Biz 417 | A Heart for the City | January-February 2025

A Heart f r the City

BRAD THOMAS USES THE PAST TO GUIDE THE FUTURE OF SILVER DOLLAR CITY P. 36

DINING TRENDS TOWARD FUN

P. 21

PEEK INSIDE THE RENOVATIONS AT FORVIS MAZARS

P. 44

PROFILE: BRAD THOMAS

Brad Thomas has more than three decades under his belt at Silver Dollar City. With a huge expansion on the horizon, the future is bright for the park under Thomas’s leadership.

BY JENNIFER SWENSON

44 WORKSPACE

Peek inside the Spring eld o ces of Forvis Mazars. They combine sleek modern style with employee gathering spaces that are both functional and fun.

BY JO JOLLIFF

Brad Thomas loves the Time Traveler coaster for it spin, three inversions, and two launches.

18 FOUR TO FOLLOW

Dennis Davis, Director of Safety at Prime, shares his top recommendations for social media.

20 SIDE HUSTLE

Daniel Scott launches Whiskey Tangos as a side gig.

20 CORNER OFFICE

Learn how Dwayne Fulk’s legal background sets him up for success in his role at City Utilities.

21 TRENDING NOW

Discover Big Whiskey’s new take on the social hospitality scene.

22 MEET THE MAKER

Family-owned Pixie Cup empowers women worldwide.

24 MY LOOK

Read UMB Bank Market President Justin Butler’s tips for business attire, from casual to professional.

28 ROOTED HERE

Norwood-based Yes, Honey produces a rst-of-its-kind drink that’s Alpha gal–friendly.

32 NETWORKING NOTES

Get to know the Spring eld Area Chamber of Commerce’s new Senior VP of Economic Development, Jonas Arjes.

31 MENTORSHIP MOMENT

Read about the budding mentoring relationship between Lori Robertson and Blaine Wallace.

35 CULTURE CLUB

Race Brothers has earned a reputation of taking care of employees in times of need.

50 CALENDAR

Mark your calendar for the best local networking events.

56 DOWNTIME

Jessica Martin’s love for law and travel takes her around the world.

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY · Volume 10, Issue 2 · 2025

BUSINESS

Katie Pollock Estes EDITORIAL DIRECTOR EDITOR@417MAG.COM

Dori Grinder

BIZ 417 EDITOR & MANAGING EDITOR DORI@417MAG.COM

Jo Jolliff RESEARCH EDITOR JO@417MAG.COM

Jordan Blomquist

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

Maura Curran EDITORIAL INTERN

Sarah Patton CREATIVE DIRECTOR SARAH@417MAG.COM

Jordan Dykstra ART DIRECTOR JORDAN@417MAG.COM

Brandon Alms SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER & DESIGNER BRANDON@417MAG.COM

Katy St. Clair PHOTOGRAPHER & DESIGNER KSTCLAIR@417MAG.COM

Grace Chipley-Thompson EDITORIAL DESIGNER GRACE@417MAG.COM

Arden Dickson, Halle Johnson ART INTERNS

Jamie Thomas DIGITAL EDITOR JTHOMAS@417MAG.COM

Logan Aguirre PUBLISHER LOGAN@417MAG.COM

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

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

Jami Wightman SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE JAMI@417MAG.COM

Janelle Haik ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE JANELLE@417MAG.COM

Bernadette Pry OFFICE MANAGER BERNADETTE@417MAG.COM

Erin Kingham OPERATIONS MANAGER EPAYNE@417MAG.COM

Kathy Grieve ACCOUNT SERVICES MANAGER KATHY@417MAG.COM

Nicki Sherwood ACCOUNT COORDINATOR NICKI@417MAG.COM

Katie Batliner ADVERTISING DESIGNER KBATLINER@417MAG.COM

McKenzie Key ADVERTISING & BRAND DESIGNER MCKENZIE@417MAG.COM

EDITORIAL AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT

Elizabeth VanFosson DIGITAL MANAGER EVANFOSSON@417MAG.COM

CONTRIBUTORS

Ren Bishop, Hayley Cobb, Mark Harrell, Max Havey, Jennifer Johnmeyer, Taryn Shorr-Mckee, Kristin Sharp, Jennifer Swenson

FOUNDERS

Gary Whitaker FOUNDER GARY@417MAG.COM

Joan Whitaker FOUNDER JOAN@417MAG.COM

Annah Crow MARKETING DIRECTOR ANNAH@417MAG.COM

Alex Osredker

STRATEGIC MARKETING & EVENTS MANAGER AOSREDKER@417MAG.COM

ADVISORY BOARD

David Atkisson Spring eld Of ce Leader J.E. Dunn Construction

Joselyn Baldner President/CEO Central Bank

Max Buetow President and CEO CoxHealth

Thomas Douglas CEO

JMARK Business Solutions, Inc.

Chris Jarratt Chief Creative Of cer Revel Advertising

Johnny McNeil Vice President Community Relations Community Partnership of the Ozarks

Tim Rosenbury Director of Quality of Place Initiatives City of Spring eld

Benjamin Sapp Partner | Business Development Sapp Design Architects

Jack Stack President/CEO SRC Holdings Corp.

James Stapleton Co-Founder Code

Dean Thompson City Utilities

Pamela Yancey President/CEO Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB

WHAT’S ONLINE

THINK SUMMIT

Biz 417’s Think Summit is the oneday, can’t-miss event for business professionals in the Ozarks. Whatever the stage of your career, size of your company or scope of your goals, you’ll nd inspiring ideas, valuable takeaways and lasting connections at Think Summit. Tickets are on sale now at biz417.com/thinksummit.

THE LEGACY NETWORK

What’s the next step in your professional career? Get guidance from seasoned professionals from Biz 417’s Legacy Network. Biz 417 brings together some of the brightest minds and subject matter experts in our region offering a curated development program to elevate personal and professional growth in the Ozarks. Learn more at biz417.com/legacynetwork.

THE DEADLINE IS NEAR!

Is your workplace one of the best in our region? You’ve only got until February 14 to tell us about it! Enter your organization into the 2025 Biz 417 Best Places to Work and celebrate your company culture with us. Entering only takes a few minutes and you can do it at biz417.com/bptw.

We are still smiling from the excitement of the November/December issue featuring the Biz 100 and our Person of the Year, Johnny Morris. The Biz 100 Party was a special celebration to honor the business leaders that make our region so dynamic.—Dori Grinder

BIZ 100 LOVE AND MORE

Just a note to say thank you so much for the opportunity to join REMARKABLE! It was an incredible experience with truly incredible women. I am so grateful! Thanks for all you do for our community.

Jill Rea

So proud to be on the Biz 417 magazine Biz 100 list, representing SPS for the fourth year. This community is full of talented people who are passionate about investing in where we live, learn, work and play. Let’s keep learning.

—Dr. Grenita Lathan, Superintendent of Spring eld Public Schools

Thank you for your continued partnership and invitation to participate in Biz 100. It continues to be my favorite format and the best invitee list of the year!

—Trevor Crist

Thrilled and honored to be included in Biz 417 magazine’s Biz 100 list for the second year in a row! It’s truly humbling to stand alongside so many talented and inspiring individuals who make our community thrive.

A special shoutout to Johnny Morris of Bass Pro for being named Person of the Year! While I would have loved to meet you in person, your award acceptance via FaceTime from a deer stand was unforgettable and perfectly on-brand!

Cheers to everyone who celebrated last week and to another year of innovation, collaboration and community!

—Ben Sapp

CONTRIBUTORS

This issue, we’re making space to celebrate the people who contribute content, photography and their years of experience to Biz 417.

Freelancer Jennifer Swenson is a writer and editor with more than 20 years of experience. Her essays have been published in several literary magazines, and she has a passion for narrative non ction and telling stories that impact our community. The mother of ve has been a 417-lander for 13 years and continues to discover what makes the Ozarks so special. She has been contributing to our 417 family of publications since 2022, and on p. 36 you can read her story about Brad Thomas and what inspires him about his work at Silver Dollar City.

BRANDON ALMS, SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER

Brandon Alms is an award-winning photographer whose passion drives him to capture a diverse range of subjects. Over his decade-long tenure at 417 Magazine, he has photographed more than 100 magazine covers—including the cover of this issue featuring Brad Thomas. With a keen eye for details, Brandon’s work consistently captures people, products and interesting workplaces across 417-land. Keep an eye out for more of his work in future issues of Biz 417

JENNIFER SWENSON, WRITER

—Amber

“One of the few things you can never lose is your education and investments you make in yourself.”

—Lori

—Jonas Arjes, Senior VP of Economic Development, Springfield

Commerce,

“It’s all going to work out if you do your best. It’s tempting as a younger professional, to think you must succeed every time, that you must be involved in everything and can’t miss any potential opportunity or connection. Just know that if you do the right things for the right reasons, good things will come back to you.”

— Dwayne Fulk, President-CEO of City Utilities, p. 20

English, co-founder, Pixie Cup, p. 22

Robertson, founder, SpeakHer Coach, p. 32

An Opportunity to Look Ahead

Anew year always brings opportunities for reflection, resets and renewed energy. For the City of Springfield, the opportunities this year feel even more amplified with two big leadership positions open including a new City Manager with the resignation of Jason Gage and electing a new mayor with term-limited Ken McClure.

As the magazine for business we see this as an opportunity for the business community to reflect, reset and create renewed energy for the leadership of our city and ultimately, our region to ensure that Springfield is viewed as a place that’s open for business.

