Biz 417 | Dear New City Leadership | May/June 20256

MAY/JUNE 2025 | $4.95

MAY/JUNE 2025 HECTOR CRUZ'S SIDE HUSTLE • AN OPEN LETTER • PLACEMAKING ON MEDICAL MILE

DEAR NEW CITY LEADERSHIP AN

O P EN

L E T T E R guided by T H E B U S I N E S S

C O M M U N I T Y

BIZ417.COM

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Mallory Garon and Cathy Swearengin work together at Plaza Shoe Store with a collaborative leadership style.

Read more on p. 65.

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DEAR SPRINGFIELD CITY LEADERSHIP

Local business leaders share insight, reflections and ideas on the future of Springfield for city leadership.

BY LUCIE AMBERG

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WOMEN OF BRENTWOOD

Learn about the faces behind 16 woman-owned businesses at the Brentwood Center.

PHOTO BY KATY ST. CLAIR

BY JORDAN BLOMQUIST

May/June 2025

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Breakthrough strategies

General Manager at Battlefield Mall Amanda Estes shares a few recommendations.

20 NEW ON THE SCENE

Taylor Warwick embraces her new role as COO at Mercy Springfield.

21 ON THE RISE

College Station Theater ownership and operation stays local.

22 WHAT’S ON MY DESK

See the quirky keepsakes on the desk of Mark Smith, Dean of the McQueary College at Missouri State University.

24 SIDE HUSTLE

Hector Cruz shares how he balances his time between jobs, family and his entrepreneurial passion at Hampton Paddles.

Tools to help you dominate

38 ROOTED HERE

A&B Cycle marks more than 100 years of serving the community.

40 NETWORKING NOTES

Dr. Jeff Frederick leads Drury University into their next chapter.

42 VANTAGE POINT

Better Block SGF embarks on a new project at Medical Mile.

43

43 GIVING BACK

Garde’n Gate Provisions Foundation in Ozark teams up with local businesses to provide the perfect prom for local students.

44 DO IT NOW

The Legacy Network participants share their top takeaways.

Everywhere you need to be

72 CALENDAR

Mark your calendar for the best local networking events.

80 DOWNTIME

Matt Rush spends his time off work with the Ozarks Lunkers.

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

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May/June 2025

PHOTOS BY KATY ST. CLAIR, TORI SWEM, COURTESY HAMPTON PADDLES, SPRINGFIELD AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

19 FOUR TO FOLLOW

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HOW MUCH IS YOUR BUSINESS WORTH?

MAY/JUNE · Volume 10, Issue 4 · 2025 EDITORIAL

BUSINESS

Katie Pollock Estes

Logan Aguirre

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR EDITOR@417MAG.COM

Dori Grinder

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

Jo Jolliff

RESEARCH EDITOR JO@417MAG.COM

Jordan Blomquist

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

Nadia Fletcher

EDITORIAL INTERN

Sarah Patton

CREATIVE DIRECTOR SARAH@417MAG.COM

Jordan Dykstra

ART DIRECTOR JORDAN@417MAG.COM

Brandon Alms

SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER & DESIGNER BRANDON@417MAG.COM

Katy St. Clair

PHOTOGRAPHER & DESIGNER KSTCLAIR@417MAG.COM

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

Alex Goddard, Tori Swem ART INTERNS

Janelle Haik

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE JANELLE@417MAG.COM

Kaylin Homan

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE KAYLIN@417MAG.COM

Carrie Powell

ACCOUNTING MANAGER ACCOUNTING@417MAG.COM

Bernadette Pry

OFFICE MANAGER BERNADETTE@417MAG.COM

Erin Kingham

OPERATIONS MANAGER EPAYNE@417MAG.COM

Kathy Grieve

ACCOUNT SERVICES MANAGER KATHY@417MAG.COM

Nicki Sherwood

ACCOUNT COORDINATOR NICKI@417MAG.COM

Katie Batliner

Elizabeth VanFosson

ADVERTISING & BRAND DESIGNER MCKENZIE@417MAG.COM

CONTRIBUTORS

Lucie Amberg, Ren Bishop, Amanda Estes, Josh Kingham, Kristin Sharp Photography, Addison Jones, Peyson Sheilds, Taryn Shorr-Mckee, Jacques McNeese, Leah Stiefermann, Jennifer Swenson

FOUNDERS Gary Whitaker

May/June 2025

Jami Wightman

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE JAMI@417MAG.COM

Jamie Thomas

DIGITAL MANAGER EVANFOSSON@417MAG.COM

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Megan Johnson

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

ADVERTISING DESIGNER KBATLINER@417MAG.COM

DIGITAL EDITOR JTHOMAS@417MAG.COM

833-484-0063 springfieldmo.fcbb.com 5232 N. 23rd St., Ozark

PUBLISHER LOGAN@417MAG.COM

FOUNDER GARY@417MAG.COM

Joan Whitaker

FOUNDER JOAN@417MAG.COM

McKenzie Key

Ellie Mallett

ADVERTISING DESIGN INTERN

Lauren Lee

MARKETING INTERN

ADVISORY BOARD David Atkisson Springfield Office Leader

J.E. Dunn Construction Joselyn Baldner President/CEO

Central Bank Max Buetow President and CEO

CoxHealth Thomas Douglas CEO

JMARK Business Solutions, Inc. Chris Jarratt Chief Creative Officer

Revel Advertising Johnny McNeil Vice President Community Relations

Community Partnership of the Ozarks Tim Rosenbury Director of Quality of Place Initiatives

City of Springfield Benjamin Sapp Partner | Business Development

Sapp Design Architects Jack Stack

COMING IN 2025 The Branson Element, a Marriott International hotel.

President/CEO

SRC Holdings Corp.

James Stapleton Co-Founder

Codefi Dean Thompson Vice President and Chief Economic Development Officer

City Utilities Pamela Yancey President/CEO

Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB

BUILDING FOUNDATIONS OF TRUST Expanding with investors like you.

Proudly and dependably headquartered in Springfield.

417.864.6303 | lifewithbryan.net May/June 2025

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CONSISTENTLY RANKED IN THE

TOP 1% OF COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE AGENTS.

GET READY FOR LAUNCH

There’s still time to grab your tickets for Ladies Who Launch! This year, we’re expanding the event into a two-day experience at the Branson Convention Center. It’s a must-experience event for businesswomen in the Ozarks, offering inspiration from a variety of speakers and plenty of opportunities to network and have fun. Go to biz417.com/lwl to get your tickets now!

HOW TO CONTACT BIZ 417 Snail Mail

Letters to the Editor Biz 417 2111 S. Eastgate Ave. Springfield, MO 65809 biz@417mag.com

START STEPPING UP

Jeff Childs

SIOR, CCIM

Senior Advisor, invested in 417-land

M. 417.860.5447 jeff.childs@svn.com

We’re currently accepting entries for the next Legacy Network! Enhance your leadership skills, expand your network and amplify your influence as part of Biz 417’s The Legacy Network. Start enhancing your leadership skills and expand your experiences with advice from local leaders at biz417.com/legacy.

Biz417.com

Correction: In the March/April edition of Biz 417, we incorrectly identified the board members of the Healthcare Alliance for Education. The correct list of board members is Max Buetow, Biff Williams, Hal Higdon, Grenita Lathan and Rob Fulp. We regret the error.—Editor

P. 417.887.8826 ext. 104 Jeff Childs, SIOR, CCIM – SVN/Rankin Company

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May/June 2025

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

PHOTOS BY KATY ST. CLAIR

www.

May/June 2025

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2

“Ultimately, what we kept coming back to is no one’s going to love Springfield as much as we do. They’re not gonna care about Springfield as much as we do, and they’re not gonna make the choices for this site the same way we would. And so we started exploring this idea of how hard can it be to run a movie theater? Turns out, it’s pretty challenging.”

“What we really do is make people happy.”

—Paul Tillman, real estate investment manager at Tillman Redevelopment, p. 21

—Christopher McNeese, owner of A&B Cycle, p. 38

3

“In leadership, a lot of times you have to get uncomfortable in order to grow, and sometimes that means relocating.”

—Taylor Warwick, chief operating officer at Mercy Hospital, p. 20

4

5

“What worked for institutions 20 years ago seems like 100.

Universities must be innovators.

Research shows today’s students are different. We have to listen and be willing to change.”

“As you change and grow, you need to have courage, you need to have brains and you need to have heart.”

—Dr. Jeff Frederick, president of Drury University, p. 40

—Mark Smith, dean of the McQueary College of Health and Human Services, Missouri State University, p. 22

6

“Develop a servant’s heart, invest in the things that drive growth, be a market pay leader for police and fire to attract the best talent—and be proud about that.”

—Thomas H. Douglas, CEO of JMARK, p. 58

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May/June 2025

Show Up, Think Big

PHOTO BY KATY ST. CLAIR

A

t Biz 417, we believe the future of the Ozarks is shaped by the people willing to show up, speak up, and think big.

That’s exactly what we saw at this year’s Think Summit, and it’s the same spirit that fuels every issue of this magazine.

This month, we’re proud to feature an open letter, written with input from the business community, to our new city leadership. We surveyed dozens of business owners, execs and entrepreneurs: What do you want city leaders to hear? The result is a powerful call for vision, partnership and momentum straight from the people who are building 417-land every day.

Think Summit was a perfect backdrop to that message. It was packed with fresh perspectives, unexpected insights and a shared belief that our best days are ahead. From navigating conflict to embracing innovation (humanoid robots, anyone?), we heard from voices across our region who are challenging the status quo and thinking beyond business as usual.

Bringing people to the table—that’s what Biz 417 does best. Whether it’s through this magazine, our events or the relationships we help

spark, we’re here to drive conversations that matter and create momentum that lasts.

If you were among the 600 people who joined us at Think Summit, thank you for being part of it. If you missed it, grab the on-demand access at thinksummit.biz417.com and catch up on the big ideas shaping 417-land.

Let’s keep showing up and keep building what’s next.

Logan Aguirre Publisher, Biz 417

May/June 2025

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BREAKTHROUGH STRATEGIES

“Ultimately, what we kept coming back to is no one’s going to love Springfield as much as we do.”

PHOTO BY BRANDON ALMS

—Paul Tillman, Real Estate Investment Manager at Tillman Redevelopment, p. 21

Top Shelf

A book recommendation from Dr. Grenita Lathan that guides leaders on how best to approach failure.

Page 20

Eclectic Collection

Check out the items that adorn the bookshelves in the office of Missouri State’s Mark Smith and find out how they help tell the story of his personal life and professional goals.

In Pursuit of the Perfect Paddle

Learn about Hector Cruz and David Hoover’s side hustle finding a market for and producing stylish pickleball paddles.

Page 24

Page 22

May/June 2025

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they bring skill and creativity to every job—including Crossland Construction’s legacy began in 1977 with a unique builds like a 45,000-pound octopus attached to simple vision—work hard, stay humble, and build somethe Branson Aquarium. thing that lasts. What started in a family garage has grown Crossland’s self-perform capabilities into one of the nation’s largest construcenhance efficiency, control costs and tion firms, with over 1,900 employees and “Crossland’s selfensure top-tier craftsmanship. Recoga reputation for delivering quality projects perform capabilities nized with a Diamond Safety Certificawith efficiency and integrity. tion–the highest industry rating–safety That same commitment drives the enhance efficiency, is at their core.

