Name: Wayne J. Snyder, JD Company: AMARI Inc. Phone: (913) 568-6274 E-mail: Type of Business: Wholesaler/Distribution No. of employees: 3
AMARI, Inc. is a distributor of quality medical apparel, hospital accessories and food service products. Owner Wayne Snyder and his team work with a number of reputable manufacturers, which allows them to offer their customers competitive prices and quality products.
AMARI is certified with the Minority Supplier Council of Kansas City and with a group purchasing organization called Novation, one of the leading supply chain companies in the country, servicing VHA Inc. and the University HealthSystem Consortiums.
“One of the biggest challenges for me was the time requirement to prepare and complete the daunting detailed paper work, and acquire the accompanying attachments needed for certification,” said Snyder. “For example, having to retrieve a copy of my birth certificate from Florida was not a simple process for me.”
His advice to local businesses is to first determine that you need and want the certification; then don’t stop until you get it, be diligent in your effort and don’t let the details and mounds of paperwork dissuade or distract from your goal.
Snyder is originally from Miami. He earned an undergraduate degree in political science from Bethune-Cookman in Daytona, Fla., and a law degree from Pacific West College of Law, Anaheim, Calif.
“My law degree has provided me with a solid background in corporate legal issues and liabilities, contracts development, research and negotiation management skills,” he said.
Snyder said he takes pride in meeting the demands of the health care and food service industries, and believes he’s getting a reputation for quality products and excellent service.
He’s had a little help along the way.
Snyder credits organizations such as the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, Urban League and the Minority Supplier Council for their help in growing his business.
Snyder also said some of the most productive networking opportunities have come from his organizational and business memberships. For example, his memberships in the Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, Minority Supplier Council, Greater Kansas City Medical Managers Association and Black Chamber of Commerce have all afforded him good contacts and connections.
“I have several people that I look to for guidance and inspiration,” Snyder said. “They are not in business, but their support and knowledge have been invaluable.”
He includes on that list the Kaufman Foundation’s FastTrac Entrepreneur’s program staff. He also is always on the lookout for workshops, meetings and materials that can help him in business. And he tries to participate on various committees that impact small businesses in Kansas City. Bill Williams is the managing editor of Kansas City Small Business Monthly.
