About Our Guest:

David Thorne is a nationally awarded software and data engineer and a recognized figure in Wichita and national innovation circles. He was a corporate program manager for Boeing before starting his entrepreneurial journey. David’s involvement in the community includes board responsibilities on the Wichita Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and Gathered, a foster and bio care non-profit. As CEO of Thumbscore, David is part of leading-edge, behavioral economics technology built to help everyone improve their financial health, where his team serves 250,000 people nationwide.

About Thumbscore:

Thumbscore helps consumers make smart choices about their financial health within the benefits enrollment journey.

Contact:

david@thumbscore.app

https://www.thumbscore.app/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/11787579/

Hidden Gems:

Wichita Pickleball

https://www.facebook.com/groups/ICTpickleball

Wichita pickleball is booming!! The pickleball community is warm, understanding, and just a lot of fun! I particularly enjoy playing at Edgemoor Park.

Ember Hope

4505 E 47th St S, Wichita, KS 67210

https://www.emberhope.org/

Ember Hope does excellent work for our community. Serving the vulnerable is part of my life mission, so when I see an organization doing what Ember Hope does, I just have to find a way to help.

Thai Tradition

650 N Carriage Pkwy, Wichita, KS 67208

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Thai-Tradition/111558858884500

Thai Tradition is my favorite place for food, hands down! They are Wichita-unique, family-owned, and create Thai dishes that are just, mmmm, so delicious!

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What is Wichita Wow?

Wichita Wow! is a podcast series that showcases interviews with the everyday people in Wichita who are making an impact in their communities. Learn about Non-Profits, Business Leaders, and Community-Minded individuals in the Wichita Metro Area. Are you looking for a way to raise awareness about your business or nonprofit? We want to share your story! Join Edward Fox on Wichita Wow! to share how you are making a difference.

Find us on Social Media at:

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077008971680

About Our Guest:

Greg has been married to his lovely wife Gina for 41 years. They have five children and one on the way. Greg is passionate about living healthy and he speaks often on the subject. His calling is to serve seniors and others who qualify for Medicare by advising them of their choices in plans like Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans. A graduate of The University of Tennessee, Greg spent the majority of his career in pharmaceuticals so the healthcare space is a natural fit for him. He now owns his own insurance agency and focuses on Medicare, hospital indemnity, final expense plans, etc. He loves pickleball and playing with his grandchildren as well as traveling with Gina when possible.

About The Dane Agency:

The Dane Agency quite simply focuses on the needs of seniors when it comes to Medicare planning. Greg enjoys solving problems for seniors when he has the opportunity!

Contact:

(615) 374-5977

thedaneagency@gmail.com

http://www.thedaneagency.com

https://www.facebook.com/gregdanelicensedsalesagent

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregdane/

Hidden Gems:

Parks for Pickle Ball

Edgmore, Sedgwick, Seneca, Linwood,

https://playtimescheduler.com/login.php

Oldtown Farmers Market

Saturday Mornings

835 E 1st St N, Wichita, KS 67202

https://oldtownfarmandartmarket.com/

Keeper of the Plains

339 Veterans Pkwy, Wichita, KS 67203

https://www.wichita.gov/Arts/Pages/Keeper.aspx\

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What is Wichita Wow?

Wichita Wow! is a podcast series that showcases interviews with the everyday people in Wichita who are making an impact in their communities. Learn about Non-Profits, Business Leaders, and Community-Minded individuals in the Wichita Metro Area. Are you looking for a way to raise awareness about your business or nonprofit? We want to share your story! Join Edward Fox on Wichita Wow! to share how you are making a difference.

Find us on Social Media at:

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077008971680

About Our Guest:

Biz Coach | Life Coach | Author | Keynote Speaker | Blogger

For over forty-five years Debra has had a heart to serve our community. She is a mentor and loves to help people with personal, spiritual, and business growth. She has a background in business development, marketing, upper management, and ownership, and has networked in the Wichita community extensively. Using her vast experiences, she has mentored and helped with the development of business leaders and non-profits in the Wichita area. She is an author, keynote speaker, blogger, writer, business coach and life coach and uses her background in Christian ministry as the foundation for all that she does. Debra’s main ministry is to help women empower themselves so that they can achieve new heights in their own lives. Women join Debra in coaching sessions and classes for personal, business, and spiritual development. Her work is all-inclusive for men and women and supports many non-profits whose missions are to help women and children in our community and globally. She is the wife of 31 years to Matthew, and they have one adult son, Miles. Author of “It Is What It Is…But It Wasn’t a Tragedy”, her autobiography. And “Making Wise Choices…the most important lifestyle to master”, the Bible Study companion book to the autobiography.

Connect:

d.lee13@cox.net

(316) 708-4262

https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-lee-2324616a/

Hidden Gems:

Sojourners Coffee House | 7130 W Maple | https://sojournerscoffee.org/ | I love their mission of helping veterans. I hold my Ladies Circle Group there every week!

