Lawrence Business Magazine 2026 Q2

Lawrence

LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHERS

For more than a decade, one of the highlights of our year has been celebrating the businesses that are helping shape the future of Lawrence and Douglas County. The Lawrence Business Magazine Foundation Awards were established in 2014 with a simple but important goal: to recognize and celebrate local businesses that are growing, creating jobs, and investing in our community.

As publishers of Lawrence Business Magazine, we have the privilege of telling the stories of business owners, entrepreneurs, and organizations that work every day to make our community stronger. We know that much of our community’s economic growth comes from businesses that are already here. Local businesses expand, hire new employees, invest in facilities, support local causes, and create opportunities for others. They are the foundation of our local economy. That belief is what inspired the Foundation Awards. Each year, we honor businesses located in Douglas County that have created new jobs. Whether it is a small company adding its first employee or a larger organization adding dozens of jobs, every new position represents an opportunity for someone in our community. Those jobs support families, strengthen neighborhoods, and contribute to the overall vitality of Lawrence.

What makes these awards especially meaningful is that they recognize businesses of all sizes and across all industries. Growth does not look the same for every company. For some, growth means expanding into a new market. For others, it means purchasing new equipment, opening a second location, or adding staff to meet increasing demand. Regardless of the path, growth requires vision, risk, perseverance, and an incredible amount of hard work.

We have had the honor of presenting more than 180 Foundation Awards to local businesses and celebrated the creation of almost 2,000 jobs in our community. Those numbers represent far more than statistics. They represent entrepreneurs who took a chance, employees who found opportunities, and businesses that chose to continue investing in Lawrence and Douglas County. Each year, one of those Foundation Award honorees is selected for the Footprint Impact Award, recognizing a business whose work model includes giving back, community involvement and service. In 2023, we expanded our recognition efforts by adding the Minority-Owned Business Foundation Impact Award and the Woman-Owned Business Foundation Impact Award, honoring businesses that are making a meaningful difference in our community while also building successful enterprises. Together, these awards reflect something we have always believed: how a business succeeds is just as important as its success itself.

While the Foundation Awards celebrate the achievements of our honorees, they are also a reflection of the broader business community that helps make that success possible. We are especially grateful to the sponsors who partner with us each year to support this program. Their commitment to giving back demonstrates the kind of leadership that strengthens our community and creates opportunities for others to succeed. We are proud to work alongside our presenting sponsor, INTRUST Bank, and our other sponsors who understand the importance of recognizing local businesses and celebrating the positive impact they have on Lawrence and Douglas County.

As you read this issue and learn more about this year’s honorees, we encourage you to celebrate their achievements. Their success strengthens our entire community. We are proud to recognize these businesses, grateful for the sponsors who make the program possible, and excited to continue highlighting the companies that are helping Lawrence grow, one job at a time.

Ann Frame Hertzog Editor-in-Chief/Publisher Chief Photographer/Publisher

ON THE COVER Foundation Award Recipients and IMPACT award winners: CEK Insurance — Footprint Impact Award, Justin Cordova and Mark Buhler; La Tropicana — MinorityOwned Business Foundation Impact Award, Catalina Martin del Campo, Severina del Campo (sitting), and Laura Martin del Campo; Free State Dental — WomanOwned Business Foundation Impact Award, Kim Herries and Kayla Steffey.

Editor:

Tara Trenary

Contributing

Photographers:

Jeff Burkhead

John Clayton Jason Dailey Carter Gaskins

Aubrey Gratton

Peaty Romano

Mariah Seifert

© 2026 Lawrence Business Magazine, LLC Lawrence Business Magazine, is published quarterly by Lawrence Business Magazine, LLC and is distributed by direct mail to businesses in the Lawrence & Douglas County Community. It is also distributed at key retail locations throughout the area and mailed to individual subscribers. All rights reserved. No part of this publication can be reprinted or reproduced without the publisher’s permission. Lawrence Business Magazine, LLC assumes no responsibility for unsolicited materials. Statements and opinions printed in the Lawrence Business Magazine are the those of the author or advertiser and are not necessarily the opinion of Lawrence Business Magazine. INQUIRIES & ADVERTISING INFORMATION CONTACT: editor@LawrenceBusinessMagazine.com LawrenceBusinessMagazine.com

Lawrence Business Magazine, LLC 3514 Clinton Parkway, Suite A-113 Lawrence, KS 66047

LAWRENCE & DOUGLAS CO IN PERSPECTIVE [ ]

Preserving the Past

Renovations continue on Lawrence's old post office, bought and being preserved by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas.

The former U.S. Post Office, at 645 New Hampshire St., was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2002. Because it is on the National Register, the building is eligible for state and federal historic preservation tax credits. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS), which purchased the building in 2019 to relocate its disaster recovery site from Topeka, researched the building’s history so as to make upgrades to the building while keeping its original character.

“When we learned that the old post office was on the market, we realized that we could do so much more than just have a disaster recovery site,” Matt All, BCBSKS president and CEO says. “We could put down roots in the heart of Lawrence and give employees a great place to work. These kinds of opportunities don’t come around very often, and we jumped at it.”

The History

Lawrence’s first post office opened Jan. 13, 1855. It was located in the home of Carmi W. Babcock. In the following years, the post office relocated several times. In 1870, it moved into the Bowersock Opera House on Massachusetts Street, owned by Justin DeWitt Bowersock. He was instrumental in acquiring an appropriation for a post office for Lawrence in 1902, but he and several other congressmen had been lobbying for the post office since the late 1890s, when Bowersock first introduced a bill for $75,000 to determine a site for the erection of the building in December 1899. The appropriation was approved in 1902. The Lawrence Journal reported that Bowersock had sacrificed financially by supporting the new building instead of continuing to operate the post office in his opera house.

Postcard image of the U.S. Post Office building in Lawrence, as viewed from the southeast. The date of this image is unknown, but it shows the operations of the post office in the early 1900s.

Built at a cost of $60,000 under the direction of James Knox Taylor, supervising architect of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the post office was the first federal building in Lawrence and was secured for the city by Congressman Bowersock, who was also a prominent local businessman. At the time of its opening, it was the fourth busiest post office in the state.

In 1906, postal employees moved into the new building. By 1907, the Lawrence facility had been designated a first-class post office with over $40,000 in transactions. These total receipts were only surpassed by Kansas City, Topeka and Wichita. In eight years, business had doubled, and discussions of the need for a larger space began.

Thus, the building was renovated in 1930. During the remodeling, employees were located temporarily in the old Weaver's building and moved back to the remodeled facility on Oct. 13, 1930. This construction more than doubled the size of the original building. The interior remodeling removed many nonoriginal partitions. The two-story interior was opened up, and paint was removed from the skylights. Wooden windows and floors were repaired, and matching glass globes were installed on the chandeliers.

The building served as Lawrence’s post office until 1973. It then became the home for The University of Kansas’s Continuing Education department. In September 2001, it became home to the Lawrence Journal-World and 6News newsrooms.

Where Things Stand

The current renovation (started in summer 2025) began with the exterior of the building and included the following:

y repainted window trim

y washed the building and repaired any damaged masonry

y reconditioned the two front entry lamp posts

y replaced a damaged front step and reset the other granite slabs to bring back the original tread

y rebuilt the foundation of the three exterior staircases (south and east sides of the building)

y updated railings with hardware accurate to the time period

y uncovered brass elements of the outdoor lighting sconces.

The interior renovation at the Lawrence facility is designed to update and modernize the interior spaces while still respecting the building’s historic character. Utilizing numerous historic photographs, BCBSKS plans to return finishes to how they looked when new. Designers are focusing on the first-floor, 1906 period at the front of the facility. This includes restoration of flooring, lighting and the main entry. From there, the focus will shift to the remaining 1930s portion of the first and second floors. There will be more intentional modernization in this area geared toward a modern workforce.

Sales and executive staff are among those who work in the building regularly. In addition to desks for workers to drop in and use, the building also includes several conference rooms to support meetings, regional collaboration and hybrid work. Its location at the north end of Massachusetts Street makes it convenient for employees to take advantage of restaurants and stores on their lunch hours and breaks.

Employees will benefit from a more functional, modern and comfortable work environment that better supports collaboration and daily needs of a modern workforce. Improvements include updated technology and restrooms, conference and huddle spaces, improved break room amenities and refreshed office areas. The facility allows for an in-office experience for employees closer to the Lawrence and Kansas City areas while also serving the business continuity needs in the event of an interruption at the Topeka campus.