Springfield Division, which started in control costs and More than builders, the Springfield 2017 with just one employee and has ensure top-tier team is invested in the community. They since grown to nearly 20. Backed by craftsmanship.” live and work here, support local eduCrossland’s regional resources, this cation and actively shape the region’s team provides general contracting, defuture. Dedicated to being true local builders, the sign-build, construction management, CMAR, hard bid Springfield Division isn’t just here for a project—they’re and negotiated services. With expertise in education, here for the long haul, ready to bring visions to life. municipal, industrial, hospitality and athletic facilities,

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May/June 2025

417-368-3957

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PHOTO COURTESY CROSSLAND CONSTRUCTION

Building a Legacy of Excellence

FOUR TO FOLLOW WITH AMANDA ESTES

[HEAT INDEX]

Amanda Estes, general manager at Battlefield Mall, describes herself as old-school when it comes to using social media because she prefers LinkedIn and educational books to help improve personal development and stay updated on local nonprofits and businesses.

HEAT INDEX From the here and now (i.e. the swearing in of a new mayor) to a future event that celebrates the past (i.e. Springfield’s role in the Route 66 Centennial in 2026), there’s a lot to be excited about this month.

BY NADIA FLETCHER

LINKEDIN LinkedIn allows Estes to stay updated in the business world and to connect Battlefield Mall with local nonprofits, businesses and leaders. “I think it’s very encouraging to see what’s going on in our community, celebrate those wins and look for ways we can all work together,” she says. Battlefield Mall hosts a variety of events where Estes and her team partner with local nonprofits like Big Rig Night, Autism Information Blast, Seasonal Story Time and more. She loves being able to jump on LinkedIn and see what is going on in the community.

BY KATIE POLLOCK ESTES

NEW MAYOR IN TOWN In the time that has passed since the last issue of Biz 417, Springfield citizens have elected a new mayor. Jeff Schrag, the original owner of Mother’s Brewing Co., edged out opponent Mary Collette with 61% percent of the vote. Schrag will be the first Springfield mayor to serve an eight-year term. Some City Council members were also voted in, including newcomer Bruce Bruce Adib-Yazdi and incumbent Heather Hardinger.

Additionally, Craig Hosmer and Monica Horton remain on City Council after running unopposed. At press time, the hiring process was still underway for the open City Manager position, and a selection was just days away for the three candidates: David Cameron, Bob Cowell and Brian Weiler.

PHOTO COURTESY AMANDA ESTES

ROUTE 66 ROOTS At press time, it had just been announced that Springfield had been chosen as the host city to kick off the national Route 66 Centennial with an “A-list” concert at the Shrine Mosque on April 30, 2026. The Route 66 Centennial is a year-long affair, with events all along the Mother Road’s entire length from Chicago to Santa Monica. You can learn more as the event evolves by visiting celebratemo66.com, including opportunities for local businesses to get involved.

SIMON PROPERTY GROUP

FIVE ON FIRE LESLIE FORRESTER MAT GASS BROOKS MILLER JEFF SCHRAG JAIMIE TRUSSELL

Simon Property Group owns Battlefield Mall, so Estes connects with other general managers and marketing directors to stay updated on the exciting new things happening at other centers. “I get to connect with colleagues in leadership roles that are at other properties,” she says. Seeing what other properties are doing in their communities helps Estes develop ideas on how to improve and develop Battlefield Mall.

JOCKO WILLINK AND LEIF BABIN Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy Seals Lead and Win by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin. The stories of the U.S. Navy Seals and their experiences with leadership have motivated Estes in her own leadership roles. Estes explains that leaders create the culture for their team and must encourage, enable and provide clear directions for their team to be successful.

She reiterates the importance of having realistic expectations and being humble. Understanding that leaders are part of something greater than their own personal interest is something Estes reminds herself of in the workplace and for home.

CAPTAIN SANDY YAWN Be the Calm or Be the Storm: Leadership Lessons from a Woman at the Helm by Captain Sandy Yawn.

Captain Sandy Yawn and her book have inspired Estes in her career and in motherhood. “One thing I really liked from this book was learning how to lead with compassion and grace, but also being strong and being calm,” she says. Another takeaway Estes gathered from Yawn’s book was that when someone is faced with a difficult situation, they should take a few moments to breathe and ground themselves. Estes says she strives to be present and bring positive energy to every situation.

May/June 2025

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#NAILED IT FAILED IT

[NEW ON THE SCENE]

GETTING TO KNOW TAYLOR WARWICK

Lessons learned from parenting and travel missteps—the subjects in this issue share personal and professional wins and losses.

After years of leading health care expansions in Kansas City, Taylor Warwick embraces new opportunities as COO of Mercy Springfield Communities—and looks forward to diving into life in the Ozarks.

Hector Cruz, see his story on p. 24 “My daughter was not feeling well before a basketball game, so I showed her highlights from Michael Jordan’s ‘flu game’ to get her pumped up.” #NailedIt “She’s 8, and did not play well, and got sicker after the game. Oops!” #FailedIt

W

hen Taylor Warwick stepped into the role of Chief Operating Officer at Mercy Springfield Communities, she embraced a fresh challenge in a new city, one that felt surprisingly bigger than it seemed. Coming from Kansas City, where she spent the last 15 years honing her leadership skills in health care operations, Warwick was intrigued

by Springfield’s expansive health care footprint. “Mercy serves a community nearly as big as St. Luke’s Health System in Kansas City when you look at things like bed size and revenue,” she says. “It’s a fascinating paradox.”

Warwick’s path to leadership began in strategic planning at St. Luke’s. In conjunction with developing business plans, she helped launch—and later, expand—numerous multi-specialty clinics across Kansas City, an endeavor she calls her proudest professional accomplishment. That experience led her to become vice president, overseeing everything from imaging clinics to surgery centers before moving into hospital operations.

She served as VP of operations for two Kansas City hospitals and then COO before moving to Mercy. While her new role is similar, it has a slightly different scope, merging her expertise in hospital and clinic operations and broadening her impact across the entire healthcare continuum.

Though she was not actively looking for a new position, a conversation with John Myers, Mercy Springfield Communities president and the friend of a friend, sparked her interest in Springfield. Networking, she explains, has played a crucial role in her career trajectory. “In leadership, a lot of times you have to get uncomfortable in order to grow, and sometimes that means relocating.”

Outside the hospital, Warwick loves traveling and “extreme adrenaline activities” and grew up waterskiing and surfing on the lake. In fact, Springfield’s proximity to Beaver Lake near Bentonville, Arkansas, where she married husband Taylor—yes, same name and same middle initial—helped seal the move. Now, as she settles into 417-land with her husband and three-year-old daughter, Willa, Warwick is ready to dive in—literally and figuratively, professionally and personally.

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May/June 2025

Dr. Jeff Frederick, see his story on p. 40 “Parenting is both! Depending on the hour of the day, parents feel like they’ve either nailed it or failed it. The ultimate source of humility is parenting. Don’t get swept away in the highs, and the lows are not an indication that you’ve failed your kids.” #NailedIt #FailedIt

NIGHTSTAND “This book reminded me that exceptional leaders create an environment where it is acceptable to talk about failure.

In fact, it is critical to acknowledge that when you are taking bold risks you will miss the mark at times. If we approach ‘failure’ with a ‘spirit of inquiry,’ we will learn from what worked and what didn’t, which will keep us focused on finding new and better ways to achieve our desired outcome.”

—Dr. Grenita Lathan, superintendent, Springfield Public Schools

Christopher McNeese, see his story on p. 38 “When people couldn’t go to the movies or the ballpark [during the COVID-19 pandemic] they could still go ride their bicycle and get some fresh air.

With our sales floor almost empty, we backordered bikes. Orders were placed in a spaced-out fashion with the expectation that they would trickle in over the course of a year. That’s not what happened. All bike orders showed up together, leaving us with more inventory than needed as demand returned to normal. Paying for that inventory just about put us under.”#FailedIt Taylor Warwick, see her story on p. 20 “I served as one of our Kansas City hospitals’ Incident Commanders during COVID-19. Being able to create innovation in a challenging time for our community, the people working the front lines and our patients, whether it was deploying telehealth mechanisms, keeping our providers safe, navigating care while we were overrun with volume and really sick patients—I ‘nailed it’ to the degree that I helped lead a lot of those initiatives.” #NailedIt “This is really silly, but I plan all of our family travel, and I booked our honeymoon flight to Indonesia. I thought the plane took off at 12 a.m., but it was 12 p.m., so we got stuck in Seattle for an entire 24 hours after our wedding.”

#FailedIt

PHOTOS BY KATY ST. CLAIR, BRANDON ALMS

BY TARYN SHORR-MCKEE

[ON THE RISE]

KEEPING COLLEGE STATION THEATER LOCAL With many changes over the past 15 years, Paul Tillman and his dad, Scott, have decided to keep the ownership and operation of College Station Theater local.

BY JORDAN BLOMQUIST

PHOTOS BY BRANDON ALMS

I

magine a place where the warmth of a local business meets the nostalgia of the movie theater, creating a space that feels connected to every visitor—that’s the experience College Station Theater has designed. “My father built the theater over 15 years ago with the idea that, when he was a kid, we had the Fox Theater down there; he would go watch movies and spend some time downtown,” says Paul Tillman, real estate investment manager at Tillman Redevelopment. “By the time I was a kid, that wasn’t an option anymore, and it made sense to him that a movie theater downtown would be a good indicator of a healthy downtown.” The

idea of adding a movie theater downtown was proposed and well accepted, and Paul and his dad, Scott Tillman, successfully secured Hollywood Theaters as a tenant.

A few years later, Regal bought Hollywood Theaters, and eventually Regal was bought out as well. When Paul and Scott were exploring options for new regional-sized tenants, they were consistently worried that they were going to continue facing the issue of being bought out by larger companies.

“What we kept coming back to is no one’s going to love Springfield as much as we do,” Paul says. “They’re not gonna care about Springfield as much as we do, and they’re not gonna make the choices for this site the same way we would. And so we started exploring this idea of how hard can it be to run a movie theater? Turns out, it’s pretty challenging.”

Nonetheless, they hired great managers to help with day-to-day tasks, and the interior required minimal renovations. One of the many benefits of shifting operations locally is the pricing. “How is it that we can invest all this money and still charge less? We’re not really

College Station Theatre’s Paul Tillman, Danielle Signaigo and Curtis Killingsworth partner with local businesses to boost community connection.

sure, but we’re doing it. So, from a community standpoint, we’re able to provide a superior experience for less money and hopefully get more people to the movies.”

Open now, College Station Theater has more than 800 reclining heated seats, 10 laser projectors and Dolby Atmos sound, and it is conveniently located next to one of downtown’s free parking garages. They have partnered with local businesses like Pineapple Whip, Coffee Ethic and Big Slice to offer their products at the theater. “The things that make Springfield great are some of these unique businesses,” Paul says. They are also partnering with 1984 Arcade—another downtown Springfield staple—to add some classic games to the theater as well. Over time, Paul hopes College Station Theater will bring more people downtown. “It’s a good, wonderful place to be,” Paul says.

May/June 2025

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The autographed poster from Coach Bobby Bowden is more than a memento, it is one of Mark Smith’s prized possessions. It has a prominent position to serve as a reminder of the coach’s leadership style.

football coach from Kansas traveling to Richmond, London, to coach soccer, on the flipside, Smith traveled from his university near Richmond, where he studied soccer, to Kansas City, where he studied football.

[WHAT'S ON MY DESK]

Mementos From Across the Pond Mark Smith, Dean of the McQueary College of Health and Human Services at Missouri State University, shares keepsakes from his office that capture who he is and his time in America since traveling from Great Britain.

