Manhattan Referral Network

03/01/2025

Today we’re highlighting another one of our MRN members, David Janasek, Owner/Founder of Powercat Computers!

When it comes to IT, David knows the struggle small businesses and homeowners face:

Overpriced Services
Unreliable Support

That’s why he started Powercat Computers with a different approach. Instead of just fixing problems, he partners with clients to provide affordable, professional IT solutions tailored to their needs.

If you’re looking for someone who truly has your back, Powercat Computers is here to help!

Thank you for being part of MRN David!




📸 Companion Projects Media, LLC

02/25/2025

When is the last time you checked your insurance rates? We'd love to introduce you to someone who can help, meet today's Membership Spotlight Speaker, Ashley Urban!

A Topeka native, Ashley Urban, Principal at CURA Insurance moved to Manhattan in 2008 and has considered Manhattan home ever since. She attended Kansas State University where she graduated with her B.S. in Hospitality Management and a secondary degree in Gerontology. Having a strong passion for service and learning, she worked at Meadowlark Retirement Community from 2010 to 2016, where she took on many roles in several different areas. In late 2015, she began her transition into the insurance industry. In 2019, she and Michael Goodpasture co-founded CURA Insurance as an independent agency with a passion for philanthropy.

An important note: because CURA Insurance is an independent agency, they're not tied to just one carrier. That means she can shop around to find the best coverage and rates tailored specifically for your needs. Be sure to reach out to her before the stormy season hits! 🌪️

Thank you for speaking to the group today Ashley, we appreciate your insights into the insurance industry!




📷 Companion Projects Media, LLC

12/21/2024

Help us congratulate our MRN member Craig with Iron Gate Collective on 15 years in business!

Congratulations to Iron Gate Collective, Craig Lauppe and all of their employees for 15 years in Manhattan!

11/19/2024

Last month, MRN, had an incredible time at Aggieville Brewing Company for our membership social event! 🍻 We were treated to a behind-the-scenes tour led by their talented Head Brewer, Jacob Nixon, who shared fascinating insights into the art of brewing locally. It was amazing to learn about the craft while connecting with fellow members in a relaxed and fun setting. Networking doesn’t always have to be business, it’s also about building relationships and growing together as a community. Cheers to learning, laughing, and local brews! 🍺✨

Shoutout to our very own MRN member, Craig D. Lauppe CEO of Iron Gate Collective for sponsoring our event!

10/23/2024

At our recent meeting last week, Jordan Erickson, owner of Conceptualized Design dove into the world of web design, functionality, and SEO. With his expertise, he’s helping businesses improve their online presence and reach their target audiences more effectively.

Jordan shared insights into the platforms he uses to build high-performing websites that are both user-friendly and optimized for search engines. With a focus on modern design and seamless functionality, he ensures that each site not only looks great but also performs at its best!

From small businesses to larger brands, Jordan has earned the trust of a diverse range of clients to help boost their digital footprint. Whether you need a sleek new website or a full SEO audit, Conceptualized Design has the solutions to take your online presence to the next level. 🚀

Check out his work and see how he can help your business thrive online! 👇

10/09/2024

Member Spotlight! Edward Hansen, Trenchant Cyber! 🔒

Today, MRN had the pleasure of hearing Edward give an insightful presentation/training on protecting our digital lives! 💻 One of the standout tips? Using passphrases for enhanced security!

Instead of a traditional password, try using a memorable sentence like:
“I love to eat 22 tacos every 3 days!” 🌮😄 Not only is it fun, but it’s way harder to crack than a typical password!

More about Edward:

Edward Hansen, co-founder of Trenchant Cyber Security, is a distinguished US Navy and US Army Veteran with over 20 years of experience in technology and security. His vision? To bring top-tier, affordable security solutions to businesses of all sizes. Trenchant Cyber stands for dedication, experience, and a commitment to the welfare of the communities we serve.

Let’s make our online world safer together. If you have questions about cybersecurity, Edward is your go-to expert! 🛡️

Thank you Ed, we're Looking forward to getting our Cyber Security Certificates!

