kpa awards special pub entry wbj - best in business

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The Best In Business 2011 winners and sponsors enjoyed in October Napa Valley’s scenery, its food, and, of course, its wine, thanks to presenting sponsor UMB.

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KPA Awards entry for Wichita Business Journal - Best in Business Special Sections

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Page 1: KPA Awards special pub entry WBJ - Best in Business

The Best In Business 2011 winners and sponsors enjoyed in October Napa Valley’s scenery, its food, and, of course, its wine, thanks to presenting sponsor UMB.

Page 2: KPA Awards special pub entry WBJ - Best in Business

A2 WICHITA BUSINESS JOURNAL BEST In BUSINESS wichitabusinessjournal.com | APRIL 20, 2012

AGH delivers solutions in a complex business world.

Advisory ServicesClosely Held andFamily Business

Consulting

WealthManagement

State, Local, Sales andProperty Tax Reviews

Business Brokeringand Valuation

Corporate FinanceServices

Strategic Planning

Retirement PlanAdministration

Executive Coaching

Board Assessmentand Development

Outsourced Accounting/Financial Management

Payroll and Timekeeping Solutions

Human ResourceConsulting

and Outsourcing

Technology Consultingand Support

Ownership Transitions/Transfers

Financial, Tax and Estate Services for

Individuals

InternationalTax and Audit

Trusted Advisors Dedicatedto Client Success™

In AGH’s business groups — all eightof them — we turn traditionally low-value “commodity” services intohigh-value profit centers for ourclients. It’s a bold premise that we’vebeen able to deliver, consistently.

Why? Our first responsibility is towork for our clients’ success. This isour firm’s leading business principle.Each team member fully embracesour mission.

From technical competency to clientservice, we work hard every day to bethe best at what we do and have itshow in our clients’ profitableresults.

Uncommon initiative and some ofthe best practices in our industryhelp drive our clients’ growth, prof-itability and achievement of theirbusiness and life goals.

EPIC CENTER, WICHITA • 316.267.7231WWW.AGHLC.COM

Page 3: KPA Awards special pub entry WBJ - Best in Business

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Editor’s Notebook

Bill Roy

APRIL 20, 2012 | wichitabusinessjournal.com BEST In BUSINESS WICHITA BUSINESS JOURNAL A3

COLUMNISTS PAUL ALLEN,Chief Executive, Allen Gibbs & Houlik LC ........ A3

BILL WATSON,Chairman and CEO, UMB National Bank of America ................................................... A3

MIKE WALL,CEO, BESCORP ...................................................... A4 LORA M. JENNINGS,Attorney, Martin, Pringle, Oliver, Wallace & Bauer LLP ........................................... A4

LINDA BRANTNER,President and CEO, Delta Dentalof Kansas .............................................................. A4

FEATURES

BIB List ................................................................ A6BIB statistics ......................................................A14BIB winners profi les ...................................A8-A12BIB fi nalists profi les ...... A13, A16-A22, A25-A26

I N S I D E

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY HONORED COMPANIES.

COMPLETE LANDSCAPING PHOTO BY ERIN MYRTLE.BACKWOODS PHOTO BY SHAWN HOUSTON.

COVER PHOTOS BY BILL ROY.

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Paul S. Allen is chief executive of CPA and advisory fi rm Allen, Gibbs & Houlik LC

GuestColumn

Paul Allen

Culture change calls for shift from planning to thinking

Best in Business companies working for a better future

Looking back on the historyof Best in Business honors

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Bill Watson is chairman & CEO,

Kansas Region, UMB Bank.

GuestColumn

Bill Watson

Page 4: KPA Awards special pub entry WBJ - Best in Business

A4 WICHITA BUSINESS JOURNAL BEST In BUSINESS wichitabusinessjournal.com | APRIL 20, 2012

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Linda L. Brantner is president & CEO of Delta Dental of Kansas.

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Mike Wall is CEO of BESCORP.

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Lora M. Jennings is an attorney at law at

Martin, Pringle, Oliver, Wallace & Bauer LLP.

Ask yourself: Do your people know what you care about?

BIB gives us a chance to learn, grow

Protecting your business assets – includingtrade secrets and confidential information

GuestColumn

Lora M. Jennings

Guest Column

Mike Wall

Guest Column

Linda Brantner

Page 5: KPA Awards special pub entry WBJ - Best in Business

APRIL 20, 2012 | wichitabusinessjournal.com BEST In BUSINESS WICHITA BUSINESS JOURNAL A5

Page 6: KPA Awards special pub entry WBJ - Best in Business

The fi rst fi ve companies are 2012 Best in Business

winners, ranked alphabetically by company name.

The following list of fi nalists also is ranked

alphabetically by company name.

2012

Jeff Landreth,Apex Engineering

Robert J. Bunting, Bunting Magnetics Co.

Patricia Koehler,JR Custom Metal Products Inc.

Ted A. Vlamis,Pioneer Balloon Co.

Bill Keller,Stanion Wholesale Electric Co.

NameAddressWebsite • Phone

Wichita-area employees/

Companywide employees/

Year established Company’s products and services Sample list of corporate citizenship activities

Top local executive, title/Human resources

contact

Apex Engineering1234 N. Wellington Place • Wichita, Kan. 67203www.aeillc.com • 262-1494

174/229/2003

Aircraft components — riveted, welded and bonded structures with systems integration.

Stuff the Bus holiday drive, Ident-a-Kid event with the Wichita Police Department, donated Thanksgiving turkeys to the Lord’s Diner, donated

90,000 square-feet of warehouse space for Salvation Army during Christmas, fi nancially supported Chamber of Commerce annual meeting

and awards banquet, Ducks Unlimited, Red Cross, Aero Club.

Jeff Landreth, CEO/

Gene Johnson

Bunting Magnetics Co.500 S. Spencer • Newton, Kan. 67114 www.buntingmagnetics.com • 316-284-2020

114/185/1959

Manufacturer of magnet material, industrial magnets, metal detectors, material handling equipment, printing cylinders

and fl exible dies.

