Issuu

A chat with the family behind Loren Cook Company

MEET PERSON OF THE YEAR TOM DOUGLAS

The 2026 Biz 100 List ^^^ 417- LAN D’S M OST I N FLU E NTIAL B US I N ESS LEAD E RS RI G HT N OW

2026

Person of theYear

Behind the cutting-edge technology and big ideas is a leader who says his people are what matter most

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Contents

P H O TO BY K AT Y S T. C A L I R , C O V E R P H OTO B Y B R A N D O N A L M S

Vol 12, Issue 1

November/December 2026

Richard (Biff) Williams, Casey Woods, and Patrick Ransdell of Missouri State University all appear on this year’s Biz 100.

Biz 100 Meet 417-land’s most influential business leaders, selected for their success, community impact and contributions to the region. story by B I Z 4 1 7 E D I T O R S

Person of the Year JMARK CEO Tom Douglas is always asking what’s next. Meet the big-picture thinker embracing AI, reimagining business and redefining success. story by J O R D A N B L O M Q U I S T

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

Launch 22

W H AT’ S O N M Y D E S K?

A joke at a career fair sparked Mike Scott’s National Stress Ball Museum. 23

FO RWA R D TH I N K I N G

Fight CRC and Fried Design Company give No Shave November a new look. 25

S I D E H U S TLE

Ron Snodgrass has spent four decades officiating football and working his way to the Big Ten. 26

NEXT GEN

Nathan McCartney joined his father’s Arctic Refrigeration in 2018, bringing new ideas to a family business.

Learn 31

G I V I N G BAC K

The HBA of Greater Springfield is putting tools in young hands, giving local teens a chance to explore careers in the building trades. 33

A DV I C E & W H I S K E Y

Biz 417 editor Dori Grinder sits down with Scott Opfer, CEO of Opfer Communication.

B E H I N D TH E P RO C E S S

Springfield Sign’s Trey Watts walks through the process of turning a sign concept into a finished installation, from design to fabrication.

Link 95

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.

RO OTE D H E R E

Loren Cook Company has grown from a small Ohio operation into a global manufacturer with deep roots in Springfield.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

CA LE N DA R

Your guide to what’s happening around 417-land. 104

D OW NTI M E

Cody Cash finds joy through a lifelong love of soccer.

P H O TO BY B R A N D O N A L M S

THE NEW BMW X5 BUILT TO LEAD.

BMW of Springfield Sunshine & Hwy 65

Special lease and financing offers available at BMW of Springfield through BMW Financial Services.

DON’T BE UP THE CREEK WITHOUT A PADDLE. PLAN FOR YOUR FUTURE TODAY RETIREMENT OPTIONS

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

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LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER

Connections That Count i recently attended my eighth Community Leadership Visit

organized by the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, this time to Indianapolis. Between watching test laps at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and hearing important conversations about housing, growth and downtown investment, one line from a speaker stuck with me: “Meet them before you need them.” It’s the best way I can describe this issue. The Biz 100 doesn’t start with industries. It starts with people—the leaders making their workplaces, communities and families better every day. These are the folks worth knowing now, long before the hard call or the big idea. The hardest part? Stopping at 100. Our region is so rich in invested, dynamic leaders that many more deserve a spot, and that’s a beautiful problem to have. Leading this year’s class is our Person of the Year, Tom Douglas, CEO of JMARK, who generously shares his AI and innovation expertise to help leaders in our region navigate rapid change. And he does it with people at the heart of every decision. After you read about Tom and the full Biz 100 list, I hope you’ll come meet them at our Biz 100 reception on November 11, hosted by Reliable BMW.

LOGAN AGUIRRE

P H O TO BY K AT Y S T. C L A I R

PUBLISHER

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

T H E B I Z 417 C O M M U N I T Y

Beyond the Page

THE CRÈME DE LA CRÈME

A Biz 417 exclusive event takes place on November 11 with the 2026 Biz 100 Celebration. At BMW of Springfield, toast to Springfield’s most influential business leaders, who are also featured on p. 68, and 2026 Person of the Year Tom Douglas, featured on p. 82. Go to biz417.com/ biz100party to sign up.