The May/June issue of Biz 417 is titled “Dear New City Leadership,” and it’s going to be an open letter from the business community to the city. This is where you come in. This month you will receive a simple, nine-question survey from me, asking questions like: If you were in charge of the City of Springfield, what would you want to focus on?

We will take the themes from these questions to create our open letter in hopes that it provides clarity and direction from the business stakeholders in our community. As with anything Biz 417 does, the tone is hopeful, encouraging and future-focused.

If for some reason you don’t receive the survey from me, please reach out to me at publisher@417mag.com so we can forward it to you. My gratitude, in advance, for helping us write this letter.

Logan Aguirre Publisher, Biz 417

“We’ve maintained year-over-year sales growth every year since opening, which is a big one as we know we are doing something right.”

—Daniel Scott, p. 20

Corner O ce

keep City Utilities sustainable. Page 20

Dinner With a Side of Fun

A revolution is underway in the restaurant industry. Find out how local restaurateurs are keeping pace with social dining. Page 21

Stamping Out Period Poverty

A brother-and-sister duo joins forces to develop reusable feminine products that impact women around the world. Page 22

Dwayne Fulk shares how his legal experience will

Created in-house each week with select single barrel whiskeys, the Old Fashioned cocktail mix is ready to pour and serve.

HEAT INDEX

We love it when exciting news hits our inbox and we love sharing successful ownership transitions, 417-land businesses that make a splash nationally and a local leadership program that levels-up for participants.

BY DORI GRINDER

ACCOLADES FOR VITAL FARMS

Congratulations to Vital Farms for being recognized on the Brands That Matter list by Fast Company . The annual awards program celebrates brands for their marketing efforts that demonstrate purpose, establish cultural relevance, and resonate with consumers and communities in a profound way. This accolade underscores the company’s commitment to supporting the wellbeing of farmers, customers, and the planet, noting that much of its success is reliant on its operations in Spring eld.

NEW OWNERSHIP

Prairie Pie owner Eleanor Taylor takes over ownership of Tea Bar & Bites in January. Congrats to both Taylor and Colleen Smith, Tea Bar’s original owner who has been running the beloved spot for more than 20 years.

PARTNER FOR SUCCESS

Leadership Spring eld recently announced a partnership with Missouri State University that provides Signature Class graduates with the opportunity to turn their program experience into graduate-level course credit across multiple MSU programs. This collaboration builds upon Leadership Spring eld’s existing partnership with Drury University, also offering graduate-level credit for Signature Class participants at no additional cost.

FIVE ON FIRE

MEGAN BUCHBINDER

ROB FULP

WILLIAM MAHONEY

DAMI ODUNEWU

GARY SCHAFER

FOUR TO FOLLOW WITH DENNIS DAVIS

Dennis Davis, Director of Safety at Prime Inc., keeps his eye on the latest news when it comes to transportation and keeping Prime’s drivers safe, but he also handles the outdoor cooking in his household, so he likes to search for new recipes online.

BY DORI GRINDER

@USA TODAY

Jokingly, Dennis Davis says he’s a bit of an old man when it comes to social media, and he prefers the routine of reading the newspaper. “I read the newspaper on my iPad,” says Davis. He likes to go directly to the USA Today website to sift through national news. After that, he also reads the Spring eld News-Leader online to learn about what is happening locally.

@TRUCK CARRIERS ASSOCIATION

Davis reads a lot of trucking industry magazines and websites to stay current with the issues affecting the trucking industry as a whole. The Truck Carriers Association (TCA) is the only trade association focused solely on the truckload segment of the industry. The TCA and the larger American Trucking Association (ATA) provide great industry insights for Davis.

@HOWTOBBQRIGHT

When not working, Davis spends a lot of time cooking outdoors. “I’m pretty bougie about food,” he says. “I do a lot of cooking, so I do look at recipes from time to time via YouTube.” He enjoys products and techniques from Killer Hogs, and barbecue channels like How to BBQ Right with Pitmaster Malcom Reed, where he spends time researching his next amazing meal.

@MEATCHURCHBBQ

With both a Traeger pellet grill and a Green Egg, Davis refers to Meat Church for grilling and smoked meat inspiration. He enjoys the fall as “it’s really the best time to put them to use.” Davis is known for putting on a large spread and enjoys entertaining both sides of the family during “the Super Bowl of cooking,” which, of course, is Thanksgiving. With the ability to juggle three turkeys, a ham in the smoker and all the traditional xings, Davis has plenty of help and says the family has the system down.

PHOTO BY MARK HARRELL

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TOAST TO A SIDE HUSTLE

With a love for unique spirits and a rapid renovation to his parents’ 33-year-old gas station in Ozark, Daniel Scott and his wife launched Whiskey Tangos.

BY JENNIFER JOHNMEYER

Daniel Scott is no stranger to entrepreneurship. Having started at Lily Chemicals as an outside salesman, he worked his way up through management to president, and is now the company’s owner.

Scott’s parents had also been business owners. “It was a small family-owned, independent gas station that they opened in 1985,” Scott says.

When Scott’s father’s health declined, his mother reached out to him for advice.

“My mother was taking care of my father and asked me to decide what to do with the store,” says Scott. “My wife, Kim, and I decided that the most profitable items were spirits and wine, so we decided to renovate.”

The shift from gas station to wine and spirits specialty store required some major changes. Scott hired an environmental group to take out the tanks and pumps and hired Commercial Builders to do a full remodel.

“I wanted to open as quickly as possible,” says Scott. “Kim and I made the decision in late May. We opened on August 1, 2018.”

What started as an attempt to carry on the family legacy quickly turned into Whiskey Tangos Spirits, a passion for the whiskey market and an opportunity to help grow the bourbon community in 417-land.

“We’ve maintained year-over-year sales growth every year since opening, which is a big one as we know we’re doing something right,” he says.

Scott adds that there have been lessons with navigating vendor relationships. He’s quicker to point out the wins, such as partnering with The Bourbon Society of the Ozarks last February to host the first annual Ozarks Whiskey and Wine Social.

“The event was a fundraiser benefiting Down Syndrome Group of the Ozarks and The Potter’s House,” says Scott. “After the event, we presented each charity with a check for $40,000.”

He also pours accolades onto his staff, including General Manager Brian Warren and Assistant Manager Bryan Brake, noting that they make things so easy, which enables him to show up for the fun. “We’ve met so many great people,” he says. “I’ve developed some of my closest friends through the community that we helped to build.”

NIGHTSTAND

“My hope is that this book has had a positive impact on my leadership style through its intuitive approach in illustrating key leadership principles and how they apply to relatable personalities and life situations. Unlike many other leadership books, this book is an entertaining read (at least if you have watched the Ted Lasso series) that incorporates leadership principles and life lessons that are weaved throughout each episode of the Ted Lasso series.”

—David Agee, Parner, Husch Blackwell LLP

PRESIDENT-CEO DWAYNE FULK AND THE FUTURE OF CITY UTILITIES

Dwayne Fulk, recently named President-CEO of City Utilities, digs into how his 25-year legal background ts into this new role, how sustainability ts into his vision for City Utilities’ future, and where he looks for inspiration in his role. BY MAX HAVEY

On how his legal background fits into this role:

“I think my legal background has allowed me to see the broad perspective of everything going on at City Utilities in my seven years I’ve been here, so far. I’ve been involved in every area and every major project, but from a different seat. Having the decision-making responsibility is going to be different, but the players will be the same, and I’ll continue to rely on our excellent staff to help inform me and carry out those decisions.”

On how sustainability fits into his vision for the role:

“Sustainability is one of the pillars of our strategic plan and our mission statement. Not just being environmentally sustainable, but also nancially sustainable and sustainable in our assets to continue providing our services. Our overall goal and mission is to do the right thing. We want to incorporate as many renewable energy resources as we can, while balancing affordability and sustainability.”

On a piece of advice for his younger self:

“It’s all going to work out if you do your best. It’s tempting as a younger professional to think you must succeed every time, that you must be involved in everything and can’t miss any potential opportunity or connection. Just know that if you do the right things for the right reasons, good things will come back to you.”

On where he looks for inspiration:

“The best inspiration I nd is the positive comments we receive from our customers. What gives me heart is when I hear about how kind our employees are in the eld, how they’re willing to interact with the customers and explain what they’re doing and what we’re about, answering any questions.”

[CORNER OFFICE]

Big Whiskey’s brings all the diners to the Yard

A new social space concept is satisfying the modern diner’s craving: doing something with friends and a drink in hand.

BY REN BISHOP

Thirty years ago, the patio revolutionized the hospitality industry. Before that, bars were bars and restaurants were restaurants, with very little fluid or flexible space between the two. Then, the patio was popularized, and with it, a third place for diners to gather, linger and spend, says Paul Sundy, co-founder of Big Whiskey’s.

In the ’90s, patios weren’t as ubiquitous as today. “Now, you can’t operate a restaurant without a patio,” Sundy says. “This is the new patio.”

Across the country, social gathering spaces with food and drink are exploding in popularity. In major metros, big brands like Top Golf and Chicken N Pickle are dominating markets, with large facilities, interactive spaces and priced-right pub fare. Big Whiskey’s is taking the trend and rolling it out to suburban markets with Whiskey’s Yard, part outdoor gaming space, part walk-up bar.

