Think MHK Podcast

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 emphasizes the importance of community and family, mentioning his wife, a reading specialist, and their 13-year-old daughter. Ross also highlights his involvement in Leadership Manhattan and the Wamego track club. He shares his passion for music, particularly identifying song lyrics, and his interest in weather forecasting.

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 community involvement, serving on various boards and organizations. She highlights the benefits of living in Manhattan, including its small-town feel and amenities. Peterson advises young professionals to find passion in community service. She also reflects on personal milestones, such as her first job and favorite concert experiences.

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 Kansas, including the outdoor activities and community involvement. Wild emphasizes the importance of giving back and the challenges of owning a business. He also reflects on his experiences traveling to Fiji and Cambodia and the joy of spending time with his children.

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. Lauppe emphasizes the importance of relationships, community involvement, and sacrifice in entrepreneurship. He highlights the rental market's fluctuations, his commitment to Manhattan, and his role in the chamber and community organizations. Craig advises aspiring entrepreneurs to be willing to sacrifice and to listen.

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 the Hype group to over 300 members and the impact of COVID-19 on community engagement. Kale emphasizes the importance of civic and philanthropic involvement and offers advice to young professionals to follow their passions.

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 in Manhattan. She advises young professionals to push their comfort zones and seek diverse opportunities. Paige also shares her passion for nature, her photography business, and her love for true crime literature.

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's involvement in community programs like HYPE and Leadership Manhattan has been pivotal in her professional and personal growth. She advises young professionals to join networking groups for better opportunities. Kendahl also shares her passion for nonprofit work, personal milestones, and her favorite concerts.

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 agriculture. Kylie emphasizes the community-focused nature of Farm Bureau and their operations in all 105 Kansas counties. She also shares her positive experience of moving back to Manhattan, her love for the city, and her advice for young professionals.

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 community and accessibility. He emphasizes the importance of work-life balance, his involvement in the chamber, and his advice for young professionals to think long-term. The conversation concludes with some lighthearted conversation about Andy, including his love for Star Wars and what he did as a teenager that makes him cringe now.

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 of life. Kohlmeier also mentions the chamber's 100th anniversary and an organizational review to ensure relevance and effectiveness. She stresses the chamber's role in facilitating community growth and engagement, particularly in housing and childcare. Kohlmeier's commitment to community betterment and her leadership in various initiatives were underscored throughout the conversation.