40 We Missed…

PUBLISHED APRIL 2026

In the spirit of full disclosure—and a generous helping of hindsight—Ingram’s proudly presents “40 We Missed,” our sheepish confession that, over nearly 30 years, we dropped the ball on some genuine up-and-coming heavyweights during their 40 Under Forty window of eligibility. Many, we might add, we’re near 40 but perhaps not in full stride. 

Year after year, our April edition has spotlighted the region’s accomplished young stars, yet current and recently retired executives—far more than we’d like to admit—were quietly (or not so quietly) building empires right under our nose. These leaders didn’t just clock in; they rewrote the playbook for growth at iconic Kansas City enterprises—driving expansions, sparking innovations, forging community partnerships, and steering companies through recession, pandemic, and digital disruption with equal parts vision and grit. Unfortunately, the passage of time means we get no do-overs…

Indeed, they shaped the economic skyline we all enjoy today. So consider this our belated standing ovation: a fun (we hope), long overdue tip of the hat to 40 trailblazers who earned recognition long before the gray hair, if any, began to settle in.

Brad Batz, Fike Corp.
Brad Batz went on to become chief executive as a third-generation leader of this Blue Springs company, where he has expanded the footprint of the global safety-solutions provider in industrial explosion protection and fire suppression technologies. His focus on innovation has sustained the company’s long-term market presence.

Bradley Bergman, Midwest Trust Co.
For more than 30 years under his leadership, he’s shaped Midwest Trust into a sophisticated wealth-management firm by combining fiduciary strength with strategic foresight. His leadership has deepened client partnerships and positioned the company as a trusted advisor in the Kansas City area. 

David Brain, EPR Properties/Enfinite Capital
David Brain helped build EPR Properties into a nationally recognized experiential real-estate investment trust and one of the region’s biggest public companies. He now leads Enfinite Capital, he continues shaping investment tied to evolving consumer-driven real estate demand. 

Mark Brandmeyer, Brandmeyer Enterprises
After a strong run in medical-device development, Mark Brandmeyer has built Brandmeyer Enterprises into a diversified real-estate and development firm while playing a key role in the revival of the Kansas City Monarchs. He blends entrepreneurship with civic-minded investment.

Mike Bukaty, Bukaty Companies
Mike Bukaty has steered Bukaty Companies’ emergence as one of the region’s most respected benefits and wealth-management firms, emphasizing client-centered strategy and long-term planning. His leadership has supported steady growth while deepening the firm’s role as a trusted adviser.

DeAngela Burns-Wallace, Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation
She’s held high-level executive roles at Mizzou, and KU and in the Kansas governor’s office, bringing a killer resume to promote regional entrepreneurship and education, as well as amplifying initiatives that support startups and economic opportunity. 

Tim Chadwick, MMC Corp.
Before retiring in 2024, Tim Chadwick rose to the leadership of this multi-faceted contracting company (now rebranded as Cerris). He expanded the Lenexa firm’s project portfolio and delivery capabilities, and his strategic oversight produced a reputation for quality while increasing overall construction volume.

John Dicus, Capitol Federal Financial
Taking the leadership baton from his father, John ‘Jack’ Dicus has provided long-term leadership at the biggest banking concern in Kansas (nearly $10 billion in assets), guiding the Topeka-based institution through market cycles to support stable growth and community-focused banking in Kansas.

Case Dorman, Fiorella’s Jack Stack Barbecue
Case Dorman’s ownership made Jack Stack one of the most prominent barbecue brands in a city famous for them. The expanded roster of locations supported the brand’s continued presence in the regional dining scene and reinforced the region’s reputation for smoking excellence.

Lisa Ginter, CommunityAmerica Credit Union
Lisa Ginter has guided the region’s undisputed No. 1 credit union (assets north of $9 billion), and—as of last fall—one of the 40 biggest in the nation, following its merger with Unify. She did it through member focused innovation and service expansion.

Douglas Girod, University of Kansas
A physician who came up through academic medicine, he brought his visionary leadership to Lawrence as KU’s chancellor in 2017. In that role, he has advanced academic and research initiatives that benefit the broader region, while supporting institutional growth and community engagement. 

