Celebrating the Business of the Year 2018
| 2018 Q1 | story by Bob Luder | photos by Patrick Connor
The featured speaker earned his keep before he ever spoke a word. When a laptop computer starts acting up, it’s always good to have a former Google executive in the house.
Lawrence Business Magazine and Cadre Lawrence Foundation Awards, with presenting sponsor INTRUST Bank, celebrated five years and nearly 500 jobs created, and went off without a hitch Feb. 21 at the Six Mile Chop House, in Lawrence, Kansas. That is, at least, after special guest speaker Brian McClendon, University of Kansas research professor and former Google vice president of engineering, solved the computer glitch for the slide portion of the ceremony.
This year, 10 local businesses were honored with Foundation Awards, honoring locally owned or franchised businesses that have been open at least three years and shown at least 20 percent growth in jobs within the year.
“I spent a lot of time investing in start-up companies in and around Kansas,” said McClendon, who also is running for Kansas Secretary of State this year. “To see companies go from the ideas phase to the point of growth and success is fascinating.”
McClendon’s speech centered around his journey to and around Silicon Valley, from his first management position with a graphics company to creating a mapping app that eventually led to 10 years of leading a team that founded Google Maps. During that time, the team grew from 13 full-time employees to 2,000.
Lawrence, he said, was the original testing ground for Google Earth and Google Maps, and the original center point for Google Maps was the apartment complex in town where he grew up.
The master of ceremonies for the evening once again was legendary hall-of-fame sports broadcaster Bob Davis, who brought his patented smooth delivery and razor-sharp wit to the proceedings. One by one, he brought to the podium at the front of the room representatives of the honored companies, led by Alpha Roofing and Good Energy Solutions Inc., both of which were honored with Foundation Awards for the third consecutive year.
“Business is good; the community has been very supportive,” said Darin Lutz, owner of Alpha Roofing. “For us, it’s all just about being accountable, being the best we can be. We couldn’t do it without our employees. They’re the reason we are who we are. I’m very proud of them.”
Kevin Good, owner/president of Good Energy Solutions Inc., said his company has been riding the wave of what is a growing industry, especially in the Lawrence area.
“We take care of our customers, and it seems to be working,” he explained. “Lawrence is a growing town, and it’s probably the most progressive town city in the state.
“We were one of the first companies to get in (the industry in Kansas). Growth has been slow and steady,” Good said.
Other honorees included Build SMART, Edmonds Duncan Registered Investment Advisors, Kennedy Glass Inc., KW Integrity, Paul Werner Architects, Pine Landscape Center, Pioneer Ridge Retirement Community and Prairie Land Insurance.
Kennedy Glass received a second honor by receiving the Footprint Impact Award, which honors a Lawrence business committed to impacting the community and creating a local footprint of mutually beneficial relationships which strengthens the community.
Kennedy Glass has been doing business in Lawrence for 68 years.
“That was a very big surprise,” said an emotional Martin Kennedy, co-owner. “We’ve always believed strongly in community involvement and forging strong business relationships. I hope we can hire more employees and keep on going.”
That was the overriding theme of the entire event and evening.
“The role of small business in our local economy cannot be overstated,” said Doug Gaumer, managing director Northeast Kansas Market for INTRUST Bank. “The birth and growth of new businesses is absolutely essential to the long-term economic health of our community. When a business is able to grow, it is a reflection of its capabilities in serving customers in a profitable manner-signaling that they can employ additional people to continue its customer serving/acquisition strategy.
“INTRUST Bank is proud to be a small part of this event,” he said.
Foundation award honorees bios
ALPHA ROOFING – A Three-Time Winner
Alpha Roofing specializes in residential and commercial roofing. Since opening for business in 2005, Alpha Roofing has maintained steady growth and excellent standing with its customers and suppliers. In 13 years of business, it has serviced thousands of customers in northeast Kansas, which include homeowners, insurance companies, city municipalities, contractors, historic societies, apartment and management companies, and real estate professionals. Alpha Roofing looks forward to many more years serving the Lawrence community and surrounding areas.
