Think MHK Podcast

Hosted by Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce

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Episodes

103

Latest episode

Dec 2025

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About the show

Think MHK Podcast is provided by the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce and serves to keep the community informed on issues that impact business and quality of life in Manhattan. On each episode hear from members of the community about a timely issue as well as hear insightful interviews with Manhattan business leaders. Topics covered include community and job growth, small business, leadership, public policy, military issues, entrepreneurship, tourism, economic development and general chamber business and programing. New episodes are released every Tuesday. Hosted by Jason Smith, President/CEO of the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce.

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60 recent

December 23, 202530 min

ThinkMHK Podcast Season 5 Episode 25 - Bryce Buchanan

Our guest for episode twenty-five is Bryce Buchanan, Program Managing Engineer at Ultra Electronics in Manhattan. Bryce discusses the company's significant role in the local economy and its global impact. Ultra Electronics designs, manufactures, and repairs electronic and mechanical control systems for aerospace and defense, employing around 70 people in Manhattan. The company, originally founded as ICE Corporation in 1973, has grown to become part of Ultra Electronics' Precision Control Systems division, with around 1,000 employees. Buchanan highlights the company's contributions to major projects, including controllers for Boeing 787s and US presidential helicopters. He emphasizes the importance of the Manhattan community and the company's commitment to local talent and growth.

December 16, 202525 min

ThinkMHK Podcast Season 5 Episode 24 - Josh Brewer

In this episode of the Think MHK Podcast, Josh Brewer, a 2025 20 Under 40 winner and Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of the Northern Flint Hills, discusses his journey to Manhattan, Kansas, and his role at Habitat. Brewer, originally from Arkansas, moved to Manhattan in 2017 after his wife got a job at K-State. He joined Habitat in 2020, leveraging the challenges of COVID-19 to revamp the organization. Habitat serves Riley and Potawatomi counties, with recent projects including five new homes in Ogden and a rehabilitation project in Manhattan. Brewer emphasizes the importance of affordable housing and community growth in Manhattan.

December 9, 202517 min

ThinkMHK Podcast Season 5 Episode 23 - Madison Williams

Our guest for episode nineteen is Madison Williams, a 20 under 40 winner, shared her journey from Marysville, Kansas, to Manhattan, where she works in treasury management at K-State Bank. She discussed her involvement in the HYPE group, which has helped her grow as a leader and build a network. Madison highlighted the small-town feel of Manhattan, its supportive community, and the outdoor opportunities. She advised young professionals to explore opportunities, seek mentorship, and embrace failure as a learning experience. Madison enjoys K-State sports, hiking, golfing, and reading. She finds joy in simple gestures like smiles and prefers working in an office environment.

December 2, 202520 min

ThinkMHK Podcast Season 5 Episode 22 - Lauren Farwell

Our guest for episode twenty-two is Lauren Farwell, a 20 under 40 recipient, discusses her journey from being a kindergarten teacher to a real estate agent and property manager. Born and raised in Manhattan, she studied at KU and K-State, earning a degree in elementary education. Lauren transitioned to real estate for flexibility, allowing her to spend more time with her three children. She is involved in community activities, including being the board president of the Wonder Workshop Children's Museum and the community outreach chair for the Flint Hills Association of Realtors. Lauren emphasizes the importance of community involvement and shares her passion for true crime podcasts and her unique family pet history.

November 25, 202522 min

ThinkMHK Podcast Season 5 Episode 21 - Eric Holderness

In this episode of the Think MHK Podcast, 20 Under 40 honoree Eric Holderness, Vice President of Development at Kansas State University Foundation, discusses his journey from Montezuma, Kansas, to Manhattan, where he attended Kansas State University. Eric highlights the importance of relationships in fundraising and the challenges of attracting first-generation students from western Kansas. He shares his personal and professional growth, including his 12-year tenure at the foundation and the success of student gift officers. Eric emphasizes the value of community and the small-city feel of Manhattan. He advises young professionals to treat every interaction as an opportunity and to dream big. Eric also mentions his interest in learning another language and his favorite podcasts.

November 18, 202533 min

ThinkMHK Podcast Season 5 Episode 20 - Tyler Jackson

In episode twenty, we are joined by Tyler Jackson, a 20 under 40 winner from 2025, shared his journey from Dodge City to Manhattan, Kansas. He discussed his career path, including working at Sherwin-Williams, Peerless Tires, and B104.7 radio. Tyler launched Manhattan City Lifestyle magazine in January 2022, focusing on connecting readers to local stories and businesses. He highlighted his success in maintaining long-term advertisers and the magazine's growth. Tyler emphasized the importance of faith, self-belief, and community connections in his achievements. He also shared his passion for drumming and his desire to write a book on self-development.

November 11, 202521 min

ThinkMHK Podcast Season 5 Episode 19 - Peter Oppelt

Our guest for episode nineteen is Peter Oppelt, a 20 under 40 winner and city commissioner, discusses his journey from Fort Riley to Manhattan, where he pursued an economics degree at K-State. He works in data and analytics for Travelers Insurance. Peter's wife, a successful pie business owner, inspired him to stay in Manhattan. He emphasizes the importance of community involvement, citing his role in HYPE and Marlatt PTO. Peter highlights the challenges of running for City Commission, including fundraising. He advises young professionals to seek mentors and opportunities. Peter shares his passion for drums and his favorite concerts, including Weird Al Yankovic and Paul McCartney.

November 4, 202517 min

ThinkMHK Podcast Season 5 Episode 18 - Courtney Ellis

In this episode of the Think MHK Podcast, 20 Under 40 honoree Courtney Ellis shares her journey from growing up in Kansas City to building a fulfilling life and career as a CPA at Sink Gordon and Accountants & Advisors in Manhattan, Kansas. Courtney discusses her unexpected return to the community, the firm’s recent office relocation, and the benefits of Manhattan’s size, diversity, and tight-knit atmosphere for raising her family. She reflects on her community involvement—from founding Girls on the Run to serving on the United Way board—while offering advice to young professionals about the value of humility and asking for help. Listeners also get a glimpse into her personal life, from family traditions and travel memories to her love of coffee and Ben Folds concerts.

October 28, 202523 min

ThinkMHK Podcast Season 5 Episode 17 - Veronica Sims

On this episode, Jason has a conversation Veronica Sims, 20 Under 40 honoree and a CPA and principal at Varney and Associates, discusses her career journey from Kansas City back to Manhattan. She highlights her involvement in the community, including her role in young professionals groups and the young trustees program. Veronica shares her experiences of working for a big four accounting firm and transitioning back to a local firm. She emphasizes the importance of community engagement and the impact of the pandemic on remote work. Veronica also reflects on her personal life, including her family and her passion for wakeboarding.

October 21, 202519 min

ThinkMHK Podcast Season 5 Episode 16 - Samantha Ellison

On this episode, Jason sits down with Samantha Ellison, a 20 Under 40 recipient and member engagement manager at the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce. Ellison discusses her career journey from Derby, KS, to Kansas State University and the hotel industry, and eventual transition to the Chamber. Samantha highlights her involvement in community activities, including coaching soccer, volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters, and participating in the Junior League of the Flint Hills. Ellison emphasizes the importance of networking and mentions her recent recognition as a top young professional. Samantha also shares her love for Manhattan's small-town feel and her favorite podcasts.