Unstoppable, Rock Solid Growth

It was announced recently that a Kansas City, Kansas based Hard Rock Hotel and Casino was selected as part of the approval of legalized gaming in Kansas. This new Hard Rock location will be part of the Kansas Speedway complex.

While not everyone agrees with the strategy or the tactic of theoretically “state owned” gaming, this area will only continue its burgeoning growth as a very popular Midwest tourist and visitor destination.

The focus is on the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. I truly believe that we “ain’t seen nothin’ yet.” I don’t think we can even fathom how great this will be for the Kansas region, for the Kansas City metro and for tourism. The market force of powerful brands is literally unstoppable.

Going to the Dogs (and, Cats)

Do your dogs get treated better than you do? Mine do and they know it. Thankfully, they are good at “showing the love.” Anybody who has pets knows what I mean.
People consider their dogs and cats as part of the family and as nutrition becomes a more pressing issue in our country, people are putting […]

 

 Scott Ragan of Three Dog Bakery [31:51m]: Play Now | Play in Popup

Wiping Up the Competition

I had the opportunity to meet Steve Larson of UL Enterprises. About six years ago, Steve Larson identified an opportunity in the automotive aftermarket for a wiper blade product to be offered for professional installers. A year ago, ULE began pursuing fast growth strategies beyond the oil change market to include a retail presence and big box retailers with a branded product line that includes both a licensed “Valvoline®” branded blade, as well as purchasing a NASCAR “Performance” brand sponsorship. Those were both big investments and as the business developed, they began to ask themselves, “Where do we go from here?”

We offered to help by bringing in some experts to offer their thoughts.

 

 Steve Larson of UL Enterprises [10:40m]: Play Now | Play in Popup

 

 Willie Engram of NASCAR [6:51m]: Play Now | Play in Popup

 

 Michael Peck of OPen Prairie [8:24m]: Play Now | Play in Popup

 

 Gary Heise, Dave Anderson & Michael Peck [18:19m]: Play Now | Play in Popup

LinkedIn KC

LinkedIn came to Kansas City last Friday to preach their message in front of more than 200 business people. The message is: the most important asset in your business life is your contact database and of course, you’ll want to use LinkedIn to store the data for easy access.

April Kelly, the Director of LinkedIn’s Omaha operation delivered the keynote for the event.

 

 April Kelly [18:51m]: Play Now | Play in Popup

Meet Your Maker’s

Bill Samuel Jr., is President of Maker’s Mark Distillery located in Loretto, Kentucky and a seventh generation distiller of fine Kentucky Bourbon. He was a true Southern gentleman to talk to and discussed a variety of topics including their bottles distinctive style and packaging that was actually designed by his mother. “My Mother who never designed anything in her life had great taste and my Dad gave her the task of designing the packaging, which she took very seriously.”

 

 Bill Samuels, Jr. of Maker's Mark [13:46m]: Play Now | Play in Popup

NASCAR Performance

While working on a Best Business Case featuring Steve Larson of UL Enterprises, we had a chance to discuss the value of a NASCAR Sponsorship with Willie Engram. Willie told us about the brand extension value of NASCAR, especially when you’re selling an automotive product.

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 Willie Engram [6:51m]: Play Now | Play in Popup

Good for the Eyes

Andy Anand
Karats
This Sixth generation Fine Jeweler is a local treasure with a connection to New York City. Learn how he was instructed in the family business and how he brings his own style to bear.

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 Andy Anand [14:23m]: Play Now | Play in Popup

The Real Bud Bowl

I’m a Super Bowl commercial fanatic.
Admitting it is the first step, yes?
Since I don’t have any particular affinity for an NFL team (at least one that has a shot to reach the Big Game) I look for favorites to root on in the advertising world. Everybody already knows all the players without a scorecard. The […]

 

 Nicole Conrick [30:59m]: Play Now | Play in Popup

Jay Farr Interview Question Suggestions - Live With Jay

Hopefully you haven’t had your fill of Turkey yet as we are back on the air with all new shows.
This week marks the beginning of our Third Year bringing you the Heart of the Matter and we hope you enjoy it half as much as we enjoy bringing it to you each week. As a […]

Cremation Sensation

Andrew Loos grew up in the family business…the Funeral Business.
And by the way, he loved Six Feet Under (I asked.)
He began to see the signs early that the funeral business was changing and started to look into the cremation part more closely. Today, he’s one of the largest providers of cremation and alternative funeral services.
More […]

 

 Andrew Loos [28:20m]: Play Now | Play in Popup