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The Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting is coming up. Which makes this a great time for us to catch up with the 2021 Chair Ben Hutton, CEO of Hutton. He joins Don and Ebony to talk about his leadership path as well as what to expect from special guest speaker Patrick Lencioni at the Annual Meeting.
Explore the world of business and entrepreneurship in Wichita. Learn from local business owners from a variety of industries as they share their experiences with hosts and Evergy leaders, Don Sherman and Ebony Clemons-Ajibolade, who are also small business owners. You’ll learn how they have built and grown their companies and the challenges and opportunities they encountered along the way. This podcast is brought to you by the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce and is powered by Evergy.
Ep38_BenHutton
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Don and Ebony: [00:00:00] Welcome to another exciting edition of the WCBA, powered of course, by Evergy if you have a small business story to tell, make sure you reach out to communications@ Wichita chamber.org. Thank you for listening. Don't forget to like us love us share us. We truly appreciate it today. We are excited. He's on double duty by the way, but we're going to have a chat with Mr.
Ben Hutton. He what's up.
Ben Hutton: Good morning.
Don and Ebony: Good. I am so happy to have you here with us today. Tell us who you are and what company you're with.
Ben Hutton: Oh, fantastic. Ebony. I am probably even more excited.
than you are. So thanks for having me on,
my name is Ben
Ben Hutton: Hutton.
and this year I am honored to be the chair of the chamber
and that has turned into
about my
full-time job. I believe.
But other than that, I also I'm CEO over at Hutton. we are,
Commercial and industrial architecture and building business based right here. in Wichita work all [00:01:00] throughout the Midwest.
though.
Don and Ebony: I love it right here in Wichitan you've been with the company for how long
well
Ben Hutton: you want the official answer.
Don and Ebony: Well, I read something about, Ben has been swinging a hammer as soon as he could lift it.
Ben Hutton: Well, yeah, So I I grew up, you know, my dad has been, or was in the industry for a long time. And So I grew up.
In the
in the construction industry. but dad started our business in 92.
I was 11
Ben Hutton: and that next summer
when I was 12 is when I got to go to work.
Ben Hutton: Right. And So since that time I've been in and around, our workshop or job sites,
learning
Ben Hutton: all the different parts and pieces of,
our trade.
So
yeah, been around.
Don and Ebony: And, but it's, you said started out in construction, but now you guys do.
Ben Hutton: You know, we,
we'd like to serve our clients in whatever
Ben Hutton: ways that they need. And So
that over
the years, that's branched out to where now we also provide facility services, so maintenance
and also design on the front side, of that. And so [00:02:00] wherever a client
Ben Hutton: has needs
related
to their building, we are
here.
Don and Ebony: I love that. And did that take place under your leadership or under your fathers that you guys began diversifying?
Ben Hutton: Yeah, so most of that
has really taken place over the last two or three years.
and so I
Ben Hutton: I'd say it's I can't claim,
total authorship of that.
We have a
lot of really talented people on our team
and, together. They helped me guide our business
into the future.
Ben Hutton: And We're
always looking at what's coming next And so a few years ago, that was what was.
Don and Ebony: That's awesome. And before we go into, the chamber business, just want to ask you a few more questions about Hutton. been really inspired watching you as a leader in this community. And I mean, you went to one of the best universities in the world, obviously, Kansas state.
so you know, that's part of it, I'm sure. But tell us, growing up, what may have affected, what are some of the things that affected your leadership?
Ben Hutton: Sure. [00:03:00] So, I I'd say a few things.
The First thing I'd mentioned of course is, growing up,
sharing the dinner table with my dad.
Ben Hutton: Right. And so
I got to learn a lot from him
through
the years,
by hearing the stories, he would tell in the evenings or later getting to go to the office with them. And through
Ben Hutton: the years,
he has
Ben Hutton: been a
fantastic mentor and and so,
while he doesn't work full time in our, in our business anymore.
Ben Hutton: I still say he is
my my first call whenever.
