Interview with Kerry Rigdon, Owner of Rigdon Inc.
Kerry is a Shawnee Mission North graduate who earned a master’s degree from Baker University. He founded Rigdon 32 years ago with one truck, and it's now a multi-branch company in four cities. The City recently purchased Kerry's property and paid to have his company relocate further up Merriam Drive because it was important to the City Council to help keep small businesses growing in Merriam.
How long has your business been in downtown Merriam?
We opened our first shop in downtown Merriam 8 years ago.
When the City approached you about relocating, what was important to you during that process?
There was a combination of factors important to us: moving without disrupting our workflow, finding a space that would accommodate our projected growth, and timing the move so our new space could be remodeled before the move.
Why was it important to you to stay in Merriam?
Located on the I-35 corridor, Merriam is a perfect fit for Rigdon. Our technicians can easily travel in any direction.
How did the City work with you to make that happen?
The City of Merriam made our move easy by granting extra time in our old space and approving key incentives that minimized financial impact. We look forward to many more years of partnership!
What are your hopes for the future of downtown Merriam?
Merriam is carving out a unique niche in the Kansas City metro, blending big names like IKEA and car dealerships with locally owned shops and industrial businesses.
What advice would you give other businesses as downtown plans move forward?
Get ready for growth! New developments and redeveloped spaces are drawing more attention and traffic. With Merriam’s prime location, the potential is limitless.