Executive of the Year:
Honoring Ken Schmanke
Join us for SME Topeka’s most prestigious event of the year—our annual Executive of the Year Banquet, where we will honor Ken Schmanke, the founder and president of K1 Realty LLC and managing member of Townsite Tower. This time-honored tradition celebrates local leaders who have made significant contributions to the business community.
Event Details
- Date: Tuesday, February 11, 2025
- Location: Townsite Topeka
- Schedule:
- 5:30 PM: Cocktail Social
- 6:30 PM: Dinner, Award Presentation, and Remarks
Ken will share insights from his 35+ years of real estate expertise and his transformative projects in Topeka, including the modernization of Townsite Tower.
About Ken Schmanke
Ken Schmanke’s real estate journey began in 1988. Over the course of his career, he has completed over 1,850 transactions totaling more than $550 million. In 2015, he founded K1 Realty LLC, cementing his role as a leader in the Topeka commercial real estate market.
Ken’s acquisition of Townsite Tower in 2020 revitalized this iconic space, which now features:
- Renovated offices and public areas
- A modern coworking space
- A refreshed Townsite Café
- A striking new art design on the building’s exterior
About the Executive of the Year Award
Since its inception in 1970, when Kansas Governor Robert Docking was the first recipient, the Executive of the Year Award has become a hallmark of excellence in Northeast Kansas. The award recognizes leaders who have demonstrated unique accomplishments and positively impacted commerce in the region.
Past honorees include Nancy Perry, Cody Foster, and Governor Alf Landon, among others.
Why Attend?
The Executive of the Year Banquet is an evening of style, sophistication, and inspiration:
- Celebrate the accomplishments of a remarkable local leader
- Enjoy enhanced networking opportunities with professionals across Northeast Kansas
- Reflect on the achievements of the past and look forward to the future
This event draws our largest crowd of the year—don’t miss out!