Ben Hutton: I break something. Right. And so he's been a
Fantastic. mentor. I've also, I think my
my leadership style has been impacted
a lot by my faith. And So
that, forms,
the foundation for my life, and really
I
Ben Hutton: think
shows up in everything that I do,
Ben Hutton: Right. And how I think about
the world and how I think about
how
Ben Hutton: I should treat
our clients or our team members that.
Ben Hutton: I get to work with every day. And so
That'd be the second thing.
and then The third thing [00:04:00] is I I would say, you know, I
Don and Ebony: have
Ben Hutton: had the opportunity to learn from a lot of people.
Some in person, some through books,
Ben Hutton: which we'll
talk about
here in a minute and others through,
different educational
Ben Hutton: opportunities that I've
searched
out and taken advantage of.
But,
you know, from my perspective,
Part of leadership is learning.
and the day I stop learning
Ben Hutton: is the day I should stop being a leader. I'm always looking for,
things that challenge my viewpoint or help me become better
Ben Hutton: at areas.
that I'm not. are
Don and Ebony: Well connected and you give back, right? You are a leader who is out in the community, putting in work. could you talk to us a little bit about why you think it's important to give back to community, especially been in the position that you are in and also allowing your employees and team members to give back?
Ben Hutton: Yeah, I think that's, part of being part of a community
is making sure you show up
and are really part of a community.
And, and so I think
It's part of my [00:05:00] responsibility to step into areas of conversation or need inside the city or inside the organizations that serve the city then help push them all forward.
you
know,
I'd also say
Ben Hutton: very,
very selfishly if Wichita's not a growing community then ultimately that's bad for my business and every other business.
Ben Hutton: in our community. And So
I mean, even if it's only self-interest that motivates you. As a business leader, you should still be involved in making sure your community moves forward because ultimately that's, what's going to drive the long-term success of
any organization is
a growth
in our city population, growth, talent, future talented people, deciding Wichita's where they want to
make their career grow their own.
families. And so,
well that's not really,
the reason I'm involved, it's
a great benefit.
Don and Ebony: I agreed hashtag truth. You was preaching there for a minute. I had opportunity to meet your dad before I met you. [00:06:00] And I affectionately called Ben gentle Ben, because he's, he's a great leader, but he doesn't have to be the loudest one in the room to lead.
He just does his thing. I truly appreciate that. Let's talk, let's pivot a little bit and talk about this chamber Wichita chamber of commerce. What made you put yourself into the pipeline to eventually be the president of the chamber? Why did you do that?
great question. Don? sometimes I ask myself,
Ben Hutton: that in the morning now, no,
you know, the chamber is
Ben Hutton: a really
special organization.
in our community.
It is an organization that gives a voice to all of our 14, 1500 members. And so.
that's important. It's also an organization
that
can inspire our community and really educate our community
Don and Ebony: about
Ben Hutton: what good business can do
for all of us.
Ben Hutton: And, That's something I'm passionate about is the role of business in society and the good that [00:07:00] it can do.
and
so it really the combination of of those two things coupled with the fact that, you know, I think these are pivotal years in our communities future,
we have a lot of big decisions happening in our city. and.
Ben Hutton: I want to make sure the chamber has a voice in all of those. And so a few years ago, when the opportunity came and I was asked if I'd be interested, I said, yes, immediately.
because I
Ben Hutton: think it's just such a unique opportunity,
and it's been
it's been a blast.
Don and Ebony: Excellent. be interested in how you define leadership.
Ben Hutton: Yeah, I think, I'll steal a little bit, from another good podcast friend, Richard.
Ryerson, who has a
podcast called the dosa leadership. You know, He talks about leadership in terms of love.
and I, really appreciate his approach there. You know, I think leadership is caring for people.
leadership is casting a big vision and making sure that we're all moving towards a better future together. and [00:08:00] so at the root of all of that, I think is care and love. I Don't think it's about.
Ben Hutton: a
control right?
I mean, I, I, think
that that's
you said I'm quiet.
Sometimes I'm quiet. Sometimes I'm not, I have definite ideas, but,
Ben Hutton: you know, written on the wall,
at
our old office we moved recently, which which, you know, but
my old office is. it's not my job to make the decisions. It's my job to make sure the best decisions get made.
