Biz 417 | From Store to C-Suite | January/February 2024

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 | $4.95 January/February 2024 MAKING AI WORK FOR YOU • BRAD BECKHAM’S RISE TO THE TOP • MENTORSHIP MOMENT

FROM STORE TO C-SUITE Meet Brad Beckham, the fourth-ever CEO of O’Reilly Automotive

BIZ417.COM

ELEVATE YOUR SALES PERFORMANCE

See how Sandler enables the next level of success by empowering sales professionals and leaders to master the craft of selling.

Join us in taking the next step forward.

Register today to Crash a Class. trustpoint.sandler.com | 417.890.0004

While you’re taking care of your business, we’ll take care of you.

For over 35 years, 417-land clients and their employees have trusted Med-Pay with dedicated service, expert guidance and product innovation.

We work harder so your life is easier.

Consistency

Med-Pay offers expert guidance and remains on the leading edge in the ever-changing world of healthcare.

Stability

Med-Pay provides options for both fully insured and self-funded plans for any size organization, crafted around every unique circumstance.

Longevity

Med-Pay is one of the longest-running Third Party Administrators in the state of Missouri.

Employee Benefits | med-pay.com | 417.886.6886

THERE’S NO CLEAN MORE PRISTINE Office Cleaning | Floor Care Sports Facilities | Medical Facilities

417.833.4250 | myqualityclean.com

6

January/February 2024

BIZ417.COM

Get an inside peek at Good Spirits & Co. Headquarters on p. 42.

PHOTO BY TESSA COOPER

34 42

O’REILLY’S NEW CEO

A CHIC PLACE TO WORK

BY JENNIFER SWENSON

BY TESSA COOPER

Brad Beckham started as a shop employee at O’Reilly Auto Parts. Now, after a robust career within the company, he’s moving into the Fortune 500 company’s CEO position.

BIZ417.COM

Peek inside the beautifully designed headquarters of Good Spirits & Co., which recently opened in a building at the bustling intersection of Pickwick Avenue and Cherry Street.

January/February 2024

7

Breakthrough strategies

22 EMBRACING AI

Mostly Serious and JMark CEOs detail how their companies have been using artificial intelligence.

25

25 THE THIRD FLOOR

The Gillioz Theatre has opened its third floor to organizations with a creative focus.

23 NEW ABILITIES

Imagine Technical Institute helps employers recognize the positive traits of neurodiverse employees.

24 JAZZ UP THE OFFICE

The Springfield Regional Arts Council helps businesses support local artists.

Tools to help you dominate

29 FORWARD THINKING

31 FIELD TRIP

30 WORK CULTURE

32 GET THE HYPE

Revel Advertising focuses on positive work culture and supporting local businesses.

The United Way of the Ozarks’ Community Field Trip program takes companies out into the community to learn about nonprofits.

Two Mercy leaders discuss their mentorship pairing through the Healthcare Young Professional Empowerment organization.

Everywhere you need to be

48 CALENDAR

Our roundup of January and February networking events.

50 THE SCENE

Look for familiar faces at three recent local business events.

SUBSCRIPTION RATES: 6 ISSUES, $24. PLEASE CALL OR VISIT BIZ417.COM/SUBSCRIBE. ALLOW 4–6 WEEKS FOR PROCESSING ORDERS, PAYMENT AND CHANGES OF ADDRESS. SINGLE ISSUE: $4.95; BACK ISSUES, $6 PLUS $8 SHIPPING AND HANDLING, IF AVAILABLE. NO BACK ISSUE ORDERS OR SUBSCRIPTIONS OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES. ADDRESS CHANGES: INCLUDE BOTH NEW ADDRESS AND MAILING LABEL WITH OLD ADDRESS. BIZ 417 (ISSN 23763604) IS PUBLISHED BIMONTHLY BY WHITAKER PUBLISHING, LLC, 2111 S. EASTGATE AVE., SPRINGFIELD, MO 65809–2146. © WHITAKER PUBLISHING, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRODUCTION OR USE IN ANY MANNER, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE PUBLISHER IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. POSTAGE PAID IN SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI, AND ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES. POSTMASTER: SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO BIZ 417, 2111 S. EASTGATE AVE., SPRINGFIELD, MO 65809–2146. THE MAGAZINE ACCEPTS NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR UNSOLICITED MANUSCRIPTS, ARTWORK OR CARTOONS. PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

8

January/February 2024

BIZ417.COM

PHOTOS BY MATT LOVELAND, LEAH STIEFERMANN, COURTESY REVEL ADVERTISING, MARK HECQUET

Tom Prater discusses how to get involved—at any age—in making Springfield a better place over the next 20 years.

30

PLANNING FOR BUSINESS GROWTH

STARTS WITH THE RIGHT PROPERTY

JANUARY/FEBRUARY · Volume 9, Issue 2 · 2024 EDITORIAL

BUSINESS

Katie Pollock Estes

Logan Aguirre

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR EDITOR@417MAG.COM

Jamie Thomas

DIGITAL EDITOR JTHOMAS@417MAG.COM

Jo Jolliff

RESEARCH EDITOR JO@417MAG.COM

Kali Salazar

ENGAGEMENT EDITOR KALI@417MAG.COM

Jordan Blomquist

CUSTOM PUBLICATIONS EDITOR & STAFF WRITER JBLOMQUIST@417MAG.COM

Jenna Murray

EDITORIAL INTERN

Sarah Patton

CREATIVE DIRECTOR SARAH@417MAG.COM

Jordan Dykstra

ART DIRECTOR JORDAN@417MAG.COM

M. 417.860.5447 jeff.childs@svn.com P. 417.887.8826 ext. 104 Jeff Childs, SIOR, CCIM - SVN/Rankin Company

J.J. Massey

FINANCE MANAGER ACCOUNTING@417MAG.COM

Kaitlyn Messina

FINANCE ASSISTANT KAITLYN@417MAG.COM

Bernadette Pry

OFFICE MANAGER BERNADETTE@417MAG.COM

Erin Payne

OPERATIONS COORDINATOR EPAYNE@417MAG.COM

Jami Wightman

Leah Stiefermann

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE JANELLE@417MAG.COM

Grace Chipley-Thompson

ACCOUNT SERVICES MANAGER KATHY@417MAG.COM

Hali Patton

ACCOUNT COORDINATOR NICKI@417MAG.COM

EDITORIAL DESIGNER GRACE@417MAG.COM

RANKIN COMPANY, LLC

Ammie Scott Motes

VICE PRESIDENT OF STRATEGY & SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE ASCOTTMOTES@417MAG.COM

Brandon Alms

PHOTOGRAPHER & DESIGNER LSTIEFERMANN@417MAG.COM

Jeff Childs, SIOR, CCIM

Megan Johnson

VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS & CUSTOM PUBLICATIONS MJOHNSON@417MAG.COM

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE JAMI@417MAG.COM

SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER & DESIGNER BRANDON@417MAG.COM

Senior Advisor, invested in 417-land

PUBLISHER LOGAN@417MAG.COM

EDITORIAL DESIGN INTERN CONTRIBUTORS

Jamie Beckman, Karen Bliss, Tessa Cooper, Max Havey, Josh Kingham, Ryan Kowalski, Matt Loveland, Peyson Mecke, Jennifer Johnmeyer, Kristin Sharp, Susan Atteberry Smith, Jennifer Swenson FOUNDERS Gary Whitaker

FOUNDER GARY@417MAG.COM

Janelle Haik

Kathy Grieve

Nicki Sherwood

Katie Batliner

ADVERTISING DESIGNER KBATLINER@417MAG.COM

McKenzie Robinson

ADVERTISING DESIGNER JADE@417MAG.COM

Elizabeth VanFosson

DIGITAL COORDINATOR EVANFOSSON@417MAG.COM

Mariya Serykh

MARKETING COORDINATOR MARIYA@417MAG.COM

Joan Whitaker

FOUNDER JOAN@417MAG.COM

10

January/February 2024

BIZ417.COM

GIVE YOUR BUSINESS THE SHOUT-OUT IT DESERVES Be named one of the Top 10 Businesses in 417-land in either the Small Employer or Large Employer category.

REASONS TO APPLY BENEFITS Use the survey program to boost culture, affirm employees’ sense of belonging and increase retention.

MARKETING ADVANTAGES Enhance employee recruiting efforts, increase the effectiveness of general marketing and improve your reputation in the community with the chance to be recognized for exceptional work culture.

EMPOWERING MANAGEMENT Every participating organization has the opportunity to receive an Employee Feedback Report, which includes detailed analyses based on confidential employee feedback.

APPLY NOW AT BIZ417.COM/BESTPLACES

12

January/February 2024

BIZ417.COM

JANUARY/FEBRUARY · Volume 9, Issue 2 · 2024

ADVISORY BOARD David Atkisson Springfield Office Leader

J.E. Dunn Construction Thomas Douglas CEO

JMARK Business Solutions, Inc. Anna Evans Vice President of Business Retention & Expansion

Show Me Christian County Heather Hardinger Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer

CoxHealth Sally Hargis Vice President/Chairman

Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Co. Ryan Mooney

1/2 V PAGE AD p. 13

Vice President of Economic Development

Arvest Bank Benjamin Sapp Partner | Business Development

Sapp Design Architects Debra Shantz Hart Owner

Housing Plus LLC DHTC Development Sustainable Housing Solutions Jack Stack President/CEO

SRC Holdings Corp.

BIZ417.COM

January/February 2024

13

BIZ 100’S GOOD VIBES

AT J U A N I TA K . H A M M O N S H A L L

We’re still buzzing from the fun of the 2023 Biz 100 party, which we hosted to celebrate the influential business leaders who made the Biz 100 list in the November/December edition of Biz 417. The event also honored our Person of the Year, Hal Higdon, who is profiled in that same magazine.

