A Leawood-based logistics and transportation company, Agforce works to streamline freight transportation. They specialize in providing flexible logistics solutions to any complex supply chain challenge by simplifying logistics. Agforce began with just six people in 2015. In just 4 years it has exploded to 63 employees. Agforce is no stranger to professional accolades: the company was named as one of the best places to work by the Kansas City Business Journal, as they encourage professional development for their employees and also enjoy things like catered lunches, beer Fridays in the office, contests, and giveaways. Agforce values responsiveness, transparency and collaboration, agility, and accountability as part of their core values.

Charlies Hustle’s ubiquitous KC heart t-shirt is everywhere it seems. But the seven-year-old apparel company is much bigger than the design that caught the attention of actor Paul Rudd. With just under 30 employees, the 7-year-old company focuses on Vintage Made Fresh. Charlie Hustle sets out to inspire regional pride not just through sports teams, but regional breweries and restaurants in their vintage-style t-shirt. The company recently hired its first COO in order to find sustainable growth as it sits on the verge of national exposure.

IBC is a woman-owned heavy highway traffic control and pavement marking construction company that originally started as an interior finish carpentry company. In 2009, owner Brandy McCombs attended an educational event, and saw openings in traffic controls area. She admits she didn’t even know what traffic controls meant. But since that time, IBC has grown to be a $5 million revenue company and is still growing. IBC believes in the TEAM model (Together Everyone Achieves More), also putting a high priority on health. The company pays 100% of employee health, dental, and vision care.

Whether it’s the Dunkel or the Pils or the seasonal series, Kansas City has been raising a glass to KC Bier Co. Since 2014. Owner Steve Holle’s dream was to brew authentic-tasting German-style beer. KC Bier Co has succeeded and follows the tenants of the German Purity Law of 1516 that allows only four ingredients: malt, hops, water, and yeast. The malt and hops are even imported from Germany. The authenticity isn’t just for the beer. The company stays in close contact with the local German-American community and with vendors abroad. When it comes to its employees, KC Bier Co requires each employee is trained in a 5s system: Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain. Employees then evaluate how tasks are completed then discuss with their co-workers how to improve upon that. The company also reimburses employees for earning a General Certificate in Brewing from the Institute of Brewing in London.

Lever1 came into existence out of a challenge at Gragg Advertising that many business owners have: the high cost of employee benefits, payroll, and human resources. CEO Gregory Gragg discovered the benefits of the PEO (professional employer organization) model. When he saw what a PEO model did for Gragg, he launched Lever1 to provide the same benefits to other small businesses. With just under 30 employees, Lever1 serves more than 90 clients. In 2018, Lever1 launched executive recruitment services as well. Lever1 also wants to launch their employees’ careers as well: they offer a 12-week leadership program and promote from within as the company grows.