COMO Magazine | April 2024 | The 20 Under 40 Issue

SUBSCRIPTIONS Magazines are $5.95 an issue. Subscription rate is $54 for 12 issues for one year or $89 for 24 issues for two years. Subscribe at comomag.com or by phone.

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Keith Borgmeyer

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Candice Ball, Barbara Buffaloe, Adonica Coleman, Lauren Sable Freiman, Lori Galaske, Lydia Graves, Jodie Jackson Jr, Hoss Koetting, Erica Pefferman, Rhonda Stone Proctor, Emmi Weiner, Kelsey Winkeljohn, Dr. Brian Yearwood

A Moment to Reflect

This last week has been lled with opportunities to really re ect on what we are doing at COMO Companies and why. Sometimes in the rush of schedules, the stress of budgets, and the general responsibilities that come with owning a business, the e ect of my work can become overshadowed, and I can feel overwhelmed. While sharing how tired and clouded I felt lately with someone I love, I was reminded of the impact we do have on this community, and it warmed my heart and rejuvenated my spirit.

While presenting at One Million Cups recently, I received feedback on how the magazine is experienced by other members of our community and business owners. One woman who had recently moved to Columbia stayed after to let me know that our publication was the only one she kept when she nished reading it. It wasn’t just the photos — which I would expect, as we spend so much time and energy making sure they are striking. It was all of it … the authentic stories of Columbia, the re ection of diversity and inclusion, and the general connection to what was her new home.

I recently sat on a panel with other traditional media leaders for Leadership Columbia and was asked about what we do to remain relevant in a time when some people think print is dead, and how do we di erentiate ourselves from our competitors. e answer is that while national print publications are struggling, hyper-local publications are still successful. Not only do we have a hyper-local focus that can be found in few other places, but we have a deep commitment to producing great content that has journalistic integrity featuring the work of several di erent photographers and writers that allow the magazines to re ect di erent perspectives. We publish every month regardless of what is happening, including and especially during COVID when our mission has never been more important … to keep the community

connected. In our magazines, we will always commit to having fewer than 50 percent of our pages as ads. Anything paid for in our magazine will be clearly marked so you can trust the intention behind it. We will talk about issues that are hard like a ordable housing, policing, and mental health. We will also deliver this straight to your mailbox so that you don’t have to pick it up in a stack sitting around somewhere. ose are the reasons that the stories you’ll see in this issue are re ective of the very people that make up our community in all its beautiful di erences. 20 Under 40 has remained a way for us to continue to honor those who are using their time, talent, and treasure to make Columbia better for all of us. ey have been artists, teachers, re ghters, police o cers, nonpro t leaders, business owners, and even tattoo artists. In this issue, you’ll nd stories catching up with those from the past as well as featuring our new 2024 class in our sister publication COMO Business Times

I do have an ask of you. If you enjoy this magazine, I would like to ask that you follow us on Facebook and Instagram, sign up for our newsletters, encourage your friends to subscribe, share our posts, and send us story ideas. We are committed to re ecting the whole community, and to do that, we need all of you as a part of the process. Lastly, I want to thank you for the time you’ve spent reading my thoughts as you hold this magazine in your hand or on your tablet or computer. I know you could be using this time for many things, so I don’t take it lightly you have chosen to spend it with us. Happy spring, my friends!

All my best,

ERICA PEFFERMAN PUBLISHER erica@comocompanies.com

ON THE COVER

Watermelon & Feta Salad from The Bistro, owned by 20 Under 40 Alumni, Rachel Holman.

Advisory Board Representing Voices from All Different Walks of Life.

We take pride in representing our community well and we couldn’t do what we do without our COMO Magazine advisory board. Thank You!

Beth Bramstedt

Church Life Pastor Christian Fellowship Church

Heather Brown

Strategic Partnership Officer Harry S Truman VA Hospital

Jeremiah Hunter

Assistant Police Chief Commander Investigations Bureau Columbia Police Department

Kris Husted

Senior Content Editor NPR Midwest Newsroom

Chris Cottle

Studio Manager Sumits Hot Yoga

Nickie Davis

Executive Director The District, Downtown CID

Amanda Jacobs Owner Jacobs Property Management

Megan Steen Chief Operating Officer, Central Region Burrell Behavioral Health

Sam Fleury

Assistant Vice President Strategic Communications, Columbia College

Chris Horn

Sr. Reinsurance Manager American Family Insurance

Nathan Todd Business Services Specialist First State Community Bank

Wende Wagner

Director of Resource Development The Boys and Girls Club of the Columbia Area

Setting the Stage

GreenHouse Theatre Project continues to grow beyond the boundaries of conventional storytelling.

BY EMMI WEINER

When Elizabeth Braaten Palmieri, founder and artistic director of GreenHouse eatre Project, moved to Columbia for her husband’s job in 2010, she had no idea she was going to meet her creative soulmate and create a theater company with a lasting, international presence.

“We were both transplants and both actors, directors, and theatre educators,” Palmieri said of meeting partner and co-founder Emily Adams. “Our brains clicked, and we shared the same vision for performance and performance style.”

e two sat down in a co ee shop downtown and started planning what would become the GreenHouse eatre Project.

“A greenhouse is a place where things grow and prosper, but they're also where things die. And then there's the rebirth of new stu and new ideas.” Palmieri mused. “We approach every bit of material we do as a living, breathing, creative organism.”

Before they started, there wasn’t any project like it in Columbia.

“When we started, people were like, ‘Wow, I can't believe you're doing theater and like all these crazy places.’ And really at the core of it, Emily and I are just storytellers, and we can do what we do almost anywhere,” Palmieri said.

eir rst performance was at the Columbia Art League. Tickets were only $8; there was no social media. It was entirely a community supported endeavor.

“People showed up,” she recalled. “We sold out all of our nights. People bought artwork. It turned out to be a really good business collaboration. Our audiences, oftentimes, were new to the spaces we are performing in.”

From there, the company grew. What started as just the two has grown into two sister theater companies.

“Emily ended up moving back to the UK,” Palmieri said. “She started GreenHouse UK. ere's this really nice sisterhood of creativity between us.”

e transatlantic sisterhood of creativity opened more doors than either could have imagined.

“I took the theater company over to the UK several years ago and we performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival,” Palmieri said. “And I'm actually bringing the company back over to the festival again this August.”

In Columbia, the theater company has continued. Palmieri said the aim is to incorporate the location as a character within the play; not changing anything but showcasing each site's unique features.

“We never want to build a set or try to cover anything up,” she said. “We're usually in the space because of the aesthetics that it o ers. We're not going into space and trying to cover anything up.”

GreenHouse eatre Project has performed in yoga studios, on roofs, at lakes

and small farms, and even a rock-climbing gym.

“We did a show in Como Rocks Climbing Gym in December,” said Palmieri, who coowns the climbing gym with her husband. “I was bringing a puppet artist to town, and we devised a piece for the space. It was hilarious. We were climbing on the wall with these giant headpieces on.”

e project is funded by dedicated members and sponsorships. is year, GreenHouse eatre Project will put on a one woman show called “A Woman Named Gravity,” “A Streetcar Named Desire,” and an adaptation of “ e Lion, e Witch, and e Wardrobe,” all with locations to be announced. e theater also expects visits from various artists from around the world. For the most up to date information on shows, how to become a member or how to join the project, follow GreenHouse eatre Project on social media.

GREENHOUSE THEATRE PROJECT

greenhousetp.org

greenhousetheatreproject@gmail.com

@greenhousetp

Whether it’s drifting down the calm currents of the Big Piney and Gasconade rivers, casting a line and watching the kids’ faces in anticipation of their big catch, or just sitting around the campfire and telling stories, the heart of the Ozarks has been beckoning families for generations. And there’s always something new. So, come and rest your heads beneath the stars or stay in a cozy lodging property and start making memories that’ll last for a lifetime. Come Say “Hi” to Mother Nature. For more info, visit pulaskicountyusa.com.

Teaching Tricks of the Trade

Dog training at Lizzi & Rocco's uses positive reinforcement to strengthen the human-animal bond

BY KELSEY WINKELJOHN

Jessica Schlosser, an enthusiastic advocate for holistic approaches to addressing animal health, entered the business world with her husband in 2009, introducing their brand, Lizzi & Rocco’s, as a pet supplies store that o ers high-quality, natural pet products.

In fteen years of operation, Lizzi & Rocco’s has expanded by acquiring a second location on the north side of Columbia and by o ering additional services based on their dynamic customer base and sta interest. When employee (now trainer) Jennen Herbst rst proposed dog training courses, Jessica was immediately on board with bringing the idea to life.

Dog training is now available at the Green Meadows location and caters to a range of ages, skill levels, and behavioral needs. To accommodate those needs, Schlosser and Herbst have developed a few di erent classes, including Margot’s Manners, the MEIA Program, and the MAC Program—all three named after Herbst's dogs.

e Margot’s Manners group training is structured as a six-week course featuring multiple fty-minute sessions, designed to t both a dog’s needs and an owner’s schedule. Jessica describes this program as one that “teaches basic skills, as well as foundational skills that dog owners can build on however they want.” e program includes classes for puppies, adults, and advanced dogs. Prospective participants are advised

20U40 ALUMNI

to review the Lizzi & Rocco’s Dog Training page to access information on available class dates and times, as some sessions may have limited availability.

e MEIA Program is a behavior modication course tailored to more reactive dogs. ( e Lizzi & Rocco’s crew dislikes the use of the word “aggressive.”) Short for managing emotional interactions appropriately, MEIA aims to assist pet owners in identifying their dogs' triggers and teaching the owners e ective management techniques by initiating a one-on-one approach to build trust, gradually transitioning towards a more social, “real world” environment. Similarly, the MAC Program is for dogs who struggle with con dence, which causes them to behave in ways that owners may not like. Both programs underscore Lizzi & Rocco’s commitment to fostering positive canine behavior, strengthening the human-animal bond, and working towards reducing the number of dogs going into the shelter system.

