Grill Nation With Jason Grill

Jason is joined by City Councilman (6th District) and Mayor Pro Tem of Kansas City, Missouri, Kevin McManus. Jason talks to Kevin about his background and path to politics, time as a Missouri State Representative, 1st term on the City Council and what was accomplished, what is to come in 2nd term on City Council, hot issues/topics in Kansas City, Mo. currently and moving forward, his new role as Mayor Pro Tem and what that entails, and what the future holds for him and KC. Join us!

Jason is joined by guest co-host and Grill Nation partner, MoBank and BOK Financial, represented by Charles Hunter and Noel Fallon. We talk with Dr. Dred Scott, President and CEO of Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City. Incredible hour talking with Dr. Scott about his background that has come completely full circle, the diverse amount of programs and current opportunities for children ages 5-18 at Boys and Girls Clubs, the Boys and Girls Clubs exciting integration of education, technology, youth sports and public speaking / character / leadership training, how to get engaged and exciting upcoming milestones/events for the organization. Fascinating and informative show!

Jason is joined by show contributor, Kansas City Area Development Council (KCADC), represented by Emily McVey, Director of Kansas City Animal Health Corridor, Jessica Palm, VP / Lead Executive, Team KC, and Elli Bowen, VP / Business Development at KC SmartPort. This show's focus is on workforce development, talent recruitment and workforce retention in Kansas City. We take a deep dive to define these areas, access how KC is doing, break down what companies are doing to compete, what efforts could KC improve on, how academia can play a part in workforce development and so much more. Informative show this week you won't want miss. Great guests!

Jason is joined by Grill Nation Show Contributor, Port KC, represented by Joe Perry, VP of Development, Krishan Purvis, Real Estate Development Manager and Mariah Shields, Communications Specialist. On the show we discuss the history of the KC riverfront, exciting current developments, what's next, how it has evolved, the size of acres left to development, what other cities are doing on their similar riverfronts, upcoming fun events there, the Missouri Riverfront Terminal and its evolution, future and potential for new jobs, expansion of the Missouri Riverfront trail and so much more. Get your KC Riverfront fix from the great people at Port KC this week!

Jason is joined by Drew Solomon, Chair of LaunchKC and Senior VP at the EDC of KC, and Don Peterson, Tech Pioneer and EIR of Health Accelerator at LaunchKC. The group discusses the LaunchKC Health Accelerator powered by Nueterra Capital designed for early-stage businesses that are working to disrupt the current healthcare system. They talk about the growth of the LaunchKC program and its new structure, where its going, why a vertical that is health focused, application process, metrics of success of entrepreneurs in the program, benefits of LaunchKC and where Kansas City is going moving forward in the investment in entrepreneurs and technology as a form of economic development. Exciting new developments at LaunchKC. Join us!

Jason is joined by Grill Nation Show Contributor, Jon Stephens, President and CEO of Port KC for an exciting local, state and national current events and updates show. They discuss updates on development at Port KC, all things Quinton Lucas' victory in the KCMO Mayors Race and what happens next with him and new City Council members, Mayor Sly James legacy, things KC needs to do moving forward, USDA to KC, downtown KCMO park over the south loop highways, MO Governor Parson's first year, potential for Nicole Galloway running for Governor of MO for the Democrats in 2020, low income tax credit update, which 2020 Democratic Presidential Candidate would fair best in Missouri, upcoming Democratic debates and the complete field update and so much more! Don't miss this week's show. Incredible dialogue with the knowledgable Jon Stephens!

Guests - Jason is joined by Jon Copaken, Principal at Copaken Brooks, and Ryan Biery, Senior VP at Copaken Brooks. The group talks about Copaken Brooks exciting assets, work and development projects in KC, they discuss real estate and development trends in the region and nation both on the residential and commercial side, break into what KC does well and what they would like to see us do better and highlight some incredible ideas for downtown. This show is a must listen!

Guests - Jason is joined by guest co-host Bryan Sarff, President of True Wealth and Company. Due to a last second unforeseen conflict, Jason is around for the beginning of Segment 1, but then turns the show over to Bryan to interview Jeff Sullivan, Head of Retail Banking at Academy Bank and Tim Kay, Senior VP of Residential Mortgage Lending. Thanks for listening!

Guests – Jason is joined by Jason Fulvi, President and CEO of Visit KC, and Derek Klaus, Director of Communications of Visit KC. We learn about Jason’s background and experience from hotel dishwasher to CEO, what brought him to KC from Pittsburgh, initial thoughts on KC, what does Visit KC do, what is the ROI of conventions and tourism/impact of what Visit KC does, what major sporting events like the NFL Draft and World Cup will mean to KC, we breakdown a recent JLL hotel market study on KC and discuss misconceptions, what are KC’s key selling points and what Visit KC is excited about and what does KC need to do better to compete with its peer cities. Awesome show this week.

Guests - Jason is joined by Dennis Strait, Principal at Gould Evans a well-known architecture, design and planning firm. The two discuss the concept of performance-based cities, why measuring value by acre is more important that measuring by value of property, incremental development, small scale development, what Kansas City and other cities are doing or should be doing to utilize a performance-based city strategy, how our poorer neighborhoods subsidize our more affluent neighborhoods,  affordable housing and so much more. If you want to know what cities should be investing in and how they will get real results and ROI this is a must listen.

