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.

In season five’s fourth episode, we are joined by Jan Miller, owner of Steve's Floral in Manhattan. Jan shares her journey from a farm in Frankfort, Kansas, to a 20-year career at McCall Pattern Company. She took over Steve's Floral after her brother Steve's passing, maintaining its standards and expanding the business. Steve's Floral, now in its 39th year, has thrived by being independent and offering personalized services. Jan emphasizes the importance of community involvement. She was honored with the Chamber's Women and Minority Owned Business Award, highlighting her commitment to entrepreneurship and local support.

In Episode three, Jason and Daryn sit down with Aaron McKee, founder of Purple Wave. Aaron discusses his journey from Spearville, KS to Manhattan, where he started various businesses, including Purple Wave Auction. Initially, operated out of a building in Manhattan, selling surplus goods and liquidated assets. Over the years, Purple Wave expanded to multiple locations and now has over 400 employees globally, with nearly 200 in Manhattan. They focus on construction, ag, and fleet equipment, and have recently partnered with Copart to enhance their marketplace and logistics. McKee emphasizes the importance of entrepreneurship and mentorship in business success.

In this episode, Jason is joined by Jeff Wick, CEO of 2024 Business of the Year award, WTC Fiber. Jeff discusses his background, including his time in Hays, KS, with NextTech and his role in revitalizing downtown through a community-funded brewery. Wick shares WTC’s history, from its establishment in 1912, to expanding its network to 750 square miles of fiber, covering rural areas and small towns. WTC’s initial focus entering the Manhattan community in 2016 was to provide service to local businesses, then expanded to apartments and in 2024, announced a $50 million residential build. Wick attributes WTC’s success to its customer-centric focus, community involvement, and motivated employees.

The Think MHK Podcast is back with season five! We open up our season by sitting down Dr. Richard Linton, the 15th president of Kansas State University. President Linton discusses his career path, including his roles at Virginia Tech, Purdue University, Ohio State University, and North Carolina State University. He highlights his family's involvement at K-State, the university's strategic Next Gen K-State Plan, and the $500 million in new construction projects, including the $230 million Ag Innovation Project. Linton emphasizes the importance of research, private-public partnerships, and athletics, and notes the $2.3 billion economic impact of K-State. He also shared personal anecdotes about his family and interests.

In episode sixteen, Jason sits down with Shanna Goodman, the new Executive Director for Pottawatomie County Economic Development, as she shares her personal journey and experience in business development. The two discuss strategies for promoting economic development in Kansas, including utilizing partnerships, community career fairs, and entrepreneurship programs. Goodman emphasizes the importance of building relationships through networking and promoting the region as a whole and the role both have played during her first six months as director.