“Our customers love the interactive space in Whiskey’s Yard,” says Sundy. “Today’s customer, they’re okay with having a beer or a glass of wine at a restaurant with their young kids. They’re craving a place to relax and have a beer while interacting in person. We built a space that provides that interaction for all ages.”

Big Whiskey’s first experimented with the social gathering space at their Hoover, Alabama, location, throwing down some green space to give people a place to gather while waiting to be seated. The guests loved it, and in August 2024, the first Whiskey’s Yard in the Ozarks opened in Lebanon.

In its first 90 days, Whiskey’s Yard and its social space have had high sales and have stayed booked and busy. Patrons in Lebanon reserve the Yard three times a week on average for private events, and for the additional square footage, the concept has more than proven ROI.

Now, every planned future Big Whiskey’s location has a Whiskey’s Yard, including the Neosho location, opening spring 2025.

“We’re adding a Yard to the plans of Neosho because within the first 90 days, we know that this iteration of Big Whiskey’s has staying power,” says Sundy. “It was adapt or die, and the Yard model is an investment that is paying off.

This is now a part of our brand, and we won’t have a location without one going forward.”

SOCIAL HOSPITALITY CONCEPTS IN 417-LAND

The Social Birdy

1250 Branson Hills Parkway, Branson thesocialbirdy.com

Pickleball, golf simulators, an 18-hole putting course and even a Pro Shop—The Social Birdy Branson’s take on the active hospitality trend. Guests can try their luck on the court or try appetizers made to share, like loaded nachos, cheese curds and skillet queso.

One 2 Five Taproom

1846 MO-125, Rogersville @one2 vetaproom on Instagram

From downtown to just down Highway 60, the brewers behind Spring eld Brewing Company opened One 2 Five Taproom in Rogersville this fall. Part taproom, part micro-distillery, the spot also serves wood- red brick oven pizza alongside backyard games and live music.

Classic’s Yard

1900 W. Sunset St., Spring eld classicsyard.com

With pickleball, Connect 4 basketball, fowling, ping pong, cornhole and more, Classic’s Yard is located inside Classic Rock Coffee and live music venue, with food to match your mood. The chicken carbonara atbread and churros are our pick.

Whiskey’s Yard

2450 Granite Lane, Lebanon bigwhiskeys.com/restaurants/lebanon

With laid-back vibes and a walk-up bar, Whiskey’s Yard is the patio reimagined. Cornhole, Jenga and more are on deck, as well as access to Big Whiskey’s full menu.

Volleyball Beach Ozark

in

1198 W. State Highway NN, Ozark volleyballbeachozark.com

Dig into the atmosphere at Volleyball Beach Ozark, an indoor, year-round volleyball venue that offers 10 beach courts and drink specials. Try a Red Bull cocktail for extra height in your next spike or dig into sweet and sassy barbecue wings.

Paul Sundy

After a backpacking trip through Southeast Asia with her husband, Amber English was struck by the harsh reality of “period poverty”—millions of women in developing countries lack access to basic hygiene products. This experience, plus her master’s degree in Health Promotion and Wellness from Missouri State University, inspired her to rethink menstrual care. Back in the U.S., she partnered with her brother Benjamin Moore to create Pixie Cup, a company on a mission to make reusable menstrual products accessible and affordable.

As one might expect, English had to persuade Moore to create a feminine hygiene company, but both took “a huge leap of faith” and left their careers to focus on Pixie Cup full-time. To pay their bills, they waited tables at Dolly Parton’s Stampede in Branson, where they hatched plans between shifts. One of their co-workers even became one of Pixie Cup’s first customers.

BY TARYN SHORR-MCKEE

Their commitment paid off: After they invested all profits back into the business for two years, Pixie Cup quickly found a customer base on Amazon. In fact, their first sale came the day they shipped thousands of products to an Amazon fulfillment center in March 2016.

A barn-turned-warehouse in Walnut Shade also provides o ce space.

Growing Pains

Amazon was a springboard for Pixie Cup, leading to over 100% yearover-year growth by 2019. However, the COVID-19 pandemic brought an unprecedented e-commerce surge, boosting sales and then creating unexpected logistical challenges. Amazon reduced smaller retailers’ storage space, forcing Pixie Cup to find a third-party warehouse. It didn’t take long for lost inventory and shipping mishaps to become the norm.

The brother-sister team took another bold step in 2022, bringing fulfillment in-house by converting a barn on their family’s Walnut Shade ranch into a warehouse. The setup includes an adjacent office, where English and Moore’s younger sister manages customer service and social media. Another key team member, that former Stampede co-worker, is the warehouse manager. “It was the best thing we’ve ever done for our business,” English says. “Through that, we’ve learned the value of building a company locally.”

Sibling Revelry

English’s passion and Moore’s business acumen make a powerful combination. “We complement each other,” she notes. “I’m the creative visionary, and he’s great with the business aspect.” Having a male perspective is also beneficial, especially in product education. “If you don’t talk about this stuff, you can’t expect people to know. We want to empower everyone, not just women.”

Along with education, the “Buy One, Give One” program remains central to the company’s mission, donating a cup, which lasts for 10 years, to a woman in need for every product sold. “Empowerment is one of our core values,” English says. “If our team and customers are succeeding, we’re succeeding.”

This winter, Pixie Cup launched two new products: organic, biodegradable Grace Pads and the My First Period Kit—“everything a girl needs to confidently start her period.” The kit includes a teen-sized cup, pads, a journal, and other essentials designed to help young women and caretakers feel informed and supported.

BEHIND THE BUSINESS

Date opened: March 2016

Number of employees: 16 with 11 full-time and ve part-time. 12 of the employees are USA-based and four are international.

From mind to market: With a focus on constant product development, a “simple” launch, improvement or new variation of an existing product takes about 12 months. However, a complex launch, creating something completely new, will take about two years.

Most popular item: “One of our newer products, menstrual discs, which work exactly the same as a cup but are a different shape. Disc sales are growing faster than cup sales, and recently we surpassed the axis point where ‘menstrual disc’ exceeded ‘menstrual cup’ in search volume for the rst time.”

FORMAL TO FLEXIBLE

UMB Bank Market President Justin Butler shares how his business attire evolves from casual to professional.

BY JO JOLLIFF

After his workday ends, Market President at UMB Bank Justin Butler is typically off and running to the next thing on his calendar. This is why he strives to keep his work wardrobe exible. “It’s about knowing your audience,” Butler says. “If you’re wearing a sport coat and slacks to work and you’re able to lose the coat and make it a bit more casual with your sleeves rolled up if you’re heading to a happy hour or running late for a soccer practice, I think that’s extremely helpful from a exibility standpoint.”

In order to accomplish this adaptable look, Butler likes shopping at local stores like Town and County. “I like that you can go in there and get tted for a suit, but you also have nice casual options as well,” he says. “I just like the exibility of what they have available.”

Having grown up in a family that emphasized the importance of formal wear in the business world, Butler’s vast experience has shown him the value of blending in while still maintaining your own personal style. “I grew up in a formal business environment, so it was always suit and tie,” he says. “I think as the world changes and you see your audience in front of you, you don’t want to necessarily stand out too much but still want to keep your individuality.”

Even when dressing for outside the workplace, Butler likes to maintain a well-kept look. “I really enjoy workout gear as well, like Lululemon and things that you can keep in a backpack and change on the y for different activities,” he says.

But whatever occasion you’re dressing for, Butler recommends dressing your best. “My grandfather used to say ‘you only get one chance at a rst impression,’ so I think knowing you’re going to look your best for the occasion is vital,” he says. “I work in an industry where trust is huge, and it’s paramount for what I do day in and day out. When you’re dealing with people’s nances, you want to look professional inside the of ce as well as outside the of ce. If you’re playing golf or you’re at a kids game you still want to have a professional, clean and crisp look.”

PHOTO BY KATY ST. CLAIR

#NAILED IT

FAILED IT

With challenges from name changes to point-ofsale systems that were too good to be true, the subjects in this issue, share meaningful reflections on times when they #NailedIt and #FailedIt.

Jonas Arjes, see their story on p. 31

“When my wife agreed to marry me.” #NailedIt

“I had an opportunity to play football at Wash U in St. Louis coming out of high school but blew off the essay portion of my application. I didn’t get accepted. Not a very smart 18-year-old.” #FailedIt

Heather Mincer, see their story on p. 28

“Looking back, I see some entrepreneurial tendencies throughout my life—I’ve baked cakes for a little restaurant and designed cards to sell on Etsy—but I’ve never run a company. I’ve been a homeschool mom for so many years, I’m not necessarily who someone would consider the ideal candidate to start a business. So just the fact that I’m here is my #NailedIt!”

“As for my fail, creating a business and website called nakedchickspasture. com and not considering the future implications of that. I can laugh about it now, but what was I thinking?” #FailedIt

Daniel Scott, see their story on p. 20

“We chose early on to distinguish ourselves from other stores. We created a bourbon single barrel boutique store, if you will. All our single barrel bottles are open to sample before purchasing. That is not completely different from other stores but what is unique is we try to nd unique brands that most people may not have heard of before. We have found some amazing spirits to intro to the market in our area. Our barrel-picking team varies from time to time but it is always with people that have incredible palates. We now have a reputation for bringing great whiskey into the area.” #NailedIt

“We had a point-of-sale system that we got into when we started because it was super cheap and sounded great. Do your due diligence, and if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” #FailedIt

Brad Thomas, see their story on p. 36

“In just one year, we opened the new Fire in the Hole and announced a half-billion dollar investment over the next 10 years.” #Nailed it

“Whenever we disappoint an employee or guest. We know we are not perfect. And if we pretend we are perfect, we are not listening. There are moments when we don’t do things quite right, no matter how hard we try, and we learn from those moments.” #Failed it

“I want our economic development team to be the best in the state, so I’ll work on that. I’ve always been taught and believed that in the pursuit of excellence, you can achieve greatness.”

