Guests

2021 Grill Nation Show Guests:

March 2021:

• Andrew Bash – Founder – Bash & Co. Sotheby International Realty

February 2021:

• Christina Livers – Restaurant Operations Consultant – US Foods
• Jim Carr – CEO – NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics)
• Jeff Phillips – Senior VP – Landmark National Bank
• Dr. Saad Syed – Chronic and Acute Pain Specialist /
• James Clark (Patient – Spinal Cord Stimulation – Boston Scientific)
• Logan Freeman – Co-Founder and Principal – FTW Investments

January 2021: 

• Megan Sturges Stanfield – President/CEO – Junior Achievement of Greater Kansas City
• Dr. Amy Patel – Medical Director – Liberty Hospital Women’s Imaging and National Medical Expert
• Ryan Bennett – Founder – The Intentional Day – A Proven Growth Method for Intentional Growth
• Jonathan Cole – Owner – Pendulum Studio (Troost Development Project / Troost Village)
• Tim Bowman – Managing Member – Compass Smart (Troost Development Project / Troost Village)

2020 Grill Nation Show Guests:

December 2020:

• Jon Schram – CEO – The Purple Guys
• Dr. Rodney Smith – VP, Access and Engagement – William Jewell College
• David Hall – Executive Vice Chairman – Hallmark / Senior Co-Chair – KCADC
• Tim Cowden – President/CEO – KCADC
• Jill McCarthy – Senior Executive, Corporate Attraction – KCADC
• Ed Lada – President/CEO – Goodwill of Western Missouri / Eastern Kansas

November 2020:

• Melissa Vincent – Executive Director – Pipeline Entrepreneurs
• Justin Watkins – CEO/Founder – Native Digital
• Jake Jacobson – VP, Growth & Partnerships – Native Digital
• Jeff Phillips – Senior VP – Landmark National Bank
• Joe Hirleman – Partner – Midwest Glass & Glazing
• Lee Mudd – President / Owner – RLM Underground

October 2020: 

• Sayard Parrish – VP – Landmark National Bank
• Diana Holt – CEO & President – Wilkerson Crane Rental
• Tory Schwope – Owner / Founder – DCA Outdoor and Colonial Gardens
• Jeff Phillips – Senior VP – Landmark National Bank
• Dan Walsh – Managing Partner / Founder – Spokes
• Michelle Altrich – President – Viracor Eurofins
• Jarrett Sutton – Scout (New Orleans Pelicans) / ESPN Broadcaster

September 2020: 

• Pat Contreras – Director of Project Development – McCownGordon
• Stacie Prosser – Market President and Publisher – Kansas City Business Journal
• Mark Grimes – Founder – 31 Startup in 31 Days / 90 Days to Cash Flow Positive
• Tim Cowden – President/CEO – KCADC
• Jonathan Knecht – VP/Marketing & Creative Services – KCADC
• Jessica Palm – VP & Lead Executive – KCADC / TeamKC Life + Talent
• Jennifer Lyon – VP/Investor Relations – KCADC

August 2020: 

• Dr. Marilyn Richardson – KC Wellness Center / Hormone Hair & Vein Center
• Joel Goldberg – KC Royals Live Host, In-Game Reporter for Fox Sports Kansas City, Public Speaker and Rounding the Bases Live Host.
• Victor Hwang – Founder & CEO – Right to Start
• Pete Mundo – Talk Radio Show Host, Program Director and Big 12 Sports Site Owner
• Jeff Phillips – Senior VP – Landmark National Bank
• Bill Kimmel – President – RJ Kool
• Darren Harding – VP – RJ Kool

July 2020: 

• Michael Sullivan – Managing Director – Berkadia
• Jonathan Cole – Owner – Pendulum Studio (Sports Architecture / Design)
• Tim Barron – Senior Vice President – Landmark National Bank
• Whitney VinZant – Owner – Louie’s Wine Dive, BRGR and Taco Republic
• Lindsey McDonald – Director – ScriptPro
• Alison Troutwine – Project Manager – Truman Medical Centers
• Franci Erdmann – Consultant – Customer, Patient & Employee Experience Space
• Andre Davis – Business Development Executive – Built

June 2020: 

• Bob Kendrick – President – Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
• Sayard Parrish – VP – Landmark National Bank
• Shauna Huntington – CEO/President – Fortiviti
• Dr. Amy Patel – Breast Radiologist / Medical Director of Women’s Imaging Center at Liberty Hospital / Assistant Professor of Radiology – UMKC School of Medicine
• Chris Gutierrez – President – KC SmartPort
• Eric McDonald – Executive VP, Sales & Business Strategy – Storage Solutions
• Grant Harrison – Director of Development – VanTrust Real Estate

May 2020: 

• Jeff Phillips – Senior VP – Landmark National Bank
• Laura Laiben – Owner / The Main Dish – The Culinary Center of Kansas City
• Jessica Hembree – Owner – Platform Civic Strategies / Board Member – Shawnee Mission School District
• Jeff Dunn – DO / MBA – Doctor and Founder/CEO of Redivus Health
• Alan Farris – Senior VP- Landmark National Bank
• Scott Rosemann – COO & Co-Owner – Rosemann and Associates
• Dr. Kipp Van Camp – Double Board Certified Interventional Radiologist – Midwest Regenerative Health & Pain Clinic

April 2020: 

