Dan Smith
Dan Smith MBA grew up on the east side of Kansas City, which is one reason he takes such pride in his community and is working hard to create a better tomorrow for the city.
Dan initially met his Co-Founder Charon Thompson of The Porter House KC as kids in a Linwood YMCA program, but they became close in college through their fraternity. After completing his undergrad, Dan received his MBA and worked various corporate jobs.
During that time, he was also a member of the 100 Black Men of greater Kansas City, a girls’ basketball coach at University Academy, and a serial entrepreneur. His last FTE was at the Full Employment Council, Inc., as an Equal Opportunity Officer.
Toward the end of his tenure at Full Employment, he and Charon started The Porter House KC (PHKC) in 2017.
They started PHKC to provide for under-served and underrepresented communities and give entrepreneurs access to start, grow, and thrive in business. It was their goal to become the bridge between underrepresented companies and their key to entrepreneurial success.
PHKC focused on two primary groups in underserved populations: Individuals interested in starting a business or existing businesses between zero to three years old.
They provide multiple programs that help connect entrepreneurs to mentors, grow soft skills, learn management techniques, problem-solving, accounting, legalities, strategic planning, and everything else that goes into opening and running a successful business.
One of their programs, the Alchemy Sandbox, has funded 20 local entrepreneurs since launching in January 2022. The program was made possible by a $350,000 grant from UMB Bank, which awards $5,000 grants to entrepreneurs.
Outside of running PHKC, Dan is also an Adjunct Instructor at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and sits on several boards, including Reconciliation Services, Latino Arts Foundation, and St. Lukes’s South Hospital.
He previously sat on The Sewing Labs board. His good friend started Black Drip Coffee in March 2020, and he has assisted in its development. As they describe it, it is "wake me up coffee" that you need to start your day. It brings you energy and motivation to grind and hustle every day.
His commitment to community growth and the small business ecosystem are just a few reasons why he will continue to put his stamp on the future of KC. PHKC and Dan have done fantastic work to date, but I know the best is yet to come, and the entrepreneurs they can help will create a ripple effect on KC.
To learn more about The Porter House KC or Black Drip Coffee, visit their website.
Website: theporterhousekc.com and blackdripcoffee.com