Pipeline adds top founders to its network: Meet 14 fellows tasked with building the Midwest together 

The newest class of Pipeline fellows embodies the elite Midwest network’s founder-first focus on industry-agnostic collaboration and support, said Melissa Vincent, noting the power of tapping barrier-breaking perspectives to solve problems and build world-class companies side by side.

“We have an incredible depth of entrepreneurs who are all focused on building high-growth, scalable businesses, but they’re doing it in completely different industries,” said Vincent, CEO of Pipeline Entrepreneurs. “That diversity not only makes the program more dynamic, but it also sparks innovation in ways you wouldn’t expect when you bring such varied talent together.”

The network on Friday announced a new slate of fellows for 2025, with 14 leading entrepreneurs now tasked with completing a year-long journey that will “challenge them not just as entrepreneurs, but as individuals and leaders,” Vincent said.

“This program is designed to push them out of their comfort zones, encouraging vulnerability and personal growth while giving them the tools to build strong, successful companies,” she added. “Over the course of four intensive modules, they’ll be guided by incredible leaders from across the country who will help them spot opportunities to scale faster, navigate challenges, and refine their strategies.”

Orientation for the new cohort officially began Jan. 30 with its members’ public debut set for Pipeline’s Innovators Gala on Feb. 28 at Union Station — an event where new fellows will collide with hundreds of entrepreneurs who’ve joined the network over the past 18 years.

Click here for tickets to the Pipeline Innovators Gala, using the access code “STARTLAND.”

“One of the most valuable aspects is the community they’re stepping into — learning from each other and from the amazing entrepreneurs who’ve gone through this program before them and are now part of our Pipeline family,” said Vincent. “That network of support and shared experience is truly transformative.”

2025 Pipeline Fellows: Matt Williams, Albatross Golf; Gonzalo Erdozain, Scout; Kalin Baca, Icorium Engineering Company; Frankie Elder-Reedy, Wrax; Jessica Queen, Omedus; Mark Josey, Kansas City Pioneers; Jonathan Gregory, EzBizPortal; LaToya Sirls, Someday Beauty; Donnie Hampton, Roz; Steven Coen, SaRA Health; Learie Hercules, Heft IQ; Danny Moran, Advoteck; and Craig Mason, Raise Health

The 2025 Pipeline fellowship cohort includes:

• Learie Hercules, Heft IQ (Leawood, Kansas)
• Steven Coen, SaRA Health (Kansas City, Missouri)
• LaToya Sirls, Someday Beauty (Kansas City, Missouri)
• Gonzalo Erdozain, Scout (Kansas City, Missouri)
• Kalin Baca, Icorium Engineering Company (Lawrence, Kansas)
• Jonathan Gregory, EzBizPortal (Kansas City, Missouri)
• Conner Hazelrigg, Hilltop Technologies (Liberty, Missouri)
• Mark Josey, Kansas City Pioneers (Kansas City, Missouri)
• Craig Mason, Raise Health (Kansas City, Missouri)
• Matt Williams, Albatross Golf (Lenexa, Kansas)
• Frankie Elder-Reedy, Wrax (Pleasanton, Kansas)
• Jessica Queen, Omedus (Omaha, Nebraska)
• Donnie Hampton, Roz (Olathe, Kansas)
• Danny Moran, Advoteck (Kansas City, Missouri)

The 2025 application cycle marked one of the most competitive recruitment efforts in the organization’s history, with a record-breaking number of applications for the program, Vincent said. (Five of the selected founders — Gonzalo Erdozain, Kalin Baca, Conner Hazelrigg, Craig Mason and Matt Williams represent companies featured on Startland News’ recent list of Kansas City Startups to Watch in 2025.)

Also among those ultimately breaking through: two members of the 2024 Pipeline Pathfinder class — a sister cohort to the fellowship. Designed for early stage entrepreneurs from underserved Midwest communities (defined for this program as women, minority or rural entrepreneurs), Pathfinder supports founders who are still working a full-time job in addition to having their own startup.

“LaToya Sirls and Frankie Elder-Reedy are perfect examples of the kind of founders we’re honored to support through the Pathfinder and Fellowship programs,” said Vincent. “Both of them have built businesses with real traction and are at that pivotal stage where they’re ready to scale, which is exactly where we want founders to be as they enter the Fellowship.”

The two both leaned into the Pathfinder experience, she added, making themselves open to feedback, being willing to challenge themselves, and committing their visions to growth.

“That mindset not only strengthened them as individuals but is clearly reflected in the resilience and momentum of their companies,” Vincent said. “They truly embodied the spirit of their Pathfinder cohort, and it’s exciting to see how far they’ve come.”

2025 Pipeline Pathfinders: Richard Dixson, Dixson Media Technologies; Alejandro Sabillón, Jardín; Elysia Chao, Worktern; Antionette Redmond, Neuru; Elise Kwenin, Advanced Care Academy; Terrance Gaddy Jr., TEG Management Group; Racquel Rodriquez, El Cafe Cubano; Sarah Ohrt, Disohrted Vintage; Kelly Van Ert, Empower Independence Company; Krystal Martin, K&K Co. Bath & Home Collection; and Claudia Munoz-Najar, Build Mas

Click here to meet members of the 2025 Pipeline Pathfinder program, which also were announced Friday.

“These programs are designed to provide entrepreneurs with access to world-class resources, a powerful network, and tailored guidance — all without taking equity in their companies,” said Vincent. “We are excited to see how these cohorts will drive innovation, create jobs, and make a lasting economic and cultural impact on the Midwest and beyond.”

With more than 225 fellows who’ve become members — counting among them some of the Midwest’s most-accomplished business leaders — Pipeline’s entrepreneurs have collectively generated more than $2.7 billion in revenue, contributed nearly $995 million in wages to the local economy, and created more than 4,500 jobs across Kansas, Nebraska, and Missouri.

Their impact extends far beyond the region, with members conducting business in over 85 countries, further solidifying Pipeline’s role as a catalyst for innovation and economic growth, the organization said.

Click here to learn more about the 2024 Pipeline Fellows, who after successfully completing the program become full members at the Feb. 28 Innovators Gala.

“The Innovators Gala is like the Emmys for entrepreneurs — a night to celebrate the grit and resilience it takes to build a company,” Vincent said. “It’s not just about successes, but about honoring the tough moments that define the journey.”

In addition to showcasing new members of the Pipeline Fellowship and Pathfinder program, the network plans to award a number of member awards, including the coveted “Innovator of the Year” honor.

From the archives: Pipeline gala salutes ‘thriving, ever-evolving’ Midwest startup scene boosted by its fellows