Profiles

Patrick Klima, WyCo Vintage

WyCo Vintage — boasting world’s largest collection of vintage tees — opens second sister-shop on Broadway

By Tommy Felts / July 31, 2021

Patrick Klima likely does more laundry than anyone else in Kansas City, he said, half-joking.  “The WyCo Vintage inventory is constantly being updated. We’ve been doing weekly drops of about 75 or so vintage shirts for the past four years — which means a lot of washing, shooting, SEO stuff and social media,” explained Klima,…

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DJ Stewart and Hartzell Gray, Journey Pro KC

KC pro wrestling rides its return — inside Blip Roasters and fueled by founder’s recovery

By Tommy Felts / July 23, 2021

The fast-paced world of local wrestling might seem like a crazy one, but its coming return offers DJ Stewart a much-needed sense of normalcy.  “It gives me something to be really excited to work on,” said Stewart, owner of Journey Pro KC, announcing the return of the Kansas City wrestling company’s live shows, which found…

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Brady Harris, Dwolla

$21M round for Dwolla disruption validates evolving payments platform, CEO says

By Tommy Felts / July 21, 2021

Startland News’ Startup Road Trip series explores innovative and uncommon ideas finding success in rural America and Midwestern startup hubs outside the Kansas City metro. This series is possible thanks to the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, which leads a collaborative, nationwide effort to identify and remove large and small barriers to new business creation. [divide]…

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Wesley Elder, The Jump

How a van life competition, web series could prove Grandview-founded startup’s revenue model

By Tommy Felts / July 20, 2021

Social media platforms don’t need to rely on advertisements and algorithms to generate revenue, Wesley Elder said — instead they can partner with brands and creators to create unique and authentic experiences.  The Jump, a Grandview-based social media platform focused on creating a positive space where users can bond over common interests, has kept its…

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Michael Thurman, Cutter Fleet

Making home haircuts fresh again: KC barber reimagines barbershops with mobile service, app

By Tommy Felts / July 20, 2021

Michael Thurman had a 1-year-old child at home and another baby on the way when COVID-19’s outset left him without work for eight weeks, he shared. Contemplating how he could have more freedom and stability as a barber, the wheels began turning beneath Thurman’s scalp. His idea: create a traveling barber platform — now known as…

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