A central component of Lizzi & Rocco’s dog training is the use of positive reinforcement, rather than negative. Research indicates that heavy-handed approaches, like hitting or shock collars, are often counterproductive, causing fear in the dog and inhibiting their capacity to learn. Pos-

itive reinforcement, however, results in a higher likelihood of information retention in dogs. is includes giving treats, toys, or praise whenever the dog performs a desired behavior.

Be advised, as the owner, you will need to work alongside your dog to see maximum results.

"You will get out of the training program what you put into it,” Schlosser says. “It’s a team e ort between the owner and the dog. Consistency with training at home is key. It’s also important that if the dog lives with a multitude of people that everyone is on the same page to make it a little easier for the dog to understand what the expectations are — and have fun with it.”

If you’re nervous about enrolling your furry friend in classes, whether due to age, behavior, or skill set, don’t fret. Schlosser wants you to know that training is benecial for all dogs: “We can work with anything you bring our way, as long as you’re open to it.”

The Path to Wellness

Amanda Barnes-Tolson puts in the work to pave the way.

BY CANDICE BALL | PORTRAIT BY KEITH BORGMEYER

The heart of wellness is the practice of good habits; adopting behaviors that promote both physical and mental wellness. e tness programming at e Club at Old Hawthorne is tailored to meet that need.

Amanda Barnes-Tolson was a member of COMO Business Time’s 20 Under 40 class of 2011. Now she’s the tness director for e Club at Old Hawthorne.

“Yeah,” she said with a laugh. “I’ve been there for a minute.”

In her current role, she acts as an instructor, health coach, and personal trainer. What does she love about that job? Tolson doesn’t hesitate to answer.

“Everything,” she said. “Helping people is everything; it’s why I do it. Helping people set goals, and watching them achieve their goals.” She takes pride in establishing relationships with her clientele, watching them ourish, and seeing their quality of life improve.

Within the last year, e Club at Old Hawthorne has renovated its facility, reimagining it as a wellness center.

“Essentially, we’ve doubled the size of the facility,” Tolson said. “We added a huge, new classroom, and we’re o ering more classes like yoga and tai chi, and anything that will help keep our population of members well.”

Tolson works with a wide range of clients while wearing a wide range of hats

— and some of her clients, who have relocated but maintain their membership at e Club, participate in virtual training sessions with her. She said working with di erent kinds of clients and using di erent methods is one of the main reasons she values what she does.

“I feel like our population is a little bit di erent,” she said. “We have a very wide range of ages. We have lots of young families, so we want to try to o er as many classes and programs to keep our population able to do the things they want to do.”

Retirees can do tai chi, which may help them get back on the golf course or the pickleball court or the tennis court, and there’s also a summer aquatics program featuring a swim team — the Barracudas — for the kids, and there are swim lessons.

“We’re just working to give all of our members whatever they need and want, even if they don’t necessarily know they need or want it,” she added.

Tolson said that her primary goals are accountability and guidance. She said she loves her one-on-one appointments with her clients because those sessions motivate those folks who are busy, but still want to work out, and having that session booked helps them stay focused on their goals. She also enjoys working with people who are trying to gure out how to be productive with tness equipment.

“I have some clients who say, ‘I walk into the gym, and I know that I can do stu , but I’m not sure how to do it, and I get overwhelmed, so then I walk on the treadmill for 15 minutes, and then I go home,’” Tolson said. “And I get it. I’m about guidance, and making sure you’re doing it safely, so you’re not going to hurt yourself.”

Many of her clients are older and Tolson has specialized certi cations in senior tness and orthopedic recovery, working with people who have gone through therapy because of a surgery or an injury.

“We work with [the regimen] that the physical therapist was using, and help them continue that.

ere are all kinds of valid reasons to seek help [with tness],” she added.

For anyone interested in learning more about membership opportunities at e Club, contact Ariana Schneider via email at ariana@oldhawthorne.com, or by phone at 573-442-5280. Tolson can be reached via email at amanda@ oldhawthorne.com, via Facebook or Instagram, or via her personal website bebybarnes.com.

20U40 ALUMNI

20 UNDER 40

REALTORS & REAL LIFE

20U40 ALUMNI

Their advice to their younger selves? See failures as opportunities.

BY JODIE JACKSON JR

When disaster struck, Megan Walters had to break the heartbreaking news to new homeowners who were packing up a truck for their move to Columbia. An out-of-nowhere storm made their new home uninhabitable.

Mike Grellner also has a litany of stories about his career in real estate, from success and failures to highs and lows, and at least one lingering question: Is it legal to hunt deer from the roof of a building?

Walters (Class of 2021) and Grellner (Class of 2009) are among the COMO Business Times 20 Under 40 alumni who recently re ected on their real estate businesses and careers.

One of Grellner’s strongest recollections — and perhaps most humorous — involved a warehouse and manufacturing property along North Paris Road. Grellner, vice president of Plaza Commercial Realty, said that years ago his company had listed the property, which backed up to the rail line.

“ e company in there was shutting down,” he said, “and the manager said, ‘I hate to leave this building. It’s been my best deer stand.’ He elaborated by saying that over the last ten-plus years, he had been deer hunting o the roof of that building — and he’d shot countless large bucks along the woods and rail line.”

What could Grellner do with that information?

“Was it legal — or not?” he still asks himself. “We didn’t ask, just focused on the property listing. And we did not mention ‘deer hunting from the roof’ as a building amenity.”

Conversely, Walters, the owner of e Walters Team, eXp Realty, said one of her most vivid memories is focused on the family making the move to a Columbia house that fell victim to a vicious storm.

“Imagine this,” Walters says, setting up the challenging scenario. “You close on your brand-new home — sight unseen, by the way — out of state, after months of planning and searching for your new home. en as you are packing up your truck to head across the country to move in and put down roots in your new community, fate has a di erent plan.”

About one hour after the closing, a pop-up storm rolled into town and sent a tree from a neighbor’s yard crashing into the new house — making it uninhabitable.

“As their Realtor, it was up to me to deliver that gut-wrenching news,” she says. “I can’t even begin to describe the heaviness in my heart as I made that call.”

What happened next, though, based on what Walters had learned about her team and her community, wasn’t completely unexpected. And it was, indeed, a community response.

“In the face of adversity, our team sprang into action,” she says. “We knew we had to do everything in our power to help our clients through that nightmare.”

e roofer got a call, removed the tree, and tarped the house to stave o further damage.

In the face of adversity, our team sprang into action. We knew we had to do everything in our power to help our clients through that nightmare.”

– MEGAN WALTERS

“Success in business is measured over years, not days or months. And if you’re not having fun doing it, then it’s probably not the right profession for you.

– MIKE GRELLNER

“From there, we reached out to Veterans United, a company renowned for its dedication to serving military families,” Walters recounts. “And let me tell you:

ey didn’t hesitate to step up. ey generously o ered to cover the deductible to get our clients’ home back to new condition.”

She described the overall response as “nothing short of remarkable.”

“Our community rallied around this sweet family, offering support in various forms,” Walters adds. “It was a testament to the strength of human kindness and solidarity in times of need.”

How did the story end?

“I’m happy to report that our clients were able to move back into their newly restored home only a couple weeks after the disaster,” she continued. “While the journey was far from ideal, they were so excited to move in and plant those roots in Columbia.

Grellner says Realtors, just like any profession, will have a range of positive and not-so-great experiences. If he could go back and give his younger self some advice based on what he knows now, he knows just what that wisdom would be.

“Over time, you will experience success and failure, highs and lows — personally and professionally,” Grellner notes. “Don’t dwell on the failures. Recognize their importance in a greater process, re ect on them, learn from them, and make them the opportunities of the future.”

His advice for new or would-be Realtors is similar — and blunt.

“Be patient,” he adds. “Success in business is measured over years, not days or months. And if you’re not having fun doing it, then it’s probably not the right profession for you.”

at leads to Grellner’s observations about his pet peeves for the real estate business and himself. He’s bothered by consumers inaccurately interpreting housing market conditions “based on reports from ‘big media.’” Personally, it’s “lack of work ethic” that irks him.

“Most things in life don’t come easy, and that is okay,” he says. “ at’s a great thing, actually, in that it’s all the more rewarding when you’ve earned it.”

Meanwhile, Grellner’s “why” for doing what he does is a question that’s somewhat abstract, but he has some concrete ideas.

“I can’t really explain why I enjoy real estate so much. Perhaps its the people aspect,” he says. “Working with a lot of small businesses, especially in a town like Columbia, it’s just such an enjoyable process and experience. And recognizing that the opportunity to own real estate is one of the founding principles of this country — that inspires me.”

Grellner concludes, “I feel a responsibility to carry that forward for future generations.”

I Am the Bread of Life

BY BETH BRAMSTEDT

We often live in fear that we won’t have what we need.

I remember when my husband and I were rst married. We headed into Chicago with a friend to walk around downtown. As dusk approached, we were getting hungry, but couldn’t nd a restaurant. Finally, we stumbled upon Dunkin’ Donuts and bought a donut and a carton of milk to tide me over.

We headed toward the car, agreeing to stop at a restaurant on the way out of town. Unfortunately, I was in the back seat and fell asleep. When I woke up, all I saw was darkness. No city lights anywhere. I panicked.

e guys didn’t want to wake me up, so they kept driving. ey did not seem to understand that when I said I needed food, I was serious! I asked them nicely, or maybe not so nicely, to stop at the rst place that might have food. A bit later we pulled into an old convenience store. I looked around at the sparse options and picked up a brick of cheese.

“How are you going to eat that without a knife?” my husband asked, again not understanding. I pulled back the wrapper and took a big bite. “ at’s how,” I said.

