In episode five, Jason Smith welcomes Andy Ellis to the Think0MHK podcast, highlighting his recent recognition as one of the 20 under 40. Andy shares his K-State experience, his return to Manhattan to work at Arthur Green, a law firm founded by his grandfather, and their 75th anniversary. Andy discusses the 20 under 40 award, shared with his wife, and the benefits of living in Manhattan, including community and accessibility. He emphasizes the importance of work-life balance, his involvement in the chamber, and his advice for young professionals to think long-term. The conversation concludes with some lighthearted conversation about Andy, including his love for Star Wars and what he did as a teenager that makes him cringe now.

On this episode, Jason has a conversation with Stacy Kohlmeier, the chair of the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce. Stacy discusses her journey from Fort Hays State University to her current role at Florence Corporation, a manufacturer of mail and package equipment. She highlights the chamber's growth strategy, emphasizing the importance of community development for a stable tax base and quality of life. Kohlmeier also mentions the chamber's 100th anniversary and an organizational review to ensure relevance and effectiveness. She stresses the chamber's role in facilitating community growth and engagement, particularly in housing and childcare. Kohlmeier's commitment to community betterment and her leadership in various initiatives were underscored throughout the conversation.

In episode five, Jason sits down with Aaron Schroeder, president of Canopy. Schroeder discusses his journey from Wichita to Manhattan, where he met his wife and settled for its ideal blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities. He worked for 14-15 years at K-State, developing a data management system for the university's extension program and SNAP-Ed. This system, called PEARS, gained traction and led to the formation of Canopy. Canopy, which started with 12 employees in 2021, has grown to 25, many of whom are K-State graduates and students. The company, structured as a public benefit LLC, plans to expand its services beyond land-grant institutions.