10/01/2024

We’re so proud to see our very own MRN member, Willie Thomas, leading an incredible financial literacy seminar! 🏆 Join him at ‘The Family Money Talk,’ where he’ll be sharing valuable insights on financial planning. This free event, sponsored by the Black Entrepreneurs of the Flint Hills and AMICUS Wealth Partners, is a fantastic opportunity to gain essential financial knowledge.

📅 Date: Thursday, October 24th
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
📍 Location: Douglass Recreation Center

Don’t miss out – bring your family and friends for an evening of empowerment!

09/27/2024

We’re so glad to see our support making an impact! It’s our pleasure to contribute to such a meaningful cause. 🎉 MRN isn’t just about networking, it’s about giving back and making a difference in our community.

We’re proud to say that a portion of our membership fees goes directly toward supporting local organizations, like Girls On the Run-Flint Hills 💖 It’s moments like these that remind us of the power of coming together to uplift the next generation.

Thank you for allowing us to be part of your mission! 💪👟👚

🎉 Happy Fri-YAY 🎉
We’re celebrating today thanks to a surprise donation from the Manhattan Referral Network ! 🙌 A month ago, we had the wonderful opportunity to share our mission with this incredible group, made up of many businesses that are helping make a difference in our community.

We are beyond grateful for their support of girls in our program! 💖 This donation couldn’t have come at a better time, as we just received a large number of requests for shoes and sports bras for girls this season. 👟👚

Thank you, Manhattan Referral Network, for empowering the next generation of strong, confident girls in our community!

09/27/2024

We had a fantastic time at our recent Speed Networking Event! 🎉 Five amazing guests joined us, and we had the opportunity to learn about their businesses while they got to meet our current members. It was a great way to connect, share insights, and build valuable relationships in the community. 🤝

A big thank you to our guests this week:

• Dr. Regan Tilley, Physician/Owner WHOLEhealth MHK
• Jake Lindsey, representing his Moving Company
• Grant Watkins, owner of MHK Made
• Connie Biggs, Personal Trainer at Orange Sky
• Jordan Howard, Massage Therapist MasonWells Day Spa

We appreciate everyone who attended and made this event a success. Looking forward to the next opportunity to connect and grow together! Stay tuned for more MRN events coming up!

09/20/2024

This week, we had the pleasure of hearing from Dr. Abby Williamson of Chase Life Chiropractic! Growing up in Minnesota, Dr. Abby always knew she wanted to be a chiropractor, and she pursued that passion with full dedication. After earning her Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College, Dr. Abby followed her husband to Manhattan when he was stationed at Fort Riley, where she decided that Chase Life Chiropractic was the best fit for her to practice. We’re so happy to have her in our community!

Dr. Abby specializes in neurological chiropractic care, with a focus on caring for pregnant women, infants, and children. Her approach centers on the body’s nervous system, ensuring that her patients receive comprehensive care for optimal health and development. Her passion for perinatal and pediatric care truly shines through, and it was inspiring to learn about the life-changing work she does every day. We’re proud to have Dr. Abby as part of the MRN family!

09/19/2024

Today was a fantastic day of connecting and collaborating with fellow MRN members at Flight Crew Coffee! ☕️

We had the pleasure of sitting down for some 1-to-1s, and while each of our conversations were separate, our meetings overlapped a bit – which led to this photo! It’s incredible how much we can learn from each other’s backgrounds, and how our unique skills can help support one another.

These meetups are more than just conversations – they’re about building partnerships, growing our businesses, and strengthening our community. That’s the spirit of MRN!

Excited for what’s ahead as we continue to grow together!

Be sure to check out and support our businesses!

Ashley Urban - CURA Insurance
Jordan Erickson - Conceptualized Design
Marlin Watson - Companion Projects Media, LLC

09/17/2024

Are you ready to grow your business and connect with a community of like-minded entrepreneurs? Join us for our upcoming Networking & Recruitment Event!

🗓 Date: Tuesday, September 24th
🕥 Time: 11:30 AM
📍 Location: Conference Room behind Rockin K's

What to Expect:
- Delicious lunch to kick things off
- Attend our meeting
- Speed networking

Whether you’re looking to expand your network, refer business to others, or simply meet new friends in the community, this event is for YOU!

Interested? Send us a direct message to RSVP and secure your spot. If you love what you see, we invite you to apply for membership and become a part of our supportive network.