The Biz 100 honorees gather on Wednesday, November 11 to celebrate, and you too can join in the fun.

DON’T MISS A THING

Visit 417mag.com/newsletters to sign up for our Biz 417 newsletters. Biz Break brings you can’t-miss news every Monday morning. The Brilliant Cut is geared to the gals and offers professional tips and personal inspiration on the second Wednesday of each month. Mark your 2027 calendar now because you will not want to miss these engaging Biz 417 events. Think Summit takes place on May 7, and the Fully Loaded Pretty Brilliant (formerly Ladies Who Launch) experience runs July 21–22. BIZ 417 ADVISORY BOARD David Atkisson, Springfield Office Leader at JE Dunn Construction Joselyn Baldner, President/ CEO at Central Bank Max Buetow, President and CEO at CoxHealth Jeff Childs, Senior Advisor at SVN/Rankin Company Justin Coyan, Private Client Advisor at Ollis/Akers/Arney Insurance Thomas Douglas, CEO at JMARK Business Solutions, Inc. Chris Jarratt, Chief Creative Officer at Revel Advertising Rachel Munday, Executive Director at efactory Tim Rosenbury, Director of Quality of Place Initiatives at City of Springfield Benjamin Sapp, Partner | Business Development at Sapp Design Architects Jack Stack, President/CEO at SRC Holdings Corp. Dean Thompson, Vice President and Chief Economic Development Officer at City Utilities Pamela Yancey, President/CEO at Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

WE LOVE FEEDBACK! Have something to tell us? Email our Biz 417 editor at dori@417mag.com.

Patty Wingo is absolutely a culinary genius. It has been too long since I’ve had the pleasure of her cuisine. My mouth started watering thinking about her poblano tostadas and brownie skillet. —Chris Slagle via Facebook Dr. Swenson is our hero! So thankful for his medical skills, and it’s so cool to see what he does in his down time! —Susan Ihrig Dodson via Facebook Patty Wingo and Dr. Brian Swenson were featured in the September/October issue of Biz 417.

P H O TO BY K R I S T I N S H A R P

SAVE THE DATE

KATIE POLLOCK ESTES EDITORIAL DIRECTOR editor@417mag.com

LOGAN AGUIRRE PUBLISHER logan@417mag.com

DORI GRINDER BIZ 417 EDITOR & MANAGING EDITOR dori@417mag.com

MEGAN JOHNSON VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS & CUSTOM PUBLICATIONS mjohnson@417mag.com

JORDAN BLOMQUIST SENIOR EDITOR jblomquist@417mag. com ALYSSA RONEY CONTENT WRITER aroney@417mag.com CAROLINE TROTMAN EDITORIAL INTERN

VALERIE PISTER SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE valerie@417mag.com OLIVIA SMITH ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE olivia@417mag.com

SARAH PATTON CREATIVE DIRECTOR sarah@417mag.com

KATHY GRIEVE CLIENT SUCCESS MANAGER kathy@417mag.com

JORDAN DYKSTRA ART DIRECTOR jordan@417mag.com

ALLISON CLEMENTS SALES COORDINATOR allison@417mag.com

BRANDON ALMS SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER & DESIGNER brandon@417mag.com

JENNA ANGEL STUDIO & STRATEGIC ACCOUNTS MANAGER jenna@417mag.com

KATY ST. CLAIR CREATIVE PRODUCTION MANAGER & PHOTOGRAPHER kstclair@417mag.com SYDNEY ARLT DESIGNER sarlt@417mag.com MCKENZIE KEY ADVERTISING DESIGNER mckenzie@417mag.com MIKAYLA BROWN SENIOR DESIGNER mbrown@417mag.com ALEX TINKER JUNIOR DESIGNER atinker@417mag.com CAMERON GRAHAM CREATIVE INTERN CONTRIBUTORS Jill Finney, Fried Design Company, Max Havey, Jessica Yates Studio, Megan Price, Kristin Sharp, Taryn Shorr-Mckee

