Credit Union’s Overland Park Headquarters Welcomes Hundreds of Entrepreneurs
Mazuma Credit Union enthusiastically hosted entrepreneurs and small business owners from across the Kansas City metropolitan area and beyond as they attended an open casting call for ABC’s Shark Tank late last week. The Credit Union provided the community room in its spacious, modern Overland Park Headquarters for aspiring contestants to gather and pitch Shark Tank producers in hopes of appearing on the hit TV program.
Hundreds of innovators from across the country lined up as early as 4:00am for their chance to bring national recognition to their products. Welcomed by teams from Mazuma and Shark Tank, they brought an infectious energy of anticipation, drive, and determination as they prepared to wow the producers with a 1-minute pitch.
“It’s a really exciting day for us,” said Kurt Niemackl, Founder and Owner of Kurt’s Bars, an oat-based energy and endurance bar available in several flavors. “As a small businessowner here in the middle of the country, it means a lot to have the opportunity to reach a bigger audience. And the location was so convenient!”
Michelle Wood, Mazuma’s Chief Culture Officer, remarked that “The opportunity to partner with Shark Tank is meaningful for us as a people-driven, not-for-profit financial institution that supports small businesses. These entrepreneurs and innovators, many of them from Kansas City, bring such an incredible energy and forward-motion to our community. It’s been wonderful to share our space with them today.”
Mazuma is passionate about uplifting the local business owners and entrepreneurs that contribute so much to the Kansas City community. Their Small Business Banking and Treasury Management Teams were on hand to discuss the products and services that can help businesses grow and thrive.
After a day buzzing with energy and excitement, the hundreds of hopefuls are eagerly awaiting news of their next steps from Shark Tank producers. As for the Credit Union, Wood says “We’re rooting for everyone, and we hope we’ll see some familiar faces on Shark Tank soon!”