Grill Nation With Jason Grill

Guests - Jason is joined by Michael Viazzoli, CEO/President of Bank of Kansas City, and Neal Sharma CEO of DEG. They discuss finalizing the Bank of Kansas City and Missouri Bank merger, all about DEG's growth as a company and facsinating background of Neal, the state of KC entrepreneurship and KC mojo, civic involvement and the next generation of KC leaders. They also break down some sage entrepreneurial and business advice. Engaging hour!

Guests - Jason is joined by Shawn Kinkade, Owner of Aspire Business Development. They talk about two business books (Simplicity and How to Be a Great Boss). Both books offer great insight for those starting a business or those who have one for many years. In addition they talk about three keys to scalability of a business. Jason is also joined by Kenzi Hoyle, Marketing Coordinator of Kansas City Power and Light District. They discuss upcoming events in Power and Light District, as well as cool things happening around downtown. Lot of great info this week!

Guests - Jason is joined by Quinton Lucas, KCMO City Councilman and Law Professor at the University of Kansas. They discuss trending KC topics such as economic development and downtown, KCI airport and streetcar, as well as break down Councilman Lucas background and work balance. Jason is also joined by John Holt, Anchor and Broadcaster at Fox 4. John breaks down being a tv anchor in 2017, looks back at the past and offers some sound advice for those looking at a career in journalism. Top notch show this week!

Guests - Jason is joined by John Maslowski, Vice President of Market Development at Renovate America, thye discuss PACE and HERO Program and how Missourians can increase their home value and fix needs through clean energy public / private partnership programs. Jason is also joined by Paul Singh from DC, who talks about his history in venture capital and the entrepreneurship world thorugh his time at 500 Startups and onward. We break down his airstream trip throughout america to talk to startups and busiensses in small to midsize cities.

Guests - Jason is joined by Clifton Alexander, Owner of Reactor Design Studios, they talk with Matt Seithel, Coordinator of Membership Programs at the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art. The group talks about the Nelson Atkins Museum overall, exciting new programs and events, and about the 25th Anniversary of Party Arty. Jason and Clifton also break down Book by Cadillac and look back to 10 years ago when the first iPhone was released.

Guests - Jason is joined by John Mikos, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the YMCA of Greater Kansas City, and Ryan Humphrey, Vice President at Bank of Kansas City and Board Member of YMCA of Greater Kansas City. They discuss all the different things YMCA does in the region with youth, health and wellness, leadership development and seniors. They also break some news regarding new innovations and projects and talk about the upcoming 10th Annual Challenger Fashion Show with professional athletes from across the area. A show that will inspire and educate this week!

Guests - Jason is joined by Ryan Maybee, Co-Founder of J.Rieger and Co and Owner of Rieger KC, they discuss both companies 2016 growth and update on what is to come in 2017. They also talk about some things they are excited about in KC in 2017. They are then joined by Doug Frost, Wine Consultant and Writer. Doug is one of only four people in the world with title of Master of Wine and Master Sommelier. We talk wine with Doug and break down some things to look for when choosing wine. He also gives us some local and regional recommendations. Raise your glass...This is a fun show.

Guests - Jason is joined by Steve Nicholson, CEO of Truss, and Erica Brune, President of Lever1, to start off the show. They discuss Truss and Lever1 new relationship and why Professional Employer Organizations (PEO) are so innovative and important for businesses small to large in today's evolving world. Later in the show, Jason is joined by Clifton Alexander, Creative Chuck Norris and Owner of Reactor Design Studios, they discuss ways to retain your employees, Reactor's new fitness flex program and why doing a matching 401k is smart for small businesses. Lot of business and employer tips to make your life easier and more effiicent on this week's show!

Guests - Jason is joined by Ryan Weber, President of KC Tech Council, Kara Lowe, Vice President of KC Tech Council, and Doug Dresslaer, Manager of Sprint Accelerator. They talk about the Top 3 KC Tech stories of 2016. These involve the Sprint Accerator, BATS and EyeVerify. They also break down some exciting upcoming events for the KC Tech Council and how the council advocates for the KC Tech community through workforce development, access and policy. Fun show loaded with info. Join us as we recap 2016 and look forward to 2017 in the world of Technology and Kansas City.

Guests - Jason is joined by Michael Viazzoli, President and CEO of Bank of Kansas City, they welcome Matt Condon, CEO of ARC Physical Therapy and CEO of Bardavon Health Innovations to the show. We talk about mobank and Bank of Kansas City merger then we talk with Matt about growing his company to an exit of over $36 million, ups and downs along the way, how data became important to ARC growth, entrepreneurial tips, KC growth and entrepreneurial pluses and advantages, how Bardavon Health Innovations has worked to succeed all around country, and about Matt's involvment as Vice Chair of the Greater KC Chamber Commerce and leader of Big 5 Inititative on Entrepreneurship.