We still joke about this story when our friend comes to town, but it didn’t seem quite so funny then. I needed food.

Jesus’ disciples faced a similar dilemma in the Gospel of John, chapter 6.

During his ministry, Jesus spoke to large crowds near the Sea of Galilee. On this day, Jesus sat down with his disciples at the top of a mountain and watched the crowd assemble below. ey kept coming until the mountainside was lled with 15,000 men, women, and children.

It was much like Jesus talking to a soldout crowd at Mizzou Arena.

He said to one of his disciples, “Where are we going to get bread for these people to eat?” e disciples were skeptical. One disciple nally said, “I did see a boy with ve loaves of barley bread and two sh, but I’m not sure how that’s going to help.”

Jesus tells his disciples to have the people sit down as he prepares to meet the need. John 6:11-13 says …

“Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated. So also, the sh, as much as they wanted. And when they had eaten their ll, he told his disciples, “Gather up the leftover fragments, that nothing may be lost.” So, they gathered them up and lled twelve baskets with fragments from the ve barley loaves left by those who had eaten.”

Jesus meets their need. And there is more than enough to go around! When everyone was full, the disciples gathered up twelve baskets of leftovers.

Imagine Mizzou Arena going wild. e people are ecstatic.

e crowd is moved and responds with a declaration that Jesus must be a prophet. Being afraid they would take him and force him to become king, Jesus withdraws.

e next day, the crowds seek out Jesus again, only this time in Capernaum, another town on the Sea of Galilee.

Here, we hear a conversation in the synagogue. e people ask questions and Jesus answers, over and over. Often, Jesus’s answers responded to questions the crowd didn’t even know they were asking.

Finally, Jesus points out that there are two kinds of food: food for the body, which is necessary but not the most important, and food for the inner man, the spirit, which is essential. He wants them to understand that no amount of barley loaves could satisfy the core hunger that he came to satisfy.

As they persist with questions, Jesus says, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.”

Jesus wants them to understand that he is God’s son, the bread of life. But they aren’t getting it.

Jesus uses this metaphor two more times with the crowd. He is forecasting his eventual death and resurrection, the ultimate sacri ce that would allow them to live forever in his presence.

Jesus wanted them to know that he didn’t just provide what they needed. He was what they needed.

Maybe you feel empty today. Or you may ache from being full of the wrong things. Jesus’s promise to us is that he will ll us so that we will never be hungry again.

God sees your need. He came to be your provider, your bread of life. Will you trust him with that today?

Beth Bramstedt is the Church Life Pastor at Christian Fellowship.

Empowering the Next Generation

BY DR. BRIAN YEARWOOD

I am honored to be one of the rst to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the remarkable individuals featured in this special edition — Columbia’s 20 Under 40 recipients for 2024. As the superintendent of Columbia Public Schools, I celebrate the outstanding achievements of these dynamic young leaders who are shaping the future of our community.

In the ever-evolving landscape of education, we often emphasize the importance of nurturing and empowering the next generation. As I learn about this year’s 20 Under 40 honorees, I am reminded that the future is in exceptionally capable hands. Each of these individuals has demonstrated exceptional commitment, resilience, and innovation, qualities that we hold in high regard within CPS.

e mission of CPS is to provide an excellent education for all scholars, which also means supporting their dreams and

aspirations. ese 20 Under 40 achievers, many of whom are connected to CPS, embody the values of excellence, leadership, and community engagement that we strive to instill in every scholar. It is immensely gratifying to see the profound impact education, has on our Columbia community.

In the spirit of collaboration and shared success, it is essential for us to recognize and celebrate the achievements of those who have emerged as leaders in their respective elds. From entrepreneurs and educators to healthcare professionals and community activists, our 20 Under 40 recipients exemplify the diversity and richness of talent within our community.

As educators, we understand the transformative power of knowledge, and it is heartening to see these individuals leveraging their knowledge bases to make a positive impact. eir stories serve as a source of inspiration for our current scholars, illustrating that with dedication, passion, and a commitment to lifelong learning, one can achieve remarkable feats.

is special edition not only highlights the professional accomplishments of our 20 Under 40 honorees, but also provides a glimpse into the personal stories that have shaped their journeys. It is a testament to the strength of our Columbia community that fosters an environment where individuals can thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.

To our 20 Under 40 recipients, I extend my most sincere congratulations. Your achievements resonate far beyond personal success as they serve to inspire greatness in our scholars and our community. I hope this edition serves as a reminder of the incredible talent in Columbia and encourages us all to continue working collaboratively toward a future lled with promise and opportunity for all.

Dr. Brian Yearwood is the Superintendent of Columbia Public Schools.

Thankful and Optimistic

BY BARBARA BUFFALOE

In 2016, I was recognized in CBT’s 20 Under 40 class. I had never heard of it before and, to be honest, when I rst received the noti cation that I had been nominated I was a little taken aback. As a woman, I didn’t like to draw attention to the fact that I was also young. I know this can be a common worry for women in the workplace. Now my hesitation with wanting to be recognized was short-lived because the process leading up to the event and all the networking opportunities that have happened since then have been impactful on my career.

As mayor of a university town, I am often concerned with the reality of talent drain. Talent drain, for me, is when we educate all these bright, young people and then they move after graduation and we lose out on the impact they could have made in Columbia. Sometimes this doesn’t happen immediately after graduation. A recent study by Fourth Economy examined several key indicators for the Regional Economic Development Commission Inc.’s (REDI) current strategic plan, and it showed that over the past decade, we have lost 13,348 of our residents in the 30 to 39 age range. And those aged 30 to 34 were the most likely to migrate out of Boone County.

By recognizing our young professionals who have chosen to stay in Columbia, we’re showing them that they made the right choice and we’re glad to have them here. Recognizing young professionals for their achievements can contribute to the retention of talent within the community. Feeling valued and appreciated for their contributions can increase job satisfaction and loyalty, ultimately bene ting local businesses and organizations.

Alumni of our 20 Under 40 program have made signi cant impacts on our community. I think about some of the members of my class — like Jabbok and Willie Schlacks,

who founded and run EquipmentShare. EquipmentShare could have moved its headquarters out of Columbia when its success took o , but the company chose to remain in Columbia and is continuing to grow and ourish. Its local corporate headquarters and technology development center expansion project will add 555 new jobs over the next ve years, and an investment of just over $100 million.

Being featured on a 20 under 40 list can open doors to new networking opportunities within the community. For me, it provided a platform to connect with other talented individuals, potential mentors, and in uential leaders.

One perfect example is what I was able to do in my previous role with the city when I collaborated with another member of my class, artist Madeleine LeMieux. Madeleine and a group of C.A.R.E. students collaborated with my o ce to design and execute two murals on the MKT trail that educate trail users on environmental issues and ways individuals can make a positive di erence.

As we work to brainstorm what makes people want to stay in Columbia after graduation and at the start of their careers, I think investing in the places and activities that add to our vibrancy can only help our e orts. Recent expansions and developments in the Stockade (Stockyard

+ Arcade District) area of Columbia are the physical representation of a growing community that is more than just a college town. Another class of 2016 member is Logboat captain Tyson Hunt. It was inspiring back then to hear the story of a group of friends who started brewing beer in their garage and then had the vision to create Logboat Brewing. is operation has now expanded twice and distributes beer and cider throughout the entire state of Missouri.

Columbia is a vibrant community with a reputation for nurturing young talent. is reputation can attract investment and new opportunities because businesses and investors are drawn to areas where there is a strong pool of skilled professionals and a supportive environment for growth and development.

I am thankful to COMO Business Times for continuing the tradition of recognizing our emerging professionals and celebrating what makes us special. Congratulations to this year’s (and past years) classes!

Barbara Bu aloe currently is serving her rst term in o ce as the mayor of Columbia.

Counting the Years

BY ADONICA COLEMAN

As I celebrated my fortieth birthday, it felt like a signi cant milestone, a point of re ection on the passage of time and the aging process. Yet, as the years have rolled by, that milestone has faded into memory, and I nd myself pondering the notion of age and how it truly a ects our sense of self. Do we become de ned by the number of years we’ve accumulated, or is age merely a state of mind?

Re ecting on conversations with close friends, we often talk about whether we feel as old as we once imagined these milestone ages to be. e consensus? None of us feel old in the way we once perceived it during our youth. is prompts a deeper question: are we truly only as old as we feel?

Certainly, there are mornings when creaky joints and unexplained aches serve as unwelcome reminders of the passing years. Yet, despite these physical reminders, there remains an undeniable zest for life that transcends the constraints of age. It’s the energy that propels us forward, the longing to embrace all that life has to o er.

In a society obsessed with youth, where age is often equated with decline, it’s easy to believe the notion that advancing years equate to a diminished sense of self. But what if we challenge this narrative? What if we choose to rede ne the concept of aging, embracing each passing year as a testament to our resilience and wisdom?

Feeling good, regardless of age, begins with a shift in mindset. It’s about embracing the richness of experience that comes with each passing year, recognizing that age is but a number, not a limitation. It’s about celebrating the milestones and em-

What if we choose to redefi ne the concept of aging, embracing each passing year as a testament to our resilience and wisdom?

bracing the journey, knowing that every wrinkle tells a story, and every gray hair is a badge of honor.

Moreover, feeling good is intrinsically linked to how we choose to care for ourselves, both physically and emotionally. It’s about prioritizing self-care, nurturing our bodies and minds with healthy habits and positive a rmations. It’s about nding joy in the simple pleasures, whether it’s a brisk walk on our beautiful trails or a leisurely afternoon spent with loved ones.

But perhaps, most importantly, feeling good is about embracing change with open arms, welcoming the inevitable shifts that come with each stage of life. It’s about letting go of the unrealistic expectations of youth and embracing the beauty of authenticity. It’s about nding contentment in the present moment,

rather than longing for an idealized version of the past.

