Welcome to my blog. I document my adventures in travel, style, and food. Hope you have a nice stay!
All by Kim Gronniger
Three homegrown companies serving diverse business needs for national and, in some cases, international clients have recently undertaken extensive expansion projects.
The Topeka-made dredges are popular not only throughout the United States but also in Canada, Paraguay, Mexico, Ecuador, Iraq, Jordan and Nigeria.
Since founding his company in his garage, Jon Haas said he’s been fixated on growth and continuous improvement throughout his career.
The once dilapidated area on Gage is rebounding, in large part because of Advisors Excel’s $10 million capital investment in the complex.
For nearly five years, Monica Parsel has worked with Winston Brown Remodeling clients and contractors to reconfigure homes of all sizes for greater functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Despite the 2020 pandemic, the housing industry in Topeka remained strong, sustaining a seventh-year sellers’ market as interest rates dropped sharply.
“It's gratifying when people tell you how much they love their new home or new space. There aren't too many things outside of this industry where you can see what you’ve bought from start to finish."
Topeka’s housing market has remained competitive and shows no signs of slowing down in 2021. A local builder, real estate agent and designer share their perspectives on consumer trends.
Whether it’s a new kitchen for holiday entertaining, vehicle repair to safely transport children to after-school activities, or free advertising to promote the work of area nonprofits, these three companies demonstrate how desire and resourcefulness can result in transformation.
“We are always looking for ways to help others any way we can,” said Leonetti. “It was nice to know that the community was doing the same for us and other small businesses during this uncertain time.”
“We hope people see us as a community partner they can trust,” Dimick said. “We’re always evaluating how we can serve the community better and not just do what we’ve always done.”
“I’ve always believed that God put us on earth to do a task, and if you find out what it is, you’ll succeed at it,” he said. ”
TK looks at how HOST 1 and 2 programs evolved and introduces you to three recipients who were able to sustain their operations because of the community’s generosity.
On April Fool’s Day, Scott Hunsicker, owner and president of Kansas Financial Resources, called several local businesses offering to buy $3,000 to $5,000 in $50 gift cards. Fortunately for incredulous business owners, the magnanimous gesture was no joke.
“Without a strong foundation of small businesses, a community could just crumble,” said Washington. “Our business owners have been so grateful for the lifeline these grants have provided to help them pay their rent and other bills and save their employees’ jobs.”
Since reopening May 4, Chuckburger, a 65-year-old drive- thru, walk-up restaurant in East Topeka, has seen “lots of new faces and experienced the best five days of sales” in the 20 years that John Benedict has owned the establishment.
“It’s always satisfying to help someone else out, and you never know when you’re going to be the next one who needs assistance,” he said. “We never imagined this pandemic would happen and we really appreciate the efforts of people in the community willing to help us out.”
With taxes due and “an avalanche of things to juggle,” Albrecht said the funds from the HOST program and other sources “arrived just in time to let us see a little light at the end of the tunnel.”
“People are just as focused on what they feed their pets as they are on what they feed their families and we strive to accommodate their increasingly complex and diverse preferences,” said Luke Livingston, plant manager.
When David Vincent’s freelance filmmaking/ photography and Circle Coffee Co. businesses came to a screeching halt in the pandemic, he, along with his wife, Jackie, discovered the importance of a local bank relationship in securing PPP funds quickly and efficiently.