Support United Way in Harvey County by matching employee contri-butions dollar for dollar. Offer Walter F. Bunting and June A. Bunting Scholarship program for employee’s children; awarded $45,000 since

2000 to 110 students. Participate in various programs at USD 373 Newton, including educational leadership positions.

Robert J. Bunting, president/

Vanessa Pereira

JR Custom Metal Products Inc.2237 S. West St. Court • Wichita, Kan. 67213www.jrcustommetal.com • 263-1318

106/106/1974

Manufacturer of metal products serving a variety of industries. Using an array of fabrication competencies and technology. We provide total customer satisfaction with single-point, turn-key

solutions for simple to complex fabrication requirements.

Employees serve at church/parishes and hold positions at American Red Cross, Sedgwick County Zoo and Big Brothers/Big Sisters. Award of

Excellence, Pinnacle, Platinum and Silver Awards for United Way employee contributions. Senior management served on numerous boards, including

Newman University, Via Christi, Lord’s Diner, Catholic Charities.

Patricia Koehler, president and CEO/

Dana Pfi ngsten

Pioneer Balloon Co.5000 E. 29th St. N. • Wichita, Kan. 67220www.qualatex.com • 685-2266

330/953/1979

Innovative product solutions to customers in the advertising, entertaining, decorating and social expressions markets. Known

the world over for its fl agship brand — Qualatex balloons, Pioneer also produces and/or distributes “The Very Best” latex, Microfoil

and Bubble balloons.

Pioneer Balloon Company is an organization of dedicated people committed to unsurpassed quality, innovation, excellence and value

in everything we do — including corporate citizenship. Pioneer leaders support a variety of charitable, educational and civic organizations, and encourage all employees to do the same.

Ted A. Vlamis, president and CEO/Christy

Vasconcellos

Stanion Wholesale Electric Co.520 S. St. Francis • Wichita, Kan. 67202www.stanion.com • 264-8414

26/205/1961

Services a wide clientele in the electrical industry, providing electrical devices, wiring, cabling, lighting, power distribution

equipment, industrial automation products, telecommunication products and utility products in the industrial, contractor and

systems integrator markets.

Employees contribute to the United Way and maintain “Platinum” donor status in conjunction with matching corporate contributions. Employ-ees and members of the executive team support the Special Olympics

as the largest corporate sponsor. Employees assist the Arc of Sedgwick County with the set up of their annual Lights on St. Paul fundraiser.

Bill Keller, president/

Heather Herren

Backwoods Wichita1900 N. Rock Road • Wichita, Kan. 67206www.backwoods.com • 267-0350

10/119/1973

Retail outdoor equipment provider selling clothing, footwear, camping gear, backpacks and more.

Backwoods employees volunteer a combined 500 hours each year of community service. Locally, our staff volunteers for Boy Scouts,

Kansas state parks, Wichita city parks, Kansas Food Bank, His Helping Hands, local churches and local libraries.

Rick Bodenhamer, operations manager/

Rick Bodenhamer

Complete Landscaping Systems Inc.1727 E. 2nd St. N. • Wichita, Kan. 67214www.completelandscaping.net • 832-0061

138/145/1983

Provide property management services, in addition to commer-cial and residential services, such as landscape maintenance and

architecture, snow and ice removal and land care resources.

Contribute fi nancially to the Salvation Army, the Y (formerly YMCA), and BBBs, among others, while promoting volunteerism through our

efforts locally with scholarships, community involvement and youth development.

Laura McMurray, owner/

Nan Dixon

Envision Inc.610 N. Main • Wichita, Kan. 67203www.envisionus.com • 440-1517

312/478/1933

Service and employment providers for people who are blind or visually impaired. Envision is the second largest employer for this group of individuals. State-of-the-art vision rehabilitation services and related programs available through the Envision

Vision Rehabilitation Center.

Association of Fundraising Professionals, Wichita Beep Baseball Associa-tion, Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Kansas, Communities in Schools, Dress

for Success, WSU Delta Gamma Sorority, Guadalupe Clinic, Heather’s Camp, Kansas Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Kansas Eye Bank,

Kansas Food Bank, Kansas Social and Rehabilitation Services.

Frank Clepper, president and CEO/Kathy Cox

LawKingdon Architecture345 Riverview • Wichita, Kan. 67203 www.law-kingdon.com • 268-0230

102/102/1967

Architecture, mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineering, interior design and landscape architecture for retail, healthcare,

hospitality, civic, governmental and educational projects.

United Way, American Red Cross blood drives, Habitat for Humanity, Wichita Downtown Development Corporation, City of Wichita Design

Council, Greater Wichita Economic Development Council, Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce, Wichita Corporate Challenge, Maize

High School internship program, KSU internship program.

Dennis D. Smith, AIA, president/Connie Harms

Legg Co. Inc.325 E. 10th • Halstead, Kan. 67056www.leggbelting.com • 316-835-2256

90/90/1939

Manufacturer of agricultural and industrial rubber belting. Our products handle material in manufacturing/processing for logging, pulp, paper, sand, gravel, aggregate, food service, mining, construc-tion, package handling, warehousing, specialty belting applications,

grain handling and various agricultural applications.

Wichita Metro Industrial Relations Council, Halstead Chamber of Commerce and golf tournament, Halstead Methodist Church Golf

Tournament, Halstead High School, Halstead’s Arts and Crafts Festival, Chili Cook Off, Fire Fighters annual fundraiser, National

Child Safety Council, annual Old Settlers Celebration.

Steven Chartier, president, CEO and co-owner/Cody Knauss

McCormick Armstrong Co. Inc.1501 E. Douglas • Wichita, Kan. 67211www.mccormickarmstrong.com • 264-1363

58/65/1901

Services include prepress, print, bindery, fulfi llment, warehous-ing, direct mail, distribution, kitting and assembly, international sourcing and corporate branding capabilities. We have earned

the G7 certifi cation from IDEAlliance and AIB certifi ed, one of few printers in the country to earn these certifi cations.