Guests - Jason is joined by Shawn Edwards, Fox 4 Movie Critic, they talk what movies to see this Holiday Season and what movies you can't miss. Fun segment with Shawn. You will laugh. Theresa O'Leary, Movie Trip, then joins the show with Shawn to talk about what Movie Trip is and involves and Shawn touches on the 2017 Oscars. Lastly, Joel Goldberg, Host/Reporter - Fox Sports Kansas City, joins Jason to talk Hot Stove and what is to come for the Royals this offseason and going into 2017. He also talks about his new play-by-play gig with the Missouri Mavs Hockey team and his color commentary role with the UMKC Roos Basketball team. Great hour.

Guests - Jason is joined by Stefany Williams, President and CEO of Goodwill Western Missouri and Eastern Kansas to talk about all of the different things Goodwill does throughout the community with education, innovation and job support. Jason is also joined by Clifton Alexander, Owner of Reactor Design Studios, they talk about holiday branding, the state of Christmas sales and preview the new Ember mug at Starbucks. Lastly, Jason is joined by Victor Hwang, VP of Entrepreneurship at the Kauffman Foundation, they talk about Victor's Eship City Tour, the Eship Summit in 2017 and the state of entrepreneurship.

Guests - Jason is joined by Steve Nicholson, CEO of Truss, they talk about exciting updates at Truss, one year anniversary of rebrand of 43 year old company, new partnerships and how the company is helping companies throughout the region. Jason is also joined by Alicia Banister, Leasing Manager at Two Light, they talk about success of One Light and what Two Light has to offer from amentiies to units to common areas to activities. Great update on the progress of Two Light in Downtown KC.

Guests - Jason is joined by Annie Presley, Publisher and Author of the Read This Book Series and Founder of Ace Publishing. She is also a former National Finance Director for the Bush 2000 campaign and a politcal veteran and entrepreneur. Jason and Annie discuss the 2016 election resuls, share some fun stories about Annie's encounters with past Presidents, talk about Annie's background and how she ended up working in fundraising, campaigns and with the top leaders of the US while never actually working in government. Finally, they talk about Annie's books in the Read This Book Series. Truly a fun episode full of interesting dialogue.

Guests - Jason is joined by guest co-host and contributor Ryan Weber, President of KC Tech Council, they talk with Kara Lowe, Vice President of KC Tech Council about her new role and what KC Tech Council does throughout the region. They also talk about Ryan's latest trip with KC CEO's to Silicon Valley and Apple Headquarters. Lastly, they talk about why strong tech policy, education and jobs are important in our region and our nation.

Guests – Jason is joined by Ryan Maybee, Co-Founder of J.Rieger and Co and Owner of Rieger KC, they discuss J.Rieger's growth and updates on some new partnerships. They are joined by Danny Pfeifer, Principal at Catalyst, who discusses upcoming elections in Missouri and Kansas, as well as those on the national level including Presidential and Congressional. Lastly, Andrew Olsen, Bar Manager at Bluestem, joins the show to discuss Bluestem, the bartending profession and opportunities wordwide and spirits in general. Raise your glass this is a spirited and enjoyable episode!

Guests – Jason is joined by Olympic Gold Medalist Brian Boitano, one of United States all-time most accomplished figure skaters. Many younger people know him from South Park, but Brian has competed in 3 Olympics, hosted his own national TV show on the Food Network and has written a best selling cookbook - "What Would Brian Boitano Make." Awesome conversation with Brian about his lifelong story and about the upcoming US Figure Skating Championship in Kansas City and his visit to KC for the American Royal BBQ. Jason is also joined by Priscilla McInnes, Regional Director of Youth Entrepreneurs, and Kelly Scanlon, Owner of Thinking Bigger Business, to talk about youth entrepreneurs organization and upcoming Business Breakfast with Darcy Howe, Managing Partner of KC Rise.

Guests – Jason is joined by Andrew Bash, Owner of Bash Real Estate, they talk about Andrew's new compnay brand look, the reasons behind it and about his brand new airstream. Then Andrew and Jason are joined by Lore Erne, the Earl of Erne, from Northern Ireland. Lord Erne discusses his royal family's lineage and background. They discuss his family's castle, Crom Castle, and the all the different incredible things available for visitors and attendees. Lastly, they discuss Lord Erne's trip to American and Kansas City. This is an epidode full of charm as we go over the pond and learn more about Lord Erne and the Crom Castle.

Guests – Jason is joined by Michael Viazzoli, President and CEO of Bank of Kansas City, they talk with John Mitchell, CEO of Company Kitchen and Chairman of Board of Governors of the American Royal, and Lynn Parman, President and CEO of the American Royal. They discuss Company Kitchen’s innovations and growth, the American Royal’s importance to the region overall and about this years American Royal BBQ festivities. Your taste buds will be watering after listening to this episode.

Guests - Jason is joined by guest co-host and contributor Ryan Weber, President of KC Tech Council, they talk to Alexi Madon, Director of State Government Affairs at CompTIA. Alexi talks tech policy in the Midwest and what Kansas City, as well as what Missouri and Kansas are doing well. She also breaks down some policy in Iowa that has worked out well for tech companies. Ryan and Jason are also joined by Greg Kratofil, Shareholder at Polsinelli. They discuss the Kansas City tech world, break down the EveVerify sale, venture capital and financing, what each startup should know from a legal perspective, and highlight the upcoming American Royal Barbecue Tech party.