I am Dan Smith, Co-Founder of The Porter House KC and a Professor at the University of Kansas School of Business. With a passion for fostering economic mobility and community empowerment, I provide strategic leadership and direction for The Porter House KC, an organization dedicated to supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs. As a proud native of Kansas City, Missouri, I bring over 18 years of experience working across both for-profit and nonprofit sectors. Throughout my career, I’ve founded, owned, and operated five businesses, including The Porter House KC. My work has been recognized with honors such as being named a Startland News Community Builder to Watch (2021) and one of the Kansas City Business Journal’s NextGen Leaders (2023). I’m also a proud member of the 45th class of the Civic Council’s Kansas City Tomorrow leadership program. At the heart of my mission is a commitment to building economic value and purpose in the community that raised me. I believe in the transformative power of entrepreneurship and strive to create pathways for others to do the same.

‘The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable man persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore all progress depends on the unreasonable man.’ Shaw

As Director of Operations, I assume the vital responsibility of overseeing and coordinating the behind-the-scenes aspects of the organization. Aptly described as the “herder of the cats,” I work closely with Co-Founder Dan Smith to manage the day-to-day operations, programmatic initiatives, and project directives. With a strong educational foundation in Psychology, Sociology, and Human Services, I remain dedicated to reconnecting and re-engaging with past program graduates (Alumni), emphasizing the importance of their continued involvement. With over eight years of experience in operational program management, my responsibilities encompass the seamless management of various aspects, including staff capacity, leasing arrangements for current and future entrepreneurs within the 811 Retail Incubator, and relationship management with educational partners. I thrive in the organized chaos of operations. Watching our entrepreneurs flourish in their spaces, our staff excel in their roles, and our community grow stronger through our work. When I’m not keeping all the moving parts in sync, you can find me on the volleyball and basketball courts (prior to breaking my ankle), going on long walks with my floof, Buddy, or trying a new local restaurant (big foodie).