Signifi cant print donations to: Sedgwick County Zoo, Wichita State University, Wichita Convention and Visitors Bureau and Trees for Life. Employees contributed time and money to Big Brothers/Big Sisters Bowl for Kids Sake, the Salvation Army Angel Tree program, United

Way and Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland.

Jacob Shaffer, president and CEO/

Evonne Gaylord

Mel Hambelton Ford Inc.11771 W. Kellogg • Wichita, Kan. 67209www.melhambeltonford.com • 462-3673

164/170/1984

Sell and service new Fords and all makes and models of used cars.

Chamber of Commerce, YMCA - Strong Kids, Rotary Club West, Wichita State University - athletics and academics, Wichita Childrens’ Home,

local and area high schools.

Lisa Hambelton, owner/

Tyler Thomas

NCRI - National Catastrophe Restoration Inc.8447 E. 35th St. N. • Wichita, Kan. 67226 www.ncricat.com • 636-5700

66/83/1972

Woman-owned, ISO-quality certifi ed, class A commercial general contractor restoration company providing 24/7/365 nationwide

emergency disaster response for damage from water, fi re, smoke, soot, mold, wind or any type of disaster causing

business interruption.

Founding member of Green Biz Wichita, members of Wichita Area Chamber of Commerce, Better Business Bureau, Environmental Health

and Safety Council, International Facility Management Association, Partnership for Emergency Planning, South Central Claims Association,

Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Ronald McDonald House charities.

Patricia A. Easter, president/

Brenda Smith

Occidental Management Inc.8111 E. 32nd St. N. • Wichita, Kan. 67226 www.occmgmt.com • 262-3331

11/11/

1997

Real estate development, brokerage and management company. We develop, own and manage numerous properties in the Wichita MSA with over 200 tenants and 500,000 feet of commercial real

estate. Three properties achieved a 100 percent occupancy, along with a portfolio-wide occupancy rate of over 90 percent.

Kansas Red Cross, Leukemia Lymphoma Society, Wichita Children’s Home Annual Christmas Donation Drive, Prairie Fire Marathon, Junior League of Wichita, American Heart Association, Wichita Crime Commission Golf Tour-

nament volunteer, Farmers Insurance/March of Dimes Golf Tournament Hole Sponsor, B-98 FM Turkey Drive, The Boy Scouts of America.

Gary Oborny, chairman and CEO/

Todd Richardson

Voice Products Inc.8555 E. 32nd St. N. • Wichita, Kan. 67226 www.voiceproducts.com • 616-1111

20/20/1990

Dictation, document management, speech recognition and coding software, technical support, systems for voice logging, video surveil-lance/courtroom and interview/conference recording, in the following markets: healthcare, courtroom, legal, law enforcement, insurance, banking, public sector, utilities, transportation and child advocacy.

Wichita YMCA Strong Kids, Via Christi Foundation, Childrens’ Advocacy Centers, KACP Award Program, state senator candidate, St. Cecilia Catholic Church and The American Heart Association. Dean Tullis is on the Ameri-can Heart Association Board of Directors. Stuart Peters serves on the East

YMCA Executive Board and Via Christi Charity Classic Board.

Dean Tullis, president

and co-owner/Colette Dryden

A6 WICHITA BUSINESS JOURNAL BEST In BUSINESS wichitabusinessjournal.com | APRIL 20, 2012

Footnotes: 1 May have been edited for space.

1 1

Page 7: KPA Awards special pub entry WBJ - Best in Business

APRIL 20, 2012 | wichitabusinessjournal.com BEST In BUSINESS WICHITA BUSINESS JOURNAL A7

Page 8: KPA Awards special pub entry WBJ - Best in Business

A8 WICHITA BUSINESS JOURNAL BEST In BUSINESS wichitabusinessjournal.com | APRIL 20, 2012

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2011 a year of growth, change at AEI%DFN�URZ��IURP�OHIW��9LQFH�7DIROOD��*OHQQ�6WHHOH��-DPHV�0DJRQHJLO��0DUN�.LUNSDWULFN��6FRWW�*UDYHV��6WHYH�6SHQFHU�

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JEFF LANDRETH

Title: President/CEO.

What is your hometown? Hugo, Okla.

Education? BS in mechanical engineering.

Family? Married, three children.

What was your fi rst job? Flipping burgers at the Busy Bee Cafe.

How long have you lived in Wichita? 26 years.

Who is the person you would most like to meet? Winston Churchill.

What was the last book you read? “Alaska,” by James Michener.

What is your favorite Wichita restaurant and why? Connie’s, great food and great value.

What is your favorite vacation spot? Seattle, Wash.

What are your favorite movies? “Rudy,” “Last of the Mohicans,” “The American President.”

What kind of car do you drive? Jaguar.

Where do you play golf? Crestview Country Club.

Who is your favorite musician? Eric Clapton.

What area or development do you live in? Andover, Crescent Lakes.

What is your favorite quote? “To reach a port we must sail — sail, not tie at anchor — sail, not drift.” Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

What is your cell or smart phone? Droid.

President and CEO

P r o f i l eCEO

APEX INTERNATIONAL ENGINEERING LLCYears in business: 9.Top executive: Jeff Landreth, president and CEO.Address: 1234 Wellington Place, Wichita, Kan., 67203.Phone: (316) 262-1494.Website: www.aeillc.com.Employees: 229.

Page 9: KPA Awards special pub entry WBJ - Best in Business

APRIL 20, 2012 | wichitabusinessjournal.com BEST In BUSINESS WICHITA BUSINESS JOURNAL A9

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BEST IN BUSINESS WINNER

Bunting Magnetics blends global growth with strengthening local ties in 2011

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What is your hometown? Detroit, Mich.

Education? Bachelor’s of science in economics, Illinois State University.

Family? Wife, Barbara; son, Robert; daughter, Molly Claassen; son-in-law, Cody Claassen; grandson, Finn.

What was your fi rst job? Newspaper route in Itasca, Ill.

How long have you lived in Wichita? Since 1979.

Who is the person you would most like to meet?Ronald Reagan.

What was the last book you read? “Great by Choice,” by Jim Collins.

What is your favorite Wichita restaurant and why?Luca Italian Kitchen.

