Biz 417 | 10 for the Next 10 | July/August 2023

FOR THE NEXT 10

MARK HECQUET PRESIDENT/CEO OF THE SPRINGFIELD CONVENTION & VISITOR’S BUREAU

Keep an eye on these 10 people leading us into the next decade.

JULY/AUGUST · Volume 8, Issue 5 · 2023

EDITORIAL

Lucie Amberg EDITOR LUCIE@417MAG.COM

Katie Pollock Estes 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

Michelle Lewis, Adesyn Shelton, Courtney Skornia EDITORIAL INTERNS

Sarah Patton CREATIVE DIRECTOR SARAH@417MAG.COM

Jordan Dykstra ART DIRECTOR JORDAN@417MAG.COM

Brandon Alms

SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER & DESIGNER BRANDON@417MAG.COM

Leah Stiefermann PHOTOGRAPHER & DESIGNER LSTIEFERMANN@417MAG.COM

Grace Chipley EDITORIAL DESIGNER GRACE@417MAG.COM

Jade Hinzman EDITORIAL DESIGN INTERN

CONTRIBUTORS

Bon Aperature, Susan Atteberry Smith, Gayle Babcock, Ren Bishop, Karen Bliss, Tessa Cooper, Mary Ellen Chiles, Morrell Flowers (Moore to Love Homes), Max Havey, Cat Harper Photography, Jared Hoffpauir Photography, Jennifer Johnmeyer, Kristen Knapton, Michael Stevens, Howard Schatzberg

AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT

Mariya Serykh MARKETING COORDINATOR MARIYA@417MAG.COM

Blaise Fields AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT INTERN

FOUNDERS

Gary Whitaker FOUNDER GARY@417MAG.COM

Joan Whitaker FOUNDER JOAN@417MAG.COM

BUSINESS

Logan Aguirre PUBLISHER LOGAN@417MAG.COM

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

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

J.J. Massey

FINANCE MANAGER ACCOUNTING@417MAG.COM

Kaitlyn Messina FINANCE ASSISTANT KAITLYN@417MAG.COM

Bernadette Pry OFFICE MANAGER BERNADETTE@417MAG.COM

Jami Wightman

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE JAMI@417MAG.COM

Janelle Haik ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE JANELLE@417MAG.COM

Kathy Grieve ACCOUNT SERVICES MANAGER KATHY@417MAG.COM

Nicki Hodges ACCOUNT COORDINATOR NICKI@417MAG.COM

Katie Batliner ADVERTISING DESIGN COORDINATOR KBATLINER@417MAG.COM

Rin Colwell

ADVERTISING DESIGNER RIN@417MAG.COM

Elizabeth VanFosson DIGITAL COORDINATOR EVANFOSSON@417MAG.COM

CONTRIBUTORS

Jennifer Swenson

Stoneridge Flooring

For more than 30 years, Stoneridge

Flooring Design has brought beaui l d r le ring nd i pele er er i e 417-l nd e er n e en i e rie ring p i n in l ding rpe rd d l in e l r in l and glass and natural ne ile e l er de ign n ltions, residential and er i l in lli n er and tub surrounds, area rug binding and rd d refini ing l ll ned ine S neridge e pride in r ing n pr e enefi e ni en eg Bank and Trust began to build their ne e d r er in Springfield e lled n S neridge l ring e ign elp eir lle i e g l re e

As

ilding ld e e e i ll ple ing nd n i n l r e n e pl ee nd er r ing l el i r i e nd e gener l n r r S neridge l ring e ign elped ring e i i n li e e i l ng-l ing ring i ri i l p nen e 4 - reilding e n ill e fin n i l dri ing n ined e n i gr in the area—and Stoneridge Flooring e ign n red pl i l r le in e pr e

e S neridge l ring e ign e eed r e pe i n i i ne eir ree l i n nd di er eir nding pr d e ep i n l er i e nd e per in ll i n

BY REN BISHOP

COMMERCIAL DESIGN AWARDS

This year’s Commercial Design Award winners are inventive, bold and a pleasure to behold.

BY TESSA COOPER

21 HEAT INDEX

Changes on the rise for ProsperU and SBC in Willard.

21 FOUR TO FOLLOW

Bridget Bechtel’s top recommendations for social follows.

22 MEET THE MAKER

Anthony Brent strives to have his sauce in over 200 stores.

22 ON THE RISE

The Vecino Group’s plans for an empty lot on historic C-Street.

23 NAILED IT FAILED IT

Adam Toth’s successes and failures at Toth and Associates.

25 NEW ON THE SCENE

Scott Rice Spring eld’s new president/CEO Alex Roman.

25 BEHIND THE PRODUCT

Meet the minds behind cannabis-infused coffee.

26 FORWARD THINKING

Anderson Engineering’s new brand OWN.

35 ADVICE & WHISKEY

Adam Toth’s biggest pieces of advice from his career.

36 WHAT’S ON MY DESK

A peek inside Brent Dunn’s ofce at Missouri State University.

38 NETWORKING NOTES

Discover what led Matt Bower to First Midwest Bank.

69 CALENDAR

Must-attend networking events for July and August.

Tools

39 CHART IT

Find the best places to grab lunch for Monday meetings.

40 CULTURE CLUB

Adam Graddy shares the meaning behind the American ag outside Graddy Real Estate.

70 THE SCENE

A look at the Chamber Small Business

This year we’re adding a little extra to our 10 for the Next 10 feature. If you follow us on Instagram at @biz417, keep an eye out for upcoming videos from each nominee as we talk a little more about them and their goals for 417-land’s future.

10 FOR THE NEXT 10 NOMINATIONS

Do you know someone who is leading 417-land into the next decade? If our 10 for the Next 10 feature made you think of someone, then head to biz417. com/10FTN10 now and nominate them. Nominations are open year-round.

WOMEN WHO MEAN BUSINESS

We’re always looking for the next leaders of 417-land. Our Women Who Mean Business nominations are now open yearround, so if you have someone you know who is blazing their own trail through our business community, let us know at biz417.com/WWMB

JULY/AUGUST · Volume 8, Issue 5 · 2023

ADVISORY BOARD

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

Thomas Douglas CEO JMARK Business Solutions, Inc.

Anna Evans

Vice President of Business Retention and Expansion Show Me Christian County

Heather Hardinger

Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Of cer CoxHealth

Sally Hargis

Vice President/Chairman

Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Co.

Ryan Mooney

Vice President of Economic Development Arvest Bank

Daniel Ogunyemi

Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Ozarks Technical Community College

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.

Summer Break

There’s a good chance that you are reading this while our entire team is out of of ce.

If you are a frequent reader of this column, then you know that last year our company’s critical number (Great Game of Business practitioners over here!) was for our team to use 100% of their PTO.

Each person that achieved this goal was entered to win a trip from our partners at 417 Travel. At the end of the year we put every eligible employee’s name in a hat and drew Kathy Grieve, our account services manager. She chose a trip to Taos New Mexico! And then I did the Oprah move of “everyone’s a winner” by announcing that we would also be closing down the week of July 4th, so everyone could take a break at the same time.

I’ve had this idea brewing for a few years.

In July of 2020 we did a week-long company furlough in order to help with payroll expenses during COVID-19. We had it coincide with the Fourth of July holiday. This took planning and effort to adjust our work ow so that we didn’t miss our deadlines. When everyone returned from that week, I was

surprised that the chatter wasn’t overwhelmingly about how much work we all had done to prepare for being gone for a week, or how disappointing it was to be furloughed. Instead, the chatter was primarily around how nice it was to have everyone off of work at the same time. The pressures we all feel when we are out of the of ce and know that the team is still in the of ce taking on your workload— that was gone.

Several years ago we started the tradition of closing the week between Christmas and New Years which is a lovely reset and time to restore for the new year. So if we can do this in the winter, could we also do this in the summer? How nice would it be to have that restorative week one more time during the year, and at a time when it’s sunny and warm out! There’s only one way to nd out.

Logan Aguirre Publisher, Biz 417

“We thought it was time for a new name and a new brand that was as awesome as our people.”

—Jerrod Hogan, CEO of OWN, p.26

“Our rst day, we did almost $1,000 in ve hours. I knew we had something.”

—Anthony Brent, Owner of Springfield Trading Company, p.22

“One of the things I have loved… about being in Spring eld…is everyone’s openness…that there’s not as much diversity here as Spring eld would like. It’s very refreshing to be in a town that owns where it is and is honest about wanting to work on it and actually do something about it.”

—Alex Roman, CEO/President of Scott Rice Springfield, p.25

“We’re a part of a community making exceptional creative work here in Spring eld, and we know that this city can become an even larger hub for creatives.”

—Austin Elliott, Partner/Operations Director of Locke and Stache, p.50

“At the end of the day, the question was: How do we memorialize Ron [Ste es] in a way that’s respectful and puts him front-of-mind for everyone who walks by the ag every day?”

—Adam Graddy, President of Graddy Real Estate, p.40

Back in May, we shared a sneak peek of Biz 417’s third annual list of 417-land’s Best Places to Work. It included both first-timers and repeat honorees, and people were very eager to learn which businesses have the kind of culture and benefits that earn high marks from employees. Check out the list of winners at biz417.com, and dive deep in our September/October issue, where we’ll unpack the perks and processes that make these companies so appealing.—Lucie

Amberg

BEST PLACES TO WORK

“That’s a ‘3-peat’ for the Paragon Team! We wouldn’t be one of the Best Places to Work in the 417 without the best team in the 417! We are thankful for each of the unique individuals that are a part of the Paragon team, and we are thankful to receive this honor for the third time!”

—Paragon Architecture

“What an honor to be included with all of these other amazing companies. We are blessed to have so many incredible people on our team! They make things happen and deserve so much for all their hard work.”

—Sarah

Downey of Investment Property Loan Exchange LLC

HOW

CONTACT BIZ 417

Behind the Product

The Coffee Ethic and Vivid Extract pair up for a surprising new pairing between cannabis and coffee.

Page 25

Back in Action

Anderson Engineering’s new brand OWN brings about exciting new changes and goals for the company as they focus on work-life balance for their employees.

Page 26

Etching Out Success

Discover what The Vecino Group has planned for the old empty lot on Commercial Street: the Sankofa development, a four-story structure with commercial retail spaces.

Page 22

“I love Springfield. We don’t want to take away from the food; we want to elevate it.”

—Anthony Brent

STRATEGIES

Innovative thinking is on our minds—and all around us—this month. Whether it’s a new way to heighten nancial literacy, a new outlet for a popular brewing and distilling company or recognition for local creatives, we have many reasons to feel optimistic about 417-land’s future.