• Jeff Phillips – Senior VP – Landmark National Bank
• Travis Holt – Co-Founder – Brush Creek Partners
• Stephen Bowen – Partner – Brush Creek Partners
• Nathan Kurtz – COO – Brush Creek Partners
• Jenny Kutz – VP of Marketing & Communications – KVC Health Systems
• Chad Anderson – Chief Clinical Officer – KVC Health Systems
• Sara Schlagel – Director of Program and Staff Development – KVC Health Systems
• Jessica Palm – VP, KCADC and Lead Executive, TeamKC
• Anthony Fasl – VP, Operational Growth – SelectQuote
• Andrew Bash – Owner – Bash & Co. | Sotheby’s International Realty
• Danny Pfeifer – Founder – Catalyst Group (Government Relations)
• John Kennyhertz – Partner – Kennyhertz Perry Law Firm

March 2020: 

• Zach Lawless – CEO & Founder – Fresh Bowl
• Maria Perez – Ranked Choice Voting Expert / Consultant – FairVote
• Danielle Lehman – Creator – Open Belly Podcast and CurbsideKC.com
• George Guastello – President/CEO – Union Station

February 2020: 

• Jeff Phillips – Senior VP – Landmark National Bank
• Jim Warford – Owner/Founder – iCON Architecture + Fabrication
• David Davids – Owner/Founder – iCON Architecture + Fabrication
• Jake Schopp – Owner/Founder – iCON Architecture + Fabrication

January 2020: 

• Darcy Howe – Founder / Managing Director – KCRise Fund
• Dr. Amy Patel – Breast Radiologist / Medical Director of Women’s Imaging Center at Liberty Hospital / Assistant Professor of Radiology – UMKC School of Medicine
• Toby Cook – VP of Publicity – Kansas City Royals

December 2019: 

• Rachel Sexton – COO – VPR Companies and VP – VPR Patient Outreach Program
• Katie Dunn Fitzgerald – Principal – Mariner Wealth Advisors
• Brian Stewart – Director, Business Development – Dickson-Diveley
• Jon Stephens – President & CEO – Port KC

November 2019:

• Andrew Bash – Owner – Bash & Co. | Sotheby’s International Realty
• Steve Stava – Partner – Twisted Pair Labs
• Jarrod Eyler – Partner – Twisted Pair Labs
• LeAnn Carlson – Owner – Lauren’s Hope (Medical ID Bracelet / Jewelry)
• Mark Fitzpatrick – Commercial Unit Banking Manager – BOK Financial
• Chase McAnulty – Owner – Charlie Hustle
• Tim Cowden – President/CEO – Kansas City Area Development Council (KCADC)
• Ashlie Hand – VP/Communications – Kansas City Area Development Council (KCADC)

October 2019:

• Dr. Amy Patel – Breast Radiologist / Medical Director of Women’s Imaging Center at Liberty Hospital / Assistant Professor of Radiology – UMKC School of Medicine
• Kevin Kramer – KC Market CEO – BOK Financial
• Noel Falloon – VP & Regional Community Relations Manager – BOK Financial
• Joe Perry – VP of Development – Port KC
• Donna Mandelbaum – Communications Director – KC Streetcar
• Kelley Hrabe – Co-Owner/Founder – Prairie Fire Development Group
• Hyleme George – Leader of CleanTech Growth Accelerator – Black & Veatch

September 2019:

• Ben Jackson – Founder – Bungii
• Andrew Cameron – Founder – Donutology / Host – Ingredients of Happiness Podcast
• Matt DeCoursey – Co-Founder – Full Scale / Co-Host – Startup Hustle Podcast / Author – Million Dollar Bedroom
• Mayor Quinton Lucas – Kansas City, Mo.
• Jon Stephens – President / CEO – Port KC
• Jill McCarthy – Senior Executive / Corporate Attraction – KCADC
• Ashlie Hand – VP of Communications – KCADC
• Jennifer Lyon – VP of Investor Relations – KCADC
• Don Peterson – Entrepreneur in Residence, Launch Healthcare Accelerator
• Jeremy Tasset – CEO – Nueterra Capital
• Kirby Montgomery – CoFounder – TheraWe
• Richard Coughlan – Operations Manager – Richard Coughlan
• Laurel Edelman – CEO – Sickweather
• Jason Coppage – President – Spoke Health
• Mike Sobek – CEO – medZero

August 2019:

• Noel Falloon – VP & Regional Community Relations Manager – MoBank
• Charles Hunter – Commercial Banking Manager – BOK Financial
• Dr. Dred Scott – President & CEO – Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City
• Kevin McManus – City Councilman and Mayor Pro Tem – Kansas City, Missouri
• Ann Thomas – President & CEO – The Children’s Place
• Polly Howard – VP of Development & Communications – The Children’s Place
• Kalinda Caulkins – SVP of Treasury Services – BOK Financial
• Joel Goldberg – KC Royals Pre/Post Game TV Host, In Game Reporter and Speaker
• Steven Spector – Program Director – 610 Sports

July 2019:

• Drew Solomon – Chair, LaunchKC & Sr. VP, EDCKC
• Don Peterson – Entrepreneur in Residence, Healthcare Accelerator – LaunchKC
• Joe Perry – VP of Development, Port KC
• Krishan Purvis – Real Estate Development Manager – Port KC
• Mariah Shields – Communications Specialist – Port KC
• Emily McVey – Director – KC Animal Health Corridor (KCADC)
• Jessica Palm – VP / Lead Executive – TeamKC (KCADC)
• Elli Bowen – VP / Business Development – KC SmartPort (KCADC)

