Matthew Gwin

Recent Articles by Matthew Gwin

‘Oppenheimer’ actor says new Missouri tax incentives could bring investors, more film productions to KC

David Dastmalchian’s screenplays for movies set in Kansas City now have a realistic chance to be filmed in and around his hometown, said the acclaimed actor, writer, and producer who grew up in Overland Park. Recently-signed legislation paves the way for increased film production in Missouri by reauthorizing — and strengthening — tax credit incentives…

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Artists as activists: Meet the KC group whose creative approach to advocacy needs little interpretation

A Kansas City nonprofit is training local artists on the intersection of art and public policy, hoping to create a generation of creatives ready to advocate for their communities. Heartland Arts KC aims to position Kansas City as a hub of local arts activism, said Logan Stacer, executive artistic director. “I want Kansas City to…

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It’s cannabis trusted by top athletes: How this CBD brand’s KC leader fit everyday wellness with UFC, Crossfit, Royals

A Kansas City-based entrepreneur wants to prove how everyone — from athletes to individuals suffering from chronic health conditions — can benefit from CBD, he said. Dan Huerter, CEO of Pure Spectrum CBD, helped launch the organic phytocannabinoid company in 2016 after learning how CBD had benefited patients suffering from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)…

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Beer isn’t paint by numbers, it’s science: Why the art of brewing gets its own showcase at Innovation Festival 

When Innovation Festival returns to Kansas City next week, the deep tech conference is set to highlight one popular group of makers who typically go unsung as scientists: brewers. Innovation Festival — Thursday, Aug. 3 through Saturday, Aug. 5 at Crown Center — is expected to showcase breweries during the conference’s final day, said Sonia…

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EquipmentShare named to Y Combinator top companies list as it expands across Heartland, opens Ohio center

COLUMBIA, Missouri — Burgeoning construction tech giant EquipmentShare continues to announce plans for growth and expansion in the wake of its $290 million Series E funding round this spring. RELATED: EquipmentShare digs massive $290M round, deepening US footprint, its T3 tech platform Founded in 2015 by brothers Jabbok and Willy Schlacks, EquipmentShare connects contractors with…

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‘Younger eyes’ at Street Wearhouse see opportunity to win through the screen as digital personality meets quality printing

The owners of a recently-opened print studio hope to make an imprint on the industry by taking a different approach to garment design and production, they said. Street Wearhouse, co-founded by Alex Trinkle and Tyler Love, specializes in printing and embroidering T-shirts, hats, and other apparel from its North Kansas City production facility. Trinkle, who…

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Right to Start plans GOP debate on entrepreneurship; If America is going to be saved, Heartland innovators will be key, says leader

A nonprofit founded by a former Kauffman Foundation executive is planning a first-of-its-kind forum on entrepreneurship with four Republican presidential candidates this Friday in the Midwest. Right to Start is a nonpartisan organization that champions entrepreneurship as a civic priority through grassroots organizing and policy advocacy, with the goal of expanding entrepreneurial opportunity. Friday’s forum…

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KC’s ‘vacation ice cream parlor’ floats into City Market; scooping two passions into one sweet escape

The connection between two of Lucas Thompson’s businesses — KC Soda Co. and the freshly opened Fountain City Scoops and Floats — provides the perfect opportunity to blend soda and ice cream, he said. “I’m not sure there’s another float place in the region,” Thompson said of the new shop in the City Market. “As…

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Modern-day stress triggers make life harder; getting healthy shouldn’t add to those burdens, says KC Wellness Club

The shift to focusing on wellness instead of illness should be fun, said Heath Wessling, a former wellness expert at Cerner-turned-entrepreneur, who noted sustained growth or change is unlikely if a person is unhappy with the process. “We like to find ways to show you how it’s not a drag,” said Wessling, founder and owner…

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Give them a drink, get to the real: This craft KC podcast serves entrepreneur vulnerability 

Two Kansas City entrepreneurs hope to amplify the voices of local change makers by getting them behind the microphone with a drink in their hand. The Behind the Bar with Ashley and Hailee podcast sees co-hosts and friends Ashley Kendrick and Hailee Bland Walsh welcome their fellow Kansas City entrepreneurs into Kendrick’s basement for a…

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