Firm with deep KC ties wins Small Business of the Year thanks to tenacity, hyperlocal focus

Editor’s note: The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce is a non-financial partner of Startland News, which serves as the media partner for the Small Business Superstars program.

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A decades-long commitment to Kansas City clients — and the belief that rising tides lift all ships — helped propel Walz Tetrick Advertising to the award stage Thursday, earning the coveted “Mr. K Award” that honors the KC Chamber’s Small Business of the Year.

Charlie Tetrick, president and CEO of Walz Tetrick Advertising, speaks during a panel conversation between Top 10 finalists for the Mr. K Award in May; photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News

“We feel like the signature KC hometown ad agency because we work with so many great local companies,” said Charlie Tetrick, president and CEO of Walz Tetrick Advertising. “However, our real value to this market is the millions of dollars we bring in, which helps support artists, writers, strategy people, printers, and other entrepreneurs.”

The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce announced Walz Tetrick’s big win Thursday during its Small Business Celebration Awards Luncheon at the Westin Crown Center. The event also revealed the winners of five speciality awards honoring local small business owners and their ventures.

It was the third consecutive year that Walz Tetrick has been named a Top 10 Small Business. Finalists for the honor were announced in mid-April.

Earning the Mr. K Award — named for iconic Kansas City entrepreneur and philanthropist Ewing Kauffman — signifies that a company has shown growth or sustainability of their business with strong employee relations, a record of giving back to the community, and prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Click here to learn more about the other nine finalist businesses that were in the running for Small Business of the Year.

From the archives: Learn more about the Mr. K Award winners from 2023 (Parrish & Sons Construction), 2022 (Chicken N Pickle) and 2021 (Charlie Hustle).

Leaders from Walz Tetrick Advertising accept their surprise Top 10 finalist award in April; photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News

Founded in 1967, the Walz Tetrick advertising agency provides insight-driven, evolutionary brand marketing in a culture of collaboration and strategic thinking that enables team members to solve client problems with customized, hyperlocal solutions.

Click here to learn more about Walz Tetrick.

Charlie Tetrick took full ownership of the company in 1994 at the age of 27 when his partner, John Walz, died unexpectedly. Tetrick’s entrepreneurial vision helped ensure consistent growth year over year at a pace that outperforms most other AAF agencies in the country.

Much of the agency’s growth can be attributed to additions of specialized talent, new services, larger clients and a holistic DEIB strategy, Tetrick said.

The business leader himself is active in the community, with Tetrick lending marketing expertise and business acumen to many nonprofit boards and state-level task forces, including the Young Entrepreneurs Organization, the Kansas City Royals Diamond of Dreams, Boy Scouts of America, American Royal, KC Ad Club/AAF-KC, American Association of Advertising Agencies and the Kansas Works State Board. 

Building community is also the focus of Walz Tetrick’s DEIB strategy that includes supporting diverse vendors and fostering inclusive partnerships. Team members participate in the Hispanic and Black Chambers of Commerce, attend diversity training events, sub-contract with diverse organizations such as Tico Productions, and share multicultural agency services with clients.

RELATED: Two leading Kansas City agencies launch Authentico

ICYMI: Mr K finalists: Diversity is a strength, but the vibes defining these Top 10 businesses don’t stop there

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The KC Chamber also awarded specialty awards at the luncheon. Those awards and the winners include:

KC Chamber Emerging Small Business of the Year Award: Cyphr (formerly Foresight)

Pioneering the future of financial data intelligence, Cyphr’s cutting-edge technology is designed to cater to the intricate needs of financial professionals making high-stake decisions and developers building or improving upon the next fintech unicorn.

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KC Chamber Legacy of Kansas City Award: Pro Athlete

An e-commerce company that specializes in the sale of baseball and softball bats and gloves. Winner of the KC Chamber’s 2020 Small Business of the Year award.

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KC Chamber Weida Award for International Small Business of the Year: Shark OFF

Sporting goods manufacturer that helps people “lose the fear and love the ocean”​ with shark repellant surfware jewelry. Shark OFF packages patented, effective electrochemical technology as attractive, affordable jewelry.

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KC Chamber Small Business Equity Award: Taliaferro & Browne

An award-winning, multi-disciplinary professional services firm and trusted partners in civil and structural engineering, architecture, landscape architecture, survey, and inspection.

RELATED: KC engineering firm with global reach earns Chamber equity award for its community-focused blueprint

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KC Chamber Luminary Arts & Creative Small Business Award: Wandering Bud

A ceramic design and production studio that focuses on bringing highly aesthetic smokeware into the home. Made by hand for the design-conscious cannabis consumer, its ceramic wares compliment home decor, hit like a dream and clean easily.

RELATED: Smokeware ceramicist wins Chamber’s new arts award: A breath of fresh air for once-waylaid artist