Guests - Jason is joined by guest co-host and Grill Nation partner, MoBank and BOK Financial, represented by Linda Laurence, Noel Fallon, Lindsey Bruns and Aaron Israelite. We talk with Andy Rieger, President and Co-Founder of J.Rieger and Co. Fascinating hour with Andy talking about his background, the growth of J.Rieger and Co., decisions made at the beginning versus now, the incredible expansion and new facility about to open in East Bottoms, all of its bells, whistles and offerings and we break down what is next for J.Rieger and Co. and the East Bottoms of KC. Don't miss this exciting hour!

Guests - Jason is joined by guest co-host Bryan Sarff, President of True Wealth and Company. The two interview Vince O'Halloran, Owner of O'Halloran an Associates. They discuss Vince's KC background, growth and ownership in the insurance sales industry. Vince has a unique story and is an inspiration to many because of his determination, business growth and building the right company culture. Vince shares some really good life and professional advice on this week's Grill Nation Show.

Guests – Jason is joined by Annie Presley: Author, Publisher, Fundraiser and Political Strategist for a local, state and national current events show. The two start the show talking about Annie's new picture book, Sam Gets Adopted, about her beloved adopted dog Sam. Check it out at SamSeries.com. They then discuss local KC issues including the KC Mayors Race, Streetcar Expansion and Henry Bloch and Morton Sosland's legacies. They continue with Hyperloop coming to Missouri, Economic Border War passage in MO Senate, Film Tax Credits coming back to Missouri and CBD in the Show Me State. They finish the show talking Joe Biden, Pete Buttigieg, President Trump's poll numbers and about the Mueller Report. Action packed show. Join us!

Guests – Jason is joined by Sheri Gonzales, Vice President of the Civic Council and Director of KC Rising, Lesley Elwell, Chief People Officer at JE Dunn Construction, and John Murphy, Partner and Former Global Chair of Shook, Hardy and Bacon Law Firm and Co-Chair of KC Rising. The Kansas City Area Development Council (KCADC) set up this show with Jason to talk about KC Rising and how Kansas City is currently competing with its peer cities. In its 5th year, KC Rising’s goal is for KC to be in the Top 10 of peer metros in quality jobs, gross metropolitan product and median household income. A fascinating dialogue and show this week on KC Rising and how its creating a sustainable 20-year+ vision to accelerate the Kansas City region’s economic growth!

Guests - Jason is joined by Rob Magee, Owner/Executive Chef of Q39. They discuss Q39's rise to BBQ fame in KC, new menu items, Rob's background and decision to start a BBQ business, what's on tap next for Q39 and favorite dishes. Jason is also joined by David Ficklin, Executive Director - KC 2026 FIFA World Cup Bid. The two discuss KC's bid to bring the World Cup to KC in 2026, the economic impact, where things stand today on progress, what cities are in the mix, numbers of eyeballs and visitors, when decisions will be made, flyover on facilities and how you can get involved. All star show even with Jason's raspy voice this week!

Guests - Jason is joined by guest co-host and Grill Nation partner, MoBank and BOK Financial, represented by Margaret Langford and Noel Fallon. They talk with Kevin Childress, CEO of MyFreightWorld and Founder of Port TMS, and Wayne Auer, Chairman / Founder of Port TMS and Director of MyFreightWorld. The group discusses the business of freight logistics, how it has evolved, how their technology will revolutnize the industry, why Kansas City, growth of the company and what is next. Fascinating discussion about a multi billion dollar industry that effects each and every one of us.

Guests - Jason is joined by guest co-host Bryan Sarff, President of True Wealth and Company. The two interview Mike Savage, Owner of Sav Art. They discuss Mike's art that stems from a contemporary and impressionistic style. His art has captivated Kansas City and others around the world through each piece creating a composition that is strong and keeps the viewers eye moving, never allowing them to focus on just one spot. His love of color jumps from the canvas to create a look that brings a feeling of happiness. We learn all about Mike, what motivates him, his background, his business models, the ups and downs and most importantly about his art. This is an awesome hour!

Guests - Jason is joined by Annie Presley - Author, Publisher, Fundraiser and Political Strategist. They discuss local, state and national current events and issues. These include: KCMO Mayors Race, KCI Groundbreaking, Pre-K measure in KC, Real ID in Missouri, Flooding issues, Kansas Tax Issues, new potential Kansas Toll Roads, Muller Report, what to do with the Electoral College and much more. Another fast paced and fun show with Annie Presley talking trending topics!! Join us.

Guests - Jason is joined by Grill Nation Show Contributor, PortKC, represented by Joe Perry, VP of Development. The two discuss the history of the KC riverfront, exciting current development, what's next, the KCMO GDAP implementation plan, and compare it to the development of the Country Club Plaza and Crown Center, which are the same exact amount of acres...85. Jason is also joined by Jerad Foster, Owner of StudioBuild. The two discuss StudioBuild's incredible residential, commercial and fabrication work, as well as the companies cool Crossroads offices and their growing practice of mid-century, modern builds and remodels. Their design and builds are featured locally and nationally. This is a fascinating show you won't want to miss.

Guests - Jason is joined by guest co-host Bryan Sarff, President of True Wealth and Company. The two interview Dr. Troy Burns, Physician, President and Medical Director of Pro Partners Healthcare. They discuss direct primary care and its benefits, how direct primary care helps business owners save money with greater access for employees, why Dr. Burns got into medicine, how he started his practice as a men's health clinic, expansion throughout the KC metro, and Dr. Burns explains why there is a shortage of primary care practitioners and what can be done as baby boomers retire. This show will highlight the benefits of a direct primary care model of healthcare.