Dialogue Coffee House
Category: Young Entrepreneur
Caitlyn Halsey is the founder of Dialogue Coffee House, a full service coffee shop and bakery specializing in employment for adults with disabilities. Caitlyn oversees all faucets of the business including daily operations of the store. Over the last 4 years, Caitlyn has received accolades for her leadership in the Topeka community and forging a new conversation on what it looks like to live life with a disability. These recognitions include being a part of the 2021 Class of 20 Under 40, YWCA Women of Excellence, and 2021 GTP Emerging Entrepreneur of Distinction. Outside of the store, Caitlyn spends many hours mentoring high school girls with Topeka YoungLife.
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Inspire & Company Candles
Category: Young Entrepreneur
Inspire and Company Candles is a small black-owned candle business founded by Ebony White. The business was born out of Ebony’s passion for candle-making and desire to inspire others to set fears aside and pursue their dreams.
Inspire and Company Candles is known for its high-quality, all-natural candles that are designed to inspire and uplift the senses. The candles are made using 100% pure soybean wax without any additives and natural cotton wicks, making them a healthier alternative to conventional candles. The scents used in the candles are carefully curated and designed to create a unique and memorable sensory experience.
Although Inspire and Company Candles is primarily an online business, Ebony also sells her products at various events, such as The Farmers Market. Her candles can also be found in the gift shop at Stormont Vail.
Inspire and Company Candles is a small business that is making a big impact in the world of candles. Ebony’s commitment to using all-natural ingredients and designing candles that inspire an uplift the sense has earned her a loyal customer base. She hopes her story is an inspiration to others who want to follow their dreams and turn their passions into a successful business.
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Supersonic Music / Treehouse Drum
Category: Small Business Exporter
Derek Sharp (D#) and his wife Stephanie began Supersonic Music in September of 1998. Supersonic Music specializes in Drum & Guitar sales, repairs, accessories and offers private lessons. In 2000, they moved to their current location in Downtown Topeka, opened a branch in Downtown Lawrence, started an 11-year run of selling handdrums at the Kansas City Renaissance Festival, and started a custom drum company called TreeHouse Custom Drums. With clients in every state in the US and on six continents across the globe ranging from hobbyists to professionals, US military groups to symphony orchestras, students to touring Broadway musicals, bashers to collectors, the Sharps, along with their small staff of six, count it as a blessing to be able to serve folks of all types!
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Civium Architecture & Planning
Category: Micro Enterprise
Civium is a Latin word meaning “for the citizens.” So, why name an architecture firm Civium? In short, because we focus on building communities, not just individual buildings. We believe architecture allows us to shape the world we want to live in, and good architecture elevates the human experience. Good places foster better living and generate better communities. So, we seek to design places that enable, enrich, and inspire human endeavor.
We believe architecture is richest when informed by the breadth and complexity of human experience. So, we look to tradition to inform our designs, imbue our buildings with deeper cultural meanings, and give spirit to the places we make. But tradition is not static, it does not merely reflect the past. Rather, it is continually evolving to remain current and relevant, reflecting the best of a culture. So, we write the next chapter in tradition by creating buildings that are of their time and place, reflecting the values and purposes of their inhabitants, the present culture of the broader community, and the impact of the geographic locale.
Our work is guided by Classical design values. With every project, we strive to fulfill the timeless triumvirate of firmness, commodity, and delight first described by Vitruvius, or in more modern terms durability, utility, and beauty. Whether your project is small or large, new construction, a building addition, or remodeling an existing building, we can help. Civium is a full-service design firm offering comprehensive design services.
Cut Right Lawn Care LLC
Category: Micro Enterprise
In 2015, Matt Bleier was employed by KDOT to do bridge inspection. With some spare time on his hands, he began mowing a few family lawns for some extra income. As demand grew, he found himself taking on multiple lawns, including commercial properties. Recognizing the need for more equipment, Matt invested in a truck, a trailer, and additional reliable equipment. What started with just one person, a truck, a trailer, and a mower, eventually grew and became Cut Right Lawn Care LLC. Matt soon enlisted the help of friends and family to tackle the growing workload. What began as a couple of lawns per week, turned into a thriving small business with multiple crews, over 100 weekly clients, and a variety of services ranging from mowing to spring and fall cleanups, aerating and seeding, fertilizing, gutter cleaning, landscaping pruning, and more.
