Best Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce Podcasts (2024)

1
De-Clutter Your Marketing (Jordan Walker - Bondfire Strategy) [Re-release] 36:49

5M ago36:49

36:49

Bondfire Strategy is closing in on its first anniversary in business, but Jordan Walker is already making an impact in the local marketing scene. She shares with Don and Ebony how she builds relationships with her clients to deliver them great results. On this episode we discuss: Taking the clutter out of marketing Having a focus on people and rela…

1
Using Your Trials to Forge Culture (Mary Kate - Mary Kate and Company) [Re-release] 37:35

5M ago37:35

37:35

What happens when your business finances are in disorder, the IRS is coming after you and a negative article just came out in the press. Many would fold in that situation, but Mary Kate Denton regrouped with her team and shares with Don and Ebony how that forged a culture of thriving at Mary Kate and Company. On this episode we discuss: Her sister,…

1
Mission Before Profit (Justin Eklund - Grove 9) [Re-release] 27:32

5M ago27:32

27:32

Justin Eklund has one primary goal with Grove9: to help businesses and organizations focus more on the mission and good they provide our communities. He shares with Don and Ebony his journey through ministry and how it eventually led him to take a new approach in a profit driven world. On this episode we discuss: Valuing mission over profit From mi…

1
Championing Wichita Startups (Josh Oeding / Mary Beth Jarvis - NXTUS) [Re-release] 41:13

6M ago41:13

41:13

Josh Oeding and Mary Beth Jarvis aspire to grow the Wichita business scene through NXTUS by capturing the rapid change created by new startups. They share how all of us can be involved in supporting startup growth with Don and Ebony. On this episode we discuss: Josh’s transition from Koch to NXTUS Establishing the entrepreneurial mojo of Wichita He…

1
Lifting Minority-Owned Businesses (Christina Long - CML Collective) [Re-release] 34:17

6M ago34:17

34:17

Half of the guests on the podcast have mentioned her and now we get to hear directly from the legend, Christina Long. Don and Ebony explore with her how CML Collective and the Create Campaign have lifted other minority-owned businesses in the community. On this episode we discuss: Starting out in journalism through the Wichita Eagle, covering the e…

1
Making a Great Event First (Patrick Pelkowski - Shaken or Stirred Bartending) [Re-release] 38:14

6M ago38:14

38:14

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…

1
A Community to Build Women-Owned Businesses (Andrea Hattan - The Hive) [Re-release] 29:59

6M ago29:59

29:59

Andrea Hattan had an idea, a vision, for women to have their own place to collaborate and encourage one another on their entrepreneurial journeys. She talks with Don and Ebony how The Hive has created that safe space for women in the Wichita community. On this episode we discuss: Being a 5th generation entrepreneur All the coworking spaces seemed t…

1
Making Work More Human (Brandon Gaide - Sevenfold) [Re-release] 39:41

6M ago39:41

39:41

When Brandon Gaide started the strategy and innovation firm Sevenfold, he found an unlikely partnership with construction firm Hutton. Brandon shares with Don and Ebony how that partnership has allowed the creation of something new to help businesses make work more human. On this episode we discuss: Helping organizations become more strategic Partn…

1
The Taproom Adventure (Stacy Ward-Lattin - Hopping Gnome) [Re-release] 39:51

7M ago39:51

39:51

Sometimes you just have to be willing to follow your passions and lean into what you don’t know. When Stacy Ward-Lattin and her husband, Torrey, started the Hopping Gnome taproom 6 years ago, they had no idea the adventure they were in for. Stacy joins hosts Don and Ebony to share the Hopping Gnome story, from home brewing to deciding to create som…

1
All in the Brand (Bill Gardner - Gardner Design) [Re-release] 40:44

7M ago40:44

40:44

Bill Gardner has been around the brand creation game for a long time and has a ton of insight to share. Don and Ebony dive into what has made him successful with Gardner Design and how others can be successful at building their own brands. On this episode we discuss: The constantly changing world of branding How success and risk are tied together T…