Since the exterior renovation was completed, the current timeline is for the remaining phases of the renovation. The second phase is to design the interior for the original 1906 structure, which is expected to be completed this year. Phase 3 will focus on the 1930s additions to the first and second floor, with completion projected for 2027. The basement will be last and is expected to be completed in 2028.

The renovation has already been recognized by local preservationists. The Lawrence Preservation Alliance has awarded BCBSKS one of its 2025 Summer Preservation in Progress (PIP) Awards for the work taking place on the old post office. PIP awards recognize those performing preservation work to improve a structure, promote preservation concepts or set the stage for future preservation efforts.

One of the original goals BCBSKS had for the building was to provide a space for disaster recovery activities. For example, the extra space will provide the company with additional room during a time of crisis or to host employees from other locations for large meetings, with all the Downtown Lawrence amenities within easy walking distance.

Mitch Sexton, manager of the renovation project, counts this project as among his favorites in his time at BCBSKS. “It’s almost like the building is living and breathing,” Mitch says. “You can’t help but love that building.”

“I hope we give employees a great place to work in Downtown Lawrence and a sense of pride that we’re doing our part to preserve a piece of Lawrence and Kansas history,” President and CEO All says. “And I hope the Lawrence community sees that we truly love our state, from small towns to cities like Lawrence. When you do your work from a place of love and respect for your community, great things are possible.

“It’s a beautiful example of early 20th-century architecture, with its brick facade, lampposts, tall ceilings and windows. It’s a real treasure,” All continues. “I’m proud that we can be its steward and help restore some of its features. I think that’s part of being a truly local company—respecting and celebrating what makes each community unique.” p

A Family Affair

A longtime staple in the community, Sigler Pharmacy continues to grow and expand its services to keep up with ever-changing times.

by Bob Luder, photos by Steven Hertzog

Back in the northwest corner of Sigler Pharmacy’s downtown location at 10th and Vermont streets is a tiny office crammed full of desks cluttered with computers and paperwork. It’s a sure sign of a busy business, and it’s here that Jeff Sigler takes a rare moment to sit back and reflect on the enterprise he started more than two decades ago as a means of satisfying both his educational and professional background in pharmacy with a keen interest in business.

Tucked into the heart of Lawrence and beyond, Sigler Pharmacy has built a reputation that goes well beyond filling prescriptions. For 20-plus years, this locally rooted pharmacy has blended small-town familiarity with modern care—offering personalized service, trusted health advice and a steady presence for generations of residents who value being known by name as much as being cared for by expertise.

What started as a single branch on Sixth Street has grown to three locations, with a location in a medical building in Lenexa and the Vermont Street pharmacy joining the franchise during the last seven years.

Suffice it to say, Sigler Pharmacy and its 30 employees—it started in 2005 with Sigler and one other employee—has developed itself into Lawrence’s hometown pharmacy.

“I’m a block and a half away from where I started,” says Sigler, referring to the since-closed Raney’s Drug Store, where he started his career as a pharmacist way back in 1984. “It’s great that we’ve been able to provide this kind of service to the people in this community. We have a lot of customers who walk here. We do vaccine clinics all throughout the area—all the way over to St. Louis, actually. We have customers who have been with us from the start. It’s been great.”

In 2025, Sigler Pharmacy received a Lawrence Business Magazine Foundation Award as one of the top growing businesses in the area.

“That was a big deal for us; any kind of publicity is helpful,” Sigler says. “When we won the award for opening the business here (on Vermont) … our business has steadily grown since.”

In addition to small-town-like, personal, caring service, Sigler Pharmacy has remained relevant by constantly staying on top of ever-evolving pharmaceutical trends and regulations. When one thinks of a local pharmacy, it might go no further than a place to pick up prescription medications at a counter or drivethrough window. But Sigler offers services ranging from vaccinations to a wide selection of over-the-counter supplies, in addition to basic favorites like custom lymphedema compression stockings, mobility rentals such as wheelchairs and walkers, and nonmedical items like greeting cards, candy, even Cashmere popcorn. The downtown location has recently ventured into compounding, which mixes and packages medications that don’t originally come prepackaged. Compounded medications can be custom-packed to suit the specific needs of patients.

“It could be for pets,” Sigler says. “Or it can be customized for a patient in the form they can take. The philosophy is, medicine doesn’t work if you don’t take it right. We package so that it’s easier for people to take.”

The pharmacy also has a delivery service for customers lacking means of transportation to pharmacy locations.

“We need to find our niches,” he says. “We want to look for things that other people don’t do.”

Beginnings and Business

Born in Independence, Missouri, and raised in Olathe, Kansas, Sigler headed to Emporia State University following high school to begin his studies in prepharmacy. After three years there, he transferred to The University of Kansas (KU) and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy in 1984. He would go on to earn a doctor of pharmacy degree from KU in 2019. After working part time as a student pharmacist at Raney’s, he soon became full time there, where he stayed for 10 years before moving over to manage the pharmacy at a Hy-Vee grocery store for the next 10 years.

While in pharmacy school, Sigler organized a fundraiser for his professional fraternity, for which he wrote, designed and published study cards for pharmacy students preparing for exams. The fundraiser turned out to be a huge success, so after graduation, Sigler and a classmate, Brent Flanders, officially started their own business—SFI Medical Publishing—in 1985. They started self-publishing using a Macintosh computer in 1986 and, the next year, went a step further and opened their own Mac computer store.

SFI Medical Publishing to this day still publishes and ships out pharmacy study guides for sale across the United States.

“When I got into some other businesses, it made me get interested in owning my own pharmacy,” Sigler says. “It gave me a business background. I knew what to do and what not to do.”

He says he was approached by local doctor and friend, Kevin Stuever, whose practice was constructing a new building, in 2005 and was asked if he’d be interested in opening a pharmacy. He said yes, and the first Sigler Pharmacy was born.

“With ownership … ” he says. “As a sign on Harry Truman’s desk says, ‘The buck stops here.’ You get inundated; you have to be a jack-of-all-trades, especially at first. Then, you eventually can start delegating.”

Sigler says he learned a lot about running a successful business in a short time, including the biggest realization of all: “It’s all about tracking financials

and customer service,” he says. “You can have a solid business plan, but without good customer service, it’s not going to work. And you can have great customer service, but without good financials, it won’t work. You need to have both to make a business run successfully.”

Sigler found that formula quickly and, in 2007, opened a second pharmacy at the Lawrence Family Practice Center, on West 18th Street off Wakarusa. In 2019, he was offered and took over a pharmacy in a medical building in Lenexa. Four years later, having survived all the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, he took over Medical Arts Pharmacy on Sixth Street, near LMH Health.

“When we took over that, the plan was to move to this building (at 10th and Vermont),” he says. “We moved here in January 2024 and closed the location we opened in ’07 in June 2024.”

Although Sigler recently reached retirement age, he says he’s marching full steam ahead, always looking for growth and new business.

“I’m blessed with a great staff,” he says. “It started with me and one other person. Today, I have 30 employees.”

In This Together

Another blessing, Sigler says, is that great staff he speaks of includes all the members of his immediate family—wife, Suzi, daughter, Melissa Sigler Porter, and son, Andrew. All three are pharmacy technicians who help with the business where needed. Suzi fills in whenever a tech is needed at a vaccination clinic or where there are holes in the schedule. Melissa is a tech at the Lenexa location and oversees Sigler’s vaccine program throughout Kansas and Missouri. Andrew has a business background and, in addition to working as a tech, also handles the business’s accounting.

Jeff Sigler says it’s “awesome” having his family closely involved in the business.

“I have friends that have kids doing really well, but they live far away, on the coasts, and don’t get to see them often,” he says.

He especially remembers a COVID clinic held a few years ago at Theatre Lawrence where Suzi and Andrew performed check-in procedures, and Jeff and Melissa gave shots.

“It was just us four,” Sigler says. “I remember it being pretty cool that we were providing this service. It was kind of fun.”

Suzi Sigler agrees having herself and the children involved in the pharmacy has its benefits.

“It’s not like we’re all together much of the time,” she says. “But it’s a very nice perk to have the kids here. Probably the only drawback is when we all want to go on vacation together. It takes a lot of people away.”