Last year, the company grew from seven employees to 12.
BUILD SMART
Build SMART manufactures a panelized wall system that saves time and money to build energy-efficient structures. With a focus on maximizing air tightness and energy efficiency in the building envelope and simplifying the design process of high-performance construction, Build SMART has helped numerous projects exceed energy goals. Build SMART panels have been used on multiple building types, from small residential projects to large multifamily projects, such as a 52,000-plus-square-foot apartment complex recently completed in Pennsylvania. Build SMART is a partnership between PROSOCO and Adam Cohen, designed to make durable efficient construction simple, affordable and accessible for any builder, architect or owner.
Last year, the company grew from eight employees to 11.
EDMONDS DUNCAN REGISTERED INVESTMENT ADVISORS
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. The Edmonds Duncan team specializes in portfolio management for individuals, families, businesses, foundations and endowments, retirement plan design and implementation, business and personal succession strategy, insurance planning and charitable giving.
Last year, the company grew from three employees to five.
GOOD ENERGY SOLUTIONS INC. – A Three-Time Winner
Good Energy Solutions Inc. is a full-service energy partner that is able to provide comprehensive consulting and services in electrical, renewable energy, energy efficiency and energy management in the central-U.S. region. Founded in 2007, Good Energy Solutions has earned a reputation of reliable service, expertise and quality through commercial and residential installations of solar and energy-efficiency equipment. Good Energy Solutions Inc. is “Energy with Integrity” and a SunPower Authorized Dealer.
Last year, the company grew from 20 employees to 25.
KENNEDY GLASS INC. – Footprint Impact Award 2018
Kennedy Glass Inc. is a family-owned and operated business, and has been in operation since 1950. The company specializes in residential, commercial and auto glass services, offering a wide array of services, from window glass replacement to new custom shower door installations. Kennedy Glass also completes large commercial projects. It has an employee base of 24 employees, many of whom have long tenure with the company. Kennedy Glass is proud to be a player in the Lawrence economy and is pleased to be a part of the thriving Lawrence community, while providing jobs and services for the city that helped the company grow.
Last year, the company grew from 20 employees to 24.
KW INTEGRITY
KW Integrity is a locally owned and operated franchise of Keller Williams Realty International. Started in Lawrence in 2011 with just 12 agents, KW Integrity has grown to 86 agents and counting. KW Integrity focuses on building a career worth having, businesses worth owning and a life worth living for its 86 agents, all while providing top-notch service to its clients. KW Integrity continually strives to be the real estate company of choice in Lawrence and the surrounding areas.
Last year, the company grew from 51 employees to 86.
PAUL WERNER ARCHITECTS
Paul Werner Architects (PWA) is a full-service architecture firm in Lawrence. It offers personalized architectural services for a wide range of residential and commercial projects locally and regionally. Its services include architecture, urban planning and design, site planning and development, zoning, building code analysis and historic design. PWA prides itself on providing the skills necessary to support its clients and their projects from concept through the development stages with the city and community through the permitting process to completion of a built project.
Last year, the company grew from seven employees to nine.
PINE LANDSCAPE CENTER
Pine Landscaping Center is a full-service landscape supply center with a focus on hardscape, landscape and outdoor living products. Rock, sod, soil and mulch are the foundational elements of the Pine Landscape supply yard. It offers quality products at competitive prices with superior customer service. Experience, quality and knowledge make Pine Landscape Center a destination for all your landscape needs.
Last year, the company grew from three employees to four.
PIONEER RIDGE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY
Pioneer Ridge retirement community offers the best in senior services, including assisted living, health care and rehab in a premier independent living community. Pioneer Ridge Assisted Living offers activities at its location for residents that generally allow them to maintain healthy lifestyles by encouraging movement and socializing with peers. Pioneer Ridge is a part of Midwest Health, which is a family-owned business dedicated to delivering the finest in senior services.
Last year, the company grew from 130 employees to 164.
