Professional Services

EJ’s Sportscards and Collectibles

Passion for sports cards turned business: connecting collectors and fueling the thrill of the hunt Article by Amanda Knowland | Photography by Lindsey Wagers For Eric Finck, business and passion go hand in hand. By day, he’s a Farmers Insurance agency owner, helping people navigate their insurance needs. But outside the office, his lifelong love of sports collecting has led to his second venture—EJ’s Sportscards and Collectibles, a space where collectors buy, sell, and trade memorabilia. A...

Life + Culture

Investing in the Community

How Advisors Excel is Breathing New Life into West Ridge Mall Article by Amanda Knowland | Photography by Lindsey Wagers Since 1988, West Ridge Mall has been an integral part of Topeka’s retail scene. More than a shopping destination, it was a gathering place, a space for shared experiences, and, in some cases, the backdrop to a love story. Now, thanks to the vision and investment of Advisors Excel (AE), the mall is poised for a remarkable revival - a transformation that will not only impact...

Arts + Culture

The Art of Investing

Finding Beauty and Value in Topeka’s Local Art Galleries Article by Kelsey Huber | Photography by Kristol Kumar When it comes to investing, most people think of stocks, real estate, or retirement funds. But in the heart of Topeka, two gallery owners see art as an investment with its own unique rewards—both financial and deeply personal. Stephen Smith of Stephen Smith Gallery and Bob Swain of Beauchamp's Art Gallery believe that while art can hold monetary value, its greatest return comes in...

Real Estate

McFarland Farm

A Lasting Tribute Article by Kelsey Huber | Photography by First Showing Photography To truly appreciate the rich history of McFarland Farm, one must go back nearly a century to the early days of Topeka. The previous owner of the land and patriarch of the McFarland family was Dr. Kenneth McFarland, a nationally renowned speaker and Kansas native. He earned a bachelor's degree from Pittsburg State College of Kansas in 1927, followed by a master’s degree from Columbia University in 1931 and a...