Sigler knows, however, that his business is well-covered because of an extended family of pharmacists and employees who have been with him for years. Trent Scott, PharmD, a pharmacist at the Vermont location, started with the company as a student in 2011. Alyson Mitchell, a pharmacy tech at the Sixth Street location, has been with Sigler even longer, moving away a couple times but returning.

“Of our two pharmacists in Lenexa, one worked for me as a student and another did a pharmacy rotation in school,” Sigler says. “At Sixth Street, two of three students we had did rotations.

“When we find someone we like, we hold onto them,” he adds.

Haley Petrick, PharmD and a pharmacist at the downtown location, says, “We’re all just kind of family. We know all our patients. It gives us a smalltown feeling. We try to give access to things other places don’t offer in town.”

“It’s definitely the relationships we have with the employees and the relationship with Jeff and Suzi that make all the difference here,” Scott adds. “If I have any issues with anything, I know I can go straight to Jeff. They do a great job of balancing what’s best for employees and patients.”

Looking to the Future

Sigler and Sigler Pharmacy have no plans of slowing down anytime soon. In fact, they’re constantly looking for avenues to expand business and remain ahead of upcoming trends or governmental regulatory updates.

That begins with the aforementioned expansion in the pharmacy’s compounding capabilities. In the basement of the Vermont Street building are four sterile, properly vented rooms specifically designed for mixing medications and custom-packaging them to fit patient needs.

“We’re expanding that business; that’s our goal,” Sigler says. “We’ve brought (the facilities) up to (U.S. Pharmacopeia) standards.”

Scott, who is directing the compounding initiatives, adds, “It’s been a learning experience. It’s a challenge I’m excited to see through. It gives us a product not many pharmacies can offer or choose to offer. This allows us to continue to grow and put out great products.”

Sigler says he’s also looking at expanding vaccine clinics as well as offer more custom-packaging. He says states have relaxed regulations regarding “test and treat,” so there are plans on expanding services where Sigler pharmacists can test for something like COVID or strep throat, and provide limited treatments on-site.

“There are plans for further growth, but I can’t say what they are at this time,” he says. “We’re working out details with a friend looking to sell his business.”

Sigler recently turned 65 and says he’s cut back his time behind the counter.

“I mainly help out where needed,” he says. “I think the staff and my kids will be interested in taking over at some point. I’m just being proactive thinking about what we need to do to stay relevant and successful. I’m working at it.”

Scott, for one, says the staff doesn’t expect the boss to be riding off into the sunset in the foreseeable future.

“Jeff’s always talking about retiring,” Scott says, “but it’s a pipe dream, I think. He loves his role in Lawrence and the community.

“I don’t know what my role is going to be (in the future), but I don’t see myself going anywhere else,” he adds. p

Bridging the Gap

This

local foundation's goal is to empower others through arts programs, mental health and wellness support, and access to a high-quality education all while delivering

hope to those who need it.

byTara Trenary, photos by Carter Gaskins and provided by Rials

The impact of small businesses on a community cannot be overstated. Not only do they contribute to the economy by creating jobs and revenue, they also bring communities together by creating a bond among the businesses and those who may choose to support them by buying local goods.

According to the Business.com article "Why Are Small Businesses So Important? 10 Ways They Empower Communities," by Mark Fairlie, senior analyst, small businesses employ nearly half of the American workforce, representing about 43.5 percent of America’s gross domestic product.

“America’s 33.2 million small businesses (99.9 percent of all businesses in the U.S.) are frequently referenced as America’s ‘economic engine,’ ” says Tom Sullivan, senior vice president of small business policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, in the article. “That’s because small employers have created more than three in five of all the new jobs since 1995, and they innovate at 12 to 15 times the rate of their larger business competitors.”

So how exactly do these small businesses give back locally? Business.com explains that small businesses create jobs and revenue for the community; they spark innovation that can transform communities; they create opportunities for women, minorities and immigrants; they boost the local tourism economy; they give to local charities and initiatives; and they contribute to a community’s sustainability goals, among other things.

The Lawrence Business Magazine Foundation Awards was created specifically to celebrate local businesses that do just that—drive the Douglas County economy by spurring job growth, hiring locally and supporting the community. Established in 2012, the Awards honor employers who achieve significant workforce growth. To be considered, businesses must be locally owned, operated or franchised; have an established presence in Douglas County for a minimum of three years; and show employment growth of either 20 percent or at least 20 new hires during the previous calendar year.

In addition, special Impact Awards—the Minority-Owned Business Impact Award, the Woman-Owned Business Impact Award and the Footprint Impact Award—are given to businesses that go above and beyond in contributing to the business community through relationships with other civic entities.

A Cultural Asset

Nicole Rials, founder and executive director of LRM Foundation and K.N. Rials Therapy and Consulting, was awarded the inaugural Minority-Owned Business Foundation Impact Award in 2023, with LRM being a Foundation Award honoree in 2025. She received community impact recognition in 2023 and has continued to be featured as a prominent woman- and minority-owned business leader in the area.

Rials was specifically honored for her local business model and her extensive community outreach. This includes supporting the Lied Center's theater programs and acting as a volunteer chaplain. In addition to her work with LRM, Rials is a member of the Lawrence

Chamber Board of Directors and has held many volunteer positions throughout Douglas County, collaborating around issues of racial equity as it relates to behavioral/mental health and entrepreneurship.

A locally grown nonprofit organization, LRM Foundation was founded in 2007 and empowers individuals and communities through innovative programs in performing arts, mental health and wellness, and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education, creating a space for learning through cultural and creative expression, Rials explains.

The foundation is a volunteer-led organization financed by grants, sponsors and donations. She says funding limitations and a reduction in direct donor contributions can be a challenge, but as a small, grassroots organization, LRM provides an opportunity for donors to invest in something that is unique and innovative, integrating performing arts, mental health and STEM education programs.

"We strive to instill hope, reconcile broken relationships and restore healthy living by creating bridges to new beginnings and paths to wholeness," Rials says.

The foundation's mission is to foster resilience, nurture creativity and promote holistic well-being, recognizing that healthy relationships are essential to thriving lives, she continues. "Through strategic partnerships, we expand access to resources and develop solutions that transform lives and build stronger communities."

Key programming offered by the foundation includes culturally centered, civic-minded stage plays, documentaries and community events that promote social justice and elevate BIPOC (Black, indigenous and people of color) experiences in the arts; restorative care; culturally competent counseling and workshops addressing grief, trauma and relational health, including specialized BIPOC mental health programming; and integrated arts and humanities into traditional STEM learning to create authentic educational spaces for local youth.

Expanding Creative Diversity

There is an expansive disparity in representation of BIPOC and culturally diverse community members in community theater, which broadens the lack of diversity and inclusion in the arts, Rials explains. "There is a felt and expressed need for diverse participation in theater and for that participation to be culturally relevant with equitable representation, creating an experience through dialogue, various dynamics of expression and artistry."

The foundation's programming centers on education about theater, stage presence and the impact of bringing life issues to the stage, she says. It centers on culturally relevant and social justice-themed events, offering opportunities for a diverse community to collectively engage in theater while promoting empathy and belonging for all persons. "We inspire a call to action to advance equity, fostering discussion about social justice, celebrating diversity and promoting unity," she adds.

Partnering with the Lied Center creates an opportunity to demonstrate the impact of elevating original, culturally rich, civic-minded theatrical artistic creations in Lawrence, featuring local artists, Rials says.

"The Lied Center of Kansas has partnered with LRM Foundation theater since our first partnership production on June 18, 2022, in celebration of Juneteenth," says Derek Kwan, executive director of the Lied Canter. "Since then, we have collaborated with Nicole and [the] LRM Foundation theater on eight different stage productions."

He says Rials is a natural mentor and leader, and is impressed with her professional and cordial demeanor, her organizational skills and her passion for helping bring together those in the community. "She takes great care to ensure those around her are included in the process of decisionmaking. She has a vision for LRM Foundation theater and for her consulting practice to create a better community for all. Folks naturally gravitate to her."

And Rials has taught Kwan how to be a better listener, as well as more empathetic. "The community is so fortunate that Nicole and the entire Rials family have chosen to make Lawrence and Douglas County their home," Kwan adds.

LRM's current production is in celebration of Juneteenth and honoring the cultural resiliency of African and native culture, Rials says. "We are proud to present an original documentary film that highlights local African American and Native American community members, and their arrival to Douglas County, Kansas."