BY JO JOLLIFF

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May/June 2025

Ted Lasso Goldfish As a reminder of the popular Apple TV series, Ted Lasso, Mark Smith keeps a goldfish on his desk. The fish is an ode to one of Coach Ted Lasso’s most popular quotes encouraging his team to be like goldfish with a 10-second memory that allows them to quickly move on from their mistakes. Smith’s affinity for the show stems from his respect for Coach Ted Lasso’s leadership style and likening his life to Lasso’s in reverse. Where Ted Lasso is about a

Signed Coach Bobby Bowden Poster From books to photos, Smith has several autographed items from Coach Bobby Bowden, former football coach at Florida State University, throughout his office. Having done his dissertation in 2003 on Coach Bowden, he spent more than 20 hours with Coach Bowden observing his leadership. “It’s one of my prized possessions,” Smith says. “A lot of my leadership style has come from learning and doing my dissertation with him. So [the

PHOTOS BY KATY ST. CLAIR

1/18 Diecast MGB Smith keeps a shelf with several MGBs, including his favorite in primrose yellow, with a picture of his son in an MGB because he owns and drives two of them, but also due to their meaning. “The fact is, they symbolize a little bit of home,” he says. “It’s a reminder for me of who I am outside of work, with my British heritage and love for working on cars.”

Smith’s Wizard of Oz Funko Pops (top) and his 1/18 diecast MGB (bottom) sit on the bookshelf in his office on campus.

PHOTOS BY KATY ST. CLAIR

poster] is prime, front and center in my office because it epitomizes who I am and a big part of my academic journey.”

Funko Pop Collection Smith has more than 40 Funko Pops, plastic figurines of pop culture icons. Smith likes to grow his collection as fun talking points. His collection includes Woody from Toy Story, Candyland, Wacky Races, Hamilton and a wide variety of other niche characters and soccer icons, so almost anyone who steps foot into his office will see a familiar face.

Wizard of Oz Funko Pops Of his Funko Pop collection, the most meaningful are the Wizard of Oz characters. Upon first coming to Missouri State University, Smith presented about the Wizard of Oz and it has been his theme for the last six years. “As you change and grow, you need to have courage, you need to have brains and you need to have heart,” he says.

May/June 2025

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PASSION LEADS TO NEW PICKLEBALL PADDLES Busy dad of three Hector Cruz balances work at The Focus Group, CellARide and Evangel University while chasing the entrepreneurial itch.

BY DORI GRINDER

I

t’s difficult to decipher the line between day job and side hustle for Hector Cruz.

By day, he’s a fundraising coach and consultant at The Focus Group, a remote position where he helps coach fundraising professionals, and he’s the chief revenue officer for Cel-

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May/June 2025

lARide, helping to develop its sales pipeline and manage sales relationships. He’s also an adjunct professor at Evangel teaching online doctoral classes.

Despite all that, he has found time to pursue a side hustle. He was approached by

PHOTO BY KATY ST. CLAIR

[SIDE HUSTLE]

his friend and now business partner, David Hoover, to think through an idea for pickleball paddles. After exploring the question “why can’t pickleball paddles be quality and pretty?” and taking a deep dive into the market, they decided there was an opportunity for them to move forward with their idea.

As co-presidents of Hampton Paddles, Cruz and Hoover have built a partnership formula based on personal investment and sweat equity, and they are focused on the strengths that they both bring to the table.

The duo spent about 10 months in the research and development phase—sourcing product materials and manufacturers, establishing designs and developing their brand.

“So you just have to hurry up and fail so that you can fix it and move on,” Cruz says. “You kind of have to resolve in your mind that ‘I’m going to fail at something, and that’s not going to be the end of it.’ Because if you’re passionate about it and you think there’s a need out there, then the failure is only going to point you to your next success.”

One of their early “failures” was in the original design concepts of the paddles.

They created market research surveys directed mostly toward women, who were their initial target market. One of the specific goals of the survey was to get feedback on the paddle designs. “One of our survey respondents commented, ‘Just because I’m a female, doesn’t mean I want flowers on everything,’” says Cruz.

Cruz shares that they emphasized the importance of listening to the customer, as the surveys provided the valuable feedback they were seeking. “Our original designs for the paddles are not one of the three [designs] that we launched with. We went with the three highest that were most popular,” says Cruz.

“Our idea was not only to have nice looking paddles, but to present them in a nice way,” says Cruz. Working with local cardboard manufacturer SMC Packaging in Springfield, they developed a box that creates an elevated presentation for consumers instead of a basic shrink-wrapped paddle.

The paddles are designed by the Hampton Paddles team, but sourced and printed internationally. Hampton is able to order in bulk so that when a customer makes an order, it can be shipped same-day in most cases, therefore creating the need for local storage and assembly of the product.

PHOTO COURTESY HAMPTON PADDLES

Hampton Paddles gift boxes are produced locally at SMC Packaging. Each box includes a paddle, paddle cover, towel, visor, sweatband and two balls, one for indoor use and one for outdoor use.

Cruz and Hoover found a solution that was not far from home. “It’s called my garage,” says Cruz with a laugh.

Cruz has also been able to find affordable labor resources close to home by engaging his three children, ages 12, 10, and 8. “We have an assembly line in there so I get really cheap labor that I can pay in chicken nuggets and ice cream,” says Cruz. He enjoys teaching his children about entrepreneurship by involving them in the business.

Hampton Paddles officially launched September 2024 at a fall festival held at Cassidy Station near Ozark. “The response has been fantastic,” says Cruz. “Now, we are just looking to build it and create some consistent sales.”

Cruz is in the process of establishing wholesale relationships locally with country club pro shops and other pickleball venues to continue to scale the business. And, thanks to a wholesale order of custom branded paddles for OMB Bank, Hampton Paddles is well on its way to meeting their 2025 goal of selling 400 paddles.

Check out Hampton Paddles at hamptonpaddles.com or on Instagram @HamptonPaddles.

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Attorney PROFILES The jury is in on finding the attorney that is right for you. Browse our Attorney Profiles to learn more about some of 417-land’s favorite attorneys and their practices. These legal experts are ready to take on your case.

The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements. Past results afford no guarantee of future results and every case is different and must be judged on its own merits, and depends on the quality of your attorney.

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Attorney PROFILES

Shane Cantin, Samuel Gearhart, Erica Mynarich

417-831-6363 | CANTINMYNARICH.COM 2560 S. GLENSTONE AVE. SUITE C SPRINGFIELD

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PHOTO BY LEAH STIEFERMANN

Cantin Mynarich, LLC

antin Mynarich, LLC, aggressively defends people against a wide variety of criminal allegations including sex and pornography-related offenses, serious drug and conspiracy offenses, assault, firearm, fraud and white collar crimes. They represent clients in state courts throughout southwest issouri and in federal courts in Springfield, efferson City and Kansas City.

Being accused of a crime can be confusing and scary, so Shane, Erica and Samuel prioritize frequent communication with their clients. They use their experience, skill and resources to fully investigate the facts and all possible defenses in order to achieve the best outcome for each client. Because Shane, Erica and Samuel only handle criminal matters, they have developed strong relationships with prosecutors and courts.

Due to their reputation and results at trial and on appeal, other lawyers often refer their most complex cases to the attorneys at Cantin Mynarich.

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Attorney PROFILES

Back row: Joshua Baker, Member; Kevin Dunaway, Of Counsel; Karen Johnson, Member; Garrett Grellner, Associate; Brittany Perry, Member Front row: Lynn Rodgers, Of Counsel, Brittany Holloway, Associate; Jacob Eddy, Senior Associate; Kirk Kaczmarek, Senior Associate; Shari Lockhart, Member

PHOTO BY JOSH KINGHAM

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ans Di on, LLC, is a full ser ice, regional law firm trusted by both small and large business owners throughout south west issouri.

They represent clients in a multitude of areas, including ban ing related litigation and loan re iew business organization employment matters estate and succession planning general ci il litigation insur ance related litigation and claims mediations shareholder agreements transactions and outside general counsel for corporations.

By operating with the client’s best interest in mind, ans Di on, LLC, is committed to helping business owners and insurers throughout 4 land achie e business success. Whether you’re an entrepreneur del ing into a new small business enture, an established owner loo ing to merge or sell, or a C O see ing counsel to protect your company, their business attorneys ha e the e perience to tailor ad ice to your specific needs. our needs come first in ans Di on’s approach to Wor ers’ Compensation law. Their attorneys are well practiced at different claim handling philosophies and, with a long standing reputation of timely communication, are often in ol ed in legislation.

Of course, in litigation, there is nothing more important than e perience. ans Di on’s Ci il and Commercial Litigation attorneys approach comple tort cases, in ol ing a multitude of industries, with necessary aggression and a focus on timely results.

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Attorney PROFILES

Thomas D. Carver, Of Counsel; Joseph S. Passanise, Managing Partner

417-882-9300 | ENTRAPPED.COM 2974 E. BATTLEFIELD SPRINGFIELD

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PHOTO BY KATY ST. CLAIR

Wampler & Passanise

ampler & Passanise has provided clients with the highestquality legal representation for over 50 years. Managing Partner Joseph S. Passanise and Thomas D. Carver, Of Counsel, use a team approach to managing cases, leading the firm’s paralegals, investigators and researchers as they create defense strategies for clients facing allegations at the federal, state, and municipal levels.

The firm defends clients facing some of the most serious and complex charges, including federal cases, homicide, weapon and drug violations, domestic violence, assault, felony and misdemeanor DWI, and white-collar embezzlement and fraud.

Passanise has been with the firm for years, handling o er , 00 cases. He has been recognized as one of the Best Lawyers in America for years and by issouri ansas Super Lawyers for years. e is a Fellow of the American Board of Criminal Lawyers, a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and a National College of D Defense State Delegate. e holds artindale ubbell’s highest rating of AV. Car er has practiced for o er 0 years, representing more than 00 clients in federal cases and thousands in Missouri state courts. He received the Robert Duncan Award for Appellate Excellence from the Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and has been recognized by Best Lawyers® and Super Lawyers for more than a decade.

Car er holds artindale ubbell’s highest rating of .

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Husch Blackwell

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s Springfield’s only m Law 00 firm, usch Blackwell is uniquely positioned to serve as a trusted legal partner for local business leaders. By prioritizing the client experience, the firm empowers its people to de elop collaborati e legal solutions that draw on the collective nowledge of its ,000 attorneys nationwide and the business acumen of its professional staff.

Backed by the experience of world-class business teams, usch Blac well lawyers don’t ust sol e legal problems, they help clients make datadriven decisions, optimize their operations, and gain competitive advantages.

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Rooney McBride & Smith

PHOTOS BY KATY ST.CLAIR, COURTESY ROONEY MCBRIDE & SMITH, LLC

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t Rooney McBride & Smith, LLC, we are committed to Practicing Excellence in everything we do, ensuring the highest quality service and care for our clients. Based in Springfield, issouri, we ad ocate for clients in Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas and Oklahoma.

We provide legal services in the areas of business law, family law, estate planning, real estate, intellectual property and litigation.

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Twibell Pierson

PHOTO BY LEAH STIEFERMANN

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he Twibell Pierson Law Firm began in 1975 when attorney Bert Twibell left the Greene County Prosecutor’s Office for a career in private practice, helping people solve their problems.

Today, the attorneys of Twibell Pierson have over 90 years of combined experience, and strive to provide unmatched criminal defense and client service.

