Channa Steinmetz

Recent Articles by Channa Steinmetz

Devoured Pizza rising into brick-and-mortar space with elevated concept, revenue sharing campaign

Devoured Pizza is on a mission to change the way people eat pizza in Kansas City, Jhy Coulter said, and the community has the opportunity to get involved now more than ever.  “Food in Kansas City is evolving. It’s getting better and better, and I want to be part of that. Pizza is this canvas…

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DevStride founder finds himself ‘locking arms with frontline customers’ in bid to catch their mistakes early 

Implementing and monitoring complex software cycles is a tedious process, Phil Reynolds said, which is why he and his team are working to drive better project management principles and improve outcomes through their software solution. “We are really trying to transform the way that teams go about implementing and managing agile software development cycles. Our…

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‘More than a thrift store’: Goodwill’s efforts to close digital divide sell an expanded mission — upskilling workers 

Editor’s note: The following is the first in a series of stories focused on digital inclusion efforts in Kansas City, and is presented by Google Fiber. Ron Carr’s retirement made him restless, he shared. Wanting to be a valuable player in Kansas City’s economy once again, Carr enrolled in Goodwill’s Digital Skills Training program.  “With…

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Travel on tap: How a KC couple built a self-serve port for international wine lovers north of the river

Grab your wine passport, Russ Johnson said, because this self-serve wine bar allows customers to taste the world one sip at a time. And the technology that makes the business possible? Johnson — a software developer-turned-entrepreneur — built it himself. “Our brand is really focused on going on a vacation and having this world experience —…

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Mediterranean of the Midwest: How this restaurateur is crafting authentic tastes for diners in the heart of Kansas  

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 Go Topeka, which seeks economic success for all companies and citizens across Shawnee County through implementation of an aggressive economic development strategy that capitalizes…

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Made in KC reveals plans for Barrywoods shop in the Northland (and where it’ll open next)

Made in KC is intentionally growing where local demand takes it, said Keith Bradley, detailing the brand’s expansion plans that hinge on customer convenience and include a new store in a prominent Northland shopping center.  “We realized that we don’t have a strong presence in the Northland,” said Bradley, a co-owner of Made in KC…

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AI-generated bedtime stories are just the first chapter in JQ Sirls epic venture to make the publishing industry more inclusive

Every great children’s story deserves the opportunity to be published, JQ Sirls said, adding his own footnote that more people are qualified than they think to create them.  “I could put 1,000 people in one room and tell them all to write a short story about their childhood. While many of them may have a…

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Former C2FO manager creates AI data analyst to usher in a new way of making business decisions

Tyler Amundsen is set on building a future where every professional uses artificial intelligence to make better decisions, faster, he said. “With humans, AI and computers working together, we can achieve truly mind-blowing things, and we’re just at the beginning of it. … We’re at a point in the world where AI can tell whether…

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HERImpact awards $50K: Prize money expected to help pop-up scale into its own space

Editor’s note: 1863 Ventures is an advertiser with Startland News, though this report was produced independently by the nonprofit newsroom. Tirza Design allows consumers to support cause-based brands and survivors of human trafficking, exploitation, and other forms of abuse, detailed Nikkie Affholter, noting her venture also meets the need of bringing dignified employment to women who’ve escaped…

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For one night only, KCI’s new terminal became the city’s premier event venue; Here’s how they pulled it off

Transforming an airport terminal into a high-profile, elegant celebration and then back to an airport terminal within 48 hours is no easy feat, Whitney Butler said, but the women-led PlatinumXP team was up for the challenge. “We were creating within a venue that will never be able to be used as an event venue again….

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