We had so much fun celebrating with this powerful group!

“Thank you for taking the time to meet with me for the Biz 417 article. It’s always a pleasure to meet a fellow journalist. Your attention to detail and gift for writing are evident in your copy. Thank you for telling the Convoy of Hope story well.”

—Hal Donaldson, Founder of Convoy of Hope “Thank you for a wonderful event last night. It was fantastic to connect with key leaders in Springfield and the region. Thank you for all you do for the community."

—Mark Hecquet, President and CEO of Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau

APRIL 3, 2024

HOW TO CONTACT BIZ 417

T I C K E T S AVA I L A B L E N OW !

facebook.com/biz417

B I Z 4 1 7. C O M / T H I N K

@biz417 linkedin.com/company/biz-417 Snail Mail

Letters to the Editor Biz 417 2111 S. Eastgate Ave., Springfield, MO 65809 Email

biz@417mag.com www.

14

January/February 2024

Biz417.com BIZ417.COM

There’s still time to enter your organization in the 2024 Best Places to Work. Head over to biz417.com/bptw and enter before February 16.

NOMINATE THE NEXT GENERATION

PHOTOS BY LEAH STIEFERMANN

We want to know all about the ten people who are leading 417-land into the future for our 2024 10 for the Next 10. If you know someone who belongs on this list, now’s the time to nominate and celebrate them. Head to biz417.com/10ftn10 to enter them before February 26, 2024.

ARE YOU A GREAT PLACE TO WORK? In 2023, we updated the Best Places to Work contest to include two categories, large employers and small employers. Now, nominees are up against other organizations with similarsize teams. When you’re ready to nominate, head online to biz417.com/bptw.

Who Launch Biz Break JOIN OUR NEWSLETTERS •• Ladies AND CONNECT WITH US ON BIZ417.COM

January/February 2024

15

1

2

“By empowering each employee to decide what they want to do to help us meet our goals, we’re giving each employee ownership over the success of the company as a whole.”

“By fostering their desire to give back, it increases morale, job satisfaction and purpose.”

—Vicki MacDonald of KPM, p. 31

—Chris Jarratt of Revel Advertising, p. 30

3

Experience seamless transactions with our expert business brokerage services, offering tailored solutions in exit planning, business valuation, marketing strategies and confidential consulting.

417-889-9400 KINGSLEYBROKERS.COM 16

January/February 2024

“AI is not going to replace all of your people. But if you can have four people get the work done of five, six, seven, obviously you’re optimizing your business and creating better value for your customers as a result.”

—Thomas Douglas of JMark, p. 22

4

5

“Neurodiverse people can become stand-out performers because of the positive traits and skills they have including innovation, creativity, high levels of concentration, keen ability to detect errors, and the ability to excel at repetitive or routine work.”

“We hire a lot of individuals at the entry level, mold them early on and give them responsibility.

If they put in the time and energy, they become confident in their skills, and [their entry-level position] probably won’t be what they are doing in 365 days.”

—Dee Gerstenkorn of Boone Center Inc., p. 23

—Jonathan Andrews of O’Reilly Automotive, Inc., p. 37 BIZ417.COM

Jacob Eddy Expertise in: Civil Litigation Products Liability Personal Injury

Lessons in Leadership

PHOTO BY LEAH STIEFERMANN

I

’m excited to announce that in 2024 Biz 417 is rolling out two new leadership development opportunities that each offer a different level of access and content.

First up is our one-day Emerging Leaders Symposium in partnership with People Centric Consulting Group coming up on Tuesday, February 27. This is an opportunity for your newer leaders to spend a day learning key principles of leadership. If you have employees who are asking for help in leading teams, running effective meetings, managing conflict or strategic decision making, consider investing in this day to show your commitment to their growth. The event is led and facilitated by Don Harkey and Matt Griswold of People Centric Consulting Group.

Then in April we will open applications for The Legacy Network—a program designed to grow your leadership skills, network and influence to leave a lasting legacy. This professional development program runs September 2024 to March 2025 through six half-day sessions. With curated programming, developed and led by Biz 417, members get to learn from the best minds and subject matter experts in our region, have unparalleled access to mentors, connect with a peer network and ultimately elevate their personal and professional growth.

This application-based program is ideal for those who have experience in a manager, director BIZ417.COM

or C-level position and are looking to build their skillset, vision and influence. If you have identified next-generation leaders in your succession plan, this program is for them.

We are proud to continue to expand access to thought leaders by connecting them with you, our audience, in an effort to build the best business leaders in our region. You can learn more about both of these opportunities online at biz417.com/leadership.

Logan Aguirre Publisher, Biz 417

ONE MORE THING

Speaking of thought leaders! We’ve officially announced our full line-up for Think Summit 2024. Not only will you learn from the best in the biz in 417-land, but we are bringing in Richard Bliss, who is a LinkedIn Top Voice.

His talk “You’re Doing it All Wrong: Unlocking the LinkedIn Code” will school you in all you thought you knew about how to maximize the platform.

TRUSTED BY SMALL AND LARGE BUSINESS OWNERS THROUGHOUT SOUTHWEST MISSOURI 417-882-4700 EVANS-DIXON.COM 4905 SOUTH NATIONAL AVE., SUITE B

January/February 2024

17

We Will Go Beyond Your

Expectations Latino Owned Certified MBE

Drywall, Acoustic Ceilings, insulation, metal framing & more

417-818-5425 \\ Springfield\BRanson Check us out on Facebook

PHOTO BY BRANDON ALMS

BREAKTHROUGH STRATEGIES

“My primary responsibility is to keep this 97-year-old institution not only alive but thriving. So when you’re looking around and being part of the arts community, you’re thinking, ‘Well, how can I meet my mission and along the way make the others stronger as well?’”

—Geoff Steele, p. 25

Shared Space

At the Gillioz, Geoff Steele is exploring new ways to help the theater thrive, like opening up spaces for other creative organizations.

Page 25 BIZ417.COM

The Future Is Now

Etching Out Success

Page 22

Page 23

Jarad Johnson of Mostly Serious and Thomas Douglas of JMark share how their companies are embracing artificial intelligence and all its possibilities—and helping other businesses do the same.

Imagine Technical Institute, based in Hollister, is training adults with developmental disabilities for the workforce—and connecting them to potential employers in need of skilled staff.

January/February 2024

19

ADVERTISEMENT

B E YO N D B US I N ESS

Matilyn Cote, Kathy Drake, Joel Payne, Haylea Champagne, Dan Roeckle, Brandy Adams, Andrew Gathright, Adam Brooke, Greg Shaw

IT solutions, SumnerOne continues to build on its legacy Established in 1955, SumnerOne has evolved into a of excellence. Today, the company stands as a testament prominent office and print technology company with to its commitment to exceeding client a footprint across the Midwest, boastexpectations and optimizing investing 12 strategically located branches ments in printing, IT, and document in Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, “SumnerOne remains technology. With a proud tradition and Oklahoma. In 2017, SumnerOne at the forefront of the dating back almost a century, acquired Corporate Business Systems, industry, maintaining a SumnerOne remains at the forefront enriching its legacy in the Southwest resteadfast focus on of the industry, maintaining a steadfast gion of Missouri and Northwest region production print.” focus on production print. As one of of Arkansas and reinforcing its position the Midwest’s top distributors, Sumas one of the Midwest’s largest indepennerOne continues to collaborate with dent office technology dealers. trusted leading brands, ensuring they deliver unparalleled Specializing in everything from production print to cutservice and technology solutions to their valued clients. ting-edge copier machines, document technology, and

SumnerOne 20

January/February 2024

3348 E CHERRY ST.

417-831-6400

SUMNERONE.COM

Photo by Josh Kingham

Continuing A Legacy of Excellence

BIZ417.COM

FOUR TO FOLLOW

[HEAT INDEX]

WITH RYAN DEBOEF

HEAT INDEX At press time, we were buzzing about a fan-fave business opening an outpost in the Ozarks, a restaurateur’s new project and the country’s biggest basketball tournament—right in 417-land.

After spending several years at Missouri State University serving as the university president’s chief of staff, Ryan DeBoef is now working as a lobbyist at the Hahn DeBoef Government Relations lobbying firm. DeBoef uses social media to stay informed with current events in the community and throughout the state of Missouri.

BY JENNA MURRAY

BY KATIE POLLOCK ESTES

@CLIFSMART

BUC-EE’S ON THE SCENE After a whole lot of anticipation (especially from die hard and adoring fans), Missouri’s first Buc-ee’s has opened on I-44.

The Texas-based gas station chain is known for having especially clean bathrooms, fresh barbecue, an expansive store and a whole lot of gas pumps. It’s more than just a boon to hungry road trippers, though. Buc-ee’s also brings more than 230 new jobs to the region—with transparent pay scales starting well above mimimum wage that have drawn a lot of attention to the brand.

PHOTOS COURTESY RYAN DEBOEF, CLIF SMART, GOVENOR PARSON, LINCOLN HOUGH, SCOTT FAUGHN

MEET YOU FOR BRUNCH? At press time, Andy and Misty Hampshire, owners of Springfield’s Farmers Gastropub, had just opened a new brunch concept. JW’s Kitchen is located in the Farmers Park space formerly occupied by Progress. It features a menu inspired by Andy and Misty’s grandmothers and the dishes they shared with family. They are open 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. every day except Tuesday, so we’re thinking this will be a new favorite spot for a business brunch, which isn’t a thing yet but definitely should be.

