What started as looking for a job during college turned into a passion for the art of coffee.  Eventually, Sarah Leslie opened her own coffee shop and talks with Don and Ebony about surviving the pandemic.  On this episode we discuss:

• Creating the third space
• Discovering the art of coffee as a barista
• Starting out in New York City
• How to make latte art
• The community refrigerator
• Sarah’s approach to re-opening during the pandemic
• Valuing your baristas
• Having a community of support
• The continuing growth of the Delano area
• Winning the Wichita Small Business Award

Learn more about Leslie Coffee:

https://lesliecoffee.co/

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Sarah Leslie is a barista and the owner of Leslie Coffee Co. in the historic Delano neighborhood of Wichita, KS. Sarah has spent most of her coffee career behind the bar in coffee shops or in the training lab. Her favorite drink order to prepare is an americano and hot chocolate. She loves spending time with her son building legos, riding bikes, and playing with their cat.

Other Resources:

Best Coffee Shops in America (article)
Winning the Wichita Small Business Award (video)

Join the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce!

This podcast is brought to you by the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce and is powered by Evergy.  To send feedback on this show and/or send suggestions for future guests or topics please e-mail [email protected].

This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.  For more information visit ictpod.net

You hear about cybersecurity on the news, but it’s hard for it to seem like anything more than a buzzword.  Bill Ramsey, co-founder of Soteria Technology Solutions, breaks down with Don and Ebony how cybersecurity can impact any business   On this episode we discuss:

• Cybersecurity certifications and gap analysis
• Being a serial entrepreneur
• Creating a different kind of IT company
• The danger of ransomware on any business
• The #1 weakest point in any network
• How Bill thinks about his personal and work life
• Hiring the right people for your culture
• EOS - Entrepreneurial operating system
• How the Wichita Business Expo has helped his business grow
• Always looking for opportunities to expand

Learn more about Soteria Technology Solutions:

https://www.heysoteria.com/

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Bill Ramsey is CEO and co-founder of Soteria Technology Solutions, a fast-growing IT firm that serves companies in Wichita, Kansas, and throughout the Midwest. He has more than twenty years of experience as an expert in IT for small and medium businesses and the US Navy.

Bill and his team at Soteria have always held a compliance mindset. Early in his career, Bill served as IT Director and HIPAA Security Officer for Halstead Hospital and Hertzler Clinic during the Y2K debacle and the initial years of HIPAA implementation in the early 2000s.

In 2001, he founded The Bill Guy Technology Solutions, one of several entrepreneurial enterprises Bill built, grew and sold. With more than two decades of compliance experience, Bill knows that IT professionals must have a “compliance + cybersecurity” mindset to succeed in a competitive marketplace. It’s what sets Soteria Technology Solutions apart from other MSPs.

Bill was a two-time finalist for the Chamber Small Business of the Year and was awarded SBA Small Business Person of the Year for Kansas. After surviving two strokes by the time he was 33 years old due to a congenital heart condition, Bill knows the value of living every day to the fullest.

Other Resources:

Join the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce!

This podcast is brought to you by the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce and is powered by Evergy.  To send feedback on this show and/or send suggestions for future guests or topics please e-mail [email protected].

This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.  For more information visit ictpod.net

Does your online presence need an upgrade?  Krissy Buck, Program Director of Digital Marketing at WSU Tech joins the show to talk all things social media and digital presence.  Hosts Don and Ebony pepper Krissy with questions aimed to help you optimize your digital marketing efforts in a way that will grow your reach to potential customers.  On this episode we discuss:

• Diving into the digital media world
• The unique career journey Krissy has followed
• The goal of the digital marketing program at WSU Tech
• Finding your customers online
• The importance of the customer journey
• Some basic keys to SEO for your website and YouTube
• Being effective at content creation
• The types of videos that people prefer online
• How often should you sell to your customers through Social Media?
• Using all the digital tools that are available to you
• How often you should be posting
• Serving others online in order to grow
• Highlighting user generated content
• How social media influencers are bridging the gap between brands and customers
• Leveraging a chat bot effectively
• The flywheel approach to transitioning followers to customers
• The Accept / Seek / Go approach
• The value of building an online community
• The biggest mistake she sees small businesses make online

Learn more about WSU Tech:

https://wsutech.edu/

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WSU Tech is a different kind of college, changing lives by training people for high-wage, high-demand jobs. We work hand-in-hand with employers to determine their job needs now and into the future so our students graduate with the right skills. The WSU Tech Digital Marketing Program provides graduates with the skills necessary to succeed in the specialized realm of digital marketing. The program coursework combines traditional marketing skills with the specialized technical skills required to develop first-class digital marketing content. Topics include digital strategy, web development, and analytics as well as digital marketing buys, multimedia creation, Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Search Engine Marketing (SEM) techniques.

