(Full story of Business Buzz featured in the September 4th issue of The Independent)

Walt Disney was right, of course. But what Bernie Madden, his wife, Jackie, and their children have learned through the years is this: both family relationships and family business flourish when members share common goals and virtues. “Our business succeeds because we work hard and well together,” says Patrick Madden. “Bernie gave us our entrepreneurial drive and customer service focus.”

Emphasis on service has earned Madden-McFarland repeat business from clients like Rachael Sabates. “I have worked with Madden-McFarland on many projects not only in Kansas City but also in Miami. The experiences were not only pleasurable but very professional,” said Rachael. “I felt that with each meeting I was entering the home of a great friend where I could find a wide assortment of items for my home. It was one stop shopping with an amazing variety of silk patterns from the Far East, drape and wallpaper samples and all kinds of designer brand furniture. Decorating was seamless, easy and fun!”

Madden-McFarland Furniture & Design Boutique didn’t start out to be the multi-generational family business it is today. Rather, it started with Bernie’s desire to support his young family of six children. He was offered a job with one of Our Town’s best-liked interior designers, Gene E. McFarland. Gene, nearly 70 at the time, was looking for someone to come in and eventually take over his business. “He was very gifted and successful,” said Bernie. “The job became an opportunity.”

Bernie eventually took over the business and moved it to its present location at 135th and State Line. Though Gene E. McFarland is long since deceased, his name lives on in the business as testament to Bernie’s respect for him. “He was a wonderful mentor to me,” he said. “He had great style and taste.”

All six Madden children grew up in the business where they learned the value of quality and developed a work ethic – polishing fixtures and furniture, unpacking and delivering furniture, or whatever task needed to be done – but no expectation was ever placed on them that the business would become their career. “There was no reason to even think that in the early days of Madden-McFarland,” Bernie said. “But I had no idea just how our business was going to grow.”

Today, four of the six Madden children are fully engaged in the family business. Each brings energy to the business with a particular skill set and focus. Mary Madden, ASID; oversees the residential and commercial interior design practice; Patrick is responsible for buying and merchandising the furniture sold in the boutique; Denise is responsible for customer service and marketing; and Paul is responsible for operations.

Madden-McFarland Furniture & Design Boutique has evolved dramatically through the years. “Every business must adapt to changing times and tastes,” said Bernie. “The key is to grow without losing your character.” It is a lesson not lost on the Madden children. “Much of our business comes from relationships that our family has made in the community over the last half century,” said Patrick. “We develop long-term friendships with our clients, they know our work and our reputation.”

First time visitors to Madden-McFarland’s homey boutique often don’t know what to expect. “A lot of people don’t realize we have furniture for sale,” said Patrick. “But once inside, they are pleasantly surprised with our variety and competitive prices. Plus, we have a wonderful professional interior design staff. One of them is always available to answer questions and always available to add expert advice.”

Patrick Madden and Bernie Madden

(Full story of Business Buzz featured in the August 21st issue of The Independent)

“A pool is, for many of us in the West, a symbol not of affluence but of order, of control over the uncontrollable. A pool is water, made available and useful, and is, as such, infinitely soothing to the western eye.”

— Joan Didion

We can thank Hollywood – and 1940s movie star Esther Williams – for making the idea of a swimming pool part of the American Dream. The idea of homeowners actually owning their own pools seemed unthinkable until the years after World War II; before that, only the very wealthy could afford such a luxury.

But during the last half of the 20^th century, more and more homeowners found that swimming pools or water features in their own back yards added not only to the value of their homes, but to their lifestyles. A pool was not only a wonderful family recreation facility but also a place to entertain and relax.

In the 21^st century, advancement in construction and technology makes water features so much more economical and easier to manage and maintain. The “standard issue” concrete pools of the 1950s and early ‘60s are now frequently custom creations, perhaps featuring slides or visually-stunning “infinity” features; these aquatic atmospheres are often created in combination with rock and garden landscapes, outdoor kitchens, fire pits, entertainment areas, and distinctive gathering spaces.

Our Town’s Great Plains Supply, Inc. is a company that thrives on the creation of such residential and commercial oases. Founded in 1984 by Steve Reiff, this local establishment has become a regional leader in supplying the latest in equipment and technology to designers and builders of spas and pools.  Steve and his daughter, Susan Reiff Ahn, oversee the staff at Great Plains Supply in offering the most cutting-edge ideas in pool technology. The kind of impressive features once seen only in James Bond movies are now standard to many modern pool owners — including automation controls driven by your cell phone that will operate everything about your pool with a few quick clicks. Go ahead: turn on your waterfall and light up your pool… all before pulling into your driveway.

Caring for your pool and spa has never been easier, Steve explains. Some owners hire pool service companies to perform weekly maintenance for them. Newer technology enables modern pools to generate their own chlorine by using table salt — an achievement that eliminates the need for harsh chemicals. The industry is growing, and new developments are always in the works. Susan and Steve, along with their crew, are on top of the latest and best innovations in the pool and spa industry, and their expertise serves a five-state region.

