TK Business Magazine March/April 2026

16 PAGE

Junior Achievement of Kansas Topeka Business Hall of Fame

Meet the four leaders joining the 2026 Junior Achievement of Kansas Topeka Business Hall of Fame. The class includes a posthumous honor for Hoyt Moore.

Do you enjoy playing your cards right at the blackjack table? Or doubling down on massage tables at the Cedar & Sage Spa? Maybe you prefer to go all in – into the pool, that is. Prairie Band has it all. So you can have all the fun.

Discover more ways to play your way

Window to Opportunity

Keith and Linda Sowards grew their Topeka glass company from a one-man garage operation into a 35-person firm tackling some of the region’s most complex projects.

AACSB Accreditation

Washburn University’s Brenneman School of Business has earned its AACSB accreditation through 2031. Here’s why that matters.

If the Shoe Fits

Nearly 150 years after opening next to a brothel and a livery stable, Reuter’s Pedorthics is still fitting Topekans for specialized footwear.

Leadership Greater Topeka Class of 2026

These 36 community-minded professionals are shaping the future of Topeka as members of this year’s Leadership Greater Topeka class.

The Fire Within

When her house caught fire, leadership coach Tara Dimick found the perfect metaphor for how leaders burn out.

Wellness With Intention

From scalp treatments to sole support, four locally owned wellness businesses are making a difference.

CONTRIBUTORS

PUBLISHER Braden Dimick & SALES DIRECTOR braden@tkmagazine.com 785-438-7773

CREATIVE DIRECTOR & DESIGNER Janet Faust

EDITOR Lauren Jurgensen

COVER PHOTOGRAPHER Brian Peters

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kim Gronniger

Lauren Jurgensen

Jennifer LeClair

Lisa Loewen

PHOTOGRAPHERS John Burns Brian Peters

CONTRIBUTING EXPERTS Tara Dimick David Sollars

WEBSITE MANAGER Cordell Dimick

2026 TK Business Magazine is published by E2 Communications, Inc., 7537 SW 26th St., Topeka, KS 66614. 785-438-7773. Reproduction or use of this publication in any manner without written permission of the publisher is prohibited.

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WINDOW TO OPPORTUNITY

The company started as a residential window and shower door business and now fabricates and installs glass storefronts and curtain walls. Sowards Glass has worked on projects across Topeka and throughout Kansas and Missouri, from apartment buildings and schools to glass skyscrapers downtown.

By LISA LOEWEN

Keith and Linda Sowards opened Sowards Glass in 1992. More than three decades later, they run the Topeka family business with the help of their two daughters, Melissa and Jessica.

Keith and Linda were born and raised in North Topeka. The couple met at Seaman High School, fell in love and have been life partners for the past 40 years.

Keith started working with glass after he graduated from high school. His cousin helped him get his first job at Harding Glass, but not as an

installer. Instead, he pushed around a broom to clean up broken glass.

“I was fascinated by the work the guys ahead of me in the company were doing,” Keith said. “Every time I moved up, I did what I needed to chase that next promotion. I always wanted the biggest, most complicated jobs I could find.”

EXPANDING THEIR VIEW

Keith and Linda moved to Olathe in search of a bigger market where he could work with different types of glass. After five years spent broadening his installation skills and knowledge of the glass business, they decided to move back to Topeka.

“We had our first daughter, and we wanted to be close to family,” Linda said.

But family wasn’t the only factor that pulled Keith and Linda back to Topeka.

“I enjoyed the work I was doing in Kansas City,” Keith said. “But something was still missing. I wanted to be able to choose the projects I worked on and have the control to make sure the quality of the finished work was up to my standards.”

That meant starting his own glass company. Like many startups, the first couple of years were a struggle financially. Linda’s job at Security Benefit paid their living expenses while Keith focused on growing the business.

They purchased a small house with a detached garage that served as the glass shop.

“Linda and I are very conservative. We don’t buy things we can’t afford. We don’t borrow money unless it makes good business sense. That has always been our philosophy from the very start,” Keith said.

That philosophy served them well, especially in the first few years when every dime Sowards Glass earned went back into the company. Their first customer was

an apartment complex that needed to replace its exterior windows. As word of mouth spread about the quality of his work, Keith added more apartment buildings and residential jobs.

BREAKING OUT

Sowards Glass operated out of their garage for only a year before outgrowing it. When Keith added some small commercial projects to the mix, it became clear they needed more space to fabricate larger glass projects.

After leasing the building at 2717 North Topeka Blvd., they eventually purchased it and expanded. But once again, the space couldn’t keep up with demand.

“When we found ourselves having to store things outside, we knew we needed to find another solution,” Linda said.

They purchased the land behind the Taco Bell on North Topeka Boulevard and built a bigger building than they thought they would need. Seven years ago, they again ran out of space and had to store materials outside.

In 2017, Sowards Glass purchased the building at 2600 NW Topeka Blvd. that formerly housed Southwest Publishing. They renovated part of the building and leased the rest to two other businesses. They have since taken over one of the leased spaces and will likely expand into the remaining space in a few months, giving them a total of 44,000 square feet.

“Everything that we’ve done has been in this same area of North Topeka,” Linda said. “We love this area and want to invest back into our community.”

POLISHING THE TEAM

Sowards Glass started as a oneman operation, but as the business

grew, it needed more staff. Each year brought additional work from repeat customers and new clients from wordof-mouth referrals.

“After that first year, I realized that we couldn’t keep up with demand, so we hired a guy to help out. That soon led to hiring one or two more,” Keith said.

The company hired a couple of new employees each year to keep up with additional projects. Then in 2000, Linda joined the company full time as office manager. Keith calls it the biggest shift in the business.

“When Linda took over the office operations, it allowed me to step out of the office and put all of my focus on bringing in new business, building relationships and managing the projects to ensure quality and efficiency,” Keith said.

Linda’s career shift also meant their two elementary school-age daughters would spend more time in the office.

“If the girls were out of school, they were spending the day here, or if one of them wasn’t feeling well, we would make up a bed on the floor of my office,” Linda said. “They both grew

up helping in the business one way or the other, whether they were mowing or rolling rubber in glass frames.”

Both daughters joined the business after they graduated from college. Melissa helps Linda with accounts payable and payroll, while Jessica works with Keith on operations.

“Jessica was always interested in the production side of the business,” Keith said. “She would go out in the field with me, so she knows all aspects of the installation side from bidding and estimating to project management.”

Even though the business has been great for Keith and Linda, they agree that if the business ever creates a rift in the family, they will shut it down.

“Family always comes first,” Linda said. “We will never let anything get in the way of that.”

SCALING NEW HEIGHTS

Today, Sowards Glass has 35 employees and a satellite office in Olathe, Kansas, that serves the Kansas City and Missouri markets.

Sowards Glass has grown by expanding the types of projects it takes on, moving from residential jobs into more complex commercial jobs.

Their first major commercial project was the new fitness and wellness center at Hays Medical Center. While the project was challenging, the bigger issue was the three-hour distance between the glass shop and the work site.

The completion of that project allowed other contractors to see the quality of their work, opening the doors for them to bid additional jobs. They began working with several local contractors and completed glass replacement at several local schools.

Projects include several of the 501 schools, FHLBank, Kansas Avenue Lofts, The Pennant, Capitol Federal, Kansas Children’s Discovery Center and Cotton O’Neil Kanza Park.

The company’s latest project is also its largest to date. Sowards Glass just finished the Docking State Office Building, which used new glass technology. Two sides of the building have custom glass that transitions from clear to dark, much like transition sunglasses, except the contrast is controlled electronically rather than by light levels. The operator can decide how dark the tint should be and program it to follow the sun, so

windows darken as the sun rises in the east and lighten as it sets in the west.

“The contractor asked if we could install that type of glass,” Keith said. “We hadn’t done it before, but we did a lot of research and after talking with the glass manufacturers, felt confident we could provide an installation that met our quality standards.”

They are now working on a similar project in Emporia, Kansas.

CLEARLY INNOVATIVE

Keith says technology has propelled the company’s growth by improving efficiency, increasing output and improving quality control.

“When I first started, fabrication was all done by hand, kind of like a carpenter, only with metal instead of wood,” Keith said.

Sophisticated machinery controlled by computers now does most of the fabrication. However, new equipment requires significant investment.

“Every three to five years, we incorporate another piece of technology to keep us on the cutting edge of this industry,” Linda said. “We know that if we don’t keep up on the emerging technology, we will be left behind.”

Their most recent investment lets Sowards Glass handle larger pieces of glass. They purchased special equipment

to lift and move glass that can weigh more than 1,000 pounds. They have manipulators with large suction cups that hold the glass in place while a crane lifts it. This method is safer for installers and reduces breakage.

“I am always looking at what will make the job for the glaziers safer,” Keith said. “I grew up out in the field as a glazier, so I know how hard the job is. I have a soft spot for what the guys need to make their job easier.”

REFLECTING ON BLESSINGS

Keith and Linda say they haven’t built the business alone. They credit their success to a higher power.

“Everything we have ever gotten, we believe has been given to us by God,” Linda said. “Because we truly believe that we must be good stewards. That means with money, the people who work for us, and the people we work with. We have to do right by everyone because that’s our calling.”

Doing right by everyone means remembering that every business decision affects not only their own family, but also the families of the 35 people who work for them.

“We try to be fair with everything. If something goes wrong, we work to make it right so that both parties benefit in the end,” Linda said.

Keith Sowards operates a specialized piece of equipment that allows employees to safely lift and move glass weighing more than 1,000 pounds.

Because the Sowards believe their business keeps growing because of their faith, they feel called to use the company to give back. They support the Topeka Zoo, Kansas Children’s Discovery Center and Men in the Mirror, a religious organization that supports men and the family unit.

THE NEXT CHAPTER

Having great employees and leaders working for Sowards Glass has allowed them to take a little more time off than they used to. However, time off for two workaholics such as Keith and Linda doesn’t really mean resting.

“I am up at 5 a.m. on Saturday waiting for it to get light enough for me to go outside and start working on a project,” Keith said.

“And I am up at 5 a.m. on a Saturday on the front porch with my coffee, waiting for the sun to come as well,” Linda said. “I guess we are a good match.”

Once they do decide to put away the glass, Keith and Linda plan to enjoy working more on the 45 acres that surround their house, clearing brush and other projects to keep them busy.

“It is quiet and peaceful up there,” Linda said. “And our grandkids are going to live next door. It doesn’t get any better than that. Life is good.” TK

By LISA LOEWEN

The Junior Achievement of Kansas Topeka Business Hall of Fame welcomes four new laureates in 2026, each embodying the drive for success and passion for service that define Kansas’s capital city. These leaders have excelled while maintaining strong family values and devotion to their community. The class includes a posthumous honor for Hoyt Moore, whose entrepreneurial vision lives on in the family business. }

We Maintain. You Enjoy.

APPLIANCES

Dishwasher Deep Cleaning & Service

Disposer Cleaning and Sharpening (up to 2 units)

Refrigerator Coil & Drip Pan Cleaning

Refrigerator Water Dispenser Descaling

Ice Maker Cleaning & Filter Change

Washing Machine Deep Clean

Clothes Dryer Deep Clean

Clothes Dryer Vent Cleaning (to exterior)

Range Hood Filter Cleaning

EXTERIOR SERVICES

Gutter Cleaning (single story)

Door Hardware, Lockset Lubrication/Seal/Threshold Adjustment (3 ext. doors/10 int. doors)

Overhead Door Lube Service (up to 2 doors included)

Trash Bin Cleaning

KITCHEN & BATH

Exhaust Fan Cleaning & Service

Shower Door Hydrophobic Coating

Kitchen/Shower Silicone Inspection & Repair

Natural Stone sealing (per floor or shower)

Aerator & Showerhead Cleaning

Grout Sealing (floor & shower)

Stone Countertop Cleaning & Sealing Kitchen (or 3 bathrooms)

PLUMBING & WATER

SYSTEMS

Water Softener Cleaning & Service

Water Softener Salt Refill

SEASONAL

Winterization Services (hose bibs, insulation insp, siding and window insp)

Deck & Porch - Fastener & Safety Inspection

Smoke & CO Detectors, Fire Extinguishers, Radon Detectors/Fan, including battery change, Smart/Ring Devices (up to 12 devices)

Ceiling Fan Cleaning & Rotation

UTILITY

Furnace Filter Replacement

Floor drain maintenance (up to 3 included)

Humidifier Filter Replacement

GENERAL HANDYMAN

Concierge Honey-Do Services (per hour)

Let Hank keep an eye on it.

DR. BETTE MORRIS

“Topeka has been wonderful to me. It felt like home from the moment I arrived, and I have been lucky that I have been able to help this community grow.”

— Dr. Bette Morris Morris Family Company

Growing up on a farm in the West Texas panhandle during the Great Depression, Dr. Bette Morris learned that every person’s contribution was essential to the success of the family business. That belief in the power of combined strengths has influenced every personal and business endeavor throughout her life.

This year, Bette joins the Junior Achievement of Kansas Topeka Business Hall of Fame, honored for a lifetime of business leadership and community service.

Bette’s parents placed a high value on education. They supported her attending Texas Tech in Lubbock, Texas, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in food and nutrition.

Many of her fellow graduates became teachers, but one of Bette’s professors encouraged her to apply for fellowships at universities with strong public health nutrition programs. She received a twoyear fellowship from the Cornell University Graduate School of Nutrition in Ithaca, New York.

“This was quite an adventure for me,” Bette said.

Before this, Bette’s only travel outside Texas or Colorado had been family car trips to national parks. She had never flown before. This trip involved flying to New York City, then connecting by bus to a different airport to fly to Ithaca in upstate New York.

When she arrived in Ithaca, alone and unsure where to go next, Bette noticed a group of foreign students waiting for their guide to take them to campus. She asked

if she could join them and they welcomed her with open arms. She thought it was interesting that she, a native of the United States, was welcomed and taken in by students from other countries.

At the time, it was customary at Cornell for veterinary students to help register the incoming students. When Bette attended registration, she was assigned to a student. He introduced himself as Mark Morris.

“Mark took all of the information he was supposed to take. He also asked for my phone number,” Bette said.

Mark called her soon after and they discovered they shared many interests. That was the beginning of their life together. Almost a year after they met, Bette and Mark were married in the First United Methodist Church in Canyon, Texas, before returning to Ithaca to finish their degrees.

After Mark and Bette both graduated from Cornell, they moved to Topeka, where Mark planned to go into the family business before the government drafted him into the Army during the Korean War. Mark was assigned to the Army Biological Warfare Center in Frederick, Maryland. Bette joined him there.

During their two years in Maryland, Bette taught nutrition to nursing and college students. They also decided to start a family. When the military service was complete, the Morris family moved to Wisconsin so Mark could pursue specialized training in biochemistry and pathology. Bette once again taught nutrition classes to student nurses at the university. Their two sons were

born at the University of Wisconsin Hospital.

When Mark’s father needed help managing Theracon, a pet nutrition product research program, the family moved to Topeka. Bette chose to put her career on hold so she could focus on raising their sons and baby daughter.

Bette played an integral role in helping Mark grow the business as he developed and refined the research program. One of the many ways her individual strengths contributed to the collective success was in building design. Whenever Mark needed a new building, Bette would take over project management, helping design the space to test new products and ensuring employees had appropriate office space.