Krissy is a digital marketing educator in higher ed. She is a speaker that teaches businesses how to build online communities around their brand. She is an experienced Social Media Strategist with a demonstrated history of working in the information technology and services industry. Strong marketing professional with an Associate's Degree focused in Web Page, Digital/Multimedia and Information Resources Design from Butler Community College.

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Join the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce!

This podcast is brought to you by the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce and is powered by Evergy.  To send feedback on this show and/or send suggestions for future guests or topics please e-mail [email protected].

This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.  For more information visit ictpod.net

When sisters Deborah Gladney and Angela Muhwezi-Hall saw a need for the workers and employers in the service industry, they didn’t let their lack of tech knowledge hold them back from starting QuickHire.  They share with hosts Don and Ebony how their tenacity led them to create a tech startup that is on the rise. On this episode we discuss:

• Starting a tech company with no tech background
• How the pandemic was the catalyst to start the business
• Dignity of work in the service industry
• The old tech way service jobs were filled
• Being a bootstrapped startup
• The lie of “Day 0 Funding” in capital raising
• Being a minority in the tech industry

Learn more about QuickHire:

https://getquickhire.com/

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Deborah and Angela are sisters and the co-founders of QuickHire - a career discovery marketplace for the service economy. In April of 2021, QuickHire officially launched with Gladney and Muhwezi-Hall as, respectively, CEO and COO. With its current emphasis on the retail, restaurant and hospitality industries, the app went live just in time to help local businesses find enthusiastic workers amid a nationwide labor shortage. So far, QuickHire has attracted more than 12,000 jobseekers and listings from 70 local businesses.

Deborah Gladney (CEO): Entrepreneur with more than a decade of experience designing communication strategies and programs. Deborah has managed stakeholder engagement, media relations, reputation/issues management and strategic positioning for a host of organizations in a variety of environments, including agency, corporate and nonprofit.

Angela Muhwezi-Hall (COO): Seasoned career and educational advisement professional with nearly a decade of experience helping people discover and advance in their careers. Prior to QuickHire, Angela ran various career programs at some of the nation's top institutions, including the University of Southern California.

Other Resources:

Wichita Sisters Become First Black Women in Kansas to Raise $1M for Startup (article)
AfroTech Article on Raising $1M (article)
People Starting Businesses During Pandemic (video)
Startups to Watch in 2022 (article)

Join the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce!

This podcast is brought to you by the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce and is powered by Evergy.  To send feedback on this show and/or send suggestions for future guests or topics please e-mail [email protected].

This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.  For more information visit ictpod.net

From a lover of comics to creating her own business, Marisa VanSkiver (aka Captain Coder) has been on the forefront of everything digital marketing.  She talks with Don and Ebony about how a great website is the foundation of marketing a successful business.   On this episode we discuss:

• Building cool websites, the foundation of marketing a business
• The nickname her love of comics created
• Driving traffic to your website and business
• The importance of effective copywriting
• Focusing on your customers with your website
• Coding since the age of 13
• Being a female developer amongst teams of men
• Building an e-mail list
• The danger of focusing solely on social media
• Connecting to the people behind a brand

Learn more about Captain Coder:

https://captcoder.com/

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Marisa has been working in marketing since she was 18 and fresh out of high school. She has been a  developer, a Reputation Manager (yay online reviews!), a ghost-writing blogger, a copywriter, social  media manager, and a digital ads strategist. She knows the digital marketing world because she’s been  in almost every facet of it. 

Other Resources:

Join the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce!

This podcast is brought to you by the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce and is powered by Evergy.  To send feedback on this show and/or send suggestions for future guests or topics please e-mail [email protected].