Customer service is another important component of Great Plains Supply. Susan and Steve have created a team environment that has resulted in employees remaining with the company for the long term, and in some cases, for more than 25 years. They both consider the staff at Great Plains Supply to be members of their extended family. The company’s open-door policy between customers and staff fosters a level of communication and collaboration that results in problem solving and meeting every client’s needs.

As a teenager, Susan spent her summers working at Great Plains Supply, learning the pool and spa business as well as developing relationships with vendors and clients. Following her graduation from The University of Kansas, Susan careered at a local fine-clothing retail shop, expanding her knowledge and skill in the area of customer service. After a year, Susan accepted her father’s offer to join Great Plains Supply full-time, and she now works side-by-side with him. You could say that they “pool” their talents to operate one of Our Town’s splashing success stories!

Steve Reiff

(Full story of Business Buzz featured in the August 7th issue of The Independent)

“Design is in everything we make, but it’s also between those things. It’s a mix of craft, science, storytelling, propaganda, and philosophy.”
Erik Adigard

Mark Sudermann developed a sense of visual style early in his life: he is, after all, the son of a father who enjoyed sculpting and a mother who painted. And yet it wasn’t visual design that inspired his education at The University of Kansas, but a different passion: Mark studied English literature and psychology. But like many college students who stumble into a future career path by unexpectedly opening doors – figuratively and literally, in this case – to new opportunities, Mark found his true calling simply by making his living quarters comfortable and attractive.

As a KU student, Mark couldn’t merely rent an apartment; he took the time to create a stylish living space out of any place he lived, using his ability to creatively renovate and revamp his various residences. His skills so impressed his landlords in Lawrence, Kansas – his refreshed and revived quarters definitely improved the rental value of the spaces – that they happily moved young Mark from house to house.

This gave Mark an amazing opportunity to utilize and develop his talent for visualizing new designs for existing spaces. English literature was fine, but Mark soon realized that his calling was in a completely different field: interior design.

Following his graduation from college, Mark began a career as a business entrepreneur, but his passion for design eventually became too powerful to ignore. In the 1990s, he enrolled at the Atlanta College of Art, later furthering his experience by working for an exclusive Atlanta design firm. This enabled Mark to showcase his talents for clients in many cities, including Aspen, Greenwich and Las Vegas, just to name a few. He eventually went on to open his own firm in the Peach State before deciding to move back to the Midwest. In 2003, the Kansas native set his eye on Our Town as a wonderful location for both his design business and a place he and his wife could raise a family.

Mark recently took another big step as both designer and entrepreneur, opening a signature design studio on the Country Club Plaza. This new location at 4635 Wyandotte, just north of Commerce Bank’s Plaza location, has been newly-renovated to serve as an inspiring setting for clients to choose from a wide array of fabric, woods and rug samples as well as other wonderful resources for classic and contemporary furnishings and fixtures.

Upon entering the new studio, visitors become immediately aware of the sensory pleasures of the space: the earthy aroma of the seagrass rug, the welcoming glow of stunning English light fixtures and soft neutral wall and floor colors that provide a subtle canvas for select pieces of decorative accessories.

Mark greets his clients warmly and, over freshly-brewed coffee, initiates what he believes is the beginning of a successful design relationship. It all starts, he says, with that first conversation.

“You’ve got to like your designer,” he says, noting that building a positive partnership between designer and client starts with that first meeting: building a sense of trust, understanding personal styles, creating a sense of personality, and giving the client the confidence to express themselves by their surroundings.

Mark understands the importance of being a great listener. It’s a dance, at first, between designer and client, and Mark develops a relationship that allows him to “push the envelope – but only in a way that pleases the client.”

Perhaps Mark’s college psychology studies give him an advantage in creating a successful rapport with his clients. Whether he is designing a home from the ground up, refreshing a room with a few new pieces or reviving a dated space with skillfully-selected accessories, Mark is ever mindful of the timelines, budgets and ideas that each client requires. And as an entrepreneur, Mark knows that working with an interior designer can actually save money by avoiding potentially costly design mistakes.

Visit Mark’s website at www.msudermann.com to view samples of his impressive interiors, testimonials, philosophy, and scope of services. He also welcomes new clients to his Plaza studio. Once you begin a conversation with Mark, you’ll quickly learn that his years of experience in design, business philosophy and natural talent can help you create a spectacular space of your very own.

Mark Sudermann

(Full story of Business Buzz featured in the July 24th issue of The Independent)

“Leave no stone unturned.”

– Euripedes

There is nothing that symbolizes beauty, history, a sense of solidity, and security like natural stone. Many of the oldest buildings standing in Our Town – and just as often, the elegant garden walls surrounding them — were built from the bedrock of Kansas and Missouri.

