Grill Nation With Jason Grill

NetStandard is a leading provider of strategic technology solutions for small and mid-sized businesses. Two of its leaders, Chief Operating Officer, Jamie Simpson and VP of Sales and Marketing, Kristen O'Connell join Grill Nation. They talk about what NetStandard does, how they help businesses, success stories, the importance of branding, and what it is like to be female leaders in the IT and tech space. Additionally, we learn how businesses are planning and preparing for a crisis, things to consider with IT, we hear some of their best advice, what excites them most about their industry, favorite person in tech space and what the future holds for NetStandard and IT now and moving forward. Action packed show with some great information from two leaders in the IT and tech space. (netstandard.com)

WyCo Vintage (wycovintage.com) is the world's largest, finest and most trusted seller of authentic vintage t-shirts and clothing goods. Globally, over 15,000 pieces from the WyCo Vintage collection have been worn by Celebrities, Rock Stars, Athletes, Fans, Collectors, Fashionistas and people of great taste. On this show, we talk to the CEO and Founder of WyCo Vintage, Patrick Klima about the journey, growth, favorite items, how he sources, why he operates e-commerce and retail store front operations, what's next for the business and why vintage gear isn't going away. Also on the show is Jonathan Cole, Owner at Pendulum (pendulumKC.com), a renown architect and designer to tell us how he has worked with WyCo Vintage and Patrick to develop his storefront and retail design operations and we learn about his favorite items of all-time. Awesome show this week full of all of this and much more!

On this show, Logan Freeman, Co-Founder and Principal at FTW Investments, discusses building generational wealth and passive income to leave a legacy. The show discusses 2021 focus and energy, big steps taken over the last 12 months in both assets and company growth, challenges of 2020 and what lessons were learned, what investors need to look at and think about moving through 2021 including inflation, spending and interest rates, why it's is important not to bank on sentiment (George Brett example) and Logan answers the question of how many sides there really are to a coin. Logan Freeman is an industry expert and this episode really puts in to perspective some useful insight for investors, but also for entrepreneurs and business leaders in general. Awesome show this week! Free, comprehensive investor and strategy guide at ftwinvestmentsllc.com/grillnation.

Garmin is a worldwide leader in developing innovative, high-quality, state-of-the-art products that inspire individuals in their adventures. On this show we talk with Jessica Zlab, Garmin University Relations Recruiting Team Lead and Jen Larson, Garmin University Relations Recruiter about the workforce, talent and recruitment efforts that make that happen. We learn more about the day to day of working at Garmin, what verticals and sectors they are concentrating on, why Forbes has named it one of America's Best Large Employers, what passions shine through in Garmin team members, what the company recruiting efforts look like now and moving forward in 2021, plus so much more valuable information on how Garmin plans to grow its team and the why behind it. Some great takeaways with Garmin's University Recruiting Team this week on Grill Nation!

The show discusses Dave's impressive background, why he started InnovaPrep and became an entrepreneur, what he learned from MRIGlobal, how his experience at Pipeline and other accelerators impacted him, why he enjoys his job, how he connects with customers, what he did to innovate and accelerate growth during Covid-19, and much more in our Best For Last Segment including proudest moment, best advice, one word to describe, what failures have taught him, who would play him in a movie and who he wants to take to dinner. Dave Alburty has an interesting story and shares it and plus key insights this week! Thank you to Sayard Parrish, VP at Landmark National Bank for joining us on the show too and for making the introduction to Dave and his growing company!

Anita Davis has worked in the fields of community, economic and workforce development for nearly 20 years. She empowers people through work each and every day. This show discusses Anita's impressive background, why Goodwill, how the Denver and Kansas City markets are different, what does a Chief Mission Officer do, what is the key mission of MoKan Goodwill, how working in the private and public sector impacted her today, what workforce development and economic sustainability really means in practice, how Goodwill is using innovation and technology to support quality job training and education, and we finish the show with best for last segment discussing best advice, transformational memory and the best restaurants in KC. Anita Davis is a terrific guest and this show will truly move you to get engaged with Goodwill's vision and mission.