1
The Art of Coffee (Sarah Leslie - Leslie Coffee Co.) [Re-release] 28:37

7M ago28:37

28:37

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 a…

1
Shifts in Mental Health (Dr. Larry Mitnaul - Via Christi Ascension) [Re-release] 44:31

7M ago44:31

44:31

Mental health and wellness continues to come more infocus for businesses, leaders and their employees. Dr. Larry Mitnaul of the Ascension Medical Group talks with Don and Ebony about what this looks like and practical ways to engage mental health and wellness in our homes and workplaces. On this episode we discuss: Having a passion to help kids and…

1
From the Garage to SpaceX (Jorge Martinez & Patty Koehler - JR Custom Metal Products) [Re-release] 42:59

8M ago42:59

42:59

It started humbly making metal products in the garage, but now JR Custom Metal Products has thrived to over 140 employees. Hear from Jorge Martinez and Patty Koehler as they share with Don and Ebony how their father’s legacy lives on in their business. On this episode we discuss: Jesus Raul Martinez Sr. starting in the garage in 1978 Always wanting…

1
From Teaching to Doing (Jose Gutierrez - Gutierrez Agency Inc.) [Re-release] 27:56

8M ago27:56

27:56

For many years, Jose Gutierrez has helped train and develop other Farmer’s Insurance agents. But after all that time he felt the pull and bought his own agency one year ago. He shares that journey with Don and Ebony. On this episode we discuss: Moving from coach and trainer as a district manager to being a business owner The importance of having a …

1
Own Your Space (Amy Williams - Journey Unseen Pt. 3) [Re-release] 39:12

8M ago39:12

39:12

On the final chapter of our Journey Unseen series host Don Sherman is joined by Amy Williams who shares about how she learned to own her own space when she entered the room. With these special conversations we share the stories of women in our community who have had a profound impact on our community through their leadership and achievements. On th…

1
Find the Unexpected Path (Vera Bothner - Journey Unseen Pt. 2) [Re-release] 34:07

8M ago34:07

34:07

We are joined on the second of our special three-part Journey Unseen series by Vera Bothner. As she shares with us her unique career journey as a woman in business, she reflects with host Don Sherman on the pivots and changes she has made each step of the way and what she has learned from those. On this episode we discuss: Initially wanting to get …

1
The Value of a Mentor (Yolanda Camarena - Journey Unseen Pt. 1) [Re-release] 44:54

9M ago44:54

44:54

Join us for a special three-part series called Journey Unseen where we share the stories of women in our community who have had a profound impact on our community through their leadership and achievements. For the first of this series, Yoland Camarena talks about the value of mentorship in her life with hosts Don and Ebony: Growing up with five sis…

1
Flying Jets to Leading Others (Cathy McClain - Dauntless Leadership) [Re-release] 30:27

9M ago30:27

30:27

Through her long career in the Air Force, Cathy McClain has seen a lot of exciting things. But what she has found is an intense appreciation and love for the people she has been around. Now retired from her military career, she shares with Don and Ebony how she serves people by helping them become the most effective leaders they can be. On this epi…

1
Dining on the River (Katherine Elder - 1400 by Elderslie) [Re-release] 32:51

9M ago32:51

32:51

Do you know what a bramble is? Don and Ebony didn’t, but Katherine Elder walks through how the family farm has continued to grow into a larger and larger culinary experience, culminating in the opening of 1400 by Elderslie. On this episode we discuss: Opening in the Wichita Art Museum What’s the deal with the goats? When Katherine hit pause Growing…

1
Finding Financial Freedom (Brandon Converse - The Converse Team) [Re-Release] 38:26

9M ago38:26

38:26

When Brandon Converse left his engineering career to join his brother at the Converse Team, he was motivated by the desire to help others secure their financial future. Don and Ebony dive in with him on how they help make that possible for companies and individuals. On this episode we discuss: The ways The Converse Team can serve others How Brandon…

1
Empowering Others (Mark / Summer Guerrero - Affinity Automotive) [Re-release] 38:09

9M ago38:09

38:09

Mark and Summer Guerrero are all about supporting and empowering others with Affinity Automotive. But they share with Don and Ebony how this empowerment first started with each other an after hours garage in their home. On this episode we discuss: Giving others a solution with car repairs Mark starting out working with his dad and grandpa when he w…