“Mark called me his resident architect,” Bette said.

In the process of raising her own children, Bette developed a passion for helping other parents. She saw firsthand the importance parenting plays in a child’s ability to thrive. Wanting to pursue that passion in a more professional manner, and with her youngest child now in high school, Bette went back to school, earning a doctorate from Kansas State University in child development and family studies in 1992.

“My plan was to begin doing research and writing about family dynamics and parenting,” Bette said. “However, that was about the same time that our business was sold. Our focus needed to go in a different direction.”

Bette and Mark concentrated their efforts on managing the

company’s investment portfolios in ways that would help change the world for the better. She also stayed true to her dream of helping families and children.

At the local and state levels, she focused her board service on organizations that help children. Gov. Sebelius recognized the contributions she’d made to children through her work with the Kansas Children’s Service League, proclaiming April 23, 2004, as Dr. Bette M. Morris Day.

“Kansas children are better today for the contributions of Dr. Bette Morris,” Sebelius said.

After Mark passed away in 2007, Bette assumed many of the responsibilities she and Mark shared over the years, providing continuing leadership for the family’s business investment portfolios.

While the Morris Family Foundation has helped countless

children across Kansas and animals across the world, Bette has a few projects that are dear to her heart. When the Kansas Children’s Service League needed a new office building, she not only helped with funding but also chaired the committee to help with the design. Bette played an integral role in helping determine where it should be located, what it should look like and how it should be built for the most effective use.

“I had a lot of practice with building design,” she said. “After all, I had already been doing that for Mark for many years.”

In addition to supporting causes that help improve the lives of children and families, Bette continues to support one of Mark’s favorite causes: The Topeka Zoo. Mark and Gary Clarke, the Topeka Zoo’s first director, were best friends and involved with the early development of the zoo.

Bette is most proud of having raised three successful children who are making their own contributions to the world. She is also grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of so many families in her own community.

“We have been supporters of the zoo from day one,” Bette said. “And I have continued to support the zoo since Mark’s death to help it thrive and grow.”

The Morris family’s latest contribution to the Topeka Zoo was helping to build a new facility for the Sumatran tiger breeding program.

Looking back on a long life full of accomplishments, Bette is most proud of having raised three successful children who are making their own contributions to the world. She is also grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of so many families in her own community.

“Topeka has been wonderful to me. It felt like home from the moment I arrived, and I have been lucky that I have been able to help this community grow,” Bette said.

In recognition of her commitment to the community, Washburn University awarded

Bette an honorary doctorate in 2024 for her contributions to Washburn and the City of Topeka. Even now, at age 91, Bette is still working to make Topeka the best possible place for families to thrive. She can be found at the office every day, helping guide operations and investment management. She is also active in the Topeka Rotary Club, working on an initiative to reduce plastic waste.

With her induction into the Junior Achievement of Kansas Topeka Business Hall of Fame, Bette joins an elite group of individuals recognized by the business community for their outstanding service to Topeka. From that storied list, another name stands out for Bette: Mark Morris, inducted posthumously in 2011.

“I am humbled to receive this award from Junior Achievement,” Bette said. “It is such an honor.”

ALLAN TOWLE

“Over the years, I have learned that things aren’t going to always go right. What really matters is what you do when things go wrong.”

— Allan Towle

Former Executive Vice President Heritage Bank

Longtime

CEO

Fidelity State Bank & Trust

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Only 4% of Boy Scouts ultimately achieve the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest honor in the organization. Eagle Scouts like Allan Towle, one of this year’s Junior Achievement of Kansas Topeka Business Hall of Fame laureates, take a special pledge to lead by example.

But Allan says his life is guided most by the oath he first took as a young Scout: On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.

For Allan, duty to God — accomplished through love of others — encompasses everything else. When he took the Eagle Scout oath in September 1978, he knew it was for life. Scouting runs in his family. Not only is his son, Patrick, a fellow Eagle Scout, but Allan also met his wife Chris through Scouting.

“I became an Eagle Scout because [my troop leader] Joe Trowbridge gave me a push at the right time in my life,” Allan said. “That is what I have spent my life trying to do — give people the push they need to move forward and find their path to success.”

Allan was born and raised in Topeka, where he attended Loman Hill Elementary School, Holy Name Catholic School, Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic School, Hayden High Catholic School and Washburn University. With four brothers and a sister, he grew up in a traditional family structure where his mother stayed home to run the

household while his father built a career in bank insurance.

Like most young people of his generation, Allan started working part-time jobs at an early age. He spent the majority of his high school and college years working in the grocery business, stocking shelves, sacking groceries and serving as produce manager to help pay his way.

“I actually started my career in collections,” Allan said. “I took over collecting the money from people on my brother’s paper route because he didn’t like that part of the job.”

After graduating from Washburn with degrees in accounting and finance, Allan knew one thing: He didn’t want to be a CPA. He applied for a job as an examiner with the state banking department in Chanute, Kansas.

“I graduated in May, got married June 22 and started work in Chanute on July 1. It was a bit of a whirlwind summer,” Allan said.

Working as a bank examiner, where his role was to look at a bank and figure out what wasn’t working, gave him a unique perspective on the industry. As a result, he learned to appreciate the things banks did right to create a more effective business model.

Three years later, Allan moved back to Topeka to continue working as an examiner but soon found himself tasked with supervising operations in Kansas City. Moving into a bigger banking market shifted his focus onto much larger banks with more substantial transactions.

“I was a little intimidated by the numbers at first,” Allan said. “But I soon realized that the size of the loan doesn’t matter. It is

the analysis piece that matters. It all comes down to making sure a borrower can repay the loan.”

After spending seven years as an examiner, Allan was confident in his job performance and comfortable with his responsibilities. But a different path was calling him.

“I was too young to be comfortable,” he said. “You find growth in being uncomfortable.”

Allan decided to shift into the consumer lending side of the banking business, taking a job as a loan officer with a bank in Olathe. Another push came through his father, who urged Allan to call Andy Chandler about a potential senior consumer lender position at Fidelity State Bank and Trust in Topeka. Allan had already scheduled two weeks off for a home remodel, so he called to set up an interview.

“Fortunately for me, Mr. Chandler was really big into Boy Scouts. That was my talking point to break the ice in the interview,” Allan said. “I called my wife after the interview, and her response was simply, ‘We aren’t going to go pick out carpet, are we?’”

In a matter of weeks, Allan scrambled to get the house in Olathe ready to go on the market, sold it, bought a new house and moved in with his wife and four young children. He started his new job at Fidelity State Bank & Trust in Topeka on Aug. 5, 1996.

“We were ecstatic to be coming home,” Allan said.

In his role as a senior consumer lender, Allan helped Fidelity grow its home equity and auto loan customer base by incorporating a philosophy that loans serve the

Allan Towle at a Cub Scout Pack 11 popcorn sales success celebration in 1997. Wolf Cub Andy Towle plants a whipped cream pie on den leader Allan’s face. (There may have been several pies, as he sold a lot of popcorn that year.)

purpose of helping people move forward.

“You can’t help people if you don’t understand where they are in life,” he said. “Sometimes helping people means saying ‘no’ to a loan request because it wouldn’t be in the customer’s best interest.”

Putting customers’ interests first earned Allan a reputation for being compassionate but fair. His desire to always do the right thing earned him a promotion to executive vice president in 1999, with Andy eventually naming Allan president of Fidelity Bank in 2008 and CEO in 2014.

“Over the years, I have learned that things aren’t going to always go right,” Allan said. “What really matters is what you do when things go wrong.”

When Andy retired on May 1, 2018, Allan knew a change of ownership was inevitable. He worked to ensure his employees would be set up for success, no

matter what the new ownership looked like.

Those efforts paid off. When the bank officially merged with Heritage Bank on Aug. 15, 2025, the existing employees were asked to stay, including Allan. After helping guide the merger, Allan retired from banking on Feb. 28, 2026, to pursue the next adventure God has for him.

“I have had such an amazing career,” he said. “But I can’t take any of the credit. God gave me the ability to love and care about people. I just took that ability and used it to help improve people’s lives.”

Allan’s work ethic and leadership philosophy stem from his experiences at home and in the community. Raising five boys and a girl has often meant operating in an environment of controlled chaos.

“Chris is amazing. We had six kids, but most of the time she was actually taking care of seven

“God has given me this passion to love my neighbor. That makes volunteering easy. Anyplace I volunteer,

I look at what value I can add.”

Allan and Chris Towle family photo in 2023. Back row L to R: Daniel, Matthew, Chris, Allan, Andy, Joey. Middle row: Lindsay, Patrick, Katie, Elisa, Baylynn, Jerrica. Front row: Emmy, Teagan, Brooklyn, Caroline, Rylan, Kinsley. Family additions since 2023, not shown: Nickie, Ronan, Ava.

because I have an 8-year-old living inside of me,” Allan said.

Allan spoke of the day after his fifth son was born. While his wife was in the hospital recovering from the birth, Allan was back at home hosting a sleepover with 10 boys to celebrate their twins’ birthdays.

“Family was always the most important thing in my life,” he said. “It still is.”

Following that same calling to guide young people, Allan became a dedicated volunteer. He has served as a Scout leader and sat on numerous boards, including Family Service and Guidance Center, Valeo Behavioral Health and United Way. He also volunteers at several youth organizations and plays a pivotal role in youth programs at his church.

“God has given me this passion to love my neighbor. That makes

volunteering easy,” Allan said. “Anyplace I volunteer, I look at what value I can add.”

He has also spent 15 years going on mission trips with high school students as part of Prayer in Action and Catholic Heart Workcamp, two Catholic programs that help young people find value in local community service and guide them in their faith life.

During these mission trips, participants spend five days doing yard cleanup, painting, gutter cleaning and helping with other tasks that community members may need. In the evenings, they eat dinner together, sharing their experiences and discovering their “God moments.”

“The work is the tool. The program is recognizing how the tool can help others. Loving your

neighbor is how you love God,” he said.

Allan is not quiet about his faith. He attributes every achievement in his life and career to simply following where God leads. He encourages others to have faith that things will work out even if the journey involves risk.

“Recognize that by the grace of God you can do hard things,” Allan said. “Opportunity lies outside of your comfort zone. If you are uncomfortable, you will pay greater attention and work a little harder.”

Allan is honored to be recognized by the Junior Achievement of Kansas Topeka Business Hall of Fame, though he’s quick to deflect credit. In keeping with the faith that has guided his life and career, he thanks God for the opportunity to serve others through his work.

John A. McGivern

“It all comes down to treating people right, both customers and employees. If you do the right thing and treat people with kindness and respect, you earn their loyalty. It’s that simple.”

— John A. McGivern Former President J.F. McGivern

When you grow up with 10 brothers and sisters, you learn a lot of interesting life lessons. You learn that family always comes first. You learn that everyone has a job to do. And you learn that sometimes you must figure out how to solve your own problems. These lessons would serve John McGivern well as he built a successful career leading the family painting business. His work is now recognized with his induction into the Junior Achievement of Kansas Topeka Business Hall of Fame.

As the third oldest of 11 children, John also learned how to make his own mark as the third-generation leader of a family business. Throughout high school and college, he worked part time for his father, Jack McGivern, as a warehouse laborer and painter’s helper.

“I was at the bottom of the food chain,” John said. “I swept floors, cleaned up the warehouse, stocked shelves, made job-site deliveries and did any odd jobs thrown my way.”

With a father who was an entrepreneur and a mother who managed a small army at home with love and grace, John understood that you get out of life what you put into it.

“My mother was the greatest mom to ever walk this earth,” John said. “She was a saint. She ran a tight ship. Our house was always spotless. She even used to iron and fold our underwear. On Saturday mornings, the bell would ring at 7 a.m. and I knew I had one hour to eat, dress and get out of the house

for the day because it was cleaning day for my sisters and mother.”

John counts himself lucky to have been raised in a home with two loving parents who were strong in faith and demanding but fair — traits he hoped to incorporate into his own family someday.

John and his wife, Sheila, met during their sophomore year of high school, got married between John’s junior and senior year of college and will celebrate 44 years of marriage in May.

“I sat behind Sheila in English class and used to pull her hair,” John said. “I guess that got her attention because we have been together ever since.”

When he graduated from Washburn University with his business degree in 1983, he walked through the doors of the family business that following Monday, dressed in his slacks and a collared shirt, ready to go to work as a college graduate.

“When I asked Dad where my office was, he said ‘Follow me.’ I followed him right back to the warehouse. He pointed around and said, ‘Here is your office, son.’ At the time, I was a little miffed, but I figured out pretty quickly that Dad knew what he was doing,” John said.

John’s father understood from personal experience that leadership is not given, it is earned. So, John began earning his right to lead. He traveled to Dallas to work on some large convention and hotel projects. From there, it was months spent on job sites throughout Texas, Louisiana and Florida. All told, John spent

three years on the road, working under the supervision of others and coming home to see his wife whenever possible.

“I wasn’t very happy about being away from home so much during that time,” John said. “But while I was at those job sites, I realized that Dad was doing me a favor. He got me out from under his supervision while I learned the business from others. I learned to solve my own problems and make my own decisions.”

Then in the late 1980s, after John had earned his stripes on the road, it was time to come back home and finally find that office he had been searching for. Under the tutelage of his father and future business partner, Steve Beier, John learned the art of bidding, estimating, marketing and other administrative functions.

“When I got back into town, I wasn’t green anymore. Dad and Steve loosened the reins and allowed me to make mistakes so I could learn from them. They weren’t overbearing, but if I needed help, all I needed to do was ask,” John said.

John began taking on more responsibility and gradually shifting into a significant leadership role, eventually partnering with Steve and purchasing the company in 1999.

“As soon as we bought the company, Dad never second guessed anything that we did,” John said. “He still came into the office every day, not to manage us, but simply because he had spent so much of his life there, it felt like home to him.”

New ownership brought new ways of doing business at the

John McGivern credits his wife, Sheila, as a constant presence and partner throughout his life and career.

company. Instead of writing the estimates, project management reports and administrative records on a Big Chief tablet with a pencil, those functions were now processed by computers running sophisticated software programs to make estimating, billing and accounting more efficient.

Increased efficiency meant more time dedicated to bidding new projects and growing the business. Known for its specialized industrial, commercial and high-end residential projects, J.F. McGivern, Inc. has taken on many notable local projects including the Great Overland Station, the State Capitol Building Restoration Project, Security Benefit and Federal Home Loan Bank.

“The Capitol building restoration was one of my favorite projects because of the history aspect. The work involved a lot of decorative painting that

allowed us to really showcase our painting expertise, artistry and professionalism we bring to every job,” John said.

Even though he is proud to have continued the legacy of a company built on a reputation of providing customers with the highest quality work and the best customer service, John’s greatest satisfaction as a business owner is knowing his employees are thriving.

“It all comes down to treating people right, both customers and employees. If you do the right thing and treat people with kindness and respect, you earn their loyalty. It’s that simple,” John said.

John stepped down as president of J.F. McGivern in 2022 and officially retired at the end of 2025.

Just as his father never expected him to join the family business, John didn’t push either of his children in that direction either.

