Posts by Tommy Felts
Molly Balloons blows back: Inflating a life full of Tuesdays with weekend wonder, whimsy
The pandemic twisted life for Molly Balloons, forcing the whimsical balloon artist — who thrives amid public exhibitions of her creativity and work — to reflect on what truly fills her soul with the most purpose and joy, she shared. A new summer popup launches this weekend in the West Bottoms, officially blowing Balloons back…
Read MoreMr K contenders: KC chamber reveals 10 finalists for Small Business of the Year award
Ten Kansas City companies — ranging from tech startups, apparel and experience brands to standout, hands-on small businesses — are officially in the running for the Chamber’s top honor: the prestigious Mr. K award. The finalists were announced Friday morning on social media with surprise reveals filmed Thursday alongside media sponsor Startland News, following a…
Read MoreWhy Swell Spark founders needed a business breakup to keep the startup (and their friendship) moving forward
Matt Baysinger and Ryan Henrich pedalled 100 miles over Utah’s rocky terrain as a milestone marker in the duo’s relationship — exiting a business partnership and riding ahead on a tight, decades-long friendship, Baysinger shared. “You hear time and time again that you shouldn’t go into business with your friends,” said Baysinger, who in October…
Read MoreDecades before Thundergong, KC stars crafted comedy at what’s now a neighborhood coworking space
Editor’s note: The following story is sponsored by Plexpod, a progressive coworking platform offering next generation workspace for entrepreneurs, startups, and growth-stage companies of all sizes. Nostalgia for the 1990s hit Billy Brimblecom hard when he recalled his days as a young comedian, performing alongside colleagues and friends — including the now-internationally famous actor Jason Sudeikis…
Read MoreHow a climate tech startup made its footprint in KC, but found its footing in a two-city solution
When the City of Kansas City, Missouri, came looking for ways to combat climate change in 2018, Sunny Sanwar raised his hand with a solution. “There’s a lot of extremely useful models in academia, [but they] oftentimes don’t solve for commercial viability. They’re solving to appease peers or for publishing in top journals,” said Sanwar,…
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