Kuna Food Services is a local success story in St. Louis, built on over 100 years of family history. Today, the company is a pillar in the community, employing hundreds and supporting local restaurants and businesses. In a recent episode of Real Stories of Rising Together, Orv Kimbrough, Chairman and CEO of Midwest BankCentre, sat down with Kuna’s owner, Dan Bippen, and relationship manager Danny Pogue to discuss how relationships and trust have played a pivotal role in growing the family business.
Building a Business on Long-Term Relationships
For Kuna, relationships are the backbone of their business. Dan Bippen emphasizes the importance of long-term partnerships, not only with their customers but also with their vendors. “We’ve had some of our customers for over 20 years, and that’s what our business was built on,” Dan shares. This commitment to relationships also extends to their banking partner, Midwest BankCentre.
Midwest BankCentre operates with the same values, focusing on building trusted advisor relationships with their clients. Danny Pogue, who serves as Kuna’s relationship manager, plays a key role in helping the business grow. “It’s all about relationships with us,” says Orv Kimbrough. “Many of the people you supply are clients of the bank too, and that referral back and forth is what small business communities are all about.”
Investing in Community and Innovation
Kuna’s commitment to innovation is evident in their investments, such as their test kitchen, a facility used for sales meetings and training sessions. The test kitchen allows Kuna’s customers to collaborate with their buying and marketing teams, providing an interactive space for innovation and growth. Dan explains, “We’d really like to have everyone together, on-site, so they can interact directly with the team.”
Similarly, Midwest BankCentre’s commitment to the community is a driving force behind their banking philosophy. “At Midwest BankCentre, we make deposits into the community, loan to businesses, and create jobs,” says Kimbrough. This ripple effect benefits local economies, helping residents secure mortgages, buy homes, and support their families.
Supporting Local Restaurants and Farm-to-Table Initiatives
Kuna is deeply rooted in the St. Louis restaurant scene, supplying both independent restaurants and chain establishments. As Dan notes, St. Louis is a unique market where residents strongly support local businesses. “Those jobs are in St. Louis, those paychecks are in St. Louis, and they’re eating at St. Louis restaurants,” Dan explains.
Beyond their role as a food distributor, Kuna also acts as a logistics arm for local farmers. They support farm-to-table initiatives by helping local farmers get their products into restaurants and retail stores, creating a direct link between local agriculture and the community.
The Value of a Trusted Advisor
The relationship between Kuna and Midwest BankCentre goes beyond standard banking transactions. Dan Bippen values the personal connection and trust he has built with Danny Pogue and the bank’s team. “You’ve gone above and beyond. You help not only the company but the community and the people we serve,” Dan shares.
Kimbrough echoes this sentiment, stating that all business is predicated on trust. “The fact that you even give us the opportunity to give you advice and wise counsel is extraordinary,” he says. It’s clear that for both Kuna and Midwest BankCentre, the partnership is about more than just business—it’s about making a positive impact on the community.
The Importance of Banking Local
As the conversation wraps up, Kimbrough reflects on the significance of local businesses like Kuna and their role in supporting the local economy. “Local businesses support local economies. They support working men and women throughout the region,” he says.
Banking locally is a key part of this ecosystem. When businesses and individuals bank with Midwest BankCentre, those dollars are reinvested into the community, fueling growth and opportunity. “When you bank your values with Midwest BankCentre, we all rise together,” Kimbrough concludes.
Kuna Food Services is a shining example of how long-term relationships and trusted partnerships can fuel the growth of a family business. With Midwest BankCentre as a trusted financial advisor, Kuna is able to invest in innovation, support local restaurants, and contribute to the St. Louis economy. Together, they demonstrate the power of banking locally and the impact it can have on communities.