John Goodbrake, Master’s Transportation Inc.
John Goodbrake has led Master’s Transportation with a focus on reliable passenger transport solutions from their new headquarters in SKC, expanding the company’s fleet, work force and service reach. His presidency has driven operational growth in the regional transportation sector.

Nathaniel Hagedorn, NorthPoint Development
To be fair, we invited him in, but Nathaniel Hagedorn shunned the spotlight, while leading his commercial-realty development firm through strategic real estate and industrial projects that shape the regional landscape. His firm has helped make the region logistics hotspot.

Marc Hahn, Kansas City University
Before he eventually assumed leadership of the state’s largest medical school, was a physician himself, a path that frames his leadership in health-sciences education and training. His leadership has expanded programs and reinforced the institution’s role in preparing regional health-care professionals.

Mike Heitmann, Garney Construction
Before retiring in 2024, Mike Heitmann provided strategic oversight that made Garney a billion-dollar company. His leadership helped sustain the firm’s long-term capabilities and project success in large-scale water projects across the nation.

Michael Hoehn, Automatic Systems Co.
Michael Hoehn has led Automatic Systems Co. with expertise in large-scale material handling and automation solutions from Kansas City, turning it into one of the region’s biggest private enterprises. His presidency has supported the company’s technical capabilities and client base expansion.

Randy Klindt, ConexonConnect/Conexon
Randy Klindt co-founded this two-headed power that connects rural regions to the Internet, advancing broadband and connectivity solutions for underserved areas. His vision has driven expansion in critical infrastructure technology and created a consistent Top 10 Ingram’s fast-growth company.

Pam Kramer, KC2026
A varied career with multiple leadership roles positioned Pam Kramer to lead Kansas City’s preparations as a host city for the FIFA 2026 World Cup. That has put the city on a global stage, through her coordinated cross-sector efforts, helping build momentum for future development and civic collaboration.

Michael Kulp, KBP Brands
Another CEO who preferred to avoid the spotlight, Michael Kulp leads KPB Brands with strategic oversight, helping the company grow its portfolio in the consumer or food-service space. His CEO role supports brand development and operational scaling for hundreds of quick-serve restaurants nationwide. 

Melea McRae, Crux KC
Melea McRae founded and leads this “un-agency,” specializing in fractional CMO services, strategic marketing, and communications to fuel business growth. Her dual founder/CEO role has driven impactful programs and collaborative growth in the local marketing and communications ecosystem. 

Trey Meyer, Midway Ford Truck Center
Trey Meyer’s long run with the nation’s first Ford truck-focused dealership put him at the helm of Midway Ford Truck Center in 2009, where he drives commercial vehicle sales and service from Kansas City. His presidential leadership has supported fleet expansion and customer-focused growth in the heavy truck market.

Kathy Nelson, Visit KC/Greater Kansas City Sports Commission and Foundation
Not only was she destined to lead, but to do double-duty: Kathy Nelson leveraged her role with the sports commission to elevate the region’s role in all manner of organized pro and collegiate sports, and at Visit KC, she promotes tourism and economic development for the Kansas City region. 

Rex Newcomer, D.H. Pace Co.
At this family-owned company, one of the region’s biggest, Rex Newcomer has steered growth in the construction specialty of doors and access solutions. His leadership at the Olathe company has expanded service capabilities and reinforced the firm’s reputation for reliability across commercial markets. 

Michael Norsworthy, Kellan Restaurant Management Group
Mike Norsworthy took the reins of this Northland restaurant company from his father, who founded it, then infused his own brand of operational excellence in hospitality. There, he drives multi-concept expansion and consistent performance in the regional dining industry. 

Bob Page, University of Kansas Health System
He didn’t have much of a window—Bob Page came to Kansas City at 38—but since then, he has directed The University of Kansas Health System’s rise from insolvency to the region’s biggest health enterprise. How? With a focus on clinical excellence and service lasered in on patient satisfaction.

Clifton Pemble, Garmin
Clifton Pemble was one of the first hires at this global GPS/wearable-tech enterprise, then took the leadership reins in 2013. He has provided top-level strategic leadership for the Olathe-based company, helping sustain innovative product development and market leadership.

