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EPISODE #26: 🎙 Featuring Matt Pennington . . . 🎧 In this episode, John sits down with Matt Pennington, President, Drake Development, LLC. ▪️Born and raised in Nebraska, Matt learned early the value of relationship building. After college, Pennington teamed up with veteran developer David Christie and the two worked together from 2007 to 2016 on ‘big box’ developments. Pennington became interested in mixed use developments and noticed there weren’t many in this area. This led to Pennington founding Drake Development in 2016. ▪️At Drake Development, they specialize in retail, entertainment, mixed-use and healthcare development. Staying on top of ever-evolving trends in the retail landscape, consumer habits, and more, to develop efficient user-centered real estate that's equipped for the latest changes in technology. This focus led to the Streets of West Pryor, a project once not favored by the City of Lee’s Summit.  “When people think of a mixed-use development, sometimes the end product falls short. It’s commonplace to have opportunities for live and play, but the ‘play’ doesn’t extend beyond shopping or dining,” says Pennington.  Pennington wanted to extend the ‘play’ to outdoor recreation, and this was achieved through ample green space and walking trails connecting to neighboring Lowenstein Park. It was critical we tailored the site plan to include Lowenstein Park, which is a favorite among Lee’s Summit residents. Pennington’s outlook on bringing big projects like this, is to get the community involved as much as possible.  “The importance of patience and listening to what the community has to say is a key part of what makes these projects special. They may not have agreed with the proposal before the project, but now we are grabbing lunch with one another,” says Pennington. 

In this episode, John chats with Co-Founder of Energy Creates Energy, Kyle Watts, on his journey to creating commercialized  technology that could harvest industrial nutrients from waste. Before then, Kyle owned his own construction company and was hands-on in every aspect of landscaping, building pools, restaurants, commercial building, high end homes, demolition, operating heavy equipment and more!

John sits down with Roxanne Evans, Owner & Center Director of Brain Balance Lee's Summit, this week to discuss an integrated non-medical approach for your child with the effects of ADHD. They also explore how techniques have changed over time from other generations handling certain disorders and how medication tends to be the new 'norm' in today's society. Brain Balance combines all the tools necessary for your child to thrive in one program.

From years of police work to advancing technology in security, John sits down with Ryan Smith, President of Titan Security & Consulting. They dive into Ryan's time as a police officer, the switch to security, and how technology in security is advancing. At Titan Protection & Consulting, they pride themselves in utilizing the best personnel, expertise and technology to serve their clients. In addition to having over 300 employees who provide on-site guard services, Titan’s 24/7 video command center constantly monitors clients’ camera systems and responds to any suspicious activity.

In this episode, John sits down with Kevin Ward, Founder of The Golf Stable. They discuss the popularity of golf fitness over the years, listening to your golf code, and discuss a range of topics following the 2022 Masters! From Tour Pros to weekend warriors, The Golf Stable helps golfers of all levels better their game in the gym and on the course!

In this episode, John sits down with Matthew Marcus, a Cryptocurrency Consultant for Good KarMa Capital. They hit on a range of topics from breaking down where crypto came from, what crypto is, and where crypto is heading. Good KarMa Capital offers a wide variety of services to ensure you've got all your bases covered when it comes to participating in crypto.

In this episode, John sits down with Scott Wesley and Drew Waldron, Co-Founders of Canvas Wealth Advisors. They discuss how they began their partnership in 2019, living a 'wealthy' life, and how relationships drive productive conversations. At Canvas Wealth Advisors, they help you think about your wealth differently by listening first, thinking second, and then by bringing you investment opportunities to reach your goals.

In this episode, John sits down with Jane Monroe, Owner of Embrace the Grape Beverage Catering. They discuss many topics from work-life with kiddos, partnerships, and trusting the journey through the ups and downs. At Embrace the Grape, they want to work with you, your venue, and your planner for a seamless experience. One where you can attend your party instead of organizing and executing every aspect!

In this episode, John sits down with Scott Stanger, a Growth Catalyst for Acumen. They discuss a range of topics from being a servant leader to your employees, integrating faith in the workplace, and seeking growth in all areas of life. At Acumen, they are committed to helping each other maximize their impact on their customers, employees, suppliers and community.

In this episode, John sits down with Donnie Funk, President of Selective Construction Services, LLC. They discuss trusting the process on the path to becoming a business owner. Whether that comes from a trade school, four-year university, or just starting at the lower end of the company. Along that journey, John and Donnie both praise creating relationships in those early years is what has fueled them to where they are today. 

In this episode, John sits down with Jeff Dreiling and Eric Kelting, Co-Founders of Complete Legal. They hit on discussions such as starting a self-made independent business, the journey of a partnership, and where their challenges have brought them today. Complete Legal thrives on their ability to take a long-term approach, building personal relationships and focusing on results, so you’ll come back to work with the Complete Legal team case after case.

In this episode, John sits down with Michael Sullivan, the founder of MMG Real Estate Advisors. They discuss what challenges Mr. Sullivan has faced in his journey to get to where he is now. John and Michael also mention what they see happening in the Kansas City area in terms of construction real estate, amenities packages taking apartment complexes by storm, and how to maximize growing your business in a partnership.

In this episode John sits down with Chris Lundine, an Executive Advisor at Culture Index. They dive into the importance of knowing who people really are, how they are hardwired and how that translates into building a winning team. Chris assesses John using his Culture Index Diagnosis and they discuss how matching people with complimentary teammates, the correct roles, etc... can set up an organization for unmatched success.

In this episode John sits down with fellow Mizzou alum, star Tight End in both his high school and college years and for the better part of a decade in the NFL, Chase Coffman. Chase is a Kansas City native and discusses his upbringing, tight family life, and the road that eventually brought him home to KC, and to his new career as a Financial Advisor with BMG Advisors. It's a fantastic journey and a great discussion!

In today's episode John sits down with Matt Ambrose, president at Ambrose Packaging Inc. Every business has a story, and family businesses are no exception. Matt's journey from policeman to employee to business owner has more twist and turns than you can imagine and is one that you definitely want to check out. As usual there's a fair amount of off-roading as well, enjoy!

Today's episode is a special Thanksgiving Episode featuring John's father Tom Lovell. Tom brought his young family to Lee's Summit in 1978 and spent the next several decades dedicating himself to his family and his community. He spent nearly 4 decades helping cultivate the growth of Lee's Summit as the Administrator of Lee's Summit Parks and Recreation. There's plenty of laughter, and even some tears as they go through Tom's journey as a leader in the community as well the impact it had John.

If you're a KC native you've probably seen the Purple Guys advertising somewhere in the metro. What you probably haven't heard is the incredible story about how they came to be. On our 9th episode John gets the whole scoop from Jon Schram, one of the founders of The Purple Guys.   The ups and downs Jon learned along the way has helped him develop an amazing team and brand here in KC and has given him a story that you don't want to miss!

On our 8th Episode John is joined by Mark Brigman. Mark is an author, speaker, and Founder of PARTNERNOMICS, a national coaching and consulting firm that helps businesses make strategic partnering become a core competency. He is an expert at turning collaborative relationships into highly functional competitive advantages. They discuss Mark’s professional journey and dive deep into all aspects of partnerships.

On our 7th Episode John discusses the necessary ingredients for success in work and life with co-owner of Zarda BBQ Terry Hyer. Terry shares his incredible story of going from a teen-age “dish dog” to the head of the operation in one of KC’s top BBQ Restaurants.  They talk about Mike Zarda, the restaurant’s co-founder’s, influence on Terry and how the lessons he learned working underneath him prepared him to carry on Mike’s legacy today.