PRAIRIE LAND INSURANCE
Prairie Land Insurance is an independent insurance agency offering personal and commercial lines of insurance in 10 states. It specializes in home, auto, life, crop, farm, commercial lines, business, workers comp, personal umbrella, motorcycle, RV, aircraft, watercraft, bonds and annuities. Prairie Land Insurance is licensed in 10 states and has Kansas locations in Lawrence, Manhattan, Winona, Selden and Derby.
Last year, the company grew from four employees to seven.
92 Comments
With havin so much content and articles do you ever run into any problems of plagorism or copyright infringement? My site has a lot of exclusive content I’ve either authored myself or outsourced but it appears a lot of it is popping it up all over the internet without my agreement. Do you know any solutions to help stop content from being stolen? I’d certainly appreciate it.
I have acquired some new elements from your website about desktops. Another thing I have always considered is that computers have become an item that each home must have for some reasons. They provide convenient ways to organize households, pay bills, go shopping, study, pay attention to music and in many cases watch shows. An innovative way to complete all of these tasks is with a notebook. These pcs are mobile ones, small, effective and mobile.
It is the best time to make a few plans for the long run and it’s time to be happy.
I’ve learn this submit and if I may just I wish to suggest you few fascinating things or suggestions.
Maybe you could write subsequent articles regarding this article.
I desire to learn more things approximately it!
Hello my friend! I want to say that this article is amazing, nice written and include almost all vital infos. I would like to see more posts like this.
you’re really a good webmaster. The web site loading speed is incredible. It seems that you’re doing any unique trick. In addition, The contents are masterwork. you’ve done a excellent job on this topic!
A great post without any doubt.
I’ve read some good stuff here. Definitely value bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how a lot attempt you set to make one of these fantastic informative site.
We are offering Concrete Parking Lot Contractor, Concrete Installation Contractor Service, warehouse flooring, commercial, and industrial concrete roadways.
Thanks , I’ve recently been looking for info approximately this subject for a while and yours is the best I have found out till now. However, what in regards to the conclusion? Are you positive concerning the source?
https://anzforum.com/home.php?mod=space&uid=1589393
I?ve recently started a website, the information you provide on this web site has helped me tremendously. Thank you for all of your time & work.
I have figured out some considerations through your blog post post. One other thing I would like to talk about is that there are lots of games available and which are designed specially for toddler age young children. They incorporate pattern identification, colors, pets, and designs. These commonly focus on familiarization as opposed to memorization. This helps to keep little kids occupied without experiencing like they are studying. Thanks
Interesting blog post. Some tips i would like to bring about is that computer memory has to be purchased in case your computer can no longer cope with what you do by using it. One can deploy two random access memory boards having 1GB each, for example, but not one of 1GB and one with 2GB. One should look for the company’s documentation for one’s PC to make sure what type of storage it can take.
Great blog here! Also your website loads up very fast! What host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to your host? I wish my website loaded up as quickly as yours lol
https://www.aupeopleweb.com.au/au/home.php?mod=space&uid=849083
My brother recommended I may like this web site. He used to be entirely right. This put up truly made my day. You cann’t believe simply how a lot time I had spent for this information! Thank you!
I do believe all the concepts you have offered for your post. They are very convincing and will certainly work. Still, the posts are too brief for starters. Could you please extend them a little from next time? Thanks for the post.
http://www.hebian.cn/home.php?mod=space&uid=2797275
Nice post. I was checking constantly this weblog and I am inspired! Very helpful info particularly the closing part 🙂 I care for such information a lot. I was looking for this particular information for a very long time. Thank you and good luck.
Nice i really enjoyed reading your blogs. Keep on posting. Thanks
Wow that was unusual. I just wrote an incredibly long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t appear. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyways, just wanted to say superb blog!
It?s really a cool and useful piece of info. I?m glad that you shared this helpful info with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.
We are a group of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community. Your web site provided us with valuable info to work on. You’ve done an impressive job and our whole community will be grateful to you.
Wonderful work! This is the type of information that should be shared around the net. Shame on Google for not positioning this post higher! Come on over and visit my web site . Thanks =)
It’s an awesome post in support of all the internet people;
they will get advantage from it I am sure.
you are actually a just right webmaster. The site loading speed is incredible. It seems that you are doing any unique trick. Also, The contents are masterpiece. you have performed a fantastic job in this subject!
