HUTCHINSON/RENO COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber is pleased to present the November Small Business of the Month Award to Acoustic Contracting Inc., owned and founded by Larry Kucharo.
Larry’s path to business ownership didn’t start with blueprints and tools — it started at Wichita State University, where he was studying business. But he soon realized he liked working with his hands a whole lot more than sitting behind a desk. So he enrolled in a carpentry apprenticeship program — and, in true Larry fashion, finished the four-year program in just two and a half years. That determination and drive have defined his entire career.
After working for a contractor in Wichita for several years, the company went out of business — and instead of letting that stop him, Larry took it as a sign to start his own. He launched a specialty ceiling company that quickly made a name for itself for top-quality workmanship and reliability.
Fast forward 38 years, and Acoustic Contracting Inc. has grown from a three-person team into a respected business serving clients across Kansas, with offices and warehouses in both Wichita and Hutchinson.
Now, Larry will tell you — he never thought his Wichita-based company would one day be run out of Hutchinson. But love has a funny way of changing your plans. When he married his wife, Lynn, who already lived here, he followed his heart — and, eventually, his business followed too. And Hutchinson has been all the better for it.
Acoustic Contracting specializes in designing and installing systems that make spaces sound as good as they look — from schools and offices to hospitals, churches, and auditoriums. Their reputation is so strong that they’re often called in to fix other companies’ work. Larry and his crew take pride in doing things right the first time, standing by their work, and never cutting corners.
But beyond the craftsmanship, Larry has built a family within his company. His superintendent has been with him for over 20 years, and his crew works together like a well-oiled machine — or maybe more like a family that actually enjoys spending time together. They have company lake days, bowling nights, and even anniversary trips for a job well done. Larry believes that keeping employees happy at work and at home is what makes a business truly successful.
And when it comes to community involvement — well, Larry sets the gold standard. He’s one of those people who says “yes” whenever the community calls. Acoustic Contracting has donated time, labor, and materials to organizations like The Boys and Girls Club, Meals on Wheels, Hospice and HomeCare of Reno County, BrightHouse, First Call for Help, TECH, The Lord’s Diner, Central Christian School, and the Cancer Council of Reno County, just to name a few.
He’s volunteered for tornado cleanups, supported fundraisers, and contributed to countless local causes in both Hutchinson and Wichita. And of course, he’s a familiar face at Chamber events — always ready to lend a hand, or a drill, or just a good laugh when things get hectic.
Larry often says that he never imagined a “big-city guy” like him would end up calling Hutchinson home — but marrying Lynn and planting roots here turned out to be one of the best decisions of his life. He’s built not just a thriving business, but a true sense of belonging.
So please join us in congratulating Larry Kucharo and Acoustic Contracting Inc. on being named our November Small Business of the Month!