by Moira Cullings
moira.cullings@theleaven.org
OVERLAND PARK — If his Catholic upbringing taught him anything, it’s that giving back is the key to a happy life.
That lesson continues to guide entrepreneur Paul Wamser.
“I feel like if you take care of people and you do what’s right, it’s going to come back tenfold,” he said. “If you treat them with respect and do the right thing, it will come around.”
Wamser, whose family attends Divine Mercy Parish in Gardner, built his own business during his time as student at the University of Saint Mary in Leavenworth.
The goal was initially to earn some spending money, but his passion for helping small businesses grew.
In 2012, Wamser officially launched Z3 Technologies, a company that provides various technological services to other companies, including IT consulting, website development, and data and voice cabling.
For the past decade, Z3 has worked with small businesses and nonprofits to set up apps, computers, networks, SEO services, servers and more.
It even helped SwimZip, a UV protective swimwear company, set up its website before it appeared on ABC’s television show “Shark Tank.”
But one aspect Wamser appreciates most about his work is giving back to the community. Whenever possible, the small six-person team donates time and materials to businesses in need.
Wamser’s team has helped organizations like Christian Psychological Services, KC Auction Angels and Patriots Run.
The company also recently donated more than 40 hours of time, as well as a firewall and other materials, to help The Golden Scoop up its IT game.
The Golden Scoop is an Overland Park nonprofit ice cream and coffee shop that provides meaningful employment for individuals with developmental disabilities.
While working with a client, Wamser heard that the shop needed help setting up its IT infrastructure, and he was eager to get involved.
“Paul’s help was crucial because we needed a network to conduct business,” said Amber Schreiber, co-founder of The Golden Scoop.
“Paul set up Wi-Fi and mapped our computers to the printer/scanner in our shop to be able to print signage, task lists for our Super Scoopers and scan important documents to our email,” she added.
Schreiber said Wamser understood how critical it was for a nonprofit like The Golden Scoop to have help.
“Him donating his time and equipment saved us a significant amount of money that we could then allocate to areas directly impacting the development of our employees,” she said.
The act of kindness made a big difference for The Golden Scoop.
“Gestures like these mean the world to small businesses [and] nonprofits like ours,” said Schreiber, “and it solidifies that there are good people out there that want to help.”
Wamser, who grew up in St. Louis and attended Chaminade College Preparatory School, said his Catholic upbringing has shaped his motivation to help businesses thrive.
“Being raised Catholic, it’s amazing being able to help and give back,” he said. “You get that sense of community.
“I find joy and happiness being able to help people in general.”
Whether it’s fixing a dental office’s X-ray machine or setting up a company’s Wi-Fi, Wamser feels like he’s making a difference.
“When I’m able to see [these businesses] operate and do what they love to do,” he said, “that also fulfills me.”
To learn more about Z3 Technologies, go online to: z3technologies.com.
