In this episode of the Think MHK Podcast, 20 Under 40 honoree Eric Holderness, Vice President of Development at Kansas State University Foundation, discusses his journey from Montezuma, Kansas, to Manhattan, where he attended Kansas State University. Eric highlights the importance of relationships in fundraising and the challenges of attracting first-generation students from western Kansas. He shares his personal and professional growth, including his 12-year tenure at the foundation and the success of student gift officers. Eric emphasizes the value of community and the small-city feel of Manhattan. He advises young professionals to treat every interaction as an opportunity and to dream big. Eric also mentions his interest in learning another language and his favorite podcasts.

In episode twenty, we are joined by Tyler Jackson, a 20 under 40 winner from 2025, shared his journey from Dodge City to Manhattan, Kansas. He discussed his career path, including working at Sherwin-Williams, Peerless Tires, and B104.7 radio. Tyler launched Manhattan City Lifestyle magazine in January 2022, focusing on connecting readers to local stories and businesses. He highlighted his success in maintaining long-term advertisers and the magazine's growth. Tyler emphasized the importance of faith, self-belief, and community connections in his achievements. He also shared his passion for drumming and his desire to write a book on self-development.

Our guest for episode nineteen is Peter Oppelt, a 20 under 40 winner and city commissioner, discusses his journey from Fort Riley to Manhattan, where he pursued an economics degree at K-State. He works in data and analytics for Travelers Insurance. Peter's wife, a successful pie business owner, inspired him to stay in Manhattan. He emphasizes the importance of community involvement, citing his role in HYPE and Marlatt PTO. Peter highlights the challenges of running for City Commission, including fundraising. He advises young professionals to seek mentors and opportunities. Peter shares his passion for drums and his favorite concerts, including Weird Al Yankovic and Paul McCartney.

In this episode of the Think MHK Podcast, 20 Under 40 honoree Courtney Ellis shares her journey from growing up in Kansas City to building a fulfilling life and career as a CPA at Sink Gordon and Accountants & Advisors in Manhattan, Kansas. Courtney discusses her unexpected return to the community, the firm’s recent office relocation, and the benefits of Manhattan’s size, diversity, and tight-knit atmosphere for raising her family. She reflects on her community involvement—from founding Girls on the Run to serving on the United Way board—while offering advice to young professionals about the value of humility and asking for help. Listeners also get a glimpse into her personal life, from family traditions and travel memories to her love of coffee and Ben Folds concerts.

On this episode, Jason sits down with Samantha Ellison, a 20 Under 40 recipient and member engagement manager at the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce. Ellison discusses her career journey from Derby, KS, to Kansas State University and the hotel industry, and eventual transition to the Chamber. Samantha highlights her involvement in community activities, including coaching soccer, volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters, and participating in the Junior League of the Flint Hills. Ellison emphasizes the importance of networking and mentions her recent recognition as a top young professional. Samantha also shares her love for Manhattan's small-town feel and her favorite podcasts.

On this episode, Jason has a conversation Veronica Sims, 20 Under 40 honoree and a CPA and principal at Varney and Associates, discusses her career journey from Kansas City back to Manhattan. She highlights her involvement in the community, including her role in young professionals groups and the young trustees program. Veronica shares her experiences of working for a big four accounting firm and transitioning back to a local firm. She emphasizes the importance of community engagement and the impact of the pandemic on remote work. Veronica also reflects on her personal life, including her family and her passion for wakeboarding.

Our guest for episode fifteen is Brad Ross, an architectural engineer and a 20 Under 40 recipient. Ross discusses his background and career as a mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineer at Orazem & Scalora Engineering. Ross moved to Manhattan in 1994 and attended Wamego High School, and later graduated from Kansas State University in 2008 with a degree in architectural engineering. Brad emphasizes the importance of community and family, mentioning his wife, a reading specialist, and their 13-year-old daughter. Ross also highlights his involvement in Leadership Manhattan and the Wamego track club. He shares his passion for music, particularly identifying song lyrics, and his interest in weather forecasting.

On this episode, Jason is joined by Heather Peterson, a 20 Under 40 recipient, architect, and active chamber member. Peterson shares her journey from Omaha to Manhattan, where she attended K-State and began her career at Anderson Knight Architects. She discusses her notable projects, like the No Stone Unturned building and the Ahearn Natatorium demolition. Heather emphasizes her commitment to community involvement, serving on various boards and organizations. She highlights the benefits of living in Manhattan, including its small-town feel and amenities. Peterson advises young professionals to find passion in community service. She also reflects on personal milestones, such as her first job and favorite concert experiences.