What separates Twibell Pierson from other firms is the team approach they take to every client and case.

When you hire them, you are hiring their entire firm, not just one attorney.

Twibell Pierson is also the proud recipient of recognition that includes Branden Twibell being honored by The Best Lawyers in America® for Criminal Defense: General Practice and Criminal Defense: White Collar, as well as the firm being recognized by Best Law Firms® in 2024 as a Tier 2 firm for Criminal Defense: General Practice in Springfield. Branden was also chosen by his peers as “Lawyer of the Year” in 2025 for both White Collar and General Practice categories.

Bryan Delleville, Bert Twibell, Cole Roberts, Kristie Pierce, Scott Pierson, Branden Twibell

417-862-1741 | TWIBELLPIERSON.COM 901 E. ST. LOUIS ST., SUITE 1000, SPRINGFIELD

THE

Craft your legacy.

Biz 417's The Legacy Network is perfect for those in manager, director or C-suite roles who have recently been promoted or are poised for growth. This elite program offers curated sessions, unparalleled access to mentors and enriching peer connections, ultimately enhancing each cohort member's personal and professional skill set.

Apply for the 2025-2026 cohort by May 14.

2025–2026 class meets monthly September–March.

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“In this world of bad service or no service, we hope that makes us stand out and we hope those experiences travel by word of mouth from one person to the next.”

PHOTO BY BRANDON ALMS

—Christopher McNeese, President of A&B Cycle Inc., and Heartwood Holdings LLC, p. 38

A New Chapter

Drury University’s new president Dr. Jeff Frederick shares his biggest goals for the campus, including real-world learning.

Page 40

Go the Extra Mile

Philanthropic Prom

Page 42

Page 43

Addison Jones, design associate at DakeWells Architecture, shares Better Block SGF’s plans for improving Springfield’s Medical Mile on National Avenue.

Garde’n Gate Provisions Foundation in Ozark has made it their mission to pair with local businesses to help provide the perfect prom for all local students.

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[ROOTED HERE] A&B Cycle has been a Springfield staple for over 100 years.

For the past 100 years, A&B Cycle has been a mainstay in Springfield. While it has changed ownership over the years, its continuous commitment to serving its customers—from loyal cyclists to new riders—has solidified its spot providing 417-landers with a way to get outdoors.

BY PEYSON SHIELDS

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n 1994, Christopher McNeese started working part-time for a local shop assembling bicycles. Two decades later he purchased the company. “I graduated from SMSU (MSU) with several liberal arts majors and was trying to decide what graduate school to attend,” says McNeese, president of A&B Cycle Inc. and Heartwood Holdings LLC, a real estate holding company. “I began working part-time assembling bicycles —within a year I had become the purchasing manager and then became the general manager. In 2014 I had the opportunity to buy one of the greatest businesses on Earth, A&B Cycle.”

Located on South National across from Cox South Hospital, A&B Cycle is an expansive brick and mortar that proves it is serious about bikes.

When McNeese purchased A&B in 2014, he added solar panels to the roof, which not only generate power six months of the year but also return extra power to the grid. “This is how we hopefully do our part to not be a drain on the world,” he says.

While solar power is a new-age addition, McNeese has kept the storied history and was very understanding of the business and what made it special. “Our best innovation is older than our business—customer service,” he says. “We do our utmost to make sure people have the very best experi-

PHOTO BY BRANDON ALMS

A CENTURY OF CYCLING

PHOTO BY BRANDON ALMS

The A&B Cycle team is dedicated to making sure their standard of service goes above and beyond. Owner Christopher McNeese says excellent customer service is the company’s “greatest innovation.”

ence. In this world of bad service or no service, we hope that makes us stand out and we hope those experiences travel by word of mouth from one person to the next.”

While his commitment has been keeping customer service at the forefront, McNeese has also adapted strategies to the longstanding business to make it more relevant to today’s marketplace.

“Probably the largest thing that I have done within the business was discontinuing the representation of several brands and focusing on the best bicycle brand in the world: Trek,” he says. “This has allowed us to have a stronger relationship with Trek and provide our customers with the very best.”

That consolidation of brands not only allows the team at A&B to be product experts and fit their customers into the best bike for their lifestyle and cycling goals, but also created opportunity for A&B to be proactive with trends impacting the cycling world.

“I was in Amsterdam, which is a bike mecca, recently,” McNeese says.

“Half the bikes I saw being ridden around were e-bikes. Trek responded to this shift and there has been a dramatic rise in the popularity of ebikes in the U.S.” That popularity shows up in sales, with A&B fitting more than 100 customers with e-bikes annually, according to McNeese. But the remaining 900-plus bikes sold at the shop vary from children’s to road, mountain and more.

“We are such a tradition that we often have grandparents come in and buy their grandchild a bike,” he says. “[Because] their grandparent brought them in generations ago and bought them their first nice bike.”

Whether the experts at A&B are repairing a road bike for a serious cycler or providing entry-level knowledge for a leisurely rider, their service spans generations, skill levels and lifestyle needs.

“What we really do is make people happy,” says McNeese. “We help them find the right type of bike and make sure it fits them well. Whether they are riding for fun, fitness or transportation, when they leave here, they have hopefully had a great experience.”

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[NETWORKING NOTES]

A CONNECTED EDUCATION: DRURY’S NEXT CHAPTER WITH PRESIDENT JEFF FREDERICK For Dr. Jeff Frederick, Drury’s new president, a university education goes beyond seated coursework. We spoke with Frederick about how he is placing real-world learning, meaningful connections and marketable skills at the heart of the Drury experience.

BY JENNIFER SWENSON

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During their time at Drury, the typical student has 3 to 12 experiential learning opportunities with local organizations.

Frederick acknowledges that higher education faces complex challenges. Citing technological change, economic shifts and the COVID-19 pandemic, he says, “What worked for institutions 20 years ago seems like 100.

Universities must be innovators. Research shows today’s students are different. We have to listen and be willing to change.”

To this end, Frederick has been proactive in developing programs and initiatives that prepare students for the demands of an evolving workforce. This fall, Drury will launch three new graduate programs—a master’s of

healthcare administration, a reimagined MBA and a master’s in athletic and sports administration—along with a bachelor’s program in nonprofit management. Drury’s Department of Engineering, now completing its first year, emphasizes real-world application. Frederick says, “In old-school engineering, you take a million calculus and physics courses, and by the time you’re a senior, you might be let loose in a lab.” In contrast, Drury’s freshmen engineering students construct robotic cars and cell phone appliances, learning through trial and error.

Under Frederick’s leadership, the university has introduced a separate skills transcript alongside the academic transcript. “Every

PHOTO BY KATY ST CLAIR

L

ast August, two months into his tenure as Drury University’s 19th president, Dr. Jeff Frederick joined 100 incoming freshmen in cleaning up trash along Fassnight Creek during the university’s annual Service Plunge. The newly minted college students had barely settled into housing and hadn’t yet set foot in a lecture hall or lab, but they were already giving back to the Springfield community—shoulder to shoulder with their president.

This involvement is integral to Drury’s mission, and it’s one reason Frederick was drawn to the top leadership role. Frederick says, “In a world where we are staring down, consumed by our technology, Drury’s mission—its soul—tells us to look up and have a conversation.” Throughout his first year, Frederick has championed a culture of connection, where students build faculty mentorships, explore an interdisciplinary curriculum, take part in campus life and engage with the community.

course at Drury is mapped to a set of market-based skills,” he says. The skills transcript helps students showcase abilities beyond their major— so, for instance, an English graduate applying to a bank can highlight qualifications that align with the job.

Frederick’s commitment to innovation extends beyond the classroom.

Last fall, he announced the Drury Springfield Promise, which will provide funding to students from eight counties in the region. Additionally, he is building partnerships with educational institutions, corporations and nonprofits. These partnerships not only provide opportunities for students, but they also elevate Drury’s voice in the region. This year, Frederick plans to launch a podcast that will export the expertise of Drury team members into the community. All these efforts “represent an investment in the greater Springfield area,” he says. “Springfield functions better when Drury is at the table.”

Frederick continues, “Great organizations focus on two things: what they can excel at, and where they are different.” Thanks to Drury’s small size and interdisciplinary approach, “students are going to engage with people who want to do meaningful things. They’ll leave with a backpack full of skills for their future lives.”

JEFF FREDERICK AT A GLANCE Family: Jeff and his wife, Melinda, were college sweethearts. They have three sons—Logan (married to Grace), Jack (married to Brittany), and Quinton—and a new grandson named Carter.

Education: Jeff holds a bachelor’s degree in business and master’s degree in history from University of Central Florida, as well as a PhD in American history from Auburn University.

Hobbies: Running, grilling, reading and writing.

One Little-Known Fact: Jeff is a fan of the Chicago Bears and proudly displays a Bears helmet in his office.

Frederick’s Ideal Saturday: An early-morning run with his dog, Briggs, followed by spending the rest of the morning with Melinda.

They’d go hiking in the afternoon and wrap up the day at a local brewery, listening to live music.

Best Advice: “Do your best. It doesn’t have to be the best, but it should be your best.”

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TO RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE STAGE

LAWN WITH YARD GAMES PERGOLA & CAFE TABLES

PICKLEBALL COURT MURALS FOOD TRUCK FOOD TRUCK PICNIC AREA & BIKE RACKS PAINTED BILLBOARD

PRIM ROSE ST.

[VANTAGE POINT]

New Mile A new placemaking effort is underway on Medical Mile, that 2.8-mile stretch between two giant health care systems on National Avenue in Springfield. Better Block SGF is ready to tackle a very long challenge.

BY REN BISHOP

S

pringfield’s Medical Mile on National Avenue is one long first impression, says Addison Jones, design associate at Dake-Wells Architecture.

“We have a lot of data that shows that visitors come to Mercy, Cox and other health care facilities, and they don’t have the opportunity to explore any other area of Springfield; they’re stuck in this zone,” he says. “We know that from an economic standpoint, it is vital for us that we make a very good first impression.”

Better Block SGF is embarking on a new placemaking project: Medical Mile, that 2.8mile stretch of National Avenue between Mercy and CoxHealth hospitals in Springfield. The

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Pictured above is an aerial concept sketch of Primrose Park created by Addison Jones. The illustration shows where features like pickleball courts, a stage, picnic areas, bike racks, pergolas, a lawn and food truck spots will be located. Primrose Park is located near the corner of Primrose Street and Kings Avenue, just north of CoxHealth Medical Center South.

“They’re attracting talent from all over the world, and this is a really key area to make sure Springfield at first glance appeals to that talent.”

—Addison Jones the corner and its potential for CoxHealth employees, guests and beyond in 2025. This initial opening will serve as a trial to assess interest in a long-term commitment.

“By improving visitors’ experience on Medical Mile and having amenities like walking trails, parks and public spaces to gather, we have an opportunity for real economic development and impact,” Jones says. “Our visitors can experience all the good that Springfield has to offer, right where they are.”

RENDERING COURTESY ADDISON JONES; PHOTO BY BRANDON ALMS

A Magnificent

nonprofit has successfully launched parklets near Park Central Square and supported a refresh of Nixa’s downtown, but Medical Mile’s daily traffic and footprint make it uniquely suited for placemaking.

And placemaking is so much more than better curb appeal, says Jones.

“Placemaking directly impacts talent and retention for businesses,” he says. “With these major employment centers, so many people work on this corridor who might not be Springfield natives. They’re attracting talent from all over the world, and this is a really key area to make sure Springfield at first glance appeals to that talent.”

