Shows
Topeka InsiderThe Long Game: 20 Years From Walk-On To Washburn University Head Football Coach | Zach WatkinsZach Watkins shares his journey from Washburn walk-on linebacker to head coach, revealing how his 20-year connection to the program shapes his coaching philosophy and vision for the future.• Coming full circle from player to head coach at Washburn University• Building a program on five pillars: family, accountability, discipline, toughness, and respect• Completing over 2,000 hours of community service in five months• Creating accountability groups and football nights at every campus sport• Managing 36 scholarships across a roster of 125+ players• Developing relationships with every player through individual meetings• Recruiting philosophy: "If you're good enough, they'l...
2025-08-0851 min
Topeka InsiderThe Long Game: 20 Years From Walk-On To Head Football Coach | Zach WatkinsZach Watkins shares his journey from Washburn walk-on linebacker to head coach, revealing how his 20-year connection to the program shapes his coaching philosophy and vision for the future.• Coming full circle from player to head coach at Washburn University• Building a program on five pillars: family, accountability, discipline, toughness, and respect• Completing over 2,000 hours of community service in five months• Creating accountability groups and football nights at every campus sport• Managing 36 scholarships across a roster of 125+ players• Developing relationships with every player through individual meetings• Recruiting philosophy: "If you're good enough, they'l...
2025-08-0851 min
Topeka InsiderThe Sky's No Limit for Topeka's Development | Curtis SnedenCurtis Sneden, Director of Development at the Metropolitan Topeka Airport Authority (MTAA), shares exciting developments happening at Topeka's two airports and their adjacent industrial park. He reveals plans to bring commercial airline service back to Topeka Regional Airport, with flights potentially starting in early 2026 to destinations like Orlando, Las Vegas, and Phoenix.• The MTAA operates both Topeka Regional Airport (formerly Forbes Field) and Philip Billard Airport, plus an industrial park with development potential• Data shows approximately 1,400 Topekans drive to KCI daily, creating strong market demand for local commercial air service• Airlines have shown significant interest in Top...
2025-07-251h 09
Topeka InsiderFrom News Reporter to PR Pioneer: Giving Topeka’s Small Businesses a Voice | India YarboroughIndia Yarborough, Topeka's newest PR pioneer, shares her journey from Mississippi journalist to founding Local Lens PR, the city's first public relations firm dedicated to helping small businesses find their voice. She explores the critical distinction between marketing and PR while explaining how her business fills a gap in the local market for strategic communications.• Moved to Topeka in 2019 as a reporter for the Topeka Capital Journal, having never visited Kansas before• Found Topeka to be the "perfect small city" with unique qualities that convinced her to stay for six years and counting• Worked at the Gr...
2025-07-1155 min
Outside The BoxMastering The Fundamentals: How To Win in Modern Real Estate | Marci PressMarci Press shares her journey from legal secretary to successful realtor, having sold over 1,000 homes in Central Ohio since 2004. She reveals how picking up the phone and maintaining genuine connections with clients creates lasting success in real estate.• Started real estate career as a single mom of three while working full-time as a legal secretary• Worked both jobs simultaneously for a year before taking the leap to full-time real estate• Emphasizes the importance of fundamental practices like phone calls alongside modern marketing• Maintains consistency in outreach through multiple channels including social media and traditional postcard...
2025-07-0429 min
Topeka InsiderCoaching The Whole Player: Blueprint for Success at Washburn | Brett BallardCoach Brett Ballard shares his journey from player to head basketball coach at Washburn University and reveals how he's built a winning program focused on developing players both on and off the court.• Growing up in Hutchinson, Kansas before becoming a preferred walk-on at KU under Roy Williams• Volunteering for Bill Self after graduation to get his foot in the coaching door• Being part of KU's 2008 national championship team as a staff member• Building Washburn into a program that's reached five NCAA tournaments in seven eligible seasons• Leading the team to the Division II Final F...
2025-06-271h 10
Outside The Box98% Referral Business: Become The Mayor of Your City | Amanda FurmanAmanda Furman shares how she transformed from a middle school teacher into a successful realtor building a referral-based business through authentic relationships and community involvement. Her teaching background provided unexpected advantages in real estate, helping her manage different personality types and emotional situations while developing a reputation as the "Fox Cities Homegirl."• Cultivating a 98% referral-based business through relationship building rather than traditional sales techniques• Writing five handwritten note cards weekly to past clients for non-business reasons • Creating a weekly "Fox Cities Friday" video series highlighting local businesses, now approaching 260 episodes• Delivering pumpkins to over 600 past clie...