As I navigate the journey of aging, I am continually reminded that feeling good knows no age limit. It’s a mindset, a conscious choice to embrace life with open arms and an unwavering sense of optimism. So, to all those who may harbor fears about growing older, remember this: age is merely a number, but the ability to feel good is timeless. Embrace it, cherish it, and let it guide you on the path to a well-lived life, no matter your age.

Adonica Coleman is the founder of e COMO 411 and owner of A2D Events.

WHAT THE HOME PROS KNOW

ELIAS ABADI

MAXIMIZING INVESTMENTS: ILLUMINATING YOUR HOME WHAT THE HOME PROS KNOW

By Austin McBride

Take a moment and envision your home with the landscape of your dreams: perfectly maintained, well balanced, and naturally drawing focus to your front door. Now picture it again at night, coming home from dinner or hosting guests. Many of you may see lighting throughout the landscape illuminating your path — you’re on the right track. If you’re picturing complete darkness, this article is for you, too.

Austin is a Sales Manager for irrigation, lighting, fencing, and estate gates at Rost Landscaping. He is also a Professional Water Witcher. When he is not on the job he enjoys hunting, fishing, raising livestock, and be being a full-time family chauffeur.

Outdoor lighting is a feature that can invigorate your existing landscape or elevate your upcoming project to the next level. For many of us, our home is our biggest investment and our landscape is an extension of that so maximizing our usage of the space is paramount. Proper lighting highlights key features, adds security, increases functionality, and enhances the overall enjoyment of a space. At Rost Inc., we often use lighting to highlight points of interest like specimen trees and boulders in the landscape or interesting architecture on the home. This adds definition to the space and shows off key features that make your home special.

There are a number of pitfalls to avoid when designing your lighting package such as the runway effect: too much symmetry, or lighting overkill that overexposes an area. Pool areas and patios flourish with lighting systems in place; maximizing usage and enhancing enjoyment of the space. Mobile apps make controlling your system as easy as changing a song. These areas can benefit from the color fixtures that allow you to choose any shade imaginable to set the mood or establish a theme for events or holidays. We can also use fixtures to eliminate dimly lit areas allowing you to feel more secure at home.

The landscape lighting industry has seen a renaissance in the past few years with the rise in quality and affordability of LED fixtures and lights and smart controllers. Lines of integrated fixtures are now available that wick heat away from the LED panels and double the life of the LEDs over their non-integrated counterparts. This eliminates the need for routine maintenance and bulb replacement that have plagued halogen bulb systems for decades. The integrated fixtures come with a 10-year manufacturer warranty that ensures your system stays relevant for years to come.

Lighting is a growing trend in the landscape industry that will only continue to become more accessible as the technology progresses. It has already eliminated the short-lived and limited soffit fixtures through its versatility and ease of use. This is complemented by the minimally invasive install process and quick turnaround time for new systems.

The ever-expanding product lines ensures that whether it’s path lights, cans, wall lights, or washes, we’ve got you covered, and all you’ll need is to find someone with the design and install experience to make it a reality.

THE TELLTALE SIGNS OF MISSOURI ROOF HAIL DAMAGE

By Elias Abadi Find

ELIAS ABADI OWNER

M

issouri’s long winters and erratic weather — especially hailstorms — take a toll on your home’s exterior. Missouri roof hail damage is one of the most common causes for roof repair or replacement. Hail damage on roofs can be hard to identify though, especially from the ground level. So, how can you tell when your house has hail damage?

When Should You Worry?

Hail can come in any size, weight, and speed, but even what seems like a mild hailstorm could cause roof damage that requires attention. A general rule of thumb is that if hail is quarter-sized or above you should get your roof inspected. However, smaller hail can also cause damage if it is coupled with strong winds or has a high density, so keep an eye on the Weather Channel to get this information.

Another signal to check your Missouri roof for hail damage is dents and dings on other areas around your home like windows, siding, gutters, A/C units, and even your cars. If there is any amount of damage to any of these places a roof inspection is highly recommended.

Identifying Missouri Roof Hail Damage

When hail hits your shingles, it can knock the granules of the shingles loose and cause a dent or “bruise” in the matting of the shingle. You can’t usually see these loose granules from ground level, but over time they will wash away and expose the matting leaving your roof more

vulnerable to leaks. Ideally, the damage should be identified and repaired before the matting is exposed.

Roofing experts will be able to identify loose granules in shingles by getting onto your roof and inspecting the potential damage. Experienced roofers can often tell if there is granule damage by crunching beneath their feet as they walk on your roof.

Hail damage to roofs typically doesn’t become visible immediately after the storm, but rather in the weeks or even months following the storm. Even if you think your roof isn’t damaged by hail you should always keep an eye out to prevent any major issues. Getting storm damage repaired can help extend the life of your roof by five to ten years.

Missouri Roof Hail Damage and Insurance Claims

Because roof hail damage is not always noticed immediately after a storm, some homeowners don’t realize that they can still file an insurance claim for their roof repair or roof replacement. There is not a window of time following a storm in which you must file your insurance claim for roof repairs. You can file at any time.

WHAT THE HOME PROS KNOW

CoMo Premium Exteriors is midMissouri’s largest roofing and exterior remodeling company. We believe in providing homeowners and business owners with free, honest inspections and advice to help them make informed decisions. We never use high pressure tactics because our goal is to build long-term relationships built on quality workmanship, great communications, and good cleanup when we’re done. If you need a new roof, gutters, siding, windows, or a deck; give us a call!

(573) NEW-ROOF | comoexteriors.com

When you file an insurance claim for roof hail damage an insurance adjuster will come to assess your roof. Based on the number of divots on each side of the roof they will buy the repairs or replacements side by side. The typical number of divots for a side of the roof to be bought is 10. If the adjuster determines that over half of the roof sides should be repaired or replaced, they will often buy the entire roof. But every insurance policy is different so make sure you check with your company.

Inspections And Repairs Help Prevent Major Hail Damage

Overall, roof hail damage can be tricky to identify from the ground level, so professional roof inspections are always recommended after large hailstorms. Additionally, it is important to be familiar with the details of your insurance policy and how your roof is covered. And remember, it isn’t too late to file a claim for hail damage, even if storm season is over. Proper care and maintenance of your roof will help extend its life and prevent damage to other areas of the home, keeping you and your family protected and comfortable.

THE PROOF IS IN THE PAINTING

By Jaclyn Rogers Find more at aipaintingplus.com

We’re showing our team some love for International Painters Appreciation Day.

The painting industry is heavily focused on recruiting great painters and apprentices to meet the growing market for residential and commercial painting projects. Ai Painting Plus is already a step ahead of that curve, and we’re proud to recognize our team every day, and especially on International Painters Appreciation Day on April 30.

Our company has found great success in our unique approach to hiring individuals without prior painting experience and enrolling them in our Apprenticeship Program. We actively seek candidates with strong customer service backgrounds from diverse fields such as hospitality or the food industry. Our apprentice positions offer a transformative opportunity for individuals seeking a new career path and a platform to realize their full potential.

The job description for our apprentices emphasizes personal and professional growth, highlighting our commitment to nurturing talent within our organization. We prioritize individuals who demonstrate a strong work ethic, problem-solving abilities, and a genuine concern for our clients and their homes. Expectations include a positive attitude, dedication to learning, and exceeding performance standards.

Our Apprenticeship and Training initiative integrates hands-on learning with structured classroom instruction,

ensuring comprehensive preparation for a rewarding career in the painting industry. Throughout the program, apprentices receive guidance and support from experienced mentors, both in our facilities and in the field. We maintain a systematic approach to skill development, providing each employee with a clear pathway to advancement.

Training Excellence

At the core of our training infrastructure is Trevor Judkins, our dedicated full-time trainer with over a decade of experience in the industry. Trevor played a pivotal role in shaping our Apprentice and Training Programs, reflecting our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of skill and professionalism across our workforce.

Even experienced painters joining our team undergo thorough training to familiarize themselves with our procedures and ensure alignment with our service standards. Our comprehensive training regimen encompasses technical skills, safety protocols, and customer service excellence. Individualized coaching sessions are provided to address specific skill gaps and enhance overall performance.

WHAT THE HOME PROS KNOW

Jaclyn Rogers, sales representative at Ai Painting Plus, sees paint as more valuable than simply being an accent in a home. “We are painting joy into people’s homes,” she says. Jaclyn is certified as a Psychological Color Expert, which means she has demonstrated mastery in specifying interior paint in residential applications.

573-639-2343 AIPAINTINGPLUS.COM

Continuous Learning and Certification

We prioritize ongoing professional development by offering regular leadership, safety, and customer service training sessions. Our team boasts seven certified lead renovators, with multiple members undergoing OSHA training. Our commitment to excellence extends to client relations, with our client relations manager holding a certification as a color consultant.

In conclusion, our Apprenticeship Program serves as a gateway to a fulfilling career in the painting industry, providing individuals with the tools, support, and opportunities for growth. We remain steadfast in our dedication to training excellence and continuous improvement, ensuring that every member of our team is equipped to deliver exceptional results to our clients.

Change a Child’s Story

BY LORI GALASKE

CASA is an acronym for Court Appointed Special Advocates. What makes these advocates special? It could be that they aren’t hired hands but rather welltrained volunteers who work within our judicial system; or it could be the people for whom they advocate: children in foster care.

BEGINNING AND GROWTH

In 1976, Judge David W. Soukup of the Seattle juvenile courts was faced with a life-changing decision for a three-yearold who had su ered child abuse. e child’s sole representative in court was her mother with whom the child lived when the suspected abuse happened. e judge needed more information. He needed someone with no agenda other than the welfare of the child to make recommendations.