Cut Right Lawn Care LLC also has a strong commitment to the community, providing services to several non-profit organizations in Topeka, sponsoring fundraisers throughout the year, and supporting local high school sports. Above all, the company takes immense pride in its work and strives to ensure that every job is done correctly.
Phoenix Marketing Group
Category: Micro Enterprise
Phoenix Marketing Group (PMG) is a full service advertising agency and marketing firm located in Topeka, Kansas. PMG was founded in April of 2021 by Seth Stevens whose experience working with traditional advertising agencies drove him to create something better for clients.
While PMG specializes in Media Placement, they are a full scale advertising agency and can handle projects as small as business cards all the way up to national advertising campaigns. They also offer consulting services for sales, management, and leadership.
PMG strives to put its clients success above its own because, at Phoenix Marketing Group, we understand that our client’s success IS our success. By helping our clients achieve THEIR goals, we will achieve ours. This mindset has led to an incredible start for PMG. In its first two years, PMG has grown to serve clients in 15 states and has been trusted to handle the media placement for several State of Kansas departments. We’ve also finished runner up for Media Buy of the year and Advertising Agency of the Year both in the state of Kansas.
Plains Craft Covered Wagons
Category: Emerging Innovation
Founded in 2018 by Dennis and Donna Steinman, PlainsCraft Covered Wagons creates beautiful, full-sized, fully-outfitted covered wagons for outdoor hospitality providers, adventure travel destinations, campsites, agritourism, and anyone who seeks to offer a one-of-a-kind overnight experience that visitors will never forget.
PlainsCraft Covered Wagons look and feel like authentic, full-sized covered wagons; the ones that traversed the Midwestern plains for over a hundred years, carrying merchants and settlers back and forth from the east coast to the edges of the prairie frontier. Once considered the best way to navigate the grasslands and wild rivers, covered wagons are now gone from the landscape. But the magic of the wagon remains, and we bring that magic to life for glamping campers and unique luxury outdoor hospitality providers.
Yes! Athletics
Category: Emerging Innovation
Deb North is no stranger to assuming non-traditional roles. She became both Mom and Dad when she was widowed in 2010 with three daughters, aged 8, 3 and 4 months old. She assumed the roles with great passion, supporting the girls in many various sports throughout the years.
Deb has owned the successful executive search firm True North Consulting since 2010. Prior to forming her own search firm, she earned many accolades in the field including “Rookie of the Year” and “Executive of the Year”
She formed YES! Athletics in 2019 to support girls in non-traditional sports. The mission of Yes! Athletics is to empower young females to try sports they might not have previously considered by offering traditionally male sports gear in feminine styles and colors. Yes! Athletics helps females feel welcome and recognized.
Since launching in October of 2020, Deb has grown the company to over $100,000 in revenue, has signed 2 high profile athletes, has been a guest on numerous podcasts and was recently named the “Official Women’s Wrestling Shoe of the NAIA”.
Deb graduated from Baker University with a degree in business administration. In her spare time, Deb enjoys reading and watching her girls play sports. Grace is currently a junior at Missouri State and is a track and field athlete. Rae is a freshman at Hayden Catholic and participates in cheer, tennis, basketball and softball. Finally, Annie is in the 6th grade at Most Pure Heart of Mary School and participates in wrestling, softball and track.
Amused Gallery
Category: Veteran-Owned
Hello, I’m DeAna Morrison and for the last almost 10 years I have had the privilege of owning and operating the most amazing spot in Topeka. Amused is more than “just” an art gallery. It is a gift shop filled with local works of art and craftsmanship from over 50 creators. It is 11 individual studio spaces where work is made and shown. It is a collection of revolving artworks encompassing many styles and price points. It is also, as of 2019, the home to FootPool, which is a rentable 10 x 20-foot soccer ball pool table. Ultimately, it is the accumulation of a lifetime of experiences focused toward being able to offer an opportunity for creative types to showcase their visions.
