BNI- Chapter One

BNI- Chapter One As the oldest and most established BNI chapter in KCMO, we’ve been helping businesses grow and thrive for decades.

BNI (Business Network International) is the world’s leading business referral organization.

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of one of our longtime and deeply valued members, Gregg Cheshire.Gregg...
05/05/2026

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of one of our longtime and deeply valued members, Gregg Cheshire.

Gregg was the owner and heart behind Cheshire Automotive in Merriam, Kansas. He was known throughout the community not only for his incredible knowledge of cars and motor vehicles, but for something even more meaningful—his kindness, generosity, and unmistakable presence.

If you’ve ever attended one of our meetings, you likely remember Gregg as one of the first to arrive, ready to greet everyone with a smile. He had a gift for making people feel welcome and seen, and an uncanny ability to brighten even the earliest mornings. Whether he was reminding us (again) about routine car maintenance or sharing his well-known disdain for potholes, he did it in a way that made people laugh and listen.

There isn’t a single person in our chapter—past or present—who hasn’t been impacted by Gregg in some way. He showed up for people. He cared deeply. And that kind of presence leaves a lasting mark.

Gregg is survived by his wife of 32 years, Evelyn, his four children, his grandchildren, and many others who loved him dearly.

He will be deeply missed by our chapter and our community for a long time to come.

Service arrangement details will be shared once they are made available.

If you have any memories or photos of Gregg you would like to share, we encourage you to do so in the comments. We would love nothing more than to hear about all the lives he has impacted throughout the years.

A number of our members have been nomiated for The Pitch Kansas City's Best of Kansas City Awards!We appreciate the oppo...
05/01/2026

A number of our members have been nomiated for The Pitch Kansas City's Best of Kansas City Awards!

We appreciate the opportunity to be recognized by our community and could use your help. You can only vote once per email, so here are some of the businesses that could use your vote!

Voting Guide:

Auto Service/Repair (Cheshire Automotive)
(https://vote.thepitchkc.com/goods-and-services/best-auto-service-repair)

Computer/IT (Allo Business)
(https://vote.thepitchkc.com/goods-and-services/best-computer-it-services)

Contractor (Restoration 1 of KC)
(https://vote.thepitchkc.com/goods-and-services/best-contractor)

Electrician (TrueVolt Electric)
(https://vote.thepitchkc.com/goods-and-services/best-electrician)

Financial Planning (The Hollub & Svejda Group at RBC Wealth Management)
(https://vote.thepitchkc.com/goods-and-services/best-financial-planning)

Insurance (Brian Rauber at Pennant Insurance Agency)
(https://vote.thepitchkc.com/goods-and-services/best-insurance-agent-name-agency)

Lawyer (Van Osdol)
(https://vote.thepitchkc.com/goods-and-services/best-law-firm-lawyer)

Loan Officer (Ryan Underwood,)
(https://vote.thepitchkc.com/goods-and-services/best-loan-officer)

Local Moving (You Move Me)
(https://vote.thepitchkc.com/goods-and-services/best-local-moving-company)

Plumbing (Bristol Plumbing LLC)
(https://vote.thepitchkc.com/goods-and-services/best-plumbing)

Real Estate Agent (Kelli Becks Group,)
(https://vote.thepitchkc.com/goods-and-services/best-real-estate-agent)

Roofer (Iconic Home Renovations)
(https://vote.thepitchkc.com/goods-and-services/best-roofer-roofing-company)

Local Charity (Center of Grace)
(https://vote.thepitchkc.com/people-and-places/best-local-charity)

Contrast Therapy (Plunge House - Leawood)
(https://vote.thepitchkc.com/health-and-fitness/best-contrast-therapy)

Used Car (Reynolds Automotive LLC)
(https://vote.thepitchkc.com/shopping/best-place-to-buy-a-used-car)

Podcast (The Substance)
(https://vote.thepitchkc.com/arts-and-entertainment/best-local-podcast)

04/29/2026

Saturday our BNI had our Spring social hosted by Zack Segura and his wife Shonda of Iconic Home Renovations.

