We are honored to share the stories of men who are making a significant impact in Manhattan. Each of these men has a powerful story to tell. We are grateful to share a small glimpse into their lives and the work they do to make Manhattan a better place.
Jordan Smith
Head Coach, K-State Women's Tennis
Becoming a full-time tennis coach wasn't initially in Jordan Smith's playbook. After graduating from University of Memphis, his sights were set on practicing law. Reflecting on the unexpected turn of events, Smith recalls, "When I was graduating, they offered me a full-time job and I thought okay, it's not a bad deal to save up and make some money now. I can just defer for a year, and then I just kind of fell into it a little more.”
Relocating from his hometown of Memphis to Manhattan to assume the coaching position at K-State, Jordan encountered a community uniquely dedicated to their university. He observes, “What surprised me the most is that everyone here, for the most part, is all in on K-State and there’s no thinking twice about it.”
Now in his ninth year leading the Wildcats' tennis program, Jordan imparts invaluable wisdom to his athletes, urging them to embrace challenges fearlessly. “Don’t be afraid,” he advises. “You never know [when] that the one thing that you thought was so scary [will be] the thing that probably helps you succeed the most.”
Ben Sigle and Trey Vernon
Founders, Manhattan Running Company
Ben Sigle and Trey Vernon, the duo behind Manhattan Running Company, have a long history. Hailing from neighboring towns in Kansas—Sigle from Riley and Vernon from Fort Scott—their paths first crossed in their senior year of high school.
After pursuing their respective business degrees from Oklahoma State, they transformed their shared passion for running into a tangible venture in 2008. Reflecting on their decision to establish Manhattan Running Company, Sigle remarks, "When you try to find something you want to do the rest of your life, you just try to find something you're passionate about. And [for us] that was running and shoes.”
Their entrepreneurial spirit didn't stop there. In 2011, the duo embarked on another venture, founding Red Dirt Race Management. Vernon noted the evolution of their roles within their growing businesses, stating, "We've grown to where we're more leading our staff. I think as we've changed and evolved from being the people who did everything for me now guiding those people to see our vision and take that and run with it.”
Dylan Roberts
Owner, Campus Barbershop
Dylan Roberts, the seasoned barber at Campus Barbershop, is renowned as the exclusive barber for many in the Little Apple. His journey began early, cutting hair for friends on his front porch in Norwich, Kansas. Opting out of a traditional four-year college, Dylan graduated high school early and pursued his passion at the Old Town Barber College in Wichita at just 17 years old.
Upon moving to Manhattan, Dylan found his way to Campus Barbershop through a friend's recommendation. Under the mentorship of then-owner Roger Allerheiligen, Dylan honed his craft. When Roger retired in 2014, Dylan took the helm, becoming the shop's proud owner and operator.
Beyond his exceptional haircuts, Dylan provides patrons with warm camaraderie and engaging conversations. With a blend of technical skill, personality, and generosity, Dylan Roberts has become a beloved fixture at Campus Barbershop, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who sits in his chair.
Judge Meryl Wilson
Senior Judge & Retired 21st Judicial District Chief Judge
Born and raised in Manhattan, Judge Meryl Wilson has distinguished himself for his exceptional involvement in the community. As a student at K-State during the Vietnam War, Wilson joined the ROTC. After serving in the Army, he decided to attend Washburn University School of Law, his interest in law sparked by witnessing his grandfather's legal practice in Alma.
His legal career flourished in Manhattan, where he and his wife Nancy raised six children, five of whom graduated from K-State. His dedication to the community extended beyond his law practice; he served on the Manhattan-Ogden School Board for nine years and was appointed by Governor Graves as a judge. As a senior judge, he currently covers the entire state, stepping in when local judges are unavailable.
A highlight of his career was setting up a teen court to address juvenile detention issues. He empowered high school students to decide the consequences for their peers, promoting community service and accountability.
Johnny Taylor
Vice President, Serrano Group
Johnny Taylor is on a mission to transform the lives of young people, believing that the Job Corps can serve as a powerful tool for change. He describes it as a “zip code changer,” offering disadvantaged youth the opportunity to break the cycle of poverty by providing them with skills for well-paying jobs. Johnny's dedication to this cause stems from his own experiences growing up in Gainesville, Florida, where he faced poverty firsthand.
Johnny's journey led him to Kansas Wesleyan University on a football scholarship, where he earned his Bachelor’s in Education. After moving to Manhattan with his wife, Debra, Johnny initially pursued a career in teaching and coaching. However, his passion for helping at-risk youth led him to the Manhattan Job Corps, where he eventually became a program director, a position he held for a decade. In 2021, he was promoted to Vice President of Job Corps Operations for the Serrano Group.
In his current role, Johnny oversees several Job Corps centers, including a newly established aviation mechanic program in Texas. Throughout his career, Johnny has served as a mentor and role model, inspiring young people to overcome obstacles and pursue their dreams.
Dr. Mike Hamler
Chiropractor, Alternative Health Care
Dr. Hamler's journey into chiropractic care began after he was in a car accident at the age of 16, when he experienced firsthand the benefits of chiropractic treatment. Through osteopathic spinal manipulation by his family doctor, he experienced immediate relief. This experience ignited a passion within him, solidifying his decision to pursue chiropractic as a career. A Kansas City, Kansas-native, Dr. Hamler moved to Manhattan to work under the mentorship of Dr. Wertin at Alternative Health Care, who employed an innovative approach for precise spinal adjustments utilizing a handheld instrument.
Over the past 35 years, Dr. Hamler has found great joy and purpose in his work, as he has seen patients achieve reduced pain and improved mobility. He tailors his treatment plans to meet each patient's unique needs, using a holistic approach to address underlying, often interconnected issues.
Things have come full circle for Dr. Hamler, as two of the doctors at Alternative Healthcare, Dr. Zabel and Dr. Pearson, were both patients in the clinic when they were in high school.
Thinking of the future, Dr. Hamler says, “As I step down or work less, the younger docs will take [the practice] over. That would be what I would love to see.”
Jeremy Meek & Ray Hanning
Founders, Top Shelf CBD
Jeremy Meek's journey from a curious college student to a CBD entrepreneur began in 1998 during his first year at Kansas State University. Intrigued by CBD's potential benefits, Jeremy wrote a research paper on the topic.
Despite initial skepticism from others, he harbored a dream of opening his own store while he built a career in the social services fields. In 2022, Ray Hanning, Jeremy’s friend since childhood, made a pivotal call to Jeremy, asking if he still wanted to open a CBD shop.
Together, Jeremy and Ray navigated the challenges of starting a new business, but the outcome has been worth it. For Ray, the shop has brought a newfound sense of purpose, as he helps customers find relief from health issues. He shares, “You have no idea how many people have problems with sleep. I'm glad that we can provide that relief.”
Owning a business in Manhattan has special significance for both Jeremy. He says, “My family's here, I went to school and college here, and I got married in this town. To have a business and be able to give back to the community that you grew up in. I think it is pretty special.”