Judge Soukup called together a handful of community members to present his idea of volunteer advocates. Word spread, and instead of the ve or six individuals he had invited, roughly fty people showed up, and CASA was born.

Since its inception in the mid-seventies, CASA has taken root and grown. Across the nation, there are now 950 programs. e Heart of Missouri CASA in Columbia was established in 2005 and has tripled its program in the last three years.

INDIVIDUALS CASA SERVES

In Boone and Callaway counties, 650 children are in foster care each year. With the current number of CASA volunteers, that leaves about 250 unserved children in those counties. Kelly Hill, executive director of Heart of Missouri CASA, says Missouri takes kids into foster care

at twice the national average. She believes the reasons for that statistic could be due, at least in part, to the lack of resources that the state has for people who are struggling mentally, nancially, or with drug abuse.

“ is is the end result,” Hill says. “Kids experience abuse and neglect. States that can better address these problems have fewer kids in care.”

Each of the children in foster care enters the system because there is substantiated evidence of abuse or neglect. is can happen at any point in a child’s life — from birth (at times, newborns are tested for drugs while still in the hospital and immediately removed from their parents’ care if they test positive) to toddlerhood to elementary school age to teenage years.

HOW IT WORKS IN THE COMMUNITY

On average, a child in foster care will move ve times before they “age out” — meaning they become adults and can go their own way —or nd a permanent home. Caseworkers and court-appointed attorneys assigned to the case come and go. Although these adults play signi cant roles in the child’s life, it’s a challenge to advocate for the child’s welfare more directly. In short, they simply don’t have the time to devote to that child’s advocacy.

e CASA is the one adult who will remain constant throughout the child’s time in foster care, getting to know the child and his or her situation and being able to make recommendations to the court on the child’s behalf.

e CASA becomes the case historian, which is a vital role because, as Hill tells it, “When caseworkers change over, research shows us it sets the case back three to six months.” at isn’t the story of a child who has a CASA. e volunteer can brief the new caseworker in a fraction of the time it would take them to read the child’s history.

“A CASA volunteer is there to be one consistent adult that just cares about that kid,” Hill explains “ eir only objective is to get to know them; to make sure the court hears their needs and their wishes; to make sure they don’t get lost or forgotten in a system that’s very overburdened.”

THE STORIES

Not every child’s story ends happily, but as Hill says, “Kids who have a CASA have

Heart of Missouri CASA

MISSION STATEMENT

To train and support volunteers to be exceptional voices for every abused and neglected child in the Boone and Callaway County Family Courts.

BOARD OFFICERS

Chair: Chris Horn, American Family Insurance

Vice chair: Margrace Buckler, retired, HR director for the city of Columbia

Treasurer: Hetty Harlan, retired, senior vice president of Bank of America

Secretary: Ashley Halford, Missouri Department of Transportation

BOARD MEMBERS

Andy Bonderer, Engineering and construction

Caleb Brown, The 20

Katherine Christensen, Callaway community member

Susan Glass, Missouri Office of Prosecution Services

Melinda Grace-Beasley, Missouri Department of Transportation

Sharon Horbyk, Missouri School Boards’ Association

Liz Lass, Veterans United

Dave Llewellyn, Veterans United

Jason Sickmeier, Veterans United

Julie Wesley, House of Brokers Realty

Seth Woods, Columbia Public Schools

“CASA gives them (children) a voice in a world that tells them to be quiet. I love all that we as volunteers do. It makes a difference.”

a much better chance of better outcomes.” Statistics show that children who have a positive relationship with an adult have a greater chance to grow into healthy adults and positively contribute to society.

One story that highlights the power of CASA in a child’s life is that of a thirteen-yearold girl. Kelsey (not her real name) had some challenging behavioral issues. ose problems caused more problems. It was a domino e ect. Her family support team concluded that Kelsey would age out of foster care in seven or so years. At that point, a CASA volunteer entered Kelsey’s life and turned it around. One year later, Kelsey had a permanent home and was thriving.

THE CHALLENGES

state, but grants, special events, and individual donations mainly support it. With a small sta of eleven to do the work required to run a growing organization that serves more than 400 children each year, the need for funds and volunteers is always on the front burner.

CASA

Heart of Missouri CASA is a 501c3 nonpro t. It receives some funding from the

How You Can Help

105 East Ash #102 573-442-4670 homcasa.org

• Attend “Voices,” CASA’s annual event and fundraiser, a free familyfriendly afternoon that will take place this year from 3-6 p.m. on June 9 at Logboat Brewing Company. There will be live music, food trucks, and a silent auction.

• Support CASA financially.

• Become a CASA volunteer.

• Sign up on CASA’s website to attend an info session.

Photo by Anthony Jinson

MAKING DREAMS Come True

Backlighted by neon, Parks Amusement is

all about entertainment.

BY RHONDA STONE PROCTOR

Arecently installed neon-lit sign on the side of a building at the corner of Ninth Street and Broadway in downtown Columbia announces Parks Amusement. Ascending three ights of stairs, visitors arrive at a spacious open o ce and meeting area, where Nic Parks is strategizing with three university students. e room is adorned with framed awards on the walls, and there are several quiet areas designated for co-working space.

Additionally, there is a small arcade table that may draw one's attention and inspire a game of Atari Pong. After his meeting ended, Nic greets me with a handshake and a smile.

Nic was recognized as a "20 Under 40" in 2018 by COMO Business Times.

" at was my last year of eligibility," Nic jokes. "I never expected to receive that honor, and it still surprises me when people recognize me when I'm at one of the businesses."

Nic has made a name for himself in the entertainment industry of Missouri by establishing successful businesses like Lakeside Ashland, Silverball Arcade & Bar, Shiloh Bar & Grill, Level Up Entertainment, and e Pinball Company.

"I have always been a person who dreams about the next best thing," Nic says. "When we established Silverball, the goal was to transform it into the premier destination in Columbia. A location where organizations can host meetings or individuals can unwind." He has spent

a signi cant portion of the past decade pursuing his dreams, and in the process, has realized the dreams of many others.

Nic attributes much of his success in business to his management team and his wife, Brooke. Although it is his vision and standards that he wants upheld, he acknowledges that without his team, he would be unable to attend his children's sports events or have breakfast with them. Brooke Parks is the CEO of Pinball, and the couple works together in a shared o ce environment and regularly have lunch together. Nic says that their partnership is important to them, and Brooke is the person he can bounce his ideas o . She understands their vision for the businesses and how they want their lives to be re ected upon in the future.

"I feel fortunate to have found the right people who can bring my vision to life," he says. "Knowing my vision and standards are being upheld allows me to pop in and check on things versus feeling the need to be there twenty-four-seven."

He believes Columbia's vibrant, young college town is an added advantage for his business. Over 40 percent of his employees are hourly workers, primarily students, and Nic considers them the “A-Team." Nic values his employees and always makes sure they feel appreciated and recognized. e pipeline of bright and energetic students from colleges and high schools has helped his business grow and expand in ways he couldn't have imagined.

“For me, it’s all about giving an entertainment experience,” he adds. “I design everything in the businesses to optimize the experience and I expect that people will nd a clean area to unwind, drink, eat, and spend time with friends and family.”

e newest addition to Parks Amusements is Lakeside Ashland, located at 5900 E. Log Providence Rd. and just four miles north of downtown Ashland. e outdoor entertainment venue opened last year and has become a popular spot for families to hang out, catch a movie, or listen to live bands. It is available for rental for private events, which includes having Lakeside sta to assist, or a person can purchase VIP seating for events held at the venue.

Feeling hungry after a game or just wanting to meet up with friends for good food? Shiloh Bar & Grill at 402 East Broadway has recently undergone a complete renovation. Nic was initially uncertain about adding a restaurant to his portfolio when he was approached about purchasing the business. However, he later decided to invest in a restaurant after speaking with one of his passionate food managers at Level Up Entertainment, located in the Columbia Mall.

With its prime location in downtown Columbia, Silverball Arcade & Bar o ers several options for entertainment. You can book the venue for events or simply stop by for drinks, conversation, and to play arcade games with friends. e venue is open to individuals ages 18 and above and is located at 122 S. Ninth St.

“With the location of Silverball being so close to the campuses, it’s been a great place for the parents of students who are coming into town for a game or just to visit their children to go,” Nic adds. “It brings back a sense of nostalgia for the parents and they get to hang out with the kids in a way that brings lots of laughter and smiles.”

Giving back, whether it is through experiences or philanthropy, is a belief that Nic holds dear to his heart.

“I had a teacher that I admired a lot, Evelyn Crews. She was so inspiring and caring towards her students,” Nic re ects quietly. “I wanted to be a teacher just

like her. She passed away from cancer in 2017. It’s hard when you lose someone that you admired so much.”

Nic was invited to the “Tigers on the Prowl” event soon afterward. He was introduced to the gentleman behind the fundraiser, Charles “Chuck” Crews.

“When it dawned on me that this was Evelyn’s husband, I was thrilled,” Nic says. “I just fell in love with this fundraiser, to the point that I’ve been with them for over twelve years now as president.”

e collaborative fundraiser bene ts select nonpro t agencies in mid-Missouri, evolving into a gala that brings

together artists, nonpro ts, and community members to celebrate and support each other. Tigers on the Prowl has raised more than one million dollars for local charities to date.

“I’m proud of the support and philanthropy that we have in Columbia,” Nic says. “ is is a great community that supports our youth, nonpro ts, and organizations. It is like Christmas to me when I see the smiles that our fundraising brings to our recipients through this fundraiser.”

When asked where Nic Park sees himself in ten years, Nic stops to think, then smiles and says, “One of my favorite quotes is by Walt Disney.” He continues, “’If you dream it, you can do it.’ We even have that quote on our employees' shirts at Lakeside.”

“If you can dream it, you can do it.”

– WALT DISNEY

What is Nic dreaming about for his next project?