1
Building a Team (Steve Dixon - P.B. Hoidale) [Re-release] 40:19

10M ago40:19

40:19

For the past 25 years, Steve Dixon has been helping others to live their best life through providing career opportunities at P.B. Hoidale. He shares with Don and Ebony his passion for the community and people in it while providing critical needs through the gas stations his business builds. On this episode we discuss: His great-grandfather starting…

1
Health, Equity and the Local Economy (Ed O'Malley - Kansas Health Foundation) [Re-release] 37:14

10M ago37:14

37:14

It’s only been four weeks, but now Ed O’Malley has to know a few things in his new role at the Kansas Health Foundation. He shares with Don and Ebony the impact our physical health can have on the local economy and how Wichita can’t be left behind. On this episode we discuss: Improving the health of all Kansans How Kansas was one of the healthiest …

1
The Burger Franchise from Wichita (Scott Redler - Freddy's Frozen Custard and Steakburgers) [Re-release] 40:51

10M ago40:51

40:51

It all began with a single, humble restaurant in west Wichita, but now Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers has grown to over 400 locations all across the United States. And now you can hear directly from co-founder and COO Scott Redler on how this business came to be and how the approach they took that brought so much success. Hosts Don and Eb…

1
Take a Risk (Jen Ray - The Monarch) [Re-release] 35:32

10M ago35:32

35:32

When it opened, The Monarch was not necessarily in the best location in Delano, but owner Jen Ray trusted her intuition and has been able to thrive over 9 years in business. She shares her challenges through the COVID pandemic with Don and Ebony and her perspective on the local business community. On this episode we discuss: Jen realizing she neede…

1
The Entrepreneurial Dentist (Dr. Ashley Humlicek - Humlicek Family Dental) [Re-release] 36:49

11M ago36:49

36:49

Being a dentist that intentionally considers their practice a business is rare. Dr. Ashley Humlicek talks with Don and Ebony about her unique perspective as a healthcare provider that focuses on her practice as an entrepreneurial opportunity. On this episode we discuss: Getting started purchasing a practice from a retiring dentist with consistent v…

1
Building Leadership Capability - Part 2 (Jeff Turner - TNW Group) 27:02

11M ago27:02

27:02

In this epic 2 part conversation with Jeff Turner, TNW founder and former Spirit Aerosystems President and CEO, we cover a broad range of thoughts on leadership. Jeff shares with Don and Ebony the lessons he’s learned and how he has grown over the years. From that he shares his philosophy and principles on leadership in our community. On this episo…

1
Building Leadership Capability - Part 1 (Jeff Turner - TNW Group) 24:58

11M ago24:58

24:58

In this epic 2 part conversation with Jeff Turner, TNW founder and former Spirit Aerosystems President and CEO, we cover a broad range of thoughts on leadership. Jeff shares with Don and Ebony the lessons he’s learned and how he has grown over the years. From that he shares his philosophy and principles on leadership in our community. On this episo…

1
From Park Avenue To Wichita Entrepreneur (Anita Greenwood - Powerhouse Leaders) 27:31

11M ago27:31

27:31

After years of growing in high-level leadership roles developing some of the largest brands in the world, Anita Greenwood felt like she was missing out. She tells Don and Ebony how she found something different in Wichita that gave her the freedom and lifestyle she wanted. On this episode we discuss: 00:04:00 Professional Coaching and Mentoring 00:…

1
Our Cheesecake Company (Mark Daniels - Wichita Cheesecake Company) 31:27

12M ago31:27

31:27

While never intending to start a business, Mark Daniels and his wife, Grace, saw a void in the marketplace because of one company who never wanted to come to Wichita. So they decided to fill that niche and have been growing ever since. On this episode we discuss: 00:04:00 Grace and I Discovered Our Cheesecake Business at a Bridal Show 00:06:00 Jour…