Ben Hutton: And I think,
you know, my job as a leader is to.
find
and Empower other people that are way better at their jobs or skills than I'll ever be.
you know, I
Ben Hutton: I try and
measure my success
Don and Ebony: by
Ben Hutton: I should buy
how bored I am,
right? because
if, if
I'm doing my job then everybody.
else is being successful, and I'm not needed.
Don and Ebony: Excellent. I think I've said that a few times myself. That's why we get along because we kind of align your, I won't say you're a younger version of me, cause I [00:09:00] think you're way better than that. But, I just see how, you know, like I said, you don't have to, I didn't say he was quiet. You just don't have to be the loudest one
Ben Hutton: in the room
Don and Ebony: to make your point.
And I try to, I try to do the same way.
When I'm working with Ebony didn't yeah, she doesn't listen. Well, so, what was one problem or issue that she had to overcome that taught you your biggest lesson?
Ben Hutton: Oh, man, that's a, That's a deep question Dawn. so we're, we're gonna, we're gonna back up, the story to about 2014.
you know, I
Ben Hutton: I grew up in our business, but I went away for a few years to work for a different company after I was at the greatest university.
Kansas state.
And I came back full-time in 2006 and began kind of working my way up through the business,
but all through that year and really the years to follow it And years [00:10:00] before I had in mind a certain.
set of Goals.
that I was chasing,
Ben Hutton: right? So I was, I was a sophomore in high school, actually.
when I decided that
I wanted to join the family business. And from that point I had these goals and so I had my, kind of
roadmap
out in front of me. and I had milestones along the way that I was trying to achieve. And in 2010, I took over
leadership
of the business from.
my dad
And still had this set of goals,
And, in
2012,
I
Ben Hutton: checked the last one off the list.
and I had achieved every single.
Don and Ebony: wow,
and it was maybe the most hollow empty day of my life
because they were the wrong goals.
You know, I was chasing the goals that everybody in society. thinks a young business leader should chase in terms of, growth in revenue and profit.
Ben Hutton: and How many team members we had,
the
you know, name on the coolest projects in town,[00:11:00] buying a big house, having a fast car, all the things that, we as a society value,
but it turns out those, those provided me with no internal value. And So when I
realized
that I had
spent. spending my life and making choices about.
priorities in life,
Based on these goals. that ultimately didn't have as
much meaning as I hoped it was a pretty empty time. And so,
I mean from, from that, you know, I, I've learned a lot about myself in terms of what, what it is that I should be chasing in life and valuing and
how I should structure
my life and business around So that that
Ben Hutton: was a tough lesson
though. I mean, having the right goals.
is probably the.
advice I give
Ben Hutton: Most often to, young entrepreneurs or business leaders
when, whenever I get the chance.
because it's important.
Don and Ebony: Wow. For you willing to share that as leadership. I mean, I truly appreciate that. One more question. I got ask this [00:12:00] question before I turn it back to you is your beautiful campus or whatever you want to call it.
And Delaney,
can you just share some nuggets about what went into that? Why did you choose to land? Tell us about the build in for folks who haven't been in it.
Ben Hutton: Yeah, I guess for a first, for the folks that haven't had the chance to have a tour, I'd love to give you one. So give us a call. We've been given lots of tours, still
of our new headquarters building there.
you know, for us that's that journey started a few years ago. We were out of space on Southwest street or our old offices were, and
Ben Hutton: just needed
to
move.
I mean, We couldn't expand.
anything there. And So we said, okay, goal, number one, we need more.
space.
but I had a few other goals for that project beyond that
second goal was that I really wanted it to be a showcase for the skills and talents of
Ben Hutton: our design and construction.
team members. I mean,
It's not too often. We have a project where we really get to turn them loose and say,
Ben Hutton: go
for [00:13:00] it
because
Ben Hutton: we're
working for other people who are decision-makers.
We
were the decision-maker.
And So we got to, we got to turn a loose and we said, let's make it a showcase, if we're gonna, we're gonna
we're gonna Sell these services We better. Be fantastic.
at them. And so we turned.
