Mr K Finalists Highlight the Strength of Diversity in Top 10 Businesses

By: Nikki Overfelt Chifalu – May 10, 2024

The Kansas City landscape for small businesses is thriving with diversity, and this year’s finalists for the prestigious “Mr. K” Award stands testament to this. At a recent panel discussion, the Top 10 finalists in line for the award highlighted the significance of not just their ventures being run by women but also the unique skills and expertise that led them to this esteemed recognition.

Karen Crnkovich, president of DMC Service, Inc., a commercial HVAC and plumbing service contractor based in Kansas City, emphasized the need to focus on performance and quality, stating, “Pick us because we’re the best. Pick us because we do great work, and let those diversity boxes be an extra cherry on top to doing extraordinary work.”

Organized by the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, the annual 2023 Small Business Top 10 Reception that took place at the Cascade Hotel endorsed the significance of these top contenders. Remarkably diverse, they represent the best small business ventures that defined Kansas City in 2024.

Highlights from the Panel Discussion

DMC Service and Quantum Resource Professionals Among Repeat Finalists

DMC Service, Quantum Resource Professionals, and Walz Tetrick Advertising, all return as repeat finalists from 2023. Speaking at the event, Joe Reardon, president and CEO of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, lauded the finalists for their sustainable growth and for their contributions to the Kansas City community.

Jasmine Nastasi and Sherry Lumpkins Speak on Their Unique Business Attributes

Meanwhile, Jasmine Nastasi of Stellar Image Studio noted that being part of a video production company co-owned with her sister adds to the uniqueness of their business, citing the special energy they bring to their sets. Similarly, Sherry Lumpkins, principal at Blue Symphony, believes that her experiences as a woman of color have contributed significantly to setting her business apart.

Elaina Paige Thomas and Leonard Graham Discuss Kansas City’s Opportunities and DEI Efforts

In light of Kansas City’s increasing national and international recognition, Elaina Paige Thomas highlighted the opportune timing of founding The Next Paige, the city’s only Black-owned and women-owned full-service talent agency. Regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, Leonard Graham of Taliaferro and Browne proudly stated, “DEI is something that we did long before it was known as DEI. We were recently recognized…as being the most diverse engineering firm in the city. It comes to us naturally.”

Looking Forward

The winner of the “Mr. K” Award, named in honor of the late entrepreneur and philanthropist Ewing Kauffman, will be announced at the Small Business Awards Luncheon scheduled for June 13.

Among other awards to be presented at the event are the KC Chamber’s Emerging Business Award, Small Business Equity Award, and the new Luminary Arts and Creative Small Business Award. As we wait for the results, it’s reassuring to observe the strength of diversity and hard work among these finalists, declaring the vibrant entrepreneurship environment in Kansas City.