BRING IN THE CHAMPS The Bass Pro Shops Tournament of Champions is this month. It’s the top-attended high school tournament in the country, and this year both the Glendale and Central High School teams are competing.

BIZ417.COM

“My firm has the privilege of representing Missouri State University in Jefferson City. Clif’s account is the best way to keep up with what’s happening at MSU. In addition to Clif sharing important information about the university, you can also see Clif and Boomer and others do these hilarious videos. Every once in a while you even get to see Clif dance. It’s very important that I know what’s going on at the university so then I know how to represent them in Jefferson City.”

@GOVPARSONMO

FIVE ON FIRE PAMELA YANCEY CASEY PYLE WINTER KINNE BRIAN HAMMONS ANDY HAMPSHIRE

“I follow Governor Parson mostly to keep up with changes and current events in the state of Missouri, specifically in the government of the state of Missouri. In my line of work, often I know things that are going to happen at the state level before they occur, but it can be helpful to follow Governor Parson’s X page to see when those things are announced to the public.”

@LINCOLNHOUGH “He tweets very sparingly, but when he does, I and everyone else in Missouri politics stop and read it. He is the Senate Appropriations Chair so that gives him a huge platform and a large audience. Sometimes he tweets about important government and political issues, but more often than not he posts pictures of his farm and his boys. I always think that’s a good reminder that the people we elect are real people with real lives.”

@SCOTTFAUGHN “Scott is the publisher of The Missouri Times. The Missouri Times is a Missouri political news powerhouse. If you’re not following Scott on really every social media platform, you’re missing out. At least twice a week he posts video updates that dive deep into news that really only someone who’s way on the inside of Missouri politics could ever cover. He also mixes in personal stuff in a really artful way, things like frustrations about parking in Jefferson City, his love for the St. Louis Cardinals and his vendetta against the MLB’s designated hitter rule.”

January/February 2024

21

EMBRACING AI Jarad Johnson, Founder and CEO at Mostly Serious, and Thomas Douglas, CEO at JMark, share how their organizations are embracing AI, challenges they’ve faced along the way, and the benefits they’re seeing.

BY MAX HAVEY

C

onversations about artificial intelligence (AI) are everywhere these days, whether that’s the promise of it as an accelerator for business or the reticence from some to fold it into their existing arsenal of tools. But one thing is certain; having a plan for how to best embrace it is the only way forward. So, we chatted with a couple of businesses from 417-land who have taken the leap to better understand their journey with AI. Jarad Johnson, Founder and CEO of Mostly Serious, notes that his experience with AI started with using the early iterations of prominent tools today like GPT 2 or GPT 3, where the functionality and potential were apparent, but weren’t refined enough to be incorporated into dayto-day work. “Seeing those early iterations, you could get a glimpse of how, if they took a leap forward this could be a pretty significant, worldaltering technology,” Johnson says.

While the release of GPT 4 in early 2023 marked that leap Johnson was looking for, the explosion of tools led to some analysis paralysis about which ones fit their needs. “It’s like drinking from a firehose all the time,” Johnson says. Johnson and his business partner quickly realized that they needed to focus on what they were doing with AI if they were going to use it day-to-day in their teams. “Our approach has turned into, give people clear guardrails around how we expect people to use AI, like making sure we aren’t putting any proprietary or client information into the AI,” Johnson says. “After we give those guardrails,

22

January/February 2024

it makes it a lot easier for individuals to explore how the AI can help their daily work.”

Experimentation to find the best fit is also the key piece of advice Thomas Douglas, CEO at JMark, has for embracing AI as a business.

At JMark, Douglas’s team is currently testing ChatGPT internally to do things like take generic information and accelerate problem resolution or use it to help with automation and script development before it is ever put into a production environment with customer data. “I think it’s really important to spend the time and experiment, test and play, get to know which tools create the most value and align with your model,” Douglas says.

As with adopting any new technology, there’s also going to be a learning curve. Both Johnson and Douglas cite prompt creation as one of the biggest roadblocks to successfully using AI in their organization and beyond. Johnson specifically cite creating forums for employees to share how they’re using AI so they can learn from their colleagues how to better use these tools.

“I think it’s really important to spend the time and experiment, test and play, get to know which tools create the most value and align with your model.”

—Thomas Douglas, CEO at JMark Those roadblocks don’t outweigh the benefits that accelerate the work their organizations are doing, optimizing for the future. “It’s not the cure-all, it’s not going to replace all of your people,” Douglas says.

“But if you can have four people get the work done of five, six, seven, obviously you’re optimizing your business and creating better value for your customers as a result.”

BIZ417.COM

PHOTOS COURTESY THOMAS DOUGLAS, JARAD JOHNSON, SHUTTERSTOCK

[FORWARD THINKING]

calm chaos to

Vocational Instructor Darcell Fleeman works with Skills Center student Isaiah to learn manufacturing skills under BCI’s TrueManufacturing program.

[WORKFORCE BUZZ]

IMAGINE NEW ABILITIES A new Hollister-based nonprofit is geared toward connecting local businesses with neurodiverse employees to help expand disability services in the Ozarks.

BY PEYSON MECKE

PHOTOS COURTESY IMAGINE TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, ABOUT FACES PHOTOGRAPHY

F

or adults with disabilities, finding the right job path or career fit can be met with challenges—from industry of interest to managerial support.

Finding the right fit can seem overwhelming for both employees and employers. Imagine Technical Institute (ITI) serves as that connector.

“ITI is the realization of a long-time dream of Hollister native Tim Connell,” says Nick Clinton-Elliott, ITI Regional Director. “His passion for people with disabilities developed as he volunteered for disability-related organizations following his son’s Autism diagnosis.” That inspired Connell to learn more about models of competitive employment and job training programs geared toward adults like his son. “He saw a need for more disability services in the community than were offered,”says Clinton-Elliott. “He partnered with Boone Center Inc. (BCI) out of St. Peters, Missouri, to help breathe life into ITI.” BCI is an established organization with a similar model to ITI and with shared goals to empower people with disabilities in a competitive workforce.

“Neurodiverse people, including those living with Autism or ADHD, can become stand-out performers because of the positive traits and skills they have including innovation, creativity, high levels of concentration, keen ability to detect errors, and the ability to excel at repetitive or routine work,” says Dee Gerstenkorn, Director of Marketing and Communications for BCI. Those specific skill sets can apply to a variety of industries. “There are many jobs that translate well into the ITI training model,” says Gerstenkorn.

“Our greatest experience is with manufacturing, hospitality, health care and social assistance support and warehousing.”

While ITI is just getting started, their program includes job placement and coaching, summer work programs for high school students, vocational training and benefits planning. They also offer support to the hiring business to ensure job placement is a good fit from all sides.

“The best type of job role for an individual is a job that a person is interested in,” says Clinton-Elliott. “At ITI, we try to match a person’s passions, skills and abilities to a fulfilling career where they are able to be an engaged employee.”

Businesses in Taney, Christian and Greene counties interested in hiring individuals with disabilities are encouraged to reach out to ClintonElliott at 417-763-2641 to learn more and Tim Connell get connected with their newest talent.

BIZ417.COM

Employee Medical Benefits Hundreds of employer groups trust Ollis/Akers/Arney Insurance & Business Advisors to manage their medical benefits programs.

Legendary service standards and data-driven management tools differentiate our benefit programs from all others.

Learn more

We excel at: • Evaluating cost drivers, • Identifying emerging trends, and • Uncovering savings opportunities.

Employer groups rely on our: • Consistent year-to-year data, • Easy-to-read reports, and • Comparative benchmarks.

This highly meaningful yet understandable information enables us to work together in a continuous, interactive manner as plan management issues arise.

Employees are consistently demanding more from their benefits package. Call us today so we can show you how to avoid the chaos of rising costs and to begin designing an employee benefits program that makes sense for your company and your employees.

OllisAkersArney.com | 417.881.8333

January/February 2024

23

#NAILED IT FAILED IT Subjects from this issue’s stories tells us about their biggest wins and most regrettable mistakes.

#Nailed It Failed It Mark Hecquet, see his story on p. 56

[DO IT NOW]

THINK SUMMIT

Spruce Up Your Office Support local art by partnering with Springfield Regional Arts Council to outfit your office in original artwork.

BY KAREN BLISS

I

s it time to revamp your office or add color to a new space?

Springfield Regional Arts Council offers a corporate art program, which allows participating companies to feature local art in their office spaces. Claire Utley, exhibitions manager at SRAC, says companies can install a one-time project or art that rotates every six months. Here’s how.

Get a Consultation Utley says if a business professional calls SRAC to be part of the program, she will help connect them with the right artist. “I’ll go and look at the space, and we’ll kind of get an idea of the size and number of pieces that they’re interested in, along with what type of art fits their business’s aesthetic the best,” she says.

Weigh Your Options Once a business pays the $500 per year membership fee, the program cost varies depending on the artist, the pieces, and how long they are borrowed. Also, the client always gets the final say in what they like or want changed, Utley says. Companies like Guaranty Bank and Legacy Bank & Trust have worked with SRAC on one-time projects for their art, whereas Command Family Medicine has rotating art, she says.

Katrina Sweaney, spokesperson for Legacy Bank & Trust, says the art gave the bank a chance to highlight its newer building on Sunshine Street, and emphasize the local focus. “By utilizing local talent, we see it as a nod to the city we have committed to serving at our Springfield branches, and we feel strongly about contributing to the community in this capacity.”

Installation and Completion Once the business has chosen art for the space, SRAC handles the logistics for delivery, installation and tagging the art.