And then the third goal was as much as a building could I wanted our office to represent who we are
as
a company and help us compete for the really talented people that work in our industry. And So
that's
why we're in Delaney, because we think it's an up and coming
part of our city.
and it's why when you walk around inside, there's all sorts of very visible.
in some hidden, kinda,
clues to the culture,
Ben Hutton: of the
company that
we have and who we're trying to be.
Don and Ebony: Wow,
Ben Hutton: And so it's, it's, it's
been A lot of fun to work there. It was a lot of fun to create.
and I hope I don't have to do it again
Ben Hutton: soon. Cause it was also a
lot of work.
Don and Ebony: it's a beautiful, do you call it office or a campus? What do you call it?
Ben Hutton: I, I call it the
office,
the headquarters [00:14:00] that's our world Our world headquarters. became the. and when our, one of our, the first articles about it, I said that as a joke in it, it's caught up.
So
world
Don and Ebony: world had HQ.
Ben Hutton: Yeah,
Don and Ebony: And the, the building is pretty dope and I love visiting and spending time there. So thank you for allowing me to
Ben Hutton: Yeah.
Come on over anytime.
Don and Ebony: So Ben, we've been talking about your leadership and, you know, 2020 was a challenging time for all of them.
Ben Hutton: us. Right.
Don and Ebony: And you, really have done a, I think, a tremendous job, you and the leadership there of, bringing the chamber through, the pandemic.
So you spoke a little bit earlier about the organization and the, the, the chamber being a place where. Community can see the good that business does in the community. Could you, as the board chair kind of tell us because of this podcast, it goes out not only to people who are in business, but also to college students and things like that.
Can you explain to us [00:15:00] what the chamber is and the value that it brings?
Ben Hutton: Sure. so I'd say the chamber is an organizing point
For businesses on our community, and different businesses need different things from the chamber. So we have some businesses that rely on the chamber for
networking events, opportunities to meet clients
Ben Hutton: or educate clients about what they do.
they also
rely on the chamber for, very transactional things like we actually help provide insurance like health insurance for.
Ben Hutton: smaller businesses that
they really don't have another place to go and get that. So that's one side of things.
We
have other businesses that rely on the chamber to represent, them, with different levels of government.
Right. So
government
advocacy is actually a large part of what the chamber does and something that the Wichita chamber is especially
good at. And so that's been fun,
especially
Ben Hutton: through the COVID times, making sure that the interest of business are represented well and balanced with the overall health.
of our.
And So,
we have [00:16:00] a number of businesses, that are involved there.
Ben Hutton: You know, the other big area that the chamber works in, I think is just inspiring
our community about business or telling the stories of businesses. And So if you look at our annual meeting, where you look at honors night, that's what those nights are
of, and it's about celebrating business and the good that we're doing.
And So honors night is actually one of my favorite events of the whole now just chamber.
events, like events of the whole
year in general,
because we get to hear
Ben Hutton: so many cool stories about
what these small or medium-sized businesses.
are doing. And
It's just so inspirational.
to me.
Don and Ebony: I love honors tonight,
but something that's coming up around the corner is what
Ben Hutton: Yeah. The annual
meeting coming up in November. Super exciting.
Don and Ebony: So November 16th,
Ben Hutton: November 16th. we're going to be at Intrust bank arena. and we've got a super special speaker coming this year.
Patrick Lencioni, one of my favorite authors.
and I, I can't [00:17:00] tell you how excited I am to have him here in Wichita.
Ben Hutton: it's a really talk about some of his most recent work.
and so
Ben Hutton: That that'll be a really special.
night, I think.
Don and Ebony: So I'm curious, why him, why, why are you bringing Pat?
Ben Hutton: Yeah, so, first, he has a fantastic speaker.
I mean, So for those that have only read his.
book, I think they're
going to be really, engaged in his talk.
I mean, He just has a way about him that,
he's just a fantastic, communicator. so excited for that. but you know, my, my engagement with
Patrick Lencioni goes back a number of years with some of his books. And so
the five dysfunctions of a team
is probably a book that
Ben Hutton: most
of us have read in the business,
world and probably his most famous work, but
you know, I, I
still refer back to that.
when we're having conflict in our office or teams just aren't quite clicking.
you know, oftentimes We'll use that as a blueprint to diagnose and fix those
Don and Ebony: issues.
he's had other books through the years that. have impacted me death by [00:18:00] meeting certainly exciting. we all love meetings.