BETHANY BELL MARKETING DIRECTOR bbell@417mag.com ERIK KISER EVENTS & PROGRAMMING MANAGER erik@417mag.com ARIELLE DONAHUE BRAND CONTENT PRODUCER arielle@417mag.com PERLA OXLAJ MARKETING INTERN CARRIE POWELL OPERATIONS DIRECTOR carrie@417mag.com ERIN KINGHAM OPERATIONS MANAGER ekingham@417mag.com

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

One Team

WHEREVER YOU’RE BUILDING

When your business grows, your construction partner should grow with you. At Crossland Construction, we’re proven partners for clients who need a general contractor who knows the local market and has the reach to follow them anywhere their business takes them. With 12 offices nationwide, we bring boots-on-the-ground knowledge to every community we build in, backed by the resources of a national contractor. Expanding into a new state? Opening your fifth location or your fiftieth? We travel, we mobilize fast, and we bring the same highaccountability team and consistent quality to every site. You get a dedicated team that understands your priorities, clear communication from day one, and the schedule control and cost certainty that come from working with real builders. Whether you need us down the street or across the country, we’re built to be your partner for the long haul. Let’s talk about where you’re headed next.

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for more than

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LET’S CONNECT!

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

Quoted

Leadership Lessons Our Biz 100 honorees have a wealth of guidance, thoughtfulness and reflections to offer.

P H O TO S C O U R T E SY S T E P H A N I E S T E N G E R , B R A N DY H A R R I S, H A L H I G D O N , C L AY G O D D A R D, BY B R A N D O N A L M S

edited by D O R I G R I N D E R

“Everyone I know is obsessed with Libby. The cost to the Springfield Greene County Library each time we borrow an ebook or audiobook from Libby or Hoopla is significantly more expensive than print books. I encourage everyone to contribute to the library to defray the more than $1 million that the library pays each year for digital content.”

“Volunteer service is the most rewarding thing you can do for your community. (Also, being past chair is the best title on a not-for-profit board.)”

“This year has reminded me that leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about showing up, especially when things are hard.”

—Dr. Hal Higdon, Chancellor, Ozarks Technical Community College

—Brandy Harris, CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield

“This year, I’ve been thinking a lot about the difference between doing and becoming. We were not created to be ‘human doings’ but instead ‘human beings.’ Leadership has a way of continually teaching you that meaningful development rarely requires more hustle—it requires greater clarity, courage and trust in the people around you.”

“I’m a firm believer that communities don’t get stronger because one organization has all the answers; they get stronger when people intentionally work together.” —Clay Goddard, Regional President, Centerstone

—Jaimie Trussell, President & CEO, Crosslines Community Outreach

—Stephanie Stenger, CEO, Springfield Land

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

“We’ve been very blessed never to have a layoff.” —Loren Cook II, president, Loren Cook Company, p. 34

“We all have to do our part to drive value to society. It’s what drives the country. It’s what drives family. It’s what creates the ability for the next generation to live.” —Tom Douglas, CEO, JMARK, p. 82

“In my opinion, there should be no greater investment that the city of Springfield makes than in Missouri State University.” —Casey Woods, head football coach, Missouri State University, p. 79

“I think that women bring a different perspective to leadership, and I’ve really grown into being more confident in what I bring to the table.”

“We like to add Easter eggs, hidden special things at —Rachel York, owner/managing member, Donco 3, p. 73 our properties. Whether the residents know or not, it creates points of conversation.” —Patrick McWhirt, chief creative officer, Vecino, p. 40

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

Laun h

H E AT I N D E X , F O U R TO F O L LOW, F I V E O N F I R E

W H AT ’ S O N M Y D E S K?

SIDE HUSTLE, T R E N D I N G N OW N A I L E D I T, FA I L E D I T

21 22 25 27

Fuel for your group chat

“It was kind of a matter of proving to myself that I wasn’t just taking over for my dad, that I’m actually capable too.”

