Think MHK Podcast

In episode eleven, Jason sits down with Sarah Duggan and Natalie Gordon, two nominees of the 15 Under 40 program. Sarah Duggan shares her personal and professional journey, from growing up in Ottawa, Kansas, to becoming the Community Relations Director at Meadowlark. Natalie Gordon discusses her experiences living and working in Manhattan, highlighting the importance of networking, mentorship, and prioritizing one's health for career success.

In this episode, Jason has a conversation with Kale Terrill and Allison Muth, the Chair and Staff Liaison of the Helping Young Professionals Emerge (HYPE) program. The group discusses the importance of developing and supporting young professionals in Manhattan, emphasizing the need to bridge the gap and provide opportunities for young professionals. Kale shares his experience as the new chair of the Manhattan Young Professionals program, while Allison discusses her role at the Chamber of Commerce and how the organization supports young professionals. The three also talk about Manhattan Young Professionals' mission to engage, develop, play, connect, and give back to the community, highlighting the five pillars of the organization.

In episode nine, Jason interviews Lindsay Lowe and Stephanie Peterson, nominees of the 15 Under 40 program. Lindsay discusses her journey in the beauty industry, focusing on entrepreneurship and community involvement. Stephanie talks about her work with the Metropolitan Planning Organization in Manhattan, highlighting transportation planning and housing initiatives, and emphasizes patience, responsibility, and calculated risks in personal and professional growth.

In episode eight, Jason sits down with Tom Phillips, Chair of the Business Advocacy Committee. Tom shares his personal journey and experiences in Manhattan, highlighting his motivations for becoming engaged in local issues and his efforts to keep his finger on the pulse of key members in the community. Phillips discusses his experiences in political leadership and advocacy in Kansas, sharing insights on balancing community needs and political considerations, navigating dysfunctional political environments, and collaborating with other communities to advance common interests.

On this episode, you will hear from two of the 15 Under 40 recipients, Stephen Bridenstine & Kara Titus. Stephen Bridenstine discusses his career in public history and museum education, highlighting his personal and professional journey. Jason and Stephen talk about career development and personal growth, including not sweating the small stuff and taking opportunities as they arise. Kara provides insights into what her employer, Lightsource BP does, including solar farms and what they look like as well as how they are blending agriculture with solar. She also reveals why she and her husband chose Manhattan and what topic she would like to write a book about.

In episode six, Jason is joined by Patrick Schutter, President of BHS Construction. Patrick and Jason discuss the priorities of the economic development committee in Manhattan, focusing on site development, housing, and taxes. Schutter highlights BHS Construction's commitment to supporting local businesses and networking opportunities. Patrick talks about how clustering employment opportunities and leveraging the city's pipeline of talent are crucial for attracting and retaining businesses and talent. Schutter also shares personal anecdotes and experiences, revealing his preferences for working remotely or in the office, his first jobs, skills he would like to learn, and what instantly makes his day better.

In episode five, Jason sits down with Jurdene Coleman and Bailey Hinkle, two nominees of the 15 Under 40 program. Jurdene discusses her experiences and passions for community involvement, highlighting the importance of bridging the gap between physical and mental health. Later, Jason and Bailey share their experiences and insights on personal and professional growth, emphasizing the importance of taking risks, stepping out of one's comfort zone, and making an impact. The guests also highlight the significance of perseverance, hard work, creating connections and resilience in achieving success.

In the fourth episode of season four on the ThinkMHK podcast, Arthur-Green, LLP Partner Attorney Bill Bahr discusses the firm's receipt of the Small Business of the Year award at the 2023 Business Awards, highlighting its significance and commitment to the Manhattan community since 1950. Bill emphasizes the importance of adapting business practices to stay relevant and shares insights into the firm's efforts to recruit and retain young professionals. Additionally, Bahr reflects on personal aspects of life, including his ideal blog or book topic and sources of inspiration.

In episode three, Jason sits down with Lowell Kohlmeier, Executive Vice President for KS State Bank. KS State Bank received the Cornerstone Award at the 2023 Business Awards, which honors a business that exemplifies what being a “solid pillar of the community” is all about.

Lowell discusses the importance of partnerships and sponsorships in fostering entrepreneurial ventures in the community. Kohlmeier also shares life lessons and reflections, highlighting the importance of enjoying life and people. Lowell also talks about his grandfather's life and the lessons he learned from him. Additionally, Lowell discusses his preference for working remotely or in the office, and provides advice he’d give to his 19-year-old self.

In this episode, Jason sits down with the Vice President of Pepsi Cola of Manhattan and the 2024 chairman of the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce's Board of Directors, Jake Wassenberg. Jake discusses his experience managing a family-owned Pepsi distributorship and provides insight on maintaining independence in a corporate-dominated industry. He shares the techniques for stress management he applies while serving in his many leadership roles and emphasizes the importance of gratitude and saying yes to everything. Jake highlights Manhattan's favorable business climate and also discusses the challenges of creating affordable housing and addressing workforce issues. Jake also reveals what one question he wishes people would ask him less?