Working for you
Read inspiring WKSBDC Success Stories

While researching ideas for a new business, and dreaming of one day working for themselves, Tim Akers and Eric Stevenson kept coming back to the concept of a winery. In May 2010 the duo decided to proceed with their new venture – Renaissance Cellars, LLP.

While researching ideas for a new business, and dreaming of one day working for themselves, Tim Akers and Eric Stevenson kept coming back to the concept of a winery. In May 2010 the duo decided to proceed with their new venture – Renaissance Cellars, LLP.

Pat wanted to do things his way, and in 2005 he did just that. Pat the Plumber was created out of a desire to have the freedom to control his own destiny through decisions that allowed for failure or success. The desired end result was to create a positive outcome that not only improved the lives of Pat, his family, and his employees, but also the lives of others.

Billy Vanilly (formerly Daddy Cakes) was opened by entrepreneur, Allyson Fiander, in 2007 and has the distinction of being the first cupcake store in Kansas. Billy Vanilly has built its reputation on offering made from scratch cupcakes that are baked fresh daily.

In 2009, Doctor Leslie Gallagher and Doctor Nicole Meerpohl realized that merging their two offices would allow them to build a state of the art facility on the Holton square; and offer their patients in Holton and the surrounding communities, more comprehensive, expanded services through combined resources. Nearly two years later, the business grown beyond expectations.

Since its creation one year ago, SayCheez has grown from one to four booths in the Topeka area with bookings most every weekend. Today, Scott and Nikki have grown SayCheez to twenty-five markets all over Kansas and around the country. And it all started with a “crazy contraption” assembled in the backyard!

Custom Tree Care was started in 1999 by Greg Gathers. At that time, Greg was a full time college student at K-State University and had little more than a pickup, two chainsaws, a push mower, and a borrowed trailer to provide his services.

The idea for Tallgrass Brewing Co. was born in early 2006 when Jeff’s wife Tricia asked him what he would do with his life if he could do anything. Without hesitation, he explained how he would do what he loved and open his own microbrewery.

Lonnie and Melanie Teeter, owners of Morrill Collision Repair, Inc, have changed the face of Main Street in the downtown rural community of Morrill, Kansas (population of 250 people). Their business specializes in all types of collision repair from glass repair and replacement to frame repair for area body shops.

Kristin Brighton, Susan Religa and Lisa Sisley all owned their own marketing and communications businesses. They found themselves collaborating frequently and merged in early 2006 to form New Boston Creative Group, LLC, when it became clear that a company like theirs was needed in the Flint Hills