Don and Ebony: about that.
Ben Hutton: but, but in that. you know, and he really talks about
How important meetings are. I mean, it's how we communicate with each other.
It's how we build consensus on our teams and how we move our
companies,
our organizations forward. And so
if we're going to have them, we should have good ones.
Ben Hutton: And so That was good. and then my favorite book of his is actually called getting naked,
the title just grabs you from From the, beginning.
but I love it because it's about a corporate culture, as well as, attitudes and how we serve clients.
We use this book extensively inside of our company,
to talk about who we want to be As people
Ben Hutton: and who we want to be as a company and how we want to show up for our clients. And so,
really, I I can't recommend that one enough.
Don and Ebony: Do you all in your company have like book club, you read these
Ben Hutton: Yeah. Yeah, We do actually. So we we've had, a, we've done book clubs on that one and multipliers are
more recent books that We've been talking about in the chamber a couple of years ago, And so
yeah, [00:19:00] we do those. it's
not like regular.
but Once or twice a year, we'll say,
we're
going to read this together.
and talk about it.
Don and Ebony: I love that. Well, friends we're here with Ben Hutton, but now it's time to hear from our sponsors. So we'll be back to hear more about Hutton constructionand the annual meeting coming up for the.[00:20:00]
Welcome back friends. We have been Hutton'in the house. He is doing a fantastic job of telling us about his company, his relationship with the chamber and how he's been leading the. throughout his time. So Ben talk to us now, we're talking about the annual event and we're bringing, one of your favorite authors and one of your favorite people.
Can you talk to us about why the community should attend the annual meeting?
Ben Hutton: Yeah, fantastic. The annual meeting is an important event for all of our members and really the community to attend because it's
one
more chance for you, to get an update [00:21:00] on Everything that the chamber is doing for you. So we'll be sharing kind of a recap of some of the things we've done this last year.
also exciting this year. will be, maybe some of our members first chance to meet our new chamber leader our new CEO. And so we're getting very close to announcing that
Don and Ebony: decision.
Ben Hutton: And so that'll be an exciting time. and then it's a time to be inspired. Right. And so that's why we do bring.
in a speaker every year at this event.
And So, you know, this one in particular, I'm excited about
Patrick. is going to be challenging our community around making sure we're all working inside of our strengths.
Ben Hutton: And so,
he's been doing a lot of
work in that area and has a new book coming out,
related
to that?
I don't think it'll quite be out by the time we have our event.
but that's what he's going to be talking about that evening.
Don and Ebony: Very nice. And what, some of the best advice that you've implemented from Patrick's work?
Ben Hutton: Yeah. So in a. [00:22:00] the book getting naked,
He really talks about three fears that we have as leaders, and he breaks those down into, you know, ways to handle
those. And
one of those.
is, one of those ways of
Handling
some of our fears It's what he calls entering the danger.
Right?
And So oftentimes we are in a business meeting or we're
having
a tough conversation with somebody we care about, and there are
topics
that we want to tiptoe around
because we're afraid of the answers that we might find there, or we're not quite sure
Ben Hutton: how to handle that. And.
as people
we do
not like uncertainty.
Right. And So we'll do a lot to try and avoid it but his, one of his tips is to enter the danger, right?
So when you sense that tip,
out don't tiptoe around it,
had had right into it. And so, that, that's probably been
one of my biggest takeaways from that book, because it's so easy to remember and I [00:23:00] need simple, easy things to remember,
Ben Hutton: Cause I
have
a hard time with big words, and things like that. But, you know, in, in those tense times,
th
Ben Hutton: that's been an important tool in my tool
chest and how to deal with those conflicts or potential conflicts
and just kind of go, right.
in now you have to do that. Well, you have to do it with love and care and not be abrasive, but
being willing to dive into tough conversations and
Ben Hutton: work
through things fully is an important skillset that I learned from.
