Author: Connect Team

Blade Mages, a well-known community advocate and dynamic entrepreneur, joined Hype members as the speaker for Decembers Lattes with Leadership program. As a driven K-State student, Blade embarked on an entrepreneurial journey, founding Middle (originally 502 Media Group) in 2008. Evolving from a video production company, Middle has grown into a distinguished full-service creative agency, specializing in the food and agriculture sectors, and serving a wide range of regional and national clients.

Apart from his business endeavors, Blade is a notable figure in community development. He co-founded HYPE (Helping Young Professionals Emerge) as part of his commitment to the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, emphasizing his dedication to nurturing emerging talent and leadership within the community.

Blade’s latest venture is a testament to his commitment to cultural and community enrichment. He is spearheading a significant capital campaign to renovate the historic Wareham Opera House. With over $12 million already raised towards the ambitious $25 million goal, this project aims to transform the building into Wareham Hall, envisioned as a premier venue for a variety of performances, enhancing the cultural landscape of the area.

Blade’s experiences weave a story of pluck, courage, community engagement, and leadership, offering invaluable insights and inspiration to young professionals navigating their careers. He offered key advice to Hype members about identifying their passion and sticking to it through the duration of their professional career. Blade emphasized being confident during business interactions with influential leaders and challenged those in the room to think of each interaction as a way to solve an adaptive challenge alongside others who share the same vision and commitment. Lattes with Leadership occurs the third Thursday of each month at 8:00 A.M. and is a program dedicated to proving young professionals the opportunity to learn from leaders within the Manhattan area. To attend an upcoming program, please visit the events page located on our website.

Join us for Hype Group Lunch at Noon the First Tuesday of each month! Hype Group Lunch is a great opportunity to network with other Manhattan young professionals in a small group setting. You will meet at a Chamber member restaurant with 4-5 YPs (randomly assigned) and meet new friends, enjoy meaningful conversation and delicious food.

During Covid restrictions, we have also added a virtual lunch option with the same great concept.

Each month, please sign up by emailing Amber Wilhelm, Hype Staff Liaison, at [email protected]. Group Lunch assignments and locations are sent by email the week of the event. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to Connect with area young professionals. 

Group Lunch falls under our Connect Pillar. The Connect pillar represents Hype’s efforts to help young professionals make new connections through networking. While networking will inevitably occur at all Hype functions and across multiple Hype pillars, this pillar represents Hype’s interest in creating opportunities explicitly for networking and relationship building. If you would like to learn more about Connect click here.

“I enjoy participating in the Hype Group Lunch events.  These events allow you to meet new people in our community and learn about their work, family, hobbies, etc.  The hour break from work and the small group setting allows for easy conversations, good food and a great time!”
Mike Solida, Evergy

“I have really enjoyed attending the Hype luncheons in person! It has been refreshing to sit across from other Young Professionals and talk about our careers and our lives. It has helped bring a sense of normalcy in these difficult times, highly recommend!”
Megan Gauntt, Legacy Solutions Insurance

“I have attended several Hype group lunches and have thoroughly enjoyed getting the time to network once a month. There are some great people that have some awesome insight on what’s going on in our community right now attending these lunches. I believe groups like these are the best ways to expand our horizons as young business people.” 
Morgan Riat, Foundation Realty