Entrepreneurs have fascinating, dynamic stories. They are all different. What is similar is their Entrepreneur Factor. Their "E-Factor." Experience their candid stories with us.
September 18, 2023
"We thought we could do this and not just make it a hobby, so we started putting the pieces of the puzzle together." --Michael O'Shaughnessy, Co-Founder
"It was one of the proudest days of my career when the first bottles of Keepers Heart were coming off that line and you know that it actually came from nothing..." --Brian Nation, Master Distiller
It is a Family story. It is an Irish story. It is an American story. O'Shaughnessy Distilling Co. is the maker of Keeper's Heart Irish+American whiskey-- and it's Award Winning!
The family knew they needed the best Distiller in the world. So they created a relationship with Brian Nation, former Master Distiller of Irish Distillers (Jameson, Redbreast & Middleton to name a few) and they blended talents based in an aligned vision of culture, family and friendship. This is the story of Keeper's Heart.
September 11, 2023
"What's the Through-Line." -Robert Feeney, Ringorang.com
Kansas Chamber of Commerce invests in young leaders through the statewide Kansas Emerging Leaders program. Engagement in leadership opportunities is critical for economic growth and continued creation of a Pro-Business environment.
Along with Leadership Kansas, Kansas Emerging Leaders activates the talents of business people and exposes them to the opportunities, challenges and a path to take action.
Entrepreneurship is the antidote for economic and cultural stagnation. Entrepreneurs take action and create value. I am honored to host this conversation with four of Wichita's dynamic entrepreneurial Leaders: Manroj Sangha/ Empowered.build, Jake Wayman/Orange Theory, Audra Dinell/TheThreadWLC & Robert Feeney/ringorang.com
September 5, 2023
It is the fastest growing sport in the World! Pickleball spawned from a backyard game to a Professional sport that is attracting the best talent in racket sports. Matt Wright took his competitive drive from the tennis court to the pickle ball court and has competed at the highest level and won at the highest level since its inception.
Matt's intellect has always helped him think in terms of where things are going, not where things are. He is one of my favorite people to talk with about sports and challenging aspects of life.
August 28, 2023
When the Marion County Record, a small town Newspaper, was raided and had computers, devices and records seized by the Police it caused world-wide attention on this small Kansas town and publication. Our friend, Sam MacRoberts, Litigation Director for Kansas Justice Institute is the one I wanted to talk with. Sam and KJI represent those who cannot represent themselves against government over reach. KJI is not representing those in this case and they are representing the Constitution as Sam shares with us the severe problems with Government ignoring your 1st and 4th Amendment Rights.
August 21, 2023
"People treat that insurance card like a discount card. It is NOT."
Dean Jargo, CEO Fair Market Health
When systems begin to fail we look for solutions so that the system can improve and continue to provide what it is designed to provide-- better outcomes. We have not done that with the system of health care in the United States. The system is failing and because of the control by the 2 biggest players (Federal Government and large Insurance Companies) we are not working to fix the system to create better outcomes for people.
The system is broken.
Markets that are free provide solutions to broken systems. Artificial control of the healthcare market by the 2 biggest players places controls that do not allow for solutions to occur and the result is patient care suffers.
You can choose to control your healthcare. The free market still exists. Individuals need to be aware of the choices they have.
Fair Market Health was created to provide a basic function of markets and what should be a basic in any service-- How much does that cost and where can I get it?
You can take control of your healthcare and, in doing so, improve outcomes for yourself and others.
August 15, 2023
"Energy makes life better." -Warren Martin, Executive Director
Energy is a requirement for humans to reach our full potential. Our world needs reliable energy. We need energy production to meet the growing demand of energy consumption. All resources are necessary. Artificial limitations restrictions on energy production coupled with artificial promotion of alternative energy methods is causing harm to humanity. And, as it is with restrictive government mandates, those at the bottom of the socio-economic status suffer gravely. We are a world in need of expanded energy production.
August 7, 2023
"Think of us as the Tinder for Whiskey drinkers."
-Dave Cunningham, Founder Whiskey Shelf & Flint Hills Group
Dave is one of my favorite people in technology and software development. He Founded Flint Hills Group to create custom software solutions for clients all over the world. And this venture is his first consumer app and he is having so much fun with it. The Whiskey community loves their product. Dave made it even more fun by creating Whiskey Shelf and there are so many features that increase enjoyment of whiskey drinking and sharing.
July 31, 2023
"Every time we work with a new client we ask them for their inspiration."
-Emma Schlittenhardt, Founder Hardt Studio
It is a good idea when starting a business to make sure it is something you are good at... and if it is also your passion, then nothing can hold you back.
Emma Schlittenhardt took her passion and built on it, pursuing an Architectural Degree, building businesses that compliment each other and collaborating with others to create beautiful Commercial and Residential experiences.
July 28, 2023
"There are two things we can control, our effort and our attitude."
-Lily Wu, candidate for Wichita Mayor
The right to Vote is fundamental to the fabric of our democratic Republic. It also shows a commitment to active citizenship. Lily Wu talks with us about the importance of civic engagement and shares what she has learned talking with Wichitans during her campaign. I am grateful for her resilience, positive attitude and commitment to listening to people so she can take informed action.
And VOTE!
July 24, 2023
"Wow, I am getting paid for this? This is my job..." -Jacob O'Connor
Discipline. Hustle. Take Action.
Jacob's young career and life have been defined by his "willingness to start" and focussed high level of effort.
Wichita recruited him. The Wichita entrepreneurial community supported him. NXTUS identified his talent. And now, together, they focus on Capital, Customers and Collaboration.
Brandon has been working with entrepreneurs his entire professional career. An entrepreneur is not easily defined. They come from any background. Their path to success develops outside of traditional paradigms. This is why their stories are so intriguing. This is why we are all fascinated by their stories. what is consistent with all entrepreneurs is the unshakable belief in their desired goal and the will to just get it done.