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Fellows

Susan Ahn
Great Plains Supply, Inc.

Susan Ahn // Fellow
Great Plains Supply, Inc., President
Mentee Class Year: 2017
Great Plains Supply, Inc. is a wholesale distribution supply house that exclusively fulfills for the swimming pool and spa trade of the Midwest pool market.

J. Grant Burcham // Mentor
Treeline Ventures
Year joined HEMP: 1999
Matched 2017 - 2020

Elizabeth Amirahmadi
International Architects Atelier

Elizabeth Amirahmadi // Fellow
International Architects Atelier, President
Mentee Class Year: 2007
International Architects Atelier, founded in Kansas City in 1988, is a female-owned, minority-owned small business. The firm's creative touch can be seen in its award-winning design of religious and educational institutions, museums, theaters, commercial, retail and residential facilities, parking structure,; and park and recreation projects. IAA targets small and mid-sized projects that require very unique design solutions.

Robert Shapiro // Mentor
Realty Consultants, Partner/Owner
Year joined HEMP: 1995
Matched 2010 - 2013
Commercial Real Estate

Jeremy Antes
Prism Real Estate Services, LLC

Jeremy Antes // Fellow
Prism Real Estate Services, LLC, Owner
Mentee Class Year: 2016
Prism Real Estate Services, LLC provides first class management, maintenance and accounting services for our growing investment portfolio, including multi-family, office, residential, retail and industrial assets. In addition, PRES affiliate services include investment services, construction services, and lawn and landscape services, providing for vertical integration and value add for our investors and clients.

Ralph Wrobley // Mentor
Husch Blackwell LLP, of counsel
Year joined HEMP: 2006
Matched 2009 - 2012

Charlie Arnot
Look East

Charlie Arnot // Fellow
Look East
Mentee Class Year: 2017
Charlie Arnot, CEO and president of Look East, is recognized as a thought-leader in food and agriculture. Look East is an employee-owned public relations and communications firm. Charlie is highly regarded as both a writer and sought-after speaker who engages audiences across the globe. He also serves as CEO of the Center for Food Integrity, an international non-profit organization dedicated to building consumer trust and confidence in today’s food system.

Timothy McCarthy // Mentor
RMD, LLC dba HushMat & ZyCoat, LLC , Managing Member
Mentee Class Year: 2010
Matched 2015 - 2018
Owner of the "Easiest to Install" HushMat of sound deadening and thermal insulation materials designed to make automobiles, trucks, boats RV's & buses, quiet & comfortable. HushMat reduces Noise and Heat!
Also owner of ZyCoat, LLC thermal barrier coatings for high temperature automotive headers, manifolds and exhaust systems.

Neil Barnett
Care Haven Homes, LLC

Neil Barnett // Fellow
Care Haven Homes, LLC, Owner/Operator
Mentee Class Year: 2014
Care Haven Homes provides professional care to people suffering with Alzheimer's Disease and other forms of dementia. We operate several comfortable, professionally-staffed, residential homes in Johnson County, Kansas each of which has been renovated to meet the needs of our residents.

Bill Hartnett // Mentor
Shepherd Holmes Group, StoryBrand Certified Guide
Mentee Class Year: 2003
Matched 2014 - 2017
Many business owners feel their marketing dollars are wasted on random services. At Shepherd Holmes Group we help businesses create a clear plan that turns their marketing into sales so they can focus on serving customers profitably.
We'd love to help you create a plan that puts your marketing investment to work for you and your business.
Send me your website url and I'll send you a video of a FREE StoryBrand Website Review of your site.

Rita Baslock
Max Electric, Inc

Rita Baslock // Fellow
Max Electric, Inc, President
Mentee Class Year: 2010
Max Electric is a commercial, industrial, electrical contractor providing both construction services and 24/7 emergency services to the Kansas City Metro area.

Stephen Bastasch
Lenexa Manufacturing Company

Stephen Bastasch // Fellow
Lenexa Manufacturing Company, President
Mentee Class Year: 2017
Lenexa Manufacturing Company (LMC) is a new firm of experienced machine designers and assemblers. Through innovation, technology and quality, we are focused on helping our customers be successful.
We service and produce spare parts to support baggers and slicers for bakeries. We also refurbish equipment, do custom design and build jobs, and sell hinge blades. We make buying convenient with our extensive on hand inventory and machine shop for custom parts.

Gordon Harton // Mentor
GFH Business Consulting
Year joined HEMP: 2013
Matched 2013 - 2016

Kyle Batts
Batts Communications Services, Inc.

Kyle Batts // Fellow
Batts Communications Services, Inc., CEO
Mentee Class Year: 2016
Batts Communications Services is a business technology partner that helps companies leverage technology to excel in business. Our offerings include:
Business Telephone Systems
Cloud Telephone Solutions
Network & Fiber Cabling
Internet & Phone Service Consulting.

Mike O'Malley // Mentor
O'Keeffe & O'Malley, President
Year joined HEMP: 2001
Matched 2010 - 2013
Since 1984, as one of Kansas City's preeminent Merger & Acquisition (M&A) firms we've helped business owners sell their businesses, value businesses, develop exit plans, enhance the businesses value, acquire businesses, negotiate transactions and we've provided numerous advisory services related to helping people grow their business to maximize value.

Joseph Beveridge
Russell Hampton Co.

Joseph Beveridge // Fellow
Russell Hampton Co., Director of Business Development
Mentee Class Year: 2012
The Russell-Hampton Co. delivers the convenience of a true one-stop-shop for all of a business's branding and promotional product marketing solutions. We enable businesses to control their brand, while simultaneously controlling their promotional marketing costs, along with the ordering, planning and marketing and delivery process. Russell-Hampton is the world's largest provider of awards, personalized gifts, club supplies and more to Rotary International and to Rotary clubs globally.

John Miller // Mentor
Retired
Year joined HEMP: 2011
Matched 2017 - 2020

Austin Bickford
BicMedia

Austin Bickford // Fellow
BicMedia, Creative Director
Mentee Class Year: 2011
BicMedia has been producing highly effective and creative marketing tools for clients since 2002. We produce corporate videos, television commercials, jingles, custom music and more! Whether it's "Corporate Hip-Hop" or sales training tools, we work with you to deliver your message and build your brand. See samples of our work at www.bicmedia.com or just give us a call at 816-221-7021 to find out how we can help you grow your business!

Bob Brush // Mentor
Hallmark Cards--Retired
Year joined HEMP: 2010
Matched 2014 - 2017

Jeff Blackwood
New Frontier Mobile Diagnostics

Jeff Blackwood // Fellow
New Frontier Mobile Diagnostics, CEO and President
Mentee Class Year: 2019
NFMD supports rural, elderly, and disability communities by providing diagnostic services where they need it, close to home. Our technicians use mobile medical technology to securely share images from the point of care with the patient's doctor, providing the doctor with necessary information to develop a treatment plan without adding the cost and risk of transporting the patient a long distance. This company was founded in November 2019!

Tracy Lockton // Mentor
Consulting/Philanthropy
Year joined HEMP: 2013
Matched 2013 - 2016
After selling my most recent company I am now focused on my role as a HEMP mentor and in philanthropic support of the KC community, women's personal and professional health, education, and children. In addition I occasionally accept consulting projects.

RL Brooks
Seen Merchandising

RL Brooks // Fellow
Seen Merchandising , CEO
Mentee Class Year: 2017
RL Brooks is the owner and CEO of Seen Merch, Ink Tank and Merch Central. All three companies specialize in custom merchandise production and fulfillment for artists, bands, businesses and individuals seeking to reach consumers through custom printed merchandise. In 2009, RL and his brother, Micah Brooks, founded Seen Merchandising in Kansas City. Seen Merch was recognized as the 14th fastest growing company in Kansas City for 2014-2017, according to Ingram’s Magazine.

