Foundation Awards 2018
Celebrating Businesses of the Year

Fifth Annual Foundation Awards

Celebrating the Business of the Year 2018

| 2018 Q1 | story by Bob Luder | photos by Patrick Connor
 Foundation Awards

Fifth Annual Foundation Awards – Bob Davis, Master of Ceremonies and Brian McClendon, Guest Speaker

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.

 Foundation Awards

Brian McClendon, Guest Speaker – helping out before the awards.

“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.

 Foundation Awards

LtoR: Bob Davis (Master of Ceremonies), Steven Hertzog, Ann Frame Hertzog, Brian McClendon, Zak Bolick

“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

 Foundation Awards

Alpha Roofing

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.

 Foundation Awards

Build Smart

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.

 Foundation Awards

Edmonds Duncan Registered Investment Advisors

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.

 Foundation Awards

Good Energy Solutions

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.

 Foundation Awards

Kennedy Glass – Footprint Impact Award 2018

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.

 Foundation Awards

KW Integrity

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.

 Foundation Awards

Paul Werner Architects

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.

 Foundation Awards

Pine Landscape Center

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.

 Foundation Awards

Pioneer Ridge Retirement Community

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.

 Foundation Awards

Prairie Land Insurance

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.


Photo Gallery

Share.

140 Comments

  1. Hey there I am so glad I found your webpage, I really found you by mistake, while I was browsing on Digg for something else, Nonetheless I am here now and would just like to say many thanks for a incredible post and a all round thrilling blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to look over it all at the minute but I have book-marked it and also included your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read a great deal more, Please do keep up the awesome work.|

  2. Hi there! This is kind of off topic but I need some help from an established blog. Is it tough to set up your own blog? I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty fast. I’m thinking about creating my own but I’m not sure where to begin. Do you have any ideas or suggestions? Appreciate it

  3. Unquestionably imagine that that you stated. Your favorite reason seemed to be on the web the easiest thing to consider of. I say to you, I certainly get annoyed at the same time as folks consider concerns that they just don’t understand about. You controlled to hit the nail upon the highest and defined out the entire thing with no need side-effects , other people could take a signal. Will probably be again to get more. Thank you|

  4. Howdy! This is kind of off topic but I need some help from an established blog. Is it very difficult to set up your own blog? I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty fast. I’m thinking about making my own but I’m not sure where to begin. Do you have any ideas or suggestions? Many thanks|

  5. We’re a group of volunteers and opening a brand new scheme in our community. Your web site offered us with helpful info to work on. You have done a formidable job and our entire community can be grateful to you.|

  6. Thanks for the article. I have continually seen that most people are eager to lose weight when they wish to look slim plus attractive. Even so, they do not often realize that there are more benefits for losing weight additionally. Doctors declare that fat people experience a variety of diseases that can be directly attributed to their particular excess weight. The great news is that people that are overweight plus suffering from different diseases can help to eliminate the severity of their particular illnesses through losing weight. It’s possible to see a progressive but noted improvement with health as soon as even a small amount of weight loss is realized.

  7. I’m really inspired along with your writing skills as well as with the format in your weblog. Is this a paid theme or did you modify it your self? Anyway keep up the nice quality writing, it is rare to see a nice blog like this one today..|

  8. Magnificent goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff previous to and you are just extremely great. I really like what you have acquired here, really like what you are saying and the way in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still care for to keep it smart. I can’t wait to read much more from you. This is really a wonderful website.|

  9. Please let me know if you’re looking for a article author for your weblog. You have some really good articles and I feel I would be a good asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d absolutely love to write some material for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine. Please blast me an e-mail if interested. Thanks!|

  10. I do agree with all the ideas you’ve presented in your post. They are really convincing and will certainly work. Still, the posts are too short for novices. Could you please extend them a little from next time? Thanks for the post.

  11. I have discovered that wise real estate agents everywhere are Advertising and marketing. They are seeing that it’s more than merely placing a sign in the front place. It’s really in relation to building associations with these suppliers who sooner or later will become consumers. So, if you give your time and energy to serving these dealers go it alone – the “Law involving Reciprocity” kicks in. Interesting blog post.