24

January/February 2024

Join us April 3 for Think Summit 2024, featuring a robust lineup of excellent speakers, from local thought leaders to LinkedIn expert Richard Bliss. Tickets go on sale Janaury 5 online at biz417.com/ thinksummit.

EMERGING LEADERS SYMPOSIUM

On Feb. 27, Biz 417 partners with People Centric Consulting Group for a daylong lesson on key principles of leadership. Sign up online at biz417.com/leadership.

THE LEGACY NETWORK

In April, applications open for Biz 417’s The Legacy Network, featuring curated professional development programming with six half-day sessions from September 2024 to March 2025. Sign up at biz417.com/leadership to be the first to know when applications open.

LEARN ABOUT MORE EVENTS ON P. 48

#NailedIt “Hiring great employees is one of the most important facets of a successful organization. In a past position, I was hiring for a senior position in my organization; the interviews had gone great, the candidate had wowed the staff and they were really in favor of hiring this person. However, I had a gut feeling from the beginning that this person wasn’t right for the team. Despite this, I hired this person. It didn’t work; in fact, it was a disaster. The dynamic was all wrong and within two months, the person left.

What I learned through this was sometimes you just have to trust your instincts.” #FailedIt

#Nailed It Failed It Ryan DeBoef, see his story on p. 21 “About a year ago I left the security of my employment at the university and struck out to start a business and build my own government relations practice. My timing proved to be perfect and my practice has been very successful.”

#NailedIt “One year at the end of the legislative session I went to my car in the parking garage in Jefferson City near the Capitol. I was really excited because I’d had good success in the budget that year. I wasn’t paying attention and I ran my car nose first into a pole in the parking garage. It was a very humbling experience.”

#FailedIt #Nailed It Failed It Chris Jarratt, see his story on p. 30 “Prioritizing team fit and culture in our hiring process. Now our hiring process includes the opportunity for each employee at Revel to interview and interact with potential new team members. Everyone gets a say in our next team member.”

#NailedIt “Prioritized talent over culture fit. TWICE! We didn’t always hire with the same focus as we do now. Talent is still obviously really important, but being a collaborative and supportive team member is paramount at Revel.” #FailedIt BIZ417.COM

PHOTOS BY BRANDON ALMS, COURTESY REVEL ADVERTISING, RYAN DEBOEF

PLACE TO BE

“Many years ago, the organization I was leading was planning to go through a rebrand. I saw an opportunity that our rebrand could extend far beyond our organization and help the entire county. Instead of working individually, we brought the entire county together to implement a county-wide brand. The project was a complete success and the brand still today continues to grow throughout the county.”

The newly finished lobby of the The Third Floor features a poster wall, seating area, and custom artwork.

Before the renovation, Steele says, “I had multiple employees who didn’t have a desk at all. I was in a closet on the second floor. It was a huge problem, but I didn’t need the whole floor, and so I said, ‘What could we do?’”

Then, he realized that renting the rest of the floor was a way to solve a problem for other arts organizations needing not only office but meeting space.

Now, Steele and other center employees work together on one side, while tenant arts organizations occupy individual offices. Conference rooms, office equipment and a kitchen are shared.

Besides easy access to the theater, tenants also have access to Gillioz “eventologists” offering help with planning as well as promotions, Steele says.

In November, for example, the Gillioz was working with MOJO Executive Director Randy Hamm to coordinate that group’s holiday show.

Reflecting on the opera’s “Opera Rocks!” concert with the M-Dock Band last spring, Steele says future collaboration among Springfield arts groups could strengthen all.

“My primary responsibility is to keep this 97-year-old institution not only alive but thriving,” he says. “So when you’re looking around and being part of the arts community, you’re thinking, ‘Well, how can I meet my mission and along the way make the others stronger as well?’”

[BEHIND THE IDEA]

OLD SPACE, NEW LIFE Geoff Steele continually recreates the community-focused purpose of the Gillioz Theatre. Next on the agenda, offering space at the historic theater for other organizations with a creative focus.

BY SUSAN ATTEBERRY SMITH

PHOTO BY BRANDON ALMS

T

he historic Gillioz Theatre on Park Central Square has long staged a variety of performers, from comedy acts to country music and rock and roll bands.

Now, an eclectic group of local arts organizations is under the roof of the 97-year-old theater, too, setting the stage for more collaboration—and the promise of more one-of-a-kind performances.

With a new name to match its expanded mission, the Gillioz Center for Arts & Entertainment opened a renovated third floor to its first tenant last May. That’s when Ozarks Lyric Opera moved there from The Creamery Arts Center.

By last November, film nonprofit SATO48, veterans arts foundation Two Black Ravens and the Missouri Jazz Orchestra, or MOJO, had moved up to The Third Floor, too, filling three of seven available offices.

BIZ417.COM

“Of course, we’re marketing people, so we said, ‘Let’s not call it something else, let’s just call it what it is: It’s The Third Floor,’” Gillioz Executive Director Geoff Steele says of the name etched into the frosted glass entry to the industrial-style office space.

Doors open to a waiting area wall of large photographs, one of Springfield native Michael Spyres performing Pagliacci for the opera. Painted by a Two Black Ravens artist, a portrait of actor and fellow native Brad Pitt hangs opposite the photos, near a wallpapered wall of previous event posters.

After a local church moved out of the building in March, a private grant from Springfield’s Hatch Foundation funded the reconfiguration and remodeling of the space, once occupied by Ozarks Technical Community College’s Department of Art, Design and Humanities.

LESSONS IN NONPROFIT LEADERSHIP

A couple of years after becoming executive director of the Gillioz in 2014, Geoff Steele realized the nonprofit could not survive on ticket sales alone. With some good advice, he has been able to chart a new course for the historic theater.

“My biggest mistake when I came here was not really focusing on the fact that the Gillioz is a 501c3 nonprofit,” Steele says. “And that was a critical mistake, because most theaters like this, 45 to 60 percent of the revenue comes through donations, grants, sponsorships, endowments.

We had less than 2 percent when I arrived. And so the sustainability was really in question. People from other theaters across the country thought it was amazing that I was surviving on our ticket sales, but the truth is nobody does that.” Experts with the League of Historic American Theatres advised Steele to be more direct in asking patrons for donations. Advocating for the theater in emails and other communications has worked, he says. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, revenue from donations has increased to 35 percent of the center’s budget.

January/February 2024

25

EXTEND AND ENHANCE YOUR BUSINESS...

• OFFICE BUILDINGS • GYMS • SHOWROOMS • RESTAURANTS • SCHOOLS & DAYCARES

417.838.7227 | GarageExperts.com

TOOLS TO HELP YOU DOMINATE

“The more you can separate the ego from what you do in life, and why you do it, the better off you’ll be.”

PHOTO BY LEAH STIEFERMANN

—Joe Daues, on lessons he learned during a 10-day silent Buddhist meditation retreat. Read more on p. 29

Words of Wisdom

Joe Daues shares the lessons he’s learned throughout his career, from TV news anchor to CEO at BCFO. Page 29

BIZ417.COM

Community Connections

Hype it Up

Page 30

Page 32

The Revel with a Cause initiatives at Revel Advertising give employees a chance to do good work for a good cause—and increase engagement as a result.

A mentorship program at Mercy Springfield is connecting newer employees with more senior team members in other departments to promote growth and connection.

January/February 2024

27

Presented by ®

Whether they’re your colleague, mentee or career crush, we want to hear about the professional who is poised to make waves in southwest Missouri in the next 10 years.

BIZ417.COM/NOMINATE

28

January/February 2024

BIZ417.COM

[ADVICE & WHISKEY]

PHOTO BY LEAH STIEFERMANN

JOE DAUES ON HOCKEY, MEDITATION AND LIVING TO 100 Joe Daues, CEO of Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks, sat down with us to share the nuggets of wisdom he’s gained during this long career—from anchoring the news to running a nonprofit organization.

INTERIVEW BY JAMIE BECKMAN EDITED BY KATIE POLLOCK ESTES

BIZ417.COM

“We had a saying [when I worked] in timeshare a sudden say, ‘By the way, this person is the former sales: Know all you tell, don’t tell all you know. I mayor of Los Angeles’ or something crazy like that.” don’t adopt that in my current business dealings.

I’d rather tell people all I know, so they walk in “There are a lot of big egos in TV newsrooms. The with eyes wide open. I want everybody to know the top of the food chain, the top of the prima donnas, good, the bad and the ugly of a situation, so if this is the anchor. I was the anchor, so I lived it. I undoesn’t fit where they are in life or where they want derstand that, and I probably suffered from that.” to be, then they can make the decision that they’re out, and there are no hard feelings.”

“One of the craziest things I’ve ever done is go on a 10-day silent Buddhist meditation retreat. At the “I’m a hockey goalie, ice hockey, and I love it. The end of the day, it helped me realize that the ego, Japanese have this thing called ikigai. It’s essen- the thing that you consider is you, is like this very tially that thing that drives you. [Netflix’s series selfish child that needs to be fed all the time. The about Blue Zones] says that people in that area more you can separate that ego from what you do live to be over 100 because they have ikigai, and in life, and why you do it, the better off you’ll be.” they don’t let it go. If you let it go and are like, ‘I’m too old to do that anymore,’ then you’ve lost your desire to fuel your life. While it might not rise to that level, hockey is my thing.”

“I never really had an idol until I met Steve Hartman, that guy from CBS who threw a dart at a map, then went there to find a story. His motto was ‘everybody has a story.’ I was just so amazed by that guy’s ability to peel the onion—to tell a little bit of the story, then tell a little bit of the story, then all of

PT I E C E THE R*******h*t**** *****ue*s**1 sake flig a Joe D

ht ke flig a s 1 n ckma

Be Jamie

January/February 2024

29

[CULTURE CLUB]

Revel in

ative Officer and Co-Founder Chris Jarratt of the company’s transparent, open-book management style. “By empowering each employee to decide what they want to do to help us meet our goals, we’re giving each employee ownership over the success of the company as a whole.”