“I grew up in the contractor business. It wasn’t always my ‘dream,’ but it enabled me to live my dreams,” John said. “I always told both my kids that they could be whatever they wanted to be and that Sheila and I would support them in their endeavors.”

“I grew up in the contractor business. It wasn’t always my ‘dream,’ but it enabled me to live my dreams.”

They took that advice to heart. John and Sheila’s daughter, Dr. Gena Hendrickson, is an orthodontist and co-owner of Wilson and Hendrickson Orthodontics, and their son, Dr. Benton McGivern, is an internal medicine hospitalist at Stormont Vail Regional Hospital.

While neither of his children chose to join the family business, John is extremely proud of them for following their own dreams.

In business, John carried on the legacy started by his grandfather in 1946 and continued by his father.

John’s selection as a laureate in this year’s Junior Achievement of Kansas Topeka Business Hall of Fame has created another type of family legacy: His father, Jack McGivern, joined the Hall of Fame in 2014.

“When Junior Achievement informed me that I was being given this honor, I couldn’t believe it,” John said. “I look at this list of current and past laureates and am humbled and grateful to see my name included.”

As John enters the next phase of life, he and Sheila are looking forward to spending a lot more time on the golf course, traveling, volunteering, staying involved in the community, continuing the tradition of Sunday family dinners, spoiling their six grandchildren and hanging out with Bailey, the goldendoodle who runs the house.

Hoyt’s family shared that he was a people person who was more of a friend than a boss. He always claimed people didn’t work for him; they worked with him. His employees were his friends and his friends were his family. His lighthearted, funny approach to everything in his life helped bring happiness to those around him.

Hoyt Moore Honoring the Founder of

Hoyt’s Truck Center

Hoyt’s Trailer Center

Hoyt’s NationaLease

Savannah Transport

Most little boys are fascinated by big trucks, but few pursue a career path that lets them play with trucks their entire lives. Hoyt Moore turned his love for trucks and diesel engines into a thriving family-owned business.

Although Hoyt passed away unexpectedly in August 2025, his legacy lives on through the family and employees who continue to operate the business he built on a foundation of hard work and never saying no. That legacy is being honored with Hoyt’s posthumous induction into the Junior Achievement of Kansas Topeka Business Hall of Fame. He grew up in Colorado and started working at age 10 for his dad in the family tire store. While he learned a lot about tires, it wasn’t enough to satisfy his curiosity about how engines worked. After completing a shift in the shop, he would seek out mechanics working on larger tasks, volunteering to assist them so he could learn more about engines.

Hoyt’s love for big trucks had him pursuing his commercial driver’s license (CDL) as soon as he graduated from high school. He began his first “adult” job driving for Steinbecker Brothers, a trucking company based in Colorado. When that company went out of business in 1987, the owners started a new company, Trans America By Steinbecker (TABS).

His work as a mechanic for TABS brought Hoyt to Topeka, where he would work four days

on and four days off. However, on those days off, Hoyt would drive a semi for TABS, hauling shoes for Payless Shoesource.

“Dad never really took days off,” said Hoyt’s oldest daughter, Savannah Falley, who serves as operations manager for the family’s trucking companies. “For him, days off meant time to learn something new and keep bettering himself.”

Hoyt was one of those people seemingly blessed with the uncanny ability to fix anything mechanical. But those who knew him well saw this ability for what it really was: pure hard work. Yes, Hoyt could fix almost anything. But the real secret to his success was a passion for discovering the root cause of a mechanical failure, so he could help prevent future issues.

In addition to trucks, Hoyt loved sports. He joined the Topeka Rugby Club, where he made lifelong friends. This is also where he met his wife, Laurie, who was a student at Washburn University School of Law at the time.

“A lot of the law students played rugby,” Laurie said. “I went to watch my friends play and this attractive man with a pretty blue pickup caught my eye.”

Once again, the trucking company he worked for went out of business. This time, Hoyt took control of his own future. He purchased his first truck, a Kenworth T600, in 1991 and spent the next two years over-the-road (OTR) driving.

While Hoyt loved his truck and the experience of being out on the road, he knew the OTR life wasn’t suitable to start a family. So, he hired a driver for his truck, started Hoyt’s Truck Repair in

September 1993 and married Laurie in December that year.

He leased a small space with one bay and an office out by Jake’s Fireworks on North Highway 75. As word of mouth about Hoyt’s repair services began to spread, business steadily grew.

“He had a lot of business relationships that were based on a simple handshake,” Savannah said. “He was a man of his word and he honored his commitments.”

These relationships led to a new business venture in 1997, Savannah Transportation, which specialized in hauling hazardous waste from the West Coast to the Mississippi River.

With business steadily growing, Laurie joined the business full time in 1998 to manage the company’s administrative functions.

Having outgrown their current facility space, Hoyt purchased some land and built a larger service facility with three bays on each side and office space, which opened in 2002. Now with 16 bays, Hoyt’s Truck Center is still operating out of this facility.

“Within the transportation/ trucking industry, Dad was a trusted advisor. People called him for advice about everything and he would help anyone who asked,” Savannah said.

Always looking for ways to better serve customers, Hoyt started branching out into services outside of truck repair. Another business joined the Hoyt family umbrella of companies in 2015 with the addition of Hoyt’s Trailer Sales and Service, which offers a variety of new and used trailers, parts and service.

“That is when things really started to pick up,” Savannah said.

The company began providing semi-trailer repair and service in 2015 and opened Hoyt’s NationaLease, a truck rental/ lease company in 2019. Further expansion came in 2021 with the purchase of Masters’ Mechanics in Emporia, Kansas.

“Hoyt was always open to new ideas,” Laurie said. “But the ones he pursued were always a natural fit for what we already had in place. Failure was never an option because Hoyt would always find a way to make things work.”

Those ideas have resulted in five separate companies that employ 90 people, all operating under Hoyt’s philosophy of “I didn’t build this place on No’s.”

“Customers would come to Dad and ask if we offered a specific product or service,” said Hoyt’s son,

branch manager at Hoyt’s Trailer Center. “He never said no.”

For Hoyt, this mindset of never saying no played out in every aspect of business. It also bled over into community service. When Hoyt heard that Family Service and Guidance Center needed a new shuttle bus, he took it upon himself to find one. He not only said yes to helping them locate a new bus, but once he found one, he flew out to Oregon and drove it back to Topeka himself.

Similarly, when the Boys and Girls Club of Topeka needed bus repairs, Hoyt stepped up to offer those services free of charge, allowing the organization to spend more money on resources to help kids find success.

“Dad felt that God gave him gifts that involved trucks and transportation,” Savannah

said. “He used those gifts to pay it forward for others.”

While Hoyt was passionate about his business and serving his community, his family was always his top priority. Even though he was working tirelessly to grow the business, Hoyt rarely missed his children’s sporting events — a significant commitment given all three kids played multiple sports.

“Dad was almost always there, but you wouldn’t find him sitting in the bleachers,” said Hoyt’s youngest daughter Jenna, controller at NationaLease. “He couldn’t sit still. He would spend the entire time wandering around.”

Hoyt’s need for constant motion meant no relaxing on family vacations: Why lie around on a beach when there were trails to hike, dirt bike trails to ride and new experiences waiting to be discovered?

“Hoyt loved to travel. We have been all over the United States, Hawaii, the Galápagos Islands, New Zealand and more. But it was never to relax. It was about finding that next adventure,” Laurie said. Hoyt was a people person who was more of a friend than a boss. He always claimed people didn’t work for him; they worked with him. His employees were his friends and his friends were his family. His lighthearted, funny approach to everything in his life helped bring

happiness to those around him. Hoyt had a way of bringing a smile for every person who crossed his path through his endless supply of jokes and laughter.

“Dad used to carry a brown foam letter E around with him. He would ask, ‘Do you want a brownie?’ If someone said yes, he would pull out the brown E,” Jenna said.

“He also had one of those large googly eyes that he would put on someone and say, ‘I’ve got my eye on you,’” Nathan said.

“He fake shot me with his finger once while I was running the bases and I actually tripped,” Savannah said. “You never knew what he might do.”

When Hoyt passed away unexpectedly last year, it left a huge void felt by his family, friends, employees and business associates. But even in his absence, Hoyt’s legacy lives on, carried forward by Laurie and their three children.

“Even after everything that Hoyt accomplished, he was most proud that all three of his children want to be part of this business,” Laurie said. “There was never an expectation of that, but here they are.”

As for Hoyt’s children, they all see a little bit of their dad in each other. Savannah shares his vision and insatiable drive to see that vision come to life. Nathan embodies his resolve and ability to bring stability to any situation. And Jenna brings the same sense of independence and meticulous attention to detail that Hoyt was known for.

While Hoyt’s family is proud he is being honored by the Junior Achievement of Kansas Topeka Business Hall of Fame, they admit he would have felt like he didn’t deserve it.

“Dad wasn’t one to want to be in the spotlight,” Savannah said. “He didn’t do things for the recognition. He did it because it was the right thing to do.” TK

WHY AACSB ACCREDITATION MATTERS TO OUR COMMUNITY

By DAVID L. SOLLARS, Ph.D.

In a time of rapid technological change, evolving career paths and intense competition for talent, the strength of local educational institutions matters more than ever. Communities thrive when they have access to well-prepared professionals, innovative thinkers and ethical leaders. One of the clearest indicators of quality in business education is AACSB accreditation, awarded by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Widely regarded as the gold standard, fewer than 6% of business schools worldwide earn this distinction.

Recently, the Washburn University Gregory D. and Ronda K. Brenneman School of Business received outstanding news: its AACSB accreditation has been extended through 2031, the best possible outcome in the accreditation process. While this decision represents international recognition of academic quality, its most meaningful impact is local. For our community, it signals a continued commitment to developing a skilled, ethical and adaptable workforce that strengthens the regional economy.

NOT A RANKING

AACSB accreditation is not a ranking, and it is not a one-time achievement. It is a rigorous, ongoing review process built around a simple but demanding question: Is this school delivering real value to students, employers and the community? Accredited schools must demonstrate excellence across curriculum, faculty qualifications, student learning outcomes, strategic

planning and engagement with external stakeholders, particularly employers. Each year, the School reports on student outcomes, enrollment trends and faculty and staff resources, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Washburn’s journey with AACSB began decades ago, with early efforts dating back to the 1970s and culminating in its initial accreditation in 2006. Since then, the Brenneman School of Business has successfully reaffirmed its status every five years, most recently earning extension through 2031. That consistency reflects more than compliance — it reflects a long-term institutional commitment to quality, relevance and responsiveness to change.

For employers, AACSB accreditation provides confidence. It signals that graduates are educated under demanding standards that emphasize critical thinking, ethical decision-making, communication and analytical skills — competencies that consistently rank at the top of employer surveys.

Accreditation also opens doors for students. Membership in Beta Gamma Sigma (business) and Beta Alpha Psi (accounting), the two premier business honor societies, is available only to students enrolled in AACSB-accredited schools, helping top performers stand out in competitive job markets.

The placement results reinforce that confidence. Over the past five years, more than 96% of undergraduate business students, 91% of MBA graduates and 100% of Master of Accountancy graduates from the Brenneman School of Business were employed or continuing their education at the time of graduation. These outcomes reflect intentional curriculum design, close faculty engagement and strong relationships with employers across the region.

Just as important as technical skill is ethical judgment. All undergraduate business students at the Brenneman School of Business complete the NASBA Ethical Leadership Certificate, a nationally recognized program that emphasizes professional responsibility, integrity and ethical decision-making. In an era when trust in institutions and organizations is under constant scrutiny, this training helps ensure graduates enter the workforce prepared not only to lead but to lead responsibly. For employers and the community alike, emphasis on ethics matters.

OPPORTUNITIES AND BENEFITS

AACSB accreditation is not just about standards on paper — it translates directly into both opportunities for students and tangible benefits for the community. One of the most visible examples is the generous scholarship support available to Brenneman School of Business students. These scholarships reduce financial barriers and make a high-quality business education accessible to a broader range of students, including many who are the first in their families to attend college. That accessibility

strengthens the local talent pool and supports upward mobility throughout the region.

Accreditation also enables globally connected learning experiences that would otherwise be difficult for a regional public university to offer. Brenneman School of Business students can enroll in specialized courses in which they collaborate with peers from Europe, Brazil and China on real-world business projects, then travel to these countries to complete them. In other courses that use a platform called X-Culture, students compete against teams from universities around the world, testing their ideas, strategies and analytical skills on a global stage. These experiences help students graduate with cultural awareness, adaptability and confidence qualities increasingly valued by employers operating in international markets.

Closer to home, the Brenneman School of Business actively fosters entrepreneurship and innovation. Each fall, students participate in the Annual Pitch Competition, held in partnership with GO Topeka. Students present business ideas to panels of judges drawn from the local business community, gaining professional feedback, mentorship and — in some cases — earlystage funding. At the same time, community leaders gain exposure to emerging talent and fresh ideas rooted in local opportunity. Some students go on to compete for startup funding through the School’s Student Business Accelerator Fund program.

In the spring, the Community Innovation Challenge, sponsored by the Topeka Community Foundation, brings students together to tackle real challenges facing the local community, region and world. This competition tasks our students with using their classroom knowledge of business principles to address real-world societal challenges, both locally and globally.

It pushes them to think beyond how their knowledge can be applied for economic gain, to how they can benefit our community. Through this partnership, our students are learning to do good while doing well.

Perhaps most importantly, AACSB accreditation strengthens the Brenneman School of Business’s relationships with employers throughout the region. Businesses and organizations offer internships and part-time and even full-time positions that give students handson experience while still in school. Many of these opportunities turn into full-time jobs after graduation, helping students launch successful careers and providing employers with well-prepared professionals who already understand their organizations, industries and expectations. In addition, the School’s Kansas Small Business Development Center (KSBDC) offers a wealth of education, consulting and other services to startups and growing companies in the region. It allows our students to hone their business chops alongside entrepreneurs.

RELEVANT CURRICULUM

As business itself evolves, so does the School’s curriculum. AACSB standards require schools to continuously review and update what and how they teach. As a result, courses are regularly refreshed to reflect changes in technology, regulation and professional practice. Increasingly, that means integrating data analytics, machine learning and artificial intelligence into business education. Students learn not only how to use emerging tools but also

how to think critically about their applications, limitations and ethical implications.

This forward-looking approach ensures graduates are prepared for a workplace shaped by automation, data-driven decision-making and rapid innovation. Whether students pursue careers in accounting, finance, marketing, management or entrepreneurship, they leave with a foundation that allows them to adapt as roles and industries continue to change.

As a regional public university, Washburn serves a diverse student population, including high school and traditional college-age students, working professionals and firstgeneration college students. AACSB accreditation ensures these students receive an education held to the same rigorous standards as programs at much larger institutions. For local employers, that consistency means they can recruit talent with confidence, knowing graduates have been trained to meet national and international benchmarks. It provides a reliable pipeline of talent for businesses, nonprofits and public organizations while reinforcing the community’s reputation as a place that values education, innovation and ethical leadership.

