Ingram's April 2024

CLASS of 2024

KEVIN SEARS The built physical space of the nation is changig as companies in high-tech, digital and advanced manufacturing are

the region’s largest in that space, he’s been integral in taking the registered advisory operation’s assets under man agement from zero in 2016 to $25.3 billion today. Do the math: That would pencil out to an AUM increase of $9.53 million every single day since the start of 2017. His work involves continu ous buildout of the firm’s platform, including creating new content, advis ing the team, and helping our advisors grow their AUM. “I am blessed to be surrounded by an amazing team,” says Thornton, who turned 38 this month. “Together, we support more than 1,200 financial advisers at more than 430 firms across the country.” Those advisers, in turn, serve more than 97,000 clients. Before joining taking on new dimensions. Kevin Sears is witness to that change as vice president of JE Dunn's recently formed Advanced Facilities Group, which has already surpassed $2 billion in annual revenue— better than a third of what the entire company billed in 2022. “As a leader of this team, I have supported over 20 projects— totaling more than $1.5 billion—across all four regions of JE Dunn's national footprint that include Kansas, Missouri, Oregon, Texas, Illinois, Minnesota, and North Carolina,” Sears says. The majority of those have been in the data-center industry, which he says “has instilled in me a passion for execution, adaptability, and an innovative mindset to safety.” A Rockhurst High grad, he signed on with JE Dunn as a project manager with

AE, he was a financial adviser, then an internal and hybrid wholesaler on the 401(k) team at Ivy Investments. In addition to client service, he says, “AEWM has a great program that allows us to go out and serve our com munity on a quarterly basis. I have been involved with Harvester's back to-school shopping for local children, and I even dressed up as Santa for holiday shopping. My wife and I enjoy supporting local charities such as the Explore Foundation, which helps to pay for field trips for kids that may not have the opportunity or means to afford it.” He and Ashley, both born and raised in Overland Park, are rais ing two sons who are active in sports, Scouts, and school activities. a degree in construction management from Missouri State. Sears lives a life of service devoted to community, industry and family. On the civic and industry side, he engages in the development of the construction trades work force through local partnerships and working with community leaders to increase the diversity of the construction work force metro-wide, and he’ll soon graduate from the Civic Council’s KC Tomorrow program. He’s also part of the alumni support effort for Rockhurst’s freshman retreats, volunteered for PreKC during the pandemic, and has raised funds for Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, among other ventures. At home, he and Lisa have a son and daughter active in youth sports to also keep him busy.

KEVIN THORNTON Success metrics? Kevin Thornton has them. As head of sales for Topeka based AE Wealth Management, one of

WeKC—A Salute to High-Achieving Women Honoring women executives who, through a combination of talent, determination and passion for what they do, have scaled the high-est peaks of their professions. In the June edition, Ingram’s will honor these women with our annual WeKC tribute. Nominees should be women in executive or senior-level management positions at organizations in the greater Kansas City region. Please include a brief statement on why a particular woman executive should be considered for this prestigious lineup. Tell us who you think has truly crushed the glass ceiling!

Nominations may be submitted to Editorial@Ingrams.com

Claim Your Ad Position MSweeney@Ingrams.com n 816.842.9994

60

I ng r am ’ s

April 2024

Ingrams.com