—Jonas Arjes, Senior VP of Economic Development, Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, p. 31

Matched through The

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Page 35

Mentorship Magic

Legacy Network, Lori Robertson and Blaine Wallace are enjoying a magical mentoring t.

Culture of Caring

Race Brothers Farm & Home creates an atmosphere of caring for their employees throughout times of crisis.

Taste of Honey

Heather Mincer shares how Yes, Honey made its start in Norwood, Missouri.

SWEET SUCCESS: FROM ACCIDENTAL ENTREPRENEUR TO ALPHA-GAL PIONEER

Through determination, ingenuity and a bit of sweetness, Yes, Honey proves a small-town Missouri business can make a tremendous impact.

BY TARYN SHORR-MCKEE

In just one year, Norwood-based Yes, Honey has proven to be a major disruptor in the food and beverage industry. Specializing in honey-sweetened soda and tea, as well as flavor-infused raw honey “Drizzlers,” Yes, Honey offers the world’s first food products labeled “Alpha-gal friendly.” Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) is a severe allergy to mammalian products including red meat and some dairy products, caused primarily by Lone Star tick bites.

Former homeschool mom turned entrepreneur Heather Mincer created the honey products when she and her son were diagnosed with Alpha-gal syndrome. What started as a way to enjoy allergyfriendly products at home quickly became much bigger, bringing those products to the community— and well beyond.

“My goal was never to create a beverage company,” laughs Mincer. “That was just never on my radar.”

Mincer’s family moved to Missouri from upstate New York in 2022, seeking a slower pace and deeper community connection— a place “where people are willing to sit and have a real conversation with you.” Her family began raising chickens for meat, selling at local farmers markets under the cleverly named Naked Chicks Pasture. That summer, Mincer experienced severe reactions to insect bites and certain foods, leading her on a frustrating, months-long search for answers. In December 2022, Mincer received her AGS diagnosis. Her teenage son was diagnosed one month later. AGS, or the “red meat allergy,” forces those affected to eliminate most, if not all, mammalian products from their diets. While some people have more severe reactions, in addition to red meat, many have to completely avoid anything containing dairy, gelatin, and notably, refined sugars, which are often processed with bone char.

“When I was first diagnosed, I would go into the store and spend literal hours using apps to check ingredients, only to leave with a few items, crying in frustration,” Mincer recalls. To keep her family safe, she started using honey as an alternative to sugar—unknowingly planting the seed for Yes, Honey.

Under the Naked Chicks label, Mincer debuted five honey-sweetened, dye-free, gluten-free soda flavors at the Mountain Grove Heritage Festival in August 2023. Customers were immediately drawn to the light, refreshing drink, free of unpleasant aftertastes or the heaviness that comes with corn syrup. “People

BIZ BASICS

Year the company was founded: 2023

Headquarters: Norwood

Private Company

Number of employees: One (just Heather, though she does work with a co-packer)

Most recently reported revenue: Ended 2023 at just under $17,000 and on track to nish 2024 at about $150,000

don’t expect it to be so good,” says Mincer. “It has a very different flavor profile and mouthfeel, and there’s no sugar crash.”

Just weeks after launch, Mincer got her first wholesale order when The Truck Patch Natural Market in West Plains approached her at a homesteading expo, ordering a few cases of each flavor. The experience hurled Mincer into the wholesale world. At the time, the company didn’t have product liability insurance, UPCs or even proper labels. Mincer printed UPCs on her computer and hand-labeled cans to fill that first order.

Since then, the company has snowballed, adding Raw Honey Drizzlers and spreading solely through word of mouth and grassroots marketing strategies like farmers markets and trade shows. The business quickly outgrew its “Naked Chicks” label and rebranded, choosing the current, more market-friendly name. By August 2024, Yes, Honey was reborn with a locally designed hand-drawn font and new labels, ready to break into bigger markets.

Today, over 90 stores across nearly 20 states carry Yes, Honey products, including Missouri Hy-Vee stores, something Mincer set her sights on from the outset. After discovering that a dietitian at the Hy-Vee on Battlefield Road in Springfield extensively researched and labeled products with “Alpha Gal-friendly” stickers, Mincer actively pursued getting into the grocery store chain in 2023.

When Mincer learned about Hy-Vee’s OpportUNITY Inclusive Business Summit in September 2024, she knew it could be her big break. Despite having never crafted a pitch, she competed against over 100 applicants from nine states—and won a $5,000 grant. The competition also opened doors to Kansas City’s Hy-Vee market, earning Yes, Honey distribution in six stores.

The company’s growth strategy remains rooted in community-based marketing, a nod to its 417-land origins. Even amidst explosive growth, Mincer sells at Farmers Market of the Ozarks almost every week. Sampling, she says, is the company’s strongest form of promotion, “We sample the heck out of it.”

While the company is proudly rooted here, its priority is expanding their reach. Mincer plans to attend several major shows this year, including the Summer Fancy Food Show in New York City and Chicago’s National Restaurant Show.

Her advice for budding entrepreneurs? “Understand the amount of time it’s going to take, but also make time for things you enjoy. It’s important to find a balance.”

David Schaumburg, 2024 Class

GET TO KNOW JONAS ARJES

The last thing Jonas Arjes was seeking was change. After two separate opportunities came knocking, though, the Branson native decided to explore his options, embracing a new chapter with the Spring eld Area Chamber of Commerce.

BY JENNIFER JOHNMEYER

Jonas Arjes had built a life in Branson. From the time his family moved there when he was five, Arjes left only to attend college, then returned to raise his own family and build his career. Making a move, whether professional or personal, had not been a consideration.

Change has funny ways of finding us sometimes, though.

“A mentor of mine encouraged me to look at an opportunity in a neighboring state. I wasn’t looking, but I checked it out anyway. A full relocation for my family wasn’t in the cards, though. Moving out of state wasn’t realistic,” Arjes (pronounced R-Jess) says.

At that same time, Arjes was working with Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce’s Dean Thompson on a project.

“He was sharing his strategy at the Chamber and said, ‘If you’re interested, you should look at this [Senior VP of Economic Development] position.’ Again, I wasn’t looking for anything different. I was happy at the Branson Chamber, but I decided ‘why not.’ Well, be careful what you wish for,” Arjes laughs.

Having worked alongside businesses in Springfield for years, Arjes already had a familiarity with the opportunities in the area.

“I have the utmost respect for this team. I’ve been involved with assorted activities and public policy committees, and had a lot of relationships with staff and businesses in Springfield. The familiarity was there, and with the opportunities Springfield has, it’s exciting to see what’s on the horizon. Selfishly, professionally, the op-

portunity to work in a more diverse and traditional market is exciting,” he says.

While Arjes knew the area and the people, there were still a few adjustments between positions to be made.

‘From the economic development side, we’re twice as big. In Branson, we were a team of three. Here, we’re a team of six, and we still have one seat left to fill.”

While Arjes made the choice to move professionally, he and his family opted not to relocate. Since Arjes’s wife teaches in Branson, and with two of their three children still in that school system, the family continues to live in Walnut Shade. Arjes appreciates the commute, though, saying that it has proven to provide the perfect amount of time both ways: to gather his thoughts on his way to work, and to decompress on his way home.

Looking ahead, Arjes’s first goal in the job is to get acclimated with the team, and to be a good team member.

“I want our economic development team to be the best in the state, so I’ll work on that. I’ve always been taught and believed that in the pursuit of excellence, you can achieve greatness.”

SMALL TALK STARTERS

School: SMSU (now MSU), BS in Administrative Management, School of Business, 1991

Family: Wife, Jennifer, is a reading recovery teacher with Branson Public Schools. Three children: Daughter Annika is a freshman at Mizzou, son Anders is a junior at Branson High School, and son Oskar is a freshman at Branson high school.

Hobbies: Golf and chasing my kids

De-Stress Techniques: I don’t get too stressed. Life is too short. I do like playing Wordle and Quordle. I’ll take 15 to 20 minutes and play mental games.

Little-Known Fact: I’m from Sweden! I got my U.S. citizenship in 2011.

MAGIC OF THE MATCH: A PERFECT MENTORSHIP PAIRING IN THE LEGACY NETWORK

From lab coats to leaders: how two Spring eld women’s career journeys intersected through mentorship.

BY TARYN SHORR-MCKEE

hen Lori Robertson, founder of SpeakHer Coach and women’s leadership keynote speaker, joined Biz 417’s The Legacy Network as a mentor, she didn’t expect to find what she calls “a perfect fit.” She is paired with mentee Blaine Wallace, Mercy’s Executive Director of Operations and both women started in health care labs before taking different paths to leadership.

Though the duo’s relationship is new, it’s already making an impact. Robertson and Wallace share insights on their journey so far.

What has struck you from your initial meeting?

Blaine Wallace: Lori and I have some very interesting things in common. We both started in laboratory science and found out that wasn’t something we wanted to do for the rest of our lives, which put us on different paths to becoming leaders professionally.

Lori Robertson: One of the remarkable things about our pairing is that we have so much in common. The idea of working with a leader like Blaine, just walking alongside for a few miles of her journey, thrills me to my core.