Don and Ebony: I liked that inter the danger. Yeah. That's
Ben Hutton: know, another one of them is make dumb suggestions and I'm really good at that. And so that one just like came natural to me naturally to me. So it's, you
Don and Ebony: I like that one too. A suggestion. So when you make those, I'm just curious when you make a dumb suggestion, right? how does the team take that? Are they just used to it by now?
Ben Hutton: Oh, yeah. They're pretty used to my dumb ideas.
Don and Ebony: that [00:24:00] turned out to be brilliant. And again,
Ben Hutton: I usually have to say
things a few times before people are like, oh, you're serious about
that. Right? Okay. Yeah, yeah, yeah. We're doing it.
Don and Ebony: nice.
Ben Hutton: Excellent.
Don and Ebony: So the annual meeting ticks are currently available by visiting, www.wichitachamber.org/annualmeeting. Also contact Chelsea Dyer at the chamber with any questions, anything else we need to cover on that annual meeting?
Ben Hutton: No. I mean, I think it's
Really?
going to be worth
Your time to attend. So
whether, whether you come,
I know we'll have tickets available for the dinner, and the whole program, or maybe just the speaker.
however you can be. you're, you're going to want to be. there?
I think Patrick's going to have a fantastic message
for the community.
One thing.
Ben Hutton: I love about his work It's is
it's simple to understand,
and
it's immediately applicable. And so I guarantee you'll walk away
with value from that evening.
Ben Hutton: And so I would
highly recommend you come [00:25:00] and bring your team from work
or may, maybe even your family.
Don and Ebony: Excellent.
I'm very excited about, hearing him speak. I've read his books. I love his books. Cause it's like you say this down to earth, not a bunch of big words, but one of his first books that I read. I, I use this every chance I get heat and it wasn't even his quote. He quoted somebody else, but he said, if it can't be measured, it can't be improved.
I mean, that's just so darn simple. I mean, but I, I try to use that every, every chance I get when it's applicable, to, so I'm very interested in how he speaks. Cause I've never heard any, well, no, I've heard audio book, but,
Ben Hutton: I'm
I'm looking forward to that. So let's transition into your leadership journey.
Don and Ebony: I mean, you're, you're rocking and rolling. Ben you're
you're
gentle bent. So how would you describe this moment in time in your leadership journey? [00:26:00]
Ben Hutton: Well, that's a, that's a hard question.
Dawn. I mean, I, I, I guess I would say my leadership journey
has been in a. constant State of change and renewal,
Ben Hutton: because I think that's
what leaders are called to.
Ben Hutton: I think if I were to say,
you know, as a leader, here's how I do things. Here's what I believe And here's
the
result of that.
Don and Ebony: And
Ben Hutton: talk about those in static terms.
then I would be.
failing as a leader
Because I think
the world around us is changing and,
opportunities are changing,
and our team members are
changing.
and
Ben Hutton: So as a leader, I have to constantly be changing.
And
you know, but we we talk about
entering
the danger
you know,
Don and Ebony: that
Ben Hutton: brings to mind an image of
you know, the smoke jumper and
the firefighters that are out.
in Western part of our country fighting these fires.
And [00:27:00] I think for me, that's also, that's a good picture of leadership, right? And so
as
I look across our organization, as I look across the community, as a leader, I look at
where's the smoke starting to show And what
skillset or tools do I have to go put that fire out or bring other resources to it to help put it out. And so
I.
you know, your question where I'm at on the leadership journey, I'm just, I'm just watching for opportunities.
Don and Ebony: Excellent. Well, you're a very, very effective leader and I want to pivot just a little bit. It's not a big pivot, but one talk about entrepreneurship to get your take because you guys been in business, I believe since 92, you took, you took over in 2010 when it comes to entrepreneurship, you know, back in the day we had.
Rent-A-Center started here at pizza. I'd start here all like castle start. I mean, all Coleman started to hear all this. You guys been around a while. Do [00:28:00] you feel for a minute or for a decade or for a generation that we lost our entrepreneurial way for a minute and we're coming back or do you, what's your thoughts on that?
yes, definitely.
Ben Hutton: Okay. Yeah, I think the fact that,
the stories we tell
today
are the same stories will, What we told 15 years ago? is a problem
for our kids. and so, so I mean, w when,
when we say, oh, I'm from Wichita
it's an entrepreneurial community pizza hut started here. Coleman started here fantastic. those, are the, those are things we should be proud of,
but those were decades ago.