Mike Perry, Hallmark Cards
Mike Perry had to follow an iconic name into the CEO’s role at Hallmark Cards in 2016, succeeding Don Hall Jr. Even with the digital onslaught, he has helped maintain the iconic KC brand’s relevance in greeting cards and related personal-expressions products. Tomorrow Perry and crew welcome the Royals as a neighbor.

Jeanette Hernandez Prenger, ECCO Select
One of the region’s most familiar faces in business growth and civic engagement, Jeanette Hernandez Prenger has guided ECCO Select in staffing and workforce solutions since co-founding it in 1995. Her leadership has produced expanded service lines and strengthened client relationships in the regional talent market.  

Rosana Privitera Biondo, Mark One Electric
Rosana ‘Rosie’ Privitera Biondo was 39 in our first year and has turned this electrical subcontracting specialist into the region’s biggest women-owned enterprise. Aided in steering that ship by her three brothers, she has helped sustain the legacy of Carl and Josephine, their parents and company founders.

Julie Quirin, Saint Luke’s Health System
Julie Quirin has leveraged her strengths in organizational leadership to help steer Saint Luke’s Health System, where she led its flagship hospital before becoming president in November 2023, then helping execute a merger with BJC Health and is now its Western division president. 

Steve Reintjes, NKC Health
Long before he was into administration, Steve Reintjes was a neurosurgeon, and among our first Top Doctors (back in 2001). In early 2020, he took the reins of what is now NKC Health, just in time to fend off a global pandemic with a focus on quality care and operational efficiency. 

Ora Reynolds, Hunt Midwest Real Estate Development
Ora Reynolds has led this sprawling development enterprise, specializing in commercial, logistics-focused and mixed-use projects, since 2015. Her presidency has driven land development and investment strategies shaping regional growth.

Bill Ryan, Shamrock Trading Corp.
Bill Ryan founded Shamrock in 1986, and has directed its growth across the freight and logistics-solution space into adjacent sectors, making it a formidable presence in those fields. His CEO role has driven operational scaling and the company’s competitive position in transportation services.

Charlie Shields, University Health
In a long and distinguished career, Charlie Shields has worn a lot of hats: Marketing exec at what is now Mosaic Life Care, public service in both the Missouri House, then Senate, and since 2010, leading what is now University Health’s two-hospital system treating some of the region’s most underserved patients.

Erin Stucky, Blue KC
At the region’s biggest health-insurance provider, Erin Stucky has provided executive leadership at Blue KC, advancing health insurance and member services in the Kansas City market. Before taking the helm in 2019, she held a wide range of leadership roles, supporting strategic initiatives and organizational direction. 

Jonathan Thomas, American Century Investments
With a focus on asset management and investment strategies, Jonathan Thomas has led American Century Investments for nearly 20 years. For most of that time, it was the region’s biggest wealth-management enterprise, thanks largely to sharpening client focus with his team.

Paul Thompson, Country Club Bank
Longtime banker Paul Thompson, hailing from a family steeped in financial-services leadership, guided Country Club Bank for more than 20 years with a blend of strategic and executive leadership. Last year, he orchestrated the bank’s sale to FNBO of Omaha for an undisclosed sum. 

Julie Runtz Welch, Meara Welch Browne
Julie Runtz Welch has provided leadership in tax and accounting services for this boutique accounting firm, which offers traditional accounting services as well as deep forensic support, teaming with Steve Browne to lead the firm after founder John Meara’s retirement.

Chad Williams, Quality Growth Companies
Chad Williams turned Quality Technology Services into a powerhouse of data-center development, selling the enterprise to Blackstone for $10 billion in 2021. He and his wife, Jeannie, have since focused on Quality Growth Companies, a rebranded arm of QTS. 

Doug Wolff, Security Benefit Corp.
Doug Wolff has guided Security Benefit Corp. in financial services and retirement solutions in Topeka since 2022, following a long run with the firm and his previous duties as president. His CEO leadership has supported product innovation for one of the region’s biggest private companies.