People want to work where they want to live and play, and Better Block SGF is inspiring businesses on Medical Mile and nearby to consider projects that go way above and beyond the current National Avenue. From more public green spaces to improving walkability, Better Block has developed a 36-page guide for businesses, investors and developers to be inspired, which can be found at betterblocksgf.org/medicalmile.

Up first: a temporary public green space with pickleball courts near the west entrance of CoxHealth Medical Center, located at Primrose and Kings Avenue. Springfield’s largest employer is working with Better Block SGF to reimagine

[GIVING BACK]

PROM DRESS PROVIDER A local nonprofit teams up with local businesses to provide the perfect prom for local students.

BY DORI GRINDER

W

ith spring comes the annual tradition for many high school students: prom. Nonprofit organization Garde’n Gate Provisions Foundation in Ozark has made it their mission to be the “fairy godmother” for local families with limited resources, so more students are able to enjoy this annual rite of passage. “Prom is such a huge part of your high school experience,” says CEO Anna Hogue. “They shouldn’t be restricted, just because they can’t afford a dress. I want them to go, and to have that moment, and feel beautiful and a part of something.”

The annual prom dress giveaway event has been going on for six years and has provided more than 1,400 prom dresses to local girls. They have even outfitted about 20 young men with suits for the occasion.

To be able to pull off the one-day event takes businesses and volunteers willing to pitch in. Lloyds Dry Cleaners stores and cleans hundreds of dresses and uses their locations as collection points all year long. The We Move crew helps deliver, unload and set up racks of dresses. More than 100 volunteers jump in to act as personal shoppers, provide onsite alterations and help with set up and tear down after a whirlwind of hundreds of shoppers cycling through in just a few hours.

Garde’n Gate Provisions was initially backed by The Avan’t Garde’n, where Hogue worked managing estate liquidations. Instead of donating leftover estate items to other nonprofits, they decided these items could be the seeds to launch a nonprofit foundation to help fill needs in the community, from assisting families after a home fire or helping school children with critical needs to supplying basic necessities to refugees. “We cut through the red tape,” says Hogue. “We want to be able to reach the need immediately.” In 2024, the nonprofit was able to give away $1 million in goods to the community through its thrift store, the prom dress event, toy drives and other efforts—and is on track to provide even more in 2025.

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May/June 2025

Participants, speakers and mentors of the first Legacy Network class share their top takeaways from the program.

BY JO JOLLIFF

B

iz 417 launched The Legacy Network after seeing a need in the business community to amplify leader’s skills, network and influence to craft a lasting legacy.

Nate Thiry, head of Sales Strategy & Business Development for Innovation at Forvis Mazars, applied for the program after hearing about it at the 2024 Think Summit. New to the Springfield community, Thiry wanted to take the next steps to plant roots in the business community.

“It has helped with getting to know real people, their businesses and their stories,” he says. “It’s made the city itself more attainable.”

An exciting aspect of The Legacy Network is that through the program, participants are paired up with mentors. Thiry’s mentor is Codefi President & CEO James Stapleton. Despite being in two different industries, the two have found a surprising amount of crossover. “We’ve been able to dig into challenges we both face and it’s

PHOTOS BY KATY ST. CLAIR

BUSINESSES

CREATING A LASTING LEGACY

“It has helped with getting to know real people, their businesses and their stories. It’s made the city itself more attainable.”—Nate Thiry, head of Sales Strategy & Business Development for Innovation at Forvis Mazars

“I’ve gotten something really meaningful out of every session. I feel like every speaker we’ve had has been very relevant.”—Abbye Bobbett,

PHOTOS BY KATY ST. CLAIR

architect + COO at Kinetic Design + Development

given me a good, transparent look into what he does from a leadership standpoint for his business, which I’ve been able to take and apply for mine,” Thiry says. Even after The Legacy Network reaches its completion, the two plan to continue meeting.

Similarly, another program mentor, Max Buetow, president and CEO of CoxHealth, says he foreseees a long-lasting relationship with his mentee, feeling he takes away just as much insight and discernment from their time together. “I think if you open your mind up to the concept of mentorship going both directions and you realize the caliber of the individuals participating in this program, the combinations of those two things can be a really fruitful opportunity,” Buetow says. Buetow also believes The Legacy Network will impact the community. “We’re very thankful that we’ve got incredible local businesses that are willing to provide this level of engagement for people without having to leave the region,” he says. “I just really appreciate that The Legacy Network seeks to help provide that expertise to each one of us here right in our own backyard.”

One of the speakers for The Legacy Network, David Cameron, Republic city administrator, anticipates a similar need being met. “One of the things that is desperately needed in our region is leaders to step up,” Cameron says. “So the whole idea of The Legacy Network is to leave a legacy of leaders giving back to other people, which is why I agreed to speak at the program because I feel it’s giving back to what other people have given me.” While Cameron often speaks at larger-scale events, he enjoyed the opportunity for a more intimate environment to connect and discuss. “What I saw out of this group was a lot of promise, they’re going to impact and lead our local organization’s futures,” he says.

Participant Abbye Bobbett, architect + COO at Kinetic Design + Development, says she gained a lot of knowledge that inspired her. “I’ve gotten something really meaningful out of every session,” she says. “I feel like every speaker we’ve had has been very relevant to what I’ve gone through and am going through as a business owner.” Her favorite aspect of the program has been the community built with the other participants. “We did a more personal, vulnerable exercise in the beginning and it bonded us from the get-go,” she says. “I know I can call any of them to grab coffee or talk through difficult situations and they’d be there with advice.”

The Legacy Network is designed for next generation leaders and is ideal for those who have experience in a manager, director or C-level position and are looking to build their skillset, vision and influence. Find more information on the sessions, speakers and mentors and apply online at legacynetwork.biz417.com by May 14.

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

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FINANCIAL ADVISOR PROFILES May/June 2025

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PROFILES | Financial Advisors

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Standing: Dalton Cloyd, Associate Financial Advisor; J. Scott Taylor, Financial Advisor; Samuel Ackerman, Financial Advisor Sitting: Heather A. Ince, Financial Advisor; Paula J. Dougherty, Private Wealth Advisor; Taryn M. May, Office Manager

A private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC 417-877-0252 | ameripriseadvisors.com/paula.j.dougherty 1525 E. Republic Road Suite B-115, Springfield

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They are led by Chief Executive Officer of Achieve Private Wealth, Paula Dougherty, MBA, CFP®, CKA®, BFA™, APMA™, CRPC™, ChFC®, CLU®, CASL®, CEPA®, Private Wealth Advisor; J. Scott Taylor, CFP®, CRPC™, Financial Advisor; Chief Operating Officer of Achieve Private Wealth, Sam Ackerman, BFA™, CRPC™, APMA™, Financial Advisor; eather Ince, CRPC®, CDFA®, Financial Advisor; Dalton Cloyd, CRPC™, Associate Financial Advisor; and Taryn May, Office Manager.

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PHOTO COURTESY CENTRAL BANK

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PHOTO BY BRANDON ALMS

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DEAR NEW CITY LEADERSHIP W R I T T E N B Y L U C I E A M B E R G I L L U S T R A T I O N B Y S A R A H PA T T O N

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Dear New City Leadership, You’ve signed up to guide my next chapter, and I can barely contain my excitement.

Look at what you bring to the table: sparkling energy, fresh determination and a steadfast commitment to me, the City of Springfield.

Honestly, I’ve got a lot going for me, too. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, my metro area (which includes my besties Nixa, Ozark, Republic, Bolivar, Marshfield and Willard) is the fastest growing in Missouri. Plenty of big-name companies call me home, including Bass Pro Shops, Prime, Inc., SRC Holdings Corp., Jack Henry and Associates, Forvis Mazars and Fortune-500-listee O’Reilly Auto Parts. I’ve got the largest accredited school district in the state—a good thing since the median age of a Springfieldian sits at a spry 33.6, well below the national average. And whether you’re looking for top-notch frozen custard or a killer three-part harmony, you can count on me to deliver.

We have so many reasons for optimism, but recent years have sometimes felt challenging. We went through a pandemic, and though key stats, such as our unemployment rate, rebounded, those days changed me. Anxieties about housing and growth, erosion of our public discourse, a hazy undercurrent of mistrust, uncertainty about downtown—it’s like my own case of long COVID. You may recall a few sharp disputes. In both Galloway Village and University Heights, residents and property developers struggled to find common ground. And depending on your perspective, a new 7 Brew on East Sunshine Street was either a cheery jolt of drive-through caffeine or a commute-clogging encroachment. These were complicated experiences, and I resist characterizing them in simple, “good guy/bad guy” terms. But when I think about them, I feel a little banged up. I’ve got some scars.

The truth is, I’m not the picturesque hamlet I once was, and I’m not the powerhouse metropolis I might become. I’m something in between. And as anyone who remembers middle school can tell you, “in between” is a tricky place to be. So, at this pivotal moment, I sought insight from business leaders who’ve given a lot of thought to my future.

In case it’s helpful, I’ve compiled a few of their reflections and ideas.

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As Springfield looked ahead to the election of a new mayor and the selection of a new city manager, Biz 417 reached out to business leaders and asked what they’d like our city’s next leadership team to know. And wow, did the business community respond. We heard a ton about planning and zoning, city government operations, culture and community relationships. We’ve compiled as much as we can into this open letter, which is written from the point of view of a town we all love: the city of Springfield.

Amy Blansit, founder/CEO of the Drew Lewis Foundation.

“There’s a market for it, and it’s a beautiful way to live, but the problem is, Springfield “We find ourselves at this interonly built that.” As a result, we section of opportunity,” says don’t have as much higherMax Buetow, president/CEO density housing—often called of CoxHealth. For him, it’s a “missing middle housing.” time to build on our successes This includes townhomes, with amped-up collaboration duplexes and pocket neighborbetween City officials and lohoods, like Broadway Cottage cal businesses, powered by the Courtyard, which Blansit’s understanding that everyone’s working toward a shared vision. organization is developing on the north side of town.

“Great communities have great “We’ll have houses that are relationships with businesses,” 10 feet away from each other,” he says. “Businesses grow and Blansit says. “Two stories, spread economic vitality. Eco1,600 square feet. Well-built, nomic vitality means we’ve got cute homes with small front great places to live, great ameyards.” The goal is to provide nities and a solid tax base.” appealing options for people He’s one of many who who want something other voiced support for updatthan big-lot life. That might ing the City Charter and the be young families who are Springfield City Code and purchasing their first home, or Ordinances. Chapter 36 of perhaps retirees seeking a lowthe City Code, aka the Land maintenance situation.

Development Code, was a particular point of interest for business leaders who shared their feedback with us. Steve Childers, director of planning and development for the City of Springfield, says that modifications are underway. “[The Land Development Code] is still being modified based on “We find ourselves internal and external input,” at this intersection of Childers says. “[It] is curopportunity.” rently being tested using real projects, and [it] sets forth the — M A X B U E T O W, regulatory standards that align CEO/PRESIDENT OF with the vision of [SpringC O X H E A LT H field’s comprehensive plan], Forward SGF.” Some business leaders we spoke to shared their hope In spirit, developments like that zoning updates will exBroadway Cottage Courtyard pand opportunities to increase resemble suburban HOAs. density in lots reserved for They both depend on heightsingle-family homes. “Much ened residential ties with of Springfield is built on onedistinct neighborhood identity fifth, or even one-quarter, of and an emphasis on home an acre—the image of the big ownership. But under current yard, the picket fence,” says guidelines, higher-density

CREATING CONDITIONS FOR GROWTH

THE SURVE Y: In January, we opened a survey to the business community for approximately two weeks. At the time we collected data (January) and did further reporting (March and early April), we knew new leadership was coming soon to Springfield in the form of a new mayor and city manager.

