Ingram's July 2026

JULY 2026 • VOLUME 52, NO. 7

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Talk of the Town 7 In the News/Correspondent Business News and Legislative Updates Perspectives 4 Editor’s Note Riding the Growth Rocket by Joe Sweeney 9 Between the Lines OK—I was wrong about the World Cup by Jack Cashill 11 Reflections

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Features 17 The Corporate Report 100 Kansas City’s fastest-growing companies for 2026 share common traits of vision, resilience and ability to capitalize on emerging opportunities. by Dennis Boone 19 The View from the Top Executives from our CR100 gathered for the front cover photo shoot in a most appropriate venue. by Will Crow 47 The Bank Squeeze Fewer banks means more power is being concentrated among financial institutions in the region. A look

AI can redefine some of the drudgery of your operations, but it will never replace the human component. by Dennis Boone

12 In a Nutshell

The rise and fall of crude oil, explained. by Ken Herman

Special Features 21 Corporate Report 100

Business & Commerce 13 Inspirations

Among fast-growing companies in this region, banks have reaped the rewards of a changing economy since 2022. But from benefits consulting to car sales, professional services and construction, the opportunities have been plentiful.

Father Brian and Mother Teresa’s tie to KC by Joe Sweeney

15 Of Counsel

A criminal record may no longer be the red flag it once was in hiring, but it’s not irrelevant. by Brandan Davies

inside the consolidation wave sweeping the Kansas City area. 53 The Retirement Shift

46 Banking, Financial Services and Wealth Management Special Report Deep dives into trends facing retire ment planning for investors, an

51 Financial Adviser

Within the urban core, start-up capital is not an act of philanthropy. by Marquita Joshua

Long-term investors today enjoy a range of options that differ markedly from retirement planning in the past. But those emerging choices come with new challenges, too. by Dennis Boone

57 Senior Living Adviser

in-depth interview with the CEO of one of the region’s biggest wealth advisories, and we update annual lists of the top banks, credit unions and mortgage lenders in the region.

Beyond the portfolio lurk issues that will impact retiree lifestyles, with housing a major concern for seniors. by Caitrin Franklin

54 The 100-Year Life Longer life spans are reshaping not just wealth-accumulation strategies for investors, but raising issues of legacy and lifestyle options far beyond traditional retirement age. 58 Q&A: David Callanan The co-founder and CEO of Topeka based AE Wealth Management and Excel Advisors reflects on trends facing investors across multiple generations, and on the advisory sector itself. On the Cover: Photographer Matt Kocourek captured leaders from this year’s CR100 Top 10 as dusk began to descend on Downtown Kansas City.

60 Wealth Management

A business-succession checklist for owners amid the M&A wave. by Craig Novorr 61 Small Business Adviser Four strategies to help family-owned enterprises secure the future. by Deborah Orozco Leads & Lists 42 All-Time CR100 Honor Roll 44 Why Ingram’s? 46 Top Area Banks (by assets) 50 Top Area Credit Unions

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July 2026

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