June 2019:

• Jason Fulvi – President and CEO – Visit KC
• Derek Klaus – Director of Communications – Visit KC
• Bryan Sarff – President / Chief Investment Officer – True Wealth & Company
• Jeff Sullivan – Head of Retail Banking – Academy Bank
• Tim Kay – Senior VP of Residential Mortgage Lending – Academy Bank
• Jon Copaken – Principal – Copaken Brooks
• Ryan Biery – Senior VP – Copaken Brooks
• Jon Stephens – President / CEO – Port KC

May 2019: 

• Annie Presley – Author, Publisher, Fundraiser & Political Strategist
• Bryan Sarff – President / Chief Investment Officer – True Wealth & Company
• Vince O’Halloran – Owner – O’Halloran & Associates, Inc.
• Noel Fallon – VP / Regional Comms Relations Manager – MoBank / BOK Financial
• Linda Laurence – Senior Vice President – MoBank
• Andy Rieger – Co-Founder and President,  J. Rieger & Co
• Lindsey Bruns – AVP / Private Banker – MoBank
• Aaron Israelite – Client Advisor – MoBank
• Dennis Strait – Principal – Gould Evans

April 2019: 

• Lesley Elwell – Chief People Officer – JE Dunn Construction
• John Murphy – Partner – Shook, Hardy & Bacon / Co-Chair – KC Rising
• Sheri Gonzales – Vice President – Civic Council / Director – KC Rising
• David Ficklin – Executive Director – KC 2026 FIFA World Cup Bid
• Rob Magee – Owner / Executive Chef – Q39
• Bryan Sarff – President / Chief Investment Officer – True Wealth & Company
• Mike Savage – Owner – Sav Art (www.sav-art.com)
• Margaret Langford – VP / Relationship Manager – MoBank / BOK Financial
• Noel Fallon – VP / Regional Comms Relations Manager – MoBank / BOK Financial
• Kevin Childress – CEO – MyFreightWorld and Founder – Port TMS
• Wayne Auer – Chairman / Founder – Port TMS and Director – MyFreightWorld

March 2019:

• Jon Stephens – CEO & President – PortKC
• Annie Presley – Author, Publisher, Fundraiser & Political Strategist
• Bryan Sarff – President / Chief Investment Officer – True Wealth & Company
• Dr. Troy Burns – Physician, President & Medical Director – Pro Partners Healthcare
• Joe Perry – VP of Development – PortKC
• Jerad Foster – Owner and Founding Partner – StudioBuild

February 2019:

• Annie Presley – Author, Publisher, Fundraiser & Political Strategist
• Lauren Conaway – Director of Operations – KC Startup Foundation
• Matthew Marcus – Director of Engagement – KC Startup Foundation
• Brad Porter – Sports Broadcaster and Anchor
• Cody Bezanson – Senior Vice President – BOK Financial
• David Wiley – President & CEO – Kansas City Hospice and Palliative Care
• Bryan Sarff – President / Chief Investment Officer – True Wealth & Company
• Tom Sullivan – Owner – Sullivan Estate Law

January 2019:

• Best of Show – Joe Zwillenberg (Westport Flea Market), Mike Shanin (KCPT – PBS), Jeff Hutsell (Vistage), Lamar Hunt Jr. (Kansas City Mavericks)
• Bryan Sarff – President / Chief Investment Officer – True Wealth & Company
• Steve Holle – Founder & Managing Partner – KC Bier Company
• Melissa Valenciano – VP, Relationship Manager – MoBank / BOK Financial
• Mark Fitzpatrick – Commercial Unit Banking Manager – MoBank / BOK Financial
• Tim Cowden – President/CEO – Kansas City Area Development Council (KCADC)
• Maria Maffry – Principal / Chief Business Development Officer – BNIM Architects

2018 Grill Nation Show Guests:

December 2018: 

• Jeff Shafer – Development Director – City Year KC
• Ty Manor – AmeriCorps Member – City Year KC
• Lisa Ginter – CEO – CommunityAmerica / Board of Directors – City Year KC
• Bryan Sarff – President / Chief Investment Officer – True Wealth & Company
• Gregg Amos – President & Owner – Amos Family Funeral Home
• Ross and Ashley Judy – Owners – Give and Partake
• Best of Show – Andrew Cameron (Donutology), Jasper Mirabile (Jaspers Restaurant), Chase and Holly McAnulty (Charlie Hustle), Andrew Miller (Spanish Gardens)

November 2018: 

• Jon Stephens – President & CEO – PortKC
• Bryan Sarff – President / Chief Investment Officer – True Wealth & Company
• Lamar Hunt Jr. – Owner – KC Mavericks
• John Lovell – Owner – Lovell Sagebrush Insurance Group
• Chase McAnulty – Owner/CEO – Charlie Hustle
• Holly McAnulty – Owner/Communications – Charlie Hustle

October 2018: 

• Bryan Sarff – President / Chief Investment Officer – True Wealth & Company
• Pascale Henn – Principal – PH Business Law Advisors
• Andrew Black – Treasury Manager – BOK Financial / MoBank
• Andrew Miller – CFO – Spanish Gardens Foods / President – Guys Snacks
• Kimberly Young – President – KC Animal Health Corridor
• Scott Bormann – VP, US Commercial Services – Merck Animal Health
• Kent Luther – VP, Commercial Operations – Bayer Animal Health
• Stuart Ludlow – President & Co-Founder – RFP365
• Jeff Mazur – Executive Director – LaunchCode