2025-06-2044 min
Topeka InsiderDino Days, Sumatran Tigers, & Future of The Topeka Zoo | Dennis DinwiddieDennis Dinwiddie shares his 15-year journey as Director of Conservation at the Topeka Zoo, where he oversees initiatives protecting endangered species locally and globally. Through partnerships with other zoos and conservation organizations, the Topeka Zoo funds rangers in Sumatra, supports black-footed ferret reintroduction, and creates habitats for monarch butterflies.• Topeka Zoo funds a ranger in Sumatra's Leuser Range, the last stronghold for fewer than 400 remaining Sumatran tigers• Monarch butterflies have declined by 90% in 15-20 years due to loss of milkweed, their only egg-laying plant• The zoo hosts an annual native plant sale the day before Mother...
2025-06-1352 min
Outside The BoxLifelong Client Relationships: Guide to 85% Referral Business | Pamela BullPamela Bull from Tennessee River Realty shares how she built a thriving real estate business where 85% of transactions come from referrals by focusing on deep client relationships rather than chasing transactions. Her philosophy centers on helping families rather than focusing on dollar amounts, creating loyal clients who enthusiastically refer her services to friends and family.• Real estate was a longtime dream after working in her family's printing business and spending 27 years as a massage therapist• Stays in contact with ALL past clients, not just those from the current year• Sends monthly recipe cards which clients keep l...
2025-06-0624 min
Topeka InsiderWinners Focus on Winning: Former Greater Topeka Partnership CEO | Matt PivarnikMatt Pivarnik reflects on nearly a decade of service as CEO of the Greater Topeka Partnership and the remarkable transformation the community has experienced during this time. From becoming the first city in America to measure its Net Promoter Score to seeing dramatic improvements in hope, health, happiness, and prosperity metrics, Topeka's renaissance demonstrates the power of changing community mindset.• Topeka was the first city to measure its net promoter score, rising from -47 to +1• Major developments transforming Topeka include Westridge Mall's conversion to a corporate campus and two significant downtown housing projects• Community perception matter...
2025-05-3044 min
The Deeper Podcast | Fellowship Bible Church TopekaDeeper Podcast | Acts - Week 5 with Justin ArmbrusterWelcome back to the Deeper Podcast! In this week’s episode, we continue exploring the powerful stories in the book of Acts—focusing on three transformational moments: Philip sharing the gospel with Simon, the Ethiopian eunuch, and Saul’s dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus.All of these stories remind us that God often moves through ordinary people who are simply available—willing to respond wherever He places them.🎙️ Special Guest: Justin Armbruster (starts at 20:03) We’re excited to welcome Justin Armbruster, a real estate agent here in Topeka, as our guest this week...
2025-05-2456 min
Outside The BoxThe Power of Client Events: From Pie Parties to Paper Shredding | Greg AndersonGreg Anderson, a seasoned realtor with Baird Warner, shares how his background in hospitality prepared him for real estate success and reveals strategies for building a thriving referral-based business. His commitment to exceeding expectations and maintaining meaningful client relationships has resulted in consistent business even during market fluctuations, proving that authentic service creates lasting client connections.• Transitioning from hospitality to real estate provided valuable skills like multitasking and maintaining composure during challenges• The mantra "exceed expectations" guides Greg's approach to client service and relationship building• Creative client appreciation events like Thanksgiving pie giveaways and document shredd...
2025-05-2352 min
Topeka InsiderThrough the Lens: Photojournalism, Topeka, and Capturing Moments That Matter | Evert NelsonEvert Nelson, chief photojournalist at the Topeka Capital Journal, shares his journey from growing up in Topeka to capturing iconic moments that have appeared in Time Magazine and Sports Illustrated. His unique perspective on visual storytelling and finding extraordinary narratives in everyday events gives us insight into the power of photojournalism.• Born in Costa Rica but raised in Topeka, Evert knew he wanted to be a photojournalist from fourth grade• Influenced by his uncle Andy Nelson who worked for the Christian Science Monitor in Washington DC• Photographed the Colorado Rockies for two seasons, capturing unique shots...
