When Cyle Barnwell went to help the previous owner of Keystone Solid Surfaces sell his business he had no idea he would eventually buy the business with his best friend. He shares his story with Don and Ebony on transitioning from accountant to entrepreneur. On this episode we discuss:
Learn more about Keystone Solid Surfaces:
https://keystonesolidsurfaces.com/
Cyle grew up in Emporia, Kansas and graduated from Emporia High school. He came to Wichita to play basketball at Newman University in 2005 and played until 2009. He received his degree in accounting and worked for Grant Thornton, BKD, Koch Industries, and Redguard in various financials and accounting roles.
Cyle always had entrepreneurial spirit and in 2017 a deal came across his desk to purchase Keystone Solid Surfaces. He was able to convince his best friend (childhood friends since age 6 or 7) to come in and be part owner of Keystone. Cyle handles the finance, tax, sales side of the business and his handles operations, machining and tooling.
When they purchased Keystone they inherited 10-12 employees and a 10,000 sq ft shop in Benton KS. In less than 5 years in business they have grown 500% in revenue, employees and space.
They now have a 50,000 sq ft facility in downtown Wichita and nearly 60 employees. They just added a division in Kansas City and fabricate and install countertops all over the Great state of Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma.
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