Thinking Bigger’s 25 Under 25 Award Winners Revealed

‘Tis the season for celebrations, and 25 area small businesses have one more reason to celebrate.

An independent panel of judges has selected the honorees for Thinking Bigger Business Media Inc.’s 25 Under 25 Awards. These are Kansas City-area for-profit businesses that have been in operation for at least three years and have fewer than 25 full-time (or full-time equivalent) employees.

The purpose of this award is to recognize outstanding small businesses, which are critical to the economy: 89.4 percent of U.S. businesses have 20 or fewer employees, according to 2014 U.S. Census data.

25 Under 25 Award

For this award, companies are judged on financial stability, ability to overcome adversity and challenges, community involvement, distinguishing or defining characteristics, and company vision.

Winners will be recognized at a black-tie dinner and gala Feb. 24 at the Kansas City Marriott Downtown Muehlebach Tower. Tickets go on sale Jan. 1. For tickets and other information about the gala and awards, visit www.25under25.com.

2018 Winners

Here are the winners of the 17th annual 25 Under 25 Awards:

  • Adams Dairy Bank
  • Cherry
  • Code Koalas
  • DMC Service, Inc.
  • Freedom Interiors
  • FSC, Inc.
  • Good Energy Solutions, Inc.
  • Happy Food Co.
  • High Prairie Landscape Group
  • Kansas City Foot and Ankle | Heel Pain Center of Kansas City
  • KC Crew
  • KC Restoration, LLC
  • Meridian Business Services LLC
  • Midwest Sport Productions
  • Morgan Miller Plumbing
  • MTI Events
  • Network Innovations Inc.
  • Notes to Self
  • Partners N Promotion
  • Pioneer Music
  • Prineta
  • SureHosting Internet Solutions, Inc.
  • Sydney’s Pet Spa
  • Thirsty Coconut
  • Wide Awake Films

Entrepreneurial Legacy Award

A pair of entrepreneurs also will be honored at the event. This year’s honorees for the Entrepreneurial Legacy Award will be Joe and Judy Roetheli, founders of S&M NuTec LLC and creators of Greenies pet treats. They also founded The Roetheli Lil’ Red Foundation, which focuses on assisting developing nations, pet therapy, entrepreneurship and inspirational stories. The legacy award salutes the city’s most enduring business leaders who have made a lasting impact on the entrepreneurial community. Read more about the Roethelis here.