  12. Great blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from somewhere? A theme like yours with a few simple tweeks would really make my blog stand out. Please let me know where you got your design. Bless you|

  13. What an eye-opening and well-researched article! The author’s meticulousness and capability to present intricate ideas in a understandable manner is truly admirable. I’m thoroughly impressed by the depth of knowledge showcased in this piece. Thank you, author, for offering your expertise with us. This article has been a real game-changer!

  14. you are in reality a just right webmaster. The website loading velocity is amazing. It kind of feels that you’re doing any unique trick. Moreover, The contents are masterpiece. you have done a fantastic process in this topic!

  15. Keep up the wonderful work , I read few articles on this site and I believe that your weblog is really interesting and has got lots of wonderful info .

  16. Simply desire to say your article is as surprising. The clearness in your post is simply excellent and i could assume you are an expert on this subject. Fine with your permission let me to grab your feed to keep up to date with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please carry on the gratifying work.

  17. I simply could not go away your web site prior to suggesting that I really enjoyed the standard info a person supply on your guests? Is going to be back incessantly to investigate cross-check new posts.

  18. 로드스탁과 레버리지 스탁: 투자의 참신한 분야 로드스탁을 통해 공급하는 레버리지 스탁은 주식 투자의 한 방법으로, 높은 이익율을 목적으로 하는 투자자들에게 매력적인 선택입니다. 레버리지를 사용하는 이 전략은 투자자가 자신의 자본을 초과하는 자금을 투자할 수 있도록 함으로써, 증권 시장에서 훨씬 큰 힘을 가질 수 있는 방법을 줍니다. 레버리지 스탁의 기본 원칙레버리지 방식의 스탁은 원칙적으로 투자금을 대여하여 사용하는 방법입니다. 사례를 들어, 100만 원의 투자금으로 1,000만 원 상당의 증권을 사들일 수 있는데, 이는 투자하는 사람이 기본 투자 금액보다 훨씬 더욱 많은 증권을 취득하여, 주식 가격이 증가할 경우 상응하는 더욱 큰 이익을 획득할 수 있게 됩니다. 그렇지만, 주식 가격이 떨어질 경우에는 그 손해 또한 크게 될 수 있으므로, 레버리지를 사용할 때는 신중해야 합니다. 투자 전략과 레버리지레버리지 사용은 특히 성장 잠재력이 큰 사업체에 투입할 때 유용합니다. 이러한 기업에 상당한 비율을 통해 적용하면, 성공적일 경우 막대한 수입을 얻을 수 있지만, 반대 경우의 경우 많은 리스크도 짊어져야 합니다. 그렇기 때문에, 투자자는 자신의 위험성 관리 능력과 장터 분석을 통해, 일정한 사업체에 얼마만큼의 투자금을 적용할지 결정해야 합니다. 레버리지의 이점과 위험성레버리지 방식의 스탁은 큰 이익을 약속하지만, 그만큼 큰 위험성 수반합니다. 주식 장의 변동은 추정이 힘들기 때문에, 레버리지 사용을 사용할 때는 언제나 장터 경향을 세심하게 주시하고, 손실을 최소로 줄일 수 있는 전략을 구성해야 합니다. 맺음말: 조심스러운 결정이 요구됩니다로드스탁을 통해 제공된 레버리지 방식의 스탁은 막강한 투자 도구이며, 잘 사용하면 큰 수입을 제공할 수 있습니다. 그러나 큰 위험성도 생각해 봐야 하며, 투자 선택은 충분한 정보와 신중한 생각 후에 이루어져야 합니다. 투자하는 사람의 재정 상황, 리스크 감수 능력, 그리고 장터 상황을 생각한 조화로운 투자 방법이 중요합니다.

  19. A further issue is that video games are usually serious naturally with the major focus on knowing things rather than entertainment. Although, there is an entertainment aspect to keep your kids engaged, each and every game is often designed to focus on a specific expertise or program, such as numbers or scientific disciplines. Thanks for your write-up.

  20. Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It in fact was a amusement account it. Look advanced to far added agreeable from you! However, how can we communicate?

  21. I was recommended this website by my cousin. I am not sure whether this post is written by him as nobody else know such detailed about my difficulty. You are wonderful! Thanks!

  22. Somebody essentially lend a hand to make significantly posts I might state. That is the very first time I frequented your web page and up to now? I surprised with the research you made to create this particular put up amazing. Excellent job!

Leave A Reply

Contact to Listing Owner

Captcha Code