2025-05-1653 min
Outside The BoxSecret Sauce: Consistency Beats Shiny Object Syndrome | Kelley DecowskiKelly Decowski shares her journey from classroom teacher to successful real estate agent, revealing how starting on a team and implementing consistent referral systems led to over 400 homes sold and $200 million in transaction volume.• Left teaching career to have more flexibility for family life and school events• Learned valuable routines and habits from successful brokers like Roger Soderstrom and Janice Petaway• Uses Brian Buffini's referral system with handwritten notes, monthly calls, and pop-bys• Hired a transaction coordinator after hitting a plateau, which freed up time for income-producing activities• Focuses on nurturing existing network rather tha...
2025-05-0941 min
Topeka InsiderThe Rise of Saved Soles: Where Sneakers and Faith Create Community in Topeka | Eric PattersonEric Patterson turned his childhood sneaker obsession into Saved Soles, Topeka's first high-end sneaker store where faith and footwear create unexpected community. This 23-year-old entrepreneur shares his journey from selling lemonade door-to-door to opening a thriving business in Westridge Mall.• Saved Soles specializes in buying, selling, and trading high-end sneakers like Jordans, Nikes, and Yeezys• The store has been operating in Westridge Mall for about nine months with plans to expand to a larger location• Patterson explains how certain sneakers become valuable collectibles, with some models selling for thousands• Growing up as a pastor's kid, Pat...
2025-05-0244 min
Outside The BoxThe Big Mouth Club: Building Referral Networks That Last | Tim LanghauserTim Langhauser of Compass Home Group shares his journey from real estate admin to selling 170+ homes annually through his innovative "Big Mouth Club" referral strategy. With systematic client appreciation events and meticulous database management, Tim has created a self-sustaining referral machine that drives $65 million in sales volume.• Started in real estate as an admin handling accounting before moving to sales side after seven years• Created the "Big Mouth Club" to formalize client referral relationships and build community• Hosts 4-7 client appreciation events annually including Amtrak trips to NYC, golf tournaments, and Santa visits• Uses detailed...
2025-04-2540 min
Topeka InsiderWashburn Basketball’s Final Four Journey: Team Culture, Mental Toughness & Community Support | Sam Ungashick, Jake Schadegg, and Andrew OrrThree Washburn basketball players—Sam Ungashick, Jake Schadegg, and Andrew Orr—reflect on their historic season that took them to the NCAA Division II Elite Eight for the first time in 24 years. They share insights on team chemistry, mental toughness, and their perspectives on basketball's place in their lives while celebrating the incredible community support they received throughout their championship run.• Team chemistry was the biggest difference between this season and previous years—everyone genuinely liked each other• Coach Ballard's consistent message that "basketball shouldn't be your identity" helped players maintain perspective• Mental toughness was just as impo...
2025-04-1845 min
Outside The BoxTurn Your Local Coffee Shop Into A Lead Generating Machine | Chuck HonabachChuck Honabach shares how he built a thriving real estate business by focusing on relationships and investing in his sphere of influence. With over 400 homes sold and $150 million in sales since 2016, Chuck reveals how his entrepreneurial background helped him create systems that generate consistent referrals.• Transitioning from owning multiple businesses to adding real estate as another entrepreneurial venture• Using a strong CRM system to maintain consistent client touchpoints • The importance of community involvement and visibility for generating referrals• Why agents must reinvest 10-20% of their commission into building their business• How Chuck's famous "Chucktini"...
2025-04-1144 min
Topeka InsiderWhat Your Topeka House Is Hiding From You | Alex BuehlerAlex Buehler shares his journey from retail management to becoming Topeka's "Pi Guy" home inspector, offering insights into the surprising, dangerous, and sometimes creepy discoveries behind walls and underneath floors. His unexpected career change came after quitting his job without a plan, only to receive a call from an inspection company that would change his professional path forever.• Moving from retail to home inspection through an unexpected opportunity• Why he's known as "The Pi Guy" across Topeka• Terrifying structural issues including support beams cut for laundry chutes• Common problems found in almost every home inspecti...