And.
we need to
be telling stories that are
Ben Hutton: being created today or recreated, you know, last year and they're out there,
but they're not as well known.
Ben Hutton: And we haven't supported them in the same ways that our community supported the pizza huts. and the coalmines, you know,
[00:29:00] 30 or 40 years ago.
So
I, I definitely think it's a problem. I do think that.
we are
on the path out of that issue. I mean, it feels like
there is a lot of momentum in our, startup
Don and Ebony: community.
Ben Hutton: It feels like we have a number of businesses that are on the verge of
entrepreneurial breakouts, which is exciting for our city.
And I think we're seeing
Ben Hutton: a new wave of innovation in some of our larger businesses, which which is just as important as the new startup stories. Right. And so,
I'm excited by a lot of things. I see.
but I hope that they continue
Ben Hutton: So that
you know, when
somebody
asks us that question two or three years from now, we have a different story.
to tell.
Don and Ebony: I agree. Do you think that there's anything in particular that comes to mind that, that's missing from our ecosystem to help build those entrepreneurs and have those stories? here in the next couple of years, you know, I, I think if you were,
Ben Hutton: you, you, could probably identify a number of things that were [00:30:00] missing, right? And So
as
a community, we're not great at funding star. as a
community. We're also not great at kind of later stage startup funding or venture capital. And so you've got different groups working on
Don and Ebony: those
Ben Hutton: as a community. I think we're
fairly
fragmented still in terms of
communicating around.
Ben Hutton: where The resources
are for all of these growing businesses,
right? And So
there's some
things that the chamber can provide to that community and other things that
different
organizations provide.
And I don't think we've done a
Ben Hutton: fantastic
job of making sure You know, if Don has a startup he Don knows where to go to get what,
And so
I know there's groups also working on that though.
Ben Hutton: Right? And So I think that we know what our issues are.
and there's plenty of opportunities
for improvement. but we are on the
right path.
Don and Ebony: Is there any way to expedite that or will expediting it, make it not work
Ben Hutton: oh yeah.[00:31:00] I think it takes time and money. Right? And so the more that we fund those new opportunities or
fund people's time to work on the problems, the faster it goes. But,
Don and Ebony: I think we just need money from the Don Sherman family.
Ben Hutton: yeah, no, I mean I've heard. Yeah. Yeah. Maybe that's it. Don
Don and Ebony: state bandwagon. Oh my God. I'm a baker guy. I mean, I'm sorry. Well, I think it's time for some fun action from you, Don. a, this is the fun part, Ben. Word association. I give you one word. You give me one back. It's not wrong. Cause it's your word. You ready? Yeah. Yeah. I'm thrilled. Oh, leader. We've been talking about it should be easy.
Ben Hutton: servant.
Don and Ebony: That's my man. I told you we get along. I won't ask college who you'd be set at enough beverage.[00:32:00]
Oh wow. The Pepsi challenge. Okay. Entrepreneur
Ben Hutton: creator.
Don and Ebony: Oh, I want to hear this one. Failure.
Ben Hutton: Often
Don and Ebony: Wow. Wichita
Ben Hutton: potential
Don and Ebony: chamber
Ben Hutton: service
Don and Ebony: family. First vacation.
Ben Hutton: sign me up.
Don and Ebony: He wrote
not me.
Don and Ebony: that's pretty good. Last but not least fun.
Ben Hutton: Creative.
Don and Ebony: Thank you, sir. Truly appreciate you being on the show today. Well, you've heard it. You heard the story from Ben Hudson, man. Yes, we are so thankful for [00:33:00] you carving out a few minutes of your time to have a conversation with us. Thank you, Ben.
Ben Hutton: Thanks for letting me come on your show.
It's fantastic.
Don and Ebony: Well friends. It's that time we're ending the show today. Make certain that you like the show, make sure that you share it with your friends and make certain that you leave a few comments to let us know who you'd like to hear from next until next.
I also want to remind you that, the annual meeting, if you want more information, www.wichitachamber.org, backslash annual meeting, peace.