PHOTO

Have either of you ever been in a similar program, as a mentor or mentee?

BW: Nothing to this extent. This was a unique opportunity my organization invested in and has given me time to do.

LR: I’ve not been in a structured program like this, but I am absolutely the product of incredible mentorship. My former boss was “the one”—her investment in me changed my life, and she saw more in me than I could ever see in myself. If I can be that for Blaine or other amazing women who need someone in their corner encouraging them to take those chances and invest in themselves, it would be my greatest honor.

If the program was over today, what is one of your biggest takeaways?

BW: From the program, the importance of building connections within my community. From Lori, being able to appreciate what I accomplish. I’m a confident individual, but like anyone, it’s easy to think the things you are doing aren’t as impressive as other people think. It’s a skill set I’m developing because of Lori’s advice.

LR: One of the few things you can never lose is your education and investments you make in yourself. It’s also never a mistake to invest in someone else. There’s great joy in being part of someone’s story and journey, helping them step into what they’re made for. You can’t fail by championing, cheering for, mentoring and lifting others.

How has Lori helped Blaine navigate a tough situation?

BW: At our first meeting, I was having a difficult time after being shifted to a newer leader I didn’t have a relationship with. By our second meeting, that leader was leaving, and I was applying for his position. Lori was helpful in every aspect. I could get advice from people within our organization, but it was nice to have an outside perspective as well.

LR: In every situation, there’s something to learn: things you did well, things you wish you’d done differently. Most of us, especially professional women, need someone to remind us of our value and encourage us to stand in it with integrity and self-awareness. I loved being that voice for Blaine.

LEARN MORE

biz417.com/legacynetwork

Biz 417’s The Legacy Network is a professional development program with six half-day sessions running from September 2025 to March 2026. With curated programming, developed and led by Biz 417 publisher Logan Aguirre, members get to learn from the best minds and subject experts in our region, have unparalleled access to mentors, connect with a peer network and ultimately elevate their personal and professional growth. Applications are open now for the 2025 Cohort which begins fall 2025.

 Lori Robertson and Blaine Wallace, grabbing co ee at Neighbor's Mill, met through Biz 417’s The Legacy Network when Robertson signed on to be a mentor for the program.

BEYOND BUSINESS

A Legacy of Excellence in Office and Print Technology

Established in 1955, SumnerOne is a leading office and print technology provider serving businesses across the Midwest. With 12 branches strategically located in Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas and Oklahoma, SumnerOne has grown into one of the region’s largest independent office technology dealers.

In 2017, the company expanded its footprint and expertise by acquiring Corporate Business Systems, enhancing its presence in Southwest Missouri and Northwest Arkansas. Today, SumnerOne specializes in production print, advanced copier tech-

nology, document management, and IT solutions, partnering with top brands to deliver cutting-edge tools and exceptional service.

“One of the region’s largest independent office technology dealers.”

For nearly 70 years, SumnerOne has remained dedicated to helping businesses streamline workflows, enhance IT security and maximize the value of their printing and document technology investments. With a legacy of innovation and a commitment to excellence, SumnerOne continues to empower organizations with tailored solutions designed to meet their unique needs.

Adam Booker, Haylea Champagne, Greg Shaw, Andrea Scott, Lamy Walker

PHOTO BY KATY ST. CLAIR

Culture of Compassion

Race Brothers Farm & Home has been creating an atmosphere of caring for their employees during times of crisis for more than 50 years.

BY DORI GRINDER

Receiving a cancer diagnosis could kick your fears into overdrive. “It’s really scary whenever somebody tells you that you have cancer,” says Sara Parkhurst. “It’s like a brick wall that hits you. You can’t even begin to fathom it.”

Eventually you’d start to realize how much your day-to-day routine is about to change. Then you’d recognize the importance of needing to talk to your employer about the possibility of missing work. All of this adds up to a frightening situation.

This scenario is all too familiar for Parkhurst, who received a colon cancer diagnosis just two weeks after starting a new job in the receiving department at Race Brothers Farm & Home Supply. “I felt horrible. I had all these doctor appointments, twice a week or even three times a week,” says Parkhurst. As a new employee, she knew that her diagnosis might not be the ideal workplace situation.

However, much to her surprise, Parkhurst was met with an unexpected level of kindness from her employer. “They were so compassionate,” she says. Telling her to take as much time off as she needed for the necessary appointments and treatment, and ensuring her that her job was secure.

This level of compassion is nothing new at Race Brothers. In 2012, JoAnn Fowler, Race Brothers employee for 33 years, received a breast cancer diagnosis. While the team was concerned about Fowler, the company felt positive because they had quality health insurance in place for employees and they knew it would help take care of Fowler’s medical care needs.

However, “through the process, we realized how short it was going to leave her financial-

ly,” says Roger DeForest, vice president of Race Brothers. DeForest and Butch LaShell, the assistant manager at the time, decided to just keep paying Fowler after she had exhausted all of her paid time off.

Fowler, Parkhurst and many other employees have received this same level of commitment from their employer. “We pay them their 40 hours, until they are able to come back to work,” says DeForest.

Race Brothers Farm & Home Supply has built a compassionate and caring culture that embraces their employees. Previous Race Brothers President Max DeForest (Roger DeForest’s father), helped to set the tone for the

company culture. “Dad said, ‘All we have to do is take care of the employees. They are the ones who will take care of the customers.’ So if we keep them [the employees] happy and positive, they are going to pass it on.”

With many long-time employees across the company’s three 417-land locations, the investment has certainly paid off as the company has operated successfully for 53 years.

Now back at work, Parkhurst has a sunny outlook on her recovery and is thankful for a work family that has been by her side. “It’s the best place to work ever,” says Parkhurst. “There’s no words for how wonderful it is to be part of that crew. Truly. I’m very lucky.”

Store manager Chadd Flehmer and Vice President Roger DeForest create a culture of caring at Race Brothers Farm & Home Supply in Springfield.

WRITTEN BY JENNIFER SWENSON

ou have a great past ahead of you.” This distinctive slogan greets every visitor to Silver Dollar City, yet for Brad Thomas, President of the Silver Dollar City Company, it’s more than just a catchphrase. It is a reflection of his own journey, his commitment to preserving the spirit and heritage of the Ozarks and his vision for what lies ahead.

When Brad Thomas first visited Silver Dollar City, he could not have imagined that the park would someday become the focus of his professional life. He was 14 and on a school trip during that first visit, and Fire in the Hole was his first ride. When the ride was cut short due to a technical issue, he and his fellow students were escorted down the back steps and out an exit—a story that became the talk of the school bus ride back to Springfield.

That day, he could not have known that, as an adult, he would lead a company recognized for its iconic attractions, including Silver Dollar City, White Water and Showboat Branson Belle. And he certainly could not have imagined that he would stand at the helm of the largest investment in that company’s history.

This year marks Brad Thomas’s 34th year working for the Silver Dollar City Company, with 17 years as its President. Thomas has a profound understanding of Silver Dollar City’s rich heritage and a determination to ensure the brand resonates with today’s audiences. With his genuine warmth, his devotion to the Ozarks, and a bold vision for the future, Thomas is guiding a transformation that will shape the company—and the region—for generations to come.

GROWING A CAREER AND A COMPANY

Thomas’s enduring love of the Ozarks is rooted in his youth, when he moved to the area shortly after losing his mother to cancer. The broken-hearted 9-year-old and his grieving father were embraced by their new community, giving them strength, helping them heal, and planting seeds for his lifelong connection to this area and its people.

He attended Central High School, where he mingled with students from diverse backgrounds. It was an enriching experience that molded his views. Following graduation, he went on to Missouri State University to study marketing and management, and after a brief stint as Famous-Barr department store manager, he returned to MSU to seek an MBA.

During his master’s program, Thomas worked as a graduate assistant in the cooperative education office, which helped students find jobs related to their majors so they could receive academic credit while employed. “I was a product of working while I went to school,” he says. “It helped me understand focus, work and balance.” Toward the end of his graduate program, Thomas began his career at Heer’s Department Store. He stayed with Heer’s for four years, holding positions in management, human resources and marketing.

One day in 1988, Thomas attended a luncheon with Pete Herschend, cofounder of Silver Dollar City. Herschend talked about Silver Dollar City’s plans to extend its operating dates through Christmas, and he was rallying communities with his dream of creating a “big Christmas corridor” in the region. He encouraged towns to put up lights and host drive-throughs and special events. Although the big Christmas corridor remains a dream today, Silver Dollar City drew 50,000 attendees that first Christmas season, sparking an economic boom that forever changed Branson’s tourism landscape.

Meanwhile, Thomas was intrigued by Herschend’s vision and business strategy. “I really could work for that man,” he thought to himself. Follow-

ing a phone call to Herschend in 1991, Thomas took a job at Silver Dollar City. The job involved a pay cut, “but I knew in my soul that this was the place I could do a big chunk of my career,” says Thomas. In keeping with the 1880s-themed brand, he began as the “proprietor” of the marketplace. He bought and stocked merchandise, hired and scheduled staff, and operated the cash register.

In his second year, Thomas became the merchandise manager, overseeing 10 stores in the park. When the company chose to invest more in festivals in 1993, he was appointed the director of the newly formed festivals group. Seven years later, in 2000, Thomas took on the responsibility of assistant park manager, and just three years after that, he was promoted to general manager. By 2008, 17 years after starting as the proprietor in the marketplace, Thomas was announced as the President of the Silver Dollar City Company.