P H O TO BY B R A N D O N A L M S

—Nathan McCartney (left), on taking over the family business (p. 26)

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

ADVERTISMENT

MILESTONE PA R T N E R S P OT L I G H T

Stephen Telscher, Brad McKenzie, Kristi Beattie, Ben Sapp and John McNabb

For 40 years, Sapp Design Architects has helped shape the places where Missouri communities learn, gather and grow. Founded in Springfield in 1986 as Architecture Design Studio, the firm began with two employees working out of the front room of a house on Walnut Street. Today, Sapp Design has grown to 26 employees with offices in Springfield and Kansas City. The firm specializes in architectural design, interior design and master planning for educational, library, civic, recreational and municipal spaces, with projects spanning across the Midwest. Its portfolio includes more than 70 public libraries, more than 3 million square feet of schools and nearly 75 safe rooms and storm shelters. The

firm has also helped secure more than $65 million in FEMA storm-shelter grants for school district clients. Sapp Design has remained rooted in 417-land throughout its growth, building longstanding relationships with local clients including Springfield Public Schools. In 2023, founder Michael Sapp passed leadership to a five-partner ownership group — the firm’s second generation of ownership. The work remains grounded in a long-term vision of creating buildings that serve communities for generations. Classrooms, libraries, recreation centers and safe rooms are designed to serve the people who use them for decades to come.

Sapp Design Architects 3750 S Fremont Springfield 417-877-9600

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

sdaarchitects.com

P H O TO C O U R T E SY S A P P D E S I G N A R C H I T E C TS

Four Decades of Purposeful Design

Launch

SOCIALS TO INSPIRE

HEAT INDEX

Four To Follow

Hot Tip

As O’Reilly Auto Parts’ senior vice president of legal and general counsel, Tamara Conn spends her days weighing risk, asking questions and considering multiple perspectives. Her go-to follows reflect that mindset, spanning leadership, communication, technology and personal growth.

These stories are taking shape as we send this issue to press. BY DORI GRINDER

BY JILL FINNEY

Advertising Plus recently announced its purchase of The Greek Corner, both the business and the real estate. Advertising Plus will relocate to the newly acquired building at 614 N. Washington Ave. and retain The Greek Corner’s four employees, bringing its total workforce to 23.

@simonalexandero INSTAGRAM

For Conn, Simon Alexander Ong’s message reframes success as something bigger than a title or list of accomplishments. His content encourages self-reflection, recognizing your own gifts and seeing the gifts in others. “You can’t grow as a leader if you aren’t evolving as a person,” Conn says. She also values his reminders to recharge before burnout sets in.

For the eighth time, Ollis/ Akers/Arney Insurance & Business Advisors has been named a top U.S. insurance employer by Insurance Business America. It is the only Missouri company to receive the distinction.

@Colin S. Levy LINKEDIN

As a fellow general counsel, Colin Levy gives Conn a perspective on artificial intelligence that feels especially relevant. His posts explore AI’s evolution, practical business uses and the risks that come with adoption. Conn says Levy’s content sparks conversations with her own team about balancing benefits with appropriate guardrails.

Missouri State University recently announced plans to establish an Innovation Institute to give students across academic disciplines more opportunities to work with employers and community organizations. Through projects with employers and community partners, students will build skills in critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and adaptability while exploring career pathways. We love knowing that entrepreneurial thinking will be central to this new program, preparing students to put ideas into practice.

@loridrobertson INSTAGRAM

Conn discovered local keynote speaker coach Lori Robertson when Robertson spoke to a group of women leaders at O’Reilly Auto Parts. Her content focuses on finding your voice, identifying the story you have to tell and becoming more confident sharing it. Conn appreciates Robertson’s message that you don’t have to be an experienced speaker to be effective.

@trentshelton

P H O TO BY B R A N D O N A L M S

INSTAGRAM

Trent Shelton blends personal growth with candid conversations about adversity, choices and resilience. Conn appreciates the way he talks openly about loss and challenges, while emphasizing that people have control over their decisions. His message: Your circumstances may influence you, but they don’t have to define you.

FIVE ON FIRE

 BRANDON ADAMICK

MICHELLE ALGYA

AMY HIETTER

MITCHELL KISER

SETH SWAFFORD

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

Launch

W H AT ’ S O N M Y D E S K ?

