KC Business Huddle

How much do you pay for electricity? Have you ever considered going solar? Today, we’re talking with Scott Briley and Hunter Hoss, owners of KC Solar. Find out how they got into business together and what benefits you can see from going solar. Read more: https://www.kcbusinesshuddle.com/business-owners/ep-32-kc-solar-owners-share-benefits-of-going-solar/341/ About our guests: https://kcsolar.net/ What we discuss in this episode: 1:04 – Meet Scott and Hunter 4:55 – Benefits of solar 7:33 – Downsides of solar 10:09 – Solar in retirement 13:25 – Maintenance 17:47 – Unique projects 20:16 – Solar process 35:22 – Mistakes and successes 39:47 – Contact KC Solar 40:25 – Tax credit

Today, we’re talking with Dan Krumme, president at Cam-Dex Security Corporation. Find out how his family started the business and what he’s doing to make sure it’s successful. Show notes: https://www.kcbusinesshuddle.com/business-owners/ep-31-security-is-a-family-business-with-dan-krumme/332/ About our guest: https://cam-dex.com/ What we discuss on this episode: 1:00 – Meet Dan 1:46 – What does Cam-Dex do? 2:37 – Cam-Dex history 5:21 – Technological advances 8:19 – Exposed security systems 12:22 – Hackers 15:46 – Educating employees 22:43 – Growth 31:22 – Cultural differences 34:08 – Going forward 41:04 – Mistakes 43:15 – Contact Dan

Today, we’re talking with Trevor and Hannah Curtis. Find out how this former pharmaceutical sales rep and stay-at-home mom have embraced a franchise business and focused on putting people in the workforce. Show notes: https://www.kcbusinesshuddle.com/business-owners/ep-30-buying-a-franchise-to-help-employ-people/326/ About our guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-curtis-9927b242/ trevor.curtis@expresspros.com Hannah.curtis@expresspros.com 913-248-3259 What we discuss on this episode: 0:58 – Meet Trevor and Hannah 6:41 – Why this business? 9:44 – Challenges 16:18 – COVID 24:54 – Wages 28:37 – Industries hit hard 32:09 – What sets them apart 41:28 – Contact Trevor and Hannah

Today, we’re talking with Amos King, CEO of Binary Noggin. Find out how he uses code to help others develop ingenious solutions. Show notes: https://www.kcbusinesshuddle.com/business-owners/ep-29-binary-noggin-ceo-uses-code-to-help-people/314/ About our guest: https://binarynoggin.com/about-us/ What we discuss on this episode: 0:48 – Meet Amos 4:01 – How his career started 8:11 – From St. Louis 13:42 – Meetup group 15:31 – Money in the account 17:55 – COVID 18:54 – Typical client 21:28 – Starting projects 24:49 – Challenges 27:41 – Noggin Day 29:24 – Mistakes 35:22 – Contact Amos

Our guest today is Megan Stanek, a franchise consultant with FranNet, a one-stop-shop for all franchise information and services. Her job is to ensure clients find the right business that maximizes their odds of success and happiness and allows them to meet their lifestyle, career, and financial goals. Show notes: https://www.kcbusinesshuddle.com/business-owners/ep-28-want-to-start-a-franchise-frannet-is-a-one-stop-shop/310/ About our guest: https://frannet.com/franchise-consultant/megan-stanek/ What we discuss on this episode: 0:55 – Meet Megan 1:24 – Frannet 2:27 – What is the company? 4:06 – 200 franchises 9:01 – The process 14:36 – No fees 16:58 – Why Megan 18:09 – Trends in entrepreneurship 24:25 – Paying for franchise 27:33 – Contact Megan

On this episode of the podcast, we're finishing our conversation with Marc and Tammy Carver of Marc Carver Photography. In part two of our two-part interview, Marc shares how he made the transition from print photography to digital. Read more: https://www.kcbusinesshuddle.com/business-owners/ep-27-from-print-to-digital-photography-with-marc-tammy-carver-part-2/305/ Check out Part 1: https://www.kcbusinesshuddle.com/business-owners/ep-26-developing-a-passion-for-photography-part-1/299/ What we discuss on this episode: 1:00 – Photography business changes 4:25 – Old school to new school 6:00 – The business today 10:47 – What he does now 17:54 – What else he does 27:27 – Contact Marc

Today, we’re talking with Marc and Tammy Carver of Marc Carver Photography. In part one of our two-part interview, Marc shares how he developed a passion for photography. Read more and get additional financial resources here: https://www.kcbusinesshuddle.com/business-owners/ep-26-developing-a-passion-for-photography-part-1/299/ What we discuss on this episode: 1:50 – How Marc started in photography 6:10 – Stars 23:02 – Camera kit 31:11 – Teaching at 14 43:27 – Photography book 57:15 – Working long hours