Thanks for the concepts you reveal through this web site. In addition, a lot of young women exactly who become pregnant will not even seek to get health insurance because they fear they won’t qualify. Although a lot of states at this moment require that insurers supply coverage in spite of the pre-existing conditions. Fees on all these guaranteed plans are usually larger, but when considering the high cost of medical care it may be a new safer route to take to protect your own financial future.
Great post made here. One thing I would really like to say is that often most professional domains consider the Bachelors Degree as the entry level standard for an online college degree. Although Associate College diplomas are a great way to start, completing ones Bachelors presents you with many entrances to various occupations, there are numerous internet Bachelor Course Programs available via institutions like The University of Phoenix, Intercontinental University Online and Kaplan. Another concern is that many brick and mortar institutions present Online editions of their college diplomas but generally for a greatly higher charge than the firms that specialize in online education plans.
Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful post with us.
I have seen many useful items on your internet site about pc’s. However, I have the opinion that lap tops are still less than powerful enough to be a sensible choice if you frequently do projects that require plenty of power, including video editing. But for world-wide-web surfing, microsoft word processing, and quite a few other common computer functions they are just great, provided you never mind your little friend screen size. Appreciate sharing your ideas.
Hello I am so happy I found your blog page, I really found you by mistake, while I was browsing on Yahoo for something else, Nonetheless I am here now and would just like to say many thanks for a marvelous post and a all round exciting blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to go through it all at the moment but I have saved it and also included your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read much more, Please do keep up the superb job.
I?ve recently started a web site, the information you provide on this website has helped me tremendously. Thank you for all of your time & work.
I got good info from your blog
A great post without any doubt.
Thanks for the guidelines you have contributed here. Another thing I would like to mention is that laptop or computer memory demands generally rise along with other advances in the technologies. For instance, if new generations of cpus are introduced to the market, there is certainly usually a corresponding increase in the type preferences of all personal computer memory and hard drive space. This is because the software operated by means of these processor chips will inevitably boost in power to take advantage of the new technological innovation.
Hey! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that would be okay. I’m absolutely enjoying your blog and look forward to new updates.
Attractive part of content. I simply stumbled upon your web site and in accession capital to assert that I acquire in fact enjoyed account your blog posts. Anyway I’ll be subscribing for your augment and even I success you get admission to constantly rapidly.
I’m impressed, I need to say. Really rarely do I encounter a weblog that’s both educative and entertaining, and let me tell you, you have got hit the nail on the head. Your idea is outstanding; the issue is something that not enough persons are speaking intelligently about. I’m very happy that I stumbled across this in my search for one thing relating to this.
Thanks for another informative website. Where else may just I get that kind
of info written in such a perfect method? I have a challenge that I’m simply
now operating on, and I’ve been on the look out for such
information.
Thanks for your article. Another issue is that just being a photographer entails not only problems in taking award-winning photographs but hardships in acquiring the best photographic camera suited to your requirements and most especially hardships in maintaining the caliber of your camera. This is certainly very genuine and evident for those photography fans that are into capturing the nature’s exciting scenes – the mountains, the particular forests, the wild or perhaps the seas. Going to these exciting places undoubtedly requires a video camera that can surpass the wild’s nasty surroundings.
Thanks for another informative site. Where else could I get that type of info written in such a perfect way? I’ve a project that I am just now working on, and I’ve been on the look out for such information.
This is very interesting, You are a very skilled blogger.
I’ve joined your rss feed and look forward to seeking more of your wonderful post.
Also, I have shared your website in my social networks!
Thank you for the sensible critique. Me and my neighbor were just preparing to do a little research on this. We got a grab a book from our area library but I think I learned more from this post. I’m very glad to see such great info being shared freely out there.
