why work with us
In our local communities, the heart of the economy often beats within small, local, and family-owned businesses. Yet, these essential establishments face a unique set of challenges, from limited budgets to a lack of full-time specialized staff, making it difficult to compete in today's fast-paced market.
We created our consulting services suite to directly address these needs. By providing tailored, accessible, and affordable expert guidance, we empower these businesses not only to survive but to thrive.
Our mission is to safeguard the future of our communities and boost the local economy by ensuring that the businesses that define our towns and neighborhoods have the tools they need to succeed and grow for generations to come.
Our powerful combination of financial acumen and marketing innovation ensures we can provide comprehensive solutions tailored to the needs of any small business.
Raising a family in Lawrence has driven our desire to help local business succeed. We are both ingrained in the Lawrence community through various organizations, volunteer Board roles, youth sports, and more. Ensuring a positive economic future for our community is what Free State Business Solutions was founded upon.
who we are
Derek Gates
With more than two decades of experience, Derek Gates, Founder of Free State Business Solutions brings a unique blend of organizational expertise and grassroots knowledge to the table. After 20 years with a local family-owned business, climbing the management ladder to eventually serve as Senior Vice President and CFO, Derek is intimately familiar with finding successful ways to implement efficiency and cost-saving solutions while maintaining quality and integrity. A proud graduate of the University of Kansas with both a bachelor's degree in business and an MBA, Derek not only understands the intricacies of managing a growing company from the inside out, but familiar with the Northeast Kansas small business community.
Katie Gates
Drawing on nearly two decades of experience in marketing, communications, and brand development, Katie Gates offers a unique and comprehensive skill set to help your business succeed. Katie brings a diverse background that includes managing multi-million-dollar marketing initiatives for major sports organizations, leading successful recruitment and retention strategies for local businesses, and overseeing all aspects of communication from digital campaigns to print publications. Her expertise in strategic planning, data analysis, and content creation has consistently delivered significant results, including a 60% increase in membership and millions in revenue generation.
With a proven track record of creating impactful, results-driven strategies, Free State Business Solutions is uniquely positioned to help your business navigate the complexities of today's market and achieve its full potential.