Topeka Business Hall of Fame | Keith Warta

Photo by JOHN BURNS

Keith Warta is a true son of Kansas. Raised in Newton, Kansas, with degrees from both Kansas State University and the University of Kansas, he has never had any desire to be anyplace else.

Kansas made him the man he is today. Growing up hauling hay in the summers taught him the value of a hard day’s work; his parents taught him the importance of being part of the fabric of the community; his extended family exposed him to the benefits of charitable giving; and his brother introduced him to the field of engineering.

“I wanted a career that would let me use my mind and let me be part of something bigger than myself,” Keith said.

NO PLACE LIKE HOME

After completing his master’s degree in civil engineering, Keith never even considered looking for a job anywhere other than Kansas. And when Bartlett & West offered him a job, he found more than a career, he found a home.

“Bartlett & West was a perfect match for what I wanted to do with my formative years,” Keith said. “We are wholly employee- owned, so it provides a huge sense of team. Plus, it has allowed me to build a community—literally.”

Thirty-eight years later, it still feels like home to Keith. Although, like with any family, Bartlett & West had its share of growing pains. One year into his career, the company transitioned into an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), an employee benefit plan that enables employees to own part or all of the company they work for. While this transition ultimately benefited everyone, it took a while to iron out the hiccups.

“We didn’t know how to be an effective ESOP at first,” Keith said. “We didn’t know how to make decisions or reward people as owners. It has been a learning process over the past four decades, but judging by our success, I think we finally have a handle on it.”

THE POWER OF TEAMWORK

When Keith takes an introspective look back at his professional and personal growth, one fact stands out: very few things are accomplished individually. Keith is proud of the team at Bartlett & West and the efforts made by the company to promote employee development in all aspects of business, not just their areas of expertise.

“Through our employee training and workshops, we have taught people to read financial statements, so they have a better understanding of the health of the company,” Keith said. “We also promote emotional intelligence and foster innovation.”

The company has also made a huge investment in promoting mental wellness to help employees embrace their vulnerabilities and be more open about asking for education and support. The benefits of these development programs extend beyond the workplace, helping employees manage financial, family and wellness issues at home as well.

“Well-rounded employees make for a better place to work, and ultimately, a more successful company,” Keith said.

Even the most successful companies must be willing to adapt to changing employee needs and expectations. With an eye on the future, Keith says more emphasis needs to be placed on an enhanced appreciation for equality in the workplace and better work/family balance that offers } employees flexible work hours and more opportunity for growth.

ADVICE FOR THE NEXT GENERATION

Keith offered a few pieces of advice for the next generation of business leaders with the first being to take advantage of every learning opportunity to expand their minds and meet new people.

“Find a place to work that is a living company making a positive impact on employees and the community,” Keith said. “Once you find that place, get in there and look for opportunities to get involved.”

That is the path that Keith took and one that has brought him both professional and personal rewards. Through his work with Bartlett & West, Keith has been able to help lead the community to a better tomorrow, working to implement the holistic strategies for community put forth by Momentum 22 and now Momentum 27.

“Exploring the big picture excites me the most,” Keith said. “It is exciting to see elected officials, business leaders and non-profit organizations working together to make progress on our shared vision. Everyone seems to finally be rowing in the same direction.”

LESSONS LEARNED

Growth, both in humans and in business, results in maturity. And one aspect of maturity is accepting uncertainty. Keith learned that lesson the hard way.

“When I was younger, I spent a lot of time worrying, especially about things that I couldn’t control,” Keith said. “I had to learn to let go of some of that worry and just have faith that things will work out.”

Keith says having faith—the belief that things will be OK, is essential.

“That faith in a better company and a better community is what keeps us striving to be better,” Keith said.

While Keith is pleased with the strides Topeka has made in the past decade, he is not willing to sit back and become complacent because there is more work to be done. Keith would like to see Topeka’s Net Promoter Score (measuring if residents recommend Topeka as a place to live and work to others) move up the scale. He wants all Topekans to be proud of where they live.

“Progress is good, but we have more to accomplish,” Keith said. “We need to look for access to opportunity for the entire community and give all stakeholders a seat at the table.”

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