BY LUCIE AMBERG

PATHS TO PROSPERITY

Central Bank’s new ProsperU facility will host in-person and online nancial education classes, which will be free to the public. Class topics range from nance basics, like budgeting and restoring credit, all the way to more complicated topics, such as rst-time home buying or managing money after a divorce. “Our ability to offer free nancial literacy classes, including counseling and programming to individuals, small businesses who want to grow and nonpro ts and their constituents, allows us to truly serve our community,” says Joselyn Baldner, CEO/president of Central Bank.

EXPANSION, TIMES TWO

Spring eld Brewing Company (SBC) has recently announced two big expansions. First, it’s renovating a space in Willard, which will serve as a new production facility and taproom. The new location is on the Frisco Highline Trail, and plans include a large tasting room with indoor and outdoor seating. The company also hopes to collaborate with local vendors and food trucks, according to a statement SBC released on social media. The renovation is scheduled to commence this fall with the goal of welcoming guests next spring. Additionally, the brewery is expanding to the Rogersville and Strafford area with the new Tap & Tasting Room that will sell SBC’s craft beer, Ty Iechyd Da spirts and wood- red pizza. The spot is set to open in the fall, and plans include indoor and expansive outdoor spaces.

FOUR TO FOLLOW WITH BRIDGET BECHTEL

Bridget Bechtel, the new executive director of Sculpture Walk Spring eld, uses social media and online calendars to connect with the community and hear about local events that help her truly feel at home here in 417-land.

BY MICHELLE LEWIS

@SCULPTUREWALKSPRINGFIELD

“On the Sculpture Walk Instagram, you’ll nd updates on what’s going on in the community. We utilize this platform not only to spread the word about our events but also to spread education about what we do. I always encourage everyone to follow us and experience art for free in your community.”

BIZ 417’S LADIES WHO LAUNCH

This half-day conference provides the tools, inspiration and support you need to succeed. This year’s theme is “Claim the Power in Your Purpose,” as illustrated by our dynamic speaker lineup. We’ll talk about passion, purpose, boundaries and the elusive idea of saying “no.”

July 20 from 11:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.

White River Conference Center, 600 W. Sunshine St., Spring eld

Tickets and information: LadiesWhoLaunchBiz417.com

LEARN ABOUT MORE EVENTS ON P. 69

@CFOZARKS

“Community Foundation of the Ozarks is an incredible tool for nonpro ts in the area and they give back so much to our community. Not only do I follow them for the work we do with them, but also to hear about other local organizations who partner with them. [They also have] great information about upcoming grant application opportunities and community development for non-pro ts.”

KSMU.ORG/COMMUNITY-CALENDAR

“I love to be a part of other foundations fundraisers and local art and this calendar is a great resource for anything going on in the area. I think it’s so important that we celebrate those in our community who are working toward bringing art to the masses and not only celebrate when we have big events coming to town.”

ISMERCURYINRETROGRADE.COM

“Even if you don’t follow astrology sometimes it’s nice to have something to blame your problems on. I use this website as an excuse for the days I make a mistake so I don’t become too harsh on myself.”

BIZ417.COM July/August 2023 21

FIVE ON FIRE

HEAT INDEX

OZARKS ORIGINAL

Anthony

BY MARY ELLEN CHILES

“Ilove Springfield,” says Anthony Brent. “We don’t want to take away from the food; we want to elevate it.”

Brent’s business, Springfield Trading Company (STC), has been on the rise ever since he sold his first bottle in June 2022 at the Farmers Market of the Ozarks.

“Our first day, we did almost $1,000 in five hours,” he says. “I knew we had something.”

Billy Dove of 417 Foodist shared it on social media, which got the attention of distributors. A year later STC has products in 20 retailers, with partners from Bosky’s Vegan Grill to Sugarfire Smokehouse. Brent expects to have stock in 200 stores by the end of 2023—plus Bass Pro locations. It’s in the original store and could be in more soon.

Brent says he will always keep a booth at Farmers Market of the Ozarks. “It will jumpstart any small business,” he says. “We will always be there to support that market.”

Originally from St. Louis, Brent moved to Springfield six years ago to intern with Ozarks Teen Challenge and then met his wife, Bethany, and they share a 4-year-old son, Oliver.

A quick learner, Brent dropped out of high school after a month and completed his GED two weeks later. He’s always enjoyed being his own boss. “I just have always been into startups and bringing things to areas that don’t have it,” he says. He booked bands in St. Louis, then sold insurance. He also ran DimePup, which sold vintage hats and clothes. A trained sous chef, he got into perfecting barbecue skills in tournaments. He realized he needed to make a unique sauce, so he picked out spices at the River Market in Kansas City and experimented.

STC offers four sauces and two spice blends, and will release a BBQ sauce this summer. Brent wants his products to be as real as their Ozarks home. “We don’t add any extracts or food colorings,” he says. “We get real vegetables. We don’t cut corners, and that’s a perfect representation of Springfield—it’s authentic.”

Brent creates delectable sauces and seasoning mixes to make the unique avors of Spring eld even better.

“Our first day, we did we did almost $1,000 in five hours,” he says. “I knew we had something.”

C-Street Collaboration

After a decades-long vacancy, an empty lot on historic C-Street is on track to be lled with new life.

BY JENNIFER JOHNMEYER

As new development headlines hit 417land with increasing regularity, one topic stays at the forefront of development conversation: affordable housing.

Springfield-based The Vecino Group heard this call and answered with the Sankofa development, a four-story structure that will fill a long-empty lot on Historic C-Street. The ground floor will consist of five commercial retail spaces, with the remaining floors holding 42 housing units, totaling 43,000 square feet.

Vecino’s Director of Development, David Allison, says that Sankofa received approval from the City of Springfield’s Landmarks Board— something Allison calls a “significant step”— earlier this year. He adds that the project is on

schedule. He praises C-Street organizations and the neighborhood for the warm welcome the news of the development has received.

“We have worked with our neighborhood from the very beginning,” Allison says. “In early summer of 2022, we scheduled time with each C-Street organization.” With Vecino’s offices on Commercial Street, the proximity enabled the team to see neighbors daily and discuss, answer questions and listen to ideas.

“This allowed us to incorporate our neighbors’ thoughts and address any concerns as we honed our design and overall plan,” Allison adds. A third piece of the puzzle is ensuring that the housing component remains affordable. “The creation of affordable housing in Zone 1 is the goal,” he says. “Therefore, maintaining affordable rents is paramount.” For surety, Sankofa is requesting tax credits as part of its funding stack, and credit delivery is contingent on a fifteen-year compliance period. Allison estimates construction will begin by the end of 2023, with certificate of occupancy projected for late 2024 to early 2025.

David Allison

CAMPBELL AVE.

CAMPBELL AVE.

COMMERCIAL STREET

COMMERCIAL STREET

Leading with Experience and Heart

BY KAREN BLISS

Being able to run her own business, starting into commercial interiors in a smaller market and being able to work with her family are just a few of the reasons that led Alex Roman to jump in with both feet as CEO/president of Scott Rice Springfield LLC. “When this opportunity came up, one of the selling points was the idea of being able to work with (my parents),” she says.

Her mother, Vicki Palmer, spent 26 years working for CocaCola, she says, and she describes her dad, John Palmer, as a “lifelong entrepreneur.”

“This was a beautiful way of being able to branch not only into entrepreneurship, but being able to do it with the two of them.”

Although Scott Rice, a Steelcase office furniture dealer, has been in Springfield for about 9 years, the 60/40 partnership between The Palmer Group LLC and Scott Rice Color Art started in January of 2022, which is when Roman took on the role. Scott Rice Springfield has furniture for everywhere from office buildings to schools and hospitals. They also have the availability to do temporary walls, flooring projects, signage, artwork and sound masking. “The beauty of being in the commercial interiors industry is that there’s so many things that we do, and can do,” Roman says.

Roman didn’t start out in commercial interiors, but she found that her experience as a project manager and as head of guest experience in the casino industry was helpful in reverse-role training her for her position at Scott Rice Springfield. The Palmer Group, and her parents, are based out of Atlanta, but Missouri has always had a special place in Roman’s heart. Roman works remotely from Atlanta, but also has a home in Springfield. “My dad is from Kansas City, so I have been going to Missouri my whole life,” she says. “I also really liked the idea of getting into this industry from a smaller market.”

NIGHTSTAND

Shawn Askinsosie, founder/CEO of Askinosie Chocolate, recommends Je erson: Architect of American Liberty by John B. Boles, which seeks to provide a comprehensive look at the life and career of the United States’ third president.

Live the High Life

Cannabis-infused co ee? Meet the minds behind this 417land collaboration.

BY JENNIFER JOHNMEYER

The Coffee Ethic Owner Michelle Billionis says it all started with a visit from Vivid Extract’s Marketing Manager Tony Billmeyer. “Tony from Vivid came into the shop and said that they would like to partner with us and create a product with cannabis,” Billionis remembers. “I had already been thinking about it for a few years, but this was the first person who talked to me about it. I was extremely interested in working together.”

As a plus, she was already familiar with Vivid and its products, and she considered them high-end. Following Billmeyer’s visit, the next player to join the game was The Farmer’s Wife Marketing Manager Cody Shackleton. A frequent visitor to The Coffee Ethic, Shackleton struck Billionis as a good fit for her monthly event, Human Beans, which she created to connect with the community about topics that garnered interest and curiosity.

This led to Human Beans’ presentation of a medical cannabis forum, which included speakers from Two Leaf Nurses, as well as The Farmer’s Wife’s Budtender Kirsten Vlasic. This path of continued research and passion led to The Coffee Ethic’s first collaboration with Vivid’s Show Me Organics: The K-Pod, a coffee pod that contains THC. After that, Billionis was on the panel of Biz 417’s Think Summit, discussing the future of cannabis.

Billionis is enthusiastic about the nano-emulsion process. "It’s all very scientific,” she says. “They break down the particle sizes of the THC so that it is more bioavailable and can be dissolved in water. Dissolving it leads to a 15-minute rapid onset of feeling the product. That is beneficial to people who have ailments that need quick relief.” She adds that caffeine is very complementary to THC, creating a feeling of alertness.

The K-Pod has been very well received, although the instant popularity has led to a challenge: demand far outweighs supply. Vivid is currently working on a new facility to match the increasing demand.

