Based in the heart of America
KVCI was established in 1976 as Kansas Venture Capital, Inc., through the efforts of the Kansas Bankers Association. By 1987, KVCI’s common stockholders were Kansas-based banks, national and regional financial institutions, insurance companies, corporations and individuals. The State of Kansas provided investment funds when it purchased non-voting preferred stock in 1988.
The firm was privatized after the Kansas State Legislature passed a 1998 law that allowed KCVI executives to repay the state’s share. This 1998 legislation also enabled KVCI to expand its investments beyond Kansas companies. In 2013, KVCI updated its name to Konza Valley Capital, Inc., to reflect its wider geographical reach.
As KVCI has grown, Midwest values (like integrity, hard work and care for family and community) have remained foundational in our involvement with outstanding companies.
Meet our team
In our business, it’s all about people. With more than 70 years of combined experience, our team serves as a trusted investment partner for Midwestern businesses.
Marshall Parker joined Konza Valley Capital in October 1990 and has been a committed leader within the firm ever since. After 15 years as executive vice president, Marshall became CEO in September 2006. He oversees investing and operations while working closely with portfolio companies to develop best practices and drive long-term value. Known for his perseverance, collaboration, dependability, and loyalty, he embodies the values of KVCI in all aspects of his work.
Before beginning his career at Wichita-based Allen, Gibbs and Houlik (AGH), Marshall earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance from Kansas State University in 1978. He later joined Ernst & Young, assisting in the creation of its entrepreneurial services department, and worked in investment banking prior to joining KVCI.
Marshall is a certified public accountant and certified management accountant, and he serves on numerous boards for KVCI’s portfolio companies. Marshall lives in Leawood, Kansas, with his wife Suze who owns and manages Parker Communications Group. They have two married daughters who also live in the Kansas City area. When he’s not in the office, Marshall enjoys playing tennis, golf and, most recently, piano.
Brian Lueger joined Konza Valley Capital in September 2011 as an associate and held a role as principal before becoming president. He is responsible for deal generation and portfolio management and works with teams to build stronger, more resilient organizations.
Prior to joining KVCI, he spent eight years at KPMG, gaining extensive experience within its auditing division and working with clients in varied industries, including manufacturing, transportation, retail, agricultural, entertainment and property leasing. Brian graduated from Kansas State University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance (2002) and a master’s degree in accountancy (2003).
Brian serves on the boards of many of KVCI’s portfolio companies as well as at his church. He lives in Olathe, Kansas, with his wife Amy and their six children, who have developed his ability to work with diverse personalities and exercise patience! Aside from chasing his kids, he enjoys reading and watching K-State sports.
Christopher Bergman joined Konza Valley Capital in January 2016 and currently serves as principal, a role he has held since 2023. He focuses on deal sourcing, due diligence and portfolio management, working closely with management teams to strengthen operations and support growth. Christopher finds great fulfillment in seeing the companies and people KVCI invests in thrive and succeed over time. A detail-oriented problem solver, he brings insightful perspectives to the KVCI team.
Christopher earned his bachelor’s degree in finance in 2008 from the University of Notre Dame. He began work as a management consultant at Accenture, where he advised clients on strategic and operational initiatives across multiple industries. Christopher is also a chartered financial analyst (CFA).
Christopher lives in Leawood, Kansas, with his wife Natalie and their three children—two daughters and a son. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling and golfing whenever he can find the time.
As an associate since July 2024, Jack Robertson contributes to sourcing new investments, conducting due diligence and strengthening portfolio company performance. Results-oriented and collaborative, Jack values working alongside both KVCI colleagues and management teams to understand each company’s opportunities and challenges.
Before joining KVCI, Jack served as a senior financial analyst at Ascend Learning, where he developed forecasting and budgeting models and led discussions with management teams on financial performance and strategy. At the start of his career in 2019, he was a senior consultant at BKD (now FORVIS Mazars). Jack earned both his bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance (2018) and his master’s in accountancy (2019) from Kansas State University.
Jack is an active member of the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG), and he serves on the board or as an observer for multiple portfolio companies. He lives in Fairway, Kansas, with his wife Emery and their young daughter Quincey. Outside of work, Jack enjoys golfing, spending time at the lake and cheering on the Royals, Chiefs and K-State Wildcats.
Melissa Fuqua has served as office manager and assistant secretary at Konza Valley Capital (KVCI) since April 2016. She oversees administrative operations, shareholder relations, board coordination and personnel support, ensuring that the firm runs smoothly and efficiently. Known for her integrity, adaptability and team-oriented spirit, Melissa plays a vital role in supporting both the KVCI team and its portfolio companies. She values relationship-building and considers the people she works with to be the most rewarding part of her career.
Melissa gained more than 25 years of administrative and management experience across the financial and engineering industries before joining KVCI. She worked as a senior administrative assistant at Kiewit Engineering, spent 15 years at American Century Investments in public relations support and served as an office manager at Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance.
Melissa resides in Overland Park, Kansas, and is a proud mother of three and a first-time grandmother. Outside the office, she enjoys attending concerts and sporting events, traveling and spending time with her family. Perseverance is one of her defining strengths, in both personal and professional settings.