Today, we’re talking with Father Justin Mathews, executive director of Reconciliation Services. Find out how he’s trying to end disparities in the urban core of Kansas City. Read more: https://www.kcbusinesshuddle.com/non-profit/ep-25-reconciliation-services-aims-to-end-racial-economic-disparities/293/ About our guest: https://www.rs3101.org/ https://www.thelmaskitchen.org/ What we discuss on this episode: 0:55 – Meet Father Justin Mathews 10:00 – Thelma 17:12 – Boxed lunches 20:26 – Trauma therapy 22:34 – Business 27:22 – Father Mathews’ wife 28:53 – Challenges 32:00 – What drives him 35:36 – Contact Father Mathews

Our guest today is Mitch Shipman, a Kansas City native and owner of Blue Beetle Pest Control. With a business degree from Rockhurst University, a passion for entrepreneurship, and prior pest control experience, Blue Beetle has been “killing it” since 2003. Read more: https://www.kcbusinesshuddle.com/business-owners/ep-24-blue-beetle-pest-controls-been-killing-it-since-2003/289/ About our guest: https://bluebeetlepest.com/ What we discuss on this episode: 1:20 – How dyslexia impacted his life 1:58 – How he started Blue Beetle 3:14 – What sets Blue Beetle apart 4:50 – Advice 9:31 – Competition 11:21 – COVID 15:37 – What keeps him up 18:33 – The future 20:05 – Be prepared 23:16 – Wisdom 24:46 – Contact Mitch

Today, we’re talking with Dr. Shelley Cooper, CEO of Diversity Telehealth. Find out how she consults healthcare organizations that target underserved populations. Read more here: https://www.kcbusinesshuddle.com/healthcare/ep-23-dr-coopers-telehealth-business-targets-underserved-people/284/ About our guest: https://www.diversitytelehealth.com/ What we discuss on this episode: 1:10 – Meet Dr. Cooper 1:34 – Her profession 7:36 – Difficulties 11:46 – Blossoming business 16:39 – Covid 30:25 – Explosion 32:30 – Challenges 33:09 – Client 37:57 – Advice 40:07 – Contact Dr. Cooper

Today, we’re talking with Fannie Gibson, owner of Fannie’s African and Tropical Cuisine. Find out how she brings her African culture to Kansas City. Read more: https://www.kcbusinesshuddle.com/restaurants/ep-22-fannie-brings-culture-to-kansas-city-with-african-and-tropical-cuisine/277/ About our guest: https://www.fanniescuisine.com/ What we discuss on this episode: 0:55 – Meet Fannie 1:37 – How she got from Liberia to Kansas City 2:26 – Opening a restaurant 4:43 – How business is going 6:15 – How she started her business 8:32 – East versus West African food 9:51 – Challenges 10:56 – Growth 12:00 – Economic environment 12:40 – Favorite dish 13:46 – How to find Fannie’s restaurant 14:39 – Advice for entrepreneurs

Today, we’re talking with Jay Herron, owner of 2923 Comics. Find out how his high school teacher’s encouraging words and the birth of his son helped him follow his passion of writing and eventually comic books. Read more: https://www.kcbusinesshuddle.com/business-owners/ep-21-comics-owner-says-son-english-teacher-helped-motivate-him/270/ About our guest: https://www.2923comics.com/ https://linqapp.com/jay_herron What we discuss on this episode: 0:43 – Meet Jay 3:00 – A different road 3:57 – Creating a comic book 9:46 – Sexual assault 10:22 – Comics and entrepreneurship 20:09 – A different business 23:23 – Regrets 26:32 – Keeping the drive alive 28:58 – Advice for young entrepreneurs 30:12 – Contact Jay

Our guest today is Harry Campbell, a senior executive with a strong record of success over three decades. Harry has been a president for two Fortune 500 companies, co-owner of an award-winning small business, CEO/board member of an Internet start-up and founding member of the industry-changing Wal-Mart/P&G Customer Team in Northwest Arkansas. Read more and get additional resources here: https://www.kcbusinesshuddle.com/business-owners/ep-20-business-executive-shares-how-7-words-can-help-define-you/258/ Learn more about Harry: http://www.harryscampbell.com/ What we discuss on this episode: 1:09 – Meet Harry 3:45 – Life lessons 10:16 – Be a grinder 12:48 – Looking back 18:30 – Changing his mindset 21:32 – Culture 22:23 – Seven words 29:42 – Conflict 35:07 – Talk to people 39:21 – Servant mindset 41:08 – Change over the years 46:32 – Advice for young people

Today, we’re talking with Grant Gooding, founder and CEO of Proof Positioning, a market research company specializing in emotional data. Read more and get additional resources here: https://www.kcbusinesshuddle.com/data/ep-19-how-emotional-data-helps-companies-solve-problems/257/ About our guest: https://proofpositioning.com/ What we discuss on this episode: 0:50 – Meet Grant Gooding 6:15 – Using data to solve problems 10:35 – How he got interested in data 14:40 – Emotional resonance and metadata 21:41 – His business history 23:56 – Business process 28:36 – The future 31:29 – What keeps his drive alive 34:19 – Anything else