This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.  For more information visit ictpod.net

When Gabe Juhnke and Rik Dubiel left KPTS to start their own video production company, Method, they wanted to stand out.  They share with Don and Ebony how they help businesses who don’t have Hollywood budgets.   On this episode we discuss:

• The trial by fire at KPTS
• How art and passion fit into entrepreneurship
• Finding an underserved market
• Why launching a business in Wichita is great
• The necessity of creating video content
• Competing when everyone has a pretty great video camera on their phone
• Growing the local business community

Learn more about Method Productions:

http://method-productions.com/

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In 2012, after a decade of producing for KPTS, now PBS Kansas, and  other organizations, Gabe Juhnke and Rik Dubiel founded Method.  Bringing award winning experience that combines design, live  action, animation, live streaming and visual effects to agencies,  brands and businesses large and small. 

In 2014, Method became thirds with the addition of Luis Rodriguez.  He really needs no introduction and is no stranger to this podcast. Regardless of the size or scope of the project, together, we find a  solution. We are open, collaborative and use our collective  experience and technical knowledge to create meaningful and  compelling content for all mediums. Idea on a storyboard, cocktail  napkin, or just rattling around in your head? Method knows: It's all  part of the process. And we have been doing that for AARP, American Heart Association, Wichita  Chamber, Gardner Design, 6 Meridian, Vornado, Keycentrix, Kansas Leadership Center, Wichita Art  Museum, Viega, Bunting Magnetics, SKT, NXTUS, Kansas Center of Osteopathic Medicine, Rise Against  Hunger, Delta Dental... the list really does go on and on.

Other Resources:

Luis Rodriguez podcast episode

Join the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce!

This podcast is brought to you by the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce and is powered by Evergy.  To send feedback on this show and/or send suggestions for future guests or topics please e-mail [email protected].

This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.  For more information visit ictpod.net

When Cyle Barnwell went to help the previous owner of Keystone Solid Surfaces sell his business he had no idea he would eventually buy the business with his best friend.  He shares his story with Don and Ebony on transitioning from accountant to entrepreneur.   On this episode we discuss:

• The role of good mentors
• Moving the business from Benton to 16th and Wabash
• Involvement in the community
• The importance of a partner who provides strengths in your areas of weakness
• Massive growth over three years
• When he knew he was ready to switch to being a business owner
• Taking care of your employees
• Supply chain and inflation challenges
• Community, craftsmanship and integrity
• Small businesses must ask for help, others are willing
• The best advice Cyle has received and what he would tell his younger self

Learn more about Keystone Solid Surfaces:

https://keystonesolidsurfaces.com/

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Cyle grew up in Emporia, Kansas and graduated from Emporia High school. He came to Wichita to play  basketball at Newman University in 2005 and played until 2009. He received his degree in accounting  and worked for Grant Thornton, BKD, Koch Industries, and Redguard in various financials and accounting roles. 

Cyle always had entrepreneurial spirit and in 2017 a deal came across his desk to purchase Keystone  Solid Surfaces. He was able to convince his best friend (childhood friends since age 6 or 7) to come in  and be part owner of Keystone. Cyle handles the finance, tax, sales side of the business and his handles operations, machining and tooling.  

When they purchased Keystone they inherited 10-12 employees and a 10,000 sq ft shop in Benton KS. In  less than 5 years in business they have grown 500% in revenue, employees and space. 

They now have a 50,000 sq ft facility in downtown Wichita and nearly 60 employees. They just added a  division in Kansas City and fabricate and install countertops all over the Great state of Kansas, Missouri,  and Oklahoma.

Other Resources:

Join the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce!

This podcast is brought to you by the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce and is powered by Evergy.  To send feedback on this show and/or send suggestions for future guests or topics please e-mail [email protected].

This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.  For more information visit ictpod.net

Tim Young came in as a consultant but stayed on as a CEO with Heartland Dermatology.  He shares his story with Don and Ebony on transforming the business and serving the community.   On this episode we discuss:

• 90 days to set the course for the future
• Seeing an opportunity in an underserved area
• The growth of the aesthetics industry since COVID
• Helping others see how they contribute to the success of the business
• Culture as the unwritten expression of an organization acting out its core beliefs
• What you celebrate reveals your culture
• Improving engagement across the company
• Meeting the needs of the rural community

Learn more about the Heartland Dermatology:

https://heartland-derm.com/

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Tim has worked in the healthcare industry for more than 20 years.  He has expertise in organizational strategic planning and implementation, executive leadership development, and many others. He is passionate about improving  healthcare and the quality of life for our communities.