Super interesting show this week featuring an innovative and experienced wealth management advisor. Chad Esslinger, Esslinger Financial / Northwestern Mutual, joins the show and shares his story, background, how he engages and helps others, process he uses, shares what factors are important when deciding to start financial planning, his overall philosophy and lets us know what three human issues people have with financial planning. Chad understands the financial complexities of life and how they can affect goals. On this week's show he shares the knowledge and best philosophy for overall long term success, plus so much more! Awesome episode.

Fascinating show detailing the story of an entrepreneur and business owner who spent 15 years as a leader in the public sector that now has grown a leading energy, LED and and UVC innovation company in the private sector. Guests include Inayat Noormohmad, President and Founder of Sarin Energy and Alan Farris, Senior VP at Landmark National Bank. Inayat shares the story of his journey, company and the many ways how Sarin Energy has worked and innovated over 360 projects to help companies and individuals wide and far. Great to be joined this week by Inayat and Alan!

Guests - This show focuses on what the future of work looks like, office spaces moving forward and commercial real estate updates and trends with industry experts. Guests include an all-star lineup of Jill McCarthy, Senior Executive of Corporate Attraction at Kansas City Area Development Council, Peter Sloan, Director of Interior Design at HOK, Leah FitzGerald, Managing Director and Market Leader at CBRE Kansas City and Stacy Roth, VP of Strategy and Engagement at Scott Rice Office Works. Fantastic show full of great insights this week!

Guests - Jason is joined by Andrew Bash, Founder of Bash and Co. Sotheby International Realty. Andrew updates us on the growth of Bash and Co. with Sotheby International Realty and how this helps clients in KC and across the country, what the current real estate market looks like, what buyers should be doing, what sellers should be doing, trends we are seeing going into Spring 2021, how mortgage rates are affecting the market, unique ways you can make your house stand out, how the book Four Agreements has impacted him and we learn more about Andrew. He lets us know some of his best advice, who would play him in a movie, one word to describe him and his company and a very proud recent real estate moment. Another great show this week with the one and only, Andrew Bash, a leader and true innovator in the world of real estate.

Guests - Jason is joined by Logan Freeman, Co-Founder / Principal at FTW Investments (www.ftwinvestmentsllc.com/grillnation). We discuss everything commercial and multi-family real estate investing and why it is an interesting and approachable investment. Additionally, we learn what the process and parameters are to do it, how private placements are growing, what the market looks like in KC region, why investors are coming to Kansas City from around the country and what trends we should expect to see soon in this area. We also learn much more about Logan's background, philosophies and FTW Investments in general. Logan brings some great sports analogies and quotes this week to the show, as well as some incredibly valuable information on real estate investing and life in general!

Guests - Jason is joined by Dr. Saad Syed, a pain managment specialist who practices in acute and chronic pain managment. We discuss what chronic pain is, why the opioid epidemic has grown, why traditional treatments aren't effective and cause long term harm, what spinal cord stiulation is, how it works and why it has been so effective. Additionally, Jason is joined by James Clark, a patient who has gone through spinal cord stimulation to ease his chronic back pain. Three months into the treatment and he has never felt better saying he feels "wonderful" Hear his incredible story and so much more on the advancements of this life-changing chronic pain treatment, fascinating technology and the implementation behind it on this week's show.

Guests - Jason is joined by Jim Carr, CEO - NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) and Jeff Phillips, Senior VP - Landmark National Bank. We learn all about the NAIA and how it has grown as an organization, what leadership traits Jim believes lead to its continued success, the impact it has each and every day, new competitive collegiate sports and Champions of Character endeavors and discuss the opportunities and challenges realized throughout the COVID-19 pandemic for NAIA, student athletes and member organizations. We also hear some great stories from Jim about USA Basketball (he is on the Board) and about his time at the Olympics with the Dream Team. We finish the show with our Best for Last segment and learn some super impactful things from Jim and hear some more moving and fun stories. Awesome show this week!

Guests - Jason is joined by Christina Livers, Restaurant Operations Consultant at US Foods. We talk about ghost kitchens, examples of them, success stories, initial development and the reason they are resonating in the restaurant and consumer community, initial investment costs, revenue growth, digital integration and branding of them for existing restaurants or new restauranteurs/entrepreneurs. We also talk about how restauranteurs have dealt with dining restrictions, been innovative and resilient, why ghost kitchens have been such a success and how US Foods have worked with operators and restaurants on these endeavors. We finish the show with One Word, Best Advice, Life Lessons and what a person with a career in food like Christina will be eating for the Big Game. Fascinating food and restaurant trend that is not going anywhere now or post pandemic this week on the show.