They will also celebrate the culture of dance with live performances by the Esoke West African Dance group, based in Kansas City, and the local Lead Horse powwow dancers.

Mental Health Awareness

The LRM Foundation advances mental health and wellness through its BIPOC Soul program. It centers on healing, recovery and restorative wellness, as well as creating solutions, building community and advancing equity.

Heather Hoy, Douglas County Community Foundation director of philanthropy and community relations, says that Rials’ focus is on providing a support for the mental, physical and emotional needs of populations that are often stigmatized, ignored or hesitant to engage in mental wellness therapy. "Our community needs this," she says.

The two groups work together through grant programs, nonprofit organization training opportunities and general support for ideas about fundraising and donor connections. "Nicole has a calming, quiet and extremely compassionate demeanor in her professional life," Hoy says. "She really cares about people. She is so happy and positive. She is always seeking opportunities to bring multicultural learning, understanding, mental wellness support and opportunities for joy to our community."

Recently, the City of Lawrence had a traumatic event happen at City Hall. Hoy says Rials provided support, compassion, advice and professionalism to the city staff that was crucial for navigating the trauma so many staff members experienced and will continue to work through. "I felt so proud to know her when I was told this story. She is a leader, a mentor and a saving grace for people she connects with in our community."

This year, Rials says the Foundation will offer its Fourth Annual BIPOC Soul wellness event. Previous events have centered around issues of stress, anxiety, depression, suicide, grief, relational health, restorative care and navigating health-care systems.

Expanding Education

LRM works with educators and organizations across the nation to ensure children in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade—especially those underrepresented in STEM—have meaningful access to high-quality STEAM (a more holistic, design-driven approach to innovation) learning.

"That means engaging families in community and classroom settings," Rials explains. "We design identity-affirming environments where children envision themselves in science, technology, engineering, math, medicine and performing arts. Every program, every space we create asks: 'Does this child feel like they belong here?' "

She says LRM intentionally uplifts and spotlights professionals from historically excluded and marginalized communities to redefine who the world sees as a scientist, an engineer, a mathematician. "When a young person sees someone who looks like them and shares their story, possibility becomes reality."

LRM partners with educators, community organizations and local businesses to break down systemic barriers and build those pathways together. "We forge culturally relevant connections between local communities and STEAM professions so students see pathways that feel real and attainable," Rials says.

She explains that this work belongs to every educator who refuses to cap a child's potential, every business leader who opens a door to a young person, every caregiver pushing forward against headwinds. "We invite the community—businesses, organizations, families—to engage with us, because the next generation of innovators needs all of us."

A Bright Future

Rials' collaborators believe she is a light in the Lawrence community who is eager to give back to people in all walks of life. She teaches others to be more thoughtful and compassionate, and to listen more than talk. "She is always willing to listen, learn and ask good questions. I need more that in my life," Hoy says.

Kwan agrees. "Nicole is a wonderful consensus builder. She has the unique gift of ensuring all involved are heard and seen. I have always been impressed with Nicole’s determination, pleasant demeanor and drive to create a welcoming and warm community for all."

In May 2023, LRM's board of directors voted to expand its name to "LRM Foundation," which encompasses a continued growth and expansion to create solutions and increase access to resources in the areas of theater/ arts, STEM education, mental health and wellness. "We will continue to build community by discovering new business collaborations and partnerships, rising together with shared vision and optimizing outcomes for people who need services," Rials says. "We aspire to grow in partnership opportunities, capital, programming and overall infrastructure." p

Legacy of Love

By Sara Maloney, photos by Steven Hertzog

This family-owned ceramics destination stays true to its community-focused mission decades after opening.

For decades, Bracker’s Good Earth Clays has shaped the ceramic and pottery community across Lawrence as well as the whole region. Supplying clay to schools, housing manufacturing materials and supporting local artists through northeast Kansas is at the root of what the family business has always stood for, and their commitment has never wavered. Bracker’s received not one but three Foundation Awards, recognizing those locally focused values—something that Cindy Bracker, owner and president, says reflects what her parents always wanted the business to be.

“We have actually won three times—2020, 2024 and 2025—and it's a real point of pride for me," Bracker explains. "I have the awards sitting on the windowsill right outside my office. It speaks to the importance of our local community to myself and my business. It just kind of fits in really well with what my parents’ vision has always been about, the importance of your local community.”

Bracker has continued down the path her parents started when they first opened the business. She took over after her mom retired around 2015.

“I think that it's beautiful that these foundation awards are recognizing that,” she says.

How It Came To Be

Bracker's parents came to Lawrence in the 1970s after her father, Bill, accepted a position to teach at The University of Kansas. Both Bill and her mother, Anne, were studio potters and were very involved with the local pottery scene, especially the Lawrence Potters' Guild.

It became clear to them that clay was not easily accessible to Lawrence and the wider metro area. Bill frequently traveled to Grain Valley, Missouri, to purchase clay for fellow members of the Guild. They continued to bring more and more clay back for friends and for themselves.

Eventually, the Brackers had created a full-blown supply business. By 1985, Bill and Anne were less focused on creating their own work and more focused on supporting the local ceramics community.

“The growth strategy in the early days, when my mom and dad were doing it together, was just kind of, ‘Let’s see what kind of an impact we can make on our community,’ ” Bracker explains. Her father’s philosophy was simple: "We’ll do this for a while, and if it stops being fun, we’ll just go back to making pots,” she says.

Bill passed away when Bracker was in high school, and Anne continued the business, keeping his community-focused mindset at the forefront.

For Bracker, it was never her original plan to join the family business. She earned her degree in music education and had her sights set on being a junior high band and choir teacher.

Over time, and as she neared graduation, she realized there was no way she could step away from the family business she had grown up working in. “As I got closer to graduating, I was realizing that I couldn’t imagine my life not working in the family business,” she explains.

Bracker ended up meeting her now-husband, Dave, while working at Bracker’s, and she continued to watch her mother run the successful business. Her mother’s hard work, patience and love for the business taught her everything she knows, along with her “figure it out” mentality, she says.

After her father passed, there was talk around the community about whether the business would stay afloat without Bill at the helm. Some community members doubted whether a woman could successfully keep it afloat, and many made bets about how long it would last, she says.

“They didn’t believe, quite honestly, that a woman could do it,” Bracker explains. “She proved them very wrong.”

Anne continued to grow the business and purchased clay supplier Good Earth Clays when it went out of business. That’s when the Bracker’s business transitioned its name to Bracker’s Good Earth Clays.

Around the same time, pottery was becoming increasingly popular. Media attention, such as from the 1990s movie "Ghost," also proved helpful to the business.

More growth came to Bracker’s when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. With more people at home looking for new hobbies, home studios became popular. The growth that began in 2020 has not stopped. The business is continuing to grow 15 to 20 percent year over year, Bracker says.

Bracker is always planning new ideas for how to continue to grow but, more importantly, how the company can better serve the community. With the popularity of local ceramics classes and community studios, they hope to expand to selling supplies to these places, as well, which supports the goal while keeping prices lower for local businesses and creating repeat customers.

Five In One

What is really involved in being an all-in-one ceramics company? Bracker describes it as five businesses rolled into one: retail sales, school supply delivery, clay manufacturing, wholesale operations and website/catalog sales, and equipment repair services.

Bracker’s sells dozens of types of clays, many of which they manufacture themselves, and basically anything else you could need to create a project from start to finish. On top of raw materials, there are glazes and underglazes, and studio tools like hand tools, carving and trimming equipment, pottery wheels, slab rollers, mixers, kilns and kiln accessories.

A big part of the company is the kiln repair services of which Dave is the master, she explains. He’s become nationally known for those skills and can offer them to anyone virtually, which is beneficial to something as niche as kiln repair. What started out of necessity during the pandemic has turned into an important feature of the operation.

“That’s honestly a big part of the growth of the company,” Bracker says, “is the fact that I have a Dave.”

With around 10 employees, the goal always is to treat everyone as family and to utilize local Lawrence residents and businesses whenever possible.

“I do try to reinvest in my community with the business that we do. So all of my services that I can get locally, I get locally,” she says.

For the regional ceramics' ecosystem, keeping Bracker’s around means more affordable costs for all potters. The couple considers their community not just Lawrence but also Topeka, Manhattan and beyond, though they also ship all across the nation now. The nearest competitors are in Denver, Minneapolis, St. Louis and beyond.