Lawrence Goldstein // Mentor
Retired
Year joined HEMP: 2014
Matched 2017 - 2020
Operating Multiple Locations
Franchising
Business Consulting

Will Buchanan
Treadwell

Will Buchanan // Fellow
Treadwell
Mentee Class Year: 2015
We specialize in the installation of durable flooring - resinous coatings and polished concrete, or, as we like to call them, no-nonsense floors that last.

Dan McDougal // Mentor
Dredge America, Inc.
Mentee Class Year: 2000
Matched 2017 - 2020
Dredge America performs professional hydraulic dredging services throughout the entire U.S. We specialize in portable hydraulic dredging, meaning we can go anywhere. We have been learning and improving our craft for over twenty years.

L. Eric Burtin
Burtin & Associates, Inc.

L. Eric Burtin // Fellow
Burtin & Associates, Inc., President
Mentee Class Year: 2016
Burtin & Associates, Inc. is a facility management company for janitorial, lawn care, snow removal, supply management and light repairs.

Richard Brooks // Mentor
Sandler Training
Year joined HEMP: 2007
Matched 2011 - 2013
Gradual, incremental and continuous improvement through transformational training and coaching.

David Cacioppo
emfluence, llc

David Cacioppo // Fellow
emfluence, llc, Managing Partner
Mentee Class Year: 2001
emfluence is a full-service interactive marketing firm and digital marketing platform provider offering a range of services to local, regional and national clients across every industry segment. Core services include, digital strategy, website design and development, search engine optimization, email marketing, social media campaign, management, pay-per-click marketing, banner campaign management, online promotions design and brand protection.

Mike O'Malley // Mentor
O'Keeffe & O'Malley, President
Year joined HEMP: 2001
Matched 2010 - 2013
Since 1984, as one of Kansas City's preeminent Merger & Acquisition (M&A) firms we've helped business owners sell their businesses, value businesses, develop exit plans, enhance the businesses value, acquire businesses, negotiate transactions and we've provided numerous advisory services related to helping people grow their business to maximize value.

Andrew Cameron
Donutology

Andrew Cameron // Fellow
Donutology, Owner
Mentee Class Year: 2016
Our company has been serving the Kansas City area to great fanfare and success. After years of research, we've made an astonishing discovery - everyone has a unique donut gene. They want a donut that expresses their unique personalities, so we built a laboratory that lets you experiment with that gene. Donutology is a simple equation - you pick your donut, icing, toppings and drizzle, then we create it right before your eyes and serve it up hot.

Barnett Helzberg // Mentor
HEMP Founder
Mentee Class Year: 1995
Matched 2015 - 2018
The Shirley and Barnett Helzberg Foundation provides support for other charitable organizations especially in the areas of entrepreneurship, education and the arts in Kansas City. Support is given to the Helzberg Entrepreneurial Mentoring Program (HEMP), University Academy, Friends of University Academy, Helzberg School of Management, The Nelson-Atkins Museum, The Kansas City Symphony, The Kansas City Zoo, Village Shalom, Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City and other areas.

Faruk Capan
Intouch Solutions

Faruk Capan // Fellow
Intouch Solutions, CEO
Mentee Class Year: 2001
Intouch Solutions is an advertising firm specializing in leveraging digital technologies for Pharma marketing. Our motto is: "Delivering Innovative Health Care Marketing With Guts!"

Lirel Holt // Mentor
U, Inc., CEO
Year joined HEMP: 1995
Matched 2016 - 2019
U, Inc. is a company that invents, builds and markets online products. Products include: online training, human resources search and background checks in various industries.

LeAnn Carlson
Lauren's Hope Medical ID Bracelets

LeAnn Carlson // Fellow
Lauren's Hope Medical ID Bracelets, Owner / CEO
Mentee Class Year: 2014
Lauren's Hope was founded in 2001 and originated the concept of fashionable medical ID jewelry. We produce products for women, men and children and focus on innovating new designs that are relevant to the needs of our customers. Most recently, we've begun offering styles that combine the technology of an online health profile with a simple band. Our goal is to let those with chronic medical conditions who need to wear an alert know that we provide styles that combine safety with style.

Mary Lou Jacoby // Mentor
warehouse1, Owner
Mentee Class Year: 2000
Matched 2010 - 2013
Warehouse1 solves the material handling requirements of clients in Kansas City, across the US, and around the world. Utilizing our technical knowledge and expertise, we maximize the use and minimize the cost of vertical space and square footage in warehouses, distribution centers, manufacturing and government facilities. We buy, recondition and install material handling products including 25 acres of in-stock pallet racking, shelving, conveyor, cantilever rack, pallet jacks, mezzanines, dock equipment, lockers, storage and flammable cabinets, bins and totes, and wrapping and packaging equipment.

Jeff Cates
Cates Auction & Realty Co., Inc.

Jeff Cates // Fellow
Cates Auction & Realty Co., Inc., President & Broker
Mentee Class Year: 2010
Cates Auction & Realty, Co., Inc. is a third-generation auction marketing firm founded in 1942. We specialize in accelerating the real estate sales process for sellers of residential, land and commercial properties throughout Missouri and Kansas. Our professional staff includes licensed auctioneers, realtors and a marketing department that garner state and national awards. We compress the selling cycle to 30 days by creating buyer urgency and competition through hard-hitting auction marketing customized for each client's property. The end result is a 90% success rate of delivering a scheduled sale at true market value.

Richard Brooks // Mentor
Sandler Training
Year joined HEMP: 2007
Matched 2011 - 2013
Gradual, incremental and continuous improvement through transformational training and coaching.

Darrin Clawson

Darrin Clawson // Fellow
Mentee Class Year: 2013

Tracy Lockton // Mentor
Consulting/Philanthropy
Year joined HEMP: 2013
Matched 2013 - 2016
After selling my most recent company I am now focused on my role as a HEMP mentor and in philanthropic support of the KC community, women's personal and professional health, education, and children. In addition I occasionally accept consulting projects.

Leanne Cofield
Visage, Inc.

Leanne Cofield // Fellow
Visage, Inc., CEO/Owner
Mentee Class Year: 2009
Visage is a privately-owned, promotional merchandise company that assists clients in creating brand awareness and increasing market penetration in unique ways.

Justin Copeland
Triggerfish Corporation

Justin Copeland // Fellow
Triggerfish Corporation
Mentee Class Year: 2017
Triggerfish is a Information Technology (IT) Integration practice focused in the healthcare industry. We provide IT staffing, project management, telecommunications services, voice/data cabling, security solutions and audio/visual solutions.

Mike O'Malley // Mentor
O'Keeffe & O'Malley, President
Year joined HEMP: 2001
Matched 2010 - 2013
Since 1984, as one of Kansas City's preeminent Merger & Acquisition (M&A) firms we've helped business owners sell their businesses, value businesses, develop exit plans, enhance the businesses value, acquire businesses, negotiate transactions and we've provided numerous advisory services related to helping people grow their business to maximize value.

Karen Crnkovich
DMC Service, Inc.

Karen Crnkovich // Fellow
DMC Service, Inc., President and Chief Hand Shaker
Mentee Class Year: 2017
DMC Service is a WBE/DBE certified commercial HVAC & Plumbing contractor. Producing diamond-strong, brilliant-work is our passion and goal.

Richard Greenwood // Mentor
Cleaves-Bessmer-Marietti, Inc., Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the board
Year joined HEMP: 2015
Matched 2016 - 2019
An E.S.O.P. company that is an outsource for sales and marketing for various, non-competing manufacturers in the electric utility, telecom and contractor-industrial markets in a seven state territory.

Sara Croke
Weather or Not, Inc.

Sara Croke // Fellow
Weather or Not, Inc., President
Mentee Class Year: 2002
When accuracy means money, this Midwest leader provides meteorological, disaster preparedness and emergency communications consulting. Weather or Not, Inc. has been protecting operational budgets and improving safety for large businesses, airports, utilities, schools, major league baseball, major league soccer and municipalities since 1986.

