2026 Milestones: Corporate Anniversaries

PUBLISHED JANUARY 2026

Resilience at Work

Enduring as a small business for 50 years, a century or even longer is a testament to extraordinary resilience in an unforgiving economic landscape. In a nation where nearly 600,000 businesses shutter annually, and thousands plunge into bankruptcy, survival beyond a half-century defies staggering odds. One in five new ventures vanishes within the first year, half fail before reaching five, and 70 percent are gone before a 10th anniversary. Yet some enterprises not only persist but thrive across generations, embodying the spirit of American entrepreneurship.

The challenges these long-standing businesses have overcome are as diverse as they are daunting. Economic cycles—booms, busts, depressions, and recessions—test financial fortitude and strategic foresight. Global disruptions, like pandemics, exacerbate these pressures, forcing abrupt adaptations amid supply-chain breakdowns, work-force shortages, and shifting consumer behaviors. Regulatory shifts, from evolving tax codes to compliance mandates, add layers of complexity, demanding constant vigilance and resources that strain limited operations. Technological revolutions upend traditional models, requiring investments in innovation to stay relevant. Changing consumer tastes and market competition compound the hurdles, where a single misstep can erode decades of goodwill.

Overcoming these obstacles requires a rare blend of qualities. Tenacity drives owners to weather storms; adaptability allows pivots in strategy, product lines, or operations. Managerial acumen ensures sound decision-making, balancing risk with opportunity. Family legacies often play a pivotal role, with successive generations infusing fresh energy into foundational values. Luck, too, factors in. You’ll see elements of all in our Milestones for 2026, celebrating the success of Kansas City area companies who truly have earned it

170 years (founded 1856)

McCormick Distillery       

Founded in 1856, McCormick Distillery holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating distillery west of the Mississippi River. What began as a family enterprise along the Missouri River evolved into a nationally recognized producer of spirits, including whiskey, vodka and gin. Surviving Prohibition by pivoting to medicinal alcohol production, the company resumed full distilling operations afterward and steadily expanded its portfolio. Today, McCormick blends heritage with innovation, maintaining its historic Weston facility while distributing products nationwide. Its longevity reflects both entrepreneurial resilience and an ability to adapt to changing markets over nearly two centuries.

Exchange Bank & Trust       

Exchange Bank & Trust traces its roots back to the 19th century and today combines traditional relationship banking with modern digital services. Though its charter and community footprint span multiple Midwest locations—including Kansas and Nebraska—EBT emphasizes personalized service and long-term client relationships over purely transactional interactions. The firm has adapted to evolving customer needs by incorporating mobile and online banking tools while maintaining a focus on local decision-making and community engagement, a balance that has helped it thrive through many economic cycles. The bank’s longevity reflects its commitment to continuity, trust, and customer service in both personal and business banking.

160 years (founded 1866)

St. Teresa’s Academy       

Kansas City’s oldest secondary school was founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet in 1866 and dedicated to rigorous Catholic, college-preparatory education for girls. Over its more than 150-year history, St. Teresa’s Academy has sustained its success through a blend of academic excellence, commitment to mission-driven service, and continual modernization, such as integrating one-to-one technology, global education opportunities, and enhanced STEM programming. Its tradition of leadership and community engagement has kept it a regional educational leader, with recent infrastructure expansions and accreditation awards reinforcing its profile in the 21st century.

155 years (founded 1871)

University of Central Missouri       

Established in 1871 as a teachers college with 30 students, and known as Normal School No. 2 before becoming Central Missouri State University, today’s University of Central Missouri has grown into a comprehensive public university serving students from across the region and beyond. UCM has expanded its academic offerings to include business, technology, health sciences and the arts, while maintaining a strong commitment to educator preparation. Over more than 150 years, the institution has evolved alongside Missouri’s work-force needs, emphasizing applied learning, research and community engagement. Its Warrensburg campus remains a central economic and cultural anchor for west-central Missouri

150 years (founded 1876)

Chase Candy Co.       