Since that time, Jeff Schrag has been elected mayor. At press time, the search for a new city manager was nearing its end, but the position had not yet been filled. Here are the questions we asked in the survey, in addition to a few business demographic questions.

1.

If you could make one request to the future mayor to help the business community, and you knew it would be implemented, what would you ask?

2.

If you were in charge of the City of Springfield, what would you want to focus on?

3.

What are the top challenges your business is currently facing?

4.

What specific local regulations or processes create the biggest obstacles for your business?

PHOTOS BY BRANDON ALMS, COURTESY RICHARD OLLIS

5.

Which types of local or regional economic development initiatives would most help your business to grow?

6.

Where do you see the most significant opportunities for growth for the local business community in the next five years?

7.

What are the most significant threats to the business community that you believe the local government should address?

8.

What additional guidance do you have for our city leadership?

Amy Blansit says her organization spent nearly 12 months and $30,000 to rezone the footprint of Broadway Cottage Courtyard and earn necessary plat approval. Without significant resources— and patience—it’s tough to survive that gauntlet.

yard and earn necessary plat approval. Without significant resources—and patience—it’s tough to survive that gauntlet.

This might explain why, when we asked 48 survey respondents, “What specific local regulations or processes create the biggest obstacles for your business?” 50% of them mentioned zoning regulations, building permit processes or both.

And yet, despite this frustration with processes, people praised the individuals who work in City departments. For example, Ollis says that when he was on City Council, he worked with great City staffers.

“What’s needed is a change in mindset,” he says.

— A M Y B L A N S I T, FOUNDER/CEO OF THE D R E W L E W I S F O U N D AT I O N

housing may be subject to a lengthy approval process.

Richard Ollis, CEO of Ollis/ Akers/Arney Insurance and Business Advisors, former City councilperson and Restore SGF board of directors president, says middle housing is common in bigger cities. “You have things like row houses or townhomes that are high-quality, single-family residences,” he says. “If those could be included in our zoning code, their construction could receive an administrative approval, instead of being treated as exceptions that must go through separate approvals by the Planning and Zoning Commission and the City Council.”

It would make a big difference to leaders like Blansit, who says her organization spent nearly 12 months and $30,000 to rezone the footprint of Broadway Cottage Court-

“What’s needed is a change in mindset.”

—RICHARD OLLIS, CEO OF OLLIS/AKERS/ ARNEY INSURANCE AND BUSINESS ADVISORS

CULTURE SHIFT Debbie Shantz Hart, principal at Housing Plus and DHTC Development, LLC, recommends, “Change the culture of the City to get to ‘yes.’” She’s willing to accept answers that start with “yes, but”—the kind that come with limitations and guidelines. She’s just seeking interactions that are underpinned by clear expectations. Brad Erwin, president/ principal architect of Paragon May/June 2025

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on your own department’s goals. “The environmental department might say, ‘We’re going to do this, and we’re going to hold the line because we have this mission,’” he says.

“Then you have economic development that has its own mission. They conflict, and they rely on some authoritative figure above them to break it down.”

The National League of Cities (NLC), a 101-year-old nonprofit dedicated to advancing local governments, suggests cross-departmental alignment as an antidote to the kind of siloing Prange describes. According to NLC publications, this organizational value can be implemented in a variety of ways, such as streamlining communication channels and championing shared goals.

RESPONDENTS’ ROLE IN THEIR COMPANY: Sales Other

4.1%

Management

Admin

2%

8.2%

14.3% 55.1%

16.3% VP

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Cora Scott, director of public information and civic engagement for the City of Springfield, says the City already engages in efforts to enhance collaboration, including an interdepartmental ambassador program and the establishment of core teams to address specific projects.

Through his work in other communities, Prange’s witnessed other bold approaches.

For example, he says, some municipal governments rotate employees between departments. “They’ll take someone from public works, someone from environmental [services], someone from building code, someone from economic development, and they’ll spend six months in rotation,” he says. While some might perceive this as an inefficient initiative—one that puts staffers in departments that aren’t obvious fits for their knowledge and skills—Prange believes it pays off in greater commitment to a “one-city vision” and enhanced understanding.

Thomas H. Douglas, CEO of JMARK, believes that finding ways to reinforce the City’s unified vision can be transformative. “Remember that the City’s job is to serve and protect,” he advises. “Develop a servant’s heart, invest in the things that drive growth, be a market pay leader for police and fire to attract the best talent—and be proud about that.”

“We want someone who can ‘dream cast’ and navigate the bureaucratic system.

Someone who can build alliances… and most importantly, someone who can bring results.”

— M AT T M I L L E R , C E O O F THE VECINO GROUP

COMMUNICATING THROUGH CHANGE Perhaps we could use greater understanding outside 840 North Boonville, too. Several business leaders expressed disappointment about the acrimony of recent property disputes, like the ones in Galloway Village and University Heights. Certain interactions have grown so heated, they’ve raised doubts about the feasibility of any change. There’s a lot of concern about NIMBYism (Not In My Back Yard) and a suspicion that some Springfieldians won’t support building anything anywhere at any time. These cynical

PHOTO COURTESY MATT MILLER

Architecture, describes this as “finding ways to say ‘yes’ more often with less bureaucracy.”

Ollis calls it a “customer service mindset,” in which “the main emphasis is on providing service, solving problems and providing that ultimate customer service experience.”

Even when navigating complex regulations, he recommends thinking, “Instead of being a regulatory agency, we are a customer service agency that happens to be in the regulatory business,” he says.

Steve Prange, senior vice president/director of business development and strategy for Crawford, Murphy and Tilly Inc, believes that deeper interdepartmental connections might help us reach that level of collaboration. It’s easy, he says, to become hyper-focused

PHOTO COURTESY THOMAS H. DOUGLAS

vibes have the potential to make a big impact.

“Difficulty with development processes and approvals, whether real or perceived, may have the result of driving development to outlying communities, with the unintended consequence of leaving us with a decaying urban core within the Springfield city limits,” says Randell Wallace, partner in Kutak Rock.

All of which means that the next phase of Springfield’s evolution might be shaped by thorny questions. If we don’t work through the complications, we could be stuck “in between” forever.

“When we see businesses not thriving, leaving communities, you start to see communities implode,” Buetow cautions. Still, he acknowledges that change feels uncomfortable, even when it sparks growth. Personally, he tends to like change, but he’s realized that’s because he often gets to drive it.

“The people who are dictating change often love change,” he says. “People who feel like they’re having change dictated to them might feel differently.” It’s crucial, he says, to communicate with maximum transparency. Today’s technology helps get messages out quickly, which means that, as change is happening, people can stay informed about how it affects them. Engaging the public—at every step— can help bring them along through change processes.

It also curbs the power of misinformation, which may sprout in a communication vacuum.

In recent years, the City has leveraged new capabilities, like livestreaming meetings, to encourage engagement.

R ANKED ORDER OF CIT Y MANAGER SKILL PREFERENCES: Survey respondents ranked the most important skills for the next city manager.

Open for Business attitude and policies Ability to work effectively with community partners Vision casting and strategic planning Transparency and accountability Trustworthiness Communication skills Ability to work with staff effectively Key performance indicators as defined by the community and city council Preparation and administration of the annual budget 0

1

2

3

4

5

least important

Scott says these efforts are paying off in participation— with glimmers of resurging trust. As an example, she cites the November passage of a ¾-cent sales tax with more than 60% voter support.

“Develop a servant’s heart, invest in the things that drive growth, be a market pay leader... to attract the best talent—and be proud of that.”

—THOMAS H. DOUGLAS, CEO OF JMARK

For the business community, such efforts are promising.

Many identified trustworthiness, strategic vision and the ability to work effectively with

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most important

staff as highly desirable qualities for the City’s next leaders.

“We want someone who can ‘dream cast’ and navigate the bureaucratic system,” says Matt Miller, CEO of the Vecino Group. “Someone who can build alliances… and most importantly, someone who can bring results.”

And last, although we consulted business leaders about what’s best for the business community, it may be helpful to know that overall, they want

Springfield to be a welcoming environment for everyone.

“Our leadership must realize that the big picture of a thriving business community includes addressing the needs of all citizens, not just those driving on James River Expressway to their 9 to 5 job,” says Morey Mechlin, a community leader who’s served with Care to Learn, Junior League of Springfield, the SpringfieldGreene County Library Board of Trustees and others.

FOREVER 417-LAND The next chapter of my story is important. One day, we might look back and realize it was decisive. Because even with all I’ve got going for me, I’m not perfect. My weather is a drama, and you never know when I’ll let some cobras loose. And yes, I had that thing with Wild Bill Hickok, but it was ages ago—ask anyone at the History Museum on the Square.

You wanted to lead me, so you must know that I’m resourceful, resilient and compassionate. At my core, I’m still a hopeful town with a big heart, and I’m praying you’ll treat me like the Queen City. If we all give it our best, I bet my brightest days lie ahead.

xoxo, Springfield

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WOMEN BRENTWOOD of

The

At Biz 417, we love highlighting all the amazing businesses in the Ozarks. These 16 female-owned businesses, all based in the Brentwood Center, are making their mark.

Meet the ambitious women behind them.

BY JORDAN BLOMQUIST

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY KATY ST. CLAIR

THE WOMEN OF BRENTWOOD

IN THE FOOD BIZ

Charity Fent with Charity Fent Cake Design when charity fent’s son requested an army tank truck cake for his 14th birthday, she was determined to make it happen—and she decided to try baking it herself.

That experience sparked a newfound passion for baking, and soon after, she launched a home bakery, where she operated her business for the first 10 years. “It was just too much with the volume I was doing, so I decided I needed to find a space to open a storefront,” Fent says. “My heart was always set on looking in Brentwood.”

Today, Charity Fent Cake Design is best known for its custom cakes, but its popularity has also grown thanks to cake cups and more than 10 flavors of ooey gooey bars.

Fent loves working in Springfield, appreciating its smalltown charm. “I am able to make those personal relationships with my customers and get to know them and their families,” she says.

Bonnie Nolen with Bon Bon’s Candy House bonnie nolen has been in the candy business since 2001 and has cherished the chance to create a unique experience for every customer who walks through their doors. “Whether it’s designing a custom box of chocolates, putting together a mix of Swedish gummies or crafting a corporate logo in chocolate, each interaction is an opportunity to bring a smile to someone’s face,” she says.

Bon Bon’s Candy House has been part of the Springfield community since 2002, originally located in the Parkcrest Shopping Center. In 2019, it relocated to Brentwood, where Nolen says customers genuinely embrace shopping locally and appreciate the special touches of a locally owned business.

“There’s something inspiring about being surrounded by other female-owned businesses, all radiating a positive energy that reflects our shared dedication,” she says. “We each put our hearts into our work, which shines through in every detail of our stores.

Together, we create a magical shopping experience that makes Brentwood Center a truly special destination for our community.”

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THE WOMEN OF BRENTWOOD

IN THE FOOD BIZ

Misty Hampshire with Farmers Gastropub when misty hampshire and her husband, andy, heard the previous owners of Farmers Gastropub were looking to sell the restaurant and retire, they jumped at the opportunity. “With Andy being British, a British-themed pub seems like the perfect fit for us,” Misty says. “They were already located in the Brentwood Center, so we embraced that and have developed the equivalent of your ‘local’ pub in England.”

