Alexa Barkley champions authentic small business engagement in a community.
At first glance, an insurance agency might seem like an unusual fit on the main drag of a neighborhood known for food, drinks, and live music. But Alexa Barkley has quietly proven otherwise.
When she moved her State Farm agency into the heart of the District less than a year ago, some were skeptical. How could it possibly match the building at 500 East 135th Street where the old pub and seafood restaurant used to be?
Any skepticism has since faded as Barkley’s classy new office now sits proudly on the streetscape across from Martin City Brewing Company and not far from Jess & Jim’s Steakhouse. The business blends naturally into the neighborhood and stands as a reflection of Barkley’s belief that Martin City’s best days are still ahead.
“I’m in the right place. I feel like there’s a lot of growth opportunity,” Barkley says, while showing us around. “I moved here to live about a decade ago and I’ve seen how much Martin City has already changed. I really want to see what the next ten years bring and I’m excited for my business to be part of it.”
Alexa Barkley lives in Martin City and moved her business here too.
The Strategy of Simply Showing Up
Since opening her Martin City location, Barkley has quickly become an active presence. Her endeavors include serving on the Martin City Community Improvement District board, participating in the South Kansas City Rotary Club, and staying involved with the South KC Chamber of Commerce. Her team regularly participates in community events, from Martin City’s Oktoberfest festival and St. Patrick’s Parade to charity donation drives and activities at Martin City K-8 School.
For Barkley, that kind of involvement isn’t just good citizenship. It’s also good business. In fact, she says, it’s fundamental to success, especially for a small company.
“You can’t go to one event, hand out some business cards, and expect sales to come from it. But I see that happen a lot. The reality is you have to stay consistent and keep showing up as a member of the community.”
(From top left) Barkley hosting a South KC Chamber event with MCCID Manager Vickie Wolverton, Barkley attending MCCID board meeting as a board member. (From bottom left) Dressed in costume ready to hand out free steins at Martin City Oktoberfest Event, Trunk or Treat at Martin City K-8 School, Bell ringing with Salvation Army, Tent at South KC Chamber annual Block Party
It’s a simple philosophy, but one many entrepreneurs overlook. Real relationships take time and commitment in a community. Handshakes, pats on the back, waving to neighbors, and just pitching in where you can matter more than flashy marketing tactics.
That mindset has helped her agency earn strong recognition locally. Barkley received the 2026 South Kansas City Chamber’s Small Business Community Impact Award. She’s also been voted a Kansas City “Favorite” by readers of the Kansas City Star three years in a row. And her office has scored several national performance recognitions within State Farm.
Barkley accepting the 2026 South Kansas City Chamber’s Small Business Community Impact Award.
Awards are nice, but even stronger evidence of her success may be the feedback she receives from everyday customers online. The business has soared past 600 Google reviews, a milestone that’s downright stunning for an insurance agent.
Marketing Through Supportive Relationships
Insurance is a competitive industry, especially in a market like Kansas City where agents operate in nearly every neighborhood. Barkley believes getting ahead often comes down to how agents approach people. Some focus heavily on online leads or aggressive sales tactics. Barkley sticks to something tried and true.
“I just always want people to know I’m here if they need help, and my team works hard to do whatever it takes when a customer reaches out to us,” she says. “But I’m not going to shove insurance down your throat. No one wants that.”
Her background helps make those conversations even easier. Barkley didn’t just sign up to be an agent one day. She studied risk management in college after discovering the field early in her career. She now spends much of her time meeting directly with customers and walking through real-life coverage scenarios.
“The biggest compliment I get is when someone comes into a meeting thinking it’s going to be boring,” she says. “Then at the end they say, ‘Wow, I actually learned a lot.’”
That approach also shapes how she manages her team. Barkley encourages employees to focus on helping people understand their options rather than pushing policies.
“We’re not here just to sell, sell, sell. We’re here to build relationships with people and do what we can for them.”
A hand picked team. (From left) MaKayla, Hadyn, Alexa, Madelaine, and Brynnan.
Constructing a Future on Martin City’s Past
Barkley’s commitment to Martin City is also visible in the building where you’ll find her office. It’s hard to imagine how much beer and seafood once passed through there, but one thing is certain: a lot of work was left behind for the next owner.
When Barkley purchased the building, it was riddled with problems. The roof leaked. Plumbing and drainage needed a lot of fixing. Large sections of the interior had to be rebuilt. Instead of walking away, Barkley leaned in.
Over time she gutted the interior and revolutionized the space. The finished office blends stylish, modern touches with historic Martin City character. Exposed brick walls remain in place, along with the original tin ceiling overhead. Wood accents and warm lighting create an atmosphere that feels closer to a neighborhood gathering space than a traditional office.
“I want people to feel comfortable when they come in,” Barkley says. “I don’t want it to feel like a place where they can’t touch anything.”
And clearly, it’s mission accomplished. When we were there, a resident (and new customer) from down the street stopped in just because she loves the feel of the place. “It’s just so nice in here now,” she told us. “I love what they’ve done with it.”
Iconic elements of the building’s past were also intentionally preserved. You can see an old Martin City brew pub sign still featured above the door as you exit, and the Hardway beer decor on the window remains. Both are nods to the space’s past life tied to the legendary beer culture across the street at the brewery.
Outside, the west side of her property has also been transformed along Locust Street. What was once broken concrete and tufts of weeds is now clean and inviting. Barkley continues exploring ways the space might host small gatherings or neighborhood events in the future. She’s considering exciting ideas for the larger patio on the east side of the lot.
“I love doing the remodel. It’s so much work but really satisfying. I’m proud of what we’ve done so far for the benefit of our business and the visual character of the community.”
A Love of Martin City
After living in Martin City for a decade, and now operating her business here, Alexa Barkley is enjoying her up-close view of our neighborhood’s renaissance.
“One thing you have to love about Martin City is that you can spend an afternoon here. You’ve got the brewery, the winery, so many great restaurants, a coffee shop, volleyball, locally-owned retail, and more. There’s just a lot to experience and enjoy.”
It also makes the District a good place to build a business culture. Employees working in Martin City have plenty of options for lunch or after-work gatherings, and customers often visit the neighborhood for other reasons before stopping by Barkley’s office. The result is a business that feels rooted in the neighborhood rather than simply located here.
State Farm’s well-known slogan promises that agents will be “like a good neighbor.” In Martin City, Alexa Barkley seems determined to make that promise real.