A few years ago, significant life changes left me trying to juggle single motherhood and attempting to reenter the workforce with a gap in my work history. I have always had an artist’s soul and missed my collage days at Lindenwood University studying art history, sculpture, and art education. Tapping into memories of art collectives I’ve been drawn to since childhood and a fascination with the newly established NOTO Arts & Entertainment District, an idea began to take shape. I wanted a welcoming place where art was approachable for both displaying artist and collector no matter how established either one was. I also wanted to explore my own artistic skills. With the help of friends and family, what began in 2013 with just a handful of emerging artists, Amused was born. Over the years, I’ve been able to morph it into something beyond what I had first dreamed of. It is truly an art experience now.
Running a small business has had a LOT of challenges. I’m always learning something new and no two days are ever the same. I have been blessed with a variety of life experiences that I can draw upon. Whether it’s the discipline gained from the National Guard, the flexibility of being a home-schooling mom or the problem-solving savvy from working retail, my gratefulness for the journey can’t be quantified. I have so much respect for my fellow entrepreneurs. I am convinced that small businesses are the energy for any community. It is an honor to be counted among them.
Ricks Advanced Dermatology & Radiance Medical Spa
Category: Veteran-Owned
Dr. Ricks is the owner and Medical Director of Ricks Advanced Dermatology & Skin Surgery and Radiance Medical Spa. He is the only fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon in Kansas outside of the Kansas City metro area. He is a native Topekan who returned to Kansas in July 2009 after 24 years of military service. He has been practicing Mohs Surgery, Dermatology and cosmetic procedures locally since then. Dr. Ricks has three children (Meaghan, Meredith, and Walker) and two step-children (Josie and Duke). He and his wife Stacy are very active in the local community. His favorite hobbies are exercising (running, swimming, boxing) reading (history, politics, and religion), gardening, spending time with family and absolutely anything K-State!
Chavez Inc.
Category: Minority-Owned
Chavez Carpet Cleaning was established in 1967 by Trinidad and Rachel Chavez. Trini was one of 14 children. His parents came to the United States from Mexico and settled in Lawrence, KS, as his dad worked with the railroad. Trini started working part-time at 14 years old. As the oldest sibling, he soon quit school to work full-time to help his parents support their family.
Trini and Rachel began this “mom and pop” business venture out of their home. In the late 60s, additional pressures were placed upon minority-owned businesses. Trinidad made sure to have his name, “Chavez” as part of the company name. Including Chavez in the company trucks signage allowed his clients to realize they were hiring a minority to work in their homes. He hoped being forthcoming about this would help avoid or prevent any issues or surprises.
Trinidad was driven by quality and detail; his work spoke for itself and built him a reputation that would gain the community’s trust. Many family members have been a part of the success of the business. Two of Trini’s sons, Dan and Richard, become 2nd generation business owners, adding new services as the needs of the community change.
As a leader in NE Kansas in cleaning and restoration since its inception, Chavez Inc. has introduced many new industry concepts to the marketplace over the last 50+ years.
Fire and water restoration, along with environmental cleaning, are at the forefront of the business today that has continued to grow and gain the trust of its clients while becoming their advocates in restoration needs. The business attributes much of their success to the hardworking and dedicated employees that have been with the company over the years.
Chavez Inc. continues to build on Trini’s foundation as the 3rd generation, Nick Chavez and Amanda Chavez Thomson, take on leadership roles within the company led by Dan Chavez.
Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn
The Distinque' Gentleman
Category: Minority-Owned
Bishop Theodis & Lenora Williams have been longtime residence in the Topeka, Kansas community since the early 90’s. They are parents of 9 children, 21 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.
In 1998, the Williams birthed, Heavenly Creations Salon & Boutique and shortly after, because of their passion for fashion, the Distinque’ Gentlemen was birthed in 2016.