Misty handles the business side of things, while Andy runs the day-to-day operations. “We both approach leadership with the idea of treating people the way we would want to be treated,” she says. She says her passion for food keeps her motivated each day, and in 2023, they opened their second restaurant, JW’s Kitchen.

Nancy Miller with Nearly Famous Deli & Pasta House nearly famous deli & pasta house is well-known for its Deli Tomato Soup and egg salad sandwiches, but it’s best known for its owner, Nancy Miller. Nineteen years ago, after losing her job in the stainless-steel manufacturing industry, Miller bought the restaurant from its original owners. Since then, she has created a warm atmosphere where both customers and staff feel like family. “I love to see my customers enjoying what they nourish their bodies with,” Miller says. “Food builds relationships and getting to be part of that just makes you happy.”

As a business owner, Miller aims to lead by example. “Be kind and appreciate what your staff does for you and your customers,” she says. “My staff knows that I will help with any task, from busing a table to washing dishes, fixing plumbing to mending chairs. But we also have fun!” You can read our full story on Miller at 417mag.com.

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THE WOMEN OF BRENTWOOD

STAYING ON TREND

Lindsay Seifried with Blackwells when they purchased blackwells in 2022, the store’s location in the Brentwood Center was a top factor for owners Lindsay Seifried and her husband, Jeff. Blackwells is known for upscale men’s clothing, offering custom suiting and carrying an array of casual clothes. “Lots of people love to shop when they travel,” Lindsay says. “With Blackwells, you can find unique styles you’d normally have to travel for, right here in the Brentwood Center.”

Lindsay is dedicated to staying on top of what’s next in fashion, offering customers the newest and best products. “Our customer needs to look and be ready for the board room, the conference stage and the clubhouse,” she says. “We want to be meeting their style needs with new brands that bring performance, style and comfort together in one.”

Jenny Baker with Clothe Boutique jenny baker has always loved fashion and the idea of curating effortless, affordable everyday styles.

In 2017, she turned that passion into Clothe Boutique.

“Brentwood was ideal because it’s across from the mall with great visibility,” Baker says. “I’ve loved seeing it grow over the last few years with so many new small businesses.”

Clothe is known for its wide variety of styles at accessible prices, with new arrivals each week that keep customers coming back. A few years ago, Baker expanded Clothe with a second location in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and she’s now planning to open a third location within the next year. “The ever-changing trends and styles are what keep me passionate and motivated,” Baker says. “I love to see what’s going to be big each season.”

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THE WOMEN OF BRENTWOOD

STAYING ON TREND

Kamryn Hesington with Gracie’s Bridal gracie’s bridal has been open for 18 years, and Kamryn Hesington and her husband, Jacob, bought the business in 2021 after she had been working there for several years. “I absolutely fell in love with the bridal business and knew there was nothing else I ever wanted to do with my life,” she says.

In February, she expanded her vision by launching Something Blue & Co., Gracie’s Bridal’s sister brand, which carries all kinds of fun bridal accessories.

Through both businesses, Kamryn leads with an encouraging and uplifting style, and she is grateful for the opportunity to empower and uplift women in the community. “I have a heart for brides and for the 417 community,” she says. “It drives me daily to come up with new and innovative ways to serve them.”

Lauren Haik with The Market growing up in a retail environment, lauren haik always knew she wanted to own a store. Her father worked as a department store buyer before opening his own showroom as a manufacturer for houseware merchandise, immersing her in the retail world from a young age. Eighteen years ago, Haik purchased The Market from its previous owner and has since transformed it into a go-to destination for gifts, home décor and apparel. “The one thing that motivates me is finding a line or product that I love that I know is good and know other people will love,” Haik says. “I’m constantly always looking for new products or new ideas that are coming out to the market. It’s always that desire to find the next big thing.”

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THE WOMEN OF BRENTWOOD

STAYING ON TREND

Tess Pennanen with National Home Products with a background in education, tess pennanen never imagined she’d be a business owner, but that changed in October 2024 when she and her husband acquired National Home Products—a store in the Brentwood Center best known for interior home finishings.

The business has been around since 1978, and the Pennanens plan to expand and broaden the store’s product offerings in the near future.

As Pennanen develops her leadership style, she aims to lead with kindness and appreciation for all her employees. “We love owning a business in Springfield because of the kind, friendly and collaborative people, from our builders to our residential customers,” Pennanen says. “This community is especially meaningful to me, as I grew up in southwest Missouri.”

Cathy Swearengin with Plaza Shoe Store plaza shoe store was founded in 1951 by cathy Swearengin’s parents, Robert and Barbra Lee, along with her grandparents, Oscar and Norene Lee. “I am somewhat unique because I never left the family business,” Swearengin says. “I chose Brentwood Shopping Center because of other local independent retailers. I believe we do better together.”

Swearengin’s leadership style is collaborative, as she works with Mallory Garon to deliver the best outcomes for their customers. “I stay passionate about the shoe store because of the people I work with and the positive response we get from our customers,” she says.

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THE WOMEN OF BRENTWOOD

STAYING ON TREND

Meghan Chambers with Staxx and Jellybeans meghan chambers is staxx and jellybeans’ fearless leader! For over 20 years, Chambers has driven Staxx’s success in being on-trend and a popular spot for any woman looking for something for a date night out, vacation, conference or day at the lake. Her leadership style is collaborative, empowering everyone on her team to share their ideas and take ownership of their roles within the business.

Leading the team at Jellybeans has been a full-circle moment for Chambers—she worked there as an employee in high school! She purchased the business in 2010 and has been catering to infants up to tweens ever since. You can read our full story on Chambers at 417mag.com.

Sarah Schaeffer with Uptown Boutique uptown boutique has been open since 2011, but it made its move to the Brentwood Center in 2024.

Owner Sarah Schaeffer purchased the business during her senior year of college. “I love owning a business in Springfield because it’s still kind of that small-town feel,” Schaeffer says. “Eighty percent of the people that come through my door, I know their name and a little bit about them.”

Schaeffer has built a solid online store and digital presence, but ultimately, she keeps her doors open to interact with customers and build friendships. She encourages her employees to be passionate about their work at Uptown Boutique and steps in only when necessary, allowing them to learn on their own.

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THE WOMEN OF BRENTWOOD

HELPING 417-LANDERS LOOK AND FEEL GOOD

Sandy Park with Gloss Nail Lounge sandy park and her husband, john, were both working as nail technicians in Monett and commuting two hours daily—this went on for 15 years. “We knew we had always wanted to eventually have a business in Springfield but the thought of it was daunting since we had built such a long-term clientele in Monett,” Sandy says. “After having my daughter and with my son about to start school, we decided it was time to be a part of the community and started our business.”

In the past six years, Sandy and John have built a business in Gloss known for their staff’s friendliness, cleanliness and punctuality. Sandy says she teaches her team lessons she wished she had known when first entering the business world.

Monica Rosenthal and Cassie Cribbs with Honey + Hive monica rosenthal and cassie cribbs own and operate Honey + Hive Salon, where both also work as stylists. When they first considered opening the salon, it was Cribbs’ dream, and Rosenthal was happily along for the ride—they knew they couldn’t do it alone. Cribbs is a quick problem-solver, while Rosenthal leads by example. Together, they make quite the team, tackling the challenges of the business world with style and grace. Reflecting on what they wish they had known before opening Honey + Hive 11 years ago; “Don’t sweat the small stuff,” Rosenthal says. “It’s going to be harder and better than you ever imagined,” Cribbs adds.

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THE WOMEN OF BRENTWOOD

HELPING 417-LANDERS LOOK AND FEEL GOOD

Stephanie Lewis and Nikki Love with Sumits Hot Yoga in 2008, stephanie lewis and nikki love were creating a business plan to open a yoga studio in Springfield. However, with Sumits Hot Yoga opening at that time, they recognized that the timing wasn’t right and decided to simply enjoy the new studio in town. In 2010, when the opportunity to buy Sumits arose, they jumped at the chance.

Once the lease at the original location was up, they moved to the Brentwood Center. “We were and are fortunate enough to need a lot of parking, which our original location didn’t offer,” Love says. “We love it here!”

At Sumits, they offer heated yoga, barre and sculpt classes, and each class is thought out and intentional, with a warm, welcoming environment. “We have always wanted our students to feel like they’re coming home when they step into the studio,” Lewis says. “Our studio truly is a community that is inclusive, and we hope that everyone feels that way when they walk in the front doors.”

Jana Myers and Jen Liles with ViVo Salon lori hill, vivo’s original owner, opened the first location in 2006 alongside Jana Myers and Jen Liles. Their goal was to create a welcoming space where everyone feels comfortable—surrounded by friends who uplift and inspire them. Myers and Liles say they bring different sets of skills and lessons learned that allow them to mesh perfectly. “We push each other constantly while maintaining that high level of respect for the other’s viewpoints and ways of working,” Liles says.

In 2016, Myers and Liles relocated ViVo to the Brentwood Center for a more convenient commute for 417-land clients and increased daily foot traffic. They both love being business owners in Springfield because it gives them a sense of pride. “Our ViVo community isn’t just a roster of clients,” Myers says. “They are longtime friends whose stories and experiences have become a part of our daily lives at ViVo.”

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EVERYWHERE YOU NEED TO BE

PHOTO BY KATY ST. CLAIR

Inspiring speakers hit all the right notes from the Think Summit stage at the Convoy of Hope Global Headquarters. More than 600 attendees engaged in a day focused on thought provoking conversations.

72 Calendar 76 ULI Impact Awards 77 Athena Awards

78 Biz 417 Think Summit 80 Downtime

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Morning Event

NETWORK

 8:30–9:30 a.m., Wednesday, May 7

1 MILLION CUPS

Meet every Wednesday for coffee and to network with fellow business professionals. I Million Cups focuses on entrepreneurs and highlights timely subjects of discussion for local business professionals.

Bambino’s Community Space, 2810 E. Battlef ield Road, Suite D, Springf ield; 1millioncups.com  7:30–8:30 a.m., Thursday,

business community. $20 early bird pricing for members; River of Life Church, 308 W. Mount Vernon St., Nixa; nixachamber.com  8:30–9:30 a.m., Thursday, May 15

WAKE UP REPUBLIC

Join the Republic Chamber with a morning network event.

There you can connect with local professionals and stay updated on events in the business community.

Members only event; 1371 US-60, Republic; republicchamber.com

May 8

GOOD MORNING, SPRINGFIELD!

Start your morning with networking over breakfast at the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce’s monthly breakfast event. The event will feature timely updates from the City of Springfield, Greene County, Springfield Public Schools and the Chamber. $35 for members, $45 for nonmembers. Wilson Logistics Arena, 3001 N. Grant, Springf ield; springf ieldchamber.com  1–6 p.m., Monday, May 12 ANNUAL GOLF CLASSIC

Connect with other Ozark business owners, executives and community leaders for a fun-filled day of golf. While you're there, be sure to advantage of the exclusive sponsorships, group photos, contests and prizes.

