Five high-profile KC startup, business leaders slated for Junior Achievement hall of fame
April 23, 2020 | Startland News Staff
A program that connects Kansas City business leaders with classrooms is giving high honors to a handful of startup veterans whose efforts to build global companies has already impacted a new generation of entrepreneurs.
Sandy and Christine Kemper; photo courtesy of the University of Missouri-Kansas City
Bruce Ianni and Davyeon Ross, co-founders of ShotTracker; Christine Kemper, founding chair of Kansas City Girls Preparatory Academy, and Sandy Kemper, founder, chairman, and CEO of C2FO (both are founders of YEPKC, an organization focused on nurturing entrepreneurship in high school students); and Peter Mallouk, president of Creative Planning, have been selected for 2020 induction into the Junior Achievement of Greater Kansas City Business Hall of Fame.
ShotTracker and C2FO both were featured on multiple lists of Startland News’ Kansas City Startups to Watch.
“Our 2020 laureates inspire Kansas City’s students by showing them how an innovative spirit combined with hard work can leave a lasting impact on the community,” said Kathy Rhodes, chairman of the Junior Achievement board and lead managing director at CBIZ. “I am proud to honor these business leaders for their role in making Kansas City a hub of creativity, entrepreneurship, and a fantastic place to work and live.”
Editor’s note: C2FO and the Kemper Family Foundation are financial supporters of STARTLAND, the parent organization of Startland News. Christine Kemper sits on the board of STARTLAND. Davyeon Ross is a former board member for the Kansas City Startup Foundation, now STARTLAND. This report was produced independently by Startland News.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2020, the annual Junior Achievement hall of fame event has previously recognized such entrepreneurs as Ewing Marion Kauffman, Dave Cummings, Barnett and Shirley Helzberg, Gary Fish, and Henry Bloch.
A luncheon celebration of the 2020 honorees is planned for Nov. 6 at The Gallery Event Space in Kansas City.
Click here for more in-depth bios of the honorees.
Junior Achievement of Greater Kansas City aims to bring business back to the classroom by connecting students to mentors and programs that promote financial literacy, inspire entrepreneurship, and prepare students (K-12) for success in a 21st century workplace.
Featured Business
2020 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
OHUB’s ‘unapologetic’ arrival in KC comes with $300K in support; ‘Cosby Show’ alum at Friday event
A familiar face from pop culture and $300,000 in entrepreneurial support are just two highlights tied to the Opportunity Hub’s new effort to build a more inclusive startup ecosystem in Kansas City. “Many times, [building an inclusive community] involves hosting a series of frequently held, branded events that introduce community stakeholders to black and Latinx…
Women2Women tour: Conversation in Kansas City will ripple back to lawmakers in DC
Editor’s note: This content was sponsored by Women2Women Conversation Tours but independently produced by Startland News. From the dining room table to the halls of Congress, conversations about issues important to women need to be at the forefront of the national agenda, said Sarah Chamberlain, founder of the Women2Women Conversation Tours and CEO of Republican…
Ready to ghost summer? Boozy ‘spookeasy’ pop-up concepts pour ‘horror movies in a cup’
A graveyard smash is expected to sweep the metro this fall as two Kansas City hotspots prepare to unleash new pop-up bar concepts for Halloween. “Ever since I watched ‘The Simpsons Treehouse of Horror’ when I was like 8, I have been into, in some manner, scary things,” said Edward Schmalz, founder of Pawn and…
Zohr takes startup lessons on the road as on-demand tire service expands to Dallas streets
As Zohr drives toward national expansion, the on-demand tire services startup is already finding success in Dallas, replicating the metro-wide experience it made popular in hometown Kansas City, said Komal Choong. “We’re getting great responses from our early adopters,” the Zohr co-founder and CEO said. “So we’re very optimistic that it’ll continue to grow, just…