Chase Candy Company traces its roots to 1876, making it one of Missouri’s longest-operating confectioners. Best known for classic boxed chocolates and seasonal assortments—and yes, the Cherry Mash is still a pillar—
the company built a reputation for quality confections distributed nation-
wide. Over generations, Chase Candy balanced tradition with modernization, preserving time-tested recipes while adapting packaging and production to contemporary tastes. Its enduring presence reflects the staying power of a brand built on consistency, craftsmanship and consumer loyalty.

125 years (founded 1901)

McAnany, Van Cleave & Phillips       

One of the regions most-established law firms, McAnany, Van Cleave & Phillips (MVP Law), has been an integral part of the growth of business from its base in Kansas City, Kan., and throughout the region. In addition to its work in business and transactional law, the firm offers particular expertise in public and private sector workers’ compensation, general liability, and employment and public-sectdor law, and education law. Last year, it ranked No. 15 among the largest law firms in the Kansas City area, based on numbers of lawyers on staff.

120 years (founded 1906)

The University of Kansas Health System       

Founded in 1906 with land donated by Dr. Simeon Bell, The University of Kansas Health System evolved from a small hospital to a leading academic medical center serving the bi-state Kansas City region and the entire state of Kansas. Its independence from state control in 1998 catalyzed growth, enabling strategic expansions in trauma care, cancer research, and transplant services. Success factors include a focus on high-quality patient care, academic integration, and clinical innovation, reflected in years of Magnet nursing designations and consistent “Best Hospital” rankings. Since 2020, the system has rapidly expanded specialty care (such as proton therapy, CAR T-cell treatments) and partnerships (including rural health and community access initiatives), underpinning both service growth and research leadership.

110 years (founded 1916)

Avila University       

Avila University was established by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and has grown into a respected private institution grounded in liberal arts education. Its journey reflects both the growth of the region and social changes that expanded opportunities for young women to acquire post-secondary education for most of its history. Big changes came in the 1960s first with construction of the south Kansas City campus, then completion of its first residence hall in 1965, and finally, becoming a fully co-ed university in 1969. The university in south Kansas City emphasizes service, ethical leadership and community engagement. Over more than a century, Avila has expanded academic programs while maintaining its mission-driven identity.

Holland 1916       

Holland 1916 is a century-plus North Kansas City manufacturing firm with roots in engraving and industrial printing. Since its founding, the company has diversified from nameplates and branding products into advanced identification technologies, membrane switches, touchscreens, and rugged interface solutions. Over the decades, Holland has grown by investing in technology, workforce development, and community engagement, including educational partnerships in the Kansas City region. Its multi-division structure enables specialized responsiveness to customer needs across industries. The company’s longevity stems from continuous product evolution, a people-centered culture, and a steadfast commitment to quality, adaptability, and innovation in manufacturing.

Husch Blackwell       

Husch Blackwell has evolved from a regional law firm into a national legal practice with offices across the United States, earning its spot on American Lawyer’s prestigious AmLaw100 list. The full-service firm serves clients in highly regulated and complex industries, combining legal depth with industry-specific knowledge. The firm today sprang from a 2008 merger between two Missouri prominent firms: Husch & Eppenberger of St. Louis and Blackwell Sanders of Kansas City. Its longevity reflects an ability to scale while maintaining strong client relationships.

Kansas City University       

The biggest medical college in Missouri, and one of the nation’s largest, was established in 1916 as the Kansas City College of Osteopathy and Surgery. It was long known as Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences before truncating the name in a 2020 rebrand, and has become a leading institution for medical and health-sciences education. Known for its osteopathic medicine programs, KCU trains physicians and health-care professionals who serve communities nationwide. The university’s growth—including expansion into Joplin and a broadening of programming to include dentistry at that site—mirrors rising demand for health-care education and innovation.

100 years (founded 1926)

Alaskan Fur Co.       