No matter where stone is found, it’s a truly amazing product; it simply can’t be replicated in a factory or laboratory. Each piece is as individual as the client who selects it, and since it is a product created by nature, it is the utmost “green” material you can use for building and landscaping. That’s why, in Our Town, the name Sturgis Materials stands for quality stone products and the expert assistance in creating a spectacular project.

Sturgis Materials is the go-to business for natural stone, It has been the expert in the field since 1942. Its longevity is as impressive as the products it sells. The employees at Sturgis know their stone, understand the appropriate applications of them, can recommend quality contractors for installation, and offer top-notch customer service combined with extensive knowledge.

Conveniently located just off Seventh Street and I-70, Sturgis Materials has 10 acres of superb stone, including granite, marble, limestone, and travertine, in every conceivable color and finish. The sheer amount of material is a bit overwhelming, but the Sturgis staff is there to help. They accompany you every step of the way, assisting with the stone selection and ensuring it is appropriate for your project. The company’s on-site cut stone facility means constant supervision for your stone as well as attention to precision and accuracy. The individualized service you receive is second to none, and the staff’s mastery of all things masonry will assure that your project is successful, beautiful and unique. You won’t find better service or skill in the four-state region.

Sturgis Materials utilizes the latest construction techniques. Marc Lonesk, president of the company; explains that  advanced technology in the natural stone industry has allowed the material to be more available and affordable than ever. Computerized cutting technologies can cut stone with an amazing accuracy. Improved quarrying techniques and an expanded global economy have helped to make natural stone the perfect choice for a multitude of applications, both residential and commercial, and at a reasonable cost. Additionally, KayCee is fortunate to be home to a bevy of stone masons who are true artisans in their craft.

The staff at Sturgis has years of knowledge combined with a level of commitment to quality service. With their referral base of quality stone masons, as well as their excellent relationships with architects, designers and landscapers, they will oversee your project from start to finish. Sturgis Materials also has a website full of information, including types and colors of stones, applications, as well as photos of stunning projects they’ve helped complete. Their client list includes well-known commercial venues such as Arrowhead Stadium, Benedictine College and the Bristol Seafood Grill, to name a few, as well as many personal residences.

There has never been a better time to take advantage of the beauty, longevity, warmth, and durability of genuine natural stone. Spend time on the company’s website, www.sturgismaterials.com, where you’ll find a wealth of information. Engage your designer, architect or client and visit with the attentive staff at Sturgis. You’ll discover the comfort in selecting a product that will be around for generations, a natural product that provides infinite design opportunities that are surprisingly affordable. At Sturgis, your vision can become a rock-solid reality.

Marc Lonesk

(As seen on the June 26th issue of The Independent)

“May you always have walls for the winds, a roof for the rain, tea beside the fire, laughter to cheer you, those you love near you and all your heart might desire.”

-old Irish blessing

For most people, a “roof over their head” symbolizes security, especially during turbulent times. Not just times of turbulent weather, but difficult financial times, too. A new roof historically represents a sense of comfort and a way to emotionally buffet any storm. No one understands this perception like Jerry Fleenor, one of the four Fleenor family members who operate Bordner Installation, one of the most respected names in roofing – as well as windows, siding, stucco, and other housing-related products – in Our Town. Since the company was created in 1987, the Fleenor brothers – Charlie, Bud and Cliff – have built a reputation for selling quality products and installing those products with integrity. The Fleenors created the business with Greg Bordner, now a successful developer, and later bought his share of the business.

“My dad, Cliff Fleenor, started his career as a roofer,” said Jerry, “and most of us, myself included, have hands-on experience in roofing. We’ve done it ourselves, so we know how it’s supposed to be done.”

Bordner Roofing was started during an earlier slump in the economy, so the Fleenors knew, early on, that when there was a lull in new house construction, there was a need for homeowners to turn their attention to their most valuable asset: their home. “When there’s an economic downturn, people may decide to postpone buying new homes,” Jerry said, “and instead they remodel and add value to their existing home. It gives homeowners a sense of security and increases the value of the home.”

As a college student, Jerry worked for the family company as a roofer, climbing on top of buildings to strip off old shingles or roofing materials and installing new products. He joined the company full-time in 1993, serving as general manager with his brother-in-law Robert Poetgen. The younger members of the Bordner team immediately understood the importance of having an exemplary reputation in the home improvement industry.

“Quality – and quality control — means everything to us,” said Jerry. “The home improvement industry gets more complaints than almost any other American industry. If you’re going to succeed in this business, your reputation has to be sterling or you simply won’t last for as long as we have. The fact that we’re a family-owned business with over two decades of experience gives our customers a great deal of confidence in our work and in the products we use. Our reputation depends on quality, customer service and stability. That’s why almost all of our business comes from referrals from satisfied customers.”

Will there be a third generation of Fleenors learning the business, like Jerry, from the roof up? “Well, it may be awhile,” he laughed. “My wife Emily and I have 6-year-old twins and a three-year-old. I’m not ready for them to be climbing up ladders yet.”

Jerry Fleenor