Billionis and Vivid are also working on future product collaborations. Nothing has been finalized, but Billionis is excited about the possibilities. “These products create such an amazing balance together,” she says. “You just have a great day.”

Alex Roman runs Scott Rice Spring eld as president/CEO.

Michelle Billionis

OWN It

BY SUSAN ATTEBERRY SMITH

The morning before an April bowling party to celebrate the name change of Anderson Engineering, Inc., the pun had already worked its way around the company’s Springfield headquarters. Proud employees were sporting jerseys with the company’s new name: OWN.

“We have our OWN T-shirts,” CEO Jerrod Hogan jokes. He and Office Leader Jared Davis are enthusiastic about how this spring’s festivities capped two years of serious research and reflection, all of which led to redefining the nearly 70-year-old engineering firm’s brand—and rethinking its name.

In 2019, when headquarters moved to a sleek new office space on West Bypass, the firm had carried the name of James F. Anderson for more than 45 years. Hogan is quick to note that the firm’s reputation “stands on (Anderson’s) shoulders.” He adds, “We thought it was time

for a new name and a new brand that was as awesome as our people.”

Founded in 1954, the same year Table Rock Dam was built, the original Tri-Lakes Concrete Co.’s name reflected the engineering work in demand during that era. From 1958 until 1977, it evolved from Wright-Weeks, Inc., for principal engineers H. Garrett Wright and Gaylord D. Weeks, to Wright and Associates until Anderson bought the firm. Even in 1998, after Bruce Rhodes and Steve Brady, Anderson Engineering’s last private owners, retired and left ownership in the hands of employees through an employee stock option plan (ESOP), the firm’s name remained the same.

“We thought it was time for a new name and a new brand as awesome as our people”

Since then, though, the firm has seen big changes. When Hogan started as a land surveyor 21 years ago, there were 30 employees. Now, he says, there are more than 230. There are also 10 more offices, not only in Springfield and Joplin but also in Carthage, Columbia, Kansas

John Carnahan

Frank Carnahan Julie Brown

Jay Preston David Olive

Courtney Fletcher Robyn Horton Shawn Battagler

Andrew Bennett

Christiaan Horton

Andrew Peebles

Chip Sheppard

Congrats, Chip!

Anderson Engineering’s new brand is much more than name-deep.

The OWN team strives to focus on work-life balance and creating a fun environment.

—Jerrod Hogan

City and Monett. Offices outside Missouri include Overland Park, Kansas; Rogers, Arkansas; and three in Florida: Destin, Pensacola and Milton. With those acquisitions, services have expanded to include public infrastructure and structural engineering as well as surveying and civil engineering for both public and private clients.

Both the ESOP and expansion have paid off, Hogan says. From 1 to 2 percent growth each year in its first 50 years to 5 percent a year since 1998, the firm has grown by 25 percent a year since 2018, he says.

The past five years have been exciting, Hogan says, yet when OWN leaders enlisted the help of St. Louis marketing strategy company Vario, they knew they needed a way to rally employees around a shared purpose. As Vario’s marketing strategists interviewed employees and clients—even former clients—they discovered that each site has a different vibe.

“Some (offices) were really great at service and responsiveness,” Hogan says. “Some were great at the technical; they weren’t as responsive. Some offices were a lot of fun to work at; others maybe weren’t as much fun to work at.” He adds, “That’s when it hit us: We’re going to have to change the name.” Employee ownership was something everyone had in common— and the name change spotlights that.

ESOPs themselves aren’t uncommon. However, at some companies, Hogan says, an ESOP plan means a small percentage who qualify by rank or years of service own 100 percent of a company. By contrast, OWN earnings are distributed evenly among all who have worked there at least a year, no matter their title. One field inspector of 25 years has more money in his ESOP than Hogan does, “and I think that’s a beautiful thing,” says the CEO.

Response to the name change has been mainly positive, he and Davis agree. “Instead of being named after one of our prior owners, we’re all owners now, so our new name is a nod to our current ownership group, which is each of us—we own the business,” Hogan says.

A new strategic plan and a new company purpose with a focus on employees—“OWN builds futures for our team, our partners, and our communities”—also guide new principles. With 60 job openings a week after the firm’s name change, leaders hope all three will help them recruit employees in a competitive market. Diversity in hiring is part of that plan, Hogan says, as well as one new principle. “Fun matters,” he says.

“The work-life balance is important to us,” says Davis. “We want to be a fun company to work for.”

OWN moved into their o ce space on West Bypass in 2019 and have now given the space a fresh new look to match their new name and brand.

MEET THE SPEAKERS EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

This twice SOLD OUT event and our biggest one yet is all about claiming the power in your purpose! It’s time to connect with 550 of 417-land’s women of influence for a powerful afternoon of speakers and inspiration at Biz 417’s sixth annual Ladies Who Launch presented by Volt Credit Union. In between the inspiring speaker sessions, here’s what you can expect:

End the day with Rosé with Rosie. This is a time to connect with the inspiring women around you and discuss the day’s content!

Visit Volt Credit Union’s photo opp and let everyone know you are owning your power at #LadiesWhoLaunch. Ignite your networking skills by playing Tic Tac Toe with Mercy as you make new connections throughout the day. Highlight what makes you passionate with FORVIS. Visit Husch Blackwell to learn how to Be Bold, Big and Uncommon. Reliable Superstore will once again have us drooling over our next Lexus while enjoying a snack break by 2B Organized of Southwest Missouri

KEYNOTE SPEAKER SARAH KNIGHT

Bestselling author of “The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F*ck" and "Get Your Sh*t Together,” Sarah Knight will dive into her talk, "Sorry, Not Sorry," where she'll share wisdom from her gamechanging books and teach us how to confidently say no without guilt or fear.

LUNCH KEYNOTE SPEAKER DESIRÉE REED-FRANCOIS

As the first female athletic director in University of Missouri's history, the first female athletic director in a public institution in the SEC, and the first Hispanic female and woman of color athletics director at the FBS level, Desiree knows a thing or two about breaking barriers.

WOMEN WHO MEAN BUSNESS PANEL DISCUSSION

Each year, Biz 417 chooses women who are guiding 417-land in the future. These local women lead with courage, bounce back with optimism and empower the people around them. Join us for a panel discussion to gain wisdom their successes, learn from their missteps, and be inspired by their leadership.

JOSELYN BALDNER AUDREY GARARD LISA TINKLER ANDI HILBURN-VAINI

CONFERENCE AGENDA

11:30 A.M. | Doors Open

12:00 P.M. | Welcome - Logan Aguirre

Lunch will be served

12:20 P.M. | Passion Drives Purpose

Lunch Keynote: Desirée Reed-Francois

Presented by Husch Blackwell

Sports has always been at the center of Desiree's life thanks to her brother Roman. When Roman suffered a spinal cord injury while playing football, her purpose in life became crystal clear: to inspire others to pursue their dream. Her passion is helping student athletes have the incredible holistic experience her brother couldn't have, and that drives her purpose each day as the Director of Athletics for the University of Missouri. She'll inspire each of us to identify our "why" and how to keep it at the center of all we do.

1:35 P.M. | Women Who Mean Business Panel

Panelists: Lisa Tinkler, Audrey Garard, Andi Hilburn-Vaini and Joselyn Baldner

Moderator: Logan Aguirre

Presented by FORVIS

We don't have to look beyond #417land to be inspired by powerhouse female leaders. This year's class of Biz 417's Women Who Mean Business honorees will share more of their story during this panel discussion moderated by Biz 417 Publisher Logan Aguirre.

2:45 P.M. | Hustle Hour: A Speed Networking Session

Presented by Mercy

Want to connect with others while working on your personal pitch? The fast-paced and high-energy guided session leaves you walking away with major confidence and new connections.

4:00 P.M. | Sorry, Not Sorry

Keynote Speaker: Sarah Knight

Presented by Volt Credit Union

Sarah is a writer, editor and recovering perfectionist. She spent fifteen years working in the New York publishing industry before she left it all behind in pursuit of a life more suited to her. In celebration of her life-changing move and career, she penned the first of her series of "No Fucks Given Guides." With her own humorous twist, she'll detail her own journey while offering advice on setting and protecting boundaries and the art of saying "no".

5:00 P.M. Rosé with Rosie

Presented by Cereset

Helping

The employee bene ts industry is constantly changing, but that does not mean the quality of a business’ bene t options has to. From fully insured and self-funded health plans to extensive market knowledge, Med-Pay’s comprehensive services allow clients and their employees to focus on what matters most: the success of their organization.

Dependable

For over 35 years, Med-Pay has o ered 417-land clients experience-driven advice.

Adaptable

With over 30,000 covered lives, Med-Pay serves businesses of all sizes.

Impeccable

Quality options align with current trends, making Med-Pay an innovative employee benefits advisor.

What’s on My Desk

A look at the family mementos in Vice President for University Advancement, Brent Dunn’s, ofce at Missouri State University.

Page 36

Lunch Break

It can be dif cult to nd local restaurants open for Monday lunch meetings use our roundup of local eateries for the next time you’re stumped.

Page 39

Culture Club

Adam Graddy, President of Graddy Real Estate, shares how his team has honored the memory of Ron Steffes with an American ag outside their of ce.

Page 40

“I’d like to create an advisory board of local Springfield business owners and investors to help guide our market. I think it’s important for a bank to be connected to the community.”

—Matt Bower, p. 38

1695099),

Local Banking At Its Best

There’s something to be said for “being local.” It means a lot to customers when they meet with their banker face-to-face…one-onone. At Central Bank, that’s just how business is done. Important decisions are made in person, rather than exchanging emails and phone calls with someone in a faraway office who doesn’t even know you. If you want to change the way you do your banking, see Central Bank today.

Central Bank has been serving businesses in the Springfield area since 1956, including everything from commercial devel-

Central Bank

opments and real estate purchases to working capital and lines of credit. Plus, choose from a broad-based menu of checking, investment, and cash management tools to keep your business running smoothly.

If you haven’t experienced local community banking at its best, reach out to any of Central Bank’s commercial lenders today to discuss what’s right for you and your business. Whether you’re just setting up shop or financing

a multimillion-dollar expansion, Central Bank is here to help.

“If you haven’t experienced local community banking at its best, reach out to any of Central Bank’s commercial lenders today to discuss what’s right for you and your business.”