“The customers we serve are often well outside of Lawrence just due to the nature of our industry, but Lawrence is at the heart of everything we do," Bracker says. "My staff all lives here in Lawrence, and the business we bring in benefits them and the rest of the community."

A lot of those who travel hours to come to Bracker’s make it into a day trip, taking advantage of Lawrence food and local business. Being a steward of the city is a major honor, she says.

Running a small business takes a lot of perseverance, and many times, there aren't a lot of avenues for recognizing small business owners.

“You spend a lot of time and sweat equity, and a lot of blood and a lot of stress … and it’s the kind of thing you don’t do unless you love it,” Dave says.

But it’s worth it, he continues. At the end of the day, the thank-you notes from classrooms and schools continue to remind them why the work matters. It makes awards such as the Foundation Awards feel that much more special.

Bracker became emotional discussing the award, noting that business owners spend years working behind the scenes and trying to support the community.

“The Foundation Awards represent a very special recognition that comes from my business community, so it's very meaningful,” she explains.

“When you own a business, you often do a lot of things that no one ever sees, hears about, knows about or even thinks about. Lawrence Business Magazine and the people who read it, they get it.”

Reading Lawrence Business Magazine gives Bracker a chance to learn about the various forces that exist in town, she says. And it's an honor to be given the award, especially with the others honored right there with them, she adds.

“Honestly, just thinking about seeing this upcoming article written about my business—the business my parents started here 44 years ago—it's surreal,” Bracker says. “Especially because sometimes I feel like I'm an 11-year-old sixth grader having a fever dream the night before going to Exchange City or something.” p

A Business for

This employee-owned financial advisory firm continues to grow both in and outside of Kansas several years after receiving a Foundation Award.

by Emily Mulligan, photos by Steven Hertzog

Lawrence isn’t a giant metropolis, but it seems to offer just about everything. So it’s rare to find a business need that isn’t being met.

Yet, that is exactly the reason that SSC CPAs + Advisors has come to thrive and grow in Lawrence for the past three decades: they offered a service that local businesses needed. And they have not only become a cornerstone of the accounting profession in Lawrence but also the community as a whole.

As the name indicates, SSC CPAs + Advisors provides services beyond the scope of accounting and taxes—though they do excel at the full range of financials, accounts payable, payroll and tax preparation—for families and businesses. SSC also uses the accounting ledgers as a launching point to assess and advise businesses about their potential for growth and for succession plans in the future.

“So much in accounting is talking about what already happened, and you need to look at what you did," Chief Strategy Officer Michele Hammann says. “But it’s more important to look at what you’re going to do. We offer forecasting and projections as decision tools.”

SSC won a Lawrence Business Magazine Foundation Award in 2017 be -

cause of the firm’s growth in Douglas County, and now the company is growing in new ways—beyond the state lines. It has recently opened three offices in Oklahoma: Norman, Perry and Tulsa. The company’s presence is also larger than ever in Kansas, with additional offices in Meriden, Overland Park and Salina. Hammann’s father founded the company in Topeka in 1984 and expanded to Lawrence in 1996 thanks to a banker at Douglas County Bank who told him there weren’t enough full-service accountants here. Topeka remains the company headquarters, but the Lawrence office is the same size, in people and in revenue. Hammann says they are looking at expansion in other states, as well.

Fifteen people work in the Lawrence office, including Chris Kohart, who folded his independent accounting firm into SSC in 2017 as part of the local growth. Firmwide, SSC has 105 employees.

The company is employee-owned, which is a unique structure for a firm of its size and helps explain why it has excellent employee retention.

“They earn more shares the longer they work here. We are run by a board of directors and answer to shareholders, which is all of us. Then we buy it back from them when they’re ready to retire,” Hammann says.

Business

Being able to help clients beyond preparing their taxes in March and April every year is also a large part of SSC’s success. And Hammann says their consulting work and making projections is a large part of that, ensuring that the business maintains its value so it can transfer to employees down the road or be sold to a third party at maximum value.

“We talk to the management team. They need to know the revenue—they’re responsible for helping to generate it. We pick things they can affect,” she explains. “The clients who do best are committed to revisiting projections a couple times a year.”

Teaming Up

SSC also has formed a partnership with Merit Financial Advisors to offer wealth-management services.

When he was running his own practice, Kohart often interacted with SSC and Hammann about audits and shared business back and forth. He respected its status in the community and the way the company conducted itself. He had a meeting with Hammann for audit planning shortly after he found out one of his longer-term employees was moving away. The idea of

forming an even closer business collaboration came up in the conversation, and Kohart, of course, crunched the numbers on what that could mean for him.

“They had the infrastructure and knowledge and management in place. Having a team was a huge appeal to me. It was so invaluable to me, not carrying such a heavy mental load. The culture we have here is that it’s a team effort,” Kohart says.

Both Hammann and Kohart say their local coworkers enjoy living in Lawrence while being able to serve clients across the United States. Their employees can choose which office to work in, and both say that if employees start in Lawrence and then choose another office, they often return to the Lawrence office because they miss it here.

Kohart explains that part of the appeal is how much of an economic driver The University of Kansas is for all of the businesses and for the local lifestyle. That is just the beginning of the advantages of what makes Lawrence unique.

“Being in Lawrence and having access to the University, we have a really good internship program, and that gives us access to hiring younger staff,” Hammann says.

Kohart has practiced accounting in Lawrence since 2000 and has raised his family here, so he continues to choose to live and work here.

“The proximity to Kansas City gives us the opportunity to get other experiences, but we also get to have the lifestyle in Lawrence that we want to have,” he says.

Working with other businesses has reinforced for Hammann how precarious it is to launch and sustain a business. She cites research that says nearly half of businesses don’t last past the five-year mark, so that’s why SSC has chosen to sponsor the Foundation Awards for many years.

“We love a good ribbon-cutting, but the truth is that opening day is the easy part. What deserves celebration is the slow, steady slog— showing up year after year, making payroll, serving clients well and doing the next right thing when no one is watching. The Foundation Awards recognize that work, and we are proud to stand behind it,” she says.

Growing Together

Both Hammann and Kohart appreciate the unity of the business community in Lawrence. The Foundation Awards have a lot of familiar faces to them.

“When we got our awards, there were a whole bunch of our clients up there, too. It is really cool to see them still growing and still doing the work,” Hammann says. “There are not a lot of celebrations in business. You can take a minute to celebrate what you accomplished.”

This summer, Hammann is going to begin preaching what she practices, so to speak, with the release of her book, “Go Public in Private,” about how businesses can plan ahead by looking at their current balance sheets. The book shares how publicly traded companies maximize their own valuations and how other companies can apply those methods for themselves and do the same.

Though their work comes from many places, Hammann and Kohart say they never lose focus on the importance of Lawrence to their firm and work.

“We give back a lot,” Kohart says. “We stay invested here with a lot of volunteer work, people on many community boards, supporting local organizations and sponsorships. We never want to leave Lawrence. Lawrence has supported us.” p

FOUNDATION Lawrence Busi

On March 31, the 13th annual Lawrence Business Magazine Foundation Awards event was uncorked. An effervescent group of businesspeople gathered to celebrate the investments in individuals and the community as a whole. Some of the top business movers and shakers of Lawrence proved to be a great mix, creating a splash. For the third year in a row, the event was a sold out.

Conversations flowed; reconnections and introductions were many. KLWN's Kevin Romary and Lawrence Business Magazine's (LBM) Co-Publisher and Chief Photographer, Steven Hertzog, were interviewing people live throughout the first part of the evening. Romary says, “The overall response to the interview sessions at the Foundation Awards was fantastic. It was a great opportunity to reconnect with old friends and, at the same time, to showcase some of the great businesses in this town."

It was great to recognize the businesses in this city that have not only grown

but made a real investment into the community, he continues. "It always amazes me the positive impact these owners and employees make locally on a day-to-day basis.”

The energy and encouragement were lively, the enthusiasm palpable and the hors d'oeuvres and drinks fabulous. However, the main focus was to honor the businesses that invested in the citizens of Lawrence, Kansas.

The buzz continued for an hour and a half of networking, then the crowd moved into the auditorium for the main event. LBM Editor-in-Chief and Co-Publisher Ann Frame Hertzog opened the awards ceremony. “It is great when we can come together one night a year to applaud each other's achievements. Celebrating what each one of these businesses does individually and recognizing them for the contributions and impacts they have on the community at large.” “… The mission of the magazine is to cover the people and the businesses making a positive impact on Lawrence and our community. And these awards really embody that.”

