Mike and Melissa didn’t start out as entrepreneurs.

Organic growth in the banking industry has its limits. That’s why after several years of steady growth Heritage Bank began to consider acquisition as a path forward.

What began as two Topeka teenagers mowing lawns in the early 1990s has grown into one of the region’s most recognized names in lawn care and pest solutions.

In 1963, DL Smith was a married dad of two making $1.75 an hour at a gas station. When a concerned uncle showed up one day and encouraged DL, now a Topeka Business Hall of Fame inductee, to become an electrician, he decided to switch careers.

One day, a pianist came to Dr. Heather Triggs unable to read her sheet music. After treatment for chronic dry eye at Crystal Vision, the patient’s life changed.

At Epic Integrative Wellness, Co-founders and Nurse Practitioners Kelsey Stringer and Amanda Whitson provide a personalized approach to health that differs from conventional medicine.

Excellence has many faces in Topeka, and the Jayhawk Area Council Boy Scouts of America is celebrating 20 of them

Two best friends spent years hunting for great Italian food in every city they visited — then decided to create that destination right here in Topeka.

When the owner lost her job during the pandemic, she and her husband took their stimulus checks and set their hopes on the region’s appetite for hearty, scratch-made breakfast.

Molly Howey serves as CEO of the Greater Topeka Partnership (GTP).

KANSAS HB 2343
The proposed No-Impact Home Business Act, will protect quiet entrepreneurs, save cities time and unlock small-business growth, all without sacrificing safety

“A phoenix rising from the ashes” that’s how the team behind Deano’s at Deer Creek describes their breakfast-and-lunch barbecue spot, which is building its own reputation with homemade comfort food on Topeka’s SE 21st Street.

In Thailand, Danny Harris fought five Muay Thai matches in six months. After each fight, he would share drinks with his opponent and their family. The tradition emphasized respect and community over competition.

Laura leads the Topeka Center for Advanced Learning and Careers (TCALC), where she connects students with real-world experiences through career and technical education.

Alicia oversees strategic planning, program development, fundraising and leadership growth within her team at Community Action. With more than 15 years of experience in social services, she drives change by fighting poverty, building partnerships and uplifting families across Topeka.

Cassidy oversees a 200-plus-person team that serves more than 7,000 households across the Topeka region.

At CapFed, Billy oversees retail banking operations, customer experience and wealth management services while leading a team of more than 380 employees.

Born and raised in Topeka, Dr. McGivern leads care for patients at Stormont Vail Health during some of their most challenging moments, ensuring compassionate, high-quality treatment.

Jake is a trusted advisor in transactional law, specializing in commercial real estate, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate governance.

Laura oversees Kansas’ largest organizational representative payee service and advocates for individuals with disabilities across five states.

At Mars, Damon leads a team focused on improving efficiency, safety and quality on the Snickers production line. Beyond the factory, he pours his energy into serving others.

India’s journey in Topeka began as a business reporter for The Topeka Capital-Journal. She went on to serve as vice president of marketing and communications for the Greater Topeka Partnership, bringing Topeka’s people and stories to a national stage.

For the past seven years, Madeline has been empowering students through leadership education, mentorship and community partnerships.

Through P&V Consulting & Advocacy Group, Jolie provides mentorship, training, policy consulting and advocacy to amplify marginalized voices and help others find healing and opportunity.

Connection & Belonging Manager | Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS)

CJ is a financial reporting accountant at Advisors Excel where he mentors associates, leads budgeting conversations and coordinates a shadowing program to give local students real-world exposure to careers in accounting and finance.

From coaching more than 240 individuals and families in financial literacy to raising more than $157,000 for community programs, Fatima is on a mission to disrupt generational cycles of poverty.

At just 25, Jaron is already leading efforts to grow Kansas’ health care workforce, improve hospitals and ensure access to quality care.

Danielle’s journey in media began as a TV news anchor and has grown into a career fueled by her passion for media.

Chelsea has spent the last decade championing individuals of all abilities.