Back Row (Left to Right): Stephanie Murphy, VP Loan Of cer (NMLS#1313740), Tyler Phillips, AVP Loan Of cer (NMLS# 1706830), Blair Gann, Loan Of cer (NMLS# 2299464), Corey Harmon, SVP Commercial Loan Of cer (NMLS# 1402061), Blake Will, SVP Director of Commercial Lending (NMLS# 2119348), Jeff Jones, VP Loan Of cer (NMLS# 1159752), Andy Redman, VP Commercial Loan Of cer (NMLS# 710920), Rob Turner, SVP Commercial Loan Of cer (NMLS# 1197661), Bryan Horton, VP Commercial Loan Of cer (NMLS# 2108011), Justin Loveday, VP Loan Of cer (NMLS# 914231)

Front Row (Left to Right): Jamie Clark, Community President (NMLS# 554855), Missy Montgomery, SVP Commercial Loan Of cer (NMLS# 412281), Rick Watts, SVP Commercial Loan Of cer (NMLS# 554857), Joselyn Baldner, President & CEO (NMLS# 2365769), Jacob Kellett, SVP Chief Credit Of cer (NMLS# 733118), Barbra Wallace, SVP Commercial Loan Of cer (NMLS# 554849), Kendal Dingus, VP Loan Of cer (NMLS#

Michael Baldus, Loan Of cer (NMLS#2432995)

PEOPLE FIRST

Adam Toth started Toth & Associates with his father fresh out of college. We met up with the 41-year-old president of this Spring eld-based engineering rm at Char Steakhouse to talk productivity hacks, employee retention and client relationships.

BY MICHAEL STEVENS

So how did this all begin?

My dad started a company in 1978. It grew to about 50 people, and he sold it in 2001. In October of 2003 his non-compete ended, and I was graduating in May 2004. I was looking at Masters in Engineering or law school, and I remember the phone call. I called him up and said, “How about we start a company instead?” We started doing business on January 1st on my Christmas Break at our kitchen table.

Well something is working. You have upwards of 170 people currently on payroll and I saw that you had o ces in Oregon. So what’s the secret to your success?

Here is the key and it sounds so simple, and so cliché, but it’s true: “Do what you said you were going to do.” You are better than 90% if you just do what you said you were going to do. In this day and age where people are busy, where there is a shortage of workers, people are missing deadlines left and right. And if you just show up and do what you said you were going to do... People are so happy with that.

There must be some tension there. Because the sales side wants to close a deal and they make promises but you have to deliver.

In consulting engineering you don’t necessarily have a big sales team. Some companies do but I don’t think it’s very ef cient. We sell people. We sell a service. And so if a salesperson comes in and you really get along with that salesperson and you sign them as a client and you never talk to that person again, that’s not building a relationship. So our VPs, or me, close the deals. Then we are the ones that deliver on the product. We don’t have a sales team out there overpromising. If I tell someone we are going to do it, we are going to do it.

Anything else?

We also say yes. A lot. We have to be able to do

what our clients need us to do. If we tell them “No we are too busy” and they go hire someone else for a job they may never come back. We really focus on building that relationship with the client. We’re in it for the long run. I’ve been in client meetings where I’ve been working for that client longer than anybody at the table... That’s where we can really provide value. We are a long-term partner.

You talked a lot about “people first.”

Unpack that.

The example I give is if Apple lost half of its employees they still own the iPhone; they own all their patents. They can go hire a bunch of Stanford grads and no one will even know anything changed. We don’t own any patents. All we have is our people. Our product is our people. We have to lead with our people rst because if we lost half of our people we lose half our business. We lose half our relationships. Our people are key.

How do you keep low turnover?

I have four kids. If there is a tough situation that comes up, I ask myself “How would I want an employer to treat one of my four kids?” And that is what we do 99% of the time. The other one percent is when legal says we cannot do that.

ADVICE & WHISKEY

Adam Toth (right) and Michael Stevens met for drinks and conversation on the patio at Char Steakhouse.

MAROON MEMORIES

This spring, Missouri State University announced that it had convinced Brent Dunn, vice president for university advancement, to postpone retirement for a few more years. Dunn gave us a tour of his o ce, where he keeps a compelling collection of personal and professional mementos on display.

BY LUCIE AMBERG

Tee Time

If you’re in Dunn’s office, you can’t miss his enthusiasm for golf. “I could play every day,” he says. “My brother taught me how to play when I was young. I played in high school at Central, and I kept it up.”

Home Run

Dunn says that more than 10,000 417-landers attended the opening night of Hammons Field on April 2, 2004. They received mini-bats to commemorate the event, and there were a few fullsized bats, like this one.

When his son, Dalton, graduated from high school, Dunn recalls, “We said, ‘Where do you want to go for your senior trip?’ He said, ‘Ireland and Scotland,’” which included a stop at the famous St. Andrews Links.

Brent Dunn in his o ce overlooking downtown Springfield.

Stamp of Approval Dunn has taken several trips to China, where Missouri State has a campus. One one visit, he was given this customized stamp of his name in Chinese characters. The blue and white porcelain box holds the ink for the stamp.

Father and Son Dunn makes sure this photo of him with his dad holds a prominent place in his office. “He was our photographer,” Dunn says, so he wasn’t often in front of the camera. He died not long after this photo was taken, so it’s the only one Dunn has of the two of them together.

Cut

tious new arena, now called Great Southern Bank Arena.

PHOTOS BY BRANDON ALMS

Making the

Fifteen years ago, these scissors cut the ribbon on Missouri State’s ambi-

THE POTENTIAL OF LOCAL COMMUNITY BANKING

Matt Bower’s journey through the local world of community banking led to his current role as First Midwest Bank’s community bank president for the Spring eld area.

BY MAX HAVEY

Banking has been part of Matt Bower’s life since he was in college. Growing up as the youngest of four boys to parents who owned a small business in Joplin, he saw the hard work his parents put in and the rewards that came as a result. While studying in college, he didn’t quite have a sense of what he wanted to do for work, and at the recommendation of his parents, he reached out to a family friend who worked in banking and shortly thereafter got a job as a teller at Mercantile Bank.

Although Bower notes that he was on the front lines of a robbery during his first three weeks as a teller, he continued working in the banking industry. He’s now the community bank president for the Springfield market with First Midwest Bank. Working his way up from teller to roles in personal banking and loan management around the Springfield area and in Joplin, Bower eventually started working as a credit analyst and eventually became a commercial lender for Great Southern Bank. From there, he went onto commercial lending roles at Arvest Bank, where he learned more about commercial and industrial (C&I) lending, and Southern Bank. “I wouldn’t say I am a niche lender, I’m more of a generalist, where I have good experience understanding the commercial real estate side and a good understanding of the C&I lending aspect,” Bower says. “This has come in handy for me and the customers I help.”

He wasn’t necessarily looking for a new job when Regional Manager Steve Millington reached out about a role with First Midwest Bank. The bank planned to expand into the Springfield area, and Bower felt like he was in a position in his career where he could help bring customers into a new bank. “I’ve been in banking for 23 years, and

this was a challenge I wanted to take on to help build something,” Bower says. “That really excited me.” Coming on with First Midwest, he oversaw branding the bank and got things up and running, with the intent of taking over as community bank president. This also meant helping with logistics around the remodel of the building at the bank’s Sunshine location and building up a team for the Springfield branch.

In the competitive Springfield market, Bower sees a lot of potential for the future of First Midwest. “I’d like to create an advisory board of local Springfield business owners and investors to help guide our market,” Bower says. “I think it’s important for a bank to be connected to the community. Whatever helps our local business owners and investors makes the best of Springfield.”

DOWNTIME FUN

Matt Bower grew up playing multiple sports. Although he originally dreamed of being a major league pitcher, he discovered his talent for tennis while playing with a friend over the summer. Bower wound up lettering on the varsity tennis team and eventually received a scholarship to play tennis for a year at Northwest Missouri State. While he still occasionally plays, Bower says he prefers pickleball as a less strenuous alternative.

Meet and Eat

Finding a place for a lunch meeting on Mondays can prove to be challenging. Here’s a round-up of some great options for the next time you’re feeling stumped.

BY JO JOLLIFF

NEAR DOWNTOWN

Bambino’s

1141 E. Delmar St.

Try this: The ziti

Black Sheep Burgers & Shakes

Multiple Spring eld locations

Try this: Bleus Brothers burger

Rama Thai

1129 E. Walnut St.

Try this: curry noodles

RISE

105 Park Central Square

Try this: tabbouleh grain bowl

Spring eld Brewing Co.

305 S. Market Ave.

Try this: smokehouse nachos

St. Michaels

301 South Ave.

Try this: Cajun chicken salad

GLENSTONE AVENUE

Gettin’ Basted

3242 S. Stewart Ave.

Try this: barbecue tacos

The Press

2710 S. Glenstone Ave.

Try this: Korean tacos

COMMERCIAL STREET

Big Momma’s

217 E. Commercial St.

Try this: Globe sandwich

Café Cusco

234 E. Commercial St.

Try this: Ceviche Miami

Eurasia Coffee

445 E. Commercial St.

Try this: Chicken Tikka Naan’wich

Van Gogh’s Eeterie

334 E. Commercial St.

Try this: De Pier cod sandwich

BATTLEFIELD ROAD

Big Whiskey’s

Multiple Spring eld Locations

Try this: pretzel burger

Catrina’s Modern Mexican

2925 E. Battle eld Road

Try this: sweet plantains

The Grotto

301 E. Battle eld Road

Try this: Hippy Burger

Señor Julian

3405 E. Battle eld St.

Try this: fresh-pressed our tortillas

SUNSHINE STREET

Cesar’s Old Mexico

2627 E. Sunshine St.

Try this: Salvadoran pupusas

Craft Sushi

Multiple Spring eld locations

Try this: Soeul Good Bowl

First Watch

Multiple Spring eld locations

Try this: Pesto chicken quinoa bowl

La Paloma

Multiple Spring eld locations

Try this: pastor tacos

Queen City Deli

1647 E. Sunshine St.

Try this: The Burnes

The Wheelhouse

1845 E. Sunshine St.

Try this: kimchi-falafel tacos

REPUBLIC ROAD

Aviary

2144 E. Republic Road

Try this: pomme frites

Karai Ramen + Handroll

640 W. Republic Road, Suite 100

Try this: shredded pork chashu bun

Taj Mahal

1250 E. Republic Road

Try this: Karahi chicken

Thailand Station

1730 E. Republic Road

Try this: Panang curry with shrimp

OTHER AREAS

Cherry Picker Package x Fare

601 S. Pickwick Ave.

Try this: a charcuterie board

Haruno

3044 S. Fremont Ave.

Try this: tuna sampler

Koriya

4121 S. Fremont Ave., Suite #128

Try this: hot stone bibimbap

Flying High

You can’t miss the American ag outside Graddy Real Estate. It’s there to remind everyone of a powerful force behind 417-land’s Keller Williams presence.