Throughout his tenure, Thomas has presided over the company’s substantial growth, in spite of numerous headwinds that might have thrown it off course. One such headwind occurred in 2008, when leading indicators predicted a major recession on the horizon. “We didn’t know if tourists would visit in the middle of an economic downturn,” says Thomas. “It caused us to do an analysis of everything we did. It was humbling.” While the recession was deep, the company saw uptrends by the end of 2009, and everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Then the company marked its 50th anniversary with a jubilant celebration in 2010, commemorating not only its heritage but also the resilience that had carried it through challenging times.

That resilience was unmistakable when the COVID-19 pandemic decimated global tourism. In a year that Thomas calls “horrific,” the entire company banded together and figured out a path forward. “We came out of the pandemic stronger,” he says, “drawing more visitors than we’ve ever had.” He credits the company’s long-standing culture of camaraderie, loyalty and strong work ethic with guiding it through tough times while also building a brand that now attracts over 2 million visitors each year.

HONORING TRADITION, FOSTERING INNOVATION

For an amusement park that Thomas describes as “immersive” in its theming, Silver Dollar City must balance honoring tradition with engaging new audiences and innovating for the future. “The Herschends taught us to make sure we are understanding what the consumer thinks about us,” says Thomas. “Market research is an incredibly important part of our roots, and we make decisions based on it.” Every ride, festival, show and food is considered in light of what the research reveals.

Over the years, market research has identified a few of Silver Dollar City’s “sacred cows”—long-time favorites that are sacrosanct to visitors—including Wilderness Church and the Fire in the Hole ride. For more than 50 years, Fire in the Hole told the true story of a night in 1893 when the vigilante Bald Knobbers burned the tiny town of Marmaros to the ground. Yet after half a century, the ride and the building were nearing the end of their useful life. “It was time to reimagine the ride,” says Brandei Clifton, Public Relations Manager.

They looked at many options, including tearing out the old ride and creating a new ride inside the existing building. But it wasn’t feasible or cost-effective, so construction began on a new building. Research showed that patrons appreciated being able to bring their small children on the ride, which meant no big drops or breakneck speeds. “It could be the child’s first thrill experience,” says Thomas.

“I look at the amazing people that live in these hills, and I’ve never thought this [company] wasn’t the place for me. I have peace being in this environment. I’m in a place that genuinely cares for our guests and our employees. That’s me. I genuinely care.”

—Brad Thomas, on his enduring devotion to the Ozarks

Brad Thomas in 2015 at the opening of Fireman's Landing, now called the Fire District.

Peter and Jack Herschend, co-founders of Silver Dollar City, with Thomas in 2013.

Long-time employee

Terry Wayne Sanders and Thomas during An Old Time Christmas.

“We know what forged us, and we will continue to build on the heritage of this place where people can make memories. This investment reflects a belief in the Ozarks, a belief in Missouri, a belief in tourism.”

—Brad Thomas, on the 10-year development game-changers for the company including park improvements like The Plaza and the Summer Celebration featuring a drone show and reworks, renderings pictured above.

ON THE HORIZON

Silver Dollar City has a notable lineup of new experiences for 2025. Here are just a few reasons why the company is calling this year its “love letter to the Ozarks.”

The Plaza: Silver Dollar City will open a space called The Plaza (pictured above left), which will double the size of The Grand Exposition area. The Plaza promises to be a year-round gathering place that will feature huge shade structures, ample seating, an entertainment stage and new eateries.

The Spring Exposition: This new springtime festival will welcome guests with a canopy of parasols down Valley Road. The festival will include gardening demonstrations, community square dances and foods that highlight avors from all over the country.

Summer Celebration: Silver Dollar City will launch Night Sky, a spectacular drone and reworks show (pictured above right). Visible from The Plaza, hundreds of images will tell the story of an Ozarks summer night.

An Old Time Christmas: The Plaza's new Christmas centerpiece will showcase a 45-foot tree, dazzling spectators with a nightly Rockefeller Center-style lighting ceremony that illuminates the tree’s 150,000 lights. Rhonda Vincent, the “Queen of Bluegrass,” will headline the new “Heart of Christmas” show.

At the same time, research indicated a devoted fan base for the original ride. “In 2023, we announced it would be the [original] ride’s final year. The new building was done, and new track was being installed, but we wanted to give the [original] ride the grace and dignity our research said it needed. For a full year, people rode that ride knowing it was going away,” says Thomas. Visitors came from all over to relive memories. One guest, Melissa Ratliff, visited from southern Arkansas on Fire in the Hole’s closing day. She wanted to take one final ride in tribute to her father, who had brought her to Fire in the Hole’s opening day in 1972.

Last year, Ratliff visited Silver Dollar City again to check out the reimagined ride, now updated with onboard audio, enhanced special effects and extraordinary creative detail. The ride is modernized and fresh but has a similar feel to the original. Like so many devotees of the original Fire in the Hole, Ratliff enthusiastically gave the renewed attraction two thumbs up.

For Thomas, the entire process showed that the research worked. He says, “We could have done something entirely new, but we would have tarnished our brand.”

INVESTING IN THE FUTURE

Thomas often speaks of “Denver to Memphis, Houston to Minneapolis” to highlight the park’s ability to attract visi-

tors from all 50 states. “We want Silver Dollar City to offer something that guests can’t find in their hometown,” he says. Over the past decade, Silver Dollar City has done just that. Outlaw Run, which debuted in 2013 with the steepest drop of any wooden roller coaster in the world, drew coaster groups from Europe who came to study it. Likewise, Time Traveler received widespread acclaim, thanks to its three inversions, two launches and 95-foot vertical loop. Beyond the rides, Thomas points out, “Few theme parks offer such a well-rounded experience with craft shows, entertainment, festivals, decor and even a renowned cave.” According to Thomas, this unique combination has established Silver Dollar City as a national destination.

Within the next decade, the Silver Dollar City Company is primed for exponential growth, solidifying its place as a key player in the U.S. tourism industry and creating economic opportunities that will resonate for many generations to come. In October, Thomas announced the largest investment in the company’s 65-year history. Over the next ten years, the company plans to invest half a billion dollars

into the development of new family-oriented experiences.

The first phase of the investment is the Silver Dollar City Resort, which will open in late 2026 and will be the first theme park resort in mid-America. The resort follows many years of discussion and research, with a focus on preserving the area’s natural beauty. “Other phases [of the investment] will be announced one at a time, but they will also be based on who we are,” says Thomas. “We know what forged us, and we will continue to build on the heritage of this place where people can make memories. This investment reflects a belief in the Ozarks, a belief in Missouri, a belief in tourism.”

The once-in-a-lifetime investment is “a game changer,” says Kara Corches, President and CEO of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry. “It’s a significant multiplier. From construction jobs to utility infrastructure, to bringing more visitors and residents to Missouri, it’s a win for the entire state’s economy when you see the scale of this project.” According to Corches, Thomas is an influential advocate for Missouri businesses across all sectors. He is the immediate past

Over the next 10 years, the largest investment in Silver Dollar City's history includes developing 1,200 acres adjacent to the theme park (rendering top). Several Silver Dollar City team members gathered during a media event on the site of the future Silver Dollar City Resort (above). Front row from left: Saywer Nichols, Ti anie Zajac, Brandei Clifton, Madison Foreman, Nick Guevel. Back row from left: Colter Comstock, Wyatt Long, Joey Thorsen, Brad Thomas, Angela Davis, Dennis Clevenger.

“When Brad Thomas invites you to a meeting, you go, because you have so much respect for him. He inspires people to perform at their highest level.”

—Kara Corches, President and CEO of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, on Thomas' in uence across industries throughout the state of Missouri.

chairman of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry as well as serving 15 years over several terms on the Board of Directors for the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce CVB and Taney County Partnership.

Even as Missouri stands to benefit from Silver Dollar City’s massive investment, it will make the most impact right here in 417-land. As President and CEO of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce CVB and Taney County Partnership, Pamela Yancey has long recognized the vital role Silver Dollar City plays in shaping southwest Missouri. Yancey says, “If you’ve ever questioned Silver Dollar City or Brad Thomas’s love of our area, the amount of money they’re going to invest in these Ozark hills answers the question. They love our Ozark Mountain country and are entirely committed to it.”

LEADING WITH HEART

An abiding love of the Ozarks and its people has been the driving force behind

Thomas’s distinguished career. Thomas follows in the footsteps of Silver Dollar City’s co-founder, Mary Herschend, who believed that if she took care of her employees, aka “citizens,” and her customers, aka “guests,” her business would stand the test of time.

Thomas is widely regarded for his servant leadership. Known for his exceptional ability to remember the names and personal details of individuals across the company, he consistently demonstrates interest in those around him. On any given day, he can be found strolling through the park, engaging incognito with patrons and chatting with staff—asking a security guard about his mother or a ride operator about her children, always by name.

