Seventh Annual Foundation Awards 2020

Seventh Annual Celebration – 2020
Sixth Annual Celebration – 2019
Fifth Annual Celebration – 2018
Fourth Annual Celebration – 2017
Third Annual Celebration – 2016
Second Annual Celebration – 2015
First Annual Foundation Awards – 2014 

| 2020 Q1 | story by Bob Luder | photos by Jeff Burkhead

This article covers who was honored at the last Awards we had in 2020 – The seventh annual event spotlighted local companies that continue to create jobs and promote growth within the Lawrence community.
THE SEVENTH ANNUAL CELEBRATION – SHOWCASING 17 LOCAL BUSINESSES – CREATING JOBS IN THE LAWRENCE COMMUNITY

Seventeen athletics teams were honored during a ceremony the evening of Feb. 26 inside The Oread Hotel.

That may not be exactly accurate. It could be what’s known in today’s political parlance as “alternative facts.” But, Tim Schlosser explains, there’s not a lot of difference between being a highly competitive collegiate or professional athlete and being a business entrepreneur.

“Coaches and athletes have a great deal in common with business entrepreneurs,” says Schlosser, former associate athletic director for student-athlete leadership and development at Kansas University and a certified life coach. “Both must be competitive. They must be motivated, self-directed. They must create value in constructing teams. And, they must be willing to take risks.

“You have to be able to create results,” he continues. “And, that starts with great beliefs.”

Schlosser was making this point as special guest speaker in front of a couple hundred members of the Lawrence business community that congregated for the Seventh Annual Foundation Awards, hosted by Lawrence Business Magazineand CadreLawrence, along with presenting sponsor INTRUST Bank. This year’s awards celebrated 17 companies and the creation of 153 total jobs during the course of 2019. Foundation Award winners are companies that have been open at least three years and have shown 20-percent growth in jobs, or have added 20 total positions within the last year.

Over the seven-year history of the Foundation Awards, 71 companies have created a total of 720 jobs.

At least as far as Schlosser’s concerned, those accomplishments deserve to be celebrated just as much as a sports team winning a conference or national championship.

“I think we do a great disservice to our young people by telling them that college is going to be the best time of their lives,” Schlosser says. “College isn’t the best time of your life … tonight is.”

Schlosser shared with the audience his tried-and-tested strategies for thriving in the arena, whether it be on the playing field or in the boardroom. He shared what he called his “Be Theory.”

• • Be curious. Thinking matters. Be a scholar of the game, have increased awareness and know the difference between a fact and a story you tell yourself is a fact. Most important, know why you’re doing what you’re doing.
• • Be present. On average, Generation Z is on five different devices and spends 7½ hours a day in front of a screen. That leads to attention fragmentation. Practice mindfulness. And, allow and embrace all emotions. “Life is going to be 50-50,” Schlosser explains. “You won’t know what sad feels like unless you’re happy. Great athletes aren’t afraid to feel the negative stuff, so they never play scared.”
• • Be brave. Everything is temporary, so embrace vulnerability. You must be vulnerable and brave enough to try new things and take chances, whether in business or athletics. Know that no matter what you face, you’re going to get back up. And, in business as in sports, it’s OK to put yourself in uncomfortable situations. “You’re going to really be alive if you set goals that make you a little sick or uneasy,” Schlosser says. “The only question remaining is, where do you go next?”

After missing last year, hall-of-fame broadcaster and former voice of the Jayhawks Bob Davis returned as master of ceremonies for the 2020 Foundation Awards. Following Schlosser’s presentation, Davis called to the podium at the front of the room representatives for each of the honored companies.

Good Energy Solutions Inc., which provides comprehensive consulting and services in electrical, renewable energy and energy management in the central U.S., was the big winner of the evening. Not only did it receive a special gift basket as a four-time Foundation Award winner (one of the two companies—the other being Alpha Roofing—to be a four-time winner), it also took home the Footprint Impact Award for its commitment to impacting the community and creating a local footprint of mutually beneficial relationships that strengthen the community.

“That was a complete surprise,” says Kevin Good, president of Good Energy Solutions. “We’re constantly trying to give back to the community as we go. So much of the credit goes to my wife, Shana. She’s the driving force behind the marketing, coming up with positive ideas for the community, like giving away a solar system every year to a nonprofit.”

“We’re helping customers, that’s the most important thing,” Good says. “But, we’re also doing something positive to change the world with renewable energy.”

Darin Lutz, owner of Alpha Roofing, says four Foundation Awards is a testament to his employees and shows the company is moving in just the right direction, as Schlosser puts it, excelling in its chosen arena.

