About Us
Have you ever been in a room of people that embrace life experiences?
They listen with intensity and are genuinely excited to share?
Well, that's 5D!
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We don't just enjoy a challenge, we enjoy creating one...it's in our DNA.
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“Remember from where you come…as it may just determine where you will go…and, eventually, where you find you belong!” Rebecca MacKinnon
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Principal Partner:
Rebecca S. MacKinnon
Rebecca S. MacKinnon, Principal Partner and Co-Founder of 5th Dimension Strategies, a successful early stage, high growth consulting firm. She holds an Executive MBA from the University of Missouri and a B.S. in Agriculture from Kansas State University. Most recently, MacKinnon joined Springboard Enterprises as an Executive Committee Member of Women’s Health Tech Hub for high-growth, women-led businesses.
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Her “roll up your sleeves” attitude was formed by the work ethic of a family-owned, Kansas farm. But, her varied interests in business are uniquely her own. After graduating from Kansas State University, the 1980s economy took MacKinnon from Agriculture into healthcare working for a post-acute provider, and her innovative interests further moved her into technology and software. A series of achievements prompted MacKinnon to accept an opportunity to buy and spin-out certain intellectual properties from an M&A transaction.
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As Founder/CEO of BeyondNow Technologies, MacKinnon led her high-growth, early stage healthcare technology business through various growth cycles. Over a decade, MacKinnon successfully led her company through multiple financings, product releases and aggressive growth in the market. In 2003, BeyondNow Technologies, Inc. was acquired by Cerner Corporation (CERN), a leading U.S. healthcare information technology companies.
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MacKinnon is a serial entrepreneur and angel investor, having now started a number of ventures, and a few adventures, since BeyondNow. MacKinnon has won numerous awards and was recognized for her business achievements as a Smithsonian Laureate, Deloitte Touche Fast 50, Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist, and Healthcare’s Best in KLAS. MacKinnon has also co-authored a book highlighting the challenges of today’s aging demographics, healthcare and the strain on family resources.
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“Rebecca helped me see the industry in a new way. She encouraged me, appreciated my intelligence, and helped me to do the same.”
KOURTNEY G., CEO
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“Rebecca was approachable, energetic and efficient. In addition, her honest and determined approach to see things through, allowed us to persevere during hard times.”
TODD S., CEO
“Rebecca’s knowledge of technology, the healthcare sphere and the essentials for a successful launch was amazing. Her methodical and systematic approach to helping us articulate our mission, translate that mission into goals and tasks was exactly what we needed.”
LONNIE J., CTO/CIO
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“Alumna Rebecca MacKinnon has been described as a “true visionary” in the hospice and homecare space. We couldn’t agree more…”
SPRINGBOARD ENTERPRISES
Meet
JD Quaney
JD is a Financial Analyst for 5D Strategies. JD is completing his undergraduate work in Finance in the College of Business Administration at Kansas State University. He is a member of the Student Finance Association and is on the Dean’s List for his academic achievements.
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As a Financial Analyst Intern with 5th Dimension Strategies, JD evaluates client performance and utilizes financial tools to estimate future growth. He offers additional insights by reviewing capital players and competitive landscape within an industry.
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JD grew up in rural Kansas. He credits the experience for developing a strong work ethic and an understanding of the challenges with family-owned business in today’s Agriculture sector.
He is looking forward to exploring the financial world of Investment Banking, Investment Management, and Corporate Finance post graduation.
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JD enjoys investing in his own portfolio, learning about new businesses and traveling with friends and family.
Meet
Emily Baker-King
Emily is a Software Developer and Digital Conversatist with 5th Dimension Strategies. She works with the VR/AR technology platform made available by 5D. She enjoys finding ways to relate to people through technology, especially those that are vulnerable, disadvantaged, or live in communities with little access to certain services.
She works to transform current written forms of information into interesting Digital Conversations that will be delivered as a web widget on websites, within Apps or through digital campaign delivery.
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Emily completed a 16 week immersive technology internship program as part of the regional development programs in the Barren County Innovation Zone.
The BC Skills program was developed by professionals in both the education and software development industries, with the goal of narrowing the technology skills gaps that exist in Rural America and among underrepresented populations in the software industry.
Along with industry partners, BC Skills has trained over 60 individuals in iOS app development and web development since August 2018.
Meet
Zach Shearer
Zach is a software developer for 5D Strategies. He has been a computer enthusiast since the age of 9. What started as just a kid having fun, has now become a passion.
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Zach dedicated his vocational efforts in high school to learning software development tools. His interest is in solving everyday problems for people, especially problems technology can offer a high impact on broader society.
Recently, Zach was a part of a project that allowed for easy access to a resource guide for individuals and families in need. The project gave the ability to access an online guide that had information for any resource in the county.
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Zach completed an immersive technology program as part of the regional development in the Barren County Innovation Zone. BC Skills has been developed by professionals in both the education and software development industries, with the goal of narrowing the technology skills gaps that exist in Rural America.
Along with industry partners, BC Skills has trained over 60 individuals in iOS app development and web development since August 2018.
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Zach has received a scholarship to attend a Software Development and Technical Program in San Francisco in the fall.
Meet
Makayla Kennedy
Makayla is a Digital Transformation Designer for 5D Strategies. She is a recent graduate from Benedictine College. She received a Bachelor of Art in Marketing.
During her time at Benedictine she served for a year and a half on the executive board for Student International Business Council. In her time with SIBC she participated in weekly meetings, led various teams in the organization and took part in a research project for a company in New Zealand.
Makayla has had the opportunity to experience many different industries through her work experiences. She was able to obtain many different skills and knowledge about each of these industries.
Her knowledge has brought her growth in her marketing skills, understanding of each industry’s struggles and basic business skills.
Makayla enjoys expanding her knowledge on the new marketing trends, listening to podcasts and spending time with her friends and family.
Meet
Daniel Moffitt
I've held a variety of positions in finding my career but found my passion in Software Development.
I enjoy taking on rigorous issues and finding solutions through technology. I feel the most rewarded when my work helps others have easier everyday lives.
I completed an immersive technology program as part of the regional development in the Barren County Innovation Zone named BCskills. Afterward, I worked with Barren County schools to optimize my group's final project.
Where it would replace their outdated method of locating an employee of the district by print off with an all-digital Rolodex. Which would allow every office worker to search for an employee quicker and with ease.
Co-Founder:
Michie Slaughter
After a distinguished career in human resources and entrepreneurship, our co-founder, Michie Slaughter, passed away in 2014.
His blog and videos of his fireside chats are available here:
Fireside Chat #1: Marion Labs, Kauffman Foundation
Fireside Chat #2: Mr. K and Marion Labs
Fireside Chat #3: Mr. K’s Philosophy of Business
Fireside Chat #4: Michie Slaughter and Mr. K
Fireside Chat #5: Working at Marion Labs
Fireside Chat #6: Giving Back & The Kauffman Foundation
Fireside Chat #7: The Kansas City Royals Drug Scandal
Fireside Chat #8: Entrepreneurship
Fireside Chat #9: The Kauffman Fellows Program