They are also founders of the True Holiness Family Church, D.O.M.E. Ministries, established in October 2000.
The Williams said: “It has truly been an honor and privilege to be of service in this great community”.
Linens by Marlen
Category: Minority-Owned
Linens by Marlen is an event rental and decor business based in Topeka, Kansas. The company was founded 14 years ago by Marlen Oliveros, the owner and CEO of the business. Marlen’s inspiration for starting her own business came while planning her sister’s wedding and realizing the lack of event rentals available in the area.
At the beginning of her career, Marlen worked from home, but as the demand for her services grew, she opened a shop on Madison St. This allowed her to expand her offerings and better serve her clients.
Over the years, Linens by Marlen has provided linens and decor for countless events, from weddings to corporate events and everything in between. Marlen and her crew have built a reputation for outstanding service, attention to detail, and a commitment to making their clients’ visions a reality.
Axe and Ale
Category: Woman-Owned
Axe & Ale is Topeka’s first axe throwing bar located in the heart of Downtown. We opened our doors in July 2020 with the goal of providing an unforgettable experience for our customers. We offer 12 beers on draft as well as our famous wine slushies and cocktails.
At Axe & Ale, we’ve taken the traditional sport of axe throwing and brought it into the digital age. Our state-of-the-art digital targets offer a new level of accuracy and precision, as well as a range of game options. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time thrower, our friendly and knowledgeable staff is always on hand to provide guidance and ensure a fun and exciting experience for all.
Since opening, Axe & Ale has quickly become the perfect location for a fun night out with friends, a corporate event, or a unique date night experience. Come visit us at Axe & Ale and experience the thrill of axe throwing for yourself!
Chef LaMona
Category: Woman-Owned
Chef LaMona is a minority, women-owned small business that was established in Topeka, Kansas in 2020. We provide a variety of professional food services such as private chef experience, drop-off catering to luxury catering, food truck, and Charcuterie and cooking classes. Our business is well-known for providing quality, delicious food and outstanding service that is a cut above the rest. We use fresh, quality ingredients that are locally sourced and believe in the art of beautifully crafted food. We were named 2022 Community Votes #1 Caterer and Home Cook in Topeka. We have fed thousands and enjoy serving the community and love the power that food has to bring people together. As we grow, we look forward to giving back to Topeka and offering Chef LaMona to as many people and avenues as possible.
Owner, LaMona Scroggins, has over 20 years of experience in cooking many different cuisines and presenting them with a unique, beautiful style. LaMona’s passion for the culinary arts started at home cooking for her six children where every night was an opportunity to expand her cooking skills and make her children feel like they were in a five-star restaurant. She expanded her culinary skills cooking at KNI for 15 years. She worked as a private chef for five years before launching Chef LaMona in 2020 with her sous chef, business partner and best friend of 27 years, Nicole Malone. Nicole has over 20 years of experience with business logistics, creative solutions, and communications. She plays an important role in crafting beautiful catering spreads and culinary events. Together LaMona and Nicole make an amazing team that is destined for success!
Customskin Medspa at His and Her Salon & Day Spa
Category: Woman-Owned
I have been in the industry for 27 years being my own independent contractor to start then opened my first Salon and Day spa in 2002. In 2008 an opportunity arose and I sold that company due to the adoption of our oldest daughter from Guatemala. From there I became a National Trainer for a Cosmetic and Skincare company along with still working with my clients. Over the next 5 years we became foster parents and adopted our second child. After being home with her for a year I decided to open a small salon suite downtown which I had for a year. During that time I was approached by many to expand into the medspa arena. After much research I decided there was a great need for what I did with education, blended solutions, and adding the Medspa services. With my specialty being in Custom Blend products and services, bringing a maintenance hub to Topeka was much needed. At that point Customskin Medspa was established. Named after the fact we customize every product and service for the client based on their needs and wants, no one’s skin is the same. We moved and expanded to our new location in Westboro mart. After our first year in business we expanded again adding 3 more treatment rooms and larger service space. Within the first 5 years we expanded our VIP Membership Program, added 4 new team members, and added Hair services to the menu for a full Salon, Spa, and Medspa service options. Starting year 7 we were voted 2022 #1 Spa in Topeka! April 2022 we expanded again with the purchase of His and Her Salon and Day Spa location to become Customskin Medspa @ his and her salon and dayspa! We are now the ultimate Salon/Day Spa/Medspa destination in Topeka. We currently have a staff of 13 and are in the process of hiring 4-6 more, with the availability to add another 10 over the next 2 years. We have tripled our gross revenue and look to double that over the next year!