AACSB accreditation is a promise to students, employers and the broader community that the Brenneman School of Business will deliver rigorous, relevant and respected business education. For our region, that promise translates into opportunity, growth and longterm economic impact today and well into the future. TK

THE AACSB DIFFERENCE: BRENNEMAN SCHOOL OF BUSINESS GRADUATE OUTCOMES

EMPLOYED OR CONTINUING EDUCATION AT GRADUATION

96%+

91%

100%

Master of Accountancy graduates  FIVE-YEAR AVERAGES 

Undergraduate business students

MBA graduates

DAVID L. SOLLARS, Ph.D. Dean and Professor

Brenneman School of Business

Washburn University

PHOTO SUBMITTED

ACCREDITATION EXTENDED

We’re proud to announce that the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) has extended our accreditation for another six years, the maximum possible.

Thanks to all of our faculty, staff, students, alumni, supporters and friends that have allowed us to maintain this prestigious accreditation.

If the Shoe Fits: REUTER’S PEDORTHICS

By KIM GRONNIGER

by BRIAN PETERS

Reuter’s Pedorthics & Shoe Services’ history dates back nearly 150 years to 1880, when it opened downtown next to a brothel and a livery stable. As the state’s first shoe repair store, Reuter’s catered to customers in the capital city’s “first one-stop shopping mall,” said owner Rhonda Jensen.

Before moving back to Topeka and purchasing Reuter’s to be closer to their aging parents, Rhonda and her now ex-husband Bruce Jensen owned three western stores

in Houston, Texas. Rhonda created leather apparel and Bruce repaired shoes and cowboy boots, transferable skills that have served them well with their clientele.

The Jensens bought the business together in 1984 and have expanded ownership to include their son Nick and his wife, Brandy.

“We acquired the Reuter’s name and a lot of family pictures for a dollar, a nice dinner at The Loft restaurant and a promise to keep a good reputation,” Rhonda said.

Photo by BRIAN PETERS

“Having comfortable, sturdy footwear is essential for balance and agility, especially as people age.”

— Rhonda Jensen Co-owner Reuter’s Pedorthics & Shoe Services

True to their word, they continue to help customers seeking care and comfort for a medical condition or new soles to preserve the life of a beloved pair of shoes.

“We’re definitely committed to function over fashion here,” Rhonda said. “Sometimes fashionistas come in looking for something cute to complement an outfit, but our priority is mostly helping someone with bunions or hammertoes find something suitable.

STAYING A STEP AHEAD

With the passage of the Medicare Therapeutic Shoe Bill in 1993, Rhonda and Bruce, who has type 1 diabetes, became certified in pedorthics to work with diabetics in need of specialized footwear. Pedorthics, a Latin word combining foot (ped) and straight (ortho), is the use of footwear to manage and treat conditions of the foot, ankle and lower extremities and began in the 1950s with the outbreak of polio.

“There are only about 2,300 people certified in this field in the country and we have three in our store,” Rhonda said, referencing the couple and Nick.

The store is an ABC-accredited facility and the three Jensens are

ABC-certified pedorthists, a midlevel certification for health care professionals.

Although many strides have been made in diabetic care, Rhonda said the disease can still have profound effects on feet, which account for a large percentage of their business.

Rhonda said there are 26 bones in the foot — 28 if you count the tibia and fibula — as well as 33 joints and more than 100 muscles, ligaments and tendons all operating in a triplane motion.

“Shoes matter,” she said. “Having comfortable, sturdy footwear is essential for balance and agility, especially as people age.”

The Jensens work with a variety of health care providers — endocrinologists, family medicine physicians, orthopedic surgeons, chiropractors and physical therapists

— to help customers compensate for a variety of conditions affecting people of all ages. In addition to diabetic complications, common ailments the Jensens see include plantar fasciitis, sciatica, arthritis and flat feet.

They also work with ColmeryO’Neil Veterans’ Administration Medical Center patients whose feet have been affected by exposure to Agent Orange.

Describing Nick as a “Forrest Gump baby,” Rhonda said he was placed in casts at 4 months old and learned to walk in them to correct an alignment issue.

“Nick and Bruce have both lived through medical situations that we can help other people solve,” Rhonda said. “Nick got new casts every three weeks to correct the external rotation of his femur. At 6 or 7, he was telling people in the store that their naviculars were out of alignment.”

The store stocks therapeutic footwear from brands like Brooks and Birkenstock, as well as pedorthic devices for addressing everything from bunions to diabetic foot complications.

PUTTING THE PIECES TOGETHER

Reuter’s is open during regular retail hours for shoe repair needs and casual browsing for Brooks sneakers and Birkenstocks. Customers requiring medically necessary solutions make 30-minute appointments. Rhonda said it’s not uncommon for her and Nick to meet with 35 people over a two-day period.

“Our assessments begin as soon as we see them get out of the car,” she said. “We can sometimes tell what’s happening with their feet before they even get to a chair inside.”

In addition to analyzing their gait, Rhonda and Nick examine the bottoms of their shoes and insoles, assess their balance and ask about recent falls. All the information collected is considered and then crafted into a customized plan, which Rhonda said usually costs $500 or

less, including the price of a new pair of shoes.

“Most of our clients can’t wear overthe-counter shoes,” Rhonda said. “They need fillers to accommodate amputated toes or calluses on the bottom of the foot. It’s like putting a puzzle together every time.”

For many customers, the time and money are well spent.

“I took care of a woman with arthritis who came in with her granddaughters,” Nick said. “Once I got her in the correct shoes, she started running around the store. Her granddaughters were so excited to see that. Those reactions are just the best.”

He recently created a 7-inch elevation to assist a woman missing a hip so she could walk upright again. On another occasion, he made a 24-inch by 17-inch shoe model.

“Usually, I use a sheet of paper to trace a foot, but I needed to use part

of a cardboard box for this one,” Nick said. “The guy cried because he was so happy. He’d never had shoes that fit him before.”

Nick makes all the orthotics, elevations and orthopedic modifications himself, often using a 3D printer at an adjacent in-house lab behind the building. The Jensens work with 10 different vendors to provide therapeutic devices and shoes, including Dr. Comfort, a Wisconsin company Rhonda has consulted with.

“My job is to fill the gap between the foot and the ground and keep people walking normally and their feet strong,” Nick said. “I love figuring things out for people.”

HITTING THEIR STRIDE

Nick has provided counsel and customized solutions for athletes of all skill levels, from high school students to high-level professional athletes.

“I can assess someone’s alignment and athletic skills and help reduce the probability of ankle injuries with the right support,” Nick said. “I can make them 7% faster just by making sure they have the right footwear.”

He has the results to prove it. Nick’s nephew, Jackson Bo Jensen, has earned a Mr. Olympia title and at 14, holds the most youth records in world powerlifting history.

“Athletic performance is all about body dynamics,” Nick said. “Your ankles, knees and hips must be in alignment. Even something as simple as lacing your shoes correctly can have an impact.”

REINVENTING THE FAMILY BUSINESS

Buying a business that had already celebrated a century of service has meant a decades-long dedication to adapting to new developments in technology, medical treatment and consumer habits.

Repair requests, once a robust part of Reuter’s business, have declined over time, but Rhonda said loyal clients still come to the store to replace soles and heels and preserve designer purses they aren’t ready to part with.

“We’ve become a disposable society,” she said, “but we still have

No two feet are alike, which is why Nick Jensen (top) uses 3D modeling technology to design custom pedorthic solutions (bottom) at Reuter’s in-house lab.

customers from all over who come back here to see their families for holidays and special occasions and stop in if they need something repaired.”

The small business, recognized as the best shoe retailer in the country in 2000, is committed to reinvention to ensure it continues its legacy of service for future generations.

“A lot of foot issues are inherited,” Rhonda said. “I see young girls walking around the mall in flip-flops and I can tell they’ll be customers here someday because of their gait and their flimsy shoes.”

Rhonda said many people are embarrassed to show their feet, even to trained professionals. The Jensens began taking Riley, a dog trained to assist Bruce, to the store to lighten the mood. Through the years, there have been two Rileys serving as store mascots to make people feel more comfortable.

“Sometimes they get too comfortable and share all kinds of things that don’t have anything to do with shoes,” said Rhonda, laughing. “I don’t need to know about your sex life or your bowel movements to get your feet fixed up.”

Rhonda is passionate about serving people and her family’s profession to literally get people back on their feet.

“The work is rewarding in so many ways, and we love it,” she said. “We’re a destination place. If you need us, we’re here.” TK

LEADERSHIP GREATER TOPEKA

Class of 2026

Compiled by LAUREN JURGENSEN

BRIAN PETERS

Each year, the Greater Topeka Partnership identifies a new cohort of local leaders through Leadership Greater Topeka (LGT), a civic program that helps participants better understand their community while developing adaptive leadership skills.

Throughout the program, participants explore the most pressing issues and opportunities facing Topeka and Shawnee County, building connections and skills that make our region stronger.

The selection process begins with nominations from community members and local organizations. Nominees then complete an application and interview with LGT’s selection committee, which carefully selects each class to represent different backgrounds, industries and viewpoints across the community.

Stone and Story Real Estate Group Owner and Realtor

Was there a moment or experience that set you on your career path?

I was the photographer and creative one in our business’s early days, so I had to learn how to photograph and stage homes. I consistently pursue education to stay on top of looks and styles to keep us current.

What initiative are you currently involved with?

I am a founding board member for Braided Haven, an LGBTQIA+ homeless and transitional youth shelter serving 14- to 18-year-olds who have been displaced. After five years it finally opened with clients in November 2025. After being asked to house a student in 2019, we helped them finish high school and then move to being on their own after graduation. It opened our eyes to how much of a need there was in Topeka for a shelter like Braided Haven.

What community project or effort made you feel proud to be involved?

I have been on the board of the Friends of the Mulvane Art Museum and this will be my third year as the chair for the Mulvane Art Fair. It is such a fun group of people who work together to pull off an event that Topeka greatly supports! I’m proud to help the Mulvane Art Fair grow while maintaining its tradition of supporting the collections and works of the museum.

What is a fun fact about you that might surprise people?

I had the opportunity in my mid-forties to go back to school and get my culinary degree! After years in and out of the restaurant and other service industry jobs I wanted to combine my loves and become a food photographer/ stylist.

BEN MURPHY

Bennington State Bank Vice President of Lending

What influenced your decision to pursue your current field or profession?

My grandpa started the bank in my hometown and my mother was president of the bank for more than 30 years by the time she retired in 2020, when my brother took over. You could say banking is in my blood and it fits very well with what I care about. I want to help my community grow by assisting people and businesses that live in it.

What is a common misconception about Topeka you wish more people understood?

Topeka is not some huge city with decaying infrastructure and high crime. This was the exact misconception I had when I moved here. I have found it is just a big, small town where everyone has some form of connection to someone else. It isn’t perfect but it’s certainly headed in the right direction.

What initiative are you currently involved with?

The Topeka Startup Community board, which provides resources, training and business opportunities to entrepreneurs throughout Shawnee County. Small businesses are a huge reason why communities thrive and the hardest thing is getting a new business off the ground. This organization gives entrepreneurs the tools they need to become successful.

What values guide you most as a leader?

My faith. Jesus led with truth and grace. Grace without truth isn’t real grace and truth without grace is hurtful.

ASHLEY BIEGERT

Shawnee County

Senior Assistant County Counselor

Was there a moment or experience that set you on your career path?

In high school, I had the opportunity to work in a local law office for Jess Hoeme (of Joseph, Hollander & Craft) who remains a trusted mentor and dear friend. The moment I expressed interest in the legal profession, Jess dedicated time and attention to fostering a learning environment that encouraged curiosity and growth. I hope to offer the same level of mentorship and investment to others as they pursue their own goals and aspirations.

If you could instantly solve one community challenge tomorrow, what would it be? Mental health and substance use challenges facing our community. These challenges are at the core of many broader issues, including crime, poverty, homelessness and incarceration. Addressing them meaningfully would create a ripple effect of positive change across our community.

What values guide you most as a leader? Integrity. Empathy. Accountability. I’ve honed these values by learning from other leaders, professional and personal, who have consistently modeled them in action. These values foster trust and responsibility, which are central to earning and sustaining respect.

What’s one community event you never miss?

Tulip Time at Ted Ensley Gardens at Lake Shawnee. I’ve been every year since moving to Topeka in 2005, refusing to miss it even when it was days before giving birth to twins, when walking looked more like waddling and my ankles rivaled watermelons. It’s a beautiful, serene event and so well planned and executed by Shawnee County Parks and Recreation.

What’s a risk you took in your career that paid off?

Applying to become a national trainer while also working full time in my school district. That leap pushed me far outside my comfort zone, expanded my leadership perspective nationally and allowed me to bring highquality professional learning back to my own district at no cost. This risk reshaped my career trajectory from serving a single school to serving educators at the district, state and national levels.

What’s one thing you wish every new resident knew about Topeka?

While I have served the Topeka community for 25 years, I am a newer resident, having moved here just over three years ago. What surprised me most, and what I wish every new resident knew, is how deeply connected this community is through its locally owned businesses and vibrant year-round events. Topeka makes it easy to find your people, invest your talents and feel like you truly belong.

Electrical troubleshooting

If you could instantly solve one community challenge tomorrow, what would it be?

Ensuring consistent and reliable public transportation. In Topeka, while the metro system offers numerous routes, limited schedules create barriers for those working outside standard hours, restrict access to health care and wellness resources, and make it difficult for families to participate in after-school activities or reach essential services like grocery stores. Improving transportation would foster greater accessibility, support continuous growth and strengthen the overall well-being of the community.

What habit or routine helps keep you grounded?

Yoga helps keep me grounded by creating intentional space to slow down and refocus. It reinforces the importance of breath, balance and presence, which are qualities I rely on to stay centered and thoughtful in both my work and relationships.

JENAE DETERS

Midland Care Connection

Employee Experience Manager

What’s a risk you took in your career that paid off?

Accepting a role that, on paper, looked like a step back. It gave me the space to regain my confidence and join the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) board, which ultimately propelled my career forward.

If you could instantly solve one community challenge tomorrow, what would it be?

Stronger communication between businesses and organizations with the community residents would turn awareness into participation and participation into a stronger Topeka. Too many valuable resources, opportunities and hidden gems remain underutilized because people simply aren’t aware they exist.

What book, quote or idea has most shaped your approach to leadership?

“Greenlights” by Matthew McConaughey has been my most recent read. Leadership, like life, is a series of greenlights; you just have to be willing to notice and go for them. Sometimes you have to go through red lights to get to the green. In leadership, challenges and setbacks are inevitable, but they are also opportunities to learn, adapt and grow.

What is a fun fact about you that might surprise people?

I was a background extra in two movies, “Joyful Noise” and “The Collection.”

What habit or routine helps keep you grounded?

I stay grounded with a few minutes of qigong or a sauna session, but let’s be honest, Dr Pepper is life!

CARRIE HIGGINS

City of Topeka Housing Services

Division Director

Was there a moment or experience that set you on your career path?

My career path was shaped during my sophomore year of college while volunteering at the Topeka Rescue Mission. That experience clarified my calling to help those less fortunate and advocate for individuals in need, leading me to change my major from education to social work.

If you could instantly solve one community challenge tomorrow, what would it be? Homelessness. I believe that every person deserves to be seen, valued and treated with dignity, and no one should have to go without their basic needs being met.

What book, quote or idea has most shaped your approach to leadership?