The Sweet Spot - 8448 W Central - https://www.wichitasweetspot.com/ | I love supporting local restaurants and this one is really good for fine dining. I take my special guests here! Great food, service, atmosphere, you can't go wrong!

The Advanced Learning Library | 711 W 2nd | https://www.wichitalibrary.org/ | The best place to learn stuff!!! They have collaboration rooms, meeting rooms and spaces, 3D printing, AV room, computers, technology classes, and so much more! I use the collaboration rooms to teach my classes!

- - -

What is Wichita Wow?

Wichita Wow! is a podcast series that showcases interviews with the everyday people in Wichita who are making an impact in their communities. Learn about Non-Profits, Business Leaders, and Community-Minded individuals in the Wichita Metro Area. Are you looking for a way to raise awareness about your business or nonprofit? We want to share your story! Join Edward Fox on Wichita Wow! to share how you are making a difference.

Find us on Social Media at:

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077008971680

About Our Guest:

Erin has more than 15 years of experience in a variety of marketing fields and is an accomplished marketing leader currently serving as the Marketing Manager at Exploration Place. Skilled in blending digital marketing strategies and nuanced storytelling, Erin has helped accomplish record-breaking numbers for the museum over the past two years. She was recently honored to be named the 2023 Marketer of the Year through the Wichita AMA. She is 40 Under 40 alumni in 2017, recognized in 2019 as a Women in Business honoree, listed among Women Who Lead in Marketing in 2020, and an award recipient for multiple marketing projects. Erin has a Bachelor's in Marketing from Wichita State University and an MBA from Friends University.

Contact:

erin.manning@exploration.org

(316) 660-0600

https://exploration.org/

https://www.facebook.com/ExplorationPlace

https://www.linkedin.com/company/exploration-place

About Exploration Place:

Exploration Place is Kansas’ premier science center, inspiring a deeper interest in science and technology through creative and fun experiences for all ages.

Hidden Gems:

Jane's Landing Coffee Shop

1002 N 2nd Ave, Mulvane, KS 67110

https://www.janeslanding.com/

A little slice of bliss. It's a comfortable, welcoming place with completely hand made everything.

Little Saigon Restaurant

1015 N Broadway St, Wichita, KS 67214

https://little-saigon-restaurant.cafes-city.com/

I. Am. Addicted. I go here for lunch usually once a week.

Explore Store

300 N McLean Blvd, Wichita KS 67203

https://store.exploration.org/

I am completely biased but I love the museum's toy store. So many treasures and comparative prices to Amazon and big box stores for most of it.

- - -

What is Wichita Wow?

Wichita Wow! is a podcast series that showcases interviews with the everyday people in Wichita who are making an impact in their communities. Learn about Non-Profits, Business Leaders, and Community-Minded individuals in the Wichita Metro Area. Are you looking for a way to raise awareness about your business or nonprofit? We want to share your story! Join Edward Fox on Wichita Wow! to share how you are making a difference.

Find us on Social Media at:

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077008971680

About Our Guest:

John Cooley is the CBDO at Well Kept Solutions, a facility maintenance company in Wichita. With vast experience, he drives growth and fosters partnerships. Skilled in business development, he understands client needs and delivers tailored solutions. John's expertise ensures excellent service, safe facilities, and lasting client satisfaction. He leads with collaboration and builds strong networks, positioning Well Kept Solutions as a trusted maintenance partner.

Connect:

john@hireajanitor.com

(316) 749-5807

Www.hireajanitor.com

https://www.facebook.com/WellKeptSolutions?mibextid=ZbWKwL

https://www.linkedin.com/mwlite/in/john-cooley-04120055

About Well Kept Solutions:

Well Kept Solutions, formerly Cassie's Cleaning Services, is a facility management company that specializes in providing top-notch maintenance services. With a seamless transition, they have expanded their offerings to meet the comprehensive needs of their clients. Well Kept Solutions is dedicated to ensuring the cleanliness, functionality, and safety of facilities, delivering exceptional results with their expert team and personalized approach.

Hidden Gems:

I like to get in trouble buying things from equip-bid.com an online auction serving multiple small auction companies in the area, I but and sell or barter things bought from the auctions, ride a motorcycle, and encourage our kids to try something entrepreneurial. Other than that we travel to Branson often and one other large trip each year.

- - -

What is Wichita Wow?

Wichita Wow! is a podcast series that showcases interviews with the everyday people in Wichita who are making an impact in their communities. Learn about Non-Profits, Business Leaders, and Community-Minded individuals in the Wichita Metro Area. Are you looking for a way to raise awareness about your business or nonprofit? We want to share your story! Join Edward Fox on Wichita Wow! to share how you are making a difference.