Our philosophy is to be #1 in customer service as well as providing a top notch service that creates a friend and family oriented atmosphere. We provide a place for everyone with a calm and inviting environment, but still receiving all that beauty has to offer with the salon, dayspa, and medspa services. Our clients are our family! Each of our team members specialize in different areas so the client will receive the best of the best each treatment has to offer leaving everyone happy and relaxed. Educating the client and finding individualized solutions for each individual is what sets us apart, they leave feeling confident in the treatment as well as how to maintain and be successful at maintaining at home, which is key.
We feel that just as important as it is for the client to be happy is for our staff to be happy. Creating a stable and trustworthy environment for our employees is vital! Working to educate and help create a career, not just a Job, for our team is what makes us different. Providing a positive and uplifting environment where coworkers are friends, trust each other day in and day out, and are there to help each other as needed not only in the day to day work but personally as well. After 27 years I created a career for myself and now I am on a mission to take my experience and knowledge to help others do the same!
Onyx Salon & Wellness Spa
Category: Woman-Owned
I absolutely love my career! I have been in the salon industry since 2000. I attended the
Paul Mitchell school in San Diego California, and then continued on to work at Jet Rhys
a Vidal Sassoon Salon. I was so blessed to receive an amazing education at Jet Rhys
through my apprenticeship followed by a 6 year career as a cutting specialist and
teacher. Born and raised a southern California girl, I came to Topeka in 2010 and it has
become my home. There are so many amazing things happening with NOTO and
Downtown Topeka I just really wanted to be a part of it all! Being able to build my dreams
here has truly been an amazing experience.
I bought my first building in NOTO in 2017 and went through a 15 month renovation
process. While I was under construction for Onyx Salon and Wellness Spa, I was also a
finalist in the Top Tank competition for a juice bar restaurant. The salon opened in late
November 2018 and 2 months later I purchased the building next door to build my juice
bar. Covid changed the trajectory of Onyx but in such a positive way. The salon grew
through Covid and we needed more space. So we expanded the spa into the building
next door and built Onyx wellness cafe in the front half of the building. In 2022 We had
filled both spaces and were looking for another space to grow into. Onyx Salon and
Wellness Spa Downtown opened in August and in 5 short months we have filled that
space as well. We are a clean salon offering organic products and services. My cafe
offers cold pressed juices, a variety of vegan protein snacks and keto treats. We also
house 7 other local female owned businesses as a place to sell their goods and pursue
their dreams. 18 of the women that work at Onyx own their own businesses as well. I
also have 4 women that are employees working up to owning their own business. It has
been a pleasure watching Onyx grow into a beautiful place to empower women and
nurture growth.
Owl's Nest Topeka
Category: Woman-Owned
Lyndsey McKinnon is a passionate, ambitious and creative self starting entrepreneur. Graduating high school just three months after her sixteenth birthday, Lyndsey immediately searched for what she was “meant” to do by wholeheartedly investing her time and efforts into discovering what career path fulfilled her. At the young age of 21, Lyndsey opened her first company in her hometown of Texarkana Texas. She established a female fitness studio that catered to thousands of women in the Arklatex area over a period of three years. As a certified personal trainer catering to her female clientele and their need for specifically designed programs, Lyndsey wrote, designed and implemented the training program “F. I. T. Lady Bootcamp,” a program that she then offered certification to other trainers in the Arklatex and is still taught in the area today.