1
The Spicy Seat (Darren McGilbray - Popeyes ARJH) 29:09

12M ago29:09

29:09

Starting at the bottom as a dishwasher, Darren McGilbray had ambitions to grow his career in the restaurant business. While others didn’t see a viable career path, Darren shares with Don and Ebony how he saw an opportunity for a bright future. On this episode we discuss: Beginning as a dishwasher Desiring to join the ivory tower Tennis opportunitie…

1
More Than the C-Suite (Kim Doze-Lohmann / Joseph Shepard - Leadership Wichita) 36:32

12M ago36:32

36:32

The Leadership Wichita program has been a staple in the community for 40 years, but over the time it’s objectives have changed. Kim Doze-Lohmann and Joseph Shepard share with Don and Ebony how the mission has shifted from the C-Suite to helping the community have leaders of all levels engaged in tackling big challenges we share. On this episode we …

1
Growing Flowers and Business (Cindy Carnahan - The Carnahan Group) 32:13

1y ago32:13

32:13

With over 40 years in the real estate industry, Cindy has been growing her business. But what you might not know is she has had a passion for growing flowers in downtown Wichita. Find out with Don and Ebony what adventures this has brought. On this episode we discuss: Whose friend is Cindy? One summer to figure it out while working for her dad Crea…

1
Permission to Dream Again (Darin Teeter - Fiber Dynamics) 26:31

1y ago26:31

26:31

Sometimes we lose touch of dreams as we grow up. But for Darrin Teeter, he sees his company at Fiber Dynamics as an opportunity to let his team pursue their own passions. He shares his vision with Don and Ebony. On this episode we discuss: The uses of carbon fiber Diving into the nerd stuff Launching with a new baby and $13,000 in the bank Hardwire…

1
Flying Jets to Leading Others (Cathy McClain - Dauntless Leadership) 30:10

1y ago30:10

30:10

Through her long career in the Air Force, Cathy McClain has seen a lot of exciting things. But what she has found is an intense appreciation and love for the people she has been around. Now retired from her military career, she shares with Don and Ebony how she serves people by helping them become the most effective leaders they can be. On this epi…

1
Finding a Franchise Fit (Cody Beard - Prime IV) 28:10

1y ago28:10

28:10

When Cody Beard and his wife started on their journey to find a franchise business they could run together, they focused on their own lifestyle desires. Cody shares with Don and Ebony how that led them to Prime IV. On this episode we discuss: Having ambition to start a business together The franchise courtship dance Knowing what you want out of you…

1
An Intrepid and Two Ice Chests (Ben Arnold - Corporate Caterers / AVI) 27:23

1y ago27:23

27:23

Ben Arnold started his catering business with only $30lk in the bank and his Dodge Intrepid and a couple of ice chests. He shares with Don and Ebony how his energy, hustle and creativity led him to find a steady stream of customers. On this episode we discuss: Starting as a dishwasher (at 11 years old) When he decided to start moving and start his …

1
Building It All (Stan Shelden - Shelden Architecture) 28:49

1y ago28:49

28:49

When Stan Shelden growing up he loved all the art and technology. So naturally, he married those two into a career in architecture, brining the experience he gained in Chicago back to his hometown with Shelden Architecture. On this episode we discuss: Loving a diverse range of things and staying a generalist Being inspired by the passion of student…

1
Breaking the Law (Sam Foreman - Foreman Law) 27:28

1y ago27:28

27:28

Sam Foreman is on a mission to change the way legal firms operate with his own business law firm. He shares his views on caring about mental health and balance in the workplace with Don and Ebony (and a few dad jokes as well). On this episode we discuss: Sam’s alternative energy idea for Evergy Buying and selling businesses The startup above a sush…

1
Dining on the River (Katherine Elder - 1400 by Elderslie) 32:34

1y ago32:34

32:34

Do you know what a bramble is? Don and Ebony didn’t, but Katherine Elder walks through how the family farm has continued to grow into a larger and larger culinary experience, culminating in the opening of 1400 by Elderslie. On this episode we discuss: Opening in the Wichita Art Museum What’s the deal with the goats? When Katherine hit pause Growing…