Heartland Dermatology is proud to offer our patients access to some of the best dermatologic providers  in the entire state. Whether you’re looking for medical, surgical or cosmetic dermatology, their team of  passionate skin health professionals are standing by to learn about your goals. They have been serving  Western and Central Kansas families since 1977 with offices in Salina, Hays, Great Bend, Newton, Dodge  City, Concordia, McPherson, Wichita, and El Dorado.

Other Resources:

Join the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce!

This podcast is brought to you by the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce and is powered by Evergy.  To send feedback on this show and/or send suggestions for future guests or topics please e-mail [email protected].

This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.  For more information visit ictpod.net

A desire to be an entrepreneur took this air traffic controller into the world of bartending.  Hear how Pat Pelkowski moved from side gig work to creating a thriving business with a unique position in the market.   On this episode we discuss:

• An Air Force and Air Traffic Controller background brought Pat to Wichita
• Getting a degree in entrepreneurship and looking for that opportunity
• Bartending as a side gig
• Creating a business from the ground up, business plans, market studies and more
• Worrying more about creating good events than profit
• Receiving the Small Business Award from the Chamber
• Getting a new building to increase capacity and support growth
• Adding bar trucks (Tipsy Turtle and Mobiletini)
• The importance of being involved in the Chamber of Commerce
• Giving back to the community and the military at McConnell

Learn more about the Shaken or Stirred Bartending:

https://shakenorstirredbartending.com/

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Our local mobile bartending services came into existence with a simple love for entertainment and desire to explore entrepreneurship. Mix those together with my bartending background and a business is born!

At each party I have hosted, it seems that I have spent a majority of the time behind the bar stirring up a new cocktail creation. All the smiles made it worth all the shaking and stirring! I was an air traffic controller by day and a home bartender by night. I loved connecting with my guests in the comfort of my own home and realized the need for professional bartenders.

When a friend had a request for bartending services and brought this business idea to the forefront, I knew this could be a great opportunity! I had the entrepreneur knowledge and counsel to start what I thought would be a small retirement hobby- but I am pleased to say the growth has been exponential! 

Shaken or Stirred Bartending has been in business since 2015 and we anticipate no end to our evolution as the premier mobile bartending service of Wichita and surrounding communities!

As we grow, we continue to train a professional staff of bartenders and bring forth more amazing experiences. We’ll work with your vision for any event to ensure you and your guests have a memorable experience!

Other Resources:

Join the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce!

This podcast is brought to you by the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce and is powered by Evergy.  To send feedback on this show and/or send suggestions for future guests or topics please e-mail [email protected].

This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.  For more information visit ictpod.net

Tasha Parker loves community psychology so much that she thinks everyone should get involved.  She shares with Don and Ebony the pivot she made in December to create the Institute of Development.   On this episode we discuss:

• Making changes and creating a new business
• Finding something where you can see the efficiency build
• Helping non-profits maximize their impact
• Getting introductions through the Chamber
• How success means helping others better

Learn more about the Institute of Development:

https://iodict.com/

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Dr. Tasha Parker earned her MPA and MSW from Wichita State University and graduated in May 2022 with her Ph.D in Community Psychology. Dr. Parker is fairly new  to the evaluation world after spending the last 12 years practicing clinically and focusing on trauma  treatment and program and policy improvement for service delivery. She believes evaluation is essential to  capacity building in organizations and a key ingredient to bridging the gap between sustainability and service  outcomes. Her expertise is in trauma and resiliency informed systems with special interest in ACEs,  prevention, criminal and social justice, and diversity and inclusion. 

Her training and experience as a clinician, community psychologist, and in public administration give her a  unique skill set and ability to navigate complex systems. She believes that in order to resolve social problems,  we must accurately assess and define all contributing factors.  

Institute of Development aims to address social issues using applied research methods, while bridging the  gap between sustainability and service. IOD provides a variety of different services through partnering and  collaborating with organizations to support sustainable and effective outcomes.

Other Resources:

Join the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce!

This podcast is brought to you by the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce and is powered by Evergy.  To send feedback on this show and/or send suggestions for future guests or topics please e-mail [email protected].

This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.  For more information visit ictpod.net