Guests - Jason is joined by Jonathan Cole, Pendulum Studio, and Tim Bowman, Compass Smart, to discuss the exciting 31st and Troost Development Project and the upcoming Troost Village. This is a one of kind development that will transform a historic site, area and neighborhood in Kansas City, Mo. We talk about how this project came together, why they are doing it, why it matters, lessons learned throughout the journey, what each of the 7 plus buildings and assets on site entail, how the Troost Village will be a unique gathering space, what's next for the development, MBE/WBE components, how art deco will play a part, when each phase will launch and open, current and upcoming tenants, and so much more insight from these two leaders on an incredible story and project. Super show this week and some great news for KCMO.

Guests - Jason is joined by Ryan Bennett, Founder, The Intentional Day. We discuss what the Intentional Day is, why it matters and what it entails including Ryan's book and training programs for individuals, teams and your business. We breakdown why typical goal setting doesn't work 92% of the time, the 4 elements of proven growth that include dreaming, goal setting, daily disciplines and growth partners, where leadership typically fails and why great people make great leaders, how the 5 people you spend the most time with shape your future and trajectory and Ryan's favorite quote, best advice, proudest moment, biggest accomplishment and failure, his future goals and so much more! Perfect show and guest to start of 2021.

Guests - Jason is joined by Dr. Amy Patel, Medical Director, Liberty Hospital Women's Imaging and a well-recognized national expert in the medical profession. We discuss important updates on Covid-19 and vaccine that leads to an incredible dialogue with Dr. Patel. Additionally, we discuss screening awareness and recommendations, Amy's new website, engagement and speaking, fact v. fiction on breast cancer myths, importance to her of an Eleanor Roosevelt quote, proudest moment as leader at Liberty Hospital, one word to describe her work, best advice ever received and what the future holds for her and Liberty Hospital plus some exciting breaking news about Women's Imaging Center. Dr. Patel is engaging and provides so much valuable information this week.

Guests - Jason is joined by Megan Sturges Stanfield, President/CEO of Junior Achievement of Greater Kansas City. The two discuss Megan's career journey, Junior Achievement's background and innovative economic education programs for students, why financial literacy and entrepreneurship is so important for K-12 students, the new Junior Achievement Youth Learning Lab in KC which includes a reincarnation of the famous Exchange City now known and innovated as JA BizTown, corporate partners in the project, how it will function and how to get involved. Megan finishes the show sharing her proudest moment at Junior Achievement, one word to describe her and JAGKC, best advice ever received, biggest accomplishment and so much more. If you enjoyed Exchange City as a kid and have fond memories you will love this show!

Guests - Jason is joined by Ed Lada, President/CEO of Goodwill of Western Kansas and Eastern Missouri. The two discuss Ed's career and life journey from New Orleans to Kansas City, what Goodwill does each day (hint its much more than just stores) to empower people to discover their potential and adapt for the future through the power of work, the Artemis Initiative (innovation, robotics, future of work) and how they adapted and survived during the Covid-19 pandemic. Ed finishes the show sharing his proudest moment as a leader, one word to describe him and Goodwill, best advice ever received, biggest accomplishment and failure in life and so much more! Incredible show with a true leader giving back to the community each and every day.

Guests – Jason is joined by David Hall, Executive Vice Chairman at Hallmark and KCADC Senior Co-Chair, Tim Cowden, President/CEO at KCADC and Jill McCarthy, Senior Executive, Corporate Attraction at KCADC. The group discusses what 2020 looked like for the Kansas City Area Development Council and KC, success stories of attracting new companies, people and jobs to the market during the challenges of a global pandemic, 3700 new jobs, $150M in new payroll and $1B in new investment in 2020 for the region and how it all happened, best lessons learned, proudest moments from 2020 and we look forward to 2021 and what is next for KC and KCADC! All-Star crew this week and very informative, worthwhile dialogue.