He smiles and laughs, answering, “Well, I’ve always liked water parks.”

The

The restaurant integral to mid-MO’s dining scene.

BY LYDIA GRAVES

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY THE BISTRO

mall towns are sometimes misunderstood. But a town can be just as vibrant as a big city if you know where to look. Instead of strolling down the block to the hottest new spot, drive down a beautiful, sun-soaked back road to e Bistro, just ten miles west of Columbia o Route BB. is captivating destination of a restaurant, owned and operated by Rachel Holman, is an essential part of mid-Missouri’s charm and allure.

The Backstory

e Bistro is an extension of e Blu top at Rocheport, providing a whole new experience for locals and travelers alike. A late 1990s building, the space was designed by the original Bourgeois family. It was built completely out of a timber-wood frame, standing free of any screws or nails. e concept originated out of a desire to showcase the quality of the Blu top’s various wines next to higher-end bites. ere was an imminent craving to provide an elevated experience for guests.

“We found that people really loved coming out here,” Rachel says. “Some kind of stumble across our property. But it’s intentional when folks come here. ey come to celebrate all the moments in life. And we provide a space for them to come and do that.”

e Bourgeois name is kept close to the heart of the menu. rough various chefs, the options have always been French- and Cajun-inspired, pulling from the tradition and heritage of the founding family.

Holman has spent much time building and creating e Bistro from a brand context. After graduating from the University of Missouri, she had a short stint in the corporate nance world. It wasn’t long, though, before she found

Bistro

herself nding her passion in e Blu top. After Holman worked in the private events department as well as standing as the marketing director, the previous owner, Curtis Bourgeois named her CEO. Not long after, the business was passed on to her, ensuring it remained employee owned.

Over the last year, Holman along with her talented family-like crew has been in the process of a rebranding for the infamous restaurant. Not to worry — the French renditions are here to stay. e real addition is simply an emphasis and spotlight on the elevation that inspired it all. e team is set on creating a memorable and special experience for all guests, from the rst bite to the uniquely indulgent dessert and beyond. e space is curated to whatever experience is desired. e four-course prix xe meals presented to the evening's booked space have their own special touch. Much the same, the in-house lounge’s small plates and shareables make for a tasty memory.

The Visionaries

e Bistro is known for these grand experiences, and of course, the pairings that started it all. And what’s a better pairing than local ingredients (farms such as Booneslick Heritage Farm, Happy Hollow Farms, Hemme Brothers Creamery, Strope Farms, Sullivan Farms, and e Veggie Patch) and chef innovation? Creativity simmers behind the counters just as elegantly as the dishes themselves.

It is almost e ortless how the crew works together. Just as butter, smooth and luscious, melts steadily on a warm pan, it comes easy. Talent and connection are to thank.

Since spring of 2023, e Bistro has brought on two new lead chefs. John and Emilee Klingele are a husband and wifeteam.

John Klingele is the executive chef. As a self-taught chef, he has taken every chance to get in the kitchen throughout his career, learning under various mentors.

“Food has always been one of the most grounding parts of my life,” he notes. “I’ve always said — whether it be cooks, servers, or just people I’m talking to — food is the one thing that every single person has to incorporate into their daily lives.

e Culinary Institute of America uses a saying in their inaugural address, ‘Food is life. Create and savor yours.’ at’s a quote I live by. Every plate I send out has the potential to change someone’s day.”

His focus is on the savory side of menu development at e Bistro.

Emilee Klingele is chef de cuisine. Working at a handful of restaurants, pursuing a culinary degree in Chicago, and teaching how to cook at a children’s school, Emilee is well-versed in the food scene. She blends more toward the pastry, bread, and dessert menus — a once-hobby of hers that has taken o into a prominent passion.

e two — along with their sous chef and long-time friend, John Marino — collaborate to craft the seasonal menus. Along with curating the menus, the couple also share the responsibility of running the restaurant.

The Taste

e Bistro is quite the restaurant to operate. e upscale dinner service operates ursday through Saturday evenings. Options range from a classic prime rib to a buckwheat bowl packed with veggies, coconut cream, and black garlic. And with menu items — each exceptionally succulent and bursting with unique avor pro les — being swapped out nearly weekly, e Bistro is an impressive feat.

In addition to dinner, e Bistro has opened a lounge with a comfortable, stylish seating area. e classy atmosphere is accompanied by small bites and appetizers. e Tru alo Wings is a current favorite — a twice-fried chicken wing tossed with a robust house tru e bu alo sauce, complete with gorgonzola. But there are many other tastes on the full- avor menu such as charcuterie, fries, house-made bread, and even steak tartare. e lounge is a prime opportunity to catch up, clink glasses, and entertain the taste buds.

Brunch, a universal favorite, is now o ered on Sunday. Entrees are heavily Cajun in uenced with a little midwestern are. Shrimp and grits with goat cheese, drizzled with hot habanero honey is a current avorful feature. e Barbeque Benedict is another unique dish, with everything loved about eggs benedict elevated with crispy pork shoulder rillons.

“We had a wedding last year, and the bride speci cally requested a ourless chocolate cake with ganache, and I happily obliged,” Emilee says. “And after they got married and tried the cake, they pulled me downstairs so that she could tell me how much it reminded her of her family's cake that she was obsessed with. at to me is worth it all. When you can make something that is so close to someone's heart, it really resonates with you. And you’ll never forget about those experiences.”

John Klingele adds, “It’s having that world where, yes, you have the roasted meatloaf with mashed potatoes and sauteed green beans. But it’s also how we will elevate this to a level that is still familiar, but it's not just meatloaf.”

Not only is the sense of taste indulged, but the atmosphere is a sight. Emilee even claims one of the reasons she came to e Bistro was the view, overlooking the Missouri River. Windows line the wall, allowing a nature-immersed dinner in the comfort of four beautifully adorned wooden walls. e light shines in over the rolling hills and glistening water.

Only a 15-minute drive from Columbia, e Bistro proves how much community and energy can be brought to small towns for a special place. It brings guests together, no matter what meal of the day. It unites chefs for inventive, owing collaboration. It pairs unlikely avors, allowing the palette to experience new and exciting tastes. e Bistro is where nostalgia meets ne dining.

“We still want people to know that while it's the same beautiful building and the same wonderful family, it's a di erent restaurant. It's evolved,” John Klingele adds. “We just want the people, speci cally people in Missouri, to step outside their comfort zones. at's something that we're very passionate about when it comes to food.”

Cookin' With Hoss

BY HOSS KOETTING

Springtime in Missouri. ere’s probably not a better season to enjoy, although being able to experience all four seasons is certainly a bene t of living in our region. Just as you get really tired of the heat of summer or the cold gray of winter, a fresh season is just around the corner. But none of the seasons has the culinary bounty and promise of new beginnings that spring has. ere’s a de nite joie de vivre when the songbirds are chirping, the air is balmy, and the tom turkeys are gobbling in the morning.

We’re blessed with morels, asparagus, peas, spinach, and a variety of greens that will enhance any meal you choose to grace your table. Morels require a bit of e ort unless you know of a “honey hole” that is a perennial producer. Asparagus requires at least three years to establish a good bed with well-drained soil. But for peas and greens, this is a great time to grow your own produce, as long as you have space for a garden and can keep the deer out!

If you’re not so agriculturally inclined, there’s a splendid alternative at the Columbia Farmers’ Market. If you haven’t been there, you should go at least once, after which you will probably be hooked.

Whether you grow your own or buy it, fresh salad greens are the best way to start a meal. Now the only decision is which salad dressing to use. My opinion is that for the delicate baby salad greens, you should avoid heavy, mayo-based dressings, as they overwhelm the leaves. My recommendation is to use a light vinaigrette. ere are many to choose from, but my favorite hearkens back to when I was young — and who doesn’t love bacon?!

Jim “Hoss” Koetting is a retired restaurateur/chef who enjoys gardening, good food, good bourbon, and good friends.

HOT BACON DRESSING

INGREDIENTS

• 5-6 slices bacon cooked crispy, crumbled, reserve the grease

• 1 ½ c. diced yellow onion

• ¾ c. balsamic vinegar

• ¼ c. water

• 1 ½ c. brown sugar

• 2 tsp Hoss’s steak seasoning

• Corn starch slurry (2 tbsp. cornstarch, 4 tbsp. cold water whisked together)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Caramelize the onion in the reserved bacon grease.

2. Add the balsamic vinegar, water, sugar, and steak seasoning.

3. Whisk in the slurry a little bit at a time, until the dressing coats a spoon.

Oh My! Makers and Shoppers and Workers,

Poppy stands the test of time as a local boutique for artists, consumers, and providing a home base for its employees.

BY KELSEY WINKELJOHN

Located in the heart of downtown Columbia, Poppy has attracted locals and visitors alike with its selection of handmade items crafted by artists from mid-Missouri and across the nation. e boutique carries an assortment of products and has become known for its jewelry. Other popular items include household goods such as ceramics and candles, and crafty materials like greeting cards and stationery.

Opened in 1981 under the ownership of Barb McCormick, Poppy welcomed Liz Tucker in 2004 shortly after she graduated from college.

“I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to do, so I just started working at Poppy parttime — then it turned into closer to fulltime, and then it turned into managing the shop,” Tucker says. “When she [Barb] retired around 2011, I bought the business from her.”

Tucker describes herself as someone passionate about handcrafted goods and supporting the work of artists, so naturally, Poppy was a perfect match. Aside from supporting artists, Poppy prides itself on

its ability to highlight new artists by frequently rotating merchandise.

“What I love about Poppy is that you’ll nd something there that you haven’t seen anywhere else. It just feels like such a special place,” she adds. e procurement of new items to feature begins with an artist submission, which can be completed via the store’s website. From there, the submission goes through a process before Tucker decides what makes it to the store, and though a fair amount of consideration goes into her decision, she says there isn’t a real “formula” to it.