Unquestionably believe that which you stated. Your favorite justification appeared to be on the net the simplest thing to be aware of. I say to you, I definitely get irked while people consider worries that they plainly do not know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top and also defined out the whole thing without having side effect , people can take a signal. Will likely be back to get more. Thanks
What Is Puravive? Puravive is a weight loss supplement that works to treat obesity by speeding up metabolism and fat-burning naturally.
My programmer is trying to persuade me to move to .net from PHP. I have always disliked the idea because of the expenses. But he’s tryiong none the less. I’ve been using Movable-type on numerous websites for about a year and am worried about switching to another platform. I have heard fantastic things about blogengine.net. Is there a way I can transfer all my wordpress content into it? Any kind of help would be really appreciated!
There are some fascinating deadlines on this article however I don?t know if I see all of them middle to heart. There is some validity however I will take hold opinion until I look into it further. Good article , thanks and we want more! Added to FeedBurner as properly
Hi there, i read your blog from time to time and i own a similar one and i was just wondering if you get a lot of spam responses? If so how do you stop it, any plugin or anything you can suggest? I get so much lately it’s driving me crazy so any help is very much appreciated.
Hi there very cool site!! Man .. Excellent .. Superb .. I’ll bookmark your blog and take the feeds additionally?I’m happy to search out so many helpful information right here in the put up, we need develop more techniques on this regard, thanks for sharing. . . . . .
Wow, marvelous blog layout! How long have you been running a blog for?
you make running a blog look easy. The total glance of
your site is magnificent, let alone the content material!
Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful post with us.
Thanks for the helpful post. It is also my opinion that mesothelioma has an particularly long latency time period, which means that indication of the disease may not emerge until finally 30 to 50 years after the original exposure to mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma, that is the most common type and impacts the area within the lungs, might cause shortness of breath, chest muscles pains, and also a persistent cough, which may bring about coughing up maintain.
certainly like your web site however you need to test the spelling on several of your posts. Many of them are rife with spelling issues and I to find it very bothersome to inform the truth on the other hand I will certainly come back again.
Spot on with this write-up, I honestly think this web site needs a lot more attention. I’ll
probably be returning to see more, thanks for the info!
Today, considering the fast lifestyle that everyone leads, credit cards have a big demand throughout the market. Persons from every discipline are using the credit card and people who aren’t using the credit cards have made arrangements to apply for just one. Thanks for giving your ideas on credit cards.
Thanks for the tips about credit repair on all of this blog. The thing I would offer as advice to people is usually to give up the mentality that they can buy at this moment and shell out later. Like a society most people tend to do this for many factors. This includes family vacations, furniture, as well as items we would like. However, you’ll want to separate your current wants from the needs. If you are working to raise your credit ranking score you really have to make some trade-offs. For example you’ll be able to shop online to economize or you can turn to second hand shops instead of high priced department stores intended for clothing.
I am curious to find out what blog system you happen to be using? I’m experiencing some minor security problems with my latest website and I’d like to find something more secure. Do you have any recommendations?
Hey! I just would like to give an enormous thumbs up for the good info you may have right here on this post. I shall be coming back to your blog for extra soon.
Can I just say what a relief to find somebody who really is aware of what theyre talking about on the internet. You definitely know how you can bring a difficulty to light and make it important. Extra people must read this and perceive this side of the story. I cant believe youre not more fashionable because you undoubtedly have the gift.
Hello there, I found your blog via Google while searching for a related topic, your site came up, it looks great. I have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.
I don’t unremarkably comment but I gotta tell regards for the post on this perfect one : D.
I just added this website to my rss reader, great stuff. Cannot get enough!
Wow that was odd. I just wrote an incredibly long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t show up. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyways, just wanted to say wonderful blog!
Thanks for the helpful article. It is also my opinion that mesothelioma cancer has an very long latency interval, which means that symptoms of the disease may not emerge till 30 to 50 years after the original exposure to asbestos. Pleural mesothelioma, that is the most common variety and has an effect on the area round the lungs, may cause shortness of breath, chest muscles pains, including a persistent cough, which may bring about coughing up our blood.
