Ed Nelson
Ed founded K.C. Hopps, Ltd in 1993, and has established himself as a dedicated entrepreneur with a passion for community service and business excellence. Over the years, he has served on numerous non-profit boards and is proud to be the Kansas City chapter founder of Folds of Honor, an organization committed to supporting military families. A true adventurer and fitness enthusiast, Ed enjoys biking, golfing, and CrossFit, always seeking new ways to challenge himself. He values quality time with his family and loves traveling to explore new places around the world. As a multifaceted business owner, Ed’s entrepreneurial spirit drives his success across multiple ventures. He has a fondness for Diet Pepsi and Hector’s Tacos, simple pleasures that keep him energized and inspired. Ed’s dedication to his community, his passion for fitness, and his entrepreneurial mindset make him a respected leader and inspiring figure in Kansas City.
Bethany Ferro
Bethany Ferro is a seasoned sales, marketing, and technology professional with over 20 years of leadership experience across the hospitality and food service industries. She excels in creating strategic marketing plans, managing multi-location operations, and developing strong client relationships to drive sales growth. Bethany is skilled in implementing innovative technology systems and managing cross-functional teams. Her expertise extends to organizing large-scale events, public relations, and orchestrating marketing and social media campaigns that elevate brand visibility. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Bethany serves on the KRHA Board of Directors, where she contributes her expertise to industry initiatives. She is also actively involved in her community, volunteering at her home church with coffee service and participating in the children's program. Bethany is committed to professional growth and operational excellence, passionate about delivering exceptional experiences and fostering teams that focus on hospitality.
Bekah Smith
With 18 years of expertise in the restaurant industry, Bekah specializes in training, progressive employee relations, and retention strategies that drive sales growth. Her background includes national-level corporate training for new venue openings, particularly in entertainment venues. As a seasoned leader with a touch of IT and security knowledge, she has successfully addressed challenges, leading her to excel in restaurant consulting. Skilled in implementing inventory programs, developing training programs, and redesigning menus, she brings a proven track record of enhancing operational efficiency and achieving tangible results. Bekah enjoys time with family and volunteering with her church.
John Liddell
With 26 years in the hospitality industry, specifically on the technology side, I've cultivated a deep understanding of its intricacies, always seeking innovative approaches to leverage technology in the hospitality business. As an artist, musician, and self-proclaimed creative with a desire to learn, my passion lies in the finality of an answer, which makes solving complex technical issues with creative solutions incredibly rewarding. It's this drive that fuels my enjoyment of the job, consistently pushing me to find elegant resolutions within the unique demands of hospitality tech.
Beyond my professional life, I hold a BS in Business Management, a CompTIA A+ certification, which underscore my commitment to continuous learning and expertise. When I'm not tackling technical challenges, you'll often find me with my daughter, shopping for and listening to vinyl records—a cherished ritual where we bond over our shared love for science and technology. And if you're ever curious, my go-to comfort is a slow-cooked roast paired with a classic Horsefeather.
