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Kimberly Bryant, founder of Black Girls Code, Techweek KC diversity

Techweek dedicating Oct. 10 afternoon programming to diversity in KC business culture

By Tommy Felts / September 14, 2018

A first-time programming track dedicated to diversity and inclusion issues is an intentional effort by Techweek Kansas City organizers to open a needed conversation about true representation in the city’s business culture, said Drew Solomon. The mid-point of the Oct. 8-12 Techweek KC event series is expected to feature an afternoon of panel discussions and…

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Brandon Priest, Social Apex

‘Millennial’ isn’t a curse word — it’s a critical marketing tool, says Social Apex Media

By Tommy Felts / September 13, 2018

Social Apex Media is designed to feed the creativity of hungry millennial entrepreneurs who don’t fit into the corporate culture of many other marketing agencies, said Brandon Priest. “We’re building Social Apex on the backs of entrepreneurs. That means instead of employees who feel like, ‘OK, I just got to work 9 to 5 every…

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ProfessionalChats

ProfessionalChats founders on high growth: Don’t reinvent the wheel, just make it better

By Tommy Felts / September 13, 2018

Entrepreneurship isn’t like Shark Tank, said the co-founders of rapidly expanding Kansas City startup ProfessionalChats. “I think people get confused in the Kansas City entrepreneurship community and they think they need to have an original idea that nobody’s ever done before and they need funding,” said Scott Hansen, co-founder, and CEO. Outside funding doesn’t necessarily…

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Own it! The good, the bad and the ugly every entrepreneur needs to know

Serial entrepreneur hopes to cultivate ‘real talk’ with startups at day-long Own It event

By Tommy Felts / September 13, 2018

Business often isn’t pretty, said serial entrepreneur Mike Wrenn. And it’s time to expose some of the hard truths he and his wife, Becky Cole — as well as other business heavyweights — have learned through their careers, he said. “Becky and I have built a successful business with national and international reach,” said Wrenn, chairman…

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Homeroom

Enjoy the college life experience? Homeroom invites you to KC’s new coliving concept

By Tommy Felts / September 12, 2018

Homeroom is a coliving experience that takes you back to your dorm room days, said Johnny Wolff. “I think everyone looks back with really fond memories of living with really good friends in college in a house. The coliving experience is about taking that shared roommate situation and kind of curating it at Homeroom,” said…

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Second-shift startup: Wobblrs pins soccer-inspired game’s future to youth sports pivot

By Tommy Felts / September 11, 2018

Wobblrs, a soccer-specific tailgating game, is refocusing its niche on youth development, said Roberto Camacho. The game, which involves two self-righting pins for players to knock over by kicking a soccer ball, is proving to be a valuable exercise in aiming, as well as a basic introduction to soccer, said Camacho. “I had a few…

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Nickel & Dime

Nickel & Dime supplement club relocates to KC, aims to disprove industry stereotypes

By Tommy Felts / September 11, 2018

Startup nutrients like location, atmosphere and opportunity have proven the right dosage to lure another young company to Kansas City, said Ben Harris. “[Our move] allows us to ship two days domestically anywhere in the United States,” the co-founder of Nickel & Dime supplement club said. Launched by Harris and co-founder, Michael Giangregorio earlier this…

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LaunchKC NASA

LaunchKC lands keynote speaker from NASA; Techweek queries two Google developer advocates

By Tommy Felts / September 11, 2018

Pitch Day for LaunchKC is expected to lift off next month with an opening keynote address from NASA executive Kira Blackwell. Remarks are expected to delve into NASA iTech, a year-long effort to find innovative ideas that address challenges and fill gaps in five critical areas identified by the space agency as having a potential impact…

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Rich Dunfield IV, Native Hemp Co.

CBD startup: Young father sees Native Hemp Co. as the launch of a health revolution

By Tommy Felts / September 8, 2018

At 21 years old, Rich Dunfield IV felt like an absentee father, he said. Struck in his prime with painful ailments after a tick bite — nerve and belly problems, anxiety and depression — he was home but not present. “My entire life was rooted in fatherhood. I started young, but I embraced it. Lyme…

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New Lawrence Blade & Timber just the edge of Swell Spark’s ongoing brand evolution

By Tommy Felts / September 7, 2018

A newly opened Lawrence Blade & Timber — well-positioned on the college town’s popular Massachusetts Street — features the axe-throwing brand’s first “retailtainment” concept. It’s a reflection of parent company Swell Spark’s ongoing push to keep Blade & Timber (as well as the Choir Bar and Breakout businesses) fresh amid an increasingly crowded experience-based entertainment…

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