Danielle Debbrecht
CORE Strategies Physical Therapy, P.A.

Danielle Debbrecht // Fellow
CORE Strategies Physical Therapy, P.A.
Mentee Class Year: 2017
CORE Strategies Physical Therapy is committed to improving the movement health of our clients, through all phases of life. We empower clients through education about how to best challenge their body, understand their injury and/or risk for injury, and use active strategies to manage their movement health. The CORE team uses their expertise in movement assessment to not only help people rehabilitate injuries but also to prevent injuries with risk assessment screening, sports performance, and medical fitness programs.

Angela Hurt // Mentor
Veracity Consulting, Inc.
Year joined HEMP: 2017
Matched 2017 - 2020
Veracity Consulting, Inc. is a Native American and Women owned provider of information technology consulting services. As a diverse organization, Veracity Consulting, Inc. is a leading provider of information technology consulting services. Our primary objective is understanding and executing for our clients.

Beverly Drew
Asset LifeCycle, LLC

Beverly Drew // Fellow
Asset LifeCycle, LLC, CEO
Mentee Class Year: 2016
Asset LifeCycle provides environmentally responsible investment recovery, asset disposal & data destruction solutions. Our services include logistics, remarketing, parts recovery, secure data destruction.... and more. Asset LifeCycle offers services to government agencies, large enterprise, as well as, small business and non-profit organizations.

Ryan Elder
Facility Systems, Inc.

Ryan Elder // Fellow
Facility Systems, Inc., Business Manager
Mentee Class Year: 2015
Facility Systems, Inc. provides facility management consulting and design services. Our capabilities include commercial interior design, space planning, facility management support, office furniture design/procurement and construction management.

Gary Short // Mentor
Mentee Class Year: 2005
Matched 2015 - 2018

Jon Ellis
Paradise Park

Jon Ellis // Fellow
Paradise Park, Founder, President and CEO
Mentee Class Year: 2014
Paradise Park is a unique family destination in Lee Summit that regionally attracts guests looking for wholesome, clean, friendly and fun spaces to share with their friends, coworkers and families.

Robert Shapiro // Mentor
Realty Consultants, Partner/Owner
Year joined HEMP: 1995
Matched 2010 - 2013
Commercial Real Estate

Janene Ervin
KDC Construction

Janene Ervin // Fellow
KDC Construction, President
Mentee Class Year: 2007
KDC is a general contractor and construction management company with local and national building capabilities. KDC builds all types of commercial, industrial, retail, transportation and warehousing facilities.

Mary Lou Jacoby // Mentor
warehouse1, Owner
Mentee Class Year: 2000
Matched 2010 - 2013
Warehouse1 solves the material handling requirements of clients in Kansas City, across the US, and around the world. Utilizing our technical knowledge and expertise, we maximize the use and minimize the cost of vertical space and square footage in warehouses, distribution centers, manufacturing and government facilities. We buy, recondition and install material handling products including 25 acres of in-stock pallet racking, shelving, conveyor, cantilever rack, pallet jacks, mezzanines, dock equipment, lockers, storage and flammable cabinets, bins and totes, and wrapping and packaging equipment.

Amber Goering
Goering and Granatino, P.A.

Amber Goering // Fellow
Goering and Granatino, P.A.
Mentee Class Year: 2017
CPA Firm - Public Accounting

Walt Rychlewski // Mentor
Retired DotCom Entrepreneur, CEO and Board Chairman
Year joined HEMP: 1995
Matched 2011 - 2012
Technology Innovation, Artificial Intelligence, Venture Capital, University Professor, Marketing, Sales, Automotive, Industrial Automation.

Laird Goldsborough
Valbridge Property Advisors

Laird Goldsborough // Fellow
Valbridge Property Advisors, President
Mentee Class Year: 2011
Valbridge Property Advisors is a full-service commercial real estate appraisal and consulting firm based in Overland Park, Kansas. Founded in 1978, and led by six MAI designated members of the Appraisal Institute, the firm provides unbiased valuations for local, regional and national clients, as well as litigation support and other real estate services.

Grant Gooding
Proof Positioning

Grant Gooding // Fellow
Proof Positioning, Founder and CEO
Mentee Class Year: 2015
PROOF is market research company that evaluates and measures the emotions, motivations and preferences of customers. We use customer insights to understand the feelings of customers and provide mathematically sound insights on which messages to use for which customer segments using which mediums so companies can win more business.

Margaret Reynolds // Mentor
Breakthrough Masters Unlimited, Managing Principal
Year joined HEMP: 2003
Matched 2009 - 2012
Consulting services that help companies identify and develop market driven growth opportunities. Services include strategic planning, marketing, brand development and research.

Kevin Grabill
Grabill Plumbing, Heating & Cooling

Kevin Grabill // Fellow
Grabill Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, President/Owner
Mentee Class Year: 2010
Grabill Plumbing, Heating & Cooling is a full-service mechanical contracting company serving the Greater Kansas City and outlying areas. We provide a wide range of products, services and solutions to homeowners, businesses and general contractors. Our technicians construct all types of piping systems in building and remodel projects including highly customized and design-build applications. We offer alternative energy solutions and hydronic heating systems such as radiant floor and snow melt. Our company works with designers and architects on specialty products and applications in order to serve the most discriminating clientele. Grabill Plumbing has conducted business in KC since 1986 and we pride ourselves in ongoing relationships in the community. We put the best interest of our customer first and that is motivated by a passion to serve others.

Mike O'Malley // Mentor
O'Keeffe & O'Malley, President
Year joined HEMP: 2001
Matched 2010 - 2013
Since 1984, as one of Kansas City's preeminent Merger & Acquisition (M&A) firms we've helped business owners sell their businesses, value businesses, develop exit plans, enhance the businesses value, acquire businesses, negotiate transactions and we've provided numerous advisory services related to helping people grow their business to maximize value.

Dr. Mark Green
Kansas City Foot & Ankle

Dr. Mark Green // Fellow
Kansas City Foot & Ankle, Podiatrist. Owner/CEO
Mentee Class Year: 2014
Podiatrist; Medical and surgical treatment of the foot and ankle

R. Lee Harris // Mentor
Cohen-Esrey Real Estate Services, LLC, President
Year joined HEMP: 2005
Matched 2016 - 2019
Cohen-Esrey is a family of companies involved in apartment management, affordable housing development, apartment acquisition and ownership, tax credit syndication and construction. Harris is also the managing member of iiM, LLC, a venture capital firm that invests in early stage companies in the animal health, agribusiness and human health verticals. Cohen-Esrey operates on a nationwide basis with 450 employees and associates.

Jeremy Greenamyre
Greenamyre Rentals, Inc.

Jeremy Greenamyre // Fellow
Greenamyre Rentals, Inc., Vice President
Mentee Class Year: 2012
Greenamyre Rentals is a family-owned property management and development company serving the Leavenworth and Lansing, KS markets. Their focus is on multi-family residential properties, office and retail buildings.

John Vandewalle // Mentor
Lumen Touch, Chief Executive and Education Officer
Year joined HEMP: 2003
Matched 2009 - 2012
K-12 full enterprise technology for managing schools and school districts. This all-in-one solution Bright SUITE is made up of modules to manage student information (Bright STUDENT), special education (Bright SPED), curriculum (Bright LEARNING), library (Bright SOURCE), career and college, early learning and district wide communication modules.

Skuli Gudmundsson
OCCU-TEC, Inc.

Skuli Gudmundsson // Fellow
OCCU-TEC, Inc., President/CEO
Mentee Class Year: 2005
OCCU-TEC is a multi-disciplined organization with client service and loyalty remaining the key to our success. Our focus is providing specialized business solutions to help clients effectively manage environmental, occupational health and safety (EH&S) risks, as well as complete fuel tank inspections and repair.