In her mid twenties Lyndsey saw an opportunity to implement her vast knowledge of the antique and resale market from her five years as manager of a local Antique Mall. Seeing an industry that had such potential but was struggling to be consistent and profitable, she knew it was an entrepreneurial opportunity to elevate an otherwise downtrodden business plan. Lyndsey opened the first Owls Nest Antique Mall and Flea Market in 2013, in what could have been considered a flooded market. With over a dozen similar stores in the area, Lyndsey knew the Owls Nest would be different as she focused on offering such business in a more professional setting, with good policies, point of sale system and extreme focus on customer service. Within the first 30 days of opening, the store was completely rented out and now, 10 years later still has a waiting list for vendors and is one of only 4 antique malls left in the area.
After relocating to Topeka in 2015, Lyndsey saw yet again a calling she knew she had to answer. The first Owls Nest in Topeka Kansas was opened in December 2015, with marketing strategies and an aggressive approach to shine a good light on and up lift the re sale business; half of the 23,000 square foot Owls Nest was full within the first 30 days. Two expansions took place within the next two months, resulting in a vendor waiting list after just three months of being open. The Owls Nest on Topeka Blvd also still currently has a waiting list and just celebrated its 7th anniversary.
In 2016, With such successful growth and the ever aching of the entrepreneurial spirit, Lyndsey focused on her next location to open a second Owls Nest Antique Mall and Flea Market in Topeka. In December of 2016, Lyndsey jumped at the opportunity to meet the continuing needs of the Topeka market and undertook a rigorous and adventurous remodel on the 16,000 square foot Topeka building previously known as Boyle’s Joyland. By the grace of God and support from vendors and friends, a floor to ceiling remodel was finalized in summer 2017 on the corner of 29th street and Adams st in Topeka Kansas. It is a transformation that to this day people who see, can not fathom, as the deterioration of the property and building were extreme and seemingly beyond repair. The Adams street Owls Nest has now been open 6 years and is, as well as the others, completely full and has a vendor waiting list.
In 2019, Lyndsey felt a pull to invest in the non profit sector and took on yet another building improvement in Topeka, Kansas. Opening the Giving Tree Non Profit Thrift store in the middle of the covid 19 pandemic. Lyndsey put her faith and trust that God would pull her through multiple remodel set backs and multiple challenges in the remodel of the building at 3343 SW Topeka Blvd. God delivered and The Giving Tree has now been open for 3 years, has donated over $30,000 in cash to other local non profits and over $100,000 in goods to those in need in our Topeka community. It consistently provides affordable shopping to low income families, free goods to those in need and donates its net profits quarterly to other local non profits.
Between multiple stores and two cities, the Owls Nest Antique Mall and Flea Markets house over 450 booth spaces and nearly as many vendors. The service these stores offer to the community by providing quality, one of a kind items at affordable prices as well as being an incredible value to those vendors families as supplemental income is unmatched by any other type of retail business. Lyndsey has focused each and everyday to improving the structure of the businesses , how they can better serve the communities they are in and how they can be even more successful, benefiting all those that shop and the hundreds of small business owners that are vendors at the Owls Nests. Lyndsey is a woman of faith who believes nothing is truly ours and we must always give back as it was a blessing to receive in the first place. Every Owls Nest is dedicated to donating to local non profits and St. Jude. At the age of 33 Lyndsey has lived a lifetime of entrepreneurial lessons and experiences. She still to this day continues to rally support for women and her local community in Topeka and is always passionately investing in the future.
Bimini Pet Health
Category: Small Business Manufacturer
Bimini Pet Health started in 2013 as a virtual business developing formulations for dosage form Pet Health Supplements. In 2018, the business had grown enough to warrant moving into an industrial building to house the production and warehousing activities of the business. Bimini welcomed its first full time employee in April of 2019.
As of 2023 the company had 12 employees and operated an 11000 square foot, cGMP certified and FDA registered facility in south Topeka. The company is still hiring for several open positions.