Founded in 1926 by Philip Wang (a visionary fur representative who traveled coast to coast during the Roaring ’20s), Alaskan Fur quickly became one of America’s oldest and largest furriers. Opening its flagship salon with modern amenities like air conditioning, soft lighting, and secure storage vaults, it offered a complete fur service amid the era’s fashion boom—including the introduction of North American mink to Europe. Today, as part of the Fur and Leather Co. (North America’s largest fur retailer), Alaskan Fur excels in premium fur coats and accessories for men and women. It adapts to changing tastes while maintaining a reputation for exceptional quality and personalized service in a niche luxury market.

D.H. Pace Co.       

In 1921, C.G. Johnson invented the upward-lifting garage door and formed the Overhead Door Corp. to manufacture it. A century later, hundreds of independent distributorships under the Overhead Door brand name sell, install and service garage doors in markets across the country. The Overhead Door Company of St. Louis was soon followed by the Overhead Door Company of Kansas City in 1927 and the Overhead Door Company of Atlanta in 1935. In 1972, these distributorships became part of a newly formed holding company, the D.H. Pace Co. From these humble beginnings, D.H Pace has grown into a national organization providing a full range of door, dock, and security products and services. “We are proud to be celebrating our 100th anniversary in 2026 and grateful for all our employees, past and present, who made this longevity, growth, and success possible,” says CEO Rex Newcomer.

Heathwood Oil Co.       

Heathwood Oil is a family-owned oil distributor based in the Kansas City area, serving transportation, industrial, agriculture, and commercial customers. The company has sustained longevity through its focus on reliable distribution of well-known lubricant brands such as Motorcraft, Castrol, and Citgo, and its reputation for dependable service. Heathwood’s continued relevance reflects its ability to adapt product offerings to evolving industry needs while maintaining deep local roots in the regional supply chain.

Payne & Jones, Chartered       

Payne & Jones is one of the Kansas City area’s oldest law firms, serving individuals and businesses since 1926. With deep roots in the local community, the firm provides a broad range of legal services—business, estate, family, and litigation—across Kansas and Missouri courts. Payne & Jones’ longevity is anchored in its practical, client-focused approach, experienced attorneys, and a reputation for dependable, straightforward legal counsel. The firm’s ability to adapt to evolving legal needs while maintaining strong regional ties has helped it sustain long relationships with generations of clients.

85 years (founded 1941)

MGP Ingredients       

The publicly traded company we know today as MGP Ingredients began as a single-site distillery, but has evolved into a global leader in specialty wheat proteins, starches, and distilled spirits ingredients. Serving the food, beverage, and industrial markets worldwide, the company drives growth through strategic diversification, innovation, and heavy investment in value-added products that meet evolving customer demands. In addition to its suite of vodkas, gins and whiskey varieties it supplies the food-manufacturing sector with products that include wheat protein isolates, starches and concentrates.

80 years (founded 1946)

Drexel Technologies       

Drexel Technologies is a document management, equipment placement and print operations specialist serving the architectural, engineering and construction industry sectors. Its founding principle: Delivering outstanding customer service in the markets served with a wide range of software and hardware solutions that reach beyond what other industry counterparts do—no matter what the scope of the project might be. The on-site management team at Drexel includes leaders with more than 30 years of industry experience, and the company prides itself on being large enough to have the resources available to tackle any opportunity, but small enough to make quick decisions when needed. 

Block & Co., Realtors

In Kansas City, no name carries more weight in commercial real estate than Block—and for good reason. Founded in 1946 by brothers James and Allen Block, Block & Company, Inc., Realtors has grown into a full-service commercial real estate powerhouse. David Block, James’s son, joined the firm in 1975 and now serves as president and partner, leading a team of more than 80 associates who collectively execute hundreds of millions of dollars in transactions each year. The firm provides comprehensive brokerage services, along with development, investment, asset management, tenant representation, and construction management, while also offering investment and equity funding and managing multi-millions of square feet of commercial property nationwide

Gates Bar-B-Q       

A true Kansas City institution since 1946, Gates Bar-B-Q harkens back to the original roots of Kansas City-style barbecue, serving up bold, smoky flavors through its iconic restaurants and timeless recipes. Under family ownership across generations, the brand remains synonymous with the city’s legendary barbecue tradition—drawing loyal locals and visitors alike to five locations in the metro area. Its staying power comes from unwavering quality, hospitality, and deep community roots.