“Slow growth is important to us,” Lutz explains. “We want growth with deep roots. We want people who are in it for the long haul. Growth can be scary, but we don’t shy away from it. The last five years, most of the growth has been on the commercial side. It’s more demanding. But, there’s going to be quite a bit of growth in that in 2020 and 2021.”

While the weather is a common factor for any roofing company, Lutz says, “The No. 1 reason we’re busy year-round is our quality. People know we’re good at what we do.”

The Foundation Awards was a highlight of another successful year for its founding host, Lawrence Business Magazine, which just completed its ninth year of covering business in the Lawrence area.

“The overarching mission of Lawrence Business Magazineis to cover people and businesses making a positive impact on the Lawrence community,” says Ann Frame Herzog, editor-in-chief. “We celebrate these impacts with the Foundation Awards, but especially with the Footprint Impact Award, which celebrates giving back to the local community and working in support of fellow local businesses.”

“We are also excited this year to announced the establishment of the Footprint Impact Scholarships,” Frame Hertzog says. “Starting with the class of 2020, the Footprint Impact Scholarship will be awarded to two high school seniors, one from Lawrence High School and one from Free State High School, who have gone beyond just checking the box for their community service hours, but by seriously focusing on creating a positive local impact in Lawrence. These students will have shown dedication and gone above and beyond to make an impact with a local charity, project or event – and creating their own Footprint Impact.”

The Lawrence Schools Foundation will help to identify and award the Scholarships.

“On behalf of the Lawrence Board of Education, its 2,000 teachers and staff, and the 12,000 students educated each day in the Lawrence Public Schools,” Superintendent Dr. Anthony Lewis noted, “I would like to thank the Lawrence Business Magazine and CadreLawrence for the Footprint Impact Scholarships. These scholarships will help our high school seniors pursue their post-secondary education and career dreams, and continue to thrive as contributing members of the community.”

FOOTPRINT IMPACT AWARD – Four Time Honoree, Good Energy Solutions

It is important that we think about how a business does or what a business does, it’s just as important, perhaps even more so, how a business does business. How a business is committed to impacting our community and creating a local footprint of mutually beneficial relationships is something that strengthens an entire community.

The Footprint Impact Award recognizes a company that has made a significant community impact by making a conscious business decision to work and interact locally. A company that not only focuses on the growth and success of its business, but on giving back to the community.

Good Energy Solutions is a full-service energy partner that is able to provide comprehensive consulting and services in electrical, renewable energy and energy management in the central U.S., including Missouri and Kansas. The experienced team at Good Energy Solutions provides custom solutions in renewable energy, including solar photovoltaic, batteries that store energy and backup generators for residential and commercial properties. The company is dedicated to customer satisfaction through quality design and installations and backs its promises with long warranties. Good Energy Solutions is “energy with integrity” and a SunPower Elite and Commercial dealer as well as a certified Tesla installer.

Good Energy Solutions added 8 employees last year, and has added 26 jobs over the Four times they have been Honored at the Foundation Awards, increasing to a total of 33 employees.

Not only is Good Energy Solutions a full-service energy partner that provides comprehensive consulting and services in electric and renewable energy, energy efficiency and energy management but, led by company owner and president Kevin Good, Good Energy also has been active in forming partnerships that positively affect the entire Lawrence community.

A prime example is the Good Energy Solutions Solar Giveaway Program. In 2017, the program donated a solar energy system to Van Go and Sunrise Project will receive one in 2020. It’s an effort to help non-profit organizations lower their utility costs to enable them to use their resources to help others. It’s the gift that keeps on giving as a protection against rising utility rates.

The company also has sponsored other local non-profits and schools, such as Tenants to Homeowners, Cordley Elementary, Lawrence High athletics teams and music groups and Bishop Seabury, among others.

Good Energy Solutions also has a goal to educate about renewable energy specifically solar and the solar industry and its contributions to a cleaner earth. Company representatives Kevin Good, Andy Rondon, Mike Schumann and Matt Bellemere have volunteered as guest speakers at Liberty Memorial Central Middle School, Southwest Middle School, Raintree Montessori School and Lawrence High. Additional team members participate in the Earth Day celebration held in South Park since 2010.

Good Energy Solutions belongs to the Clean Energy Business Council, Climate and Energy Project, Douglas County Connections and the Lawrence Chamber. It has worked collaboratively with Alpha Roofing, Hurst Construction, Ezell-Morgan Construction and Green-Factor Insulation on projects where structures need new or updated roofing or insulation before installing solar units.

Good Energy Solutions states as its mission “to provide real solutions to help people reduce their fossil fuel consumption and lower their long-term energy costs.”

