CHRIS STEMLER | 20 Under 40
Written and compiled by KELLY POTTER and LAUREN JURGENSEN | Photos by JOHN BURNS
Since 2016, Chris has become the current owner of five Topeka businesses: a full-service restaurant (SKY), a property management company (Torchlight), a consulting company (Crete Group), a historic renovation company (Trident Partnerships) and an event space (The Beacon).
He has provided housing for approximately 40 people, as well as assisted in the restoration of seven properties across the state, with another five to 10 planned over the next two years.
In his businesses, he manages everything from customer service and community networking to business planning, organization and strategy. Chris is also an active member of Topeka’s 20/30 Club.
What do you love most about your work?
I enjoy the different challenges my days can present to me. In the morning I’m a dad and husband. That’s my favorite time of day. Then I can be a cook, a server, a restaurateur, a venue owner, a mixologist, a real estate investor and a consultant. This keeps me challenged and allows me to put my attention and focus into creation and problem solving. I’m known for being a bit “all over the place,” but that’s because it’s how I stay engaged and focused. I love that it allows me to get to know so many interesting and special people. I also love to create employment opportunities and engage people to help me execute my vision.
What is something you wish someone had told you during your career journey?
Be patient. I am good at seeing into the future and making and following a plan to get there. However, I’m often impatient about the time it takes to do so. I want to pick up the shovel and go do much of it myself, but that is not a strategy that will make me successful. I have to trust the process, and the people I’ve surrounded myself with, to execute the dreams and visions I have.
What characteristic do you most admire in others?
How hard most people really are trying. We often discount each other’s efforts.