Mike Scott says he’s never stressed a day in his life. He’s got roughly 500 reasons why. What started as a few souvenirs from his days on the KY3 sports beat is now the self-proclaimed National Stress Ball Museum. BY JILL FINNEY what started as a handful of souvenirs turned into an obsession

media executive Mike Scott never saw coming. At a 2022 career fair, co-workers piled promotional stress balls in front of him as a joke, partly as a dare. Scott started photographing them for social media, first to promote the fair and vendors, and then just because. He wondered if anyone else collected stress toys seriously. Nobody did. That’s how the National Stress Ball Museum was born.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

Mike Scott in the Four years later, Scott has roughly National Stress Ball 500 stress objects in his collection. Museum, aka his office The unique ones earn a spot on his at KY3. staggered, hand-built “Donkey Kong shelves.” Duplicates are banished to a bucket on the floor. Scott has even assembled an unofficial museum staff: KY3 co-worker Cindy Barrett serves as executive vice president of public relations, while co-worker Jarritt Wartick is the unofficial director of security. His office is across the hall, so he can keep an eye out for anyone who tries to “break in.” Scott’s favorite one isn’t on the display shelves. It has a place on his desk: an orange tiger from his daughter, a reminder, he says, of what matters.

P H OTO BY B R A N D O N A L M S

Too Blessed To Stress

Launch

no shave november already had

P H OTO BY F R I E D D E S I G N C O M PA N Y

FO RWA R D T H I N K I N G

MEGAN PRICE

A Fresh Face for No Shave November Fight Colorectal Cancer and Fried Design Company are giving a familiar November tradition a fresh look, with a brand designed to reach more people and rally more support.

what most brands spend years building: name recognition. When Springfield-based Fight Colorectal Cancer (Fight CRC) took over the national campaign from the Matthew Hill Foundation in 2024, it inherited a recognizable but inconsistent brand—abstaining from shaving during the month of November— whose purpose wasn’t always clear. “With new energy behind the campaign, it felt only right to make sure the image matched the mission,” says Savanna Doud, director of brand marketing at Fight CRC. For the rebrand, Fight CRC turned to longtime local partner Fried Design Company. The goal wasn’t to abandon what people recognized, but to give the campaign a more cohesive identity. “We rebuilt No Shave November as a bold, expressive brand system designed to drive participation,” says Josh

Sullivan, founder and partner at Fried Design Company. Fried Design Company updated the logo and developed a visual system inspired by traditional tattoo art. Handdrawn illustrations, character-driven iconography, expressive typography and high-impact color gave the campaign more ways to tell its story. The rebrand also helped clarify the mission: No Shave November supports education and awareness for all cancers, with participation open to all. Doud says the response has been encouraging. “In its first year, we saw real enthusiasm from both corporate and community partners who wanted to get involved,” she says. Now, Fight CRC wants to build on that momentum close to home by getting more Springfield organizations and businesses involved in the national campaign.

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

ADVERTISMENT

BEYOND BUSINESS PA R T N E R S P OT L I G H T

Lindy and Mike Cronkhite

Building Homes, Growing Communities in SWMO and in addition to owning CPM, he has his own investment portfolio of over 400 single-family rentals. Today, Cronkhite Property Management continues that mission by working with both single-property owners and investors with larger portfolios. What sets Cronkhite apart is its strong culture and commitment to doing what’s right. Tenants are welcomed on a first-come, first-approved basis, and investors benefit from quick vacancy fill rates and high tenant retention. With consistently happy tenants and fully occupied properties, Cronkhite Property Management is helping investors expand their returns while strengthening communities across southwest Missouri.

