Before forming Social: Managed., David Alexander owned a website design firm in Kansas City that was ranked one of the best in Kansas City by Ingram Magazine. His firm had constructed more than 1,000 websites in the Kansas City area before he sold his shares to start a solo venture. That venture became Social: Managed., a full digital agency with a mission to provide customers with a seamless marketing experience across all of their digital assets.

Social: Managed. has been located in Louisburg for over four years. As a Louisburg High School alumni, Alexander wanted to give back to his hometown and bring jobs to the local community, “Many commute into the city and I knew there was a lot of talent I could pull from and keep them here in town. Most of my employees are from Louisburg and Paola.” 

That decision has paid off in 2018 when Social: Managed. was ranked in the Top 100 Social Media Marketing Agencies in the United States by UpCity.com. “That was unexpected and a game changer,” Alexander said. “Since then we have grown rapidly and now ranked in to Top 100 in multiple categories. In March we were awarded the 2020 National Excellence Award over 32,000 other agencies. It has been a fun ride, and I can’t wait to see what 2021 has in store for us.”

The company’s growing list of accolades is a sign of the talent behind the scenes. Their video production division has won seven Emmys and 13 Emmy nominations. Alexander noted that their success in attracting top industry professionals is down to commitment. “I could not have the team I have today or the awards we have if I did not reinvest in the company,” he said.

For any entrepreneurs looking to build their own start-up, Alexander has some advice, "Take as little money out of the company as you can to survive for the first two years. Invest in your business and employees. By year three, you will be able to reap the benefits of the structure you have built.” 

His key takeaway is more simple:"Trust in yourself and invest in your dream."

To learn more about the Social: Managed. visit their website at www.socialmanaged.com or follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/socialmanaged.

                         PooPrints is a program utilized by Yarco, Blackhawk’s property management company, to keep public spaces tidy from pet waste. Here’s how it works: When tenants move into the apartment community, a DNA swab is taken from their dog’s mouth. That sample is then kept on file. When a pile of unpleasantness is found by maintenance staff or property managers in public areas, a sample is collected and sent off to a laboratory for testing. If the test comes back with a match in the community, the owner is then fined for not cleaning up after their pet. 

Now used at other properties managed by Yarco, the program was started in the Blackhawk community after residents kept encountering large amounts of pet waste, according to Brenda York-Keegan, community manager. Now, they’re virtually poop-free. 

“It’s been a good thing because now people walk their dogs. They know if they don’t pick up the waste, and we find it, there’s a financial consequence,” York-Keegan said. “It keeps the grounds looking nicer for all residents.” 

With phase two of the apartment community nearing completion, a pet-free building could be in the works, York-Keegan said. Of the complex’s seven buildings, one would be for tenants with pet allergies or for persons who wish to not be around pets. But York-Keegan said pets are popular in the community with about 85 percent of their residents owning either a cat or a dog. 

Another area of innovation that Blackhawk Apartment Homes excels in comes in the form of deliveries. The complex has a program called Parcel Pending. This allows residents to have their online purchases delivered to a locker area that is accessible by code at any time. After a package is delivered, the resident receives a unique code by phone or email to unlock a specific locker and retrieve their package.

“It’s been a really popular thing because of the convenience for the residents,” York-Keegan said. “They get their packages when they need them; and the items are not be sitting out there for someone to just grab and run. 

“I definitely believe it’s been a good thing for Spring Hill and the area. I believe that Grant Merritt [the developer of the project] has given Spring Hill a nice product, a very good product.” 

To learn more about the high-end, affordable apartment complex in Spring Hill, visit Blackhawk’s website at www.liveatblackhawk.com

Be Well Spa is an environmentally friendly and health conscious business that offers natural nail, face and body care treatments. The professionals at Be Well Spa use products that are free from harsh chemicals and odors. The makeup and skincare used on clients are made with organic ingredients. While skin treatments use the results-driven, non-toxic brand ClarityRX. Customer can even purchase a treatment kit to continue at-home care as well. 

Jenn Gant, Be Well Spa’s owner, recently sat down with the Paola Chamber of Commerce to discuss what makes her business so unique.

Q: How and why did you get started in the spa industry? 

A:  My best friend’s mother owned a salon in a small town, and I was instantly inspired!  

Q: How long have you been in business?

A: I opened for business on February 4, 2020. 

Q: Why did you choose Paola to have Be Well Spa in?

A: My family and I are proud to call Paola home and I love the small-town feel and the town square.  I wanted to bring a resort style spa with affordable prices to Miami County.  It was a perfect match!  

Q: What's your most memorable moment in your business so far?  

A: Unfortunately, it is being forced to shut down for COVID.

Q: What's an interesting fact most people do not know, or what is a product or service you offer that people may be surprised to learn about?   

A:  We perform waterless manicures and pedicures.  Clients soak in a warm Keratin treatment instead of a water bath. This is environmentally friendly and is more sanitary.  

Q: What advice do you have for someone starting out in business? 

A: Do it because you love what you do!  Never stop learning, take classes, and continue to improve yourself, your services or your business.   

Customers can make an appointment by phone at 913-259-5009, or through their website at www.vagaro.com/bewellspa. Currently Be Well Spa’s hours are Tuesday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Wednesday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Be Well Spa continues to innovate and improve their business by adding new services and features, with the their latest additions including yoga classes and a complimentary wine spritzer or mimosa with spa services. Space is limited so book an appointment today