CHALLENGER SPORTS
Vice-President Peter Arch has one of the best jobs in the city. He and his team of professionals run Challenger Sports, the largest soccer camp provider in the United States and Canada since 1997. Their corporate office is located in Lenexa, KS, where more than 30 full-time staff members enjoy a shining example of successful horizontal management and shared employee ownership. Challenger’s dedication to the family, as well as their concern for latch key kids and the trend of overweight children, continues to be the driving force of this company that focuses on kids in general. Providing full coverage health care is just one of the ways in which Challenger Sports retains its employees. Donating soccer balls, clothing and equipment to several Central and South American missions is one of the many ways they give back.
HOEFER WYSOCKI ARCHITECTS, LLC
Founded in 1996, Hoefer Wysocki is a full-service planning and interior design firm located in Kansas City. With a staff of 61, this small but mighty company believes in a corporate culture that gives back to the community. Employees have been involved in fund-raising events for Harvesters, United Way, Adopt-a-Family, as well as many others. In addition to providing employees with an energized and nurturing environment, principals Mitch Hoefer, David Wysocki, Ken Henton and Kevin Berman strive to offer their employees a workplace that stresses limitless potential to grow personally and professionally. This attitude continues to place Hoefer Wysocki Architects at the top of their class.
REDEMPTION PLUS
Ron Hill is president of Redemption Plus, a Lenexa-based company that supplies redemption and incentive merchandise to North America. Since 1996, this company has focused on a philosophy that stresses recognition, praise and benefits for its employees. In addition to term life policies that equal one year’s salary, “Healthy Lunch” groups, yearly health screenings at no charge and a fitness room, Redemption Plus stresses success and accountability in its employees—and they return the favor through their devotion and tenure. Continued training and education is provided, as well as a work place that develops individual personal strengths. Because advantages such as these, Redemption Plus continues to evolve, update, and innovate, and succeed.
SUNLIGHT SAUNAS
Located in Overland Park, KS, Sunlight Saunas produces and sells therapeutic saunas for residential and commercial use. Investing in the training and development of employees is one way that president and CEO Aaron Zack has been operating since the company’s inception in 1999. In addition, the working environment of Sunlight Saunas promotes a workspace that promotes wellness and health with a relaxation room that includes ping-pong, a pool table, fitness facility, and sauna. A personal chef is on board to ensure that healthy meals are offered for those participating in the food program. With a generous benefits package, as well as their open-door policy, the employees of Sunlight Sauna are positioned for success in their industry.
UNITED COUNTRY REAL ESTATE
Dan Duffy, CEO of United Country Real Estate, understands how to support and motivate employees to be successful. Since 1925, United County has grown into the only national real estate franchise system specializing in properties in and around the small cities and towns of America. With their national headquarters positioned in Kansas City’s northland, the 76 full time employees enjoy a setting of support and generosity. The atmosphere is centered on recognizing each individual’s contribution to the company, as well as making them feel that they are part of a family. Employee appreciation week, as well as educational assistance programs, and numerous other benefits maintain the quality of the employees, who show their allegiance through their remarkable tenure.
WORLD WIDE CLINICAL RESEARCH
Over the past seven years, World Wide Clinical Research has proven it understands the importance of work-life balance and happy employees. The firm is a recognized leader among women-owned businesses in the area. President Barbara J. Geiger and executive vice president Clareece West strive to provide an atmosphere that is conducive to success. World Wide Clinical Research manages clinical trials from its corporate headquarters in Overland Park, KS, and believes that employees are the most important aspect of business. With flexible hours and emphasis on personal fulfillment through charity work, WWCR treats its employees with respect and dignity, understanding that they are indirect catalysts for corporate growth.
PAULA HAHN
Paula M. Hahn has been with EFL Associates since April 2007, and currently serves as vice president
and consultant. Her responsibilities include pairing clients with executive recruiting needs, as well as
candidate evaluation, search strategies, client management and project closing.
Hahn obtained her Juris Doctorate from the University of Kansas. She holds a Master of Public Administration
from the University of Kansas, Master of Science in Contracts and Acquisition Management
from the Florida Institute of Technology, and a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University
of Wisconsin. Hahn also holds Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification.
Additionally, she has served as adjunct faculty with Baker University and the Keller Graduate School.
GENE BROWN
Gene Brown is the CEO and founder of Market Intellect, a marketing services company. He is responsible
for the development of marketing plans, marketing audits, sales and promotional plans, as well as
conducting seminars and focus groups. Additionally, Brown is the Valentine Radford Professor of Marketing
at the Bloch School of Business and Public Administration at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
Brown earned his Ph.D. in Business Administration with a major in marketing and minors in statistics and
Quantitative Methods from the University of Alabama. He holds a Master’s Degree in Marketing from the
University of Alabama and a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from the Florida Institute of Technology.