Walt Rychlewski // Mentor
Retired DotCom Entrepreneur, CEO and Board Chairman
Year joined HEMP: 1995
Matched 2011 - 2012
Technology Innovation, Artificial Intelligence, Venture Capital, University Professor, Marketing, Sales, Automotive, Industrial Automation.

Haley Haar
AlphaGraphics Kansas City

Haley Haar // Fellow
AlphaGraphics Kansas City
Mentee Class Year: 2017
AlphaGraphics Kansas City delivers high-quality printing and marketing products. In 2009, Haley and her husband, Matt, purchased AlphaGraphics located in Downtown KC. They offer a focus on driving sales through relationship development.

John Miller // Mentor
Retired
Year joined HEMP: 2011
Matched 2017 - 2020

Alec Haight
Pioneer Music Company, Inc.

Alec Haight // Fellow
Pioneer Music Company, Inc., Vice President
Mentee Class Year: 2017
This family owned and operated business has been fulfilling the needs of its customers since 1869. As a wholesale business-to-business provider of high quality consumer electronic products, we provide products and solutions to many different industries. These products range from residential audio and video, to automation, network distribution, surveillance, installation accessories and more. Always open to change, but never forgetting our roots, we are here to exceed our customers expectations and form great relationships in doing so.

Dan Stalp // Mentor
Sandler Training
Mentee Class Year: 2013
Matched 2013 - 2016

Barnett Helzberg
HEMP Founder

Barnett Helzberg // Mentor
HEMP Founder
Mentee Class Year: 1995
Matched 2016 - 2019
The Shirley and Barnett Helzberg Foundation provides support for other charitable organizations especially in the areas of entrepreneurship, education and the arts in Kansas City. Support is given to the Helzberg Entrepreneurial Mentoring Program (HEMP), University Academy, Friends of University Academy, Helzberg School of Management, The Nelson-Atkins Museum, The Kansas City Symphony, The Kansas City Zoo, Village Shalom, Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City and other areas.
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Rick Krska // Counselor
InkCycle, Inc.Mentee Class Year: 1997Matched 1996 - 1999InkCycle is an industry leader in toner and inkjet print cartridge technology. InkCycle provides products to office and computer products resellers, office products superstores, other national chain stores and printer service companies. InkCycle produces and distributes its line of aftermarket toner and inkjet cartridges throughout North America from Lenexa, Kansas. Our two Kansas City metro area locations employ 500 team members and include 90,000 square feet of inkjet manufacturing and administrative offices, 30,000 square feet of toner remanufacturing and service/refurbish work, and 120,000 square feet of warehouse, distribution and empty cartridge processing. -
Craig Novorr // Fellow
Paragon Capital Management, LLCMentee Class Year: 2015Matched 2015 - 2018 -
Andrew Cameron // Fellow
Donutology, OwnerMentee Class Year: 2016Matched 2016 - 2019Our company has been serving the Kansas City area to great fanfare and success. After years of research, we've made an astonishing discovery - everyone has a unique donut gene. They want a donut that expresses their unique personalities, so we built a laboratory that lets you experiment with that gene. Donutology is a simple equation - you pick your donut, icing, toppings and drizzle, then we create it right before your eyes and serve it up hot.

Bush Helzberg
Best & Co.

Bush Helzberg // Fellow
Best & Co., CEO
Best & Co. offers a new way to acquire fine jewelry without the high markups of traditional luxury jewelry retailers. We offer a curated selection of exceptional, well-designed jewelry and make the process of purchasing beautiful jewelry easy. Our efficient business model allows us to provide truly significant savings to our clients.

Ron Hill
R Insights, LLC

Ron Hill // Fellow
R Insights, LLC, Chief Enrichment Officer
Mentee Class Year: 2008
Heart-based conscious leader. Empowering enriched lives of meaning & purpose. Conscious Business Catalyst.
I believe in the power of people, planet & profit. I believe in the understanding that if we are not the problem then
there is no solution. If we focus on solving our own problems then collectively we can thrive.
For 24+ years, I have been fortunate enough to be a founder, entrepreneur, and student of life - working with the finest
group of human beings I could ever imagine. Together we got messy, had fun, made mistakes, & disrupted an industry
through innovation, teamwork, caring & helping our stakeholders thrive. We grew as leaders and human beings. #Grateful
Reflecting on my experience as the founder and Chief Enrichment Officer of Redemption Plus, I discovered my
purpose and inspired others to find theirs. The bottom line is helping others lead enriched lives of meaning & purpose
was baked into the DNA from the start. It also became crystal clear that business can elevate humanity while being
profitable. You can do both, you must do both, and you should never compromise on navigating the polarity of each.
This is the future of business.
My true Redemption Story began as I learned to heal myself through my oldest son’s journey of addiction & recovery.
When you heal yourself, you also heal your family and your company - it is all entwined.
These lifelong gifts I intend to share with the world by:
- practicing, coaching, and nurturing conscious business practices which begins with conscious leadership;
- leaning into the power of plant-based foods to help heal disease & our planet; and
- advocating for the power of the heart (aka love) being baked into business, community, and connection to others.
We each have the power to heal, create, and thrive in a way that allows space for our world to be more just, fair, and
inclusive.

William Love // Mentor
Biostar Renewables, Managing Partner
Year joined HEMP: 2001
Matched 2002 - 2005
Renewable Energy / Venture Capital

Chris Hinkebein
Pro- Con

Chris Hinkebein // Fellow
Pro- Con
Mentee Class Year: 2014
Pro-Con is a contract parts manufacturer located in the Lee's Summit. They are an ISO certified shop with extensive capabilities for lathe and mill work. They are also experienced in light fabrication, welding and assembly.

Bruce Pendleton, Sr. // Mentor
Kansas City Valve & Fitting Co., President
Year joined HEMP: 2014
Matched 2014 - 2017
Industrial Distribution

Andy Homoly
Homoly Construction, Inc.

Andy Homoly // Fellow
Homoly Construction, Inc., President
Mentee Class Year: 2006
Homoly Construction has been serving the Kansas City area since 1997. We are a family-owned builder that embraces innovative technologies, time-honored methods and exquisite detailing to build your dreams. We specialize in green, sustainable, high-performance buildings.

Ted Murray // Mentor
Colliers International Kansas City, CEO
Year joined HEMP: 2001
Matched 2011 - 2014
Commerical Real Estate Brokerage
Commercial Real Estate Acquisition and Development

Kim Isenhower
Nationwide Transportation and Logistics Services, Inc.

Kim Isenhower // Fellow
Nationwide Transportation and Logistics Services, Inc., President
Mentee Class Year: 2008
Nationwide Transportation and Logistics Services, Inc. is a Certified Woman-Owned Business (WEB) specializing in freight management services. We take great pride in providing our customers with unsurpassed 24/7 transportation services since 1998. As an established third-party freight and logistics provider, we have built our reputation by striving to understand meet each customer;s unique shipping needs. Then we arrange to ship in the most efficient and cost-effective manner.

Robert Jewell
Optober Investments, LLC

Robert Jewell // Fellow
Optober Investments, LLC, Sr Vice President
Mentee Class Year: 2004
Obtober Investments provides Real Estate Investment, Management and Brokerage Services, for commercial office and industrial projects.

Charles Joseph
All Care Sweeping, LLC

Charles Joseph // Fellow
All Care Sweeping, LLC, Owner
Mentee Class Year: 2013
We are a commercial property maintenance company with an emphasis in providing parking lot sweeping and day porter services to large retail properties in the Kansas City metropolitan area.

Chuck Hoffman // Mentor
Hoffman Management Corp., President
Year joined HEMP: 1995
Matched 2001 - 2004
Hoffman Management Corp. manages investments in oil and gas production, as well as real estate.

Jennifer Juarez
Snacks on Racks, Inc

Jennifer Juarez // Fellow
Snacks on Racks, Inc, CEO
Mentee Class Year: 2017
Snacks on Racks is B-to-B Distributor and rebagger of bulk and retail packaged candy, trail mix, nuts and other snack foods to the food service industry nationwide.

