Latest Stories

India Wells-Carter, Fresh Factory KC

She’s bringing a selfie studio to Zona Rosa; Why India Wells-Carter says ‘Do it scared, but do it anyway’

A limited-run attraction in the Northland is set to offer India Wells-Carter a snapshot of what startup life could look like longterm. “This feels safer,” Wells-Carter said, expressing a healthy mix of fear, relief, and confidence about the test run for her new venture:Fresh Factory KC, a selfie experience set to launch May 29 —…

Travis Kelce and Operation Breakthrough student outside the future Ignition Lab, powered by Eighty-Seven & Running

Sneak peek: See the vision for Travis Kelce’s ‘safe haven’ for Operation Breakthrough teens

When Operation Breakthrough’s new Ignition Lab opens in the fall, the former muffler shop on Troost Avenue is expected to offer hands-on, practical training to young people who have aged out of the early education center’s MakerCity program. Media members were offered a first look at plans for the space — powered by Chiefs Super…

George Tsatsos, Dakota Hendrickson, Carver Gertsberger, Carlos Selva and Johnny Wermers, Filti

How a former Sprint car driver’s quick pivot from HVAC filters to face masks put a North KC startup atop the nanofiber scoreboard

Filti was less than weeks away from launching its state-of-the-art residential HVAC filter when the Coronavirus began its rapid spread throughout the U.S., Dakota Hendrickson recalled. Noticing a significant dip — yet high demand — for face masks, the former race car driver altered the company’s course. “Never in a million years did I think…

Grant Burcham Ryan Tillman, CyTek Corporation

Former Mobank CEO, Cerner leader acquire, join longstanding KC tech company

A dramatic change at a Kansas City a computer IT support and managed services firm is expected to bring expanded vision and executive direction with the addition of two top tech leaders who also now own the business, the company announced Tuesday. CyTek Corporation, founded in 1998, has been acquired by former Mobank CEO Grant…

Rod Malchow, R&P Camel Co.

Far from fenced-in city life: Rural Missouri camel rancher takes a trail less ridden

After 35-plus years ranching camels at the foot of the Ozarks, Rod Malchow expressed no regrets about spending more than half his life with exotic animals on a remote Missouri farm — often seeing only his wife, sister and neighbors unless traveling to events offering camel rides. “If I fell over dead tomorrow, I’d have…

Ian Ross and Basel Bataineh, Somera Road

Reimagined Lightwell ready to take innovation hub mantle as KC’s tech talent return to the office

A steady stream of foot traffic flows beneath the Lightwell building’s signature feature — a winding overhead natural light design that spans nearly a city block — as employees returning to the workplace help the iconic downtown Kansas City landmark assume its new identity: 21st century innovation hub.  “A lot of people will talk about…

Bring your data strategy forward with control, transparency

Editor’s note: The following commentary is sponsored by AdPredictive, which has headquarters in Kansas City, Kansas, and New York. The opinions expressed in this commentary are the author’s alone. Chelsea O’Donnell is senior vice president for business and client development for AdPredictive. Between increasingly strict privacy regulations and maneuvering by big tech, brands of all…

North KC’s Brewkery pours new line of alcoholic kombucha, tapping brand’s inner spirits

“Hard” doesn’t mean adding a boozy bite at the expense of flavor or natural ingredients, said Amy Goldman, announcing a new line of hard kombucha now available exclusively at The Brewkery’s North Kansas City taproom. “We’ve all seen the trend toward low-calorie, low-sugar, and more sessionable drinks. The Brewkery opted to do it our way…

Eric Flanagan, King G

How King G plans to rule a rebuilt Crossroads corner with a muffaletta and glass raised to perseverance

Rum, rye, and a retail renaissance are headed for the business district that sits just east of the Crossroads Arts District, teased Eric Flanagan. “I’m passionate about sandwiches; I’m passionate about beer; I’m passionate about good service, good music. All the stuff I love, I’m trying to bring that into this place,” said the Kansas…

KCMO mask order ends noon Friday; Mayor says CDC update makes rules impossible for businesses to follow

Just hours after the CDC issued new guidelines Thursday saying fully vaccinated Americans can stop wearing masks indoors and outdoors, Kansas City’s mayor announced an end to remaining KCMO mask rules — effective noon Friday — saying he won’t force businesses to face continued harassment for enforcing restrictions amid conflicting, unclear guidance. “The challenge for…