What is your favorite vacation spot? Lake of the Ozarks.

What are your favorite movies? “The Graduate” and “The Godfather” – part 1 and 2.

What kind of car do you drive? Cadillac.

Where do you play golf? Not often.

Who is your favorite musician? Ted Nugent.

What area or development do you live in? Newton area.

What is your favorite quote? “If not now, when?” or “Be careful what you ask for, you may get it.”

What is your cell or smart phone? iPhone.

BOB BUNTINGPresident

P r o f i l eCEO

BUNTING MAGNETICS CO.Years in Newton: 33.Top executive: Bob Bunting, president. Address: 500 S. Spencer Rd., Newton, Kan., 67114.Phone: (316) 284-2020.Email: www.buntingmagnetics.com.Employees: 185.

Page 10: KPA Awards special pub entry WBJ - Best in Business

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A10 WICHITA BUSINESS JOURNAL BEST In BUSINESS wichitabusinessjournal.com | APRIL 20, 2012

BEST IN BUSINESS WINNER

JR Custom Metals spread its growth around, diversifi es workload in 2012

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What is your hometown? Wichita.

Education? Business administration, Kansas State Uni-versity and Wichita State University.

Family? Husband, Edward; daughter, Monica White; son Eddie Koehler; three grandchildren.

What was your fi rst job? Government credit union.

How long have you lived in Wichita? Born in San Luis Potosi Mexico, raised in Wichita.

Who is the person you would most like to meet? Pope John Paul II.

What was the last book you read? “Be Quiet Be Heard,” by Susan R.Glaser and Peter A. Glaser.

What is your favorite Wichita restaurant and why? Scotch & Sirloin, great steaks, Granite City, love their Sunday brunch.

What is your favorite vacation spot? Cancun, Mexico.

What are your favorite movies? “Sound of Music,” “Pretty Woman,” “Gone With The Wind.”

What kind of car do you drive? Jaguar. Where do you play golf? Rolling Hills.

Who is your favorite musician? Michael Buble, Billy Joel and Kenny G.

What area or development do you live in? Breezy Pointe.

What is your favorite quote? “Don’t worry about the mule going blind, just load the wagon!”

What is your cell or smart phone? iPhone.

PATRICIA G. KOEHLERPresident

P r o f i l eCEO

JR CUSTOM METAL PRODUCTS INC.Years in business: 38.Top executive: Patricia Koehler, president.Address: 2237 S. West Street Ct., Wichita, Kan., 67213. Phone: (316) 263-1318.Website: www.jrcustommetal.com.Employees: 106.

Page 11: KPA Awards special pub entry WBJ - Best in Business

APRIL 20, 2012 | wichitabusinessjournal.com BEST In BUSINESS WICHITA BUSINESS JOURNAL A11

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BEST IN BUSINESS WINNER

Pioneer Balloon staying ‘ahead of the curve’ despite economic downturn

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What is your hometown? Haverhill, Mass.

Education? Yale University, BA 1957; University of Chi-cago, Executive Program, MBA 1970.

Family? Wife, Betty; sons, Ted J. (Karen), Tim (Lauren), Dan (Sally); four grandchildren: Ted W., Eileen, Chris, Katherine.

What was your fi rst job? 6-years-old, helping my brother deliver newspapers. After graduation, General Mills Inc., management trainee.

How long have you lived in Wichita? 41 years.

Who is the person you would most like to meet? Sigmund Freud.

What was the last book you read? “Act of Valor,” by Tom Clancy.

What is your favorite Wichita restaurant and why?Wichita Country Club. The food is great and the service is superb.

What is your favorite vacation spot? Our back yard.

What are your favorite movies? “Cool Hand Luke.”

What kind of car do you drive? Saabs.

Where do you play golf? Wichita Country Club.

Who is your favorite musician? Duke Ellington.

What area or development do you live in? Vickridge.

What is your favorite quote? “Tigers, not pussycats!”

What is your cell or smart phone? iPhone.

TED A. VLAMISPresident and CEO

P r o f i l eCEO

PIONEER BALLOONYears in Wichita: 95. Top executive: Ted Vlamis. Address: 5000 E. 29th St. N. Wichita, Kan., 67220. Phone: (316) 688-8693.Email: [email protected]: 953.

Page 12: KPA Awards special pub entry WBJ - Best in Business

A12 WICHITA BUSINESS JOURNAL BEST In BUSINESS wichitabusinessjournal.com | APRIL 20, 2012

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BEST IN BUSINESS WINNER

Giving back to the community a top priority for Stanion Wholesale Electric

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What is your hometown? Saint Francis, Kan.

Education? BS, Kansas State University, JD, University of Kansas.

Family? Wife Cindy; son, John; daughters, Amanda and Sarah.

What was your fi rst job? Family farm.

How long have you lived in Wichita? Living in Pratt.

Who is the person you would most like to meet?Dwight Eisenhower.

What was the last book you read? “How to Market to People not Like You,” by Kelly McDonald.

What is your favorite Wichita restaurant?Texas Roadhouse.

What is your favorite vacation spot? Hawaii.

What are your favorite movies? The Sting.

What kind of car do you drive? Chevy Suburban.

Where do you play golf? Not a golfer.

Who is your favorite musician? Billy Joel.

What area or development do you live in? Just outside of Pratt.

What is your favorite quote? “Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt.” — Mark Twain.

What is your cell or smart phone? iPad.

BILL KELLERPresident

P r o f i l eCEO

STANION WHOLESALE ELECTRIC CO.Years in Wichita: 32.Top executive: Bill Keller.Address: 2710 W. Pawnee, Wichita, Kan., 67213.Phone: (316) 264-8414.Email: [email protected]: 205.

Page 13: KPA Awards special pub entry WBJ - Best in Business

APRIL 20, 2012 | wichitabusinessjournal.com BEST In BUSINESS WICHITA BUSINESS JOURNAL A13

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Trend-conscious Backwoods attracts loyal customers with its friendly experts

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BACKWOODS WICHITAAddress: 1900 N. Rock Road, Suite 100, Wichita, Kan. 67206.Phone: 267-0350.Website: www.backwoods.com.Employees: 10.