Revel also creates dedicated time and space to collaborate and innovate—from monthly brainstorms to spark new ideas for client projects to volunteering independently or as a team. Revel also offers employees memberships to organizations, such as Springfield Creatives, that can help with team members’ personal and professional growth and development, all while engaging and becoming more connected.

“Outside of setting and accomplishing internal goals, we also have a mission as an organization to use our time and talents to support our community as often and on as large of a scale as possible,” says Jarratt. “We encourage, and allow time for, our employees to get involved in nonprofit organizations they are passionate about.”

That passion to support local organizations has helped inspire one of Revel’s most well-known

Culture Revel Advertising’s onboarding initiatives give new employees a chance to engage with company culture from Day 1.

BY PEYSON MECKE

“C

ompany Culture” could be synonymous with “Ad Agency” based on traditional reputations—from free beer and stylish office space to special summer hours.

But at Revel Advertising, culture takes shape in many different ways (with a little bit of tradition mixed in for good measure).

Revel Advertising understands they’re only as good as their people. “Each year, we work together as a team to set our annual goals and then each quarter each employee selects and spearheads a special project geared towards accomplishing one or more of our annual goals,” says Chief Cre-

initiatives: Revel with a Cause. In 2013, Jarratt and his co-founder, Nicole Jarratt, decided to formalize the amount of time dedicated to nonprofits. Through this program, Revel provides a local nonprofit free services for a whole year.

“One surprising benefit to this initiative has been the interest that potential employees have shown in the program,” says Jarratt. “I’d say close to 80 percent of the people we interview ask about it, which is just one more way to gauge potential alignment with our culture through the hiring process.”

With just seven employees, that emphasis on engagement is essential to building and keeping a tight-knit team.

“Without the culture we have in place we wouldn’t be able to produce the high-quality work we do,” says Jarratt. “Whether it’s dedicating time to serve on a board that further ties you to our community, a new skill you learn at a conference or a new connection you make that could be our next team member, all of these nonbillable activities lead to a more productive team in the long run.”

BY THE NUMBERS: REVEL ADVERTISING

EMPLOYEES:

7

30

YEARS IN BUSINESS:

13

January/February 2024

ACTIVE CLIENTS:

30

(+150 TOTAL CLIENTS)

AMERICAN ADVERTISING FEDERATION AWARDS:

100+

TELLY AWARDS:

13

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR FINALIST:

4-TIME

HOURS OF EVOLUNTEER WORK PER YEAR:

500

BIZ417.COM

PHOTOS COURTESY REVEL ADVERTISING

The team at Revel Advertising (left) makes it a priority to be engaged with their community and with each other through Revel with a Cause initiatives.

[GIVING BACK]

Team members learn how they can impact local nonprofits at United Way of the Ozarks’ Community Field Trip.

COMMUNITY FIELD TRIPS As corporate team building expands beyond the office, companies are looking for outside opportunities to build a more meaningful workplace environment. The United Way of the Ozarks’ Community Field Trip program has been a great place for local businesses to start.

BY JENNIFER JOHNMEYER

PHOTO COURTESY OF UNITED WAY OF THE OZARKS

W

hen KPM’s Vicki MacDonald heard about Community Field Trip, she recognized it as a fulfilling opportunity for her team to learn and grow together while learning of needs in the community.

It’s a benefit echoed by Amber Alcorn, formerly with The United Way of the Ozarks. “Recent studies have shown that employees want to know that their workplace is giving back, and they want to be involved in that,” Alcorn says.

Community Field Trip has proven to be the answer for several businesses looking to build that corporate citizenship, with KPM and Paddio being two of the most recent.

The outings cost $2,500 and involve groups of 20–25 employees from a company who go out into the community and learn about issues affecting local nonprofits. When selecting the field trip, participating companies can choose one of two focuses: championing children or pathways out of poverty.

“They have a little say in what nonprofits they visit that day, so we tailor the curriculum accordingly,” Alcorn says.

KPM selected championing children as their community focus.

“Springfield is such a giving community, and our children unfortunately need resources,” KPM’s MacDonald says.

She adds that social responsibility and building strong relationships with local organizations are two integral pieces of KPM’s “why,” adding that employee engagement increases morale, job satisfaction and purpose.

“By fostering their desire to give back, it increases morale, job satisfaction and purpose. Plus, what better way than to do it as a field trip to see all the amazing things in our community as a group!”

Alcorn points out that Community Field Trip is a great solution for businesses that might not know where to start.

“This is a good starting place to educate teams and individuals about issues specific to our local area,” she says.

KPM now plans to make this an annual event. “It was so worth it, and I encourage anyone on the fence to really consider it,” says MacDonald.

BIZ417.COM

THE BIG LIEUTENANT BENTONVILLE, ARKANSAS

HOW YOU DO ANYTHING IS HOW YOU DO EVERYTHING FULL SERVICE ARCHITECTURE, ENGINEERING AND DESIGN

417-569-5051 | BUFSTUDIO.CO

January/February 2024

31

[MENTORSHIP MOMENT]

Like it never even happened.®

HYPEd About Leadership John Myers is an experienced leader and Kortney Wassam is young in her career and looking for leadership advice, making them the ideal mentorship pairing.

BY JORDAN BLOMQUIST

SERVPRO® of Springfield/Greene Co. Independently owned and operated 417-865-7711 765 N Miller Ave, Springfield, MO 65802

32

January/February 2024

ohn Myers and Kortney Wassam understand the HYPE—and by that we mean the Healthcare Young Professional Empowerment (HYPE) organization that introduced them as a mentor and mentee duo.

Myers, Chief Operating Officer for Mercy Springfield Communities, and Wassam, Executive Director of Revenue Cycle Performance for Mercy SWMO Region, meet at least once a month to catch up and discuss each other’s personal and professional development. “Every time we meet I learn,” Wassam says. “It’s been great just to have a little insight into what’s going on in our organization because so many times you just get caught up in your silo and what’s going on in your own area.”

In July, Myers and Wassam were paired together in HYPE’s mentorship program—Myers as a mentor and Wassam as a mentee. As busy as work gets, it can be difficult for Myers to focus on the diverse needs of everyone, and that’s where Wassam comes in. “I learn a lot about what’s going on in various parts of the BIZ417.COM

PHOTO BY LEAH STIEFERMANN

SERVPRO helps to ensure your damage is restored according to industry standards.

PHOTO BY LEAH STIEFERMANN

Mercy Springfield’s robust mentorship program pairs seasoned and newer employees, like Chief Operating Officer John Myers and Executive Director of Revenue Cycle Performance Kortney Wassam.

organization,” Myers says. “And then the connection she has with the other HYPE members, she brings that perspective from a larger group too.” For Wassam, this mentorship is about learning how to be a good leader and setting herself up for future success in her young career.

One way Myers has helped Wassam in their mentorship is by reevaluating direction and setting new expectations for Wassam’s team. “The department I am over has a very large and broad scope, and I needed help defining what my team’s role as a whole was,” Wassam says. Myers helped her redefine her department’s purpose and taught Wassam how to build a framework to achieve that purpose.

Besides appreciating the opportunity to take a break every few weeks to chat about work and life over coffee, Myers and Wassam recognize the significance of their mentorship meetings as a piece of the HYPE program’s puzzle. It paves the way for a new generation of mentorship pairings in the program. “We started [HYPE] to connect our young professionals throughout the organization with each other and with our other leaders,” Wassam says. “We’re really focused on the professional development of our young professionals, and also just growing them in their career.”

Mentorships are an important aspect of every successful career.

When it comes to advice for other mentors or future mentors, Myers affirms the importance of being attentive. “Listen and acknowledge what the challenges are professionally and personally. You don’t have to have an answer for everything,” he says. Wassam seconds that sentiment, echoing the importance of an open dynamic. “For mentees, just to be open and bold to ask the questions—whatever they are,” she says.

“I think it’s such a special opportunity to get to have the ear of an executive leader in your organization.”

BIZ417.COM

January/February 2024

33

34

January/February 2024

BIZ417.COM

BY JENNIFER SWENSON

BIZ SPECIAL PROFILE

PHOTOS BY BRANDON ALMS

F RO M

STORE C-SUITE TO

GET TO KNOW BRAD BECKHAM, O’REILLY AUTOMOTIVE, INC.’S INCOMING CEO EVERY SO OFTEN, Brad Beckham drives down North Sherman Parkway in Springfield. He passes Hammons Field on the east side of the street and looks out at the Creamery Arts Center on the west. Today, the Creamery is the headquarters for 30 community organizations, but back in 1957, it was the site of O’Reilly Automotive, Inc.’s first store and distribution center. “I drive down Sherman to see O’Reilly’s humble beginnings,” Beckham says. Back then, the business had just 13 employees, including its first two chief executives—President Charles F. “C.F.” O’Reilly and Vice President Charles H. “Chub” O’Reilly. Sales totaled $700,000 in its first year, and eight years later, BIZ417.COM

the company opened a second store in Springfield.

Since then, O’Reilly Automotive has grown exponentially, expanding from the Midwest to both coasts and, in recent years, into international markets in Mexico and Puerto Rico. On January 31, when Brad Beckham takes the helm as the fourth CEO in O’Reilly’s history, he will lead a company valued at 15 billion dollars, comprising 88,000 team members, 29 distribution centers and more than 6,000 store locations. It’s a role he is well-prepared to assume, having worked for the company for 27 years. In many respects, Beckham’s story is the story of O’Reilly Automotive, Inc. itself. It’s the

JULY 1996 OKLAHOMA

17 years old, Brad started at the Wagner, Oklahoma, store sweeping floors and putting stock away.

