UMKC kicks off high-impact entrepreneur speaker series

August 20, 2015  |  Bobby Burch

The University of Missouri-Kansas City’s Bloch School is hosting a bevy of successful area entrepreneurs to offer lessons and insights.

UMKC’s “First Wednesdays” series will kick off this fall, aiming to offer area residents and students the chance to network and learn from some of Kansas City’s brightest business minds.

The university’s first event is set for Sept. 2 and will welcome Bill Zahner, CEO of A. Zahner Company. Zahner’s company is best known for its use of metal in iconic structures around the world, including the “Sky Stations” atop Kansas City’s Bartle Hall.

Other speakers scheduled thus far are Terry Van Der Tuuk, founder of Graphic Technologies, Inc. and angel investor, and Dan Lowe, founder of RED Development and RED Legacy.

All three of the speakers are a part of the UMKC Entrepreneur Hall of Fame, which opened in late 2014. The hall aims not only to educate visitors on remarkable Kansas City businesspeople, but also celebrate the area’s entrepreneurial spirit. Take a tour of the hall of fame here.

The events are free, and parking, food and drink will be provided. RSVP here.

Tagged
Featured Business
    Featured Founder
      [adinserter block="4"]

      2015 Startups to Watch

        stats here

        Related Posts on Startland News

        Months after taking over century-old tailor shop, owner putts his new golf apparel brand in play

        By Tommy Felts | July 29, 2025

        Even when an entrepreneur hyper-obsesses over the details, Michael Jerwick learned, opportunity isn’t always tailor-fit to the most conveniently designed timing. The Slabotsky’s owner just transplanted his century-spanning family business to River Market — a mere week before launching a brand new apparel side project. Two of the biggest moves of his career, Jerwick had…

        ‘Belonging is not a luxury’: KC Chamber winner links DEIB commitment to hope, dignity

        By Tommy Felts | July 25, 2025

        Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging aren’t just words in reStart Inc.’s strategic plan, CEO Stephanie Boyer said, noting they are the foundation of how the nonprofit’s leaders show up, serve, and lead. “We believe that belonging is not a luxury,” she continued. “It’s a right, and it’s a right that we’re committed to protecting and…

        ‘What’s stopping me?’ Bonk takes a loud swing with Crossroads streetwear store, Midwest grit

        By Tommy Felts | July 25, 2025

        It began with Mason Barry’s search for the perfect black and white checkered sweatsuit. When nothing fit his expectations for design or quality, the Kansas City creative launched his own streetwear brand — featuring bold apparel that already is gaining a foothold in trendy fashion hubs from Brooklyn to Portland. Bonk Supply — a brand…

        ‘Stablecoin summer’: Crypto community greets GENIUS Act with optimism, caution

        By Tommy Felts | July 25, 2025

        Editor’s note: This story was originally published by Missouri Business Alert, a member of the Kansas City Media Collective, which also includes Startland News, KCUR 89.3, American Public Square, Kansas City PBS/Flatland, and The Kansas City Beacon. Click here to read the original story. [divide] A new federal cryptocurrency law has sparked a range of reactions across…