September 2018:

• Chris Gutierrez – President – KCSmartPort
• Mark Long – Executive Managing Director and Principal – Newmark Grubb Zimmer
• Jake Sorenson – Director of Business Operations – Aerotek
• Bryan Sarff – President / Chief Investment Officer – True Wealth & Company
• Jasper Mirabile – Owner – Jasper’s Restaurant
• Ryan Humphrey – VP – BOK Financial
• Clark Morris – VP of Advancement – William Jewell
• Dr. Gary Armstrong – Associate Dean – William Jewell
• Mick Scully – Founder / Owner – Mr. Steak
• Aaron Borgmann – Former NFL Trainer (Eagles / Chiefs) & Owner – Borgmann Rehab Solutions
• Jeff Hutsell – KC Group Chair / Successful Entrepreneur – Vistage International

August 2018: 

• David Bayer – Successful Entrepreneur and MindHack Author – DavidBayer.com
• Bryan Sarff – President / Chief Investment Officer – True Wealth & Company
• Gene Cullinane – Owner – House of Diamonds
• Karen Cullinane – Jeweler / CAD Designer – House of Diamonds
• Joel Goldberg – Keynote Speaker / Entrepreneur / Fox Sports Broadcaster
• Ryley Iverson – Co-Founder and CEO – Townfolio
• Davie Lee – Co-Founder and CTO – Townfolio

July 2018:

• Justin Meyer – Deputy Director of Aviation – Kansas City Aviation Department
• Ryan Humphrey – VP – BOK Financial
• Chad Harris – Chief Development Officer – Cornerstones of Care
• Stephanie Sheldon – Sr. Marketing Manager – Cornerstones of Care
• Bryan Sarff – President / Chief Investment Officer – True Wealth & Company
• Mark Comfort – Owner – Cruise Holidays of KC / Comfort Tours & Travel

June 2018:

• Ryan Maybee – Owner – The Rieger / J. Rieger & Co.
• Jessica Palm – Managing Director – TeamKC (KCADC)
• Sasha Maslanka – College Recruiter – Burns & McDonnell
• Sara Slocum – University Relations Recruiting Team Leader – Garmin
• Peter Engelman – Chief Investment Officer – KC Venture Group
• Linda Laurence – Senior Vice President – MoBank
• Robin Knight – Owner – Emily Kate’s Bakery

May 2018: 

• Mike Shanin – Host – Ruckus (KCPT – PBS)
• Joe Zwillenberg – Owner – Westport Flea Market
• Michael Crane – President & Co-Founder – Crane Brewing
• Miguel Gamino – EVP & Head of Global Cities – MasterCard (Former CTO of City of New York, NY and Former CIO of City of San Francisco, CA)

April 2018: 

• Jim Carr – CEO – NAIA
• Ryan Rink – President – Two West Companies
• Michael Viazzoli – President/CEO – MoBank | EVP of BOK Financial
• Deborah Sandler – General Director & CEO – Lyric Opera of Kansas City
• Matt Druten – Managing Director / Co-Founder – Edison Spaces
• Andrew Cameron – Founder – Donutology
• Joel Goldberg – Host – Fox Sports Kansas City / KC Royals
• Shawn Edwards – Movie Critic – Fox 4 | Filmmaker

March 2018: 

• Evita Robinson – Founder – Nomandess Travel Tribe / TED Resident
• Ryan Maybee – Owner – The Rieger / J. Rieger & Co.
• Dr. Ken Vehec – Owner – Kansas City Phantoms
• Clifton Alexander – Founder – Reactor Design Studios
• Philip Gaskin – Director – Entrepreneurial Communities / Chief of Staff to VP of Entrepreneurship – Kauffman Foundation
• Jeff Oddo – President / Owner – Citywide Maintenance and Citywide Franchise
• Michael Viazzoli – President/CEO – MoBank | EVP of BOK Financial

February 2018:

• Steve Shrawder – President – The National Golf Club
• Clifton Alexander – Founder – Reactor Design Studios
• Craig Feigan – Award Winning Super Bowl Commerical Creator
• Michael Viazzoli – President/CEO – MoBank | EVP of BOK Financial
• Danny O’Neill – Founder (Bean Baron) – The Roasterie
• Sean Stormes – CEO/Chief Demand Creator – The Third Door

January 2018: 

• Stephanie Carey – Publisher/Owner – The Pitch
• Dave Borchardt – Director of Events – Kansas City Sports Commission
• Mike Stradinger – CEO – Holland1916
• Jeff Phillips – Sr. VP – MoBank
• Tim Cowden – President/CEO – Kansas City Area Development Council
• Clifton Alexander – Founder – Reactor Design Studios

2017 Grill Nation Show Guests:

December 2017:

• Alan Gaylin – CEO/Owner – Bread & Butter Concepts
• Devin Henderson – Humorist/Keynote Speaker – DevinHenderson.com
• Clifton Alexander – Founder – Reactor Design Studios
• Matthew Hufft – Co-Founder / President – Hufft
• Jeff Phillips – Sr. VP – MoBank
• Best of Show – Barry Grissom (Polsinelli), Tom Pigott (MGP Ingredients), Tori Fugate (KC Pet Project) and Neal Sharma (DEG)
• Best of Show – Alan Gaylin (Bread & Butter Concepts), Jim Wagy (McDonalds), Tucker Trotter (Dimensional Innovations), Devin Henderson (Magician/Humorist/Speaker)

November 2017:

• Chris Harris – Founder – Harris Park / Urban Golf Course in KC
• Clifton Alexander – Founder – Reactor Design Studios
• Tucker Trotter – President/CEO – Dimensional Innovations
• Tom Collins – COO – Dimensional Innovations
• Jeff Phillips – Sr. VP – MoBank
• Best of Show – Happy Thanksgiving!