Today, we’re talking with Frank Bonura, founder of Franklin Executive Solutions. Find out why he is known as “The Connector” and why he never plans to stop doing his dream job. Read more and get additional financial details here: https://www.kcbusinesshuddle.com/leadership/ep-18-the-connector-frank-bonura-helps-people-find-their-passion/252/ About our guest: https://feskc.com/about/ What we discuss on this episode: 0:55 – Meet Frank 13:06 – Resources 17:26 – How to be a connector 25:12 – Relationships vs. networking 32:04 – Resumes 36:25 – Interview process 42:38 – Loving what you do 51:00 – Contact Frank

Today, we’re talking with Lauren Kennedy, the owner of Mirror+Mirror, a full-service hair salon. Find out how she keeps her cool in a hot-headed business and why happy employees are key to her success. See the show notes: https://www.kcbusinesshuddle.com/business-owners/ep-17-salon-owners-motto-is-happy-employees-happy-life/245/ About our guest: https://mirrormirrorkc.com/team/ What we discuss on this episode: 0:48 – Meet Lauren 1:30 – How she got into the profession 2:34 – Schooling 5:23 – Family and work life 9:30 – Paralegal work 11:40 – Jumping back into hair 18:00 – Business philosophy 23:06 – Running a business 25:41 – Covid 31:28 – Challenges 33:54 – Salon personalities 38:31 – How to contact Lauren

Today, we’re talking with Angie Hundley, author of the book, A Recipe for Bad Lemons, Ingredients for Success from Life’s Sour Moments. Find out how she overcame traumatizing events in her life. TRIGGER WARNING: There are some very sensitive topics discussed on the show. Read more here: https://www.kcbusinesshuddle.com/business-owners/ep-16-foster-care-prodigy-authors-book-on-overcoming-lifes-sour-moments/238/ About our guest: https://angiehundley.com/ What we discuss on this episode: 1:00 – Meet Angie Hundley 13:40 – Her turning point 14:54 – From adoption to current life 19:53 – Car crash and other struggles 27:00 – Concealing her childhood 31:33 – An anger phase 35:00 – How to get Angie’s book

Today, we’re talking with Master Bronson Ko, owner and operator of Ko Martial Arts, also known as KOMA. Find out how he got started in martial arts as a young child, why earning his black belt was monumental and how he hopes to help students worldwide. Read more and get additional resources: https://www.kcbusinesshuddle.com/sports/ep-15-why-master-ko-wants-to-expand-his-martial-arts-business-worldwide/232/ About our guest: https://komafranchise.com/ What we discuss on this episode: 0:59 – Meet Bronson Ko 7:09 – How he opened his business 11:43 – Fast growth 16:17 – How martial arts helps people 18:42 - What drives him to build his business 20:02 – Have kids gotten soft? 22:18 – How Covid affected his business 24:13 – Why students enroll in KOMA 30:40 – Explorers program 33:32 – Franchising program 37:53 – Future of KOMA 39:43 – How to contact Bronson Ko

Today, we’re talking with Angela Pugh, founder of Kansas City Recovery. KCR is an addiction and recovery resource that offers a range of services, including intervention services, recovery coaching, and continuing education and workshops. Read more and get additional financial resources here: https://www.kcbusinesshuddle.com/non-profit/ep-14-am-i-an-alcoholic-angela-pugh-uses-personal-story-to-help-addicts/227/ About our guest: https://kansascityrecovery.com/angela-pugh/ What we discuss on this episode: 1:25 – Meet Angela Pugh 2:41 – How Angela became a life coach 12:37 – How she overcame alcoholism 19:00 – How she knew she was miserable 20:31 – How addiction works 25:41 – Alcohol and lifestyle 27:37 – How she started Kansas City Recovery 29:08 – TV show “Intervention” 36:33 – After treatment 39:42 – Recovery period 42:36 – Follow Angela 43:23 – Advice for entrepreneurs

Today, we’re talking with Sandy Malone of Mindfully Driven. She explains how her love of entrepreneurship and meditation can help business owners thrive. Read more and get additional resources here: https://www.kcbusinesshuddle.com/leadership/ep-13-sandy-malone-uses-meditation-to-help-business-owners-thrive/221/ About our guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandybartow/ What we discuss on this episode: 1:01 – Meet Sandy Malone 1:47 – Sandy’s professional path 12:04 – Mentoring women 15:00 – Starting another women’s business center 19:18 – Meditation and yoga 22:03 – Mindfully Driven 24:10 – Taking away the stress 26:48 – What Sandy’s most proud of 28:44 – Changes in entrepreneurs 30:42 – Biggest mistake 32:18 – Contact Sandy