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Why many ‘deskless’ workers think management is out of touch — the good news: tech can fill the gap

By Tommy Felts / June 23, 2022

Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in this commentary are the author’s alone. Bob Butler, chief customer officer at SafetyCulture, which has its U.S. headquarters in Kansas City’s Crossroads Arts District, oversees operations for the global tech company and has led it through its greatest stages of growth. Click here to read more about SafetyCulture’s strategy…

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Andrew Potter, RoKC; Jay Fleer, Mission Barbell Club; and Josie Buford, Folds of Honor Kansas City

Crush it, live hard and honor the 13 folds: Trio of KC gyms join intense challenge, salute sacrifice

By Tommy Felts / June 21, 2022

Most Americans don’t know the true weight of these American flags — folded 13 times into a triangle and presented to a fallen service member or veteran’s next of kin, said Josie Buford. To better communicate the heavy burden they represent, she organized a physical challenge that’s uniting three Kansas City businesses. The 13 Folds…

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2022 Community Builders to Watch event at Power & Light

Attack of the 40-foot Community Builders: KC changemakers celebrated at Power & Light (Photos)

By Tommy Felts / June 20, 2022

Coworkers, fans and family members of this year’s Community Builders to Watch pulled up to the big screen Wednesday at Power & Light to see five of their favorite changemakers honored for efforts to improve Kansas City. Videos showcasing the select community builders — nominated by Startland News readers and members of the public — played on…

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Fahteema Parrish, Parrish & Sons Construction, right, accepting the Business Equity Award at the 2022 KC Chamber Small Business Celebration; photos by Channa Steinmetz/Startland News

Inclusivity succeeds when founders are held accountable, says winner of Chamber’s equity award

By Tommy Felts / June 18, 2022

Fahteema Parrish doesn’t mind putting forward extra work to make sure her employees feel included, she shared, embracing an environment that supports individuals of all backgrounds.  “Parrish & Sons Construction is an example of what intentional execution of equitable work within an organization actually looks like. Equality and inclusivity are key focal points as my…

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Fans react Thursday at Power & Light as news breaks that Kansas City will host during the 2026 World Cup; photos by Channa Steinmetz/Startland News

KC scores 2026 World Cup for Arrowhead; games expected to mean big business for region’s economy

By Tommy Felts / June 16, 2022

Fans rallied in near-triple-digit heat Thursday in the heart of Kansas City as the region scored a longtime goal: earning a spot on the roster of 16 host cities for the coming 2026 FIFA World Cup. “To be named a host city for not only the biggest single sport event in history, but as part…

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Richard Wiles, Judy Rush, Lindsey Wade and Lyndon Wade, Tiki Taco; photo courtesy of Tiki Taco

Tiki Taco’s iconic curly fry-filled burritos riding wave to Troost storefront near UMKC, Rockhurst

By Tommy Felts / June 16, 2022

Originating as a gas station in the 1950s, the vacant but charming building at 5400 Troost Ave caught the attention of Lyndon and Lindsey Wade. The brothers realized it would be the perfect place to expand their California-inspired Mexican restaurant, Tiki Taco, Lyndon Wade said.  “We love the feeling of something unique and standalone,” shared…

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Dr. F. Nicholas Franano, Artio Medical; photo courtesy of Max McBride

Artio closes $28M as it scales to save lives; latest funding brings Prairie Village startup’s investments to $74M 

By Tommy Felts / June 16, 2022

Another hefty funding round for Artio Medical is expected to launch the startup’s commercial sales team in the U.S. and continue development of its best-in-class product pipeline, said founder Nicholas Franano. Artio, a medical device company developing innovative products for the peripheral vascular, neurovascular, and cardiology markets, on Thursday announced the closing of $28 million…

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Dave Johnson and the Chicken N Pickle team at the 2022 KC Chamber Small Business Celebration

Chamber awards ‘Small Business of the Year’ to trendsetter that caught ‘lightning in a bottle’

By Tommy Felts / June 15, 2022

In its third match as a Top 10 Small Business, Chicken N Pickle earned the Chamber’s coveted Mr. K Award — signifying the North Kansas City family entertainment experience as the Small Business of the Year. Dave Johnson, founder of Chicken N Pickle, accepted the honor Wednesday during the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce’s…

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Matt Condon, Bardavon Health Innovations

Bardavon acquires San Fran health app to complete hybrid treatment platform for workers

By Tommy Felts / June 15, 2022

Adding PeerWell — and the San Francisco startup’s leadership — to the portfolio of tools at Bardavon Health Innovations will help the Overland Park health powerhouse complete the industry’s first digital solution for worker musculoskeletal health, said Matt Condon. Together, Bardavon and PeerWell will pair in-person therapy, virtual coaching, and self-care for injury prevention and…

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Alley Gage, Alley Gage Beauty

That purple smokey eye? It’s a mask of confidence, KC beauty entrepreneur says

By Tommy Felts / June 15, 2022

At first glance, beauty is a superficial industry, Alley Gage admitted, her reflection showing in a nearby mirror as she spoke about her decade-long career in cosmetics. The truth she’s learned about the industry — well, it’s a reality she isn’t willing to gloss over.  “I’ve always loved the concept that a tiny jar of something…

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