My leadership philosophy is grounded in the belief that the most effective leaders lead by example. I strive to inspire and support others through my actions by modeling integrity, consistency and a positive attitude.

What habit or routine helps keep you grounded?

Running. It’s my favorite way to process challenges, and I always finish each run feeling clearer, more centered and grateful for the many blessings in my life.

DR. ALISHIA BIRDWHISTLE-BUSH

Crossing Over Consulting Services

Co-developer and Education Consultant

Who significantly impacted your professional development?

I’ve been blessed to learn from an extensive line of leading professionals who have shaped my professional development. What stands out most is that they didn’t just teach me skills, they modeled excellence and showed me how to communicate with clarity, make decisions with care, build trust over time and keep people at the center of my work. Their influence continues to guide me, especially in moments when leadership requires both courage and compassion.

What’s one thing you wish every new resident knew about Topeka?

I wish more people knew the rich history and lasting contributions of Black individuals and families to the Topeka community because that story is deep, wide and still being written. Yes, Topeka is home to the honored Brown v. Board of Education, but we are also home to leaders like Nick Chiles (editor and publisher of the well-known Plaindealer newspaper), James Bolden Sr. (the first Black person to own and operate Mid-America Aviation at Forbes Field) and Carolyn Wims-Campbell (the first Black person elected to the Kansas State Board of Education), among many others. This rich tapestry deserves to be known, celebrated and kept alive so new residents don’t just learn about Topeka, they feel connected to it.

What is a fun fact about you that might surprise people?

I genuinely enjoy a friendly challenge, especially with friends and family. I’m always up for some good-natured competition. It’s one of the ways I recharge, laugh and foster fellowship.

ERIN RODRIGUEZ

Capitol Federal Savings Bank

Vice President Regional Customer Experience, Operations Director

Who significantly impacted your professional development?

Several strong female leaders. Over the years they’ve offered the encouragement and insight I needed to grow. Their influence taught me that true leadership is about lifting others as you climb, and I’ve made it a core mission of my career to pay that forward to help the next generation succeed.

What community issue do you wish more people paid attention to?

Education — especially financial literacy and financial well-being. Money choices are deeply emotional, and social norms often normalize overspending and instant gratification. Teaching both the mechanics (budgeting, credit, fraud prevention) and the mindset (habits, triggers, comparison culture) equips individuals and families to build stability and strengthens Topeka’s economic health.

What is the best leadership advice you ever received?

Balance active listening with a solutionsoriented mindset by asking team members for their recommended approach whenever a problem arises. It ensures I’m truly hearing their concerns while empowering ownership of the path forward. It’s a simple principle that consistently turns obstacles into opportunities.

What’s one community event you never miss?

Fiesta Topeka. It’s a wonderful tradition that celebrates the vibrant culture and history of our community. I also love Splash Pad Yoga at Evergy Plaza. It’s a great way to stay active and enjoy the energy of our downtown area.

JEREMY LEITHOFF Topeka Public Schools Sergeant, Coordinator

Who significantly impacted your professional development?

TPD Officer Matt McClimans. He was an school resource officer at Topeka High School. He taught me how to talk with people and how to do paperwork. I tell everyone he made me do all the paperwork for months so I could learn how to do it.

When do you feel most proud to call Topeka home?

I really like that it’s a big city with a small-town feel. You can do a lot of different things like you can in other big cities, but while you’re doing them you might run into people you know.

What community project or effort made you feel proud to be involved?

We started a food pantry at our church, then transitioned the food pantry to help Be Filled of South Topeka. It was exciting to see them take off and become what they are today.

What habit or routine helps keep you grounded?

I read my Bible every day. This keeps me focused on Jesus. It also helps keep things in perspective.

HEATHER BRAUM

Kansas Action for Children

Senior Policy Advisor

What influenced your decision to pursue your current field or profession?

I love connecting people to information that empowers them to do whatever they need to do next, including making decisions. I always have. It’s why I was first a librarian, although I tried to ignore my mom’s pushing me in that direction — and she would know best as a librarian herself! Now in advocacy, lobbying and policy work, I get to do that with multiple levels of stakeholders.

If you could instantly solve one community challenge tomorrow, what would it be?

Affordable and timely access to health care for everyone, which allows health care providers to also make a living and tears down all of the systemic barriers in place that prevent people from truly addressing their health. There is a lot facing our local community and health is at the center of those challenges. The health care system is a messy, huge problem, and chipping away at the edges with small solutions isn’t going to begin to solve the challenges. The status quo is not working for anyone. Hard questions are ahead, but they need to be asked and answered.

What movie or TV character do you relate to most?

Elizabeth McCord from the TV show “Madam Secretary.” She loved her family, worked hard, asked tough questions, stood up to power even at the risk of her own job because it was the right thing to do, told the truth and held hope for the future, in spite of what she saw in her job every day. She also treated her staff with dignity and respect. How a leader treats those around them says the most about their character.

CALEB SOLIDAY

Greater Topeka Partnership Director of Forge Young Talent

What’s a professional challenge you’ve faced that changed how you lead or work?

Early in my career, I took a traditional 8-to-5 desk job to build discipline and structure, but I quickly realized the environment limited my creativity and impact. I do my best work when I’m engaging with people, building community relationships and developing creative and mission-driven solutions. This now shapes how I lead and where I focus my energy.

What community project or effort made you feel proud to be involved?

Pride Palooza. Honestly, it wouldn’t have happened without the hard work of young leaders like Josh Coulter, Jaron Anthony and Eugene Jones, who built the event from the ground up. It celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community and the love our city can show. We had 1,500 attendees the first year and surpassed 4,000 last year. This year, while some Pride organizations are scaling back, we’re working to make it bigger than ever and welcome even more attendees to Evergy Plaza on Saturday, June 20.

What book, quote or idea has most shaped your approach to leadership?

Harvey Milk’s quote “Hope will never be silent.” It reminds me that even in grim moments, and when others may try to silence us, our hope and commitment to creating an inclusive community for all cannot be silenced. This mindset guides me to lead with positivity, courage and persistence.

What habit or routine helps keep you grounded?

Every Tuesday, I head to B&B with friends for $6 movies. Sometimes we mix it up with one of their trivia nights. Those Tuesday nights give me a chance to step back and recharge, whether it’s enjoying a great film or enduring a terrible one I may or may not have been dragged in to watch.

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JESSE JOHNSTON

Bartlett & West Senior Recruiting Partner

What’s a professional challenge you’ve faced that changed how you lead or work?

I often put on blinders. What I mean by this is I sometimes can only focus on the positive. There will always be opportunities to improve or correct things, and wearing blinders can make it easy to miss them.

What is a common misconception about Topeka you wish more people understood?

That Topeka is “bad.” I grew up in Southeast Kansas and that was my family’s mindset growing up. I’ve been here over a decade and there is a lot to love about Topeka and the community. That’s why I’m here and with LGT.

What community issue do you wish more people paid attention to?

It’s hard to choose just one. We can always improve in the community. I think more people need to come together and make an impact across the board on things they’re passionate about.

What values guide you most as a leader?

Integrity and helping others. I think we live in a world where we are constantly being challenged by how to help and treat others. I look at my kids and I constantly strive to make sure they are good humans and impact others as well.

What is a fun fact about you that might surprise people?

I am a garbage disposal when it comes to sweets. You put a sweet in front of me and it will quickly disappear.

LAURIE RUESCHHOFF

Stormont Vail Health Director of Compensation, Benefits and Wellness

What’s a professional challenge you’ve faced that changed how you lead or work?

I was part of an organization that had a complete leadership change and it destroyed the company and culture. The new team didn’t know the team, company or culture and had no desire to learn it. The focus was on numbers only. When you take the people out of the equation you lose sight of what makes an organization work and the ability to accomplish your goals.

If you could instantly solve one community challenge tomorrow, what would it be?

Access to mental health resources for children and teens. Today’s society is not easy to grow up in and the schools and community don’t have the resources to teach children about mental health as they go through K-12. Finding resources as a parent can be overwhelming and when you do, being told there is a wait list for an appointment adds to the stress.

What’s one community event you never miss?

Ballet Midwest’s “The Nutcracker” at Topeka Performing Arts Center. It’s an annual tradition for our family. Knowing how much time goes in for rehearsals and practices, I love to watch the hard work come together as the dancers bring the story to life.

KALI AHLIN

Linked by AEA & Pink Karat Owner

Was there a moment or experience that set you on your career path?

I started my business at my kitchen table as a creative project with my daughter, not really knowing where it would lead. After my first event, seeing how much people connected to the experience made me realize I wanted to keep building something that felt meaningful.

What is a common misconception about Topeka you wish more people understood?

People often underestimate Topeka, but there is so much creativity, talent and heart here. Once you’re involved in the community, you quickly see how much opportunity and collaboration exists.

What community project or effort made you feel proud to be involved?

Anytime I get to be part of something that brings local businesses together makes me proud. Those moments remind me that community is about connection, not competition.

How do you personally define leadership, and has that definition evolved over time?

To me, it’s about making people feel supported and confident in themselves. I used to think leadership meant doing it all, and now I know it means trusting others.

What three words best describe you?

Creative, caring and determined. I love creating experiences, I care deeply about people and I don’t give up easily.

What habit or routine helps keep you grounded?

Time with my family. It helps me slow down and remember what actually matters.

LANE WIENS K-State Extension Horticulture Extension Agent

What’s a risk you took in your career that paid off?

Partnering with Washburn University as a new host location for the Shawnee County Extension Master Gardeners’ Native Plant Garden. Moving a demonstration garden is easier said than done, but thanks to the generosity and support of the professors in the Department of Biology at Washburn University and the administration, we have a successful outreach site for the Master Gardeners and a great teaching tool!

What initiative are you currently involved with?

The local chapter of the Extension Master Gardeners. This dedicated group of volunteers donates more than 8,000 hours annually to Shawnee County, bringing unbiased, research-based horticulture information to the

community. They maintain eight demonstration gardens around the community, host events to educate the community and create partnerships to expand our outreach!

What movie or TV character do you relate to most?

Hank Hill from “King of the Hill.” Even though he initially comes off as rigid, he adapts to those with different viewpoints as he learns more about where they’re coming from. He’s always there to help a friend in need and loves working in and around his home.

What habit or routine helps keep you grounded?

Taking care of the plants I have in my office. I find it meditative to keep them looking their best. It also acts as a great reminder for why I love what I do!

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LAURA BURTON

Kansas

Children’s Discovery Center

Senior Director of Marketing and Communications

Was there a moment or experience that set you on your career path?

When I was 19, I worked doing door-to-door voter registration. There’s no better way to build communication and persuasion skills than knocking on thousands of doors. I learned how to craft a message, tell a story and connect with people in unpredictable, real-world situations. It was the perfect foundation for a career in nonprofit communications, where every day is a little like standing on a strange, new doorstep.

What community issue do you wish more people paid attention to?

Access to childcare and health care is key to healthy business development. How many genius small businesses never started because someone had to keep their health insurance? How many people are leaning out of the workforce because there isn’t nearly enough quality, affordable childcare? Being pro-business isn’t just about tax incentives, it’s about creating space for people to innovate. We lose ideas that can help solve problems and move us forward when we fail to invest in people.

What habit or routine helps keep you grounded?

Making things by hand, whether it’s art, baked goods or knitting. It keeps me centered and recharges my creative energy. It’s even better when it’s shared, whether that means delivering fresh cookies to friends and colleagues or painting murals alongside my kids. Sharing something I’ve made is my favorite way to connect with others and deepen relationships.

KELLI SMITH

Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library

Access Services Manager

What’s a risk you took in your career that paid off?

To go for advancement opportunities as they come and not let the fear of hearing “you are not the successful candidate” stop me from trying. I did not get every job I applied for throughout my career. However, I learned from each opportunity which made me more resilient and confident.

What do you enjoy most about Topeka?

I love the rich history of Topeka and try to share it with others. I fondly remember taking one of my college classmates to visit the Kansas State Capitol building because they had never visited it before, even though they grew up in Kansas. I will never forget the look on their face when we arrived.

If you could instantly solve one community challenge, what would it be?

Transforming the Topeka Riverfront. I have visited many different cities that offer beautiful riverwalks. It was fascinating to see so many people utilizing those spaces for reasons like housing, recreation, shopping, visiting a museum or choosing a restaurant. I would love to see Topeka achieve something similar.

What is a fun fact about you that might surprise people?

I originally planned on having a career in wildlife studies. I even spent multiple semesters collecting research samples in the field and extracting mitochondrial DNA from them for one of my teaching assistants. Shortly after I obtained my biology degree, I took a little break to determine what I wanted to research. That’s when I accidentally started working at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library and never left.

KRISTIN STOCK

Astra Mental Health and Recovery, Inc.

CCBHC Community and Development Strategist

Who significantly impacted your professional development?

Rick Ellis of Washburn University offered me a Bonner Leader position, which started me on a path of volunteering and community service. He helped me see the world through a different lens. My supervisor of 15 years, Chris Wills, taught me patience as a supervisor and how to think through issues that arise in leadership.

What initiative are you currently involved with?

I am involved with LiveWell and chair the Mental Health Impact Team. It is important to me to put forth initiatives that help improve mental well-being in our community. I also participate in CAAHT Rotary to end human trafficking.

What community issue do you wish more people paid attention to?

I wish more people would pay attention to Kansas legislation and how it affects them. It is helpful to let our state representatives know what is important to us.

If you could instantly solve one community challenge tomorrow, what would it be?

Extended bus routes and hours of operation. Many who work in retail or food services are required to work evenings and weekends. It also limits the events people who rely on the bus can attend for entertainment.

What movie or TV character do you relate to most?

Probably Elizabeth Bennet from “Pride and Prejudice.” She is independent and opinionated. She questions things and stands up to injustice, particularly for the people she loves.

What’s a professional challenge you’ve faced that changed how you lead or work?

Learning how to confidently step into a new mindset while transitioning into new roles. It’s taught me the importance of adaptability, clear communication and trusting my instincts.

If you could instantly solve one community challenge tomorrow, what would it be?

Gun violence. While many focus on that problem, I wish they would get involved and work to change that narrative. When we shift our focus towards supporting local initiatives and showing up, we foster the kind of environment where safety and positivity can thrive.

What is the best leadership advice you ever received?

Listen to understand, not just to hear. Try to absorb the person’s perspective, emotion

and intent. It requires us to set aside our own biases so we can grasp why someone thinks or feels the way they do. It transforms a simple conversation into a powerful tool for building trust and solving problems effectively.

What three words best describe you?

Resilient, humorous and dedicated. I have navigated some tough times and challenges, but those experiences have strengthened my resolve to remain kind, caring and keep pushing forward. I’m always good for a laugh in any situation.

What is a fun fact about you?

My number-one bucket list item is to ride in a hot air balloon while watching the sun set. I know it’s unpredictable and can be somewhat dangerous, but I’ve always wanted to do it! I also have a fun collection of vehicles.

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LAUREN FITZGERALD

Kansas Common Sense Fund

Managing Director

What influenced your decision to pursue your current field or profession?

Storytelling is central to the human experience. I grew up reading stories. I studied storytelling in college. It’s vital to my career. Sharing stories and lifting diverse voices in our communities is critical to passing good policies that help Kansas families thrive. John F. Kennedy once said, “Our privileges can be no greater than our obligations.” I take this responsibility seriously.