Thanks for the guidelines shared on the blog. Something else I would like to mention is that losing weight is not all about going on a dietary fad and trying to get rid of as much weight as you can in a couple of weeks. The most effective way in losing weight is by getting it slowly but surely and using some basic points which can help you to make the most out of your attempt to slim down. You may be aware and be following these tips, yet reinforcing expertise never does any damage.
I?m not sure the place you are getting your info, however great topic. I must spend some time finding out much more or understanding more. Thank you for great info I used to be searching for this info for my mission.
Hiya, I’m really glad I’ve found this info. Nowadays bloggers publish only about gossips and internet and this is actually annoying. A good web site with exciting content, that’s what I need. Thanks for keeping this web site, I will be visiting it. Do you do newsletters? Can’t find it.
Hi there, i read your blog occasionally and i own a similar one and i was just wondering if you get a lot of spam responses? If so how do you reduce it, any plugin or anything you can advise? I get so much lately it’s driving me crazy so any assistance is very much appreciated.
You are my aspiration, I possess few blogs and infrequently run out from to brand.
Hi just wanted to give you a brief heads up and let you know a few of the pictures aren’t loading properly. I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue. I’ve tried it in two different browsers and both show the same outcome.
What Is Exactly ZenCortex? ZenCortex is an optimal hearing function support
I have observed that online degree is getting popular because accomplishing your degree online has turned into a popular alternative for many people. A large number of people have not really had a possible opportunity to attend an established college or university yet seek the raised earning possibilities and career advancement that a Bachelor Degree offers. Still other folks might have a qualification in one discipline but would choose to pursue one thing they now have an interest in.
The information shared is of top quality which has to get appreciated at all levels. Well done…
I consider something truly interesting about your site so I saved to bookmarks.
You are a very intelligent individual!
Would love to perpetually get updated outstanding web blog! .
Thanks for another informative website. The place else could I get that kind of info written in such an ideal means? I have a project that I am just now running on, and I’ve been on the look out for such info.
Can I just say what a relief to search out someone who truly is aware of what theyre talking about on the internet. You definitely know tips on how to bring a difficulty to gentle and make it important. More people have to learn this and perceive this facet of the story. I cant imagine youre no more standard because you undoubtedly have the gift.
Your place is valueble for me. Thanks!…
There is apparently a bundle to identify about this. I consider you made various good points in features also.
Have you ever thought about including a little bit more than just your articles? I mean, what you say is important and all. But think about if you added some great visuals or videos to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with images and video clips, this website could definitely be one of the greatest in its field. Great blog!
Thanks for the strategies you have provided here. On top of that, I believe there are many factors that keep your insurance premium down. One is, to consider buying vehicles that are within the good set of car insurance corporations. Cars which might be expensive tend to be more at risk of being stolen. Aside from that insurance coverage is also in line with the value of your automobile, so the higher priced it is, then higher your premium you make payment for.
I’d perpetually want to be update on new posts on this internet site, saved to favorites! .
I love how you explained [topic] in such a clear and understandable way
Thanks for your publication. What I want to say is that when evaluating a good on-line electronics shop, look for a web site with entire information on critical factors such as the privacy statement, protection details, payment guidelines, along with other terms plus policies. Usually take time to investigate the help plus FAQ pieces to get a greater idea of the way the shop performs, what they can perform for you, and ways in which you can make the most of the features.
Very interesting info !Perfect just what I was searching for! “Being rich is having money being wealthy is having time.” by Margaret Bonnano.
Hello, I think your site might be having browser compatibility issues. When I look at your blog site in Chrome, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, wonderful blog!
I never thought about [topic] in that way before. Thanks for sharing your perspective
Hello! I just wish to give a huge thumbs up for the great info you will have right here on this post. I will be coming again to your blog for extra soon.
excellent publish, very informative. I ponder why the opposite experts of this sector don’t notice this. You should continue your writing. I’m sure, you’ve a huge readers’ base already!
https://xn--3e0b091c1wga.com/bbs/board.php?bo_table=info
Valuable information. Lucky me I found your site by accident, and I’m shocked why this accident didn’t happened earlier! I bookmarked it.