Wagner Logistics       

From its base in North Kansas City, Wagner Logistics is a major supply-chain provider offering distribution, warehousing, fulfillment, and transportation services for various industries. Among them: The food/beverage and  automotive sectors, two vital components of the regional business infrastructure, as well as consumer packaged goods. Adapting seamlessly to shifts in distribution, supply-chain demands, and the rise of e-commerce, the company says it maintains relevance through operational flexibility, cutting-edge efficiency, and exceptional customer service.

75 years (founded 1951)

Bartlett & West       

Topeka-based Bartlett & West is an engineering firm specializing in water, wastewater, transportation, and infrastructure projects for Midwest municipalities. Combining technical expertise with strong public-sector experience, it delivers reliable, high-quality solutions that stand the test of time. The firm became fully employee-owned nearly 20 years ago, emphasizing the shared success that made it one of the region’s biggest engineering enterprises. Its service line includes  architecture, engineering, construction, and technology for transportation, water, energy, and more.

BioZyme, Inc.       

BioZyme has grown into a globally recognized innovator in animal nutrition and health products. Starting from a single feed store, the company expanded by investing in proprietary fermentation-based ingredients, notably the Amaferm® prebiotic, and has driven decades of research and product development that support animals from cattle to companion pets. BioZyme’s philosophy—“Care That Comes Full Circle”—reflects its commitment to sustainable agriculture, scientific research, and support for livestock producers. The company’s resilience and longevity are rooted in continuous innovation, global distribution networks, and deep engagement with its community and industry.

Empire Candle Co.       

For 75 years, Empire Candle Co. has served major national retailers and supermarkets by crafting and pouring high-quality scented candles, wax melts and fragrance products, at their large-scale manufacturing facilities in Kansas City, Kan. Best known for its category-leading Tuscany® Candle brand, Empire Candle has grown through innovation, automation and a relentless focus on quality and reliability. This has made it an invaluable supply-chain partner to the retail industry, manufacturing their own brands as well as being the creative engine behind several private label collections.

Haggard Hauling & Rigging       

Haggard Hauling & Rigging provides expert heavy hauling, rigging, machinery moving, and specialized logistics services throughout the Kansas City area and beyond. The company combines deep hands-on experience with practical problem-solving to handle complex equipment moves, crane operations, and warehousing needs. Haggard’s longevity reflects its reputation for reliability, adaptability to diverse project challenges, and strong customer relationships. By maintaining a skilled workforce and emphasizing safety and professionalism, Haggard has built a stable niche in industrial transportation and rigging across multiple market sectors.

Neighbors Construction Co.       

Founded in 1951 and now three generations deep in leadership, Neighbors Construction Co. provides commercial construction services across multiple sectors, with a special emphasis on multifamily housing projects. Over the past 15 years, as the Kansas City area has witnessed a resounding boom in multifamily construction, the company has been front and center in that work, including the transformation of the Kansas City Power & Light Building into apartments that have made Downtown a residential hub once again. Known for reliability, superior craftsmanship, and on-time execution, Neighbors’ sustained client confidence reflects a commitment to quality projects.

65 years (founded 1961)

City Wide Maintenance       

Since 1961, City Wide Maintenance has provided comprehensive facility management services to commercial clients nationwide. Its scalable franchise-based model emphasizes consistency, quality, and customer satisfaction, driving enduring growth and reliability. A sister company also celebrating a milestone year (60th) is Oddo Development, which has focused on residential and commercial real estate projects, helping shape suburban growth across the Kansas City metro. Their presence here is testament to the entrepreneurship of founder Frank Oddo, who has passed leadership of those two companies (and a third in the fintech world) to his three sons.

