In a city rooted in entrepreneurship and grit, those who start new businesses in Wichita have carved something out of nothing.
They've solved problems. They've introduced new concepts. They've pivoted when they had to.
We asked five local founders: What's one thing you wish you knew before starting your business?
Heather Geisen, GROW Geisen Plant Shop and Botanic at GROW
- What is it: Retail plant shop and cocktail and coffee bar
- When it launched: 2020
- Website: growgiesenplantshop.com
"Having to pivot, change or let go of something that isn’t working does not mean a failure, it’s true growth to have that flexibility for the success of your business. There is no guidebook to this life, it’s very experiential for each individual person. You will have days that you feel like you are killing it, and other days where you feel like an imposter, and thats OK, YOU are the only person that can decide how you want to grow.”
Patricia Koehler, JR Custom Metal Products
- What is it: Family-owned, custom metal fabricator
- When it launched: 1974
- Website: jrcmp.com
“When we started our business, I wish someone had told us that 8 to 5, five days a week was not the norm. It was more like 9- to 10-hour days, six days a week. After 45 years, it’s all been worth the effort.”
Margaret Dechant, 6 Meridian
- What is it: Wealth management and financial planning firm
- When it launched: 2016
- Website: 6meridian.com
“Your timeline to add talent will be faster than you initially believe. Staff your business with great people who can add value and help your business grow BEFORE it is obvious that you need them. Build capacity before you are bursting at the seams.”
Jon Rolph, Thrive Restaurant Group
- What is it: Restaurant group operating 170 restaurants in 15 states
- When did it launch: 1975
- Website: thriverestaurantgroup.com
"Business goes beyond hitting growth targets and KPI's. In the end, we will most treasure the lives we touched and the person we became along the way."