October 2017:

• Clifton Alexander – Founder – Reactor Design Studios
• Michael Viazzoli – President/CEO – MoBank / Bok Financial
• Tyler Nottberg – Chairman/CEO – U.S. Engineering
• Joel Goldberg – Host – Fox Sports Kansas City / KC Royals
• Mary Jean Eisenhower – President/CEO – People to People International
• Ryan Maybee – Owner – J. Rieger & Co and Rieger KC
• Colby Garrelts – Owner – Bluestem and Rye

September 2017:

• Jim Wagy – Owner/Operator – McDonalds
• Jon Niemuth – Director – AECOM Sports – Americas
• Joe Reardon – President/CEO – Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce
• Michael Viazzoli – President/CEO – MoBank / Bok Financial
• Greg Owsley – STEAM Director – Rockhurst High School
• Millie Brown – Rockhurst Board of Directors / Philathropist
• Eric Willey – Concierge Director – OneLightKC / TwoLightKC
• Dustin Sollars – Professional Studies Facilitator – Park Hill School District

August 2017:

• Clifton Alexander – Owner – Reactor Design Studios
• Chase Wilson – Creative Director – Reactor Design Studios
• Julie Walter – Visual Virtuosa – Reactor Design Studios
• Matt Armstrong – Sr. Marketing Director – Boy Scouts of America, Heart of America Council
• Gregg Riess – VP of Membership / Board of Directors – Boy Scouts of America, Heart of America Council
• Mandi Sonneberg – Co-Founder – STEAM Studio / Professor – Rockhurst University
• David Reid – Co-Founder – STEAM Studio / Principal – Gould Evans
• Chad Troutwine – CEO / Co-Founder – Veritas Prep, CodeSmith & Torn Label Brewery

July 2017:

• Shanley Cox – Founder – Out to Eat (outtoeat.co)
• Joel Goldberg – Host – Fox Sports Kansas City / KC Royals
• Clifton Alexander – Owner – Reactor Design Studios
• Marissa Cleaver Wamble – VP – PortKC / Berkley Riverfront
• Keith Harman – National Commander – VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars)
• Michael Viazzoli – President / CEO – mobank / bok financial
• Ryan Maybee – Owner – J. Rieger & Co / Rieger KC
• Brock Schulte – Bar Director / Partner – The Monarch

June 2017: 

• Ryan Maybee – Owner – J. Rieger & Co / Rieger KC
• Clifton Alexander – Owner – Reactor Design Studios
• Mark Fitzpatrick – Sr. VP – mobank
• Sean Khurana – President / COO – Cavern Technologies
• Barry Grissom – Former United States Attorney
• Todd Mackin – VP of Sales – Kansas City Mavericks

May 2017: 

• Clifton Alexander – Owner – Reactor Design Studios
• Michael Viazzoli – President and CEO – mobank / bok financial.
• John Hoffman – Owner – UC-B Properties
• Eric Willey – Concierge – One Light Luxury Apartments
• Megh Knappenberger – Artist – MeghMakesArt
• Quinton Lucas – City Councilman – Kansas City, Missouri

April 2017:

• Ryan Maybee – Owner – The Rieger KC / J. Rieger & Co.
• Michael Corvino – Owner – Corvino Supper Club & Tasting Room
• Clifton Alexander – Owner – Reactor Design Studio
• Jason Cupp – Kolbe Certified Growth Consultant
• Emily Brewer – Co-Founder – localE (shopthelocale.com)
• Ewa Zadrzynska – Director – Poetry Unites
• Andrew Bash – Owner – Bash Real Estate
• Stefan White – President – Friends of the River / Battle4KC
• George Brooks – Founder – Crema

March 2017: 

• Clifton Alexander – Owner – Reactor Design Studio
• Michael Amigoni – Owner – Amigoni Urban Winery
• Joel Goldberg – Host/Reporter – Fox Sports Kansas City
• Tori Fugate – Director of Development & Marketing – KC Pet Project
• Michael Viazzoli – President and CEO – MoBank
• Tom Pigott – CFO – MGP Ingredients

February 2017:

• Quinton Lucas – KCMO Councilman / Law Professor – KU
• John Holt – Anchor – Fox 4 News
• Shawn Kinkade – Owner – Aspire Business Development
• Kenzi Hoyle – Marketing Coordinator – Kansas City Power & Light District
• Michael Viazzoli – CEO/President – Bank of Kansas City
• Neal Sharma – CEO – DEG
• Clifton Alexander – Owner – Reactor Design Studio
• Clay Alexander – CEO – Ember Technologies (Ember Mug)
• Drew Solomon – EDCKC and LaunchKC
• Jenny Vergara – Contributing Editor – Feast Magazine

January 2017:

• Ryan Maybee – Owner – The Rieger KC / Co-Founder – J. Rieger & Co.
• Doug Frost – Master of Wine / Master Sommelier / Wine Consultant / Writer
• John Mikos – EVP and COO – YMCA of Greater Kansas City
• Ryan Humphrey – VP – Bank of Kansas City
• Matt Seithel – Coordinator of Membership Programs – Nelson Atkins Museum
• Clifton Alexander – Owner – Reactor Design Studio
• John Maslowski – VP – Renovate America
• Paul Singh – Founder – Results Junkies / Partner – 500 Startups

2016 Grill Nation Show Guests:

December 2016:

• Stefany Williams – President/CEO – Goodwill (Western MO / Eastern KS)
• Clifton Alexander – Owner – Reactor Design Studio
• Victor Hwang – VP of Entrepreneurship – Kauffman Foundation
• Joel Goldberg – Broadcaster – Royals, Missouri Mavs, UMKC Roos
• Shawn Edwards – Movie Critic – Fox 4
• Michael Viazzoli – President/CEO – Bank of Kansas City
• Matt Condon – CEO – ARC Physical Therapy / Bardavon Health Innovations
• Kara Lowe – Vice President – KC Tech Council
• Ryan Weber – President – KC Tech Council
• Doug Dresslaer – Manager – Sprint Accelerator
• Steve Nicholson – CEO – TRUSS
• Erica Brune – President – Lever1

November 2016: 

• Ryan Maybee  – Owner – The Rieger KC / Co-Founder – J. Rieger & Co.
• Danny Pfeifer – Principal and Founder – Catalyst
• Andrew Olsen – Bar Manager – Bluestem
• Ryan Weber – President – KC Tech Council
• Kara Lowe – Vice President – KC Tech Council
• Annie Presley – Publisher/Author – Ace Publishing / Read This Series
• Steve Nicholson – CEO – TRUSS
• Alicia Banister – Leasing Manager – Two Light

October 2016: 

• Andrew Bash – Owner – Bash Real Estate
• Michael Wilson – Founder and CEO – Niall
• Ryan Weber – President – KC Tech Council
• Alexi Madon – Director of State Government Affairs – CompTIA
• Greg Kratofil – Shareholder – Polsinelli
• Michael Viazzoli – President and CEO – Bank of Kansas City
• John Mitchell – CEO – Company Kitchen
• Lynn Parman – President and CEO – American Royal
• Lord Erne – The Earl of Erne – Crom Castle
• Brian Boitano – Olympic Gold Medalist – Figure Skating
• Kelly Scanlon – Owner – Thinking Bigger Business
• Priscilla McInnes – Regional Director – Youth Entrepreneurs

September 2016:

• Dr. Greg Gunderson – President – Park University
• Andrew Hsu – Managing Partner – Spotlight Analyst Relations
• Ryan Rink – President – Two West Advisors
• Sean McIntosh – Executive Director – Bunker Labs KC
• Drew Solomon – Senior Vice President – KC EDC / Launch KC
• Clifton Alexander – Owner – Reactor Design Studio
• John Teasdale – Executive Director – Happy Bottoms

August 2016:

• Melissa Ingber – Vice President – Aspen Institute
• Clifton Alexander – Owner – Reactor Design Studio
• Andrew Bash – Owner – The Bash Group
• Sarah Weltner Chaffee – Owner – Mint Design
• Mike Lundgren – Partner – VML (TedxKC)
• Michael Viazzoli – President & CEO – Bank of Kansas City
• George Guastello – President & CEO – Union Station
• Jess Hagen – Managing Partner – Experience Events Group

July 2016:

• Geoff Miles – Founder – The Kansas City Clothing Company
• Joel Goldberg – Royals Live Host – Fox Sports Kansas City
• Eric Willey – Concierge – One Light KC
• Clifton Alexander – Owner – Reactor Design Studio
• Ryan Weber – President – KC Tech Council
• Ryan Maybee – Owner – The Rieger KC / Co-Founder – J. Rieger & Co.
• Leib Dodell – Co-Managing Partner – Bar K
• Evan Absher – Program Officer – Kauffman Foundation

June 2016:

• Ryan Maybee – Owner – The Rieger KC / Co-Founder – J. Rieger & Co.
• Andrew Ganahl – Managing Partner – Linden Street Partners
• Eddie Crane – Owner – Ollie’s Local
• Andrew Bash – Founder – The Bash Group
• Robin Krause – Owner – Unbakery and Juicery
• Staci Cross – Founder – Enjoy pure food + drink
• Traci Moon – Sr. VP of Marketing and Communications – Visit KC
• Brad Sandt – President – k12itc

May 2016:

• Jeff Slobotski – Founder – Router Ventures
• Lisa Tulp – Catholic Charities
• Stephen Hilliard – Catholic Charities
• Jessica Nelson – Managing Director – TeamKC
• Shawn Kinkade – President – Aspire Business Development
• Andrew Bash – Founder – The Bash Group
• Lyndon Wade – Founder – RW2 Productions, The Wade Brothers, The Guild
• Joel Goldberg – Host – Royals Live – Fox Sports Kansas City

April 2016:

• Conor Kelly – Principal – The ETF Store
• Colleen Kelly – Co-Owner – Kelly’s Westport Inn
• James Westphal – Owner – McCoys/Beer Kitchen/The Foundry/Char Bar
• Kim Kimbrough – Executive Director – Executive Director at Westport Regional Business League
• Michel Scuvuzzo – United Doc
• Jennifer Sterns – Community Manager – The Grill Collaborative Work Space
• Veronica Elliot Loncar – Executive Director – KC Film Fest
• Joel Goldberg – Royals Pre and Post Game Host – Fox Sports Kansas City
• Eric Flanagan – GM – Leinenkugels KC – Power and Light District
• Jess Hagen – President/Managing Partner – Experience Events Group
• Jay Nath – Chief Innovation Officer – City and County of San Francisco, CA
• Jimmy Conrad – Major League Soccer Legend/Former USMNT World Cup Member