1
When Everyone Leads (Julia Fabris McBride - KLC) 32:16

1y ago32:16

32:16

When your view on leadership is that it’s not a position, but an action, then no one is exempt from being able to become a leader. Julia Fabris McBride from the Kansas Leadership Center joins Don and Ebony to talk about the steps anyone can take to lead. On this episode we discuss: What the Kansas Leaderhship Center is Partnerships around the globe…

1
Follow the Calling (Kianga Kelley-Crowley - Simply A Lady) 30:58

1y ago30:58

30:58

When Kianga Kelley-Crowley was tempted to criticize others, she heard the call to help instead. Now she shares with Don and Ebony how she has been blessed by the way the Wichita community has embraced her Simply a Lady journey. On this episode we discuss: Seeing a need to develop our connection with others The importance of nonverbal cues How negat…

1
Print Isn't Dead (Ashley Martin - Valley Print Logistics) 26:38

1y ago26:38

26:38

Despite what you may have heard, print isn’t actually dead. Ashley Martin shares with Don and Ebony how the family business Valley Print Logistics has grown over the last few years and serves as a major component of any marketing campaign. On this episode we discuss: What motivated her dad and grandfather to start the business The school that both …

1
Coming Home to Build Up Other Women (Audra Dinell - The Thread) 29:35

1y ago29:35

29:35

When Audra Dinell was reflecting on what she would do if she were her most audacious self, she was inspired by another leadership experience to come back home and start The Thread: A Women’s Leadership Collective. She shares with Don and Ebony the journey that has taken her on and the confidence others have poured into her. On this episode we discu…

1
Helping Our Children Grow (Regina Miller - Trailblazers Academy) 29:06

1y ago29:06

29:06

As we wrap up Black History Month we are joined by the legendary Regina Miller. She shares her vision for early childhood education with Don and Ebony and how she pours her effort into community with the Trailblazers Academy. On this episode we discuss: Decades of work in child care and early childhood education Carrying the legacy of her late daug…

1
Getting the Government to Help (Gabe Schlickau and James Krstolich) 27:14

1+ y ago27:14

27:14

Government advocacy can make a huge difference for businesses, but often times that’s reserved for large companies with significant resources. Gabe Schlickau and James Krstolich share with Don and Ebony how the Wichita Chamber has provided that advocacy for smaller businesses in our region. On this episode we discuss: What government advocacy is Cr…

1
Love at First Bike (Jacob Wayman - OrangeTheory Fitness) 40:53

1+ y ago40:53

40:53

Has a love story ever led to the launching of a business success story? Hear the unusual connection Jacob Wayman and his wife made at OrangeTheory fitness. He shares his unique journey to entrepreneurship with Don and Ebony. On this episode we discuss: Getting started in the entrepreneurial community Being a community builder with E2E (now NXTUS) a…

1
The Perspective of Local News (Bonita Gooch - The Community Voice) 41:34

1+ y ago41:34

41:34

It took some time, but Bonita Gooch’s father eventually convinced her she needed to buy The Community Voice and bring African American perspective to the news in our community. She shares with Don and Ebony the key mentors who helped her grow this valuable business and resource. On this episode we discuss: The reach of The Community Voice Getting m…

1
Finding Financial Freedom (Brandon Converse - The Converse Team) 38:09

1+ y ago38:09

38:09

When Brandon Converse left his engineering career to join his brother at the Converse Team, he was motivated by the desire to help others secure their financial future. Don and Ebony dive in with him on how they help make that possible for companies and individuals. On this episode we discuss: The ways The Converse Team can serve others How Brandon…

1
Empowerment of Others (Mark / Summer Guerrero - Affinity Automotive) 37:52

1+ y ago37:52

37:52

Mark and Summer Guerrero are all about supporting and empowering others with Affinity Automotive. But they share with Don and Ebony how this empowerment first started with each other an after hours garage in their home. On this episode we discuss: Giving others a solution with car repairs Mark starting out working with his dad and grandpa when he w…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Wichita Regional Chamber Of Commerce Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide