UMKC kicks off high-impact entrepreneur speaker series

August 20, 2015  |  Bobby Burch

The Henry W. Bloch School of Management; Startland News photo

The University of Missouri-Kansas City’s Bloch School is hosting a bevy of successful area entrepreneurs to offer lessons and insights.

UMKC’s “First Wednesdays” series will kick off this fall, aiming to offer area residents and students the chance to network and learn from some of Kansas City’s brightest business minds.

The university’s first event is set for Sept. 2 and will welcome Bill Zahner, CEO of A. Zahner Company. Zahner’s company is best known for its use of metal in iconic structures around the world, including the “Sky Stations” atop Kansas City’s Bartle Hall.

Other speakers scheduled thus far are Terry Van Der Tuuk, founder of Graphic Technologies, Inc. and angel investor, and Dan Lowe, founder of RED Development and RED Legacy.

All three of the speakers are a part of the UMKC Entrepreneur Hall of Fame, which opened in late 2014. The hall aims not only to educate visitors on remarkable Kansas City businesspeople, but also celebrate the area’s entrepreneurial spirit. Take a tour of the hall of fame here.

The events are free, and parking, food and drink will be provided. RSVP here.

startland-tip-jar

TIP JAR

Did you enjoy this post? Show your support by becoming a member or buying us a coffee.

Tagged
Featured Business
    Featured Founder

      2015 Startups to Watch

        stats here

        Related Posts on Startland News

        Here’s how ULAH’s new boutique model aims to rack success for local brands, not inventory debt

        By Tommy Felts | October 23, 2025

        The new KC Collective consignment-based program for local brands at ULAH is a win for both the Westwood boutique and Kansas City creatives, said Joey Mendez and Buck Wimberly, announcing a fresh model to help the struggling store stay open and financially stable. “We’ve always had local brands,” said Mendez, co-founder of ULAH, explaining the…

        Tiki Taco ticks up giving alongside expansion; CEO owns up to taco shop’s neighborhood impact model

        By Tommy Felts | October 23, 2025

        A month-long campaign in the popular Kansas City-based chain offers easy add-on: joining KC GIFT’s network of donors  Restaurant executive Eric Knott wants Tiki Taco’s operators to own the neighborhoods into which the popular taco shop expands, he said, but that doesn’t just mean dominating the fast-casual market in each pocket of Kansas City. “Our…

        Kauffman Foundation announces first-ever semifinalists for Uncommon Leader Impact Award

        By Tommy Felts | October 23, 2025

        A new leadership prize aimed at celebrating changemakers at organizations aligned with the priorities of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation is closer to naming its first winner, the influential nonprofit announced Wednesday, revealing 12 semifinalists culled from more than 300 nominations. “The response from community members across the Kansas City metro area was tremendous,” said…

        Main Street is already harnessing AI to build wealth; adoption now key to region’s growth, heartland leaders say

        By Tommy Felts | October 22, 2025

        WICHITA, Kan. — Artificial intelligence is likely to be one of the most transformative technologies of the digital era, said Taylor Eubanks, noting that AI’s thoughtful deployment can be a tool for growth, not displacement.  “By engaging directly with entrepreneurs, small businesses, nonprofit leaders and local innovators, we can better support responsible AI adoption that…