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Page 14: KPA Awards special pub entry WBJ - Best in Business

A14 WICHITA BUSINESS JOURNAL BEST In BUSINESS wichitabusinessjournal.com | APRIL 20, 2012

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1. Pioneer Balloon Co. ...................................3302. Envision Inc. .............................................3123. Apex Engineering .......................................1744. Mel Hambelton Ford Inc. .............................1645. Complete Landscaping Systems Inc. .............1386. Bunting Magnetics Co................................. 1147. JR Custom Metal Products Inc. ................... 1068. LawKingdon Architecture ............................102

9. The Legg Co. Inc. ........................................9010. NCRI - National Catastrophe Restoration Inc. 6611. McCormick-Armstrong Co. Inc......................5812. Stanion Wholesale Electric Co. ....................2613. Voice Products Inc. ....................................2014. Occidental Management Inc. ........................1115. Backwoods Wichita .................................... 10

COMPANY EMPLOYEES

WICHITA-AREA SIZE (INCLUDES BUTLER, HARVEY, SEDGWICK AND SUMNER COUNTIES)Ranked by Wichita-area employees. Largest to smallest.

1. Pioneer Balloon Co. ...................................... 9532. Envision Inc. ................................................478 3. Apex Engineering ..........................................2294. Stanion Wholesale Electric Co. ...................... 2055. Bunting Magnetics Co.................................... 1856. Mel Hambelton Ford Inc. ................................ 1707. Complete Landscaping Systems Inc. ................ 1458. Backwoods Wichita ....................................... 1199. JR Custom Metal Products Inc. .......................10610. LawKingdon Architecture ............................. 10211. The Legg Co. Inc. ........................................... 9012. NCRI - National Catastrophe Restoration Inc. ... 8313. McCormick-Armstrong Co. Inc. ....................... 6514. Voice Products Inc. ....................................... 2015. Occidental Management Inc. ........................... 11

COMPANY EMPLOYEES

WORLDWIDE SIZERanked by worldwide employees. Largest to smallest.

STATISTICS

1. McCormick-Armstrong Co. Inc. ................................ 19012. Envision Inc. ........................................................ 19333. The Legg Co. Inc. .................................................. 19394. Bunting Magnetics Co. ........................................... 19595. Stanion Wholesale Electric Co. ................................19616. LawKingdon Architecture ....................................... 19677. NCRI - National Catastrophe Restoration Inc. ........... 19728. Backwoods Wichita ............................................... 19739. JR Custom Metal Products Inc. ............................... 197410. Pioneer Balloon Co. ............................................. 197911. Complete Landscaping Systems Inc. ....................... 198312. Mel Hambelton Ford Inc. ....................................... 198413. Voice Products Inc. ..............................................199014. Occidental Management Inc. ................................. 199715. Apex Engineering................................................ 2003

LONGEVITYRanked by year founded. Oldest to newest.

COMPANY FOUNDED

WHERE THEY ARE LOCATED

Wichita

HALSTEAD

NEWTON

COMPANY EMPLOYEES

1. Apex Engineering International2. Backwoods Wichita3. Bunting Magnetics Co.4. Complete Landscaping Systems Inc.5. Envision Inc.6. JR Custom Metal Products Inc.7. LawKingdon Architecture8. Legg Co. Inc.

9. McCormick Armstrong Co. Inc.10. Mel Hambelton Ford Inc.11. NCRI - National Catastrophe Restoration Inc.12. Occidental Management Inc.13. Pioneer Balloon Co.14. Stanion Wholesale Electric Co.15. Voice Products Inc.

1

3

45

6

7

8

910

11

1213

14

15

2

Page 15: KPA Awards special pub entry WBJ - Best in Business

APRIL 20, 2012 | wichitabusinessjournal.com BEST In BUSINESS WICHITA BUSINESS JOURNAL A15

Choices, resources and advocacy for people with vision loss

Employment: Focus on Ability—Not Disability Holding a job is a sign of independence. More than 70% of individuals who are blind or low vision are unemployed or underemployed. As the nation’s second largest employer of those who are blind or visually impaired, Envision has provided more than four million hours of paid employment to this group of individuals since 1980.

Low Vision Patient Care: Creating IndependenceThe Centers for Disease Control reports that between now and the year 2020, low vision and blind-ness will double throughout the United States as a result of eye dis-eases such as diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, cataracts and glaucoma. By partnering with area physicians, optometrists and ophthal-mologists, Envision combines state-of-the-art equipment, certified low vision professionals, and a unique, multi-disciplinary approach to help patients achieve their highest level of functional vision—regardless of age or ability to pay.

Public and Professional Education and Awareness: Collaboration and PreventionPublic education is key to the pre-vention and awareness of blindness and low vision, and in mitigating their negative effects. Envision provides extensive public infor-mation on eye diseases and vision rehabilitation, and works with allied agencies and community leaders to communi-cate vital eye health facts. Envision also brings together low vision professionals from several disciplines to provide continuing education and foster innovation and best practices.

www.envisionrehab.com

610 N. Main, Wichita, Kansas 67203(316) 440-1600 Se habla español

independence

•This ad purchased by an anonymous donor

Early detection is vital to preserving your vision. Visit your eye doctor annually.

:%-�(QY�%VW%XVB���LQGG���� ����������������$0

Page 16: KPA Awards special pub entry WBJ - Best in Business

A16 WICHITA BUSINESS JOURNAL BEST In BUSINESS wichitabusinessjournal.com | APRIL 20, 2012

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Complete Landscaping Systems focuses on sustainability, effi ciency

%DFN�URZ��IURP�OHIW��-DQ�0HOL]D��0LNH�+DUGLQJ��'DYLG�6FKRHQKDOV��-RH\�:DOODNHU��-RKQ�/RUJ�DQG�+DLOOL�%DUQHV�)URQW�URZ��IURP�OHIW��-LOO�5HLQHUW��/DXUD�0F0XUUD\��1DQ�'L[RQ��:HQG\�'\HU�DQG�&KHU\O�+XHOVPDQ�

What is your hometown? Pittsburg, Kan.