Vladislav Kaufman
Managed Energy Systems

Vladislav Kaufman // Fellow
Managed Energy Systems
Mentee Class Year: 2017
Managed Energy Systems reduces electric, gas, and water costs for commercial and industrial businesses. The business is focused in Utility Bill Audits, Energy Incentives, and Efficient Equipment.

Thomas Cameron // Mentor
Project Group 2000, CEO
Mentee Class Year: 1999
Matched 2017 - 2020
Project Group 2000 is a comprehensive cell tower service company for Wireless Carriers of all sizes and technologies. The company provides on-call emergency repair and maintenance services, as well as fully documented site audits and inspections. Its field crews are designed for travel while delivering large-scale projects.
The company currently operates in the Nashville, Tennessee and St. Louis, Missouri markets and have a proven track record of successful build outs.

Kathy Koehler
The Koehler Bortnick Team

Kathy Koehler // Fellow
The Koehler Bortnick Team, CEO
Mentee Class Year: 2008
The Koehler Bortnick Team, Reece and Nichols, helps you buy and sell more homes in the Kansas City Metropolitan area than any other real estate team. Originally founded in 1996 by mother and daughter duo, Kathy Koehler and Heather Bortnick, our team now includes over 24 full-time, professional Missouri and Kansas real estate agents.

R. Lee Harris // Mentor
Cohen-Esrey Real Estate Services, LLC, President
Year joined HEMP: 2005
Matched 2016 - 2019
Cohen-Esrey is a family of companies involved in apartment management, affordable housing development, apartment acquisition and ownership, tax credit syndication and construction. Harris is also the managing member of iiM, LLC, a venture capital firm that invests in early stage companies in the animal health, agribusiness and human health verticals. Cohen-Esrey operates on a nationwide basis with 450 employees and associates.

Dean Kopulos
Regal Distributing Company, Inc.

Dean Kopulos // Fellow
Regal Distributing Company, Inc., President
Mentee Class Year: 1999
Regal Distributing Co. works with a range of clients to stock supplies that make their businesses cleaner, safer and more effective. Regal carries inventory that supplies clients ranging from the healthcare industry to foodservice and commercial.

Jeff Kreutz
KH Properties, LLC

Jeff Kreutz // Fellow
KH Properties, LLC, Owner
Mentee Class Year: 2015
Multi Family Apartment Complex renovation and management.

William Love // Mentor
Biostar Renewables, Managing Partner
Year joined HEMP: 2001
Matched 2002 - 2005
Renewable Energy / Venture Capital

Adlai Kunst
Fabri-Quilt, Inc.

Adlai Kunst // Fellow
Fabri-Quilt, Inc., President
Mentee Class Year: 2002
Fabri-Quilt is a diversified textile company located in North Kansas City, founded in 1962. Fabri-Quilt began as a custom quilter, supplying outerwear companies located around the Midwest with quilted fabrics for the manufacturing of winter garments. During the late 1970's, Fabri-Quilt began designing and converting their own fabrics for distribution in fabric stores and quilt shops across the U.S. In 2000, Fabri-Quilt Hospitality was created to service hotels and motels, from large chains to independent hotel owners, with bedding and draperies.

Micah LaCerte
Hitch Fit LLC

Micah LaCerte // Fellow
Hitch Fit LLC, Co Founder/Owner
Mentee Class Year: 2012
Hitch Fit is a lifestyle transformation company. Hitch Fit goes beyond traditional personal training and focuses on aiding clients in changing their mind, their body and ultimately their lives enabling them to fulfill their true potential. Hitch Fit provides 12 & 16 week transformation programs both one on one at our 2 studio gyms as well as Online Personal Training Programs available worldwide. Hitch Fit transformation programs include all aspects of healthy living including proper training and nutrition. Since 2009 Hitch Fit has helped clients in 71 countires lose over 300,000 lbs
Hitch Fit motto is Believe ? Transform ? Inspire. We believe that change has to first happen in the mind, and a client has to believe in their ability to succeed and accept the power and responsibility of their choices prior to beginning the transformation process. We teach them to set goals, eliminate negatives from their lives to the best of their ability, and make positive choices on a daily basis to get where they want to be. We emphasize a lifestyle change over a "diet", we teach our clients balanced ways of eating healthy whole foods in a way that they can sustain for life. We do not believe in fad diets or quick fixes, we teach our clients hard work and commitment are the way to success.

William Love // Mentor
Biostar Renewables, Managing Partner
Year joined HEMP: 2001
Matched 2002 - 2005
Renewable Energy / Venture Capital

Missy Love
Alaskan Fur Company

Missy Love // Fellow
Alaskan Fur Company, President
Mentee Class Year: 2002
Alaskan Fur is an 87-year-old retail store. We specialize in furs, leathers and shearlings. We also sell accessories such as fur bags, scarves and gloves for both men and women. Alaskan Fur is a full-service salon offering fur cleaning and storage, as well as fur restyling.

William Love // Mentor
Biostar Renewables, Managing Partner
Year joined HEMP: 2001
Matched 2002 - 2005
Renewable Energy / Venture Capital

Quentin McArthur
McQueeny Group, Inc.

Quentin McArthur // Fellow
McQueeny Group, Inc., President
Mentee Class Year: 2011
McQueeny Group, Inc. is a manufacturer's representative for heating ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) equipment serving northwest Arkansas, western Missouri and the state of Kansas. By combining outstanding products, experienced and knowledgeable sales people and excellent customer service, McQueeny Group commits to be the preferred supplier in the territory.

David Perky // Mentor
TPP Certified Public Accountants, Partner
Year joined HEMP: 2010
Matched 2011 - 2014
Helping business owners succeed by providing valuable professional and financial advice. Services include financial accounting assistance tax advice and compliance, and retirement plan administration services.

Brandy McCombs
International Builders & Consultants, Inc. (IBC)

Brandy McCombs // Fellow
International Builders & Consultants, Inc. (IBC), President
Mentee Class Year: 2016
Interior trim commercial carpentry construction along with traffic control services.

Jack Schmid // Mentor
J. Schmid & Assoc., Inc., Founder
Year joined HEMP: 2009
Matched 2013 - 2016
Catalog & Direct Marketing Agency

Mark McIntire
McIntire Management Group

Mark McIntire // Fellow
McIntire Management Group, President
Mentee Class Year: 2011
Manufacturer Rep in the Water and Wastewater business covering 11 states in the Midwest

Ralph Wrobley // Mentor
Husch Blackwell LLP, of counsel
Year joined HEMP: 2006
Matched 2009 - 2012

Scott McRuer
UHY LLP/UHY Advisors

Scott McRuer // Fellow
UHY LLP/UHY Advisors, Partner/Managing Director
Mentee Class Year: 2013
National CPA firm serving businesses, individuals and fiduciaries

Gordon Harton // Mentor
GFH Business Consulting
Year joined HEMP: 2013
Matched 2013 - 2016

Matthew Moore
Martin City Brewery

Matthew Moore // Fellow
Martin City Brewery, CEO
Mentee Class Year: 2017
Restaurants concepts and brewery with event space.

Darren Traub // Mentor
Year joined HEMP: 2017
Matched 2017 - 2020

Jacquie Morgan
Intouch B2D

Jacquie Morgan // Fellow
Intouch B2D, SVP, Governance & Enterprise Change Management at Intouch B2D
Mentee Class Year: 2010
Intouch B2D is an Enterprise Consultancy principally focused on Advisory, Execution and Support Services for clients in Health and Life Sciences.

