Latest Stories
Early success gave this young entrepreneur the credibility to bridge community, business gaps
At 21, Jonathan Pitallo is already an entrepreneur, real estate agent, and investor, he shared, but community engagement might be his biggest passion, he said. The Kansas City, Kansas, resident and Belton native founded Vive Promo and Print, is an agent at EXP Realty, and owns three properties, but he’s also an ambassador for the…
KC inventor rolls elevated litter box to market (and cats already are making the leap)
Amy Leiker can take criticism and feedback, the Lenexa-based LoftyLoo creator said, noting she couldn’t have survived a career in corporate marketing and health care without it. So when it comes to her elevated litter box invention, she’s quick to jump to its defense, but open to making the product even more user (and cat)…
I am Iron Man: Overland Park startup’s AI mouse brings voice-activated tech to your fingertips
In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Tony Stark talks to an artificial intelligence program within his Iron Man suit to get immediate access to information — as if he’s having a conversation with AI. Although Stark is a fictional character imbued with vast powers via such tech, Jerry Hsu said, users don’t have to be a…
Chef Dwight Tiller wants to disrupt the macaroni market; up first: he has the Muncheez
A new concept from a popular food truck-turned-food hall chef is more than just a cheesy transition between menus, Dwight Tiller said, it’s an evolution of his journey to bring higher quality and innovation to a culinary category often coated with forgettable flavors. Muncheez — a bold pivot from Tiller’s signature nachos to Kansas City’s mac-and-cheese…
Strang closes doors to Plaza food hall concept, citing slow foot traffic to its diverse, chef-driven menus
Despite a bustling holiday shopping season on the Country Club Plaza, a food hall in the iconic Kansas City shopping district failed to gain a foothold, said CEO Shawn Craft, announcing the closure of another Strang Hall location less than a month after shuttering its downtown space. Leaders behind Strang Chef Collective on the Plaza…
Well Played, KC: How an overseas Chiefs game inspired designs that brought Lindsey Hall off the bench
Her apparel brand’s timeless style echoes Ralph Lauren’s aesthetic, with a KC twist Kansas City’s fashion scene has gained a new player in Well Played KC, a lifestyle brand blending classic Americana style with local pride. Founded by Lindsey Hall, the business is gaining momentum with versatile, throwback-that-doesn’t-feel-dated apparel that resonates with on-the-go Kansas Citians. …
This top maker got his start with a social push; but the real influencers behind the Craft E brand: his wife and family
Enrique Hernandez, the creative force behind Craft E. Embroidery, proved that dedication and creativity can transform a hobby into a thriving business — earning him the title of Made in KC’s top maker for 2024. “It hasn’t really settled in yet,” Hernandez said about winning the award in mid-December. “But it feels good.” ICYMI: Made…
Go BTS of a new KC-filmed reality TV series with the entrepreneurs who matched competitors with their style
ULAH founders get second chance to put their business (and Kansas City) on the national stage One of Kansas City’s best-known fashion duos — married entrepreneurs Joey Mendez and Buck Wimberly — recently stepped back into the fast-paced world of reality TV as stylists for a new series featuring another KC personality who commands screen…
KC hat maker’s sales soar after national news spotlight, capping year with validation: Made-in-the-USA still sells
Santa came early for Sandlot Goods — in the form of an ABC World News producer, said Garret Prather. On Dec. 13, Kansas City’s only local hat manufacturer was featured on the “Made In America Christmas” segment on ABC World News Tonight with David Muir. “Forty-five workers, 10 new hires, and 115,00 hats this year,…
Stand out and stand tall: Father of Tech N9ne, two of KC’s favorite chefs inspired their drive from his Kansas City hair salon
Hassan Khalifah only had to look to his elders for entrepreneurial inspiration, he said. They were a family of bakers, moonshiners, salvagers, restaurateurs, grocers, pool hall operators, and nickel-and-dime candy shop owners. After a short time working for the city, Hassan opened several small businesses before a three-decade career as a salon owner. Four of…