The Lawrence Business Magazine Foundation Awards celebrate Douglas County businesses that continue to grow the economy while also positively impacting the local community.

AWARDS ness Magazine

Hertzog explained that even considering the economic volatility and concerns of the time, this was the second-largest number of awards given in their history. Twenty-five companies fit the award criteria and have added jobs during this time. Hertzog gratefully thanked the presenting sponsor, INTRUST Bank, and acknowledged its roll in supporting the Foundation Awards since the beginning.

She then introduced the shared masters of ceremonies for this year, Beth Easter, market president at INTRUST Bank, and Heidi Simon, senior associate director of The University of Kansas (KU) Office of Admissions. Both were graduates of Leadership Lawrence in 2012, and both attended KU. Easter and Simon took turns addressing attendees. Easter began: “I would like to thank Ann and Steven Hertzog, and Lawrence Business Magazine and their support of the local community and everything they do to advocate for local businesses.” She continued with some important facts about the Lawrence area. “Eighty percent of local job growth is created by existing businesses in the community. Tonight, we are celebrating 25 of the compa-

by Darin

nies that have created a grand total of 168 new jobs in the last year. Including this evening, 181 Foundation Awards have been given out, representing 1,928 new jobs in the community. That is something to be very proud of, celebrated and honored.”

“To be a business, to be risk-takers, to really commit to your community— this is something I find as an inspiration," Simon continued. "It is truly an honor to be here. … I really wanted to let you know tonight how critical you are to the work my team does in the Admissions office. We have differentiators that we talk about with KU with every single student who visits the KU campus. We talk about academics; we talk about the Jayhawk community. But one of the biggest and most favorite is the City of Lawrence and how that impacts their experience at KU. Without the work you do, we have one less differentiator, so we really thank you for what you do.”

The Foundation Awards are presented to businesses located in Douglas County that have been in business for three years or more and have shown job growth in the past year, adding 20 employees or 20% in 2025. These

Beth

Easter, INTRUST Bank

Kevin Romary, KLWN Radio

businesses contribute to the local economy through jobs and services, and are an extremely committed group, impacting the community and dedicated to a local footprint of mutually beneficial relationships. Supporting local businesses and keeping it local supports the community as a whole, which is why the Impact Awards are important. Those include the Footprint Impact Award, Minority-Owned Business Foundation Impact Award and the Women-Owned Business Foundation Impact Award.

“This 13th year was extremely exciting for all of us," Easter explained. "We had a beautiful venue, engaging speaker who I could listen to daily and the Hertzogs, who are the magic behind making this a successful event. They are organized and connected, and know what businesses need in order to make this a worthwhile experience.”

She proudly introduced the keynote speaker, Tim Cowden, president and CEO of the Kansas City Area Development Council (KCADC). "Tim leads strategic direction and vision for the KCADC, guiding efforts that position the region as a top destination for business and talent. Under his leadership, KCADC is consistently ranked the leading regional economic development group in the country, one that is recognized globally for its robust marketing communication strategies in collaboration with 300 corporate leaders and more than 50 community partners across the two-state, 18-county region. The KCADC has helped attract 9.5 billion in new capital investment and 15,000 jobs to the area over the past five years.”

Cowden shared his deep connection and appreciation of Lawrence and the community. He laid out how important seeing our region as one area was—the exciting new growth, the powerful momentum and the success of Lawrence and the Kansas City territory. “We are all connected together ... you may say that is really contrite ... but we really are one,” he explained. Showing a map of the Kansas City counties that KCADC represents, he shared that this is the product that they market, showing the way the organization works in terms of how each person at the event and their business has its own product and market. KCADC's local customers know where the boundaries are, he explained, but out-of-state customers may not know whether they are in Kansas or Missouri; in the end, they all think of Kansas City as a whole.

“We have a diverse marketplace ... as businesspeople, you know that if you can provide choice underneath your roof, you have a better chance of winning,” he said. Regarding diversity in the region, his team can provide “Lawrence, an amazing college town,” or any number of different types of cities in the area—a suburban market such as Lee's Summit, Downtown Kansas City, Missouri, or the Country Club Plaza.

He showed a slide of many multiple logos representing a large group of well-known businesses that represent the region, providing an explanation about how KCADC is different from the Chamber of Commerce or the Civic Council. The KCADC does the sales, marketing and branding for the Kansas City area, focusing on bringing new companies to the region to create more jobs. Cowden is not only focused on the business-to-business market and on bringing new businesses to KC, he says, but also on business-to-consumer, hoping to draw in new talent while retaining that talent. To do this, he believes we need strong companies that provide competitive opportunities.

Cowden said Kansas City is growing and that people are moving here from all over the country. “Our brand, our regional brand, is rising. KC is the Top 10

region for Gen Z and is No. 3 (of the) most livable metros in the country. When you win ... it's everybody working together, just like in your business, pulling on that rope in the same direction. There is alignment; we are working together.”

He brings up several developments in the area that are having a positive impact and attracting larger companies that wouldn't have looked here five years ago. The new Kansas City International Airport has played a big part in helping draw in new business. “It has become a favorable first and last impression,” he says. Another boost to the area is bringing back the streetcar to the city. Other “majors” include “major league sports, major league art, and major league food,” he adds.

Having a winning Super Bowl team with Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift: “KC is pretty hot right now,” he quips. However, without all of these “alignments,” would we have the FIFA World Cup? Cowden thinks not. The Kansas City area is the smallest of all 16 areas hosting the World Cup, which will have four base camps for World Cup teams.

After his inspiring speech, the event transitioned to recognizing the Foundation Award recipients followed by the Impact Award winners. The co-masters of ceremonies announced the award winners in alphabetical order and called them to the stage, where Ann Frame Hertzog presented them with a beautiful glass award, and photographer Jason Dailey took their photo. Each awardee group then moved to the Foundation Awards backdrop to have their photo taken by photographer Jeff Burkhead.

The Awards Presentation

The award presentation began with The Foundation Awards. There were a total of 25 businesses that received Foundation Awards this year: Bob Sight Auto Group, Bridge Haven, CEK Insurance, Children's Advocacy Center of Douglas County, Critter Control of Kaw Valley, Douglas County Historical Society/ Watkins Museum of History, Durino Plumbing, Free State Dental, Gameday Men's Health Lawrence, Good Energy Solutions, Hemel Electric, Icorium Engineering Co., JEO Consulting Group, Kessler Contractors, La Tropicana, Maceli's Banquet Hall & Catering, Mass Street Fish House, Multistudio, Neuvant House, New Heights Therapy, Pine Landscape Center, Solomon & Associates, Speech Solutions, Surface Experts of Lawrence and University of Kansas Conference Center.

Multiple organizations from this year's nominees have received Foundation Awards in the past, and Good Energy Solutions is the leader in this category, with a total of eight years and 58 jobs added. Bridge Haven, which was the 2025 Minority-Owned Business Impact Award winner, received its fifth Foundation Award and has provided 113 jobs in the community.

Foundation Award Honorees

BOB SIGHT CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM & HONDA

The company is part of the Bob Sight Auto Group, which traces its roots in the Kansas City auto market to 1923. In its fourth generation of Sight family ownership, Bob Sight prides itself on building relationships, not selling cars. Trust is its tradition.

Last year, Bob Sight Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram & Honda added 10 new employees.

BRIDGE HAVEN

CEK INSURANCE

Established in 1931, CEK Insurance serves the insurance needs of about 8,000 individuals and families as well as 6,000 business concerns in northeast Kansas and northwest Missouri. CEK is Douglas County’s oldest locally owned independent insurance agency.

Last year, CEK Insurance added six jobs, bringing its workforce to 36.

CHILDREN’S ADVOCACY CENTER OF DOUGLAS COUNTY

5XFOUNDATION HONOREE

Bridge Haven, the 2025 MinorityOwned Business Impact Award Winner, is an assisted living and memory care community providing personalized care and support for seniors. It offers a safe, welcoming environment with 24-hour care, engaging activities and programs designed to enhance quality of life for residents and peace of mind for families.

Last year, Bridge Haven added 35 employees, bringing its workforce to 110.

The Children’s Advocacy Center ensures that children and families affected by child abuse receive a compassionate, community-based intervention through a multidisciplinary team approach to prevent, identify, investigate, prosecute, and treat child abuse.