About Sebastian Franco: Hello, my name is Jose Sebastian Franco, but you can call me Buddy! I was born in Arizona, grew up in California, but now live in West Wichita. My mother and I moved here in 2011. A few of my favorite things about Wichita are the nice people, the weather (especially thunderstorms), and the low cost of living. Some of my hobbies are listening to music, cruising in my mom's convertible, and going to Lake Afton. I am very passionate about drawing and creating art. I also make my own animations, with sound effects that I create on my own. I can do lots of TV and movie character voices that you might recognize. Recently, I did the illustrations for a book called 'The Life and Adventures of Merle the Tortoise'. I am also in the beginning stages of doing more illustrations for a new children's book as well. Something some people don't know about me, is I am high-functioning autistic and legally blind. But I don't let that stop me from being adventurous and sociable! In the future, I hope to be able to illustrate more books, and hopefully find work as a voice actor. Thanks for reading! Contact: jaca3@yahoo.com TikTok @Jose Franco 81325 About Jose-Sebastian World of Arts: Just one guy who loves to draw, animate, and do funny voices. - - - What is Wichita Wow? Wichita Wow! is a podcast series that showcases interviews with the everyday people in Wichita who are making an impact in their communities. Learn about Non-Profits, Business Leaders, and Community-Minded individuals in the Wichita Metro Area. Are you looking for a way to raise awareness about your business or nonprofit? We want to share your story! Join Edward Fox on Wichita Wow! to share how you are making a difference. Find us on Social Media at: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077008971680

About Our Guest:

Kevin has been with AbilityPoint (formerly The Arc of Sedgwick County) for over 27 years (since 1996), serving as Executive Director for the last 19 years (since 2004).  Through hundreds of events and activities AbilityPoint serves over 3,900 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities annually, provides information, education and awareness to thousands and continues to be the largest targeted case management provider in the State.

He serves on the board of directors for InterHab, a Statewide Developmental Disability advocacy organization.  He chairs the Advocates in Communities Team (ACT) of South Central Kansas, a collaborative legislative advocacy group.  He is active with the Nonprofit Chamber of Services (NPCS) where he has served 3 terms on the board. Kevin was recognized as the 2003 Professional of the Year by DD Professionals and by the Wichita Business Journal as part of their 2012 40 Under 40 Honorees, as well as the Wichita Public Schools Good Apple award (2012, 2014, 2017) for program partnerships.    

Contact:

kfish@abilitypoint.org

(316) 943-1191

https://abilitypoint.org/

https://www.facebook.com/theabilitypoint

About Ability Point:

AbilityPoint provides more than 300 unique programs and activities that help improve the lives of nearly 4,000 Kansas individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families through life-long support, including educational and social programs, case management, respite opportunities, and advocacy in the community. Combined, our programs enhance the development of individual potential while advocating for support and services in the community.

Hidden Gems:

Wichita Park Department - Splash Parks

https://www.wichita.gov/ParkandRec/Aquatics/Pages/InteractiveFountains.aspx

The Lights at AbilityPoint

2919 West 2nd St N, Wichita, KS 67203

https://abilitypoint.org/news/lights-shine-beginning-nov-24/

Available during the Christmas Holiday Season (Nov 24th - Dec 28th)

Riverfront Stadium

275 S McLean Blvd, Wichita, KS 67213

https://www.milb.com/wichita

About Betty Zogg:

Salon Owner | Master Stylist

With over 24 plus years of experience, Betty decided to give Wichita a taste of her style by opening SalonZ in 2014. A graduate of Bon Lossee Academy of Hair Artistry in 1996, she has continued her education with advanced coloring and cutting classes. After discovering her love for Redken, she traveled to New York in 2004 to attend the Exchange. Betty has a passion for the Total look from head to toe, and shellac and pedicures are her way to relax and enjoy her craft. When she is not busy being the owner or stylist she is a mother to 3 busy kids.

Contact:

7011 W. Central # 123 Wichita 67212

Salonzwichita.com

(316) 943-2683

Facebook.com/salonzwichita

About Salon Z:

At SalonZ, we are dedicated to providing you with the best experience. We are committed to always getting the latest education to stay on top of the trends. We want you to be able to leave all your worries at the door and enjoy the whole experience with total relaxation and comfort. We guarantee you will have a great experience no matter which service provider you choose.

As the best local Beauty Salon, SalonZ is committed to providing customers with exceptional service. Whether you’re looking to get pampered or need to prepare for an upcoming event, our team of professionals is ready to highlight your best features and make you look stunning. Read on to meet our all-stars or say hi in person next time you’re in the area!

Hidden Gems:

Headshots Bar & Grill

2120 N Woodlawn Blvd #324, Wichita, KS 67208

https://headshotsbar.com/

Lake Aften / Cheney Lake

Riverside Cafe

9125 W Central Ave, Wichita, KS 67212

https://riversidecafeict.com/

Tokyo Japanese Cuisine

446 N West St, Wichita, KS 67203

https://www.tokyoks.com/