What do you enjoy most about Topeka? Affordability and the ability to get anywhere in Topeka within 15 minutes. But most importantly, Topekans are quite welcoming and salt-of-theearth folks.

What initiative are you currently involved with?

I participate in the Kansas Voter Network table, where nonprofits across the state collaborate with the goal of increasing voter registration. Especially right now, during a time of great civic unrest and economic instability, there is nothing more powerful we can do as Americans than vote. If you don’t have a seat at the table, you’re on the menu.

What is a fun fact about you that might surprise people?

I love to do human pyramids. Nothing brings people together like attempting a four-layer pyramid. Plus, it’s always a great story to tell and an iconic photo to have on your wall.

JOHN HAVERTY Washburn University Chief Information Officer

What influenced your career choice?

The enjoyment of using technology and helping others. Early on, I realized that technology could be a powerful tool to solve real-world problems and make a positive impact on people’s daily lives. This combination of curiosity and service continues to motivate me in my career as a technology leader.

When do you feel most proud to call Topeka home?

Our community events like Fiesta Topeka, concerts at Evergy Plaza and the holiday celebrations that bring the whole city together. Those moments showcase the energy, diversity and genuine pride of the people who live here. It’s when Topeka feels most vibrant and connected.

If you could instantly solve one community challenge tomorrow, what would it be?

Closing the gap in cybersecurity education. I see firsthand how a lack of basic cyber awareness leaves individuals, families and local organizations vulnerable. Helping our community feel confident and secure in an increasingly digital world would make Topeka stronger and safer for everyone.

What three words best describe you?

Analytical, patient and supportive. I like digging into complex challenges and finding logical, practical solutions. I stay calm under pressure and try to be someone others can turn to for guidance and encouragement.

What habit or routine helps keep you grounded?

Spending time with my family. They remind me of what really matters and help me stay balanced no matter how busy things get.

LELAND SPENCER

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Director of Product Development and Sales Systems

What’s a risk you took in your career that paid off?

After 14 years in sales, I wanted to go into management but was denied interviews because I didn’t have experience with people reporting to me. About 12 years ago, I took a step back in level and pay to get experience having direct reports. This opened the door for me to step into the greater people-leader role I enjoy today. The step back was a bit scary, but the risk was worth the reward.

If you could instantly solve one community challenge tomorrow, what would it be?

Access to health, mental health and wellness resources, especially for youth and people who face barriers like stigma, cost or limited services. Greater access to these resources would benefit individuals, families, workplaces and our entire community.

What values guide you most as a leader?

The values that guide me most are integrity, consistency and empathy. I try to be honest, steady and understanding so people know they can trust me and feel supported. Life experiences and other leaders have influenced those values in me, but I would say my upbringing and especially my wife and daughters made those values close to my heart.

What is a fun fact about you that might surprise people?

I am surprisingly good at the video game “Just Dance!” That will not be a surprise to my wife and daughters who have witnessed me dominating it.

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MALLORY MCDANIEL

Advisors Excel

Director of Client Account Management

Who significantly impacted your professional development?

My friend and former director, Angie Morris. I am deeply grateful that our paths crossed. She was a constant source of encouragement, always pushing me to grow, advocate for myself and relentlessly pursue my dreams. Unfortunately, Angie lost her battle with cancer on April 19, 2023, but her legacy lives on. She continues to inspire me every day to be a better leader, mother and friend. Her lessons and her spirit remain a guiding light in my life.

How has community involvement influenced your personal or professional life?

Community involvement, encouraged by Advisors Excel, led me to the Big Brothers Big Sisters program in 2019, where I was fortunate to meet an incredible little girl and her equally amazing mother and grandmother. This family has profoundly impacted my personal and professional life. I’m grateful that our bond remains strong to this day.

What is a fun fact about you that might surprise people?

I have a deep love for manatees. In my opinion, they’re the most incredible animals on the planet! My fascination with these gentle giants began when I was seven and has only grown stronger over the years. What inspires me most about manatees is their peaceful nature. They don’t hunt or get hunted, they simply exist, enjoying life and the beauty around them. Someday, I dream of my husband and I retiring and opening a cozy bed and breakfast on Crystal River, where we can share our backyard with these amazing creatures and swim alongside them.

LESLIE MONDESIR

FHLBank Topeka VP, Member Solutions Manager

What’s a risk you took in your career that paid off?

I quit a very demanding, high stress job in the finance industry in Chicago due to a change in priorities where my family needed to come first. I moved back to Kansas without a job and found a new home at FHLBank Topeka, where their values aligned more closely with mine.

What is a common misconception about Topeka you wish more people understood? Many think that Topeka is small and stagnant, but it offers all the amenities of a larger metro area without the congestion. After seven years in Chicago, I assumed Topeka would be frozen in time when I returned. However, it’s great to see the investment and revitalization and its continued commitment to growth.

What initiative are you currently involved with?

I coach a youth boys volleyball team. I believe the court is also a classroom that helps players work through adversity and challenges, while working as a team. It’s crucial for building character, finding confidence and learning to lead. It’s powerful to help players learn they can do hard things, learn new skills and work through the uncomfortable.

Who is a leader you admire?

The managing director who hired me out of college. She was a pioneer for women in a maledominated industry and was a great support system as I grew into my role.

What is a fun fact about you that might surprise people?

I played Division I volleyball at Kansas State University. I was one of the shortest players in the Big 12 at 5 feet 2 inches.

SASHA KLAURENS Beacon Events

Experience Manager

What’s a risk you took in your career that paid off?

In 2023, I made the incredibly difficult decision to leave teaching, a career I’d dreamed of and worked toward for years, after just four years in the classroom. Walking away to become a manager for a mobile bar looked terrifying on paper, but trusting my gut led me to my role as experience manager at Beacon Events. It was the best decision I’ve ever made. The universe has a plan for you that is far stronger than the one you imagine for yourself.

What initiative are you currently involved with?

I am currently the chair-elect of Forge Young Talent, an organization focused on bringing together young professionals in Topeka and showing them all our city has to offer in terms of community, employment, advocacy and joy. Forge matters deeply to me because I was a Topeka outsider looking for friendship and purpose when I found it. Many community challenges can be addressed through involvement with the built-in support of similar organizations.

What value guides you most as a leader?

Compassion. I learned it from my father, who approached every conflict with integrity and a calm sense of understanding. Watching him lead with empathy taught me that people do their best work when they feel seen.

What movie or TV character do you relate to most?

Audrey Hepburn in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” She’s charismatic, sweet and truly the life of the party! I may not completely relate to her character, but I look up to her.

SARAHY SORIANO

Spotless Neat Co LLC Co-owner

What influenced your decision to pursue your current profession?

After going through personal challenges, I found comfort in cleaning and creating a peaceful home environment. That experience inspired me to help others feel better and more at ease in their own safe spaces.

What community project or effort made you feel proud to be involved?

Being a board member for Forge. I’ll brag about it every chance I get. As a young professional, it taught me to step out of my comfort zone, connect with fellow entrepreneurs and help others while learning more about myself and our community.

If you could instantly solve one community challenge tomorrow, what would it be?

Homelessness. Everyone deserves a safe place to call home. Providing stability would give people the chance to thrive and fully participate in the community.

Who is a leader you admire?

My college professor and close family friend, Graciela Berumen, for being a strong leader in the Hispanic community. She has taught me to lead with purpose, embrace my voice and step confidently into opportunities without fear.

What book, quote or idea has most shaped your approach to leadership?

The Bible verse, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13) has shaped my approach to leadership. It reminds me to lead with faith, confidence and perseverance, even when challenges feel overwhelming.

What’s one community event you never miss?

Fiesta Mexicana, now known as Fiesta Topeka. I never miss Fiesta in July.

Graduation Parties

CoreFirst Bank & Trust

Vice President and CoreXpress Banker

What’s a risk you took in your career that paid off?

I have taken several positions in my career that I didn’t have experience in at the time. Each move was scary, as I didn’t fully grasp what I was doing, but has allowed me to grow my knowledge and understanding and learn from several different perspectives how to solve an issue we are facing. I feel I am able to better understand what my customers and coworkers are needing and expecting so I can service them better.

When do you feel most proud to call Topeka home?

Fiesta Mexicana is a tremendous gathering of people from every sector of the city and shows how we can come together to rally behind a cause. The downtown Christmas parade always brings a big crowd to ring in the holiday season. I love seeing the city rally behind my friend John “Iron Man” Cantrell and his family. He has used this platform to bring awareness to advocate for children and those in need within our community. It gives me goosebumps just thinking about it!

What habit or routine helps keep you grounded?

Every morning, I wake up and do my daily devotional. This year I am going through the Bible in chronological order. These 15-30 minutes of quiet time every morning set me on the right track to have a great day and think outside of myself. It’s easy to get caught up in fixing the day’s issues. This routine helps me remember to love like Jesus.

MELANIE WORSLEY

Washburn University

Associate Provost and Professor

What influenced your decision to pursue your current field or profession?

From my own experience as a student at Washburn University School of Law, where I saw firsthand how dedicated faculty can help students achieve their professional goals. I value Washburn’s unique commitment to providing educational pathways for everyone and its role as a vital partner in the Topeka community. Being part of a mission that prioritizes student success and local impact is incredibly rewarding.

How has community involvement influenced your personal or professional life?

My community involvement has connected me with people and organizations that genuinely want to see Topeka thrive. Working alongside others has given me a much clearer understanding of our city’s strengths and challenges and has allowed me to develop deeper connections with other Topeka residents. Since my family lives here and we’ve built our lives in this community, I feel a personal responsibility to do my part in making it a better place for everyone.

What book, quote or idea has most shaped your approach to leadership?

“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” — Arthur Ashe

What habit or routine helps keep you grounded?

I make it a priority to walk to and from work every day. This routine provides me space to transition between my work and home life. It helps me stay in touch with the local community and gives me the opportunity to experience the different seasons in Kansas.

SARAH JEPSON

The Refinery Medical Aesthetics Owner and Medical Director

Was there a moment or experience that set you on your career path?

My time working as a nurse practitioner in the emergency department sparked my love for hands-on medicine and procedural care. When I later transitioned into primary care, I realized how much I missed that aspect of patient care, which ultimately led me to pursue a path that allowed me to combine medicine, precision and creativity.

What community project or effort made you feel proud to be involved?

My past involvement with the Junior League of Topeka was especially meaningful, particularly serving in leadership roles focused on membership development and community impact where I oversaw the development and implementation of the Diaper Depot, a program that provided diapers to the most vulnerable members of our community. Having been a part of an organization that empowers women to lead while creating lasting change in our community is something I’m very proud of.

How do you personally define leadership, and has that definition evolved over time?

To me, leadership means building trust, listening well and leading with purpose. As my career has evolved, I’ve learned the most effective leadership is less about authority and more about influence and service.

What three words best describe you?

Driven, compassionate and intentional. I’m driven to continually grow and improve, compassionate in how I care for and lead others, and intentional about the decisions I make in both my personal and professional life.

AVP of Product Development

Who significantly impacted your professional development?

Al Dal Porto. He led with patience and always included numerous parts of our organization in getting input on our product initiatives.

When do you feel most proud to call Topeka home?

When our community shows up for each other, whether that’s rallying around a school, small business or friend in need. It is in these moments Topeka feels more like a family and less like a city. I wish every resident knew just how much potential Topeka has, and how much each of us plays a role in shaping the future of our city. When people get involved, the city really shines.

What community issue do you wish more people paid attention to?

Social isolation. It flies under the radar because it is quiet — no headlines or protest — but the impact is huge.

If you could instantly solve one community challenge tomorrow, what would it be?

Having better sports complexes in Topeka to help foster growth and development.

What values guide you most as a leader?

Inclusion and positivity. My mom and dad instilled these values in me at a very young age.

What habit or routine helps keep you grounded?

Morning walks with my iTunes playlist on full blast.

STEPHANIE SEVATSON

Envista Federal Credit Union

Commercial Underwriting Analyst

Who significantly impacted your professional development?

My parents. By example, they taught me the value of hard work and having a strong work ethic. For nearly a decade, my mom commuted two hours per day from Sabetha to Topeka to work at Westar/Evergy. My dad spent many days away from home on business trips. They both successfully managed their careers while simultaneously balancing family life. I have always aspired to grow up to be the same way.

What community issue do you wish more people paid attention to?

School shootings. Sandy Hook happened right after I had my first baby. I have been obsessed with doing something about school shootings ever since. Why are lawmakers safer in our legal buildings than our children in our school buildings? Why do our public school buildings not contain at least the same security features as our public legal buildings?

What is the best leadership advice you ever received?

To question everything! This advice has stopped me many times from following along with the crowd when my gut says I shouldn’t. Just because no one else is speaking up doesn’t mean you shouldn’t.

What is a fun fact about you that might surprise people?

I am on the hypermobility spectrum, and I didn’t learn that was a thing until I was 37 years old. Outside of the party tricks I can do with my body, being hypermobile is often painful and not fun. May is Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders Awareness Month!

MARGARET SHERMOEN

Sloan, Eisenbarth, Glassman, McEntire & Jarboe LLC

Attorney

What’s a risk you took in your career that paid off?

In the spring of 2020 after the pandemic had reached an all-time high, I decided I would change careers and attend law school even though that had never been part of my original life plan. I’m now an attorney at a reputable firm, with incredible colleagues to show me the way. I’m so grateful I took that chance and made a career change.

What initiative are you currently involved with?

The Topeka Civic Theatre. I’ve volunteered there as a performer for almost ten years, and just recently served on the Play Reading Committee, which selects the next season’s shows. TCT has always been a home away from home to me.

Who is a leader you admire?

My mom. She raised me to be a proud and independent young woman. She knows exactly what to say, how to diffuse tense situations at work, when to approach circumstances with patience and kindness and when to hold her ground.

What three words best describe you?

Artistic, empathetic and listener. I tend to approach situations by first learning about who I’m talking to. By listening to them and being empathetic to their situation, I feel I can better connect with them to help find the root cause of an issue and solve the problems we can. I also think my artistic side allows me to be creative in the way I approach problems at work or in my personal life.

TRICIA SUBLET

SENT Topeka Mental Health Director

What influenced your decision to pursue your current field or profession?

I was teaching English in Cambodia when I started learning a lot about human trafficking. I knew I wanted to help survivors in their healing journey, so I decided to go back to school to pursue a Master of Social Work. I wanted to gain more training and learn skills to help others.

What do you enjoy most about Topeka?

The people. When my family moved to Topeka, our community embraced us and made this place “home” for us. I’m so grateful for our community of friends and neighbors that we do life with!

What community project or effort made you feel proud to be involved?

I’m really proud to have helped bring mental health services to the Hi-Crest community. I love watching people regain hope and start their healing journey. I love that I got to help reduce

barriers that prevent individuals from getting the support they deserve.

How do you personally define leadership, and has that definition evolved over time?

I remember being a part of a summer program when I was in my twenties and the leader making a comment that he would never ask us to do something he wouldn’t do himself. I really took that to heart and believe that leadership is leading by example in words, action and integrity. It’s about going first in doing the hard things.

What’s one community event you never miss?