BY LUCIE AMBERG

When Ron Steffes died in early 2022, 417-land lost a devoted family man— and one of the primary reasons behind the large presence of Keller Williams (KW) throughout our region.

Adam Graddy, who became a KW investor with Steffes, is now president of Graddy Real Estate. “Ron gave me a platform to build a business on,” Graddy says. “He was a great mentor.” Even after Steffes stepped back from his real estate career, Graddy says that he was “‘quote-unquote retired.’

He was at the office with us all the time.” Steffes was also a veteran and a deeply patriotic person. Graddy says that at the brokerage’s previous office, Steffes always wanted to put up a flagpole for an American flag, but he couldn’t work out the details with the landlord. When Steffes died, Graddy Real Estate had owned and operated in its new space on East Independence Street for just 18 months. Graddy immediately began thinking about putting up a flag at the new space. He felt confident that Steffes would have loved the idea. “We hadn’t even talked about it,” Graddy says. “But I thought: ‘What a great way to honor him.’”

The whole team pitched in to organize the effort. They worked with Ozark Flag Distributors— an experience that Graddy calls “amazing”—to get the flag, and they planned an event to unveil it. Another KW investor, Rhett Smillie, arranged for the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3404 to participate in the dedication.

“It’s not every day that one does this, and to meet the protocol, propriety and importance of the

event, we felt it was important to involve people who know the protocol and knew how to correctly and respectfully dedicate this memorial,” Smillie says. “Many veterans are part of this company, and we have the utmost respect for them.”

Melinda Love, Graddy Real Estate’s operations manager, says the dedication helped everyone celebrate Steffes’ legacy—and helped them come to terms with his loss. “It was a beautiful dedication to him and all that he did for all of us,” she says. “He was a giving, loving, kind human who always wanted to make an impact on people’s lives.”

Graddy agrees with this sentiment. “At the end of the day, the question was: How do we memorialize Ron in a way that’s super respectful and puts him front-of-mind for everyone who walks by the flag every day?” he says.

And while no one who enters Graddy Real Estate can miss the flag, it’s also visible beyond the office. You can see it from a number of vantage points—north, south, east and west—much like the impact Steffes left on 417-land.

[CULTURE CLUB]

Graddy Real Estate proudly honors the memory of Keller Williams investor and veteran Ron Ste es with its display of the American flag outside of its o ce on East Independence Street.

25 YEARS

ABACUS CPAS

1835 E. Republic Rd #200 Springfield // 417-823-7171

abacus.cpa

In 1998, Bill Dunton identi ed two needs in 417-land: The community needed a company it could trust for nancial guidance, and nancial professionals needed an outstanding place to work. With his founding of Abacus CPAs, Dunton was determined to ll both those needs by cultivating trusted partnerships with clients and by creating a rst-rate corporate culture.

Abacus CPAs started small, with a team of ve employees who served about 120 clients from a Branson of ce. It expanded quickly. Twenty- ve years later, Abacus CPAs now employs over 120 people across six locations. With two of ces in Spring eld, along with locations in Branson, Lee’s Summit,

Fayetteville and Harrison, Arkansas, the team collectively serves over 7,000 clients. The company continues to grow, with plans for a new, 42,000square-foot facility.

Today, Abacus offers a wide repertoire ofnancial services, including tax, audit, bookkeeping and strategic planning. They provide niche services in the transportation and restaurant industries. They’ve embraced innovation, such as their creation of the Abacus App, where clients track projects from start to nish and communicate with their Abacus professional. With every

MILESTONES

client and every project, the Abacus team focuses on the end destination and the actionable steps that will get them there.

Their focus on people is the key to Abacus’s success. From the very rst day, Abacus CPAs has fostered an entrepreneurial culture where employees are trusted and encouraged to share ideas. They’ve hired professionals outside of the typical CPA realm who have key positions within rm management. Abacus has recently partnered with Missouri State University’s English Language Institute to

help international employees expand their cultural understanding and communication. And by offering internships, Abacus CPAs invests in the next generation. Over 20 interns have become part of the permanent team.

It’s all thanks to “The Abacus Way” — an attitude and a process that prioritizes each person’s professional goals. Each client and employee has played a role in the Abacus story. As Abacus CPAs looks toward the future, they will continue to go beyond tax and accounting needs to exponentially change lives in 417-land

For The Next

A decade. That’s what stands between 417-land and endless possibilities. Meet 10 leaders who are challenging the status quo and celebrating what’s possible in the next decade and beyond in our region.

WRITTEN BY Ren Bishop

PHOTOGRAPHED BY Brandon Alms

Ryan Beard

HEAD FOOTBALL COACH, MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY

INSTANT BOOST

At his core, Coach Ryan Beard relies on two principles: hope and hard work.

“My parents instilled that

hard work was key to any success,” he says. “But having a positive attitude is the foundation for everything we do at Missouri State. Instead of focusing on what we lack, we celebrate what we have. Relationships and optimism build results.”

In 2020, Ryan Beard joined Coach Bobby Petrino’s staff as defensive coordinator. His dynamic approach to building a team focused on discipline earned a team that only gave up 15.8 points per game in 2022. That December, MSU promoted him to the top job at just 33.

With a smile on his face, Beard has a Ted Lasso style of leadership. A former All-Sun Belt Team player himself, he knows what it takes to win, but he also takes time and encourages his coaches to invest in their own relationships and keep imagining bigger, better. MSU coaches visited top college football programs to ask strategic questions, learn and dream of the possibilities.

“Ryan is very well connected with high school and junior college coaches,” says Kyle Moats, Director of Athletics for MSU. “His staff has strategic connections throughout the country. Today’s programs need to be able to understand the NCAA transfer portal and build relationships. Ryan stands out in this area. He understands talent, and his personality is contagious.”

To keep players excelling on and off the field, Beard has implemented a Fifth Quarter program. From financial planning to a new suit for job interviews after graduation, MSU football players are taught what Beard calls contagious confidence, an energetic, positive approach to life. Better men are better football players, and they perform better on the field. The scoreboard matters, but so do players earning meaningful college degrees and finding success after college, he says.

TOP EVENT

MEANINGFUL MENTOR

“Our players will go on to be leaders in their community and here in Springfield,” he says. “I want people to look back on the Ryan Beard era and be proud of what we accomplished as a team. I want this community to be proud of Missouri State University.”

Bobby Petrino, Jeff Brohm, Jim McElwain and Walt Wells. “That’s my coaching brain trust. There are quite a few wins and championships in that group.”

His backyard, with his wife, Katie, and four kids: Beau, Lainey, Jacob and Kailey

Hickory Hills Easter Egg Hunt

Kate Francis

MUSEUM

INSTANT BOOST

A long drive on country roads in the Ozarks

TOP EVENT

MEANINGFUL MENTOR

Cynthia Prost, former President and CEO of Arts and Education Council of Greater St. Louis. “Two of Cynthia’s mantras continue to in uence my work: “no means ‘not now,’ and ‘Hope is not a strategy.’”

One of Kate Francis’ favorite pieces in the Springfield Art Museum’s collection is called Springfield Landscape. “It’s one of the earliest known paintings of the city of Springfield,” says Francis.

“It’s not on exhibit right now because it’s currently being conserved. In 2021, our community raised funds to restore the painting and ensure its life would continue. But the painting shows what Springfield was, to help us reflect.”

In every way, Francis’ job centers around celebrating and elevating Springfield through innovation at its Art Museum. Since joining the team in 2021, Francis has helped the museum raise more than $13 million toward its 2028 Campaign. The comprehensive capital plan includes renovation and expansion of the museum on improved grounds, enhancing the museum’s space for its 10,000-piece permanent collection.

“The Art Museum and Springfield have this rich commitment to culture with a heart for Americana,” she says. “Our galleries and especially our focus on American Art inspire awe, curiosity and joy. We want to improve the museum’s building to attract more cultural tourists, who spend more and stay longer than other types of travelers. A more modern museum will add to Springfield’s unique identity; we don’t profess to compete with Crystal Bridges or Nelson-Atkins. We are our own, unique destination.”

Artists and creatives in Springfield benefit from this effort. The Springfield arts and culture industry generates over $26 million in economic impact, $4 million from the museum. New, dynamic spaces and opportunities to showcase art and artists provide value to both patrons and practitioners, says Nicole Chilton, Springfield-based artist and writer.

“Investing in the arts is investing in the community,” says Chilton. “When most people visit other cities, they remember what makes it stand out, and almost always that’s public art. In addition to being a free and equitable way for all to enjoy the arts, the Museum adds intrinsic value to our quality of place and life.”

AFFAIRS OFFICER, DEVELOPMENT AND FUNDRAISING SPRINGFIELD ART MUSEUM

99X at the Spring eld Art Museum

Cade Rogers

When Cade Rogers was 15, he knew exactly what he wanted to do: not be in an office.

“My dad was a banker

and when I was 15, I worked organizing files in a file room, and it was the worst job,” he says. “I swore I would never work an office job. My dad introduced me to a contractor, and from day one, I fell in love. I started working for Rick before I could drive.”

A couple of decades later, Rogers is now the principal at HC Rogers Construction, a growing construction company based in Springfield. He started the business in 2014, after years of experience in construction and real estate development in Thailand, New Zealand, Chicago and across the United States. But he chose Springfield to start a construction company because he loved the community and saw the opportunity to grow within it.

In 2022, HC Rogers completed a number of significant new residential developments and commercial projects. From the 55+ community Tera Vera to Kids First childcare center and more than 50 high-end homes, HC Rogers is pushing the boundaries and elevating the aesthetic of new construction.

“Our work is helping to build the new Springfield,” he says. “As the core gets torn down and rebuilt, we’re at the center of building the buildings that will define the city center and help grow it outwards. There are a lot of people moving here from Colorado, New York, LA. With them comes a bigger city mindset, and they’re looking for new spaces, different housing options. Our city has to come together to meet the demand.”

To build the next phase of Springfield, Rogers knows he can’t do it alone. Connecting and managing employees, plus dozens of subcontractors and their hundreds of employees, is his favorite part of the work. Because at its heart, construction is about people, he says.

“Cade is a great networker,” says Josh Sullivan, founder, partner and creative director at Fried Design Company. “He’s got a great network of contractors and specialists to help him complete his projects. He’s doing huge things in Springfield, but he kind of flies under the radar about it. I like that.”