Tucker considers what the store already has in stock — ensuring inventory diversity — and if the artist is prepared to keep up with the cost of production if they’re newer to the scene. Typically, she requests to see some of the artist’s work in person before deciding, whether by inviting them to the shop to have a meeting or going on buying trips herself. Despite all the factors that go into the process, she says that the store gets new products nearly daily and that customers will see a di erence each time they stop in.

She explains a large part of it as a gut instinct that she rst discovered while accompanying McCormick on buying trips to scope out potential goods.

“We’d walk into an artist’s booth, and she would play this game. I thought it was just for fun, but I think it was a test,” Tucker recalls. “She would say, ‘Pick out your top ve things that you think would do well in the shop and I’ll do the same and we’ll get together and see what matches up.’ Usually, four out of ve would be the same. I think there is just this feeling that Poppy has, as its own entity, in terms of what will work best.”

Poppy continues to separate itself from other boutique stores with its unique personal shopping service, a fun way to help customers pick out a gift for their loved ones. Imagine that someone you know is a regular at Poppy and loves a variety of their items. is person can pop into the store and select a few items that they would love as a gift and the Poppy team will keep a running wish list for them. When it’s time for you to shop for your loved one, Poppy will share the wish list with you and assist in selecting the ideal item.

If something happens to be out of stock, the team will suggest similar available options. If you’re shopping for someone who has never been to Poppy, it still has you covered. Simply mention who you are shopping for, a little bit about the person, and your budget, and the sta will help you nd the perfect item.

Ultimately, Poppy’s sparkle comes from the store’s community focus. Poppy doesn’t just serve the community either — it unites people.

“When I rst bought Poppy, I had this thought like, ‘ is is my store,’” Tucker says. “And, technically, legally, on paper, I own Poppy, but I feel like I’m a steward of this entity that doesn’t belong to me but to the community.”

Now, Tucker believes that her role in Poppy is about keeping the progression on track so that it can continue to thrive “for whoever the next steward is.”

Capturing History

A family-owned business embraces the past while welcoming the future.

BY LAUREN SABLE FREIMAN

Some might call him a pioneer, or a man before his time. Others might say he was progressive or revolutionary. No matter how you describe him, it’s clear that William Miller’s ingenuity and forward-thinking were the driving force behind Miller’s Professional Imaging, an entrepreneurial success story that started with a passion and grew with a vision. Today, William’s family carries on that vision in the family business, with his son Richard at the helm as chief executive o cer, grandson John serving as vice president, and grandson-in-law Brandon Tucker serving as chief operating o cer.

The Early Days

After a standout football career as an o ensive lineman for the University of Missouri, William followed in the footsteps of Miller men who came before him and entered medical school at Harvard University. With his degree near completion, he realized that a career in medicine was not for him.

“He was very close to completing his degree when he saw a patient pass away and decided that it was not for him,” Tucker says. “Photography was his hobby, and he decided he wanted to be a photographer.”

William went to join an aunt and uncle in Pittsburg, Kansas, where he opened a small photography studio in 1939 and o cially began to live out his dream. While he shot weddings and captured portraits in his studio, his passion for photography allowed him a front-row seat to history.

“During World War II, William was a photographer and videographer, and he was part of the infantry that liberated the Nordhausen concentration camp,” Tucker says. “A lot of the videos you’ve seen throughout your life of the horror of the Holocaust, that was his video he took while he was in the Army.”

When William returned from the war, he returned to work at the photo studio. But soon, he realized that with his background in chemistry from his Harvard

days, he was much better at developing lm than his competition in the region, and he had an idea to capitalize on that skill.

“He went door to door to photography studios saying, ‘Give me your negatives to develop because I can do it better,’” Tucker says. “ at was the beginning of Miller’s Professional Imaging, right around 1968.”

Continuous Growth

e Pittsburg facility began with 3,900 square feet in 1968. With twelve expansions over the years, it now spans more than 170,000 square feet. e Millers built a second facility in Columbia in 2001, and after a 2021 expansion, the space now includes nearly 60,000 square feet of state-of-the-art equipment.

As the physical space was growing, the company was also focused on growing its services. As Miller’s is a photo lab geared towards professional photographers, it started to become apparent that there was a gap in the market, and in 2003, Miller’s launched MPix.

“MPix was started to address a need that wasn’t being ful lled for the hobbyist photographer,” John says. “ e thought was why don’t we make a brand that has a simpli ed ordering process for these novices and hobbyists? at completely morphed into an almost 100 percent consumer brand where we o er the same high-quality product to the masses.”

Today, Tucker says that 99 percent of the orders that come through are from consumers who have returned from vacation, recently celebrated a milestone like a wedding, or have a le of photos in hand from a professional photographer.

“Digital photographers these days don’t want to spend a lot of time meeting with clients,” Richard says. “ ey want to take the pictures, hand a drive to the clients, and at that point in time, photographers all over the country recommend their clients go to MPix. ey know their images will look good from a professional lab like MPix.”

RICHARD MILLER CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

JOHN MILLER VICE PRESIDENT

BRANDON TUCKER CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

“[William] went door to door to photography studios saying, 'Give me your negatives to develop because I can do it better,'” Tucker says. “That was the beginning of Miller's Professional Imaging, right around 1968.”

“When you've got guys like Brandon and John, we are able to do things differently than a lot of the competition. We use analytics for everything, and we measure everything you can imagine.”

RICHARD MILLER | CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Ahead of the Curve

At one time there were around 1,500 professional color photography labs in the United States. Today, only about ten of those labs remain, including mid-Missouri’s own Miller’s Professional Imaging, which just happens to be the largest professional photography lab in the United States.

Being ready and able to grow and change with the times is key to the success of any business, and that proved to be vital for the continued growth of Miller’s.

“Miller’s grew and outpaced the rest of the market at the time digital photography came about,” Tucker says. “ e reason Miller’s had so much success during that time is because of the early adoption of digital, and Richard was a visionary from that perspective. He was one of the rst people to realize that digital would surpass lm and made the decision to invest in digital photography. We were already there when everyone else was playing catch up.”

Richard recalls the way his dad also welcomed new ideas and allowed him to look forward.

“He saw early on the bene ts of the technology and automation and what it would do for our services, and he realized it would be a good thing,” Richard says. “To his credit, he embraced new ideas, and not everybody can do that. It was a total change, and it worked out well.”

Today, with facilities in both Pittsburg and Columbia, Miller’s continues to stay ahead of the curve, and the company prides itself on the extra steps it takes to stay ahead of its competition.

“When you’ve got guys like Brandon and John, we are able to do things di erently than a lot of the competition,” Richard says. “We use analytics for everything, and we measure everything you can imagine. Every morning, we get reports from the Pittsburgh lab and the Columbia lab about things like print quality and sending out reports on time. We look at the data we get and we react to it.”

Miller’s also does things di erently when it comes to their employees.

“We use pro t sharing which gives our employees a sense of skin in the game,” John says. “With our pro t-sharing program, 22 percent of pro ts go back to employees every month.”

Across the Generations

While Richard’s rst stint working for Miller’s was supposed to be a summer job, that’s not exactly how it worked out.

“My dad asked me to come back and work for the summer, and it’s been a long summer,” Richard says. “I hope that John and Brandon feel the same and that they have had a very long summer working here.”

While Richard says working with John and Brandon is “fantastic,” he also realizes that family businesses spanning several generations require a lot of hard work and commitment, and he doesn’t take that for granted.

ough John says he wasn’t initially sure if he would join the family business,

he also says his dad began asking him to do so regularly since college.

“I needed to get outside experience and perspective, and I would reassess every year,” John says. “Finally, I caved in and bit the bullet a few years back. ere is still a lot I have to learn from Dad, and his expertise in-house will be bene cial long-term.”

While his son and son-in-law appreciate his depth of knowledge and his business acumen, Richard says he has nothing but praise for the next generation of leadership and excitement about the years to come.

“Most family businesses don’t survive long term, and many don’t make it to the third generation,” Richard says. “ ere are a lot of bene ts of working in a family-owned business. e future of the company is better because of John and Brandon and it’s an advantage for those who work with us. ey can see the present, but also the future.”

Affordable

What do those two seemingly simple words mean together? e saying, “If you ask one hundred people, you’ll get one hundred di erent answers” seems to aptly sum up the complex economic, social, and political layers of the a ordable housing question. e topic has been a lingering issue in Columbia for decades now, but some city leaders and advocacy groups say they are determined to help shift the conversation from questions to answers — and taking action.

“It’s not a housing issue. It’s a housing crisis,” says Nick Foster, Columbia’s Fourth Ward city council member. “We haven’t treated it like a crisis. And it is.”

e answer probably also depends on the person who is asked — and what their individual or family income amounts to.

“What’s a ordable to one is not a ordable to another,” says Mark Briley, director of client relations for Anderson Homes Foundation, an o shoot of Anderson Homes, which has launched an initiative in conjunction with Love Columbia to help lower-income families become homeowners.

Briley says housing costs in Columbia since 2019 have increased 40 percent.

“ ere’s no such thing as a ordable for anyone working at a minimum wage level,” he adds.

Further summing up the disparate de nitions of a ordable housing and the local housing crisis, as Foster puts it, is daunting, but here’s the basic picture:

Half of Columbia’s renters and one third of local homeowners are “cost-burdened,” meaning they pay more than 30

percent of their monthly income for rent or mortgage, says Conrad Hake, program director for Love Columbia. Breaking that down even further, the Columbia Housing Authority reports that nearly 6,000 Columbia households make 30 percent of the area median income, or less, and spend more than 50 percent of their income on rent.