Start here to follow the timeline of Brad Beckham’s career path at O’Reilly Automotive, Inc.

January/February 2024

35

BIZ SPECIAL PROFILE

story of a business leader—and a company—whose growth and success have been rooted in a distinct corporate culture.

FLOOR SWEEP TO C-SUITE Beckham was just 17 years old when he took a job at an O’Reilly Auto Parts store in Wagner, Oklahoma. He had graduated from high school only two weeks earlier. “I didn’t think college was for me,” Beckham says, “but I had a ‘68 Camaro and a dirt track car, and I loved DIY projects. O’Reilly had the best parts people, and I assumed it would be a really cool job.”

The company typically hired at age 18, but Beckham begged the man-

ager to hire him. His official title was “parts specialist,” although at 17, that really meant sweeping floors and organizing stock.

Once in the role, Beckham was humbled pretty quickly. “I realized I didn’t know as much as I thought I did,” he says. “I started working with veteran parts people and saw how much they knew about cars.

I enjoyed the fact that I had so much to learn; it was very motivating to me.”

It was so motivating, in fact, that Beckham became the store manager just two years later. In his mid20s, he became district manager in Texas and Kentucky, and by the time he was 30, he was a regional

 In 1957, prior to the founding of the company, C.F. and C.H. “Chub” O’Reilly (father and son) were working for Link Motor Supply. Link decided they wanted C.F. to retire (he was 74), and they wanted to relocate Chub to Kansas City. C.F. wasn’t ready to quit, and Chub didn’t want to move, so they decided to start their own business.

1996–1997

1998–2001

2001–2005

2005–2007

Parts Specialist, Night Manager, Assistant Store Manager

Store Manager

District Manager

Regional Manager

OKLAHOMA

36

PHOTOS COURTESY O’REILLY

 With 11 other employee-owners who had also worked for Link Motor Supply, C.F. and Chub opened their first store on December 2, 1957. It was located on North Sherman Parkway, in the space now occupied by the Creamery Arts Center. Pictured here are Red Hale, Wayne Schuler, Paul Ankrom, Jewel Sechler, C.F. O’Reilly, Chub O’Reilly, Ann Drennan, Bob Bach, Hubert Cox, Tony O’Reilly and Paul Branson. Not pictured from the original 13-person team are Vic Semmelback and Chris Bridwell.

January/February 2024

OKLAHOMA & TEXAS

TEXAS & KENTUCKY

ATLANTA, GEORGIA

BIZ417.COM

BIZ SPECIAL PROFILE

executive leaders—who were nearing retirement—needed people to step up and take full ownership of the future.

Beckham wrestled inwardly with two realities: first, his advancing career was pointing strongly toward major leadership roles, and second, the stakes would be high for future executives, thanks to the company’s rapid growth.

Beckham was well-versed in the company’s “promote-from-within” culture.

It started with the O’Reilly family, who wanted to help people to advance their careers by giving them opportunities.

“We hire a lot of individuals at the entry level, mold them early on and give them responsibility,” says Jonathan Andrews, Senior Vice President of Human Resources and Training. “If they put in the time and energy, they become confident in their skills, and [their entrylevel position] probably won’t be what they are doing in 365 days.”

Like Brad Beckham, countless O’Reilly team members have been promoted from within throughout their careers, including managers, corporate administrators, vice presidents and two of the company’s former CEOs: Greg Henslee and Greg Johnson.

For practical reasons, “promote from within” has been fundamental to the company’s stability. “Somebody from outside would think we are just a normal retail company,” says Beckham.

“But when a customer walks into a parts store, it’s a consulted visit. The majority of our parts are behind the counter, and it takes a professional parts person—someone who understands cars— to help the customer troubleshoot.” It also takes professional parts people to

manager in Atlanta. From there, Beckham advanced into new responsibilities, finally relocating to Springfield’s corporate headquarters in 2013.

During his career, Beckham has been on the front lines of some tough expansion markets. In a competitive industry, he has been savvy at identifying competitors that would be an excellent fit for the company, “putting them in an O’Reilly shirt instead of the one they were wearing,” says Greg Henslee, Chairman of the Board and former CEO. According to Henslee, Beckham has developed a cadre of professional recruiters who are excellent at hiring people who know auto parts and adhere to O’Reilly culture.

Over the years, Beckham has tackled significant challenges that have confronted O’Reilly Automotive. For example, when health care laws changed during the Obama administration, the self-insured company faced unprecedented cost increases. In response, Beckham developed recommendations for increasing the part-time team members in the stores while the company implemented the new health care requirements. Gradually, O’Reilly adapted to the yearly expense, and they were able to increase the full-time roster. “Brad adapts well to adversity,” says Henslee. “He is willing to put a smart team together and develop a strategic plan. Being CEO will be a new test of his skills.”

PROMOTE FROM WITHIN When Beckham was serving as Division Vice President, he began to realize that the O’Reilly family and the company’s

—BRAD BECKHAM, INCOMING CEO

2007–2012

2012

2013

2016–2018

Division Vice President – Atlanta, Georgia & Southeast U.S.

Promoted to Vice President, Eastern Store Operations & Sales

Relocated from Atlanta to Springfield in 2013

Senior Vice President, Central & Eastern Store Operations & Sales

ATLANTA, GEORGIA

BIZ417.COM

“In 1997, I fell in love with the parts business. But when I look back, I realize I fell in love with O’Reilly Auto Parts. I went to work with a group of people that cared about Brad as a 17-year-old kid.

They put their arms around me. They taught me about the business and about life. I was shy, and veteran parts people brought me out of my shell and taught me how to take care of customers.”

ATLANTA, GEORGIA

SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI

SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI

January/February 2024

37

BIZ SPECIAL PROFILE

manage the wholesale accounts— to work with the shops, garages and municipalities who rely on O’Reilly Automotive for the supplies to operate their own businesses. “You can’t take somebody out of another retail sector and put them in charge,” says Beckham.

“They don’t have the credibility or respect to lead when they’ve never worked the parts counter or been in a shop, when they don’t understand that people’s livelihood is dependent on having the right part at the right place at the right time.”

Simply put, promoting from within facilitates outstanding customer service, and for the O’Reilly Automotive team, their commitment to customer service is what sets them apart from the competition.

In recent years, even amid its rapid expansion, O’Reilly continues to fill management positions from the inside. “When you promote someone from a store manager to a district manager [who oversees 10 stores], they already know how to run a store, so they replicate themselves 10 times,” says Beckham. Currently, each of O’Reilly’s 602 district managers were promoted from within.

Critics of the approach would argue that a company becomes stagnant without outside perspectives. It’s a criticism that O’Reilly leadership takes seriously. “How do we make sure we are not sniffing our own fumes?” asks Beckham. “There’s always going to be

SERVANT LEADERSHIP Ironically, early in Beckham’s career, it was a failed promotion that taught him the most about leadership in O’Reilly’s corporate culture. As a 23-year-old store manager, he was passed over for a promotion to district manager. “I was too focused on Brad, on my timeline, and I was missing everything I needed to learn in the present,” Beckham says. “Instead of worrying about getting promoted, I should have been focused on getting other people promoted.”

In his failed promotion, Beckham learned the hard way about O’Reilly Automotive’s culture of servant leadership, and as the soon-to-be CEO, he still takes that lesson to heart. “Getting passed over for that job was probably the best thing that ever happened to me,” he says. “A lot of people these days want a mentor. They want to be trained and developed. I always turn it around and say, ‘Whatever you want, you have to give. If you want to be developed, develop people. If you want to get trained, train your people.”

Beckham often reminisces about the retired delivery drivers who worked for him when he was a young store manager. The drivers had had full professional careers in other sectors, but “they just wanted to get out of the house a few days a week,” he says. Officially, Beckham was their boss, but with their wealth of experience, the drivers showed him that to be an effective leader, he had to listen to and care for his team.

In the intervening years, Beckham has continued to polish his leader ship skills. At corporate headquarters, Jeff Shaw—former O’Reilly

2018–2022

2022–2023

2023

Executive Vice President – Store Operations & Sales

Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

Co-President & CEO-elect for 2024

SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI

38

a strategic area where we need to bring someone in to help us make sure our eyes are wide open.”

To foster fresh ideas, O’Reilly executives also prioritize frequent, robust communication with team members. “We reach out to find out what’s going on,” explains Andrews. “It’s the people working daily in the trenches who get to tell us what they need to serve customers better.” Every August, store managers participate in a detailed survey; the findings become a critical component of the company’s strategic plan for the following year.

Similarly, during the height of the pandemic, corporate leaders surveyed 40,000 team members, and the results of that survey yielded changes in some company policies. This year, O’Reilly leadership plans to survey each of its 88,000 team members.

This growth-minded, team-oriented culture has been pivotal to O’Reilly Automotive’s success. “It’s hard to quantify the value of promoting people from within,” says Henslee. “Team members are extremely loyal. It’s like abandoning family—they just can’t do it. We’ve taught them how to run a business and how to be successful.”

January/February 2024

SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI

SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI

2024

Chief Executive Officer

BIZ417.COM

BIZ417.COM

January/February 2024

39

PHOTOS COURTESY O’REILLY

—GREG HENSLEE, CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AND FORMER CEO

40

January/February 2024

 The first O’Reilly Auto Parts store was located on North Sherman Parkway, where the Creamery Arts Center is now. Today, the growing Fortune 500 company has 6.000 locations around the world and a headquarters building (above) in Springfield.