Master candy maker June Ward, a beloved employee for 56 years, tells about a time when one of the park’s original employees, Hazel Murray, fell seriously ill and was bedridden. Thomas and Ward visited her often, reading to her, telling her stories and showing her pictures. Af-

This rendering shows plans for the 262-room Silver Dollar City Resort. It is currently under construction with plans to open in late 2026.

ter Murray passed, Thomas kept in contact with her family. In similar fashion, when Ward’s husband had a major heart issue and was airlifted to a regional hospital, Thomas personally called Ward to express his concern. “Any employee that Brad hears about, he contacts. If they will let him, he will help them,” says Ward. Thomas’s leadership stands out not only for his authentic dedication to people but also for his commitment to supporting their day-to-day responsibilities. For example, he regularly checks with Ward about any supplies she might need for her candy creations, and he will go in search of them. When Thomas discovered a hard-to-obtain ingredient on the shelves of a local supermarket, he purchased two jars and brought them to her. “Look, June!” he said. “I just know you’ll find something to make with this.” Similarly, Rhonda Ruzzo, Director of Merchandise, occasionally receives texts from Thomas with ideas for items to sell. “Brad is not a micromanager. He trusts us to run our business and make the right decision,” Ruzzo says. Both Ward and Ruzzo appreciate his willingness to listen and adapt to differing perspectives. With his flexible thinking and wealth of professional experience, Thomas is an invaluable asset to the broader business community. Kara Corches describes him as a “great convener” with the capacity to bring differing voices together. “When Brad Thomas invites you to a meeting, you go, because you have so much respect for him. He inspires people to perform at their highest level,” she says. Indeed, Brad Thomas's devotion to the Ozarks is as enduring as the landscape itself. “I look at the amazing people that live in these hills,” he says, “and I’ve never thought this [company] wasn’t the place for me. I have peace being in this environment. I’m in a place that genuinely cares for our guests and our employees. That’s me. I genuinely care.” Inspired by the words of Silver Dollar City co-founder Jack Herschend, Thomas says, “I want to plant trees for the future, even if I know I will never sit under the shade of those trees.”

and

Glimpse behind the scenes as Silver Dollar City’s President Brad Thomas reveals a few personal park favorites, hidden details and traditions he hopes will never change.

What is your favorite season at Silver Dollar City?

“My No. 1 favorite is Christmas, but I also love Silver Dollar City in the summer.”

What is your favorite food in the park?

“I love Molly’s Mill Restaurant and Rivertown Smokehouse, but my new favorite is the pretzel dog. I can tell myself I won’t eat the full thing, but then as I eat the nal bite, I realize, ‘Doggone it!’”

What is your all-time favorite ride?

“That’s like asking someone about their favorite kid! I love Fire in the Hole because of the authentic story. I love Outlaw Run because it was the rst of its kind on the planet. I love Time Traveler because it has that moderate spin, three inversions and two launches. I love Mystic River Falls because it is basically four rides in one. I love the steam train with its train robbers. You can only do all of this at Silver Dollar City!”

If you could switch jobs with any employee for a day, what role would you choose?

“In my dream world, I would perform!

I’d sing, but singing is not my gift. I’d also love to try candy making, because it’s about science.”

What are some lesser-known details about the park that will make people say “wow!”?

“I’ll share three! First, behind Wilderness Church, we plant dogwood trees in honor of employees who have been here for 50 years.” (Silver Dollar City planted three dogwoods in 2024.)

“Second, people don’t comprehend the magnitude and unique gift of Marvel Cave, which is an of cial National Natural Landmark. Third, in 2010, Silver Dollar City was honored as the ‘Home of American Craftsmanship’ through a Missouri House and Senate concurrent resolution, which was signed by all Missouri legislators.”

What is one thing you hope never changes at Silver Dollar City?

“The caring attitude of the company towards its employees and guests. We have unique rides, shows and food, but what makes us different is our people. There’s a quirkiness and humor that is part of our brand, and it’s why people feel so connected to it.”

With master candymaker

56-year employee June Ward, Thomas builds meaningful relationships with his coworkers, the citizens of Silver Dollar City (above). During a photoshoot, Thomas convinced the Biz 417 art team to join him on one of his favorite rides in the park, Fire in the Hole (right).

Intentional Innovation

Over halfway through their renovations, Forvis Mazars’ new design has room for their growing sta with dedicated spaces to meet all employees’ needs from an onsite cafe to a Health Room for nursing mothers.

BY JO JOLLIFF

1

The fourth and rst oor renovations are done while the second and third oor, along with an outdoor patio and gym, are scheduled for completion in spring. With more than 500 Spring eld employees, Forvis Mazars has strived to keep from disrupting work. “We’ve been intentional about making space available,” says managing partner Gary Schafer. “It’s been an orchestrated dance.”

2

The rst oor of the building used to be occupied by a law rm, but once they relocated, Forvis Mazars jumped at the chance to extend their lease. “It gave us an opportunity to really think about how we do business and how we use the space,” Schafer says.

3

The acquisition of the rst oor allowed the team to move their conference rooms for clients to the rst oor. “In the past our clients had to go to the second or third oor, but now it’s right at the door,” he says.

4

The team focused on including local art throughout the building with abstracts, photography and sculptures to further show their love of the Spring eld community. “We’ve been in this building for 15 years and made the decision that we were committed to stay in downtown Spring eld,” he says.

5

The conference center features a variety of meeting spaces, all of which have a touchscreen at the door to book the room as you walk in or view who has it reserved.

6

With ping-pong, shuf eboard and multiple gaming systems, the rec room is the perfect space for collaboration. “When I started at what was formerly BKD, we didn’t do those kinds of things,” he says. “But those are very intentional decisions we made to say, ‘People have a choice where they work and we want them to choose to come together because we think that’s how they’re most effective.”

A focal point of the fourth oor is the pillars of the company, “Be Bold” appropriately lit to shine a light to the employees on their purpose, mission and value statements that drive their work for an unmatched client experience. This cultural framework shines through in the remodel process as well. Before beginning the planning process, leadership sent employees a survey to gain a better understanding of what was most important to them in regard to their workspace. “The two most requested features were employees wanting variable height workstations and an outdoor amenity,” Schafer says. “So we made the investment in those and I’m really excited to be creating spaces that people will be able to bene t from and enjoy.”

While this room will eventually be used as a training room for the Forvis Mazars team, it is currently set up with workstations for employees who are displaced while the renovations reach completion on the second and third oors. Forvis Mazars leadership has strived to avoid interrupting employees’ work and providing space for them in the of ce. Throughout the building, they have a variety of seating available with private of ce spaces, cubicles and bullpen-style seating for team-oriented work and collaboration. For employees who may not need a dedicated space, they use a hoteling system to reserve spaces and create ease of access for allowing employees to choose to work remotely or in the of ce.

PHOTO

Dan Roeckle, Megan Stack, Jeanie Morris and Logan Aguirre honoring the 2024 Person of the Year, Johnny Morris.

NETWORK

 11:15 a.m., Tuesday, January 7

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON

Enjoy the Republic Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon, featuring networking and local community updates.

$12 for pre-registration, $15 at door; Spring Creek Estates Venue, 7368 W. Farm Rd. 186, Republic; republicchamber.com

 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m., Tuesday, January 7

ASSOCIATION FOR WOMEN IN COMMUNICATIONS’ MONTHLY LUNCHEON

Network and listen to guest speaker Rachel Tripp from Community Foundation of the Ozarks as she talks about the use of AI among grant writers. $22; register online, registration ends January 2; Hilton Garden Inn, 4155 S. Nature Center Way, Springfield; awcspringfieldmo.org

8:30–9:30 a.m., Wednesday, January 8

1 MILLION CUPS

Meet every Wednesday for coffee, networking with fellow business professionals and to highlight important discussions from local entrepreneurs with 1 Million Cups, an organization focused on supporting entrepreneurs. Bambino’s Community Space, 2810 E. Battlefield Road., Suite D, Springfield; 1millioncups.com

 7:30–8:30 a.m., Thursday, January 9

GOOD MORNING, SPRINGFIELD!

Start your morning off on the right foot with some networking at the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce’s monthly breakfast event. Hear the latest news from the city, county, chamber and Springfield Public Schools. Also get the chance to hear from Bob Helm, the Chamber’s 2025 Board Chairman.

$35 members, $45 non-members; The Library Center, 4653 S. Campbell Ave; springfieldchamber.com

6–7:30 p.m., Tuesday, January 14

BOOST BUSINESS SUCCESS WITH EXCEPTIONAL CUSTOMER EXPERIENCES

Review strategies to excel in your business’s customer interactions and elevate opportunities with author and client retention expert Tammy Fink.

Registration required; The Library Center, meeting room A, 4653 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield; thelibrary.org

 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m., Tuesday, January 14 GENERAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON

Nixa Area Chamber of Commerce’s monthly luncheon is the perfect place to get filled in with the Chamber, city and other professionals. Join over 100 other business professionals and representatives for an afternoon of support, growth and networking. Held every second Tuesday of the month.

$20 for pre-registration before noon on Friday, January 10, $25 for members at door, $30 for non-members at door; River of Life Church, 308 W. Mount Vernon St., Nixa; nixachamber.com

4:30–6 p.m., January 14–February 6, Tuesdays and Thursdays VIRTUAL EARLY-STAGE BUSINESS BOOT CAMP

Get your ducks in a row with this eight-session boot camp for new business owners.

Pre-registration required; Zoom event; efactory.missouristate.edu/ bootcamp

1 –4 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday, January 15-16

PERSONAL FINANCE

WORKSHOP

Learn about personal finance

basics and strategies that you can implement into your personal and business finances through this two-day virtual workshop through “The Great Game of Business.”