In real dollars and cents, Columbia’s area median income, as reported in federal census data, is currently $57,463. Families earning 30 percent of that amount, or less than $20,000 annually, often can qualify for assistance with groceries (supplemental nutrition assistance program, or SNAP) and housing in the form of vouchers (Section 8, for instance). But the next income level of families — making 50 to 80 percent of the area median income — is especially vulnerable to the high cost of rent and the fading hope of achieving or maintaining home ownership.

at segment of the population is what Love Columbia Executive Director Jane Williams refers to as “the missing middle.”

Williams points out that a primary factor contributing to the local housing crisis — one of the many layers of the complex picture — is the shrinking number of available, affordable rental options. e number has waned under myriad market pressures and rising construction costs, and few income-based public housing units have been built in Columbia in the last 50 years. In addition, wage increases and earnings have not kept pace with the cost of rent, she says.

Williams has always seen a ordable housing as a crisis since co-founding Love INC. — now Love Columbia — in

housing.

BY JODIE JACKSON JR

2008. Perhaps not surprisingly, she’s among the leaders of a broad advocacy group seeking solutions to the crisis. e A ordable Housing Coalition, a diverse group of business, nonpro t, government, and faith groups, has been meeting regularly since the fall of 2021, seeking longterm solutions to Columbia’s a ordable housing crisis.

at meeting followed an informal trip among local nonpro t and housing advocates to Eileen’s Place, a supportive housing community in Kansas City, and hearing a presentation from Andrea Tapia, CEO of the Kansas City Housing Authority. Soon after, Columbia’s A ordable Housing Coalition began to take shape.

“My feeling was we really needed business, government, and social service people together,” Williams explains. “It seems like it’s going to take all of us to intersect to nd a solution.”

Boone County Community Services, a function of Boone County government, awarded a $100,000 grant in June 2021 to Boone County Upward Mobility, which was focused on issues relating to early childhood, housing, and workforce development. at group linked with some who had taken the trip to Eileen’s Place, and the A ordable Housing Coalition was born.

e group includes representatives of social service agencies, including Love Columbia; Realtors, builders, and property managers; the city’s planning department and city council; churches and other nonpro ts; the Columbia Housing Authority; and, among others, Central Missouri Community Action (CMCA).

“It’s always been very congenial,” Williams says, referring to the involvement of real estate and home construction representatives; though there was some “pushback” from owners of rental properties who were cautious about their role.

Rental properties, and epecially short-term rentals such as homes used for Airbnbs and similar online rental platforms, have been the subject of a recently-passed city council ordinance that puts limitations and tighter regulations on those properties.

“We did not get into the Airbnb debate,” Williams adds, though she agrees with ordinance proponents who characterized the debate as central to the a ordable housing picture.

“We used to have [lower income residents] renting in those places that are now Airbnbs,” she explains. “ ere’s no way this is not an a ordable housing issue.”

e coalition also advocates for the city relaxing its zoning requirements for some residential areas to allow what is known as “mixed income” developments where lower costs homes can be built among higher priced homes. ere’s also movement toward allowing more use of auxiliary dwelling units, or ADUs, such as garages, detached buildings, and even basements as rental units. City o cials have credited the coalition’s conversations with putting those topics, as well as new but limited provisions for property setback and lot size requirements, on the planning and zoning commission’s agenda.

“Everyone’s afraid,” Williams says. “We trying to educate people about mixed income apartment complexes and permanent

Renderings by Monarch Architecture

Since the early 1970s, Columbia has had fewer than 40 new public housing units built. But that story is about to change, and other organizations are also working to increase the number of affordable housing options. Some of that work includes:

Construction will begin soon on Columbia Housing Authority's (CHA) Kinney Point development near the intersection of East Sexton Road and North Garth Avenue. Kinny Point will have 34 new units. The $12 million cost is funded by a variety of sources, including Veterans United Foundation, the city’s HOME program, CHA, and the Missouri Housing Development Commission.

CHA is also reconstructing seventy existing units in its Park Avenue development and will build back seventy-nine units. The $22 million project will be partly funded by city and county American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.

Love Columbia hopes to break ground this summer on a six-plex at the corner of Ash and College. The apartment building will be transitional housing for families with children experiencing homelessness.

CMCA has overseen construction of two houses on Hickman Avenue for lower income buyers. CMCA also has plans for Providence Landing, seven townhome-style one-, two-, and three-bedroom homes for 14 families.

Columbia Community Land Trust is the force behind Cullimore Cottages, a ten-home development of affordable homes for lowincome eligible buyers.

Habitat for Humanity continues to develop Boone Prairie Subdivision, a more than fiftyacre subdivision that will be the home to 143 Habitat families.

supportive housing” that is more a ordable. Yet property managers and builders are concerned that if planning and zoning relaxes residential zoning standards to allow more mixed use and mixed income properties, that may open the oodgates for more zoning changes that could limit the number of higher-cost homes that could be built.

Hake says the coalition has been useful for bringing di erent if not competing voices to the table.

“ e ice has been broken,” he adds, echoing Williams’s sentiment. “We have been able to come together. Let’s all get involved in advocacy.”

Anderson Homes Foundation is among the rst advocates for increasing the number of a ordably priced homes for lower income families. e My First Home initiative involves Love Columbia working with the city and county to lessen impediments to the building process, and coach and certify individuals and families to become candidates to successfully receive a mortgage for a house ranging in cost from $150,000 to $179,000.

Anderson Homes will build those homes at or below cost to keep the price tag in that a ordable range. A sponsor or partner — perhaps a local bank or individual — pays for the construction, the foundation buys the house from the sponsor, then the new homeowner buys the house from the foundation. e money can go back to the sponsor or, as Briley says has already happened, the funds stay with the foundation to support building more homes in that price range.

Briley said Anderson Homes founder Russ Anderson started the foundation by asking himself the question, “How can we use our gifts for good?”

“ is is a community that has raised many of us. How can we give back?” Briley asks. He’s hopeful that other local builders might follow Anderson’s lead. “We can show this is possible. We hope others can be inspired to do the same — or nd their own ways of doing good in the community.

ree of those homes will be completed in May and Anderson Homes is breaking ground for two more. Finding an a ordable lot — or nding ways to obtain abandoned lots, many of which are now city-owned — is another challenging part of the equation.

In some ways, the daunting task of addressing the housing crisis seems like the story about the man who spotted a boy tossing star sh back into the ocean, even though hundreds of beached star sh wriggled in the sand. When the man said the boy couldn’t make a di erence for them all, the boy returned another star sh to the water and said, “I made a di erence for that one.”

Briley says that story resonates with the foundation and the My First Home initiative, despite the staggering odds of resolving the a ordable housing crisis.

“Our desire, really, is for families to get ahead,” he continues. “We’re not just building homes. We’re building communities. We’re collecting the rst few star sh.”

Creating delightful occasions that leave you with a full heart & amazing memories to last a lifetime.

CORPORATE PARTIES • NON-PROFIT GALAS

PRIVATE EVENTS • WEDDINGS • CELEBRATIONS

WE SPECIALIZE IN ONE THING IN PARTICULAR: making your event fun and stress free.

BOOK A CONSULTATION TODAY!

eventsthatdelight.com

PHONE 573-673-9671

@delighteventsmo

EMAIL eventsthatdelight@gmail.com

Ashley Gross Minor

Owner & Lead Planner

WE ASKED OUR 20 UNDER 40 ALUMNI...

What did your 20 Under 40 selection and experience mean to you?

We did encourage light-hearted answers, though this group probably didn’t need that prompting.

Being chosen as a member of 20 Under 40 was an honor for many reasons but my favorite may be the fact Geo Karr can’t use it to win who unloads the dishwasher anymore. We’re even

– LAUREN KARR

Class of 2022

Proud to be nominated by my peers.

– GEOFF KARR

Class of 2020

Geo Karr, and proud to not have to unload the dishwasher evidently.

– TOMMY GORAN

Class of 2020

Extremely honored to be nominated and then chosen as our class was full of some badasses that I was proud to stand with!

– AMANDA LEE QUICK

Class of 2018

It felt like I got to see myself for the rst time. I nally saw myself as the world sees me. It helped me realize that I’m on the right path — no matter how winding or hilly it may be.

– ENOLA-RIANN WHITE

Class of 2023

Proud to be contributing to my community, and proud of my community for encouraging contributors!

– WENDY WIEDERHOLD

Class of 2003

I was excited through the process. en blown away and humbled to be recognized with such accomplished community members. e recognition is an accolade!

– BROOKE BERKEY

Class of 2017

It was humbling and inspiring to be included alongside so many people who care deeply about having a positive impact!

– EMILY LANHAM THOROUGHMAN

Class of 2007

Seen and heard in an oftenunrecognized eld of work.

– MECKENZIE HAYES

Class of 2023

An honor to be recognized in our community amongst such amazing people!

– ALISSA JONES GERKE

Class of 2017

Business is hard. Leadership is hard. Sometimes some days you wake up with nothing in the tank, only to muster up enough grit to take the day’s ass kicking. It means a lot to be recognized among peers that share the same experience for their own reasons.

– AUSTIN ILSLEY

Class of 2022

I credit my 20 Under 40 interview with changing local government policy! In it I said the one thing I would improve about Columbia would be giving citizens ROLL CARTS! I wasn’t the only one … we did it folks!

– KARI HOPKINS

Class of 2021

Rewarding.

– REVEE WHITE

Class of 2023

Validating.

– STEPHANIE TURNER GOANS

Class of 2023

A rming and overwhelming.

– AMANDA JACOBS

Class of 2017

Many of the 20U40 recipients are the community members that inspire me, and I was humbled and maybe slightly confused how I was selected to be in that group. I was also impressed at the number of people Erica Pe erman convinced to sing Eminem on video.

– NATHAN TODD

Class of 2017

One of the rst things in life I got before David Boyd. So he can’t say I’m copying him on this one.

– MATT BOYD

Class of 2020