Last year, the Children's Advocacy Center added four employees

2XFOUNDATION HONOREE

Foundation Award Honorees

CRITTER CONTROL OF KAW VALLEY

Critter Control technicians have the experience and training to find nuisance wildlife, trap and remove the pest animal safely, and install wildlife exclusions for long-term pest control.

2XFOUNDATION HONOREE

Critter Control of Kaw Valley added three employees in 2025, bringing its total workforce to eight.

DOUGLAS COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY/ WATKINS MUSEUM

In 1975, the Douglas County Historical Society opened the Elizabeth Miller Watkins Community Museum in the newly refurbished Watkins Bank Building. Since then, the museum has managed the expansion and care of its permanent collection as well as provided programs and public events, educational resources and activities, research support, and changing exhibits that explore the heritage of Lawrence and Douglas County.

Last year, the museum added two jobs, bringing its full-time workforce to seven.

DURINO PLUMBING

Durino Plumbing is a licensed residential and commercial plumbing company serving Lawrence, Douglas County and surrounding areas. Durino offers a variety of services that include water heaters, fixture installation, leak detection and repair and general maintenance. A small company doing big work for a community it loves.

Last year, Durino Plumbing added one employee, bringing its workforce to three.

FREE STATE DENTAL

Free State Dental is a comprehensive, experienced, friendly dentistry that always welcomes new patients looking for a cleaning and exam, restorative options, or cosmetic consultation. They look forward to having you and helping you make the best choice for you and your smile.

2XFOUNDATION HONOREE

Last year, Free State Dental added six new jobs.

Foundation Award Honorees

GAMEDAY MEN’S HEALTH LAWRENCE

Gameday is a specialized men’s health clinic located on the west side of Lawrence. Its mission is to help men regain the vitality in their lives through hormone replacement therapy, sexual health treatments, weight loss, vitamin, and peptide therapies.

Last year, Gameday Men’s Health Lawrence added two new jobs, bringing its workforce to six.

GOOD ENERGY SOLUTIONS

HEMEL ELECTRIC

With Hemel Electric you receive quality work, integrity and fast service every time. Serving Lawrence and the greater northeast Kansas area and specializing in residential, commercial, and industrial electrical installation and repair, Hemel’s team brings more than 30 years of experience to each and every job site.

2XFOUNDATION HONOREE

Last year, Hemel Electric added two jobs, increasing its workforce to seven employees.

8XFOUNDATION HONOREE

Good Energy Solutions, the 2020 Footprint Impact Award Winner, is a full-service energy partner that provides comprehensive consulting and services in electrical, renewable energy, and energy management in the central U.S., including Kansas and Missouri. The company is dedicated to customer satisfaction through quality design and installations and backs its promises with long warranties. The company also works with non-profit organizations helping them to lower their utility costs to enable them to use their resources to help others.

Good Energy Solutions added 11 full-time equivalents to its workforce last year.

ICORIUM ENGINEERING COMPANY

Icorium Engineering Company, woman-owned and women-run, is a chemical engineering startup and University of Kansas spinout developing technologies to make sustainable, circular economies a reality for refrigerants and other complex chemical mixtures.

2XFOUNDATION HONOREE

Last year, Icorium Engineering Company added two employees, bringing its workforce to nine employees.

JEO CONSULTING GROUP

3XFOUNDATION HONOREE

JEO Consulting Group has been helping communities thrive since 1937, building a reputation on forging lasting partnerships with clients to help them – and our communities – succeed. Today, they have more than 400 people in 15 offices and after almost 90 years is still known for treating clients and employees like family. Last year, JEO Consulting Group added four new employees, bringing its workforce to 14.

KESSLER CONTRACTORS

3XFOUNDATION HONOREE

Kessler Contractors is dedicated to the maintenance and remodeling of both commercial and residential properties. With seven years of experience, they have had the privilege of collaborating with local businesses and homeowners, taking pride in the quality of their work and the strong relationships they have fostered with their clients.

Last year, Kessler Contractors added one new job, increasing its workforce to six.

Foundation Award Honorees

LA TROPICANA

La Tropicana Mexican Restaurant has been serving home-cooked Mexican dishes north of the river for more than 50 years. The family-owned business has built a deep trust and friendships with many loyal customers and is proud to have witnessed generations of families grow with them and start their own local businesses.

Last year, La Tropicana added five new jobs.

MACELI’S EVENTS & CATERING

MASS STREET FISH HOUSE

Mass Street Fish House serves quality seafood and top hospitality to the Lawrence community. The business also is a good steward of the community, donating both time and treasure and supporting local businesses whenever possible.

Last year, Mass Street Fish House added five new jobs.

MULTISTUDIO

2XFOUNDATION HONOREE

Maceli’s is a 100 percent minorityowned business that offers on-site catering and hospitality services as well as hosting events remotely or here at one of its business sites. Maceli’s cooperates with a large number of local businesses and dedicates time to local organizations that have fundraising events at one of its properties.

Last year, Maceli’s created 14 new positions.

Multistudio is an architecture and design firm operating in five locations across the U.S. – Lawrence, Kansas City, New Orleans, Phoenix and San Francisco. It is a multidisciplinary architecture, design and planning practice with a mission to enrich communities and the human experience through the built environment.

Last year, Multistudio added three employees, increasing its workforce to 14 employees.

NEUVANT HOUSE

Neuvant House of Lawrence is an assisted living and memory care community specializing in assisted living and short-term respite care and adult day stay, providing personalized care and support for older adults, including those with dementia or other cognitive challenges.

Last year, Neuvant House added 11 new employees

NEW HEIGHTS THERAPY

4XFOUNDATION HONOREE

New Heights Therapy, the 2025 Woman-Owned Business Impact Award Winner, updated its company name from Sound Speech Therapy to encompass all the wonderful services it has to offer the community. New Heights Therapy is a private, multi-therapy clinic specializing in speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, feeding therapy, myofunctional, physical therapy and reading intervention.

Last year, New Heights Therapy added five new employees, bringing its total workforce to 20.

Foundation Award Honorees

PINE LANDSCAPE CENTER

SPEECH SOLUTIONS

3XFOUNDATION HONOREE

Pine Landscape Center, the 2024 Woman-Owned Business Impact Award Winner, has a mission to help customers sculpt raw ideas into real accomplishments. It brings those ideas to life through a knowledgeable team, thoughtfully curated product lines, competitive pricing and reliable, friendly delivery services. From rock, sod, soil, mulch and any other landscape products, consider Pine Landscape Center was your product partner.

Last year, Pine added four new employees to its workforce for a total of 13 employees.

SOLOMON & ASSOCIATES

Solomon & Associates is an Ameriprise Private Wealth Advisory Practice with five advisors and growing. It offers personalized financial advice based on your goals and provide an upfront overview of costs, so that you can explore how you want to spend retirement.

2XFOUNDATION HONOREE

Last year, Solomon & Associates added three new employees, bringing its total workforce to nine.

Speech Solutions is a womanowned and locally-owned private speech and occupational therapy practice servicing pediatric and adult clients in Lawrence and surrounding areas. It is Speech Solutions’ mission to make a positive difference in the lives of clients by providing highly effective, research-based therapy services to children, teens and adults.

2XFOUNDATION HONOREE

Last year, Speech Solutions added three new employees, increasing its workforce to seven employees.

SURFACE EXPERTS OF LAWRENCE

Surface Experts specializes in professional surface repair for tubs, countertops, cabinets, floors and more. Reliable scheduling, clear communication and quality craftsmanship are at the core of everything they do.

Last year, Surface Experts of Lawrence added two new employees, bringing its total workforce to five.

UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS CONFERENCE CENTER

The University of Kansas Conference Center is directly connected to the beautiful new David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. With more than 55,000 square feet of flexible, state-of-the-art space, the conference center accommodates gatherings of all sizes, from intimate board meetings to large-scale conferences. Modern amenities, customizable layouts and professional support ensure every event runs smoothly and leaves a lasting impression.

Last year, the University of Kansas Conference Center added 24 new employees.