Alpha Roofing – 4 Time Honoree

Alpha Roofing is a full-service professional roofing company that has been providing quality roofing and unmatched customer service to Kansans since 2004. The company’s second-to-none performance in the residential and commercial roofing industry has elevated it to be one of the most respected names in roofing. Driven by a strong devotion to customer service and will to be the best, you can rest assured that your roofing project is in good hands when you choose Alpha Roofing.

Alpha Roofing added 4 employees last year, and adding 13 jobs as a Four-Time winner, increasing to a total of 16 employees.

Apex Engineers, Inc.

Apex Engineers was founded in Kansas City in 2003 with the vision of creating a structural engineering firm that would deliver great client service. From the beginning Apex has operated under the idea that its quality of work speaks for itself. The Lawrence branch was established in 2015 and allows Apex to better service clients in this area as well as central and southern Kansas. Apex is dedicated to serving the residential and commercial construction markets for all types of clients, including architects, contractors, developers, project owners, financial institutions and others. Apex is proud of the foundation that has been established in Lawrence and looks forward to future growth within the community.

Last year, Apex Engineers added 1 employee, increasing to 4.

Body Specific

Body Specific enables clients to achieve and maintain whole-health lifestyles by incorporating massage therapy, chiropractic, acupuncture, waxing and professional skin care, and functional training into a comprehensive wellness plan. Co-founded by Lisa Lahm and Leah Henderson in 2013, with experienced Certified Massage Therapists, Licensed Chiropractor, Licensed Skin Care Expert and Certified Personal Trainer they offer customized services geared to each client’s individual health goals in a comfortable, relaxing, and caring environment.

Last year, Body Specific added 3 employees, increasing to 16.

Bracker’s Good Earth Clays

Bracker’s Good Earth Clays began in the 1980s as “Bracker Ceramics,” a partnership consisting of Anne and Bill Bracker, who made a living as salt potters in their studio at Teepee Junction. Gradually, their business of making pottery evolved into one of supplying potters with the materials they needed to create their work. In 1982, they began stocking a small amount of supplies and by ’85, they moved from the Teepee to a 5,400 square-foot warehouse a quarter mile north. In 1999, a new 15,000 square-foot warehouse was added. Bracker’s has enjoyed steady growth in the Lawrence community and today supports ceramic artists in a six-state region. In the last three years, Bracker’s has added an additional 10,000 square feet to its existing warehouse.

In 2019, Bracker’s Good Earth Clays added 3 employees, increasing to 13.

Construction Specialties, LLC

Construction Specialties is a residential remodeling company based in Lawrence. The company specializes in one-call home improvement solutions and prides itself on providing convenient and high-quality solutions to all home improvement needs. It has a broad range of experience in remodeling, new construction, ADA improvements and insurance claims. Kitchens, bathrooms, basements, additions, flooring, paint, trim, lighting, siding, windows, decks, patios, sidewalks and drainage improvements are all things Construction Specialties considers part of remodeling. These items make up the bulk of its business and the company enjoys working with new customers and new challenges each day.

Last year, Construction Specialties added 2 employees, increasing to 8.

Deciphera Pharmaceuticals

Deciphera Pharmaceuticals is developing novel drug candidates to improve the lives of cancer patients by addressing key mechanisms of tumor and drug resistance that limit the effectiveness of many cancer therapies. Its pipeline of drug candidates is designed to stop cancers from growing and spreading by inhibiting mutant forms or over expression of a family of enzymes called kinases. Enabled by the proprietary kinase switch control inhibitor platform, Deciphera has built a diverse pipeline of wholly-owned, orally administered drug candidates that includes three clinical-stage and two research-stage programs.

Last year, Deciphera Pharmaceuticals added 9 employees, increasing 41.

Dempsey’s Burger Pub

Dempsey’s Burger Pub is a local and family-owned business, a from-scratch burger and fries restaurant with an Irish pub theme. Located in downtown Lawrence, KS. they use fresh, never frozen angus beef from Creekstone Farms in Arkansas, KS as well as fresh bread delivered daily from Farm to Market Bread Co. in Kansas City. Dempsey’s Burger Pub is proud of serving its customers, the people of Lawrence, the best burger in town.

Last year, Dempsey’s Burger Pub added 8 full-time and 16 part-time employees, increasing to 53.

Design, Analysis and Research – DAR Corporation

DAR corporation is an aeronautical engineering firm in Lawrence. Engineering projects include single and multi-engine propeller and jet powered aircraft, business jets, very light jets, kit, LSA and experimental category aircraft, VTOL combat force insertion vehicles, VTOL aircraft, UAVs for civil and military applications and hybrid air/ground vehicles. DARcorporation offers services for everything from initial design to full-size prototype manufacturing and testing. Other products include design and analysis software and books.

