Downtown Lee’s Summit has become a destination that reflects the culture of this community and why Lee’s Summit is an ideal place to live, work and raise a family. We caught up with four downtown business owners to hear about their businesses, why they love downtown and how they serve the community.
Julia Hampton of Julia E. Hampton, CPA
“I love Lee’s Summit because it feels like a small town even though it has a population of 100,000. Our downtown is made up of small business owners who care about residents and supporting each other. I love the progress Lee’s Summit is making with the bike trail, new downtown apartments and additional shopping and restaurants.
Community involvement is important because residents need know what is happening in the town and work together to make it a place where everyone wants to live. I have been active with the Lee’s Summit Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Lee’s Summit Main Street, Velocity Lee’s Summit and the Rotary Club of Lee’s Summit.”
Hamptoncpa.net
Ian O’Connell of Salon Metric:
“My wife and I started our business started in 2012 because we wanted to create a comfortable yet high-end salon experience offering the best services and staff in Lee's Summit. We have two sons, and we support their school - Longview Farm Elementary. Teachers and staff play incredibly important roles for our children in the community.
I am on the Board of Directors for the Downtown Lee’s Summit Community Improvement District. It's an important role, being part of the downtown community and witnessing it grow and flourish while improving the district. The character of the buildings as well as the culture and the comraderies of the businesses is incredible.”
Salonmetric.com
Dennis Bacon of Beyond Wealth Advisors (formerly Bacon Financial Advisors):
“Our financial planning practice is starting our rebranding to Beyond Wealth Advisors because we have expanded our scope as we have grown and added more advisors. We love being in the downtown area because the vibe is very relaxed and comfortable while still exuding excellence of service.
If I were to define the focus of our local ‘giving back,’ it would be in the area of developing strong character in our youth and helping those that are at risk. Currently we are working with Pro Deo, Coldwater, Hillcrest Ministries and our individual local churches. Team members also serve in board of directors or advisory boards for Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Summit Christian Academy, Rachel House and Freedom Hoops.”
BaconFa.com
Tim Denker of Denker Law Firm:
“Upon moving my firm to downtown Lee's Summit in 2012, I immediately fell in love with getting to work in and experience everything downtown has to offer. Having watched the revitalization and growth that is well supported by both the residential and business community, it is difficult to even consider somewhere else.
I am the Chairman of the Board for Velocity Lee's Summit, and I am also serving as the Co-Chair of the Lee's Summit Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. These organizations each provide a positive and significant impact to the growth, strength and sustainability of the business community. I have previously served on the advisory board for the Lee's Summit Educational Foundation, and my oldest is enjoying kindergarten at Summit Christian Academy, where I volunteer.”
Denkerlawfirm.com
Whether its serving with the chamber of commerce or through local churches, downtown business owners understand their community responsibilities aren’t done at the end of the work day.