2025-04-0454 min
Outside The BoxWhat Every Top Agent Uses To Win? This Silver Bullet... | Bill MoomawBill Moomaw shares how he built a $200 million real estate business by nurturing relationships and staying top of mind with his sphere of influence through consistent marketing and follow-up strategies. His background in restaurant management taught him valuable skills for handling high-stress situations and managing client expectations in real estate transactions.• For every properly marketed sphere of influence contact, expect approximately $500 in annual GCI• Your first deal is already in your phone – focus on nurturing existing relationships• Most agents quit marketing campaigns too early before seeing results• Send monthly mailers to keep your brand visible –...
2025-03-2843 min
Topeka InsiderSports-Life Connection With Topeka’s Top Coach | Chad ParksChad Parks transforms athletes through building culture and creating genuine connections, turning wrestling into a vehicle for character development far beyond the mat. His approach combines technical coaching with life lessons that prepare athletes for challenges in all aspects of their lives.• Wrestling background that began with his Hall of Fame coach father• Created distinctive team mottos like TCOB (Take Care of Business) and GET (Gratitude, Effort, Toughness)• Observes significant generational changes in youth sports, particularly decreased free play• Warns against sports specialization and over-scheduling that leads to burnout• Encourages parents to separate their chil...
2025-03-211h 17
Outside The BoxBuilding a Billion-Dollar Real Estate Business Through Relationships | Lee TessierLee Tessier shares how he built a billion-dollar real estate business by focusing on relationships and leveraging his database to generate repeat and referral business.• Building a database and staying in consistent communication with past clients• Creating a "Top 50" list of referral sources to nurture with monthly communication• Focusing on phone calls as the most effective way to stay top of mind• Hosting client appreciation events including brewery gatherings and movie nights• Running a massive annual Thanksgiving pie event that attracts 700 people• Offering branded moving trucks for clients to use free of charge•...
2025-03-1445 min
Topeka InsiderBoosting Topeka Businesses: Social Media Strategies | Gray MarshallDiscover how Gray Marshall, creative director at AIM Strategies, is shaping the social media landscape for Topeka businesses. In this episode, we delve into the strategies he uses to manage numerous social media accounts while emphasizing the importance of authenticity and community engagement. As local businesses strive to connect with a younger demographic, Gray shares valuable insights on what works and what doesn't in today's digital age.From understanding your audience to creating engaging content that resonates, we discuss essential tactics that drive engagement and foster community. Tune in as we explore the challenges of maintaining a...
2025-03-0757 min
Outside The Box$85,000 In GCI, All Thanks To.... Cinnamon Rolls | Rachelle PetersThis episode dives deep into the strategies of building lasting client relationships that drive referrals in the real estate business. Rachelle Peters shares her journey and techniques for staying connected with clients, providing actionable insights for agents looking to enhance their business.• Importance of nurturing client relationships • Rachelle's unique marketing strategies • Emotional connections lead to referrals • A recap of common mistakes realtors make • Success stories of personalized touches • Tips for creating memorable client experiencesLevel Up Your Client Experience with BizBox 📦Want to stand out and stay top of mind wit...
2025-02-2738 min
Topeka InsiderTransforming Play Into Power: Inside The Kansas Discovery Center | Laura BurtonThe episode explores the vital role of the Kansas Children's Discovery Center in fostering creativity and curiosity among children through hands-on learning. Laura Burton shares insights into the philosophy of educational play, the importance of community outreach, and the exciting plans for expansion, emphasizing the Center's commitment to accessibility and innovation in child development. • Importance of play in child development and learning • Personal story of Laura Burton's journey to the Discovery Center • Focus on interactivity and hands-on experiences in educational spaces • Upcoming expansion plans and new exhibit highlights • Community outreach efforts to make learning access...
2025-02-211h 00
Topeka InsiderRaising the Bar: The Pennant, The Cyrus, and Topeka’s Future | Don HeilandTransforming Topeka takes more than grand investments; it requires community spirit, adaptability, and a vision for the future. Don Heiland discusses his journey from finance to architecture and details various projects that are breathing new life into Topeka while addressing the city's crucial needs.• Highlights the impact of the Cyrus Hotel on local tourism • Discusses the unique characteristics of boutique hotels versus chains • Explores The Pennant as an innovative dining and entertainment option • Insights into youth sports facilities’ importance for community retention • Explains the balance of historic preservation and modern development • Emphasizes the role of archite...
2025-02-0750 min