Ingram’s September 2022

Kevin Kramer MARKET PRESIDENT, BOK FINANCIAL

Lisa Krigsten KC MANAGING PARTNER, DENTONS

The corporate roots of BOK stretch back to 1910, and it entrusts its Kansas City market operations to Kevin Kramer. Over the past year, he’s been pleased to see the way his people have kept customer interests front and center with a “focus on how our customers effectively utilize their cash during a time of potential slow down.” Kramer is a veteran Kansas City-area banker who came on board in mid-2019.

The world’s largest multinational law firm appraises the Kansas City market and deems it worthwhile to staff an office here with roughly 50 lawyers, and it placed them under Lisa Krigsten’s direc tion in 2109. The current labor market does not make that task any easier. “Without a doubt, talent acquisition is a challenge,” she says. “Client demand for legal services is increasing and is expected to continue, even with the current economic headwinds.”

COLLEGE: B.A., Business Administration, Benedictine College ENGAGED EMPLOYEES: How does Kramer keep a sharp team sharp? “Our focus on culture, making it cool to come into the office, has limited the number of associates requesting to work from home,” he said. “Being together in a healthy environment has validated how important culture is to our organization.” EARLY ACHIEVER: Kramer was a member of Ingram’s 40 Under Forty Class of 2003. SIZEABLE BRANCH: The parent is a banking giant in its home state of Oklahoma, with $46 billion in assets, ranking among the Top 30 nationwide. The Kansas City operation has some heft of its own, with assets of roughly $1.8 billion. CHIEFS PREDICTION: “20-0. Why? Because I am from Kansas City and believe we will win every game on the way to another Super Bowl victory.”

COLLEGE: B.A., University of Kansas; J.D., University of Iowa, College of Law MORE ON TALENT: “We are working to attract additional talent with specific skill sets and experi ence. Although recruitment for those skills can be challenging, this is an exciting time for our region, which makes Kansas City easy to sell to prospective new employees.” COVID IMPACT: “While the pandemic initially created some uncertainties, it accelerated some pos itive changes in our culture. We suddenly had to focus on interacting with our clients and our teams in a new way and with different technology, which created some terrific opportunities for engagement. As we emerge from the pandemic, our challenge now is to find a balance between effectively using technology and coming together in person. The extremes—either all remote work or all in-person work—are not sustainable for us, so calibration and balance are our focus into 2023.” CHIEFSPREDICTION: “I never bet against the Chiefs (or KU), so my prediction is that the Chiefs win it all!”

Bill Krueger PRESIDENT, TRADE AND PROCESSING, THE ANDERSONS When we asked Bill Krueger what he looks back on with pride from the past year, he brought up an international home run for his Kansas City company. “We opened an office in Lausanne, Switzerland, that has exceeded our expectations,” he said. With his mind still occupied with big moves, he’s looking forward to the day when we’ll see the Royals playing downtown, and The K converted to a Chiefs training facility. Hey, after the World Cup coming to KC, anything is possible!”

Craig Kuckelman MANAGING PARTNER, DELOITTE TAX LLP

Craig Kuckelman and his team look back on the past year as one of growth and personal fulfillment. “We’re proud to have experienced about 15 percent growth in headcount and celebrated opening our completely remodeled office space last fall,” he said. And the firm has done more to promote equity, he said, citing support for orga nizations such as United Way, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Children’s Mercy Hospital, JDRF, and High Aspirations.

COLLEGE: B.A., Ag Business, University of Nebraska COVID CHALLENGES: “Like most companies, our work schedule has become more flexible for our office workers; for our hourly people in the plants, we have tried to create the safest work environment possible.” CHIEFS PREDICTION: “11-6. The AFC is going to be much tougher this year, and we have an extra road game.” ABOUT THE ANDERSONS: Founded in 1947 in Maumee, Ohio, The Andersons is a diversified company rooted in agriculture that conducts business in the commodity merchandising, re newables, and plant nutrient sectors. It’s a public company with stock traded on the NASDAQ, and 2021 revenues of $12.7 billion.

COLLEGE: B.S.B., Accounting, Emporia State University COVIDWORKPLACE EFFECT: “You’ve likely seen the headlines that many companies are modifying their pandemic-related restrictions based on current circumstances. I’m pleased that improving con ditions are allowing us to bring our hybrid workplace model to life in a gradual and flexible manner..” COVID PERSPECTIVE: “We continue to consult extensively with our team of medical advisors, and the health and safety of our people remain our top priority. We will continue to monitor conditions and adjust as appropriate.” KC’S NEXT BIG THING: “In addition to needing to address the home for the Chiefs and the Royals with both leases expiring in 2031, the Kansas City region is poised to capitalize on its investment in things like KCI to attract new and expanding businesses to help drive further economic growth.”

Michael Kulp PRESIDENT/CEO, KBP BRANDS

Gordon Lansford PRESIDENT/CEO, JE DUNN CONSTRUCTION

“Our team has shown great resolve in some very turbulent waters,” says Michael Kulp, looking back on the past year. He also makes special mention of his team’s COVID response. “In a consumer-facing business, it took its toll,” said Kulp. “Our team did an amazing job. It has given us a confidence in our ability to pivot.” He does not, however, take the availability of good people for granted.

JE Dunn as a company was a spry 90 years old before the first person not named Dunn took the reins. He might not be related to his predecessors, but he sure drives like they did: Since he assumed leadership in 2014, the region’s biggest general contractor/civic pillar has nearly doubled in billings to $4.33 billion last year, and acquired additional offices around the country.

COLLEGE: B.A., Business Administration/Marketing, Colorado Mesa University RECESSION OUTLOOK: “Somewhat likely. Due to unprecedented inflation, we have already taken many measures to be as proactive as possible.” FINDING TALENT: “While our operating strategy has had to be flexible, we have worked to stay

COLLEGE: B.S., Accounting and Business, Baker University UP THE LADDER: Lansford came on board with Dunn in 1996 as director of internal audit, and two years later, moved up to chief financial officer. Over the next 15 years, he was responsible for all accounting and financial reporting for the construction group, including investment management, payroll, IT, and contract administration. BY THE NUMBERS: He’s a CPA who got his start in that field with KPMG before making the move into the construction sector. INFLUENTIAL BUILDER: Downtown apartment towers? Check. Cerner office-building complexes? Check. Cambridge Tower at the University of Kansas Hospital? Check. The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts? Check again. You’ll find JE Dunn’s fingerprints all over Kansas City, usually at some of the most prominent architectural high points.

true to cultural principals that differentiate us as an employer of choice.” BIGGEST CHALLENGES: “Supply chain, and its implication on landed costs.” KC’S NEXT BIG THING: “Mountains!?” CHIEFS PREDICTION: “10-6. Strong division. Good team!”

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September 2022

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