PHOTO BY TK PHOTGRAPHER

To front-line team members today, Beckham’s journey sends a powerful message: With hard work, humility and dedication, they can rise to the positions of CEO or chairman of the board.

“I am so proud that [Brad Beckham] is going to be our next CEO.”

BIZ417.COM

BIZ SPECIAL PROFILE

co-president and chief operating officer— showed Beckham some tough love. “If I did nine things right, Jeff would pick out the one I did wrong,” Beckham says, “but he was preparing me for the future.” From corporate mentors like Shaw to those retired delivery drivers, Beckham is a proponent of surrounding himself with smart, capable people and always being willing to learn from anyone.

Today, when Beckham visits a store, he listens to team members, notepad in hand.

If the store gets busy with customers, he jumps behind the parts counter to pitch in. When he walks the halls of Springfield’s corporate offices, he knows names and asks questions. And when Beckham himself asks for personal feedback, he is ready for “the brutal truth.” Henslee says, “Brad has been in all the roles, and he’s an encyclopedia. He knows all of our field leadership [personally]. People love to work for him. If you can get a lot of people behind a leader, it’s a very powerful thing.”

PHOTO BY TK PHOTGRAPHER

THE ROAD AHEAD As Beckham becomes CEO, he is wholly dedicated to realizing O’Reilly’s mission statement, which is “to be the dominant supplier of auto parts in our market areas.”

But with O’Reilly Automotive occupying just 10 percent of the total addressable market, there’s plenty of room for growth. Each year for the next five years, the company intends to open 180 to 200 stores, both inside and outside the United States. “We have the reality, not the goal, of being an international company,” says Beckham, who cites potential for expansion in Mexico as well as an ongoing search for strategic acquisitions. The company is part of an industry that Beckham refers to as “recession-proof.”

Yet even as O’Reilly’s executive leadership develops strategic plans, they maintain an underdog mentality: “We want to compete like we are 0 and 6, not 6 and 0, and never take our success for granted,” Beckham says. In a company made of hard work and high expectations, ego takes a backseat.

While the company has its sights set on growing internationally, it will remain close to its Midwest roots. “Being in the center of the country is a good demographic,” says BIZ417.COM

Beckham. The region is full of DIY customers, and the company stays in proximity to its long-time professional accounts. “Southwest Missouri,” Beckham says, “is part of O’Reilly Automotive’s DNA.” Since they moved to Springfield, 417land has become part of Beckham and his family’s DNA as well. Beckham and his wife, Megan, feel fortunate to have made a home in this area; they love the people, the schools and the beautiful outdoors. Beckham is grateful for Megan’s unwavering support of his demanding job. “Megan is basically an O’Reilly team member,” Beckham says. “She cares so much about the company.” Together with their five children, the Beckhams are very involved in their church community, and they enjoy traveling to new places or relaxing at Table Rock Lake.

When he reflects on almost three decades with the company, Beckham honors the many people who have impacted his career. “In 1997, I fell in love with the parts business,” he says, “but when I look back, I realize I fell in love with O’Reilly Auto Parts.

I went to work with a group of people that cared about Brad as a 17-year-old kid. They put their arms around me; they taught me about the business and about life. I was shy, and veteran parts people brought me out of my shell and taught me how to take care of customers.”

Beckham has been a recipient of the O’Reilly family’s legacy. “We sell a lot of auto parts,” family members regularly said, “but we are in the customer service and people business.” As he leads O’Reilly Automotive into the future, Beckham knows that team members across the company will need to continue to embrace the culture that has fueled it since 1957. Yet with fewer young people gaining hands-on experience with cars, Beckham is determined to make the company and its culture attractive to the rising generation, “because frankly, it’s an amazing industry.” To front-line team members today, Beckham’s journey sends a powerful message: With hard work, humility and dedication, they can rise to the positions of CEO or chairman of the board, says Greg Henslee. “I am so proud that [Brad Beckham] is going to be our next CEO,” Henslee says.

January/February 2024

41

1

[WORKSPACE]

In Good Company Good Spirits & Co’s new headquarters marries function and style in a space that offers opportunities for community gatherings and private events.

WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY TESSA COOPER

C

urious minds often peek in the window at 1424 E. Cherry Street. From an outsider’s perspective, the space looks just like a bar, but it’s much more than that. It’s the Good Spirits & Company Headquarters, where the Springfield-based hospitality group convenes daily for internal meetings, client presentations, staff training sessions and menu ideation and creation. Good Spirits & Company (GS&Co) is behind several popular Springfield haunts, such as Cherry Picker Package x Fare, The Golden Girl Rum Club and Best of Luck Beer Hall, as well as Scotch & Soda and the soon-to-open Loveless Cocktail Club in Bentonville, Arkansas. While the headquarters doesn’t operate as a commercial bar on a daily basis like the other concepts, the public can enjoy the space at monthly pop-ups and tastings, plus you can book the space for your company’s party or another special event. Joshua Widner is the owner and business manager of GS&Co, and he owns the building with his longtime friend Cade Rogers, principal at HC Rogers Construction. HC Rogers Construction occupies the upstairs portion. “I say it’s a grown-up version of the childhood treehouse you’ve always wanted, except for where we’re coming up on 40 years old, and it’s our offices,” Widner says. “We got to design the spaces. We got to do everything the way we wanted to, and it took a long time.

We put more roots down here in the neighborhood, and we want to be here for as long as we possibly can.”

42

January/February 2024

1

By day, the headquarters fills with natural light that sets the mood for business meetings with GS&Co’s consulting clients and distributors. By evening, they draw the gold velvet blackout curtains, and there’s an intimate ambiance throughout. “We’re always talking about the experience,” Widner says. “Obviously food, beverage and hospitality is what we do, but one of the biggest parts of our experiences is our design.” Widner’s spouse, Angela Houska, works in the interior design field, so she collaborated with him on the overall look and finishes.

2

When making a reservation for a cocktail pop-up, consider booking a seat at the bar. You’ll have exclusive rights to order from GS&Co’s Beverage Director and coowner Rogan Howitt’s secret menu that’s only available for bar service. You’ll also get to choose from the selections on the table service menu, which rotates with each pop-up. A few tried-andtrue items always remain on the list though, such as the espresso martini featuring The Coffee Ethic’s cold brew and the Midwest Martini Service, which comes with a serving of pork rinds.

BIZ417.COM

2

BIZ417.COM

January/February 2024

43

3

4

5

3

Attention to detail was key when curating the ambiance of the part-office, part-cocktail-bar. Taxidermy birds are a nod to the business’s Ozarks roots and the bar area features touches of glossy Italian marble. Dante LaCivita, owner of The 1906 Gents, built the bar front and tables out of Missouri-grown black walnut and Osage orange wood.

Widner’s father, Glenn, owns AmCraft Ornamental Iron, and he fabricated the shelving for behind the bar. If you like what you see, you can have the place all to yourself by booking an office or birthday party. Send an inquiry to Jacob Edwards at events@goodspiritsandco.com.

4 5

All throughout the headquarters, guests will notice beautiful little vignettes that look like staged still-life paintings. Widner and Houska sourced several of the vintage and antique pieces from Camp Flea Antique Mall (1900 W. Elm St., Ozark) and other antique stores across the Midwest.

Vintage rugs, antique furniture and touches of Gucci wallpaper adorn the space. “The cool thing with this place is that it’s not treated as harshly as a full-on commercial bar where we wouldn’t do some of these applications, like the rugs and the art, just because they wouldn’t last,” Widner says. “This place is our home.”

44

January/February 2024

BIZ417.COM

Support you can rely on.

Your vision for the future needs a reliable partner.

For over a century, we’ve supported our customers and communities with trusted expertise, helpful resources and personalized service.

Let us do the same for you.

Find your support team at GreatSouthernBank.com/business

PHOTO BY LEAH STIEFERMANN

EVERYWHERE YOU NEED TO BE

Awards are lined up to present to all the honorees at our annual Biz 100 Party.

CALENDAR SCENE 48 NETWORK

BIZ417.COM

50 Biz 100 56 Downtime

January/February 2024

47

Morning Event

Lunch Event

All Day

Evening Event

NETWORK

 8:30–10:30 a.m., Wednesdays 1 MILLION CUPS

Hear about local entrepreneurs who are growing businesses and ideas at this weekly presentation.

Bambino’s Community Space, 2810 E. Battlefield Road, Springfield. Visit 1mcsgf.com for more information.  5:30–8:30 p.m., Wednesday, January 3 WE & CO BUSINESS MIXER

Whether you own a successful business or are looking to start one, this networking event is perfect for all business professionals. Mingle with other entrepreneurs and business owners in a social setting with drinks and appetizers. Don’t miss out on this chance to meet other Springfield business connoisseurs.

The Riff by Classic Rock Coffee, 1900 W Sunset St, Springfield. Visit weandco.org/events for more information.  7:30–8:30 a.m., Thursday, January 4 GOOD MORNING, SPRINGFIELD!

Start your day with networking over breakfast at the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce’s monthly breakfast event. The January event takes place at the Betty & Bobby Allison Sports Town. The January event will feature timely updates from the City of Springfield, Greene County and Springfield Public Schools. $35 for members, $45 for non-members. Visit SpringfieldChamber.com or call 417-862-5567 for more information.  9–10 a.m., every second and fourth Thursday of the month SCORE MEETUPS

These meetups are free networking events hosted by SCORE Southwest MO. Locations vary for this recurring networking event. Email Justyn Pippins (Justyn.Pippins@ Score Volunteer.org) or John Sample (John.Sample@ ScoreVolunteer.org) for questions and more information.  7:30–8:30 a.m., Friday, January 5 FIRST FRIDAY COFFEE

Enjoy coffee and pastries in an informal networking atmosphere, where you’ll get a chance to meet and mingle with other Ozark Chamber of Commerce members. Participants can drop in for a few minutes or stay for the whole hour.