Mary Lou Jacoby // Mentor
warehouse1, Owner
Mentee Class Year: 2000
Matched 2010 - 2013
Warehouse1 solves the material handling requirements of clients in Kansas City, across the US, and around the world. Utilizing our technical knowledge and expertise, we maximize the use and minimize the cost of vertical space and square footage in warehouses, distribution centers, manufacturing and government facilities. We buy, recondition and install material handling products including 25 acres of in-stock pallet racking, shelving, conveyor, cantilever rack, pallet jacks, mezzanines, dock equipment, lockers, storage and flammable cabinets, bins and totes, and wrapping and packaging equipment.

Debbie Murphy
Shirley and Barnett Helzberg Foundation

Debbie Murphy // Mentor
Shirley and Barnett Helzberg Foundation

Scott Murray
LEVEL5 Tools, LLC

Scott Murray // Fellow
LEVEL5 Tools, LLC, President/Owner
Mentee Class Year: 2009
Manufacturers, markets and sells a full line of drywall finishing tools to professionals around the globe. www.level5tools.com

Ralph Wrobley // Mentor
Husch Blackwell LLP, of counsel
Year joined HEMP: 2006
Matched 2009 - 2012

Craig Novorr
Paragon Capital Management, LLC

Craig Novorr // Fellow
Paragon Capital Management, LLC
Mentee Class Year: 2015
Matched 2015 - 2018

Barnett Helzberg // Mentor
HEMP Founder
Mentee Class Year: 1995
Matched 2015 - 2018
The Shirley and Barnett Helzberg Foundation provides support for other charitable organizations especially in the areas of entrepreneurship, education and the arts in Kansas City. Support is given to the Helzberg Entrepreneurial Mentoring Program (HEMP), University Academy, Friends of University Academy, Helzberg School of Management, The Nelson-Atkins Museum, The Kansas City Symphony, The Kansas City Zoo, Village Shalom, Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City and other areas.

Andy O'Hanlon
Equip-Bid Auctions

Andy O'Hanlon // Fellow
Equip-Bid Auctions, President/CEO
Mentee Class Year: 2016
Equip-Bid.com, Inc is an online only auction company based out of Kansas City. Auctions are conducted daily with thousands of items up for bid online at any given time. Auctions are based at our warehouse, onsite, or through our network of other affiliates that utilize the Equip-Bid platform.

Bobby Combs // Mentor
Truck Accessory Group, LLC, CEO
Year joined HEMP: 2016
Matched 2016 - 2019

Doug Obershaw
SkuTouch Solutions LLC

Doug Obershaw // Fellow
SkuTouch Solutions LLC, CEO
Mentee Class Year: 2017
SkuTouch Solutions is an eCommerce logistics facilitator providing worldwide logistics services to collect goods at manufacturer, facilitate export and entry for delivery to retailer or company owned distribution centers. The company also provides domestic and international fulfillment and facilitate customer service functions such as returns and exchanges.

Mike Pasley
Central Packaging

Mike Pasley // Fellow
Central Packaging, President
Mentee Class Year: 2005
Wholesale Sales and Distribution - Packaging Materials, Equipment and Service

Ed Nelson // Mentor
K.C. Hopps, CEO
Mentee Class Year: 1999
Matched 2005 - 2008
Restaurant Management Company

Jeanette Prenger
ECCO Select

Jeanette Prenger // Fellow
ECCO Select, President
Mentee Class Year: 2006
ECCO Select provides consultant services and personnel placement services on a temporary, contract and direct hire basis. We specialize in IT, administrative, finance, marketing, call center and health industries.

Mitch Rice
Commercial Capital Company, L.L.C.

Mitch Rice // Fellow
Commercial Capital Company, L.L.C.
Mentee Class Year: 2017
Commercial Capital is dedicated to providing the best capital equipment financing experience to individual businesses and equipment vendors. We are a family-owned lease financing company that understands that each business has individual capital-financing needs. Our team works one-on-one with business owners and equipment vendors to find the right lease-financing option to suit each capital-equipment purchase. Based in the Kansas City area, Commercial Capital provides equipment leasing nationwide but our main focus is in the Kansas city market.

Keith Bennett // Mentor
Emery Sapp & Sons, Inc.
Year joined HEMP: 2017
Matched 2017 - 2020
Emery Sapp and Sons, Inc. (ESS) offers a comprehensive list of services, including excavation, grading, concrete paving, underground utilities, structures and more. ESS is also proud to serve both the private and public sectors of our community for a wide range of project types, including federal, county, municipal, military, aviation, Department of Transportation, residential, multi-family, commercial and substations.

Nathan Roberts
Avenue Link

Nathan Roberts // Fellow
Avenue Link, Chief Executive Officer
Mentee Class Year: 2016
Avenue Link is a performance based online marketing company that specializes in targeted online and mobile lead generation as well as data monetization services. Avenue Link utilizes a variety of strategies including email and affiliate marketing, search engine pay per click advertising, and data management. We work only with trusted partners and publishers to bring quality traffic to our advertisers.
Avenue Link strives to build our business through our people. Our group of talented marketers, designers and developers are able to develop ideas into successful ventures.
We take pride in knowing each day our team enters the world of Avenue Link, that we will build, participate and grow our ever-expanding company.

William Polese // Mentor
Advisor
Year joined HEMP: 2016
Matched 2016 - 2019

Lori Ross
FosterAdopt Connect

Lori Ross // Fellow
FosterAdopt Connect, President/CEO
Mentee Class Year: 2016
FosterAdopt Connect is a non profit social service agency providing innovative solutions to child welfare problems. Our goal is help abused and neglected children to heal. We do that by providing foster and adoptive children a stable, loving and nurturing family environment through support and advocacy for abused and neglected children and the families caring for them.

Bob Brush // Mentor
Hallmark Cards--Retired
Year joined HEMP: 2010
Matched 2014 - 2017

Joe Runyan
Hangers Cleaners

Joe Runyan // Fellow
Hangers Cleaners
Mentee Class Year: 2006
Hangers Cleaners is the only retail dry cleaners in the states of Missouri and Kansas to use all-natural liquid CO2 to clean clothes. Hangers has several locations throughout the KC area and has a very popular free pickup and delivery service.

Melody Warren // Mentor
Transportation Logistics Systems, Inc., President & CEO
Mentee Class Year: 1996
Matched 2006 - 2009
Transportation Brokerage - 3rd Party Logistics
And asset based over the road carrier

Stephen Rupp
SRKO Commercial Builders LLC

Stephen Rupp // Fellow
SRKO Commercial Builders LLC, Principal
Mentee Class Year: 2014
SRKO LLC is a commercial general contracting company that specializes in high end tenant tenant finishes and small out of the ground project developments.

Ted Murray // Mentor
Colliers International Kansas City, CEO
Year joined HEMP: 2001
Matched 2011 - 2014
Commerical Real Estate Brokerage
Commercial Real Estate Acquisition and Development

Cynthia Savage
Raphael Hotel Group

Cynthia Savage // Fellow
Raphael Hotel Group, Vice President
Mentee Class Year: 2004

Laura Schmidt
notes to self, llc

Laura Schmidt // Fellow
notes to self, llc, Chief Positive Person
Mentee Class Year: 2016
notes to self® socks target the subconscious mind - most receptive early in the morning and late at night - improving your thoughts, actions and performance! Made in the U.S.A.

R. Lee Harris // Mentor
Cohen-Esrey Real Estate Services, LLC, President
Year joined HEMP: 2005
Matched 2016 - 2019
Cohen-Esrey is a family of companies involved in apartment management, affordable housing development, apartment acquisition and ownership, tax credit syndication and construction. Harris is also the managing member of iiM, LLC, a venture capital firm that invests in early stage companies in the animal health, agribusiness and human health verticals. Cohen-Esrey operates on a nationwide basis with 450 employees and associates.

Robyn Schmitz
High Prairie Landscape Group

Robyn Schmitz // Fellow
High Prairie Landscape Group
Mentee Class Year: 2017
High Prairie Landscape Group offers full-service landscape design, construction and maintenance in the Kansas City market. We focus on customization, innovation, and high-level communication for a top quality end result.