MEANINGFUL MENTOR

Rick Spencer, superintendent for HC Rogers Construction. “He was my rst boss in construction, and I got him to come out of retirement and work for me.”

HC ROGERS CONSTRUCTION

Mother’s Fest at Mother’s Brewing Co.

Marie Moore

INSTANT BOOST

MEANINGFUL MENTOR

TOP EVENT

In 2008, Marie Moore began her career at Mercy as a nursing tech on the surgical telemetry floor. There, she worked as a nurse assistant at bedside, providing essential care to patients.

“Our ministry started in the 1800s by a woman who was really committed to serve,” says Moore. “I drew a lot of inspiration from that, not only as a nurse and now female executive, but as someone who has a strong passion for service.”

In Moore’s role as Chief Nursing Officer, she supports more than 2,500 nurses across Southwest Missouri. Nurses are the backbone of a health care system, and when she took the role a year ago, she had one goal: better support the workforce of critically important nurses, she says.

“Nurses are a presence and a constant support for patients, but we have to support our nurses,” she says. “Through innovation, technology and AI, we’re better able to support our nurses by ensuring our staffing is truly optimized for the best patient experience.”

In 2022, Mercy launched a pilot program at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, centered around an app: Mercy Works on Demand. The app provides full- and part-time co-workers the ability to easily pick up extra shifts on their schedule. Socalled gig nursing helps meet staffing needs and provides a way for nurses to make additional income, on their own terms. A culture of exceptional care for others, as well as their own co-workers, is critical to recruiting, says Lindsay McHenry, clinical educator in the Mercy Nurse Residency Program.

“When Marie first took her role as CNO, our new nurse hire rate was extremely low,” says McHenry. “Instead of looking at it as a nationwide nursing shortage we cannot fix, Marie took bold steps forward with pushing recruitment in new ways. Almost one year later, our graduate nurse onboarding is booming and our applications have increased tremendously.”

The more nurses with a passion for high-quality, relationship-centered care, the healthier 417-land becomes—literally, says Moore.

CHIEF NURSING OFFICER MERCY CENTRAL COMMUNITIES

Robyn Weilbacher, Chief Nursing Of cer for Mercy’s St. Louis region.

Table Rock Lake

Biz 417’s Ladies Who Launch, “I always leave that event so inspired and passionate about building the community of women around us. It lls my cup.”

Riley Shantz

PARTNER AND DEVELOPER, DHTC DEVELOPMENT AND DHTC CONSTRUCTION

INSTANT BOOST

Sequiota Park for a walk with his wife and son

TOP EVENT

Biz 417’s Think Summit. “You get some unique perspectives, and the takeaways are immediately impactful.”

MEANINGFUL MENTOR

Debbie Shantz Hart. “She’s my business partner, my mom and my best friend. We have a lot of fun together.”

Riley Shantz has always been competitive, playing sports growing up and football in college for Missouri State. There, he dreamed of the NFL, but chose a different path for himself.

“Closing the door on playing football was the smartest thing he could have done,” says Debbie Shantz Hart, his mother and now business partner. “He took all of that determination and drive to play pro ball and put it into real estate development.”

Six years ago, Shantz started over and began working in his mother’s real estate development company. He started from scratch, earning his real estate license and asking thousands of questions, he says. But quickly his mother’s passion for low-income housing projects became his professional focus, seeing the transformational potential and power his projects could provide.

“I have an entrepreneurial spirit, and with real estate development projects, you have to have a vision and sell it to a city, to a community,” he says. “I enjoy the salesmanship, but these projects change residents’ lives.”

In 2023, DHTC Development broke ground on Nordic Landing, a 41-unit affordable housing project. Rents start at $400 a month for qualifying residents, up to $700 for two bedrooms, and 8 to 10 units will be set aside for youth aging out of foster care.

But Nordic Landing isn’t just an apartment complex: it’s a center for life change. Employment training, personal finance classes and mentoring provided by nonprofit partner Flourish will help Nordic Landing residents thrive.

“To help our neighbors and get more affordable housing in the marketplace, it comes down to projects like Nordic Landing,” says Shantz. “The more supply a market has, the more options, the cheaper the rents. That helps overburdened renters, who are often paying way north of 30 percent of their monthly income in housing. Our goal is to see everyone who rents in these developments save money that caused them to be an overburdened renter and then go on to succeed. Those extra dollars are life changing and community changing.”

At the corner of Florence and Delmar, Austin Elliott and Chris Olson lived in a five-bedroom house crammed full. They saved every dollar they could, extremely limiting their personal expenses to buy one thing: film equipment.

“We were both working full-time jobs in video production for Convoy of Hope, but we kept moonlighting, kept creating and kept buying more gear to make better, higherquality work,” he says.

Elliott now serves as co-owner and operations director for Locke and Stache, a video production company that specializes in award-winning commercials, music videos, short films and more. Austin serves as the leader of the pack, managing operations for a team full of dynamic creatives who have chosen to make Springfield home.

“We’re a part of a community making exceptional creative work here in Springfield, and we know that this city can become an even larger hub for creatives,” he says. “Here, you can create high-quality art and enjoy all that life has to offer. We strive to make excellent videos on a national scale, and we’re proud to create art that also makes an impact on our community.”

Locke and Stache’s team creates a variety of work for passion projects that positively impact 417-land. From low-budget music videos to promoting Springfield businesses, Elliott is proud that his team spends nearly a third of their time creating videos and telling stories for nonprofits and worthy causes.

Austin Elliot

TOP

MEANINGFUL MENTOR

Brandon Goodwin, CaveState Productions “Brandon has been a sounding board and inspiration from day one of starting Locke and Stache. His business experience has been critical to launching and growing our creative team.”

Elliot’s biggest challenge: avoiding burnout within his talented team. Monthly checkins, flexible schedules and outstanding benefits keep them creating, all made possible because of Elliot’s exceptional oversight, says Josh Pfaff, partner and creative director.

“Without Austin, I would be an unemployed, starving artist,” he says. “He is really exceptional at balancing profit and passion, and he makes our business work by making sure we both stay profitable and stay creative with passion projects that stretch us. Austin cares deeply about our mental health and the experience of being a creative, because he used to live behind a lens. Now, he’s leading us to the next level.”

PARTNER AND OPERATIONS DIRECTOR, LOCKE AND STACHE

INSTANT BOOST

A casual ride on the Greenways or mountain biking at Fellows Lake

EVENT

Rosé Day at Cherry Picker Package x Fare. “It’s such a fun way to celebrate life with friends.”

Sara Choate

MEANINGFUL

Randall Moots, former KPM managing shareholder. “Randall taught me how to lead with empathy. Listening and seeking to understand is of utmost importance.”

Growing up, Sara Choate hated math. So, finding herself at an accounting firm was a surprise.

“For a non-accountant, public relations major to carve out an interesting career path at a CPA firm is somewhat unconventional,” she says. “But as an innovative firm, KPM is willing to try something different to better serve the people and businesses of 417.”

Choate is the Human Capital Solutions Managing Director at KPM CPAs & Advisors. There, she helps KPM’s clients develop strategies to recruit, retain and develop top talent. Along with ever-evolving workforce data, she’s changing the conversation about how leaders and owners engage with employees.

“If most days your workers are drained at 5 p.m., you may be missing the mark as a leader,” she says. “To have a healthy culture, your employees must be highly engaged and thriving, and having a healthy culture is the only way to recruit and retain thriving and highly engaged employees. The two go hand in hand.”

For years, Choate has been encouraging numbers-driven owners to become people-focused leaders. From compliance and employee handbooks to leadership boot camps and culturebuilding strategies, Choate is helping employers develop and enhance engagement initiatives.

“Every industry is guilty of promoting people because of technical expertise and then expecting them to manage people well, but that’s just not how it works,” she says. “No magic fairy comes and sprinkles someone who is good at their job with leadership dust at night. We have to provide leaders with the tools they need to be successful at leading other people.”

At KPM, Choate walks the walk, encouraging others to utilize what she calls power skills: empathy, emotional intelligence, problem solving and self-management. Her purpose is to amplify and magnify leaders’ strengths, so they can then use a well-rounded approach to leadership instead of just looking at numbers or productivity stats. That, ultimately, helps their team members be more fulfilled and successful, says Megan Artz, marketing director at KPM.

“Sara always puts people first,” says Artz. “It’s rarer and rarer to see a positive, people-focused culture in an organization, and Sara is working to change that.”

HUMAN CAPITAL SOLUTIONS MANAGING DIRECTOR KPM CPAS & ADVISORS

MENTOR

INSTANT BOOST

A retreat with my family to Ponca, Arkansas

TOP EVENT Artsfest on Walnut

Mark Hecquet

INSTANT BOOST

MEANINGFUL

TOP EVENT

From the moment he landed at the airport, Mark Hecquet knew he wanted to be a part of the Springfield community. For 16 years, he served as the President and CEO of Travel Butler County, promoting the travel and tourism industry in southwestern Ohio. He knew little about Springfield, but he was very interested in a new challenge. He found it the moment he arrived, he says.

“From getting off the plane, meeting the first people in the airport, the welcomeness I felt, I knew it was a community I wanted to be a part of,” says Hecquet. As the president of the Springfield Convention & Visitor Bureau, Hecquet sees himself as a champion for the tourism industry, the community he serves, and a challenger to the status quo. As someone totally new to the area, he views his fresh perspective as a strength—and a tool for innovation.

“Mark not only brings experience from the industry but he’s also brought a new challenge and energy to our team to rethink, reimagine and renew,” said Megan Buchbinder, director of marketing for the CVB. “It is an exciting time for tourism in Springfield. As a key economic driver for Springfield, there is a lot of momentum around tourism-related projects in the city. It is the perfect time to have Mark here at the beginning stages to lead the organization.”

With his team and in the community, he poses strategic questions and proposes bold ideas, encouraging people to think differently about what’s possible in their hometown. In every interaction, he encourages decisions to increase tourism.

“‘Why not?’ is the question I ask myself every day,” he says. “There’s no reason why we can’t have best-in-class tourism right here. We’ve got the most popular attraction in Missouri. We’re the birthplace of Route 66. We’ve got elements that draw people from all over the world. The recent Hamilton production generated over $10 million in spending, but what’s the next Hamilton? Let’s think really, really big. What’s possible? My challenge is to find out, and showcase the world to Springfield.”