In the Women-Owned Business Foundation Impact Award category, a total of 13 women-owned businesses were nominated this year:

y BioData Solutions, LLC, owner Stephanie Pasas-Farmer

y Foundations Commercial Real Estate, owner Kirsten Flory

y Free State Dental, a 2-time Foundation recipient, owners Dr. Nealy Newkirk, Dr. Brad Adams, Dr. Kailah Willms

y Free State Vet, owner Miranda Lyon

y Gutter Princess & Roofing, LLC, owner Brooklyn Brungardt

y Icorium Engineering Company, a 2-time Foundation recipient, owner Kalin Baca

y Kessler Contractors, LLC, a 3-time Foundation recipient, owner Dynelle Kessler

y La Tropicana, a Foundation recipient, owner Severina Martin Del Campo

y Lawrence Pet Friends, owner Sheree Miller

y L.e.s.s., owner Jasmine Hyde

y Mass Street Fish House, a Foundation recipient, owners Laura Klein and Samantha Waeckerie

y New Heights Therapy, a 4-time Foundation recipient and 2025 WO Impact Winner, owner Kimberly Williams

y Speech Solutions, LLC, a 2-time Foundation recipient, owner Lisa Graves

2026 FOUNDATION AWARD HONOREE & 2026 WOMAN-OWNED BUSINESS FOUNDATION IMPACT AWARD WINNER

This year’s Women-Owned Business Foundation Impact Award was awarded to Free State Dental, owners Dr. Nealy Newkirk, Dr. Brad Adams, and Dr. Kailah Willms. Not only does Free State Dental advertise with more than a dozen local businesses and media outlets, but it also donates time to local organizations such as Family Promise, Lawrence Parks and Rec for park cleanups, Ballard Center, and Kansas Mission of Mercy, where employees donate time for dental treatments. Nealy Newkirk has served on the board of the National Charity League for two years.

“It validates all of our hard work and inspires continued growth, motivating us to set even higher goals for the future,” Free State dentist Dr. Nealy Newkirk says.

There were eight businesses nominated for the Minority-Owned Business Foundation Impact Award:

y Kessler Contractors, LLC, a 3-time Foundation recipient, owner Dynelle Kessler

y La Tropicana, a Foundation recipient, owner Severina Martin del Campo

y L.e.s.s., owner Jasmine Hyde

y Maceli’s, a 2-time Foundation recipient, owner Steve Maceli

y MyoDynamics, owners Isaac & Sydney Combs

y Neuvant House, a Foundation recipient, owner Chaitanya Musham

y Official Sports, owner Aaron Combs

y The Restorative Touch, owner Isaac Combs

2026 FOUNDATION AWARD HONOREE & 2026 MINORITY-OWNED BUSINESS FOUNDATION

IMPACT AWARD WINNER

The 2026 Minority-Owned Business Foundation Impact Award was presented to La Tropicana, owner Severina Martin del Campo. La Tropicana uses dozens of local companies in the course of operating the long-time business, and members of the del Campo family donate time in many capacities to serve the community, including making food for various fundraising events and donating food to others. It donates to the Ballard Center, Corpus Christi Catholic Parish/school, St. Johns, Boys and Girls Clubs, Toys for Tots and many others. When you’ve been in business 50 years, you learn the importance of community involvement and supporting locally.

“Receiving this award is deeply meaningful to me and my family, not just as a minority woman and business owner, but as someone who is proud of my identity and my heritage," said owner Severina Martin del Campo. “La Tropicana has always been a labor of love for my family. And to have our work recognized by the Lawrence Business Magazine, it is an incredible honor that validates the long hours, the late

nights and the risk we've taken to build something lasting since 1967. We started this journey together in every milestone, including this one. This a reflection of the support of our loyal customers in Lawrence.”

FOUNDATION HONOREE OWNER

SEVERINA

MARTIN

DEL CAMPO

On behalf of her grandmother, Severina, and in memory of her grandfather, Jesse April Del Campo shares, “Winning this award reflects shared memories, family recipes and the trust our customers have placed in us generation after generation. After more than 50 years of serving the Lawrence community, it’s an honor to have my grandparents, Severina and Jesse Del Campo’s, hard work, traditions and love for authentic Mexican food recognized. This award belongs as much to our loyal customers as it does to our family—we wouldn’t be here without their support.”

2026 FOUNDATION AWARD HONOREE & FOOTPRINT IMPACT AWARD WINNER

Last, but certainly not least, in the ceremony was the Footprint Impact Award, which recognizes one of this year’s Foundation Award Recipients. One honoree is selected from the list of distinguished businesses, a business that has made a significant effort to develop and support local partnerships, give back to the community, and through their actions as a business and individuals, cause a ripple effect that positively impacts the entire community.

The 2026 Footprint Impact Award was presented to CEK Insurance. CEK Insurance is a remarkable community partner for Lawrence and Douglas County. In addition to partnering with dozens of local companies in its own course of business, the company encourages its employees to get involved locally, donating their time to boards, schools, and civic organizations like United Way, Junior Achievement, The Ballard Center, Bert Nash and Leadership Lawrence.

CEK also belongs to the Lawrence Arts Center, Lawrence Restaurant Association and Tenants to Homeowners and serves on the boards of Douglas County CASA, Junior Achievement, Van Go, the Lawrence Public Library and many others. They donate money each year to these and many more nonprofit organizations and schools.

It is in CEK Insurance’s DNA to be involved in things it is passionate about, and the company wants and strives to have its employees give back to the community it’s called home since 1931.

Mark Buhler, CEK Insurance, on winning this year’s Footprint Impact Award, says they are “proud and very happy that we had been recognized for years of consistent work in our community. Many of us have grown up here, and it is very important that Lawrence and Douglas County private businesses are viable and successful.”

“Being able to sponsor the Footprint Impact Award this year was a highlight," says Brad Hemel, owner of Hemel Electric.

“We brought our full Hemel Electric team and families together, reconnecting with fellow Lawrence businesses and strengthening relationships. Lawrence Business Magazine delivered another well-run event with great turnout, meaningful conversations and well-deserved recognition.” p

THE LAWRENCE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOUNDATION AWARDS

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& PEOPLE ON THE MOVE NEWS [ ] MAKERS

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas receives fifth consecutive Call Center of the Year Award

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS) has been recognized as a national leader in customer service, earning the prestigious Call Center of the Year award from Service Quality Measurement (SQM) Group for the fifth consecutive year. The honor, part of SQM’s annual Call Center Customer Service Industry Awards, recognizes excellence in delivering world-class customer experiences.

In addition to Call Center of the Year, BCBSKS was also awarded:

y Call Center World Class First Call Resolution (FCR) Certification

y Call Center World Class FCR Certification

– Federal Employee Program

y World Class Employee Experience

y Highest Employee Experience for the Contact Center Industry

y Customer Service Supervisor of the Year Finalist

– Brendan McDeott

y Customer Service Representative of the Year Finalist

– Brittany Metzger

As Kansas’ largest and only local not-for-profit health plan, BCBSKS serves our members and our communities, not shareholders. “This recognition is a testament to the care and commitment our staff bring to every member interaction,” said Holly Graves, Vice President of Operations and Chief Operating Officer of Government Programs. “We don’t just answer questions – we walk alongside our members as they make decisions that impact their health and their families and communities during some of life’s most challenging and important moments.”.

Silver Lake Bank opens new full-service banking location in Lawrence.

Silver Lake Bank has opened a new full-service banking location at 4505 W. Sixth Street, Lawrence, reaffirming its deep commitment to the Lawrence community. The new branch replaces the bank’s downtown Lawrence office, which faithfully served customers for the past decade.

Designed with convenience in mind, the new West Lawrence facility features drive-through teller services, an onsite ATM, and ample free parking—providing customers with quick, accessible options for everyday banking. The modern branch is built to support both business and personal customers who value relationship-based service delivered locally.

Watkins Museum Exhibition Marks Anniversary of Historic Severe Weather Events with current exhibit on display through July 18

Lawrence in the Path of Destruction, a photography exhibition featuring images from the Watkins collection of the damage and aftermath of the 1911 Lawrence tornado and the 1951 Kansas River flood. The free exhibition will is on view in the museum’s third floor changing exhibit gallery through July 18.

2026 is the 115th anniversary of the 1911 tornado, which moved northeast through Lawrence and inflicted heavy damage on the industrial sector of Massachusetts Street, near the Kansas River. 75 years ago, that same river experienced heavy flooding the entire summer, building up to July 13, 1951, known as “Black Friday.” North Lawrence and rural farmland suffered great damage, while the entire community was impacted by the flooding.

The museum would like to thank Daniel Reese, meteorologist with the National Weather Service Topeka branch, for providing severe weather awareness tips and historical weather forecasting information for this exhibition.