Cronkhite Property Management 1526 S. Enterprise, Springfield 417-920-7634 cronkhitepm.com

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

P H O TO BY K AT Y ST. C L A I R

Cronkhite Property Management provides full-service property management across southwest Missouri with a culture rooted in integrity, community and fun. The team brings decades of experience and offers a wide range of services, including in-house maintenance and leasing, bookkeeping and accounting, preventative maintenance, real estate investment coaching, portfolio strategy and rental development consulting. With licensed brokers and realtors on staff, Cronkhite Property Management ensures every detail is handled with professionalism and care. The company was founded to meet a clear need in the community: safe, clean and reasonably priced rental housing. Mike has developed more than 2500 new single family homes

Launch

TRENDING NOW

SIDE HUSTLE

Making the Right Calls Learn how Ron Snodgrass balances his work at the Ozarks Regional YMCA and being a Big Ten college football referee. BY M A X H AV E Y

P H O TO S BY B R A N D O N A L M S, C O U R T E SY R O N S N O D G R A S S

ron snodgrass has made a name for himself lo-

cally as an educator and regionally as a college football referee, and he still has some good years left in him. A lifelong Springfieldian, Snodgrass was a three-sport athlete in high school and wanted to find a way to stay connected to the Springfield sports community while studying at Missouri State University. Former coach Jim Vaughan got him started with refereeing high school basketball in 1982, then football in 1983. He started refereeing college football games in 1990 and worked his way up to Division I in 2000. He has worked with the Mid-American Conference, the

Missouri Valley Conference and now the Big Ten, where he has spent the last 13 years. At the same time, Snodgrass was developing his career locally as an educator, first as a teacher, then an administrator, and now as director of school age services for the Ozarks Regional YMCA. Higher-profile college games required more time, but he was afforded more flexibility with his time off as he took on administrative roles. “A lot of guys and gals run into issues with the time commitment,” Snodgrass says. “I had vacation time, but the staff and people I worked with were always accommodating and understanding.” One of the most meaningful aspects about refereeing is the way it has helped build bonds between Snodgrass and other officials, strengthening the friendships and relationships he has built over the past four decades. “Football is unique to other officiating because you work as a crew, so you get to know and form relationships and friendships with the guys and gals you work with,” Snodgrass says. “My best friends are officials. Sure, I love the game, I love the experience, but probably more than anything, it’s the people that I work with and the relationships I’ve obtained doing football.” Even as he enters his twilight years as an official, Snodgrass is still excited and driven by the challenge of making sure all teams involved have a good and fair game. “We don’t want to be the headline,” Snodgrass says. “We want to manage the game, call what needs to be called, and let the chips fall where they may.”

Tiny Museum, Big Evolution ACIS TURNS YESTERDAY’S TECHNOLOGY INTO A MEMORY LANE OF INNOVATION.

A giant 1981 hard drive, floppy disks, Walkmans and one chunky mobile computer have found a second life inside ACIS IT Solutions’ growing “Tiny Tech Museum.” CEO Travis Schnelle started collecting pieces over his 26 years in IT. Now, the whole team keeps an eye out for old tech worth saving. The old hard drive, rescued from a local IBM data center, might be the best example of how much has changed. “In approximately 25 years, that’s how much the technology shrank,” Schnelle says. Today, flash memory can do the same job and fit on a memory stick. For Schnelle, seeing the old technology is also a chance to appreciate how far we’ve come. “We’re so fast-paced, and we take so much for granted,” he says. “Whenever you see the old technology, it makes you understand and have a little bit of gratitude, maybe, for how we grew through the times.” And they’re not done collecting tech either. “We need to capture more of this while we can,” Schnelle says.— Megan Price

W H ATS O N YO U R N I G H TSTA N D?  “This book challenged me to think more intentionally about how leaders use time together. For business leaders, I think the broader lesson is simple: better meetings can lead to better leadership. When we are more disciplined about how we gather, communicate and make decisions, we create more space for strategic thinking, stronger relationships and more effective execution.”—Gary W. Schafer II, Managing Partner at Forvis Mazars

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

Launch

NEXT GEN

Keeping Things Cool With a background in military leadership and business, Nathan McCartney is helping shape the next chapter of the family business. BY JO RDAN B LO M QU IST

joining your family’s business is a

rare opportunity. It can be a way of saying, “I see what you built, I value it and I want to help carry it forward.” Nathan McCartney experienced just that when he joined his father’s business in 2018. Nathan’s father, Mark, founded Arctic Refrigeration more than three decades ago—in 1994—growing the company through his technical expertise and ability to solve just about any problem that came through the door. Nathan, meanwhile, came into the business with 11 years of Air Force leadership experience, an MBA from the University of Mississippi and several years of running 26