I never miss the Summer Fireworks Extravaganza in Hi-Crest. This year it will be rebranded as the Summer Sky Extravaganza and host a professional drone show for the first time! It’s a fun, familyfriendly event with something for everyone.

Farmers Union Midwest Agency Owner

What’s a risk you took in your career that paid off?

I made a bold career change into a commissionbased role with no prior sales or insurance experience. It was a risk, but I leaned into the learning curve, asked questions and adapted quickly. I genuinely enjoy meeting new people and helping them any way I can, which made relationship-building feel natural. Combined with my competitive drive, that mindset pushed me to work harder, improve faster and ultimately thrive in a completely new industry.

What initiative are you currently involved with?

I serve on the Small Business Council for the Greater Topeka Partnership, where I continue learning while supporting fellow small business owners. While Small Business Saturday is meaningful, I believe supporting local businesses financially should happen year-round because consistent community support truly makes a difference. I’m passionate about encouraging investment in neighbors’ businesses and helping connect owners to the Greater Topeka Partnership’s classes and resources that support long-term success.

What three words best describe you?

Outgoing, loyal and driven. I value connection and enjoy building meaningful relationships, staying deeply committed to the people, organizations and causes I care about. Guided by a strong sense of purpose, I continually push myself to grow, improve and make a positive impact through my work and service.

ALICIA VANWALLEGHEM

Topeka Community Foundation Director of Strategic Initiatives

What’s a risk you took in your career that paid off?

To date, the biggest risk I’ve taken was closing my small business to pursue a better worklife balance. In my current role at the Topeka Community Foundation, I rely on many of the same skills I developed as an entrepreneur, which continue to serve as a strong foundation for my work.

What values guide you most as a leader?

Sincerity and curiosity guide me most as a leader. When we show up with certainty, we leave little room for growth or understanding, but curiosity and sincerity open the door to learning from the people around us in unexpected ways. I’ve had many teachers who reinforced these values throughout the years, but the wise Ted Lasso captures it perfectly: “Be curious, not judgmental … BBQ sauce.”

What book, quote or idea has most shaped your approach to leadership?

“Radical Candor” by Kim Scott. I heard an interview with her on the podcast “Wisdom from the Top,” which led me to pick up her book. It really shaped how I think about leadership by emphasizing the balance between caring about people and being honest with them, even when conversations are uncomfortable or not considered “Midwest Polite.” Since then, I’ve tried to lead with more directness and empathy, addressing things early and encouraging open, ongoing communication.

What is a fun fact about you that might surprise people?

That I have aphantasia, which means I am not able to visualize. I was well into adulthood when I learned that others could close their eyes and actually see more than just black!

ANGEL GREY

Greater Topeka Partnership Accounts Receivable Specialist

What’s a professional challenge you’ve faced that changed how you lead or work?

I had many dreams of going to college, but due to some personal issues I did not attend. I knew I had to work harder than my peers with degrees to be successful, so I think it’s made me an incredibly hard worker, but also more understanding of others. I know firsthand that things happen outside of our control, and it does not change our potential.

How has community involvement influenced your personal or professional life?

I’ve come to learn that one of the best ways to change the world is to start small, right in your community. It’s easy to complain about things, to be upset about the pain and injustice that exists in the world, and sometimes it feels like there is nothing you can do. But there is always a need in the community that you can help fulfill, and it is the best way to create a positive impact.

What values guide you most as a leader?

Honesty, empathy and empowerment. I think people tend to be at their best when they feel understood, supported and able to be open, including myself.

What’s one community event you never miss?

I love supporting anything that Helping Hands Humane Society does, but my all-time favorite event is their Annual Art Auction in the spring. I love creating art to donate, and I love getting my loved ones involved, too! It’s always so cool to see how creative other people can be and how much good it can bring to our favorite furry friends. TK

THE FIRE WITHIN: LEADERSHIP THAT WARMS WITHOUT BURNING

By TARA DIMICK

Every leader I work with has a fire.

It shows up as initiative, creativity and the willingness to solve problems before they become someone else’s. In business, that fire builds companies and communities. It launches products, keeps clients loyal and helps teams push through uncertainty.

But fire has two personalities. One gives light and warmth. The other quietly consumes the house.

As a coach and facilitator, I draw on two frameworks, the Kansas Leadership Center model and the Leadership Circle Profile, to help leaders recognize the difference. Both shape how I work with executives and business owners today, but I understood their meaning most clearly through a story I never planned to live.

THE DAY THE METAPHOR BECAME REAL

On July 13, 2023, our house caught fire.

Everyone was safe. When we arrived, firefighters had already knocked down the flames, and from the outside the damage looked manageable: a burned garage door and some siding.

Inside was another world. Flames destroyed the areas they touched, and soot settled into rooms the fire never reached. Closets at the far end of the house looked as if it had snowed charcoal.

Over the next several days, I started to see the house differently. It felt familiar.

So many of us look the same. Steady on the outside, maybe tired eyes or a sharper tone in a conversation. Inside, the damage is more raw and real. It is hidden, but present, leaving its mark on parts of life we try to keep far from the fire.

LEADERSHIP IS MOBILIZING, NOT CARRYING

The Kansas Leadership Center (KLC) describes leadership as the work of mobilizing people to make progress on complex, adaptive challenges. That idea reframes everything.

Leadership is not absorbing all pressure so others can stay comfortable.

It is not proving commitment through personal sacrifice.

It is not turning yourself into the furnace for the organization.

Adaptive challenges, things like culture, growth and innovation, require people to learn and change, not simply follow instructions. When we treat those challenges as technical problems, we respond with more control, more hours and more heat. The organization gets hotter, not healthier.

One KLC competency, diagnose situation, provides a compass: understand the nature of the challenge, test competing views and identify who must do the work. Leadership happens when progress becomes a shared responsibility rather than a personal burden.

THE ROOM YOU DON’T SEE

For days after the blaze, I kept walking through the house. At first the damage shocked me. Then, frighteningly fast, it started to seem normal.

People and organizations do the same.

We normalize the missed dinners, the weekends that disappear and the constant hum of urgency. We tell

ourselves it is temporary, necessary, the price of growth. Meanwhile the ashes and soot spread into relationships, decision-making and culture.

I have sat with business owners who admitted they no longer remember what they enjoy. I have coached executives who cannot tell the difference between ambition and anxiety. They look fine on the outside. The damage is inside.

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CREATIVE AND REACTIVE LEADERSHIP

The Leadership Circle Profile gives language to that tension. It describes two ways of leading:

• Creative: Purpose driven, connected and sustainable.

• Reactive: Protective habits such as over-control, pleasing and proving through productivity.

Reactive patterns are not weaknesses. They are early success strategies that once helped us win. The problem is that complexity eventually outgrows those tools.

Many of us built careers on being the person who could just get it done. That muscle earns promotions, but later it becomes the ceiling. Leadership is learning when the room needs light instead of heat.

WHAT THE FIRE TAUGHT ME

The literal fire revealed truths years of leadership books never reached.

First, I was not alone. Neighbors supported us. Friends showed up. My husband carried decisions when I had nothing left. Fellow business owners aligned with us to find a path forward. Leadership requires others — not as backup plans, but as co-owners of the work.

Second, pace matters. I had been proud of running hot. The fire showed me what constant intensity leaves

behind. Now I teach pace as a strategic advantage.

Third, resilience is honest, not heroic. In organizations, the turning point rarely looks like a bold speech. More often it is a leader pausing before reacting, inviting dissent or saying, “Let’s sleep on this.” KLC teaches the practice of recognizing triggers, experimenting beyond comfort and staying present in uncertainty. It may not look dramatic, but it keeps the blaze from spreading. The result is not less momentum, but better momentum.

FROM CARRYING TO MOBILIZING

The most effective leaders I coach are the ones who:

• Pause to ask whether a challenge is technical or adaptive.

• Give the work back instead of rescuing every problem.

• Engage others honestly, even when change involves loss.

This approach does not reduce ambition. It multiplies capacity. Teams grow stronger when one person stops trying to be the entire heat source.

YOUR FIRE

Your fire is beautiful. It was never meant to burn alone. Its purpose is to stay steady so others can find their way, light their own fire and together create something transformational. TK

Tara Dimick is the owner of Compass Marketing & Advertising Partners and TK Business Magazine. She is a certified leadership coach and facilitator who partners with organizations to strengthen leadership capacity, culture and strategic focus.

Let’s make magic happen!

Wellness WITH INTENTION

In a world of one-size-fitsall wellness trends, four locally owned businesses are taking a different approach. This series spotlights nervous-system restoration through Solitaire Head Spa, personalized medical care at New Health Kansas, sciencebased healing at Roxanne’s Red Light Therapy and foot health and mobility expertise at Gateley Podiatry.

By JEN LECLAIR

These wellness innovators prioritize listening and education while they’re showing that wellness is about intentional, relationshipdriven care around real lives.

DESIGN + CREATE + ENJOY

COMPLETE RESIDENTIAL REMODELING PORTFOLIO

INTERIOR DESIGN & FURNISHING

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SOLITAIRE HEAD SPA Crowning Achievement

Hannah Kagay spent years as a hairstylist listening to clients talk about chronic stress, scalp issues, hair loss, anxiety and burnout. Over time, a pattern emerged: people weren’t just looking for beauty services. They were craving relief.

That realization led Hannah to open Solitaire Head Spa in downtown Topeka in November 2024. The business offers head spa treatments — essentially facials for the scalp — designed to address both physical scalp health and stress relief.

While attending cosmetology school, Hannah had early exposure to specialized spa services and became fascinated by the way human touch could completely shift how someone feels, physically, emotionally and mentally.

“I always knew I wanted to own or lead a spa someday,” Hannah said. “But I also knew Topeka didn’t need another place to rush in and rush out. It needed a space where people could actually exhale. It had to feel personal, intentional and healing.”

“I already had a group of people who were ready to grow with this idea,” she said. “They just didn’t know it existed yet.”

Hannah was intentional about creating an experience that honors all hair textures and types.

“It was important to me that we weren’t offering a one-size-fitsall service,” she said. “Every scalp is different, every person is different, and our approach has to reflect that.”

The team addresses concerns including hair loss, dryness and sensitivity.

MORE THAN A SHAMPOO

For first-time guests, the idea of a head spa often brings up the thought of a really good, deep shampoo. While that’s not wrong, Hannah says, it barely scratches the surface.

“A head spa is essentially a facial for your scalp,” she said. “It’s intentional, therapeutic and layered.”

Each service begins with a detailed scalp analysis using

specialized cameras to identify concerns such as dryness, buildup, hair loss or sensitivity. Treatments include dry scalp massage, detoxifying exfoliation, warm waterfall rinses, steam-infused moisture therapy and customized cleansing and conditioning. Services are performed while guests recline in zero-gravity massage chairs.

Longer services include extended massage, hot stone treatments and warm oil therapy using the spa’s homemade hair oil. They even offer mini facials.

“It’s less invasive than a fullbody massage,” Hannah said, “which makes it more approachable for a lot of people. But the effects can be just as powerful.”

Services range from the 30-minute “Power Nap” treatment to the 60-minute “Sunday Afternoon Recharge” and the 90-minute “Solitaire Slumber.” Each builds on the previous level with additional treatments.

The “Rip Van Winkle” service for men includes facial hair cleansing.

“When I created the menu, I wanted people to choose how much time they could realistically give themselves,” Hannah said. “There’s no pressure, just options.”

RESTING YOUR HEAD

According to Hannah, what sets Solitaire apart from more traditional salons and wellness centers is its focus on the nervous system.

“Our services are designed to help the body shift out of constant stress mode,” Hannah said. “The rhythmic movements, warm water, extended touch — all of it works together to help people slow down.”

That shift is emotional as much as it is physical, she adds. Hannah says clients come for a variety of reasons: seasonal depression, anxiety, insomnia or hair loss tied to stress. Some come monthly for scalp health while others return because it’s an opportunity to relax.

“Most of the time, people don’t want to talk during treatment,” she said. “They want silence. They want to rest. And we honor that.”

Hannah trains the Solitaire team to read the room. Each guest’s preferences — including pressure level, conversation and areas of focus — are built into the experience from the start.

CONSISTENCY AND CARE

Hannah personally developed the spa’s signature scalp facial and trains each team member through a two- to three-month hands-on process, ensuring consistency across providers.

“I want clients to feel confident that no matter who they see, they’re getting the same caliber of care,” she said.

Massage therapists are brought in to refine techniques and ongoing education is emphasized. Each provider brings their own intuitive touch, but the core steps remain consistent.

HEALING BEYOND THE SPA

During the spa’s first year, Hannah offered one complimentary service per week to someone in need.

“It’s only an hour or so,” she said, “but giving someone a true break from life is an honor.”

Clients travel from across Kansas to experience the spa. The business can accommodate multiple guests at once for group bookings, which Hannah says have become especially popular.

The spa offers free outdoor yoga classes on the patio with Topeka Yoga Network. It also partners with Banyana Sauna for sauna collaborations, and with local coffee and tea shops for beverages.

“It’s inspiring to be part of a network that uplifts one another,” Hannah said. “Wellness doesn’t happen in isolation.”

“A head spa is essentially a facial for your scalp. It’s intentional, therapeutic and layered.”

— HANNAH KAGAY Owner Solitaire Head Spa

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NEW HEALTH KANSAS Weighing in on Wellness

Dr. Ekwensi Griffith, a doctor of osteopathic medicine, gives nearly all of his patients his personal cell phone number.

It’s an unusual practice for a physician, but it reflects the accountability-focused approach at New Health Kansas, the medical spa and wellness clinic he founded with his wife, Angela Griffith, a registered nurse.

Dr. Griffith played college football at Kansas State University, where he was an All-Conference nose guard under Coach Bill Snyder, before completing medical school in Philadelphia and a residency in emergency medicine in the Bronx. He has spent more than two decades in Kansas health care since. Angela is also a K-State alum and the couple has four children.

The clinic’s approach begins with understanding what each patient wants to achieve.

Photo by BRIAN PETERS

Their medical practice, located at 2219 S.W. 29th St. in Topeka with additional locations in Lenexa and Manhattan, employs certified nurses and nurse practitioners who work with patients to create individualized health plans.

“Most of our programs are built around accountability,” said Dr. Griffith, who still works clinically in emergency medicine. “People have to check in. That’s often the biggest struggle with lifestyle changes.”

FINDING THE BALANCE

New Health Kansas began as a small, weekend-only venture focused on hormone replacement therapy. Dr. Griffith originally envisioned it as a side project, but he noticed an unmet need.

“I’ve always been a little bit of an entrepreneur, and we thought it would

be a nice part-time thing, just kind of a cool additional revenue source,” he said. “We started out focusing on hormones, and then we realized that a lot of people also needed weight loss support and that hormones alone weren’t the whole answer.”

For many patients, hormonal imbalance and weight gain were intertwined challenges that required a multi-layered approach. The clinic structures care around a five-phase framework that moves patients from baseline testing and weight loss through hormone stabilization, functional wellness, aesthetics and finally mobility and pain support. The phases are designed to overlap and build on one another rather than function as a strict linear progression.

As demand grew, the Griffiths hired staff and expanded to multiple Kansas locations.

The clinic’s approach begins with understanding what each patient wants to achieve.