SUPPORTER

Tracy Kimberlin, previous president of CVB

PRESIDENT/CEO, SPRINGFIELD CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

Running around Lake Spring eld, cycling or swimming at the Y

To be determined. “I have no idea. Every day I’m immersing myself further into the community, to do and see as much as possible. I can’t wait to visit them all!”

Jessica Harmison Olson

MEANINGFUL MENTOR

Jerry and Jean Harmison. “Both of my parents are entrepreneurs, and when I was growing up, they put a lot of hours and sweat and tears into what they were doing. They’re my inspiration and my best source for advice.”

essica

JHarmison Olson was hooked after her first sale. It was 2016 and her first day at Maxon Fine Jewelry. She had made a career change, leaving a CPA firm for something new that made her smile.

“The first person I recognized who came through the door, I was so excited,” she says. “He bought a ring as a birthday present for his wife, and he was with his two little boys. That was so fun and it made me want to help all our clients celebrate life’s milestones, to make them shine.”

Three years later, Jessica became a partner at Maxon Fine Jewelry, entering into an agreement with the previous owners to eventually purchase the established brand. She completed the purchase in February 2023, keeping every member of the veteran team at Maxon, all older than her. Now, she leads them with a spirit of collaboration, celebrating sales goals and encouraging dynamic relationship-building practices that keep generations of customers coming back for more.

“Jessica is a collaborator; she does not make decisions in silos and wants to gather the input of those around her,” says Katie Jones, account executive at Revel Advertising and Olson’s 10 for the Next 10 nominator. “That means that her vision for the future is not just her own, but it encompasses the vision of those around her, too. As she has taken more of the reins at Maxon, I think she does a great job honoring the past, while looking for opportunities to embrace the future and adapt as needed.”

One way Olson is adapting the landmark retailer is with a strategic emphasis on customization and sustainability. By combining technology and craftsmanship, her clients can update an heirloom piece or design a dream item, utilizing gems and diamonds that meet ever-elevating ethical standards.

“Our bench jeweler is amazing, and I try to give every member of our team the freedom to do something different, to innovate,” she says. “A second location is a dream, but I want to explore ideas and keep innovating as a business owner and keep saying yes, to keep my customers and team happy. I lead with a sense of joy and a lot of sparkle.”

Dr. Nichole Lemmon

DIRECTOR

VIRTUAL LEARNING AND STRATEGIC PLANNING FOR SPRINGFIELD PUBLIC SCHOOLS

INSTANT BOOST

“Pagination Bookshop is the best place to grab a book and take a breath. Owner Jen Murvin knows exactly what you need and makes the best recommendations.”

TOP EVENT

MEANINGFUL MENTOR

Her grandmother, Edna Deaton. “She always knew the right thing to say. She’s been my biggest cheerleader and champion.”

“You’ll nd me on the second row at opening night of Spring eld Ballet performances each season. My daughter has danced for nine years, and we love the professional performances this organization brings to 417-land.”

Dr. Nichole Lemmon describes her career as a series of “doing things that haven’t been done in our community before.” When she was a teacher at Central High School, she established Central Intelligence, the popular student journalism club. Then in 2011, Springfield Public Schools (SPS) asked her to take on a new role with a very 2011-sounding title: coordinator of eLearning. Now, she’s the director of virtual learning and strategic planning for SPS—in charge of virtual programs for students all over Missouri. “We serve 120,000 enrollments annually,” she says.

The virtual programs were developed to help solve scheduling issues for students. Over the next several years, SPS’s virtual learning programs grew, as did nationwide interest in virtual education. Ultimately, legislation was enacted guaranteeing families access to virtual learning—and requiring school districts to provide it. “Our school board believed in what we’d built [at SPS] and said, ‘Let’s offer it to the state,’” Lemmon says. “I thought we’d get 30 districts to sign on, but we had over 100 partners within the first six months of the idea.”

With this new scope, Lemmon’s program took on a new name—Launch—and expanded. Then the pandemic arrived, and Launch flexed again to offer programs for all grade levels.

Coming out of the pandemic, a new educational need emerged. Employers were struggling to find enough qualified employees, and the Launch team believed it could help. They envisioned a new curriculum focused on job readiness, which could be tailored to specific industries, such as teaching or com-

puter programming. In 2022, the State of Missouri’s Office of Workforce Development and Higher Education dedicated more than $2 million in funding to support the program.

Missouri State Senator Lincoln Hough says this investment makes sense. “Making sure that our students have access to diverse educational and workforce training programs is a key component to moving Missouri forward,” Hough says. “These programs help us attract new businesses and continue to grow our small business sector. ”

For Lemmon, it’s just the latest chapter. “I don’t know what the next need will be in education,” she says. “I just know we’re flexible enough and creative enough that we can meet it.”—Lucie

Amberg

Owner of Maxon Fine Jewelry

Small Employer

Clear Creek Golf Cart & Utility Vehicles

Graddy Real Estate

Investment Property

Keep Supply

Ollis/Akers/Arney

OMG Commerce

Paragon Architecture

Pearson-Kelly Technology

Ricks Automotive

Sapp Design Architects

Large Employer

Abacus CPAs, LLC

Arvest Bank

Duck Creek Technologies

FORVIS

JMARK

Next Level Solutions

Paddio

Titanic Museum Attraction

Summit Natural Gas of Missouri

West

COMMERCIAL DESIGN AWARDS 2023

There’s no shortage of beautiful public spaces and offices in the 417 area, and that’s thanks to our pool of talented interior designers and architects. We’re passionate about recognizing these visionaries, so we annually invite them to submit their best projects to our Design Awards contest. For our 2023 edition, board members from the Michigan chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers determined the winning entries based on criteria tailored to each category. As you leaf through, you’ll see light-filled offices with calming client-facing spaces and rooms designed to motivate and inspire.

WRITTEN BY TESSA COOPER

GENERAL OFFICE

LEGACY BANK AND TRUST PROJECT GOAL

To design new headquarters for Legacy Bank and Trust that features inspiring work environments for both customerfacing and internal activities while reserving space for business growth. The aim was to create a timeless yet modern building designed around the way the bank conducts business.

Legacy Bank and Trust’s Headquarters at 3250 E. Sunshine Street sits on 2.5 acres right off Highway 65, so it’s located within one of Springfield’s busiest commercial districts. Architects George Mandrik and Geoffrey Butler with BRP Architects were able to maximize the site of this former Meeks Lumber retail store to meet the bank’s needs while complying with Springfield’s City Zoning regulations.

The result was a four-story building with 40,000 square feet of usable space. On the first floor, the bank utilizes 1,600 square feet for retail banking, which features a drive-through. Also on the first floor

is 4,500 square feet of customer-centered workspace. There is an open monumental staircase connecting the main level to the second floor, which features the bank’s training and breakroom. The remaining two floors house office space for the bank’s centralized operations, a hospitality area, a conference room, an outdoor patio and lease space for future growth opportunities.

The building’s façade is a combination of dark cement fiber, but also a lot of glass. This abundance of windows allows the interior to meld with its environment. According to Butler, the window-forward design also gives off a sense of business

transparency. “When we’re talking about views, it’s views in and views out,” Butler says. “When you’re in the building you’ve got great views out, but when you’re driving by, you can actually see in and get a feel for what people are doing in there.”

The design team at Grooms Office Environments also contributed to the project. Mykayla Thompson, former designer at Grooms, led the efforts on selecting interior finishes with the assistance of now senior designer Samantha Falk. Victoria Gorham, sales manager, also helped Falk select furniture “The main ob-

jective of our design team was to intentionally create each area to accurately represent Legacy Bank’s core values while creating a functional and timeless workspace,” Falk says.

ARCHITECTS

George Mandrik, BRP Architects

Geoffrey Butler, BRP Architects

DESIGNERS

Mykayla Thompson, Grooms Of ce Environments

Samantha Falk, Grooms Of ce Environments

When designing the building’s layout, architects George Mandrik and Geo rey Butler with BRP Architects placed core features like restrooms, elevators and staircases in the center of the building.

The first floor of the headquarters is primarily customer-facing. “During our initial design phase, we uncovered how Legacy Bank would like each of their new and existing clients to feel as they entered the building,” says Samantha Falk, senior designer at Grooms O ce Environments.

To add some intrigue to the board room, Mandrik and Butler placed suspended linear light forms geometrically.

LIFESTYLE w

hen 417 voters approved Proposition S in April 2019, they granted Springfield Public Schools (SPS) the ability to improve multiple facilities. Now, taxpayers get to see the return on their investment through projects like the new Williams Elementary in north Springfield. To complete the undertaking, SPS brought on the teams at Paragon Architecture and Sapp Design Architects. Together, these two firms created a facility that caters to the needs of today’s educators and learners.

Much of the facility is new construction at the same site as the former building. However, they were able to incorporate the building’s old library into the project, and the structure’s current roofline pays homage to the old one. “We wanted the design to feel new and modern but still pay a little bit of homage to the original Williams with the gables,” says Pam Haldiman, senior project manager at Sapp Design Architects.

Paragon Architecture and Sapp Design Architects created a flow for the new facility that enables efficient daily operations. For example, many Williams Elementary students walk to and from school. So, the architects decided to place an exit for walkers near the cafeteria, which is where they wait in the afternoon before dismissal. Additionally, this exit sits conveniently near the footbridge that students use to cross Kearney Street.

To select finishes, Patrice McDonald, interior design project director at Paragon Architecture, worked with Cheryl Doran, who recently retired from Sapp Design Architects as a director of interior design. The two curated a light-filled interior with pops of orange, blue and green. “SPS has a palette of approved accent colors, so we chose the colors that we felt were most fitting for this particular project,” McDonald says. “We wanted some contrast, so we chose blue and orange. We also wanted to incorporate calming colors, so we also went with natural greens.”

WILLIAMS ELEMENTARY PROJECT GOAL

To create an inspiring learning environment that encourages collaboration and to con gure a layout that allows for ef cient and safe school operations. The objective was to achieve these goals while using the existing library and paying homage to the original building through new architectural features.

The building also features multiple collaboration spaces that classes share. Between the communal spaces, cheerful colors and abundance of natural light, the two design teams created a school where Northside learners can thrive.

ARCHITECTS

Pam Haldiman, Sapp Design Architects

Brad Erwin, Paragon Architecture

DESIGNERS

Cheryl Doran, Sapp Design Architects

Patrice McDonald, Paragon Architecture

When visitors, parents and students pass through the main entrance, they’re greeted with modern statement light fixtures, organic textures and inspirational signs.