$995, materials included; virtual event; see website for registration information; greatgame.com

9 a.m.–4 p.m., Wednesday, January 15

JOPLIN AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE’S ANNUAL BUSINESS EXPO

Attend one of the Joplin Chamber’s biggest networking events, with over 100 exhibitors and more than 1200 attendees. Business-to-business portion of the event is 9 a.m.–noon, businessto-consumer portion of the event is noon–4 p.m. and includes $5 admission; Downstream Casino Resort Pavilion, 69300 E. Nee Rd., Quapaw, OK; joplincc.com

 8 a.m.–noon, Thursday, January 16 GREAT GAME OF NONPROFITS PUBLIC WORKSHOP

Learn about the key principles of the business growth system “The Great Game of Business” and how they can be implemented into nonprofit organizations to thrive in our future economy. $295, materials included; please email Rhonda Chapman, rchapman@ggob.com, for more information and to register; SRC Training Center, 2401 E. Sunshine St., Springfield; greatgame.com

 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m., Tuesday, January 21

WORKING WOMEN IN NIXA

Join the Nixa Chamber at the monthly WWIN luncheon, geared toward empowering and connecting local business-women. Listen to speaker Whitney Guison, president of the Nixa Chamber, and network with other female business professionals. $20 for pre-registration before

noon on Friday, January 17, $25 for members at door, $30 for nonmembers at door; North Point Church, 235 W. Tracker Rd., Nixa; nixachamber.com

8:30 a.m.–5 p.m., Tuesday, January 21 and Wednesday, January 22, 8 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Thursday, January 23 THE GREAT GAME EXPERIENCE PUBLIC WORKSHOP

Get a hands-on look into “The Great Game of Business” with people tours, employee and executive panels, live companywide meetings for educational sessions, pre- and post-workshop collaboration and forecasting financials.

$1,695, materials included; see website for registration information; Vandivort Ballroom, 305 E. Walnut St., Springfield; greatgame.com

 11 a.m.–1 p.m., Thursday, January 23

GOOD AFTERNOON OZARK

The Ozark Chamber’s general membership luncheon provides the perfect environment to network and hear from chamber members about issues affecting local businesses.

$20 for early-bird member registration, $25 for non-members; $25 for members at door, $30 for non-members at door; no invoicing unless special conditions apply; all cancellations must be requested 48 hours prior to the event, credit card refunds will require a 5% charge; Ozark Community Center, 1530 W. Jackson, Ozark; ozarkchamber.com

 Thursday, January 23, 4–6 p.m.

RIVETING CONNECTIONS WITH ROSIE SOCIAL

Mingle with fellow business -women during this laid-back networking social.

Free; Subterranean in the Moxy Hotel, 430 South Ave, Springfield; leadershipspringfield.org

 8–9:30 a.m., Tuesday, January 28 BAGELS WITH THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU

Listen and learn with regional director of the bureau Pamela Hernandez as she talks about workplace protection and scams.

Registration starts January 14; Schweitzer Brentwood Branch Library, 2214 Brentwood Blvd., Springfield; thelibrary.org

 11:15 a.m., Tuesday, February 4 GENERAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON

Enjoy the Republic Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon featuring networking and local community updates.

$12 for pre-registration, $15 at door; Spring Creek Estates Venue, 7368 W. Farm Road 186, Republic; republicchamber.com

 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m., Tuesday, February 4 ASSOCIATION FOR WOMEN IN COMMUNICATIONS’ MONTHLY LUNCHEON

Guest speaker Keke Rover from Burrell Behavioral Health discusses evolving policies and practices.

$22; register online, registration ends January 30; Hilton Garden Inn, 4155 S. Nature Center Way, Springfield; awcspringfieldmo.org

 7:30–8:30 a.m., Thursday, February 6 GOOD MORNING, SPRINGFIELD!

Start your morning off on the right foot with networking at the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce’s monthly breakfast event. Hear the latest news from the city, county, chamber and Springfield Public Schools.

$35 for members, $45 for non-members; Betty & Bobby Allison Sports Town, 209 Airport Blvd, Springfield; springfieldchamber.com

7:30 a.m.–3 p.m., Friday, February 7 JOPLIN YOUNG PROFESSIONALS SUMMIT

This one-day conference is the perfect way to kick start your career as a business professional, or continue the growth and development of your business. Learn how to elevate your business and progress professionally and personally.

Register online; James River Church, 1850 S. Maiden Lane, Joplin; joplincc.com

6–9 p.m., Saturday, February 8 2025 OZARK COMMUNITY AWARDS

Throw on your best attire for this formal awards ceremony, honoring Citizen of the

Year, Chamber Star of the Year and Business of the Year among many others.

$75; Ozark Community Center, 1530 W. Jackson, Ozark; www.ozarkchamber.com

 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m., Tuesday, February 11 GENERAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON

Nixa Area Chamber of Commerce’s monthly luncheon is the place to get filled in with the members and other professionals. Held monthly on the second Tuesday.

$20 for pre-registration before noon Friday, Feb. 7, $25 for members at door, $30 for non-members at door; River of Life Church, 308 W. Mount Vernon, Nixa; nixachamber.com

6–9 p.m., Tuesdays, February 11–May 6 ESSENTIALS OF EFFECTIVE SUPERVISION

This 12-week program will provide business professionals with the tools, resources and new skills to become successful supervisors, managers and team leaders.

$1,299; register online; please note the program will skip Tuesday, March 16; efactory, 405 N. Jefferson Ave., Springfield; efactory.missouristate.edu/sbdc

4–6 p.m., Thursday, February 13 BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

Join fellow business professionals for this relaxed networking event. Enjoy food, drink specials and door prizes.

$10 for members, $20 for non-members; BigShots Golf, 1930 E. Kearney St., Springfield; springfieldchamber.com

 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m., Tuesday, February 18 WORKING WOMEN IN NIXA

Join the Nixa Chamber at the monthly WWIN luncheon, geared toward empowering and connecting local business-women.

$20 for pre-registration before noon on Friday, February 14, $25 for members at door, $30 for non-members at door; North Point Church, 235 W. Tracker Rd., Nixa; nixachamber.com

 8 a.m.–9:30 a.m., Tuesday, February 25 BAGELS WITH THE BBB

Rafael Vite of Primate Digital Marketing discusses building your brand, increasing customer loyalty, leveraging positive reviews to benefit your brand and managing negative ones like a professional.

Registration starts February 11; Schweitzer Brentwood Branch Library, 2214 Brentwood Blvd., Springfield; thelibrary.org

The Biz 100 Party

The movers and shakers that make up Biz 417’s Biz 100 list and their plus ones gathered to celebrate the honorees. The Morris Family was in attendance to accept the Person of the Year Award on behalf of Johnny Morris. Attendees enjoyed a personal video greeting from Johnny Morris recorded while he was deer hunting in the Ozarks woods.

Date: November 13, 2024 | Host Organization: Biz 417 | Location: BMW of Springfield | Website: biz417.com

Andrea Westerhold, Penny Lacy, Danny Yancey, Rhonda Sorensen, Pamela Yancey

Trevor Crist, Gary Schafer, Steve Prange Kretia & Kirk Elquist

Sally Hargis, Dr. James Hargis

Logan Aguirre offers a toast to all the Biz 100 honorees

PHOTOS

BY BRANDON ALMS, KATY ST. CLIAIR

Paula & Tim Dougherty

Janet Parson, Lindsey Sapp

Richard & Teresa Ollis

Cody & Erin Danastasio

Matt Sibet, Sarah Hough

Ben Shantz (right)

Dr. Brad Johnson

Lead Ozarks: Leadership Conference

Eighty attendees gathered at the inaugural leadership conference in Nixa for a day of inspiration, growth and connection. Engaging thought leaders presented on business topics such as scaling business and leadership styles, and an inspiring keynote message encouraged attendees to tackle their fears.

Date: November 18, 2024 | Host Organization: Nixa Area Chamber of Commerce | Location: North Point Church, Nixa | Speakers: Kyle Scheele, Judy Dow, Jimmy Liles, Jeremy Mhire and Lee Flood | Website: nixachamber.com

Avery Bishop, Jacelyn Cosgrove, Emorie York

Chris Glenn, Lee Flood

Kyle Scheele

Gregg Mhire, Jeremy Mhire, Janet Mhire, Josh Mhire

Jeremy Alvarez, Jeremy Mhire

PHOTOS BY KRISTIN SHARP

Friendsgiving Happy Hour

Leadership Spring eld alumni enjoyed reminiscing with classmates and mingling with other graduates from years past for a festive kick o to the holiday season.

Date: November 21, 2024 | Host Organization: Leadership Springfield | Location: Tie & Timber Beer Company | Website: leadershipspringfield.org

Brian Tyndall, Brooke Johnston, Kelli Fleck, Amber Vanderwal

Dori Grinder, Allyson Tuckness

Brian Fogle, Diana Tyndall, Megan Neyer

Carly Taft, Stephanie Anderson

Monica Horton, Shelly Drymon

DOWNTIME Your Destination Awaits

Jessica Martin, owner and founder of family law practice Martin Law, spends her free time traveling around the world. “There’s so much beauty in the world,” Martin says. “But I really enjoy getting to see other cultures and try to learn why other people do the things that they do.” Of all her travels, she says Peru has been her favorite so far. Martin has traveled to more than 25 countries and says her go-to activity while traveling is to explore on foot. “There are certain things where you can see it in pictures all day, but it’s just not the same,” she says. Martin is pictured here with her husband, Sam Martin, at the Alyseka Skybridge in Girdwood, Alaska.—Maura Curran

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