Taliaferro and Browne engineers, one of Kansas City’s largest minority-owned multidisciplinary firms, was announced last week as one of 10 finalist for the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business of the Year or Mr. K Award.
To be named Small Business of the Year signifies that a company has shown growth or sustainability of their business with strong employee relations, a commitment to DEI initiatives, and a record of giving back to the community.
Taliaferro and Browne was selected to advance from more than 70 candidates for the award and they are one of just four companies selected to advance in the competition for the second consecutive year.
To be named Small Business of the Year signifies that a company has shown growth or sustainability of their business with strong employee relations, a commitment to DEI initiatives, and a record of giving back to the community.
“Small businesses remain the driving force of Kansas City’s economy, and we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate this year’s Top 10,” said Joe Reardon, president and CEO of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce. “From showcasing award candidates in front of the community to honoring the Top 10, this celebration is all about lifting up the entrepreneurs who fuel our region.”
In 2024, Taliaferro and Browne won the chamber’s Equity Award.
“Our company is the most diverse engineering firm in Kansas City,” said Leonard Graham, Taliaferro and Browne president.. “We believe in people’s individuality in terms of where they are, where they come from, what their race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation is, and we believe in respect; that’s the bottom line for us.”
In 2023, Parrish & Sons – President and Founder Fahteema Parrish – became the first Black woman-owned business to win the Small Business of the Year award. She won after being nominated for multiple years and the year after winning the Small Business Equity Award. Her path to the top might bode well for Taliaferro and Browne.
About Taliaferro and Browne
Founded 1968, Taliaferro and Browne has been instrumental in shaping the region’s infrastructure and urban landscape for over five decades. The firm is led by Graham and CEO Hagos Andebrhan, both alumni of the University of Missouri–Kansas City.
The firms services includes: Civil and Structural Engineering, landscape Architecture, Surveying and field services (inspection, monitoring, and testing)
Under their guidance, T&B has contributed to significant projects such as the redevelopment of Union Station, the IRS Regional Service Center, renovations of Arrowhead and Kauffman stadiums, the Kauffman Performing Arts Center, and Berkley Riverfront Park. Notably, they played a pivotal role in the new Kansas City International Airport terminal project, serving as the lead landside civil engineer and managing a team of eight subconsultant companies.
Other Finalists
The 10 businesses in the running for Small Business of the Year or the “Mr. K Award” — named for iconic Kansas City entrepreneur Ewing Marion Kauffman are:
Café Corazón — Kansas City’s premier, family-owned Latin and indigenous coffee shop that serves ethically sourced coffee, food, and teas.
Cenetric Network Services — An Olathe-based service provider that delivers industry-leading managed IT, cybersecurity, and cloud solutions for small and mid-sized businesses.
DMC Service, Inc. — A Kansas City-based HVAC and plumbing service contractor.
Fresco Marketing — A multicultural, full-service agency that helps brands build authentic connections with diverse audiences through innovative storytelling and culturally resonant campaigns.
Holland 1916 — The North Kansas City business is comprised of three segments: Holland Nameplate provides custom metal nameplates; Holland Interface Solutions provides custom touchscreens, keypads, and overlays; and Holland RFID provides durable RFID tags for hard-use asset tracking.
IBC Carpentry and Traffic — A commercial carpentry construction and traffic control service company that focuses on building high-end trim carpentry and keeping the roads around your facility safe.
Perfect Promotions — A merchandising agency that handles everything from small custom designed promotions to major product launches.
Resolve Counseling & Wellness — A mental health and therapy group practice in Kansas City.
Woodside Health Club — Kansas City’s premier luxury health club.
The Small Business of the Year winner is set to be announced June 17 at the Small Business Awards Luncheon, at the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center, 2345 McGee St.
Click here to get tickets to the event, which is recognized as one of the largest small business celebrations in the country.In addition to the Mr. K award, specialty awards also will be presented at the June luncheon, including:
The KC Chamber Emerging Business Award
The KC Chamber Small Business Equity Award
The KC Chamber Weida Award for International Small Business of the Year
The KC Chamber Legacy of Kansas City Award
The KC Chamber Luminary Arts & Creative Small Business Award
Startland News contributed to this story.