We can’t wait to meet you and grow together!

🎥 Companion Projects Media, LLC

09/16/2024

Looking to expand your business? Join us for our Speed Networking Recruitment Event on Sept. 24th. Details below!

09/11/2024

This week, MRN had the pleasure of holding our meeting at VALOR Automotive - Junction City, where Brea, one of their top sales agents, (and MRN member) gave us an insightful tour of the dealership!

We got an inside look at how Valor stays at the forefront of the automotive industry, from their impressive sales process to the detailed layout of the dealership. One of the standout points was learning about the high cost and dedication involved in training technicians—it’s clear that Valor invests in their team to ensure top-notch service for every customer.

Their well-organized, spotless workshop reflects their commitment to efficiency and safety. Valor’s use of cutting-edge technology keeps them at the forefront of the industry.

At MRN, we love connecting with local businesses and sharing valuable insights. It’s all about helping each other grow and succeed! Please reach out if you'd like to be a part of our group!

03/11/2024

Looking to grow your business and get more involved in the Manhattan community?

If you’re looking to connect with more like-minded business professionals with the goal of networking, passing referrals and growing your business, we would love for you to check out our referral group! Stop on by, socialize, and network on March 19th from 3:30pm-5:30pm at Kites, come and go as you can. Please RSVP to [email protected]

Please reach out to us for more information as spots are limited. Currently, we are looking for professionals in the following areas:
Commercial Insurance, Videography, Photography, Pooper Scooper, Home Inspector, Plumber, Electrician, Massage/Spa, Chiropractor, Property Management, House Cleaner, Nonprofit, Tree Trimmer, Carpet Cleaning, Other Prior Members, Health Insurance, Employee Benefits, HVAC, Financial Planner, Bookkeeper, Gym/Health/Wellness, Landscaping, Office Supplies, Counseling, Physical Therapy, Car Detailing, Pest Control, Window tint/signs, Pet Sitter.

01/22/2024

Congrats Matthew!

Today we recognize and celebrate Loan Officer Matthew Clarke on his 15th work anniversary! Besides being a great supporter of small business organizations from Topeka to Manhattan, Matthew is very involved in his kids' 4-H animal projects as well as coaching basketball.

As a lender, his service to his customers goes beyond just banking. He meets customers for loan closings at their home, place of business, at lunch or whatever works best for them. He also assists the majority of Silver Lake Bank 's Spanish-speaking Hispanic loan customers. If you haven't yet met Matthew, you'll remember him as the guy that you, literally, had to look up to. He stands 6'4" and is unmistakable at SLB's Lunch to Go events!

Though Matthew is a man of few words, we coaxed a few out of him to tell his own story:

What positions have you held since you started at SLB?
Credit Analyst and Loan Officer

What do you enjoy most about working at SLB?
The most enjoyable part of my job is getting to work with our customers and helping them achieve their goals. We have a lot of great people who bank with us, and I appreciate the opportunity to get to know them through the time I have been here.

Why would you recommend working/banking at Silver Lake Bank?
I recommend banking with Silver Lake Bank because they are true family-owned small business. I come from a family that has owned a small business and I appreciate their philosophy of customer service and flexibility they give to their employees.

10/03/2023

If you’re looking to connect with more like-minded business professionals with the goal of networking, passing referrals and growing your business, we would love for you to check out our referral group! Stop on by, socialize, and network on October 10th from 4pm-5:30pm at Goolsby’s.

Please reach out to us for more information as spots are limited. Currently, we are looking for professionals in the following areas:

Commercial Insurance, Videography, Photography, Pooper Scooper, Home Inspector, Plumber, Electrician, Massage/Spa, Chiropractor, Property Management, House Cleaner, Nonprofit, Tree Trimmer, Carpet Cleaning, Other Prior Members, Health Insurance, Employee Benefits, HVAC, Financial Planner, Bookkeeper, Gym/Health/Wellness, Landscaping, Office Supplies, Counseling, Physical Therapy, Car Detailing, Pest Control, Window tint/signs, Pet Sitter.

03/25/2023

Looking to grow your business and get more involved in the Manhattan community? Join us on April 4th to learn more about Manhattan Referral Network. Come and go as you can from 3p – 5p. Please RSVP to [email protected]