative capacity for all artists in Greater Wichita is their mission. Kate Van Steenhuyse and Kristin Beal are a dynamic team and together they create opportunity for Artists and a deep culture for our community as they cultivate creativity to enrich our lives.

We have the opportunity to talk with remarkable people because of the ictpodcast. This is the group, working tirelessly for you freedom and asking for nothing in return but your attention and participation/contribution to secure it. James, Elizabeth and Sam are proactive in preservation of our freedoms. The role of Government— what should it be? We are grateful that they are making your freedom a priority.

The Small Business Administration can help you, Entrepreneurs. Life as an entrepreneur often feels like a lonely existence and sometimes it is. The reality is there are advocates for business everywhere-- you just need to ask for help. There is no better time to illustrate the opportunity for help through the SBA than out of this pandemic that turned all small business on its head. Wayne Bell, Director of the SBA is here to share with you how he and Michael Aumack, Economic Development Specialist have helped businesses navigate one of the toughest environments in history and what the SBA can do for you as an entrepreneur. And like my Father always says, you just have to A-S-K!