Education? Pittsburg State University.

Family? Son, Jordan, who graduates from KU in April.

What was your fi rst job? Long John Silver’s.

How long have you lived in Wichita? 21 yrs.

Who is the person you would most like to meet?Michelle Obama and Jill Biden.

What was the last book you read? “Cutting for Stone,” by Abraham Verghese.

What is your favorite Wichita restaurant and why?Mike’s Wine Dive - general ambiance and great food.

What is your favorite vacation spot? Lake Tahoe.

What are your favorite movies? All fi lms by the Coen Brothers as well as Martin Scorsese.

What kind of car do you drive? I prefer my horses over all methods of transportation.

Where do you play golf?- Willowbend Golf Club.

Who is your favorite musician? Eddie Vedder.

What area or development do you live in? Derby.

What is your favorite quote? “I do believe in praising that which deserves to be praised.” - Dean Smith; “I always mean what I say, but I don’t always say what I’m thinking.” – Dean Smith.

What is your cell or smart phone? iPhone 4s.

LAURA MCMURRAYPresident and CEO

P r o f i l eCEO

COMPLETE LANDSCAPING SYSTEMS INC.Address: 1727 E. Second, Wichita, Kan. 67214.Phone: 832-0061.Website: www.completelandscaping.net.Employees: 145.

Page 17: KPA Awards special pub entry WBJ - Best in Business

APRIL 20, 2012 | wichitabusinessjournal.com BEST In BUSINESS WICHITA BUSINESS JOURNAL A17

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What is your hometown? Knoxville, Tenn.

Education? BS, civil engineering, United States Military Academy at West Point; MBA, management, Golden Gate University; fi nancial industry executive course, Wharton School of Business.

Family? Wife, Jo; daughters Eire and Sophie.

What was your fi rst job? Paperboy, age 8.

How long have you lived in Wichita? 7 years.

Who is the person you would most like to meet? A new neighbor.

What was the last book you read? “The People of the Mist,” Henry Rider.

What is your favorite Wichita restaurant and why?Extremes: NuWay and Chesters!

What is your favorite vacation spot? Gulf Coast.

What are your favorite movies? “Empire of the Sun.”

What kind of car do you drive? Fortunately, a reliable one.

Where do you play golf? All over the course, particu-larly, the hazards!

Who is your favorite musician? Bob Marley.

What area or development do you live in? East side.

What is your favorite quote? “Hope is not a method.” — Gordon Russell Sullivan, retired Army general offi cer, 32nd Chief of Staff, U.S. Army, member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

What is your cell or smart phone? iPhone.

FRANK D. CLEPPERPresident and CEO

P r o f i l eCEO

ENVISION INC. Address: 610 N. Main, Wichita, Kan. 67203.Phone: 440-1500.Website: www.envisionus.com.Employees: 478.

Page 18: KPA Awards special pub entry WBJ - Best in Business

A18 WICHITA BUSINESS JOURNAL BEST In BUSINESS wichitabusinessjournal.com | APRIL 20, 2012

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Where is your hometown? Mahaska, Kan.

Education? Bachelor’s of architecture, College of Archi-tecture, Planning and Design, Kansas State University.

Family? Wife, Jenell; sons, Ty and Trent; grandsons, Cooper and Damon.

What was your fi rst job? Working at my uncle’s Conoco gas station.

How long have you lived in Wichita? 39 years.

Who is the person you would most like to meet? Vince Lombardi.

What was the last book you read? “Tipping Point,” by Malcolm Gladwell; “Horse Soldiers,” by Doug Stanton; “The Millionaire Next Door,” by Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko.

What is your favorite Wichita restaurant and why?Hereford House (because of Mike), Chester’s Chop House (atmosphere), Scotch & Sirloin (tradition).

What is your favorite vacation spot? Wyoming.

What are your favorite movies? “Patton,” “Dances with Wolves” and “Top Gun.”

What kind of car do you drive? Chevy Tahoe.

Where do you play golf? Sims and Auburn Hills.

Who is your favorite musician? Floyd Cramer, Chet Atkins and Les Paul.

What area or development do you live in? Northwest Wichita.

What is your favorite quote? “While some people toler-ate the status quo, some make their own alterations. Here’s to rare character.” – Anonymous.

What is your cell or smart phone? HTC Evo.

DENNIS SMITHPresident

P r o f i l eCEO

LAWKINGDON ARCHITECTURE Address: 345 Riverview, Wichita, Kan. 67203. Phone: 268-0230.Top executive: Dennis Smith.Employees: 102.

Page 19: KPA Awards special pub entry WBJ - Best in Business

APRIL 20, 2012 | wichitabusinessjournal.com BEST In BUSINESS WICHITA BUSINESS JOURNAL A19

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SODQW�HQJLQHHU��$PDQGD�4XHHQ��TXDOLW\�WHFKQLFDO�PDQDJHU���� What is your hometown? Steven: Wichita. Ron: Dexter Kan.

Education? Steven: BA in accounting, Wichita State University. Ron: Associate’s of arts.

Family? Steven: Wife, Anita. We have three grown children, two married and one single, along with three grandkids. Ron: Wife, four daughters, one grand daughter.

What was your fi rst job? Steven: Working for my father in his grocery store. Ron: Pumping gas.

How long have you lived in Wichita? Steven: 57 years. Ron: 19 years.

Who is the person you would most like to meet?Steven: Warren Buffett. Ron: Stephen Hawking.

What was the last book you read? Steven: “Leadership in the Era of Economic Uncertainty,” by Ram Charan. Ron: Belt conveyors for Bulk Materials, CEMA.

What is your favorite Wichita restaurant and why? Steven: Old Chicago. The food is good and you can watch a game and hear to talk. Ron: Red Rock Canyon Grill, food and atmosphere.

What is your favorite vacation spot? Steven: Alaska. Ron: Anywhere warm.

What are your favorite movies? Steven: Action movies. Ron: Any good comedy.

