The UMKC Henry W. Bloch School of Management recently held its 38th Annual Entrepreneur of the Year awards ceremony at H&R Block Headquarters, honoring innovative leaders who are making a significant impact in Kansas City and beyond. This year’s honorees include individuals who are changing skylines with their construction and design projects, as well as those who are driving social change through their entrepreneurial endeavors.
One of the highlights of the event was the induction of the Henry W. Bloch International Entrepreneurs of the Year into the Bloch Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame. This year’s honorees included Chris Carver, Ron Labinski, Joe Spear, Dennis Wellner, and Earl Santee, representing the founders of Populous. Originally founded in 1983 as HOK Sport, the firm quickly gained a reputation for its innovative stadium designs. Through projects like the Miami Dolphins’ Hard Rock Stadium and Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Populous has redefined the concept of sports architecture. The firm’s commitment to creating spaces where people can come together and make lasting memories has earned them global recognition and over 250 design awards.
In the category of Kansas City Entrepreneurs of the Year, the Bloch School honored Pat McCown and Brett Gordon, founders of McCownGordon. Since its establishment in 1999, McCownGordon has been responsible for some of Kansas City’s most iconic buildings, including Bartle Hall and the American Royal. With a focus on integrity, performance, and relationships, the company has built a reputation for delivering high-quality construction projects across various sectors, including education, science, and healthcare.
The Marion and John Kreamer Award for Social Entrepreneurship was presented to Natasha Herdman, founder and CEO of Pawsperity. Herdman’s nonprofit grooming school is dedicated to providing job training opportunities for single parents living in poverty. By offering a comprehensive curriculum in pet grooming and soft skills training, Pawsperity aims to empower individuals facing multiple barriers to employment. Herdman’s vision extends beyond Kansas City, as she plans to turn Pawsperity into a licensing model that can be replicated by nonprofits nationwide.
The event also recognized Grace Kertz as the Student Entrepreneur of the Year. A junior studying Business Administration at the Bloch School, Kertz has developed Sensory Sync, a platform that uses artificial intelligence to support sensory-adverse employees in the workplace. By providing personalized guidance and accommodation strategies, Sensory Sync aims to improve productivity and retention among diverse talent, including individuals with disabilities. Kertz’s entrepreneurial journey highlights the power of combining analytical and creative thinking to drive innovation.
Overall, the honorees at the Bloch School’s Entrepreneur of the Year awards ceremony exemplify the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation. Their dedication to creating positive change in their communities and beyond serves as an inspiration to future generations of entrepreneurs. As the legacy of entrepreneurship continues to thrive in Kansas City, these leaders are paving the way for a brighter and more inclusive future.