March 2016: 

• Melissa Roberts – Enterprise Center of Johnson County
• Rich Smith – President/CEO – Henderson Engineers
• Melissa Reed – Communications Manager – Henderson Engineers
• Luke Norris – Head of Local Government Solutions – PayIt
• Ethan Whitehill – Founder – Wicket & Peg
• Drew Coleman – GM – No Other Pub
• Andrew Bash – Founder – The Bash Group
• John Kennyhertz – Partner – Kennyhertz Perry

February 2016:

• Eric Willey – Managing Partner – Cleaver & Cork
• Steve Nicholson – CEO – Truss
• Carla McCabe – VP – KCPT
• Jenny Vergara – Contributing Editor – Feast Magazine
• Ryan Rink – Two West
• Shawn Edwards – Movie Critic – Fox 4
• Michael Lawrence – CEO – Big Brothers Big Sisters
• Andrea Joseph – Founder – PlateKC / Season + Squared
• Andrew Bash – Founder – The Bash Group
• John Kennyhertz – Partner – Kennyhertz Perry

January 2016:

• Michael Collins – President/CEO – Port KC
• Mark Peterson – EVP/CFO – EPR Properties
• Michael Viazzoli – President/CEO – Bank of Kansas City
• Grant Burcham – President/CEO – Missouri Bank
• Shawn Kincaid – Founder – Aspire KC
• Jason McAnich – Founder – JTek
• Molly Maxwell – Founder – Hoopla Studio
• Megan Thornberry – Founder – Hoopla Studio
• Andrew Bash – Founder – The Bash Group
• John Kennyhertz – Partner – Kennyhertz Perry

2015 Grill Nation Show Guests:

January 2015:

• Mona Raglow – Balance to Succeed
• Andrew Bash – The Bash Group
• Mike Spiegel Jr. and Kevin Rorhbach – Jersey Mike Subs
• John Kennyhertz – Kennyhertz Perry
• Ryan Maybee – J. Rieger & Co (Whiskey)/Manifesto/Rieger Hotel Grill & Exchange
• Rafi Chandry and Travis Moore – Torn Label Brewery
• Roshann Parris – CEO & President, Parris Communications

February 2015:

• Timothy Sprinkle – Author “Screw the Valley”
• Tanner Mueller – Alpha Clothing
• Cheptoo Kositany-Buckner – KC Public Library
• Eric Willey – Cleaver & Cork
• Shawn Edwards – Fox 4 Movie Critic

March 2015:

• John Kennyhertz – Kennyhertz Perry
• Jeff Covitz – Owner, Houndstooth
• Aaron Prater and Ryan Wing – Owners, The Sundry
• Conner Teahan – Merrill Lynch, KC Pulse, National Champion Kansas University Basketball
• Andrew Bash – The Bash Group
• Rick Usher – Asst City Manager KCMO / GEC 2015
• Allison Konkel – Techweek
• Curt McMillan – Inventors Center of Kansas City
• Mindy Hart – Make48
• Jonathan Robinson – Kauffman Foundation
• Mathew Dahlberg – 111th Street Investments
• Darcy Howe – Merrill Lynch / Angel Investor / Philanthropist
• Matt Benge – Insurance Consultant / Civic Leader

April 2015:

• Joel Goldberg – Fox Sports Kansas City – Royals Live Host and In-Game Sideline Reporter
• John Kennyhertz – KennyHertz Perry
• Andy Hung – GM, Uber
• Danny Pfeifer – Owner, Catalyst Government Affairs
• Kelly Cole – CEO/President, Halls
• Nick Benjamin – Executive Director, Kansas City Power and Light District
• Blake Miller – Partner, Think Big Partners
• Drew Solomon – Director of Entrepreneurship & Innovation, EDC of Kansas City
• Nate Orr – Partner, Spencer Fane
• Ryan Maybee – Owner, The Rieger Hotel Grill & Exchange
• Butch Rigby – Owner, Screenland Theaters and the Film Row Company
• Andrew Bash – Owner, The Bash Group
• Mike Lundgren – Director of Innovation Strategy, VML
• Steve Apkon – Executive Producer, Planetary
• Matt Condon – CEO, Bardavon Health Innovations/ARC Physical Therapy+

May 2015:

• Lisa Mizell – CEO, Child Protection Center
• Chris Culbertson – Creative Risk Planning Services
• Danny Pfeifer – Grill Nation Contributor and CEO, Catalyst
• Cary Silverman – CEO, Waldo General, Inc.
• Colby and Megan Garrelts – Owners and National Acclaimed Chefs from Bluestem and Rye
• Nigel Eccles – CEO and Founder of Fan Duel, the largest daily sports fantasy company in the world
• Joel Goldberg – Fox Sports Kansas City and Host of Royals Live
• Brian Matthys and Alexander Borve – First Derm
• Nathan Corn – CEO, FlexPro Meals

June 2015:

• Mike Burke – KC Downtown Convention Hotel Mastermind and Attorney
• Mark O’Renick – Salva O’Renick and Slavic Fest
• Bobby Burch – Editor in Chief, Startland News
• Matthew Marcus – Kansas City Startup Village, Kansas City Startup Weekend Winner and CEO 1 Minute Candidate
• Andrew Bash, John Kennyhetz and Danny Pfeiffer – Guest Contributors and Grill Nationals
• Erik Wullschleger – Director of LiveKC
• Ramsey Mohsen and John Kreicbergs – The Real Modern Show
• Ronnie Burt – CEO, Visit KC
• Hunter McGrath – VP, Tivol
• Mike Wilson – CEO, Niall
• Shawn Edwards- Fox 4 Movie Critic
• Joel Goldberg – Fox Sports Kansas City and Host of Royals Live
• Rachel Waller – Director of Marketing, Kansas City Power and Light District
• Brian Barnes – Managing Partner, Bristol Seafood Grill
• Ethan Whitehill – CEO, Two West

July 2015:

• John Kennyhertz – Kennyhertz Perry
• Kyle Smith – Crossfit Trainer, CrossFit Memorial Hill
• JP Price – World Class Powerlifter
• Amy Morrison -Yoga Instructor and Founder of Namastamy
• Sharon Prothe – “The Fit Guru” and Owner of Fit Formula
• Andrew Bash, John Kennyhertz and Danny Pfeifer – Guest Contributors and Grill Nationals
• Penny Pritzker – US Secretary of Commerce
• Anna Gudmundsson – NY Times featured fashion designer and owner of http://www.AnnaRuna.com
• Marnie Sauls – Community Manager, One Light Luxury Apartments
• Jim Heeter – President and CEO, Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce

August 2015:

• Ryan Maybee -Guest Co-Host and Contributor, Rieger Hotel Grill & Exchange/J.Rieger & Co.
• Andy Rieger – Operator,  J. Rieger & Co
• Chris O’Connor – Partner, Liquid9
• Daniel Edwards – Founder of the KC Jazz Legacy Project/Owner of the Castle on 20th and Vine
• Ryan Noonan- Director Corporate Communications, AMC Theatres
• Jason Harper, Aaron Deacon and IIya Tabakh – KC Digital Drive
• Michael Viazzoli- CEO, Bank of Kansas City
• Marie Dispenza – Director, Royals Charities: Diamond of Dreams
• Jake Zimmerman – St. Louis County Assessor and Former Missouri Representative
• Katy Lynch – CEO, Techweek
• John Kennyhertz – Kennyhertz Perry law firm
• Danny Pfeifer, Catalyst Group
• Andrew Bash – CEO, The Bash Group
• llya Tabakh – CEO, Edge Up Sports
• Joel Goldberg – On-Air Fox Sports Kansas City (Royals Live)

September 2015:

• Ruben Alonso – President, AltCap (Alternative Capital for Community Impact)
• Gloria Rudd- VP, Chat Series and mother of Paul Rudd
• Jonathan Badeen – Co-Founder, Tinder
• Drew Solomon – VP, KC EDC and Chair of LaunchKC
• Katy Lynch – CEO, Techweek
• Ryan Maybee – Guest Co-Host and Grill Nation Contributor, J.Rieger & Co./Rieger Hotel Grill & Exchange
• Howard Hanna – Chef and Owner, Rieger Hotel Grill & Exchange
• Dave Pickerell – Former Master Distiller, Makers Mark (1994-2008).
• John Teasdale – Executive Director, Happy Bottoms
• Aaron Ogilvie – Managing Partner & Brewer, Double Shift Brewing Company
• Heidi Schmidt – Leasing and Hospitality Specialist, One Light Luxury Apartments.

October 2015:

• Andrew Bash – The Bash Group
• Kim Palmer – Event Director, World Series of Barbecue at the American Royal
• Andrew Dickson and Jennifer Dickson – Founders, Acre Designs
• Joel Goldberg – Host, Fox Sports Kansas City
• Michael Gelphman – Founder, Compute Midwest
• Greg Bergen – Executive Vice President, Missouri Mavericks
• John Kennyhertz – Grill Nationals, Kennyhertz Perry
• Danny Pfeifer – Grill Nationals, Catalyst Group
• Miro Cernetig- Co-Founder, CityAge
• Bo Fishback- CEO, Zaarly and former Head of Entrepreneurship at the Kauffman Foundation
• Jerry Reece – Chairman, Emeritus and Former CEO of Reece & Nichols

November 2015:

• Joel Goldberg – Fox Sports Kansas City Royals Live Pre/Post Game Host and In-Game Reporter
• Ben Rendo – Founder, Mighty Handle
• Thad Langford – Founding General Partner, Flyover Capital
• Steph Scupham – KC Film Commissioner and film + media manager, VisitKC
• Andrew Bash, The Bash Group
• Danny Pfeifer, Catalyst Government Affairs
• John Kennyhertz, KennyHertz Perry

December 2015:

• Margaret Onken – Executive Director, the Hawthorn Foundation
• Kathy Nelson – President and CEO, Kansas City Sports Commission
• Andrew Bash – The Bash Group
• Shawn Edwards – Fox 4 Movie Critic
• Ryan Maybee – Owner, The Rieger KC & J. Rieger & Co.
• Wit Solberg – Managing Partner, Mission Peak Capital
• Blake Miller – Partner, Think Big Partners
• Ryan O’Connell – National Sales Manager, YEC
• Matt McGraw – President and CEO, DSI