What kind of car do you drive? Steven: GMC Acadia and Pontiac Grand Prix. Ron: 07 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail.

What area or development do you live in? Steven: Northwest Wichita. Ron: Deer Glen.

STEVEN C. CHARTIERPresident and CEO (co-owner)

P r o f i l eCEO

LEGG CO. INC. Address: 325 E. 10th St., Halstead, Kan. 67056.Phone: 316-835-2256.Website: www.leggbelting.com.Top executive: Steve Chartier. Employees: 90.

RON MARLERVice president

Page 20: KPA Awards special pub entry WBJ - Best in Business

A20 WICHITA BUSINESS JOURNAL BEST In BUSINESS wichitabusinessjournal.com | APRIL 20, 2012

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McCormick Armstrong’s longevity attributed to hard work and innovation

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What is your hometown? Lamont, Kan.

Education? El Dorado Junior College associate’s degree in 1963. Bachelor’s in business from Wichita State Uni-versity, 1965, with a major emphasis in accounting and a minor emphasis in economics and psychology.

Family? Wife, Jan; four children and fi ve grandchildren.

What was your fi rst job? Tying hay bales for 50 cents per day plus lunch.

How long have you lived in Wichita? 49 years.

Who is the person you would most like to meet?Billy Graham.

What was the last book you read? “Nearing Home,” by Billy Graham.

What is your favorite Wichita restaurant and why?Scotch and Sirloin for its prime rib.

What is your favorite vacation spot? Canadian Rockies.

What are your favorite movies? Comedies, suspense and nonfi ction/biographies.

What kind of car do you drive? Chevrolet Tahoe.

Where do you play golf? I don’t play golf.

Who is your favorite musician? Michael Buble’.

What area or development do you live in? Springdale Estates.

What is your favorite quote? “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

What is your cell or smart phone? iPhone.

JAKE SHAFFERPresident and CEO

P r o f i l eCEO

MCCORMICK ARMSTRONG Address: 1501 E. Douglas, Wichita, Kan. 67211Phone: 264-1363.Website: www.mccormickarmstrong.com.Top executive: Jake Shaffer.Employees: 65.

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APRIL 20, 2012 | wichitabusinessjournal.com BEST In BUSINESS WICHITA BUSINESS JOURNAL A21

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Mel Hambelton Ford Inc. makes long climb back to success

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LISA HAMBELTONDealer principal

P r o f i l eCEO

What is your hometown? Wichita.

Education? Kansas State University.

Family? Sons, Tyler and Logan; daughter, Taryn.

What was your fi rst job? Service cashier, receptionist at Import Volkswagen.

How long have you lived in Wichita? 40 years.

Who is the person you would most like to meet? Billy Graham.

What was the last book you read? “How to Win Custom-ers and Keep Them for Life,” by Michael LeBoeuf.

What is your favorite Wichita restaurant and why?Red Rock Canyon Grill. Great food, great service.

What is your favorite vacation spot? Hawaii.

What are your favorite movies? “Wizard of Oz,” “It’s Complicated,” Sixth Sense,“ “The Green Mile,” “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

What kind of car do you drive? Ford Mustang.

Where do you play golf? I keep saying I’m going to learn ... maybe this year.

Who is your favorite musician? My son, Logan Thomas.

What area or development do you live in? Highland Springs.

What is your favorite quote? With God, all things are possible.

What is your cell or smart phone? iPhone.

MEL HAMBELTON FORDYears in Wichita: 38. Top executive: Lisa Hambelton.Address: 11771 W. Kellogg Street, Wichita, Kan., 67209. Phone: (316) 462-1483.Email: [email protected]: 170.

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A22 WICHITA BUSINESS JOURNAL BEST In BUSINESS wichitabusinessjournal.com | APRIL 20, 2012

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NCRI cleans, restores, rebuilds after disaster hits home, business

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What is your hometown? Ottawa, Kan.

Education? Two years of college.

Family? Wife and two daughters.

What was your first job? Safeway grocery store.

How long have you lived in Wichita? 63 years.

Who is the person you would most like to meet? President George Bush.

What was the last book you read? Bible.

What is your favorite Wichita restaurant and why? LongHorn Steak House for their pepper steak.

What is your favorite vacation spot? San Diego, Calif.

What are your favorite movies? High tech, special effects, 3D.

What kind of car do you drive? Hummer.

Where do you play golf? Reflection Ridge.

Who is your favorite musician? Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys.

What area or development do you live in? Reflection Ridge.

What is your favorite quote? “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” — JFK.

NICHOLAS L. EASTERCEO

P r o f i l eCEO

NATIONAL CATASTROPHE RESTORATION INC. Address: 8447 E. 35th St. N., Wichita, Kan. 67226.Phone: 636-5700.Website: www.ncricat.com.Top executive: Nicholas Easter. Employees: 83.

Page 23: KPA Awards special pub entry WBJ - Best in Business

APRIL 20, 2012 | wichitabusinessjournal.com BEST In BUSINESS WICHITA BUSINESS JOURNAL A23

Fully IntegratedStructures and Assemblies

Nacelles

Flight Control Surfaces

Doors

Hatches

Body Fairings

Sheet Metal Forming

High Speed Machining

Welding

Bonding

AS9100 & NADCAP Certi!ed

In-house Heat Treat, Chemical Milling, Chem FilmNDI, Paint and PAA

1804 West 2nd StreetWichita, Kansas316-262-1494

APEX Engineering International, LLC.

www.aeillc.comCreating Value With Velocity

Engineering International, LLC.

Creating Value With Velocity

APEX

Creating Value With Velocity

APEX

Creating Value With Velocity

APEX

Page 24: KPA Awards special pub entry WBJ - Best in Business

A24 WICHITA BUSINESS JOURNAL BEST In BUSINESS wichitabusinessjournal.com | APRIL 20, 2012

HYATT name, design and related marks are trademarks of Hyatt Corporation. ©2012 Hyatt Corporation. All rights reserved.