We always love the opportunity to relax and spend time with one another, especially when our weeks are all so busy with work and the amazing referrals we pass within the group!

Want to see some of these smiling faces more often? Join us every Thursday morning!

That’s our bookkeeper! HB Business SolutionsThis presentation falls into our ‘Favorites’ category!
04/24/2026

That’s our bookkeeper!

HB Business Solutions

This presentation falls into our ‘Favorites’ category!

This week's featured speaker was none other than our usual greeter, Gregg Cheshire of Cheshire Automotive.Seen here with...
04/17/2026

This week's featured speaker was none other than our usual greeter, Gregg Cheshire of Cheshire Automotive.

Seen here with member Kristie Svejda and friend of the chapter, Laran Dighton, Gregg and his team work hard to ensure their customers’ vehicles are safe for all of Kansas City’s road conditions and beyond.

Understanding that many people rely on their cars for work and to transport the things that matter most to them, like their loved ones, Gregg’s team leaves nothing to chance. His team gives honest feedback with your best interest in mind.

One BNI member shares, “I don’t know anything about cars and because of that, I often avoid having to confront getting work done on my vehicle. After taking my car to one place for an inspection, Gregg’s team pointed out how the other automotive shop was just going to put a band-aid on the problem I was having rather than address the major issue, which would have led to bigger problems down the road. He has made sure my daughter and I can get around safely on more than one occasion and has brought me so much peace of mind. I can’t imagine going anywhere else.”

Thank you for all you do, Gregg!

If you want to meet Gregg and Kristie, you can at next week’s meeting Thursday morning!

04/13/2026

What is our vision for this room?

To fill it!

With incredible business owners and representatives from around the Kansas City metro.

We have loved seeing the support and relationships that have come out of this space, and we would love for you to be apart of it.

Join us every Thursday morning. You can learn more by visiting the link in the comments.

This week’s spotlight was on Caleb Blankenship of Blankslate FitnessCaleb is not only the owner of Body Shop Gym- 24hrs ...
04/10/2026

This week’s spotlight was on Caleb Blankenship of Blankslate Fitness

Caleb is not only the owner of Body Shop Gym- 24hrs but also a highly sought-after online fitness coach. Drawing on his background in bodybuilding competitions and years of training experience, he works with clients across the country, helping them reach their fitness goals no matter where they start.

Through a thorough intake process, Caleb takes the time to understand your baseline, your goals, and what success looks like for you. From there, he becomes both a coach and an accountability partner. Guiding those who are ready to commit but may not know exactly how to get there.

We are excited to welcome Anthony Snell of KC Fairway Bodywork to our chapter! Anthony is a message therapist that speci...
04/03/2026

We are excited to welcome Anthony Snell of KC Fairway Bodywork to our chapter!

Anthony is a message therapist that specializes in helping golfers and athletes reduce pain, improve mobility, and elevate their performance.

While he loves working with golfers, his skills and techniques easily apply to anyone’s lifestyle so they can experience the same benefits.

Everyone say hello to Anthony!

🔴 Member Spotlight: Philip Marinello 🔴Today’s spotlight is on our very own “Mr. Knows a Guy,” Philip Marinello.Philip ha...
04/03/2026

🔴 Member Spotlight: Philip Marinello 🔴

Today’s spotlight is on our very own “Mr. Knows a Guy,” Philip Marinello.

Philip has been a valued member of our chapter for years and proudly holds our restoration seat. When it comes to the unexpected—fire, mold, and everything in between, he’s the person you want in your corner.

No matter the size of the job, Restoration 1 is ready to help get your property back to where it belongs.

Today’s featured presentation was given by Justin Henry of College Hunks Hauling Junk Kansas City. Justin and his crew o...
03/19/2026

Today’s featured presentation was given by Justin Henry of College Hunks Hauling Junk Kansas City.

Justin and his crew offer reliable junk and trash removal services. With Spring cleaning coming just around the corner, having their number saved to haul away the items you no longer need is a no-brainer!

Address

Shawnee, KS

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