Millwood Golf and Racquet Club, 3700 E. Millwood Drive, Ozark; ozarkchamber.com  11 a.m.–1 p.m., Tuesday, May 13

NIXA GENERAL MEMBER LUNCHEON

Nixa’s monthly Chamber luncheon provides members with a great opportunity to listen to community updates, to network with local professionals, and to learn more about the

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 4–6 p.m., Thursday, May 15 BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

Join fellow local business professionals at one of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce’s most popular events. $10 for members, $20 non-members; TelComm Credit Union, 2155 E. Sunshine St., Springf ield; springf ieldchamber.com  11 a.m.–1 p.m., Tuesday, May 20

WORKING WOMEN IN NIXA LUNCHEON

Working Women in Nixa is a powerful networking event geared to Nixa’s businesswomen. Each session is focused on empowering and connecting women, and it's an excellent opportunity for networking. $30 for non-members; North Point Nixa, 235 W. Tracker Road, Nixa; nixachamber.glueup.com  4:30–6 p.m., Tuesday, May 20 JOPLIN’S BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

Finish your day by joining the Joplin Chamber at their evening networking event. The event is come-and-go and participants will be able to mingle with other members, snag a drink and appetizer and make new connections.

2600 Davis Blvd., Joplin; joplincc.com

Lunch Event

 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m., Wednesday, May 21

Evening Event

All Day

 11 a.m.–1 p.m., Thursday, May 22

MAXIMIZE YOUR MEMBERSHIP

GOOD AFTERNOON OZARK

Learn more about the benefits of a Chamber membership and how to utilize it to maximize your experience. This event is open to new members, existing members or an employee of an existing member company. Enjoy a complimentary lunch and opportunities to connect with and network with other members.

Free for members to attend; Springf ield Area Chamber of Commerce, 202 S. John Q. Hammons Parkway, Springf ield; springf ieldchamber.com

The Ozark Chamber’s general membership luncheon provides the perfect environment to network and hear from Chamber members about issues affecting local businesses. $20 for members, $25 non-members; $25 for members at the door, $30 for non-members at the door; Ozark Community Center, 530 W. Jackson St., Ozark; ozarkchamber.com

 11 a.m.–1 p.m., Thursday, May 22

NAVIGATING THE LEGAL MAZE OF AI: BUSINESS PERILS OF EVOLVING TECHNOLOGY

As artificial intelligence continues to revolutionize industries, it also brings unique legal challenges that can impact your business. Learn how to navigate the complex legal landscape surrounding AI adoption while safeguarding your business from potential disputes. $15 include a boxed lunch; efactory, 405 N. Jefferson Ave., Springf ield ; //efactory.missouristate.edu/legalmaze  4–5 p.m., Wednesday, May 21 NEW TO THE NETWORK

Join The Network to learn more about Springfield’s Young Professionals. There will be updates on upcoming events, educational opportunities on how to get involved and time to connect with other business professionals.

Springf ield Area Chamber of Commerce, 202 S. John Q. Hammons Parkway, Springf ield; thenetworkspringf ield.com

 11 a.m.–1 p.m., Wednesday, May 28

SMALL BUSINESS AWARD

Join the Chamber for their annual Small Business Award event to celebrate the crucial role small businesses play in Springfield’s economy.

Honor the top five finalists at the event followed by an announcement of the 2025 award winner. Networking begins at 11 a.m. followed by the program at 11:30 a.m. $40 for members and $50 for non-members; O’Reilly Family Event Center, 900 N. Benton Ave., Springf ield; springf ieldchamber.com  4–6 p.m., Wednesday, May 28

GET OUTSIDE WITH THE NETWORK

Join The Network for this family friendly event at Dickerson Park Zoo. Utilize this casual event to connect with local young professionals and spend time with family and friends.

Dickerson Park Zoo, 1401 W. Norton Road, Springf ield; thenetworkspringf ield.com  11:15 a.m.– 1 p.m., Tuesday, June 3 REPUBLIC GENERAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON

Join the Republic Chamber in their monthly Chamber lun-

cheon where members can network, mingle and enjoy a meal. The event features city, school, business, community updates and guest speakers.

The doors open and food and networking begin at 11:15 a.m. The regular program begins at 11:45 a.m.; Spring Creek Estates Wedding & Event Venue, 7368 W. Farm Rd 186, Republic; republicchamber.com  7:30–8:30 a.m., Thursday, June 5 GOOD MORNING, SPRINGFIELD!

Start your day with networking over breakfast at the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce’s monthly event. The June event takes place at Evangel University. It will feature timely updates from the City of Springfield, Greene County, Springfield Public Schools and the Chamber. $35 for members, $45 for non-members; Evangel University, 1111 N. Glenstone Ave., Springf ield; springf ieldchamber.com  7:30–8:30 a.m., Friday, June 6 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 the whole hour.

Free for Chamber members; Market House Venue and Lofts, 113 N. 2nd St., Ozark; ozarkchamber.com  11 a.m.–1 p.m., Tuesday, June 10 NIXA GENERAL MEMBER LUNCHEON

Nixa’s monthly Chamber luncheon provides members with a great opportunity to listen to community updates, to network with local professionals, and to learn more about the business community. $20 early bird pricing for members; River of Life Church, 308 W. Mount Vernon St., Nixa; nixachamber.com  Noon, Wednesday, June 11 LAYING THE GROUNDWORK

Allie Pike of Vetbiz discusses how to recognize the pros and cons of each business technique, how to structure a new business and how to build a business from a solid foundation.

Free; Virtual event; See website for registration information; score.org

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

417.833.4250 | myqualityclean.com

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 11 a.m.–4 p.m., Thursday, June 12

8:30 a.m.–5 p.m., Thursday, June 24-26

Young professionals, join The Network for a half-day conference filled with keynote speakers, engaging activities and networking opportunities. This event is a great way to form new connections. $85 for members, $100 for nonmembers; Kickapoo High School Performing Arts Center, 3710 S. Jefferson, Springf ield; thenetworkspringf ield.com

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

Prices vary; see website for information; 305 E. Walnut St., Springf ield; greatgame.com

THE NETWORK’S SGFORUM 2025

 1–4 p.m., Thursday, June 12 DEVELOPING A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS

Join the Ozarks Small Business Incubator to learn how to develop your business. Cover topics on creating a plan, handling finances and outlining the first steps entrepreneurs should take.

The Board Room, 305 E. Washington Ave., Ava; crm.ozsbi.com  4–6 p.m., Tuesday, June 17 CHAMBER SUMMER SOIRÉE

The Chamber Summer Soirée is an evening of networking, drinks and great food. Catch up with members to celebrate the business community. $35 for members, $45 non-member tickets, Mother’s Brewing Company, 215 S. Grant Ave., Springfield; springfieldchamber.com  9 a.m.–2 p.m., Friday, June 20

HOT LINKS ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT

Attend one of the leading golf outings in Joplin with networking opportunities and activities.

Members will have the chance to connect with, compete against and mingle with other local professionals.

Eagle Creek Golf Club, 2742 Ben Pell Drive, Joplin; joplincc.com

THE GREAT GAME EXPERIENCE WORKSHOP

 11 a.m.–1 p.m., Thursday, June 26

GOOD AFTERNOON OZARK

The Ozark Chamber’s general membership luncheon provides the perfect environment to network and hear from Chamber members about issues affecting local businesses. $20 for members, $25 non-members; $25 for members at the door, $30 for non-members at the door; Ozark Community Center, 530 W. Jackson St., Ozark; ozarkchamber.com  4–6 p.m., Thursday, June 26 PATIO PARTY NETWORKING MIXER

Nixa Area Chamber of Commerce's Patio Party Networking Mixer hosted by Least of These allows attendees to enjoy an evening of light bites, conversation and networking.

Least of These, 1720 W. James River Road, Ozark; nixachamber.com  4–6 p.m., Thursday, June 26 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. $10 for members, $20 for non-members, Fire & Ice Restaurant & Bar, 2546 N. Glenstone Ave., Springfield; springfieldchamber.com

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[THE SCENE]

ULI Southwest Missouri 2025 Impact Awards

The Urban Land Institute (ULI) Southwest Missouri hosted their inaugural IMPACT Awards, celebrating excellence in real estate development, land use and community development across the region and honoring those who are shaping the future of southwest Missouri.

Date: March 14, 2025 | Host Organization: ULI Southwest Missouri | Location: Wilson Logistics Arena

Dr. Amy Blansit, Chris Wilson

Dr. Amy Blansit won the Professional Excellence Award

PHOTOS BY JACQUES MCNEESE

Jeremy Wells, Brandon Biskup

Lisa Longley, Kevin Longley, Adam Kreher, Mike Hayward

PHOTO BY TK PHOTGRAPHER

Brandon Biskup awarding Tim Rosenbury Honorable Mention for the City of Springfield

[THE SCENE]

2025 Athena Awards

Springfield Chamber members gathered to honor the recipients of the prestigious ATHENA and Virginia Fry Awards. These awards recognize exceptional women who demonstrate excellence in their professions, community service and mentorship of other women in the community.

Date: March 19, 2025 | Host Organization: Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce | Location: White River Conference Center Website: springfieldchamber.com

Lori Parks, Judy Miller, Nancy Riggs

Lisa McGhee, Lori Eby

PHOTOS COURTESY SPRINGFIELD AREA OF COMMERCE

Jill Finney, Anne Roderique-Jones, Tiffany Batdorf

PHOTO BY TK PHOTGRAPHER

Stephanie O'Connor, Bob Helm

Jennifer Charleston, Heather Hardinger, Cortney Little-Ash

BOOK OASIS FOR YOUR NEXT MEETING SPRINGFIELDOASIS.COM

[THE SCENE]

Biz 417 Think Summit

Endless ideas and thought-provoking conversations filled the Think Summit stage for a day focused on thinking big. More than 600 attendees took a deep dive into regional initiatives, inspirational moments, connections and actionable takeaways.

Date: April 11, 2025 | Host Organization: Biz 417 | Location: Convoy of Hope Global Headquarters | Website: biz417.com

Bradley Knox, Samuel Knox

Jhasmine Watson, Jill Rea

PHOTOS BY KATY ST. CLAIR, TORI SWEM, KRISTIN SHARP PHOTOGRAPHY

Ettie Berneking, Alyea Alldredge, Taylor Warwick

PRESENTED BY

Logan Aguirre and Tom Douglas

T H A N KS FO R THINKING BIG WITH US

PHOTO BY TK PHOTGRAPHER

Think Summit presented by JMARK, hosted by Convoy of Hope

Ethan Forhetz, Kevin Baker

Zach Troutman

David Cameron, Linda Daugherty

Jason Hynson

PHOTOS BY KATY ST. CLAIR, TORI SWEM

Andy Whaley, Naya Whaley, Gretchen Miekley

PHOTO BY TK PHOTGRAPHER

Oh! One More Thing speaker panel including Joey Thorsen

Ashleigh Bentz

Tackling the Work Day

Matt Rush, Account Manager with Ethos Laboratories, has found his time on the field with the Ozarks Lunkers helps his time in the office. “I’m able to disengage,” Rush says. “Obviously my mental headspace and how I carry myself is totally different. It’s like I’m able to tap into a different side of myself, because on the football field it’s no worries, you’re just out there playing.” Rush played for Hillcrest High School, Missouri State University and other semi-professional and arena football teams before joining the Ozarks Lunkers as their Money Quarterback, playing a little bit as both quarterback and receiver. “I’ve been playing the sport for so long that I’m at a point where I don’t really have to think,” he says. “My body just kind of reacts to what’s going on around me when I’m on the field, so I’m able to disengage and just go into a different world.”—Jo Jolliff

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PHOTO COURTESY OZARKS LUNKERS

DOWNTIME

2111 S. EASTGATE AVE. SPRINGFIELD, MO 65809

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