48

January/February 2024

Free for Chamber members. Visit OzarkChamber.com for more information.  11:30 a.m.–1 p.m., Tuesday, January 16 WORKING WOMEN IN NIXA LUNCHEON

Working Women in Nixa is a monthly powerful networking event geared to Nixa’s businesswomen and is held at the Main Event Center in Downtown Nixa. Each session is focused on empowering, inspiring and connecting women in the community. $20 for members, $25 for non-members. Visit NixaChamber.com for tickets and info.  5:30 p.m.–9 p.m., Thursday, January 20 OZARK COMMUNITY AWARDS BANQUET

Join the Ozark Chamber of Commerce for their Annual Ozark Community Awards Banquet. The event will celebrate members and the community through the distribution of awards, dinner, drinks and hors d’oeuvres. $150 VIP plated dinner, $75 reception ticket.

Ozark Mill at Finley Farms, 802 Finley Farms Lane, Ozark. Visit OzarkChamber.com for tickets and more information.  11:30 a.m.–1 p.m., Thursday, January 25 EXPERIENCE OZARK—MONTHLY NETWORKING LUNCHEON

Members and guests are invited to network and hear from fellow Ozark Chamber of Commerce members about issues in our businesses and community. $20 for members, $25 for non-members. Ozark Community Center (The OC), 1530 W. Jackson, Ozark. Visit OzarkChamber.com for additional information.  6–9 p.m., Friday, January 26 ANNUAL MEETING 2024

The Springfield Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Meeting will be held at the Oasis Hotel & Convention Center. It will reflect on 2023 accomplishments and cast new visions for 2024. The Springfieldian Award will also be presented at this event. $90 for members. Visit SpringfieldChamber. com or call 417-862-5567 for more information.  7:30–8:30 a.m., Thursday, February 1 GOOD MORNING, SPRINGFIELD!

Start your day with networking over breakfast at the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce’s monthly breakfast event. The January event takes place at The Library Center. It will BIZ417.COM

feature timely updates from the City of Springfield, Greene County and Springfield Public Schools. $35 for members, $45 for non-members. Visit SpringfieldChamber.com or call 417-862-5567 for more information.  7:30–8:30 a.m., Friday, February 2 FIRST FRIDAY COFFEE

Enjoy coffee and pastries in an informal networking atmosphere, where you’ll get a chance to meet and mingle with other Ozark Chamber of Commerce members. Participants can drop in for a few minutes or stay for the whole hour.

Free for Chamber members. Visit OzarkChamber.com for more info.  5:30–8:30 p.m., Wednesday, February 7 WE & CO BUSINESS MIXER

Whether you own a successful business or are looking to start one, this networking event is perfect for all business professionals. Mingle with other entrepreneurs and business owners in a social setting with drinks and appetizers. Don’t miss out on this chance to meet other Springfield business connoisseurs.

The Riff by Classic Rock Coffee, 1900 W Sunset St, Springfield. Visit weadco.org/events for more information.

Bank Local at BluCurrent

 4–6 p.m., Thursday, February 8 BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

Join fellow local business professionals at one of the Springfield Area of Chamber of Commerce’s most popular events. Business After Hours is hosted in a new location each month. For February, participants will meet at BigShots Golf.

Visit SpringfieldChamber.com or call 417-862-5567 for more information.  11:30 a.m.–1 p.m., Tuesday, February 13 NIXA CHAMBER LUNCHEON

Hear community updates, network with other Nixa business professionals, listen to feature presentations and panels and connect with businesses outside your regular industry at the Nixa Area Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon. Don’t forget your business cards. $15 for members, $25 for non-members. Visit NixaChamber.com for tickets and information.  11:30 a.m.–1 p.m., Tuesday, February 20 WORKING WOMEN IN NIXA LUNCHEON

Working Women in Nixa is a monthly powerful networking event geared to Nixa’s businesswomen and is held at the Main Event Center in Downtown Nixa. Each session is focused on empowering, inspiring and connecting women in the community. $20 for members, $25 for non-members. Visit NixaChamber.com for tickets and info.

Business Checking No monthly maintenance fee No minimum balance

 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m., Thursday, February 22 EXPERIENCE OZARK—MONTHLY NETWORKING LUNCHEON

417.851.1494 | blucurrent.org |

Members and guests are invited to network and hear from fellow Ozark Chamber of Commerce members about issues in our businesses and community. $20 for members, $25 for non-members. Ozark Community Center (The OC), 1530 W. Jackson, Ozark. Visit OzarkChamber.com to find additional information.

Your savings are federally insured to at least $250,000 and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government. National Credit Union Administration, a U.S. Government Agency. Equal Housing Lender. BluCurrent Business Accounts are insured up to $1,000,000 through a combination of federal insurance provided by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) and private insurance from Excess Share Insurance Corporation (ESI).

BIZ417.COM

January/February 2024

49

[THE SCENE]

Biz 100 Party

The 100 most influential business leaders in 417-land were honored at our annual Biz 100 party, where we also celebrated our 2023 Person of the Year, Convoy of Hope founder Hal Donaldson.

Date: November 8 | Host Organization: Biz 417 | Location: BMW of Springfield | Website: biz417.com

Dr. Brad Johnson, Pamela & Danny Yancey

Joy Bilyeu-Steele & Geoff Steele

PHOTOS BY BRANDON ALMS, KRISTIN SHARP, LEAH STIEFERMANN

Teresa and Chip McGeehan.

Hal Donaldson and Governor Michael Parson

PHOTO BY TK PHOTGRAPHER

Logan Aguirre, Hal Donaldson, Dan Roeckle

Lynn & Kevin Ausburn

Paula & Tim Dougherty

Teresa & Governor Michael Parson

PHOTO BY TK PHOTGRAPHER

PHOTOS BY BRANDON ALMS, KRISTIN SHARP, LEAH STIEFERMANN

Rick Meewes

SumnerOne’s Champagne Table

Melanie & Brian Weiler

Mayor Ken McClure, Brian Fogle

BOOK OASIS FOR YOUR NEXT MEETING SPRINGFIELDOASIS.COM

[THE SCENE]

Biz 100 Celebration Continued

Jonathan and Audrey Garard

Joselyn Baldner and Thomas Douglas

PHOTOS BY BRANDON ALMS, KRISTIN SHARP, LEAH STIEFERMANN

Dr. Grenita Lathan, Logan Aguirre, Matt Morrow

BMW of Springfield hosted of the Biz 100 Party.

PHOTO BY TK PHOTGRAPHER

Mark Harrington

Megan Johnson, Ben & Lindsey Sapp

Mediacom was one of the Biz 100 Party sponsors.

PHOTOS BY BRANDON ALMS, KRISTIN SHARP, LEAH STIEFERMANN

Hal Donaldson, Logan Aguirre

PHOTO BY TK PHOTGRAPHER

Ryan Olson, Mark Hecquet, Jessica Harmison-Olson

Lindsey & Jeff Seifried

Presented By

A truck from Convoy of Hope’s fleet

[THE SCENE]

2023 SBDC Manufacturing Outlook

At this annual conference, local speakers like Sally Hargis of Ozarks Coca-Cola, Jarad Johnson of Mostly Serious and Robert Randolph of Center for Advanced Manufacturing discussed the state of the manufacturing industry and its newest technologies.

Carla Ruark, Ron Bogart, Michael Nesbitt

Dianna Devore, Sean Thouveno

Erin Norris, Josh Brock, Carrie Allwardt

Gary Gibson, Ryan Allison

Kristen Haseltine, Danny Perches, Callie Linville

Mike Cosgrove, Allen Robbins

Missouri Enterprise Team

Holloway America Team

PHOTOS BY KRISTIN SHARP

Date: December 6 | Host Organization: Springfield SBDC | Location: White River Conference Center

[THE SCENE]

Good Morning, Springfield!

Local business leaders gathered to network and hear important updates and information from the City of Springfield, Greene County and Springfield Public Schools.

PHOTOS BY RYAN KOWALSKI

Date: December 7 | Host Organization: Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce | Location: White River Conference Center | Website: springfieldchamber.com

Max Buetow, Algerian Hart

Tiffany Batdorf, Sarah Hough

Evander Gonzalez, Carl Kicklighter

Emily Givens, Nicole Holt

David Ransin, Ryan Mooney, Richard Ollis

Joe Daues, Libby Rozell, Kent Ragan

Linda Daugherty, Brent Dunn, Brian Hammons, Brandon Bowenschulte BIZ417.COM

Dave Schaumburg, Bryant Young, Danny Perches January/February 2024

55

PHOTO COURTESY MARK HECQUET

DOWNTIME

I Am Iron Man

Mark Hecquet, president and CEO of the Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau, spends his free time training for and participating in Ironman competitions: long-distance triathlon races consisting of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride and a 26.2-mile run. “I have my family, I have my work and I have my triathlon,” Hecquet says. “That’s the one thing that keeps me balanced in my life.” Hecquet has completed four Ironmans so far and spends 12 to 20 hours training every week. He even has an Ironman tattoo on his leg to commemorate this hobby.— Jenna Murray

56

January/February 2024

BIZ417.COM

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 | $4.95

01 2111 S. Eastgate Ave. Springfield, MO 65809

0

74470 29349

1

VOLUME 9 ISSUE 2