While the majority of Bimini’s business is conducted in the United States, in 2022 the company was inspected by USDA and approved for exporting the goods it manufactures to Canada. Bimini Pet Health is now targeting global expansion into markets such as the UK, EU, South Korea and Brazil within the next 12 months.
The company recently launched its Bimini’s Best brand of products including trademarked and patented formulations for health supplements for dogs and cats.
Bimini plans to become a market leader and the go-to innovator in the growing dosage form pet health supplements market and the animal health market in general.
Counter Craft LLC
Category: Small Business Manufacturer
Having worked in the construction industry for a combined 40 plus years, Andy and Kristy Richards have
long believed in quality, honest work, and a commitment to excellence in all they do.
Kristy, being a lifelong member of the Topeka and Shawnee County community, together with Andy who
has been in this area for two decades, realized the need for quality custom countertops combined with a
level of customer service that is unmatched. In January of 2018 they started Counter Craft LLC. Over
the past 5 years they have provided quartz, granite, and stone countertops, for both residential and
commercial businesses, in the Topeka, Shawnee County, and surrounding areas. Counter Craft’s ever
growing customer base is a testament to the integrity and quality craftsmanship of their expert team.
Miller Precision
Category: Small Business Manufacturer
My name is Dustin Miller, I am 46 y/o, married to my wonderful wife Danielle Jaramillo-Miller who together we share a love and passion for drag racing and riding motorcycles.
At a young age I started working for my Father at his engine machine shop- from him I’ve learned viable skills and responsibility that has led me to where I am today.
When I was offered the opportunity to own my own business, the #1 Goal at that time was not to FAIL! My goals and admirations grew quickly. I have maintained and operated a successful business for 10 years- providing engine machine services to many people for many different needs- local Topeka businesses and businesses in the surrounding area.
My future goal is to continue to run a successful business providing quality work to all my customers, no matter how big or how small the job is- to be the best machinist I can be.
Achievements:
Giant Communications
Category: Top City Business of the Year
Senne & Company
Category: Top City Business of the Year
Senne is a longstanding Topeka construction company specializing in commercial and industrial construction. Senne has three core divisions – general contracting, industrial millwright contracting, and custom fabrications.
Senne was founded in 1914, currently in its fifth generation of family ownership. Depending on workload – anywhere between thirty and forty dedicated and talented people are a part of the Senne work-family. Like many of the small businesses in Topeka, Senne’s philosophy is to be fair, honest, and responsive to customer needs – all values founder George Senne engrained in company culture over 100 years ago.
Projects in 2022-2023 include work for many small businesses in Topeka and Shawnee County. Key projects include renovations for Azura Credit Union, a new building for Berry Tractor, a site project for the Kansas Museum of History, the Stormont Vail Cancer Center addition and remodel, renovations at the Shawnee County Courthouse, renovations for USD 372 Silver Lake, a new building for Murphy Tractor, medical renovations at Topeka ProDental, new offices for Cummins Coffman & Schmidtlein CPA’s, historical renovations at the Vendor’s Market buildings, a new spay and neuter clinic for Helping Hands, a new location for 7Brew Coffee, historical renovations for The Beacon event venue, renovations and fabrication work for TFM Communications, renovations at the Shawnee County Administrative Building in downtown Topeka, and the Cook Law Building remodel.
Millwright and fabrication work continues to be a strength and major differentiator for Senne. In 2022, Senne renewed its commitment to its industrial clientele in the Topeka market by investing in its fabrication capabilities. Improvements have included CNC cutting, breaking, and bending, and upgrades to the fabrication shop. Complimenting design, fabrication, and design services have played key roles in moving The Honest Kitchen from San Diego to Topeka. Key customers and projects in 2022-2023 include Evergy custom fabrications and installations, Goodyear, NorthPoint Development, custom mezzanines for KDOT, J-Six Enterprises, USD 501, Futamura, and North Topeka Fabrication.
The people at Senne are very proud to be nominated for GTP’s Small Business Awards. We appreciate and thank the GTP for being a major part of the recent improvements in Topeka.