Garney Construction       

Founded by Charles Garney, Garney Construction has become a national leader in water and wastewater infrastructure. As a 100% employee-owned company, Garney specializes in pipelines, treatment facilities, pump stations, and related heavy civil work, serving municipal, industrial, federal, and private clients. Its culture of employee ownership and decentralized decision-making has supported sustainable growth, enabling the firm to adapt to industry demands and expand operations nationwide. Garney’s commitment to quality, safety, and innovation has helped it maintain industry leadership for more than six decades, building essential infrastructure that underpins communities’ health and economic vitality.

Midway Ford Truck Center       

When the doors opened in 1961, Midway Ford Truck Center made history as the nation’s first Ford truck-only dealership, initially owned by Ford itself and later purchased by its General Manager, R. Dean Edwards, in 1965. It also was an early adopter of the employee-ownership model, back in 1982. Along the way, it has grown into a major commercial truck dealer known for its strong commercial focus, large inventory, and customer satisfaction, receiving Ford’s prestigious President’s Award for years.

60 years (founded 1966)

Ewing M. Kauffman Foundation       

A civic gift that keeps on giving, the Kauffman Foundation was established by one of the iconic figures in Kansas City entrepreneurial history. Ewing Kauffman founded Marion Laboratories in 1950 and grew it into a major pharmaceutical company. Selling it created a philanthropic bounty for the region with formation of the foundation, which has become one of the world’s leading organizations dedicated to advancing entrepreneurship and education. It currently has more than $3 billion in assets supporting business startups, research, and youth education. Its success has stemmed from Kauffman’s belief that fostering enterprise and opportunity drives long-term economic growth, and it continued this mission through strategic grantmaking and programs that support regional and national entrepreneurial ecosystems.

55 years (founded 1971)

Staco Electric Construction Co.

Its 55th year was a milestone in more than one way for Staco Electric: Ten years after its acquisition by Virginia and Jeff Linscott—who built it into an enterprise with nearly $100 million in revenues——the company secured a new owner. Platform Ventures, the real-estate investment arm of Mariner Holdings, now counts Staco among its extensive portfolio (valued north of $3.6 billion) in construction-services firms and other enterprises. 

50 years (founded 1976)

Searcy Financial Services       

Headquartered in Overland Park but serving clients nationwide, Searcy Financial Services is an independent, fee-only registered investment adviser offering comprehensive financial planning and wealth management for individuals, families, and businesses. It focuses  on aligning values with financial goals for clarity, peace of mind, and long-term success, with a strong emphasis on fiduciary duty and personalized strategies. Among its services: Retirement planning, investment management, estate planning, and tax management, with a commitment to hands-on management and client education.

Master Pitching Machine       

Master Pitching Machine is a pioneer in batting cage equipment and pitching machines. From a first prototype built by founder Paul Giovagnoli, the company has focused on simple, durable designs, high-quality craftsmanship, and superior customer service. Over more than 70 years, Master Pitching has earned a global reputation in sports equipment, hand-building machines and supporting loyal customers worldwide. Its longevity is rooted in consistency, specialization, and a commitment to manufacturing excellence, maintaining core competencies while adjusting to changing technologies and market expectations.

R.E. Pedrotti Co.       

Founded in 1976 and based in Mission, Kansas, R.E. Pedrotti Company, Inc. is an engineering and controls solutions provider serving municipal water and wastewater systems across the Midwest. The firm offers instrumentation, automation, PLC/SCADA systems, variable frequency drives, and telemetry support, helping clients monitor and control critical infrastructure. Its long tenure reflects a focus on technical expertise, strong industry associations, and reliable service tailored to public utility and industrial markets. By staying aligned with evolving control technologies and fostering long-term client partnerships, R.E. Pedrotti has sustained steady growth and relevance for nearly half a century.