Scott King // Mentor
Kendal King Group, co-CEO/CFO
Mentee Class Year: 2007
Matched 2017 - 2020
Kendal King Group is all about creating world class, in-store experiences that lift sales. We work with elite retailers and brands to create incremental sales opportunity in-store. Our passion is providing retail marketing solutions that keep customers spending and retail buyers happy. Our newest division is Soapbox Influencer Marketing where we build brands through authentic social conversations.

Jon Schram
The Purple Guys

Jon Schram // Fellow
The Purple Guys, President
Mentee Class Year: 2000
Stress Free Computer Support for small and mid sized businesses. FLAT FEE monthly support. You know when you call the "help desk" and they are not very helpful? We make that go away with Fast, Friendly service for a Flat Fee.
For years, IT companies and their clients have been working against each other. Something breaks, the IT company comes out to fix it, followed by a big bill.
That's all about to change. With VersentCheck. we work with you to make sure that things don't break in the first place. Using a flat-fee monthly approach to billing, our incentive is to keep your network running smoothly. The better we do our job, the less you'll see of us, and the more you'll get out of your network. Finally, you can stop paying for downtime. Doesn't that make sense?

Neal Sharma
DEG

Neal Sharma // Fellow
DEG, Principal / CEO
Mentee Class Year: 2004
Digital Evolution Group is a full-service e-consultancy focused on helping growing organizations achieve their strategic objectives through smart Internet-focused solutions.
Specifically, the firm offers enterprise application development, integrated e-commerce, interactive web development, comprehensive data analytics, targeted e-marketing, rich media, strategic consulting, and managed web hosting services.

Travis Siegfried
Certified Radon

Travis Siegfried // Fellow
Certified Radon , Owner
Mentee Class Year: 2016

Mark Simmons
The RED Force Fire & Security

Mark Simmons // Fellow
The RED Force Fire & Security, Owner, President
Mentee Class Year: 2011
The RED Force? is a locally-owned, fully insured, integrity driven fire suppression provider. While The RED Force? is located in Independence, Missouri we provide service to our customers in the 100 mile radius of Kansas City. Safety is our business and The RED Force? maintains and promotes a culture of safety through national fire code training, testing and compliance. The RED Force? has had a long-term fire protection impact in the Kansas City area, having acquired several companies with a service history going back over 30 years. The RED Force? is a solution provider of fire suppression equipment and systems, security and fire alarm systems, sprinklers, first aid, fire extinguishers, live fire extinguisher training, fire safety lectures, exit and emergency lights, and many fire safety products. Available 24/7 we provide quick and dependable service. In an effort to sustain code compliance that satisfies insurance companies in the event of a claim, The RED Force utilizes only certified technicians in the field and adheres to the national fire and life safety codes.

Ted Murray // Mentor
Colliers International Kansas City, CEO
Year joined HEMP: 2001
Matched 2011 - 2014
Commerical Real Estate Brokerage
Commercial Real Estate Acquisition and Development

Sean Simms
SKS Studio

Sean Simms // Fellow
SKS Studio, President
Mentee Class Year: 2015
We are a boutique planning and landscape architecture firm specializing in international hospitality and destination projects. Since our founding in 2008, we have worked in more than 40 countries. Our project size and scope range from small boutique resort hotels, to theme parks, to large-scale mixed-use masterplanning projects encompassing thousands of acres.

Timothy McCarthy // Mentor
RMD, LLC dba HushMat & ZyCoat, LLC , Managing Member
Mentee Class Year: 2010
Matched 2015 - 2018
Owner of the "Easiest to Install" HushMat of sound deadening and thermal insulation materials designed to make automobiles, trucks, boats RV's & buses, quiet & comfortable. HushMat reduces Noise and Heat!
Also owner of ZyCoat, LLC thermal barrier coatings for high temperature automotive headers, manifolds and exhaust systems.

Brian Smith
Wagner Logistics

Brian Smith // Fellow
Wagner Logistics, President and Chief Executive Officer
Mentee Class Year: 2012
Wagner is a leading 3PL service provider offering distribution center, fulfillment, contract packaging and transportation services to Fortune 500 and small/midsized companies across a network of facilities in the United States. Wagner uses world-class technology to provide visibility and execution, delivering clients unsurpassed service from a team of highly skilled associates.
Specialties
Transportation, Fulfillment, Distribution Warehousing, Contract Packaging

Jim Huntington // Mentor
Year joined HEMP: 2012
Matched 2012 - 2015

Cisse Spragins
Rockwell Labs Ltd

Cisse Spragins // Fellow
Rockwell Labs Ltd, CEO
Mentee Class Year: 2011
Development, manufacture and marketing of pest control and biological cleaning products.

Walt Rychlewski // Mentor
Retired DotCom Entrepreneur, CEO and Board Chairman
Year joined HEMP: 1995
Matched 2011 - 2012
Technology Innovation, Artificial Intelligence, Venture Capital, University Professor, Marketing, Sales, Automotive, Industrial Automation.

Doug Stacye
JB Solutions LLC

Doug Stacye // Fellow
JB Solutions LLC, President
Mentee Class Year: 2010
Gutter Cover installation. Home Improvement

Robert Shapiro // Mentor
Realty Consultants, Partner/Owner
Year joined HEMP: 1995
Matched 2010 - 2013
Commercial Real Estate

Gina Stuelke
Kenton Brothers Inc. Systems for Security

Gina Stuelke // Fellow
Kenton Brothers Inc. Systems for Security, President
Mentee Class Year: 2005
Kenton Brothers is the area's industry leader in high quality locking systems and professional service meeting the security needs of all commercial businesses. Established in 1897, we are expert in all aspects of commercial locking systems, both electronic and mechanical, for businesses that need to protect their people, property and possessions.

John Vandewalle // Mentor
Lumen Touch, Chief Executive and Education Officer
Year joined HEMP: 2003
Matched 2009 - 2012
K-12 full enterprise technology for managing schools and school districts. This all-in-one solution Bright SUITE is made up of modules to manage student information (Bright STUDENT), special education (Bright SPED), curriculum (Bright LEARNING), library (Bright SOURCE), career and college, early learning and district wide communication modules.

Jim Stuelke
Extreme Coating Solutions, LLC

Jim Stuelke // Fellow
Extreme Coating Solutions, LLC, CEO
Mentee Class Year: 2007
ECS applies specialty coatings such as Teflon on parts for other manufacturers.

Connie Swartz

Connie Swartz // Fellow
Mentee Class Year: 2002

Courtney Thomas
Newhouse

Courtney Thomas // Fellow
Newhouse, President & CEO
Mentee Class Year: 2017

Margaret Reynolds // Mentor
Breakthrough Masters Unlimited, Managing Principal
Year joined HEMP: 2003
Matched 2009 - 2012
Consulting services that help companies identify and develop market driven growth opportunities. Services include strategic planning, marketing, brand development and research.

Ryan Toelkes
Neighborhood Painting & Restoration Inc.

Ryan Toelkes // Fellow
Neighborhood Painting & Restoration Inc., President
Mentee Class Year: 2017
Neighborhood Painting is a full service painting and restoration company. We have been servicing the Kansas City area since 2002. Services we offer include interior, exterior painting, carpentry, wood rot repairs, drywall, decks, stucco for both residential and commercial clients.

Dan McDougal // Mentor
Dredge America, Inc.
Mentee Class Year: 2000
Matched 2017 - 2020
Dredge America performs professional hydraulic dredging services throughout the entire U.S. We specialize in portable hydraulic dredging, meaning we can go anywhere. We have been learning and improving our craft for over twenty years.

Jay Tomlinson
Helix Architecture + Design

Jay Tomlinson // Fellow
Helix Architecture + Design, Principal
Mentee Class Year: 2001
Architecture and Interior Design Firm

Chuck Hoffman // Mentor
Hoffman Management Corp., President
Year joined HEMP: 1995
Matched 2001 - 2004
Hoffman Management Corp. manages investments in oil and gas production, as well as real estate.

