Ingram’s September 2022

Joe Reardon PRESIDENT/CEO, GREATERKANSASCITYCHAMBEROFCOMMERCE He knows the challenges of business success in the urban core; he knows the role that mass transit can play in supporting it. Joe Reardon’s path to the Chamber set him up with a unique apprecia tion for what’s needed to drive commerce across a metro area of 2.2 million people. He previously served as two-term Mayor/CEO of the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas, then briefly led the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority.

Randy Reed OWNER, REED AUTOMOTIVE GROUP

In days when we hear a lot about hard times for car dealerships, it’s great to hear how operating smart can help. “We have led our teams through this very challenging time in the Retail Automotive industry with very low turn-over and high morale,” says Randy Reed. A key to his team’s success: “We have been very aggressive in hiring talent when we have the opportunity,” he said, “as well as providing compen sation adjustments for existing staff to ensure they are not poached.”

COLLEGE: B.A., Political Science, Rockhurst University; J.D., University of Kansas School of Law SUCCESS INOFFICE: In his public-policy life, Reardon racked up achievements that include helping his community win the competition to bring Google high-speed fiber to town, then successfully negotiating an agreement with Jackson County to acquire the 17-mile Rock Island Rail Corridor for future public and transit use. He has been named a Wyandotte Countian of the Year and Kansas Mayor of the Year. TRANSFORMATIONAL: Picking up where his predecessor, Carol Marinovich left off with develop ment of the Village West entertainment district, Reardon led Wyandotte County’s effort to clear the way for construction of what is now Children’s Mercy Park. MEMBERS: Reardon and his team help amplify the unified voice of more than 2,200 member businesses. POLITICAL ROOTS: He’s part of a Wyandotte County political dynasty that includes a former mayor (his father, Jack) and a long-time member of the Kansas House (his uncle Bill.)

COLLEGE: B.S., U.S. Air Force Academy; MBA, Troy University ON RETAINING TALENT: “We always make the priority for leadership creating and maintaining a positive and healthy culture on our teams. We have been building new facilities for our deal erships to have the most functional and Team Member-friendly places to work.” COVID PERSPECTIVE: “We announced personally in each dealership at the beginning of COVID that we were going to get through this challenge ‘Together.’ That has been our priority from the beginning. We respect and follow the CDC and local guidelines and put each individual’s safety and health concerns as the priority. Emphasizing team and helping each other has paid high dividends for us.” CHIEFS PREDICTION: “13-4. Super Bowl Champions.”

Clayton Reid CEO, MMGY GLOBAL

Steve Reintjes PRESIDENT/CEO, NORTH KANSAS CITY HOSPITAL

The road’s end beckons Clayton Reid, but first will come some torch-passing and transition guidance at MMGY Global, the inte grated marketing firm serving the travel sector. “I’m immensely proud of what we’ve accomplished in these last three decades, growing our business portfolio to 500 colleagues and hundreds of travel clients around the world,” says Reid, who after year’s-end will serve as chairman, with Katie Briscoe succeeding him.

Steve Reintjes takes a lot of pride in his hospital’s role during the pandemic. “Through Operation Safe, we vaccinated nearly 100,000 members of our community,” he says. “Beyond pro tecting many Missourians from COVID-19, we protected them from hospitalizations and the ravages of COVID.” And it didn’t stop there. “We are one team with one mission: to provide hope and healing to every life we touch.”

COLLEGE: Business and Marketing, University of Kansas and New York University RECESSION DEFENSE: “Continue to focus our travel-specific insights and tools that enable the industry to be prepared. Travel is a birthright. It’s soul food, essential to the human experience. Economic conditions will change, but travel will always be a part of lifestyle and business around the world because it’s necessary.” ON TALENT: “Over the last two years, we’ve taken a hard look at our total compensation and benefits packages to remain competitive ... reimbursing most employees for lost wages during the pandemic and improving things such as time-off and parental leave policies.” KC’S NEXT BIG THING? “I believe we’re only getting started with regional transportation. I hope that one day the Streetcar, light rail, and other transport systems will connect the communities who would benefit economically while also joining our neighborhoods (to) bring us all closer together.”

COLLEGE: B.S., Georgetown University; M.A., Philosophy, M.D., KU School of Medicine ON RETAINING TALENT: “We create a great work environment with a competitive wage and benefits package, as well as an environment that allows our staff to provide the best care possible for our patients. To be recognized by Forbes and Becker’s Healthcare as one of the best health-care employers in the nation speaks volumes about our commitment to our employees.” COVID& CULTURE: “We inspire our teams to run to the fire and face the challenge that comes before us.” TAKING THE REINS: Reintjes became CEO in 2020 after serving as president of the hospital’s physicians group. CHIEFS PREDICTION: “14-3.”

Charles Renner PARTNER, HUSCH BLACKWELL

Ora Reynolds PRESIDENT/CEO, HUNT MIDWEST

This American history buff (Civil War period, especially) under stands the importance of keeping track of things. That’s why he puts together his annual nationwide survey and analysis on P3 projects—public-private partnerships. Renner uses it in advising clients and communities on projects that serve the lasting inter ests of businesses, government and people. It’s a unique financing tool that gives him a decided edge in helping clients.

Ora Reynolds’ organization, founded by the legendary Lamar Hunt, is taking Kansas City Spirit well beyond the city line. According to Reyn olds, the past year included “Successful expansion of our industrial development platform in both the Kansas City metro and the South east by leveraging our reputation, resources, and relationships. We now have logistics parks under development or in the pipeline in six states.” She leads quite a team, with Hunt Midwest employees do nating more than $2 million to United Way of Kansas City since 1987.

COLLEGE: B.A., Political Science, University of Missouri-Kansas City; J.D., UMKC School of Law BIG CASES, SMALL CASES: His team has worked on massive public infrastructure projects, including the largest P-3 water infrastructure in the U.S., and neighborhood-level efforts like the Harris Park sports complex on Kansas City’s east side. LEADERSHIP: Renner, naturally, serves as chair of the firm’s Public-Private Partnership team, and amassed a long track record working with complex development incentives, including those involving community improvement districts and tax-increment financing. COVID PERSPECTIVE: Rather than dwell on negatives, Renner looks at the brighter side of people having spent more time with their families. Not surprising for a guy who enjoys joining his wife in cheering at their kids’ sporting events.

COLLEGE: B.S., Finance, Indiana University-Bloomington ON TALENT RETENTION: “Listening to our employees and providing solutions that enhance pro ductivity, collaboration, and work/life balance. Additionally, we did a complete brand refresh of our logo and messaging in conjunction with the opening of a new Crossroads office to support our growth.” ON COVID CHALLENGES: “Expanded technology allows for more flexibility.” KC’S NEXT BIG THING: “More large job attraction projects like the Meta and Panasonic an nouncements, and fingers crossed that the next mega user locates at our KCI 29 Logistics Park adjacent to the new KCI airport terminal!” CHIEFS PREDICTION: “You are asking HUNT Midwest? Super Bowl XLIX Champions!”

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September 2022