Dr. Griffith emphasizes that wellness goals vary widely. Some patients want to lose weight before a major event. Others want more energy or the ability to walk without becoming winded.

“Not everyone needs to look like a movie star,” he said. “It’s about asking what you really want.”

Angela says treatment plans must fit patients’ lives.

“We create a plan that allows them to live and be happy,” she said.

Angela personally speaks with new patients during an initial call

At New Health Kansas, services range from hormone replacement therapy and weight loss support to med spa offerings like injectables.

of about 15 minutes, covering goals, medical history, options and pricing. Patients then choose how they’d like to receive care: either in-person or virtual appointments, or a combination of both. The clinic built a telehealth model during the pandemic that many patients continue to use for its flexibility. Each individualized plan may include a nutrition program, medication, access to a support group and regular check-ins.

The clinic offers payment plans through Cherry, a third-party financing service that allows patients to pay over time with no hard credit check required.

Dr. Gurneet Matharoo, a physician specializing in obesity and family medicine, also provides care. She travels to the Topeka location twice a

month as a resource for women who prefer a female provider for issues specific to women’s health.

KEEPING TABS ON WELLNESS

Accountability takes different forms depending on the patient. Some receive weekly text messages while others have scheduled virtual or in-person meetings.

Providers ask specific questions: Did you walk 10 to 15 minutes at your child’s practice today? Have you been able to fit movement into your week?

“While some patients are selfmotivated, many struggle with consistency,” Dr. Griffith said. “That’s where our programs help.”

Over time, services expanded to include medical spa offerings such as injectables, laser hair removal and CoolSculpting.

Angela points to transformations she has witnessed in patients who rebuild confidence that influences other areas of their lives.

Dr. Griffith recalls one patient story that has stayed with him. A married couple, both patients, were each working toward their individual goals before their wedding day. They lived together but kept their progress separate, each telling Dr. Griffith not to reveal how much the other had lost. Both reached their goals before the wedding.

“One thing we’ve learned,” Angela said, “is that people want to feel better. They want to feel stronger, healthier and more capable of enjoying life.”

Dr. Griffith sums it up plainly: “Our job is to do the best we can to hear them.”

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ROXANNE’S RED LIGHT THERAPY Lighting the Way to Healing

Teresa Castello lived with chronic knee pain for more than 18 years. The injury affected nearly every aspect of her daily life: constant pain, limited mobility and little relief from traditional treatments.

Then she discovered red light therapy.

“I stumbled across people who had used red light therapy,” she said. “I was intrigued so I started researching home devices to see if I could find something that would work for me.”

About five months into consistent treatment with consumer-grade devices, Teresa noticed her range of motion improving. The pain began to ease. For the first time in nearly two decades, she could envision a life without constant discomfort.

Roxanne’s Red Light Therapy’s infrared spa capsule (top) and sauna energy pod (bottom) offer clients therapeutic experiences combining multiple treatment modalities, including light therapy and electromagnetic muscle stimulation.

This experience led Teresa to open Roxanne’s Red Light Therapy in Topeka in September 2025. The clinic offers photobiomodulation — the technical term for red light therapy — using medical-grade equipment.

At the time, Teresa was working as an accountant, spending long hours seated at a desk. As her pain began to ease and her range of motion slowly returned, she realized she didn’t want to return to a life confined by pain.

“I want other people to have the opportunity to possibly be pain free and to improve their quality of life like I did,” she said.

Teresa studied the science of photobiomodulation, learning how to assess light therapy equipment, work with manufacturers and understand

how different wavelengths, dosages and delivery methods affect the body.

She enrolled in energy medicine courses and learned how to customize treatments based on a client’s goals, age, hydration levels and whether pain is chronic or acute.

“I want other people to have the opportunity to possibly be pain free and to improve their quality of life like I did.”

— TERESA CASTELLO Owner

Roxanne’s Red Light Therapy

A BRIGHT IDEA

Teresa is a board-certified light therapist, a relatively new certification in the United States.

“This certification means I’ve been given the knowledge and training to apply light in a manner that clinical studies have shown positive results,” she said. “There’s more to it than just going and laying on a bed.”

The clinic uses medical-grade Class II equipment that allows for precise adjustments: wavelengths can be changed to control depth of penetration, brilliance can be adjusted for intensity, sessions can be timed carefully and light can be pulsed anywhere from 10 to 100 times per second. They’re also adding

A lipo laser body shaping device, one of several light-based treatment options available at

medical-grade soft pads that can be applied directly to the body for highly targeted treatments.

Different wavelengths penetrate to different depths. Blue light penetrates about two-tenths of an inch beneath the skin. Red light can reach approximately four-tenths of an inch, while near-infrared light can penetrate nearly four inches into the body — deep enough to affect muscles, joints and bone.

Teresa stays current by reading scientific and medical publications, participating in professional groups and continuing her education.

A SPECTRUM OF SERVICES

The clinic offers full-body red light therapy beds as well as multiple other modalities. It also features an infrared sauna with a full spectrum of red light wavelengths for detoxification, circulation and relaxation. A spa capsule combines light therapy with electromagnetic muscle stimulation

(EMS), an option often used for clients rebuilding muscle after an injury.

Another offering is the infrared pod, which integrates infrared heat with chromatic therapy, negative-ioncharged oxygen, cell resonance therapy, vibration and a terahertz mattress made of jade and trace minerals.

Blue and yellow light therapies are offered for clients dealing with acne, eczema and psoriasis. Common treatment goals among clients include pain and inflammation reduction, post-injury or post-operative recovery, PTSD, seasonal depression, cognitive support and skin rejuvenation.

New clients begin with a consultation focused on understanding their goals and history. Teresa asks about injuries, previous treatments and whether the issue is chronic or acute.

Based on those answers, she recommends a treatment plan and helps clients schedule sessions. Hydration levels, age and even how much a person sweats are factored into

dosage decisions. Because water acts as a conductor for light, sweat can influence how the body responds to treatment.

Some equipment can be operated independently by the client after guidance, while spot treatments involve closer, hands-on adjustments from an attendant.

The clinic is planning to add pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF) combined with infrared light, EMS body sculpting with radiofrequency skin tightening, and soft red light therapy mats designed for conditions like neuropathy and back pain. The clinic is also reconfiguring stations to accommodate friends, small groups and private wellness events.

Teresa shares her own story with potential clients, noting that many clients are referred by doctors. Light therapy is cumulative, she said, and consistency matters. Benefits can include more energy, improved mood, mental clarity and sometimes even weight loss.

Putting Your Best Foot Forward

GATELEY PODIATRY

Knee pain. Hip problems. Even headaches. The root cause might be in a place most people overlook: their feet.

“When your foundation is off, everything is off,” said Dr. Timothy B. Gateley, who opened Gateley Podiatry in Topeka. “Knee, hip, back problems, even neck issues and headaches can be tied back to foot mechanics.”

Dr. Gateley grew up in Oklahoma and received his undergraduate degree from the University of Oklahoma before attending Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in Chicago. He completed his surgical residency at

the Leavenworth VA Medical Center and with podiatrists in the Kansas City area. He is board certified in foot surgery by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and a fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. After practicing in Kansas City for a couple of years, he joined a Topeka practice and moved his family here in 2008.

He opened Gateley Podiatry in 2017, where he takes a holistic approach to podiatric medicine. That means he doesn’t simply treat symptoms, he looks for biomechanical issues that ripple throughout the body. The goal is pain relief and keeping patients active.

“I enjoy podiatry because it allows me to see patients from birth through the end of life,” he said. “In the span of a normal day, I can see dermatological issues, orthopedic issues, sports injuries, genetic deformities, overuse injuries, ulcers and issues that require surgical intervention. I like the variety that comes with that.”

For Dr. Gateley, the foundation of his practice is building trust.

“I want my patients and the community to trust me,” he said. “I live here, our family’s here, we’re embedded here.”

At his clinic, one of the first things he emphasizes during a consultation is understanding why a patient has come in and what they hope to achieve. Whether someone wants to walk pain free, keep up with young children or grandchildren, run marathons or confidently return to sports, those goals shape the treatment plan.

A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

The practice offers podiatric services ranging from conservative treatments to surgery. Dr. Gateley’s sports medicine approach addresses everything from ankle sprains and Achilles tendinitis to stress fractures and chronic heel pain, with an eye toward recovery and prevention.

A cornerstone of Dr. Gateley’s approach is conservative treatment whenever possible. Custom orthotics — insoles designed to support and

correct foot biomechanics — are often a first line of treatment.

Unlike over-the-counter inserts, custom orthotics are crafted based on a detailed analysis of each patient’s unique gait (manner of walking) and activity goals. They can alleviate foot pain and ease stress on knees, hips and back, unlocking a greater level of mobility.

Dr. Gateley compares designing an orthotic to solving a complex engineering puzzle, manipulating subtle aspects of how a foot interacts with the ground to improve comfort and function. This approach can improve a patient’s quality of life, especially for athletes or active adults who have struggled with chronic issues.

When surgery is the best option — such as in the case of severe deformities, persistent pain or structural problems — Dr. Gateley’s surgical care considers each patient’s lifestyle and specific needs, whether he’s handling a bunion correction, hammertoe repair, ingrown toenail procedures or flatfoot reconstruction.

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ON SOLID GROUND

Dr. Gateley says his mission comes down to helping people stay physically active and engaged in the activities they love.

“Foot health is not cosmetic,” he said. “It’s foundational to overall vitality.”

Left unaddressed, foot pain can cascade into larger mobility issues. Whether helping a runner overcome knee pain linked to foot mechanics, assisting a weekend pickleball player recovering from overuse injuries, or empowering someone to wear sandals again without embarrassment over fungal toenails, the practice emphasizes activity as a key component of health.

Laser therapies, minimal-incision procedures and innovations like microwave therapy exemplify Dr. Gateley’s commitment to using modern, less invasive technologies that minimize downtime and keep patients moving.

HAPPY FEET, HAPPY LIFE

Gateley Podiatry sponsors local schools, nonprofit auctions, sports teams and community events, reflecting Dr. Gateley’s belief that good health is intertwined with strong community relationships.

One of the clinic’s initiatives is its “Hats for Vets” program, started by Dr. Gateley’s oldest daughter. After reading an article about challenges veterans face, she spoke with her grandfather, a 30-year Army veteran and retired command sergeant major, about the increased incidence of suicide in the veteran community. He felt that part of the problem is that veterans aren’t always recognized for their sacrifices.

“They thought that if someone is easier to recognize as a veteran, a stranger is more likely to thank them for their service and show them that they are appreciated,” Dr. Gateley said.

At Gateley Podiatry, a single day may bring dermatological issues, sports injuries, genetic deformities and everything in between. As Dr. Gateley puts it: “Keeping people active contributes in so many ways to overall health.”

Together with Dr. Gateley’s brother, a graphic designer, they designed a ball cap with an American flag that says “Veteran.” Dr. Gateley’s daughter secured funding from Gateley Podiatry and her grandfather to purchase the hats and wrote a thankyou note to be tucked inside each. She also included a Culver’s gift card donated by her uncle. The hats are now handed out to veteran patients at the clinic.

KEEPING TOPEKA ON ITS TOES

Dr. Gateley attends educational meetings and uses new technologies that support better patient outcomes. Digital gait analysis, 3D scanning for orthotics and advanced laser therapies are just a few of the tools he uses to refine the diagnostic and treatment processes.

With obesity, sedentary lifestyles and chronic pain on the rise nationwide, Dr. Gateley sees a growing role for preventative foot care – helping individuals avoid problems before they worsen.

“The emphasis on preventative medicine is only going to grow,” he said. “Keeping people active contributes in so many ways to overall health.”

To those postponing treatment because of embarrassment, fear of surgery or busy lives, Dr. Gateley offers a clear message: don’t wait.

Early intervention can prevent problems from multiplying and open the door to a more active, pain-free life. Whether through conservative measures like orthotics or targeted therapies that allow continued activity, there is an abundance of options for treatment. TK

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Forge Names

Caleb Soliday as New Director Forge, the Topeka & Shawnee County young professionals’ network, hired

Caleb Soliday as its new director. Soliday, a long-time Forge member and board member, will lead efforts to connect, engage and develop young professionals while supporting talent attraction and retention. Forge is a key part of GO Topeka’s workforce and talent strategy.

Dr. Dawn Peterson

Joins Stormont Vail Health Express Care Team

Stormont Vail Health welcomed Dr. Dawn Peterson, a board-certified family physician with more than 20 years of experience in primary and urgent care, to its Express Care team. Dr. Peterson earned her medical degree from the University of Kansas School of Medicine and previously worked at HCA CareNow Urgent Care in Olathe.

Kansas Chamber Appoints Eric Stafford as President and CEO

The Kansas Chamber Board of Directors selected Eric Stafford as president and CEO. Stafford previously served as the Chamber’s vice president of government affairs and brings more than 20 years of experience in legislative and policy work for the Kansas business community. He was the board’s unanimous choice after a rigorous search.

Dr. JuliAnn Mazachek Honored as 2025 Executive of the Year

Sales and Marketing Executives of Topeka honored Dr. JuliAnn Mazachek, president of Washburn University, as 2025 Executive of the Year during a February 10 banquet at the Washburn University Bradbury Thompson Alumni Center. Under Mazachek’s leadership, Washburn welcomed its largest incoming freshman class in 160 years for fall 2024.

Washburn University Named Pitch Room Sponsor at Link Innovation Labs GO Topeka and the Greater Topeka Partnership announced Washburn University as the official Pitch Room Sponsor at Link Innovation Labs, Topeka’s newest hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. The university will also provide student internships and house its Small Business Development Center within the facility. Link Innovation Labs opened on February 9.

Jo Dee Messina to Perform at Prairie Band Casino & Resort

Chart-topping country musician

Jo Dee Messina will perform live at Prairie Band Casino & Resort on May 7. Messina has nine No. 1 hits and 16 Top 40 songs, making her the first woman in country music history to have three consecutive multi-week chart-toppers. Visit Prairie Band Casino & Resort’s website for ticket details.

Stormont Vail Health

Names New VP, IT and Chief Information Officer

Stormont Vail Health named Aaron Wootton as its new vice president, IT and chief information officer for the regional health care system, as of February 2026. Wootton has more than 20 years of health care IT experience and recently served as chief digital officer for Huntzinger Management Group. He previously held CIO roles at Concord Hospital Health System and Henry Ford Health.

Our founder and president, Greg Schwerdt, was featured in this year’s Ingram’s 50 Kansans you should know. Greg is truly the heart of SDG and we could not be more proud of this accomplishment.

“My labor and delivery experience at the Birthplace at Stormont Vail Hospital was truly unforgettable and a memory I will forever look back on with gratitude and pride.” – Larissa B., Rossville, KS

Birth Your Way — With a Team That Listens

At Stormont Vail Health Birthplace, you’re at the center of your birthing experience. As the only TeamBirth recognized hospital in Kansas and Missouri, we deliver safe, respectful care with clear communication, shared decisions, and support for your choices, including vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC).

Relax knowing our Birthplace caregivers hold Advanced Certification in Perinatal Care and are dedicated to your comfort, confidence, and connection with your baby. And if specialized care the region’s only Level III NICU is right here when it matters most.

Nationally & Regionally Recognized for Excellence

Because you and your baby deserve the .