Kevin Tubbesing
The Land Source

Kevin Tubbesing // Fellow
The Land Source, Principal
Mentee Class Year: 2013
We hope you don't mind, but you'll never experience one of our brokers greet you at an open house with mints and cookies. We buy and sell land for commercial and development use - period.
We hear the whispers. This makes us kind of? unique? in the wide world of real estate brokerage. Whereas most firms take any type of business they can get, we only do land. It's not that selling buildings and homes is a bad thing (right?), but as dirt simple as some might think the business of land realty is, in truth, it's an art.
No where in real estate does the confluence of capital financing, architecture, engineering, governmental pleasantries, utility services, storm water runoff, tax incentives, and grandma's third-cousin-once-removed-co-trustee-still-on-the-deed, come into play more than in land realty. The Land Source has been there ? on both sides of the many fences - and our experience will benefit you. Whether you're buying, selling, or utilizing our growing site selection services, you will find that our ability to "move dirt" is second to none.
The Land Source was formed in 2001 by Pat Daniels to assist land owners in maximizing the value of their land for sale and assisting land developers & investors in finding the right land for their needs to maximize the property's use and value. In 2010 Kevin Tubbesing acquired The Land Source and has led the company in triple digit growth in each consecutive year since.
Our diverse and talented team members cover all needs within land realty. With over a century of experience, their combination of skills has enabled our clients and investors to profit from the application of cumulative judgment including the negotiation skills to get grandma's third-cousin to sign the deed!
Whether you are selling, buying or just on a search, let The Land Source maximize your investment. Contact us today.

Dan Stalp // Mentor
Sandler Training
Mentee Class Year: 2013
Matched 2013 - 2016

Jessica Underwood
Chief of Staff

Jessica Underwood // Fellow
Chief of Staff, President/Owner
Mentee Class Year: 2015
Chief of Staff is a local, woman owned recruitment firm who offers temporary, temp to hire, and permanent placement services in the Kansas City metro area. We facilitate candidate introductions for top performers in office support roles including marketing, accounting, finance, HR, legal, and other administrative functions. Our team meets with hiring managers and candidates in person before any placement, to ensure all qualifications are met and the right culture fit is achieved. We pride ourselves on knowing our customers business and helping them source, screen and recruit for their most important asset, their people. We enjoy serving Kansas City's top employers as their trusted Chief of Staff.

Laura Lee Jones // Mentor
LionShare, Inc.
Mentee Class Year: 2006
Matched 2015 - 2018
Founded in 1995, LionShare serves primarily the healthcare industry nationwide. Our expertise includes strategic consulting, research and creative, direct-mail services, execution and fulfillment. Our solutions, such as service-line campaigns, new mover/new parent programs, physician marketing, dynamic email deployment and social media monitoring, are rooted in DIATA™, our business intelligence tool (which includes CRM/PRM and propensity/modeling). Utilizing DIATA™, we listen to data and link analytics to marketing executions.

Kyle Van Goethem
Wagner Logistics

Kyle Van Goethem // Fellow
Wagner Logistics
Mentee Class Year: 2012

Brent Voepel
Voepel Property Management / Canopy Road Real Estate

Brent Voepel // Fellow
Voepel Property Management / Canopy Road Real Estate, Broker & Owner
Mentee Class Year: 2017

Tim Lopatofsky // Mentor
LKLL&L, Inc.
Mentee Class Year: 2010
Matched 2017 - 2020
LKLL&L is involved with commercial real estate.
Prior Company EZTax, specialized in development and licensing of software products that automated sales, use and numerous other transaction tax calculations, filings and situs determinations. I sold this company to Avalara in June of 2015.

Emily Voth
Indigo Wild

Emily Voth // Fellow
Indigo Wild
Mentee Class Year: 2000
Manufacture & Distribute Natural Products for the Body & Home

Belinda Waggoner
hr-haven, inc.

Belinda Waggoner // Fellow
hr-haven, inc., President
Mentee Class Year: 2013
hr-haven believes that by mixing a blend of HR, internal branding, and purpose-driven business decision-making, culture can be built for clients that ultimately provides them with their differentiator in the marketplace, no matter their industry. Entrepreneurs don't generally want to hear what they can't do, they want to know what they can, and this is where hr-haven focuses their efforts in helping their clients.

Jack Schmid // Mentor
J. Schmid & Assoc., Inc., Founder
Year joined HEMP: 2009
Matched 2013 - 2016
Catalog & Direct Marketing Agency

Scott Weidemeyer
Healthcare Revenue Group, LLC

Scott Weidemeyer // Fellow
Healthcare Revenue Group, LLC, President
Mentee Class Year: 2001
Medical practice management company. Billing, collections; operational and financial analysis and support.

Kenneth Weiner
Cohen-Esrey

Kenneth Weiner // Fellow
Cohen-Esrey , Director
Mentee Class Year: 2014

Bob Brush // Mentor
Hallmark Cards--Retired
Year joined HEMP: 2010
Matched 2014 - 2017

Jim Weir
CompDME

Jim Weir // Fellow
CompDME, CIO
Mentee Class Year: 2009

Margaret Reynolds // Mentor
Breakthrough Masters Unlimited, Managing Principal
Year joined HEMP: 2003
Matched 2009 - 2012
Consulting services that help companies identify and develop market driven growth opportunities. Services include strategic planning, marketing, brand development and research.

Duane Williams
Skyline E3

Duane Williams // Fellow
Skyline E3, Owner/President
Mentee Class Year: 2001
Skyline E3 has grown into the largest trade show exhibit supplier in the Midwest! In addition, our innovative products and creative design team have enabled us to expand into providing solutions for events and office environments. We also offer training assistance to all of our clients relating to ROI, social media tips on how to promote your attendance at your next event.

David Windhausen
Intouch Solutions

David Windhausen // Fellow
Intouch Solutions, Executive Vice President, Partner
Mentee Class Year: 2009
We are a full service marketing agency, specializing in clients within the healthcare/pharmaceutical industry. Our headquarters are in Overland Park, Kansas, and we also have offices in Chicago, Illinois and New York, New York.

John Vandewalle // Mentor
Lumen Touch, Chief Executive and Education Officer
Year joined HEMP: 2003
Matched 2009 - 2012
K-12 full enterprise technology for managing schools and school districts. This all-in-one solution Bright SUITE is made up of modules to manage student information (Bright STUDENT), special education (Bright SPED), curriculum (Bright LEARNING), library (Bright SOURCE), career and college, early learning and district wide communication modules.

Ryan Wyse
Code Koalas

Ryan Wyse // Fellow
Code Koalas, CEO
Mentee Class Year: 2016
Code Koalas is a web and app development company that helps agencies, startups and small to medium businesses solve complex problems. We thrive on things that are difficult and complex.

Richard Greenwood // Mentor
Cleaves-Bessmer-Marietti, Inc., Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the board
Year joined HEMP: 2015
Matched 2016 - 2019
An E.S.O.P. company that is an outsource for sales and marketing for various, non-competing manufacturers in the electric utility, telecom and contractor-industrial markets in a seven state territory.

Mike Zimmerman
The Insurance Partners

Mike Zimmerman // Fellow
The Insurance Partners, Managing Principal
Mentee Class Year: 2016

Lirel Holt // Mentor
U, Inc., CEO
Year joined HEMP: 1995
Matched 2016 - 2019
U, Inc. is a company that invents, builds and markets online products. Products include: online training, human resources search and background checks in various industries.

Mike Zimmerman
Artisan Technology Group

Mike Zimmerman // Fellow
Artisan Technology Group, Founder & CEO
Mentee Class Year: 2015
Artisan Technology Group is a software and IT consulting firm that specializes in solving hard business problems with custom software solutions. We specialize in modern cloud development for web and mobile clients, as well as, providing architectural strategy and business analytics consulting.