Located at the same site as the original structure, this multi-use building is perfect for preschoolers to play.

EXCEL DENTAL PROJECT GOAL

To transform Excel Dental’s new of ce into an ef cient yet welcoming and relaxing space to offer general dental services.

HEALTH CARE

If you were to glance into Excel Dental’s new office at 1701 James River Rd. in Ozark, it would be easy to mistake it for a spa.

Upon stepping into the lobby, Dr. Tracy Davis and Dr. Jim Oslica’s patients meet a serene space that encourages any emerging dental anxieties to melt away. The same relaxing color scheme of blues and grays carries on into the exam and procedure rooms.

Davis was highly involved in the design process and worked with the teams at James Decor and hdesigngroup to create this office that marries form with function. One key change was raising the building’s roofline, which dramatically changed the exterior and interior appearance.

“The owners wanted to transform an existing shopping plaza and convert half of the building into their new dental office,” says Bryon Oster, project manager at hdesigngroup. “We wanted the new Excel Dental entry to stand out amongst the other tenant entrances to clearly define where users should enter. We achieved this by removing a section of the existing roof above the new waiting area and building a tower element with clerestory glazing that provides a lot of natural

light into the space. [This also] created a more inviting and comfortable environment for waiting clientele.”

Interior designers Marnie Eckels and Rose Monahan with James Decor offered their design and sourcing expertise to create spaces that were aesthetic but practical. For example, the front desk design features an agate-patterned design. It has the appearance of a natural stone or a resin pour, but it’s actually durable commercial-grade wallcovering that can withstand the frequent traffic the front desk receives. “We didn’t want it to have that sterile medical facility feel, so we focused on using natural wood tones and light stone finishes,” Eckels says.

ARCHITECT

Rob Haik, hdesigngroup

PROJECT MANAGER

Bryon Oster, hdesigngroup

DESIGNERS

Marnie Eckels, James Decor Rose Monahan, James Decor

When choosing furniture and fabrics, Eckels and Monahan selected pieces that were commercial grade but still had a luxe look.

The eco-friendly felt panels that hang on the walls also help absorb sound. “We wanted there to be some sort of wow factor in the lobby and to do something unique,” says Monahan. “The blue color is very vibrant and plays along with their logo colors.”

Marnie Eckels and Rose Monahan with James Decor worked on creating a reception desk with a handicap accessible lower section.

RENOVATION

When Beverly Moore, interior designer and owner of Moore to Love Homes, made her first site visit to her client’s outdated loft office, she knew she didn’t just want to modernize it. She also wanted to rewind time.

The office space was for a West Plains–based writer, but lacked architectural charm, which was surprising considering it is within a historic building in downtown West Plains. “It hadn’t been touched probably since the 1950s or 1960s,” Moore says. “It was built in the early 1900s, but it just didn’t have any architectural details that you would expect from that time. So we decided we would just put [those details] back in.”

To breathe life back into the space, Moore added board and batten molding to the walls. This served a dual purpose, which was to add interest but to also provide a convenient surface to hang art since the walls are made of plaster and lathe.

Moore also took the ceiling from basic to captivating by adding a rough-sawn pine ceiling. This created an exposed look that is similar to what you might see if you could peer beneath the plaster.

The original hardwood floors were in great shape, and the stain matched the rest of the floors in the downtown office building. So, Moore decided to leave them as-is but chose to decorate with accessories that would downplay any yellow tones in the floors. For example, a white area rug provides a more neutral view when her client sits at her glass-top desk to write.

With a traditional and rustic backdrop, Moore wanted to introduce modern and organic elements to the space through furniture and accessories. Moss and twigs in earthenware pottery invite nature inside, and a metal cooking vessel doubles as an art piece and magnetic board. The transitional furniture features clean lines, but also soft boucle fabric.

“The rooms, they just take on a life of their own after you start adding the client’s taste with it,” Moore says. “It just makes for a much more interesting space when you mix it up.”

DESIGNER

Beverly Moore, Moore to Love Homes

BUILDER

Brock Moore, Moore to Love Homes

WRITER’S OFFICE PROJECT GOAL

To add historic charm back into a turn-of-the-century of ce and combine it with modern and rustic pieces to create an inspiring space for an author.

PHOTO BY MORRELL FLOWERS (MOORE TO LOVE HOMES)

The building team at Moore to Love Homes utilized the o ce’s existing picture rail as part of the design for the board and batten molding. This newly added feature complemented the existing original trim around the windows, door, and transom.

PHOTO BY KRISTIN KNAPTON

Special guest Louie at the CVB Salute to Travel and Tourism.

“Every time I go out there, I feel revived. He always teaches me something about him and about myself.”

— Autumn Bertholdi, Physician Assistant at Swann Dermatology SEE

does your conference

 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.

 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., Fridays

CHAMBER CHAT COFFEE

Catch up on the latest and greatest of every week over a cup of coffee. Free for members. The Workshop at Finley Farms, 840 Finley Farms Ln., Ozark. Visit OzarkChamber.com for more information.

 9–10 a.m., every 2nd and 4th 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@ ScoreVolunteer.org) or John Sample (John. Sample@ScoreVolunteer.org) for questions and more information.

 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 18

INFORM OZARK

Bring your own lunch to this quarterly TEDtalk style event and learn about progress and partnerships in Christian County. Expect to gain knowledge and ideas for teambuilding, marketing and personal and professional development.

Open to the public. Visit OzarkChamber.com for more information.

 11:30 a.m.–6 p.m., Wednesday, July 20

BIZ 417’S LADIES WHO LAUNCH

This annual women’s leadership conference is the perfect way to spend half a day networking and being inspired and uplifted by the messages of excellent guest speakers. This year’s theme is Claim the Power in Your Purpose. Speakers include Desirée Reed-Francois, the Biz 417 Women Who Mean Business honorees and bestselling author Sarah Knight. Don’t miss the Hustle Hour: Speed Networking Session, and end the day socializing at Rosé with Rosie. Snag

tickets soon; at press time the event was almost sold out.

$114, White River Conference Center. Visit ladieswholaunch.biz417.com for tickets and more information.

 7:30–8:30 a.m., Thursday, July 6 and August 3

GOOD MORNING, SPRINGFIELD!

Start your day with networking over breakfast at the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce’s monthly breakfast event. The July event takes place at the Ozark Empire Fair. The August event will feature the annual State of the Schools update by Dr. Grenita Lathan at Jarrett Middle School. $30 for members, $40 for non-members. Visit SpringfieldChamber.com or call 417-862-5567 for more information.

 7:30–8:30 a.m., Friday, July 7 and August 4

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 information.

 4–6 p.m., Thursday, July 13 and August 10

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

Join fellow local business professionals at one of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce’s most popular events. Business After Hours is hosted in a new location each month. For July event, participants will meet at at Hotel Vandivort. The August event location is set for the Ozarks Event Center. Visit SpringfieldChamber.com or call 417-8625567 for more information.

 11 a.m.–1 p.m., Tuesday, July 11 and August 8

JOPLIN AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS EXPO

Call it what you will: Membership Luncheon, Chamber Luncheon, Chamber SHOW, Membership Meeting. Just eXpect some eXcessive networking and eXciting chamber and community information that

affects you and your business.

$20 for members, $25 for non-members. River of Life Church, 308 W. Mt. Vernon, Nixa. Visit NixaChamber.com.

 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m., Tuesday, July 18 and August 15

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.

 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m., Thursday, July 27 and August 24

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.

$17 for members, $20 for non-members. Ozark Community Center (The OC), 1530 W. Jackson, Ozark. Visit OzarkChamber.com for more information.

 11 a.m.–1 p.m., Wednesday, August 16 2023 SBDC ECONOMIC OUTLOOK

Join the Springfield Business Development Corporation to gain insight on the local, state, and national economic trends and plan for the upcoming year.

Free to all SBDC investors and Chamber members. Oasis Hotel and Convention Center, 2546 N. Glenstone, Springfield. Visit SpringfieldChamber.com or call 417-862-5567 for more information.

 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 30

MAXIMIZE YOUR MEMBERSHIP

Make sure you are taking advantage of all the benefits of being a Chamber member. Meet for lunch and learn the ways your company can best utilize its membership.

Free to all SBDC investors and Chamber members. Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, 202 S. John Q. Hammons Pkwy, Springfield. Visit SpringfieldChamber.com or call 417-8625567 for more information.

Chamber Small Business Award

The Spring eld Area Chamber of Commerce hosted the annual Small Business Award event to recognize hardworking and dedicated small businesses around the Spring eld area.

Date: May 10 | Host Organization: Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce | Location: Oasis Hotel & Convention Center | Website: springfieldchamber.com | Presenting Sponsor: Biz 417

PHOTOS BY LEAH STIEFERMANN

John Beuerlein, Jeff Zimmerman

Levi Paterson, Brandon Ayers

Kayla Hensley-Mattes, Tami Smith

Peter Ostacolo, Chris Harville, Coleton Cloud, Corey Simmons

Steve Nurnberg, Joe Howard, Blaire Chrouser, Sam Ackerman, Amber Vanderwal

CVB Salute to Travel and Tourism

The Spring eld Convention and Visitors Bureau held the Salute to Travel & Tourism awards banquet where attendees celebrated accomplishments of those who went above and beyond in tourism achievement and discussed goals for the next year. This year, proceeds bene ted Friends of the Zoo.

Date: April 27 | Host Organization: Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau | Location: White River Conference Center | Website: springfieldmo.org

Jason & Samantha Green

Lori Casey, Dan Kinney, Dana Maugans

Beth & Mark Hecquet, Gary & Janet Ellison

Tracy Kimberlin, Kathleen & Jim O’Dell

PHOTOS

Seth Swafford, Louie, Callie Carroll

DOWNTIME Horsing Around

Autumn Bertholdi, Physician Assistant at Swann Dermatology, has been riding horses since the second grade and started showing Arabians in 2014. Bertholdi and her horse Trentinorr, Tino for short, ride in a variety of shows across the country including the US Nationals. While Tino is skilled in all of the various categories they enter, Bertholdi is most fond of him due to their close bond, with Tino even being a part of her wedding party. “He was my go-to when my dad was sick,” she says. “When he passed away, Tino really helped get me through that.” Bertholdi appreciates Tino’s peaceful, a ectionate nature and has found that time together riding is the perfect remedy to a busy schedule. “Every time I go out there, I feel revived,” she says. “He always teaches me something about him and about myself.”—Jo Jolli