Experience the best in the Midwest. Hyatt Regency Wichita offers !"! spacious guest rooms, # luxurious suites, indoor heated pool, Stay Fit gym and outdoor patio with stunning views of the Arkansas River. Our downtown location is minutes from Intrust Bank Arena, Exploration Place, Historic Old Town, Lawrence Dumont Stadium and Wichita Ice Center. Connected to Century II Convention Center, Hyatt Regency Wichita offers newly renovated meeting space comprising of $% meeting rooms that can accommodate meetings of any size. For reservations, call !&' $%! &$!( or visit wichita.hyatt.com. Hyatt. You’re More Than Welcome.

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122-*345 -,.- 62).67 2826/907/.

HYATT name, design and related marks are trademarks of Hyatt Corporation. ©2012 Hyatt Corporation. All rights reserved.

Experience the best in the Midwest. Hyatt Regency Wichita offers !"! spacious guest rooms, # luxurious suites, indoor heated pool, Stay Fit gym and outdoor patio with stunning views of the Arkansas River. Our downtown location is minutes from Intrust Bank Arena, Exploration Place, Historic Old Town, Lawrence Dumont Stadium and Wichita Ice Center. Connected to Century II Convention Center, Hyatt Regency Wichita offers newly renovated meeting space comprising of $% meeting rooms that can accommodate meetings of any size. For reservations, call !&' $%! &$!( or visit wichita.hyatt.com. Hyatt. You’re More Than Welcome.

!&' $%! &$!()*+,*-..,/.--.+01

122-*345 -,.- 62).67 2826/907/.

HYATT name, design and related marks are trademarks of Hyatt Corporation. ©2012 Hyatt Corporation. All rights reserved.

Experience the best in the Midwest. Hyatt Regency Wichita offers !"! spacious guest rooms, # luxurious suites, indoor heated pool, Stay Fit gym and outdoor patio with stunning views of the Arkansas River. Our downtown location is minutes from Intrust Bank Arena, Exploration Place, Historic Old Town, Lawrence Dumont Stadium and Wichita Ice Center. Connected to Century II Convention Center, Hyatt Regency Wichita offers newly renovated meeting space comprising of $% meeting rooms that can accommodate meetings of any size. For reservations, call !&' $%! &$!( or visit wichita.hyatt.com. Hyatt. You’re More Than Welcome.

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APRIL 20, 2012 | wichitabusinessjournal.com BEST In BUSINESS WICHITA BUSINESS JOURNAL A25

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Occidental Management takes different approach to real estate

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What is your hometown? Wichita.

Education? Attended WSU ( no degree).

Family? Wife: Gretchen; two sons: Kit and Lad.

What was your fi rst job? Mowing lawns at 10 years old.

How long have you lived in Wichita? All of my life.

Who is the person you would most like to meet?My grandparents on my mom’s side of the family.

What was the last book you read? “Parker’s 9th Edition Wine Guide,” by Robert M. Parker.

What is your favorite Wichita restaurant and why?It depends on my mood, I like Asian, Mexican and American.

What is your favorite vacation spot? Grand Cayman.

What are your favorite movies? So many, but here are a few … “The Natural,” “The Hunt for Red October,” “Chariots of Fire.”

What kind of car do you drive? Range Rover.

Where do you play golf? Crestview Country Club, when I have a chance.

Who is your favorite musician? Mary Armstrong, Rein-hart.

What area or development do you live in? Pinnacle at Crestview.

What is your favorite quote? “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” - Neal Donald Walch.

What is your cell or smart phone? iPhone.

GARY OBORNYChairman & CEO

P r o f i l eCEO

OCCIDENTAL MANAGEMENT INC.Address: 8111 E. 32nd St. N., Suite 101, Wichita, Kan. 67226.Phone: 262-3331.Website: www.occmgmt.com.Employees: 11.

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A26 WICHITA BUSINESS JOURNAL BEST In BUSINESS wichitabusinessjournal.com | APRIL 20, 2012

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Voice Products offers diverse suite of products, but service is key for all

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What is your hometown? Dean: Wausau, Wis. Stuart: Wichita.

Education? Dean: High school. Stuart: Bachelor’s in business and marketing, Kansas State University.

Family? Dean: Two sons: Trevor, 22 and Devin, 21. I am get-ting married on June 2 to Mindy Brewer (she doesn’t want me to list her age) and her son Nate, age 14. Stuart: Wife, Tracy; children: Eric, Emily, Erin, and Elleigh.

What was your fi rst job? Dean: Working on a farm. Stuart: Paper route.

How long have you lived in Wichita? Dean: Since 1983. Stuart: 40-plus years.

Who is the person you would most like to meet?Dean: If it were possible, Vince Lombardi. Stuart: Warren Buffett.

What was the last book you read? Dean: “Creating Competitive Advantage,” by Michael E . Porter. Stuart: “Flash Foresight,” by Daniel Burrus.

What is your favorite Wichita restaurant and why?Dean: Chester’s Chop House is one of our favorites but there are several others. Stuart: Bonefi sh Grill.

What is your favorite vacation spot? Dean: Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. Stuart: Mexico.

What are your favorite movies? Dean: “Caddyshack,” and of course, action movies such as Transporter I, II and III, Bourne Identity series etc. Stuart: “The Adjust-ment Bureau,” “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.”

Where do you play golf? Dean: Wichita Country Club. Stuart: Wichita Country Club.

What area or development do you live in? Dean: Stone Bridge. Stuart: Woodlawn East.

What is your cell or smart phone? Dean: iPhone 4s. Stuart: iPhone 4s.

STUART PETERSPresident and CEO

Vice president owner and founder

P r o f i l eCEO

DEAN TULLIS

VOICE PRODUCTS INC. Address: 8555 E. 32nd St. N., Wichita, Kan., 67226.Phone: (316) 616-1111.Website: www.voiceproducts.com.Top executive: Dean Tullis.Employees: 20.

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APRIL 20, 2012 | wichitabusinessjournal.com BEST In BUSINESS WICHITA BUSINESS JOURNAL A27

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A28 WICHITA BUSINESS JOURNAL BEST In BUSINESS wichitabusinessjournal.com | APRIL 20, 2012

Visit us: umb.com

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