Last year, DARcorporation added 8 employees, increasing to 21.

Edmonds Duncan Registered Investment Advisors – 2 Time Honoree

Edmonds Duncan Registered Investment Advisors is a client-focused, full-service wealth management company. It proactively plans and implements customized financial strategies designed to help clients achieve financial objectives with confidence and personal service. Edmonds Duncan offers services in financial planning, retirement planning and income management, investment management and, new in 2019, risk management. The company is proud to call downtown Lawrence home, where it serves more than 550 clients in more than 30 states.

Last year, Edmonds Duncan Registered Investment Advisors added 2 employees, increasing to 6.

Express Employment Professionals – 2 Time Honoree

Express Employment Professionals has been locally owned by Kate Blocker and Barry Kingery since 2010. With more than 28 years of combined recruiting experience in the Lawrence market, its No. 1 goal is to meet the needs of Lawrence businesses by providing them with quality associates they are looking to hire. Express Professionals specialize in contingent staffing, contract and professional recruiting. By respecting people and impacting businesses, the company will continue to support the Lawrence community with top-notch recruiting efforts for years to come.

Last year, Express Employment Professionals added 2 employees, increasing to 8.

Happy Shirt

Happy Shirt Printing Company planted roots in Lawrence in 2010 but has undergone quite a few changes since its early days. Owner Justin Shiney, along with several other employees has been there since the beginning. In 2018 Happy Shirt expanded beyond printing to include River Rat Skate Shop named as an homage of sorts to North Lawrence as well as a retail space. Proud of their community involvement, they work with organizations such as The Lawrence Public Library and Run Lawrence, and have been able to offer printing capabilities to help the growth of causes and events that they love to support.

Last year, Happy Shirt added 4 employees, increasing to 14.

Kennedy Glass, Inc. – a 2 Time Honoree, and former Footprint Impact Winner

Kennedy Glass, Inc. is a family owned and operated business and has been in operation since 1950. They specialize in residential, commercial and auto glass services and offer a wide array of services, from window glass replacement to new custom shower door installations. They also complete large commercial projects as well. It’s a one-stop shop for all glass needs and a staple of the Lawrence community for more than 50 years.

Last year, Kennedy Glass added 6 employees, increasing to 27.

M Cubed Technologies – a THREE-TIME HONOREE

M Cubed Technologies monitors, manages and maintains companies’ networks 24/7/365 so that they can rest easy knowing it will find and fix issues before they become critical. The company’s state-of-the-art technology runs diagnostics on a daily basis to ensure that networks are running as smoothly as possible, and its management system allows for easy policy implementation, tracking and creation of company-wide rules to protect systems. Maintaining your network 24/7/365 is vital to prolonging the life of your hardware. M Cubed is technology for your business made easy.

M Cubed Technologies added 3 employees last year, increasing to 8 total.

Pelvic Health Specialists

Pelvic Health Specialists prides itself on attention to the patients its serves. Dr. Cathy Dahl and her team strive to inform patients about their conditions, and work with them to develop treatment options and then assist on a plan of care that works best. The practice focuses on helping women with pelvic prolapse, incontinence and other female health issues. Pelvic Health Specialists help let women get back to life.

Last year, Pelvic Health Specialists added 3 employees, increasing to 8.

Rainbow International Restoration of Northeast Kansas a THREE-TIME HONOREE

Rainbow International Restoration of Northeast Kansas is a locally owned franchise operated by longtime Lawrence residents, Nick and Raegann Berger. Nick has more than 20 years of experience in the commercial, residential construction, remodeling and restoration business. Rainbow is a 24/7/366 (this year) emergency services company specializing in residential and commercial property damage cleanup/restoration. Services include water, fire, smoke, mold damage cleanup, trauma scene cleanup, board up and restoration – from carpet and upholstery cleaning and deodorizing to contents removal and cleaning.

Rainbow International Restoration of Northeast Kansas added 2 employees last year, increasing to 9 total.

Standard Beverage

Standard Beverage Corporation is a full-time wholesale distributor of alcoholic beverages to licensed customers in Kansas. The company is committed to the development of quality partnerships with its customers, employees and suppliers for the purpose of ensuring long-term profitability and providing security and opportunity for employees and shareholders. Embracing the philosophy of continuous improvement, the company focuses on serving the needs of both its customers and suppliers and maintaining its position as market leader, through the implementation of creative and innovative business practices.

Last year, Standard Beverage added 69 employees, including 20 in Douglas County, increasing to 396.