We had the good fortune of connecting with Karl Sona Minority Business Development Consultant and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Karl Sona, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Ownership. In march of 2021, the start-up medical device company where I worked at for 7 years was acquired for 9 figures. As an early employee and top performing contributor, I realized that my talents and efforts had been making the C-level executives and board of directors, none of whom looked like me, more wealthy than what they were before. So when several opportunities came my way to do the start up game again, I figured it was time to pass on the instant cash, and take my talents to the open market as an independent. It’s important that as a person or color, we normalize building and owning wealth so the next generation can believe that it’s possible for them as well!

What should our readers know about your business?
I launched The KAS Company to specifically help businesses started by under represented founders/owners thrive. Many people fail to realize that minority owned businesses that grow to be successful actually empower our economy on a greater scale. These businesses tend to employ and create jobs for other minorities at hirer rates, develop inspirational mentors for future generations, and subsequently stimulate local economies for the better. So at KAS, we focus on helping certified minority businesses win large corporate contracts with some of the biggest Fortune 1000 companies that want to be more inclusive in their business practices. Corporate B2B contacts are an estimated 40 Trillion dollar market, so it’s our goal to help minority owned businesses get a seat at a the table and their fair share of the pie!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
So I’ve been in Denver for 3.5 years and have really come to love the city, which in my opinion is, a fun collection of neighborhoods with unique local spots in the area!

As soon as my friend lands, I’m definitely taking them to Lady Jane up in the highlands area for a fun cocktail, followed by a wonderful dinner at Tavernetta down by Union Station.

I love getting doing hard physical exercises and getting a great sweat in the morning, so I would take my friend to my favorite gym, Bodies By Perserverance(BBP) in the historic five points neighborhood the next morning. After getting it in, we would hit up Mimosas right down the street on Welton for brunch!

I love to get dressed up from time to time, so we would get cleaned up after brunch and head to Cherry Creek North, Denver’s fashion district. Contrary to popular belief, Cherry Creek is really starting to diversify its culture, and I especially love the Clayton Members Club that is the city’s first inclusive members only club that always has fun events to tune into. There’s also Forget Me Not right next doors that’s got an incredible vibe for a great night cap 😉

Denver is an incredible city because we have Mother Nature right in our backyard. So it wouldn’t be a proper trip, with ending the weekend with a hike up in the Golden or Boulder area. It’s a 30-45 min drive with trails that expose the most incredible views of the city!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My parents, Jerry and Martina Sona. They immigrated to America from a small country in West Africa, called Cameroon in the late 80’s. Without their determination to create a better opportunity for their family, there’s no chance I’d be where I am today or have the mindset that I do. The truth is, my parents left a lot of family back home in order to come here and build a better life. I had so many relatives growing up that didn’t have access to basic things like education or healthcare despite the support my parents worked tirelessly to provide for them. So at a very young age, I decided that since we made it to America, I was going to do everything in my power to maximize the advantages so I could pour into others that didn’t have the same opportunities.

Website: www.karlsona.com

Instagram: @karl.sona

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karl-sona

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ksona09

Youtube: https://youtu.be/bCrDMUpbjVI

Image Credits
Dillon Wanner Sublmnl Media

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.