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

his own businesses. “My dad started a business,” Nathan says. “If my dad can do it… then I can do it.” That confidence was important. Nathan says he needed to prove to himself that he could build something independently before joining

his father. “It was kind of a matter of proving to myself that I wasn’t just taking over for my dad, that I’m actually capable too,” Nathan says. After leaving the Air Force in 2016, Nathan initially considered a corporate career. He, his wife and their children had established themselves in Mississippi, with friends and a life they loved. But after a trip home for the holidays, they found themselves wanting to move near their family. Where Mark’s strengths lie in the technical side of the business, Nathan has focused on systems, processes, software and sales, drawing on his military leadership experience and business education. Nathan says working alongside his father has strengthened an already close relationship, giving him an even deeper appreciation for the work Mark has put into building the company. “It’s one thing to see him as your dad, but now he’s just more,” Nathan says. Arctic has grown about 10% year over year for the past decade, recently reaching a milestone of 40 employees. Nathan hopes to reach 50 employees in the near future and is considering adding another location to expand the company’s service footprint. The company does not disclose total revenue. Nathan is already looking years down the road. He hopes to keep growing Arctic into a company his own kids can one day be part of, continuing what his dad started. “I really do truly hope that this is the thing that my kids can work in as well,” he says.

P H O TO S B Y B R A N D O N A L M S, C O U R T E SY N AT H A N M C C A R T N E Y

Mark and Nathan McCartney in Arctic Refrigeration (left) and at a promotion ceremony with the Air Force (below).

Launch

LESSONS TO CELEBRATE

#NailedIt FailedIt R E A D A BO U T T H E W I N S A N D LOS S ES E X P E R I E N C E D BY T H E TO P M I N D S I N THE 417-LAND BUSINESS COMMUNITY.

LOREN COOK II READ HIS STORY ON P. 34

“I have ‘nailed it’ by following up, engaging with our customers and always doing the right thing. You win with generosity and encouraging people.” #NailedIt

“I have failed quite often on many things in life and career. I would say I failed the most when I assumed instead of being prepared.” #FailedIt JOSH SULLIVAN READ HIS STORY ON P. 23

“The biggest nailed-its come from doing the work that lights me and my team on fire. When we do the work we love doing and focus on the work for what it is—not the money—we get projects like No Shave November and clients like Fight CRC.” #NailedIt

“I’ve made business decisions chasing money for my personal bottom line. Those decisions have always been the biggest failures of my career.” #FailedIt TRAVIS SCHNELLE READ HIS STORY ON P. 25

“I just went and got my GED and started doing this, because that’s what I wanted to do. If I had a nail-it moment in life related to the business, I’d say that was probably it. Jumping in the right industry.” #NailedIt

“I didn’t buy a bunch of crypto. I’m dead serious. Even being in technology, I thought, ‘Oh, yeah, this is just another fad. It’ll come and go.’” #FailedIt NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

NOW OPEN The Branson Element, a Marriott International hotel.

BUILDING FOUNDATIONS OF TRUST Expanding with investors like you. Proudly and dependably headquartered in Springﬁeld. 417.864.6303 | lifewithbryan.net

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G I V I N G B AC K

A DV I C E & W H I S K E Y

BEHIND THE PROCESS

WO R KS PAC E

Insights from mentors, makers and movers

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“We’ve always said you’re only as good as your reps. We could have a great product. We could have everything you want, but if we don’t have good reps representing us, [our products are] not going to be good in that particular market.”

P H O TO BY B R A N D O N A L M S

—Loren Cook II, (p. 34)

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

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Boys and Girls Clubs students participate in a construction project.

GIVING BACK

Growing the Future of Residential Construction The Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield has partnered with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Springfield to teach workforce development skills and show the viability of a career in residential construction trades. BY M A X H AV E Y

P H O TO C O U R T E SY T H E H O M E B U I L D E R S A S S O C I AT I O N

workforce development can some-

times be a tall order, but the Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield has found a great way to grow skills early by partnering with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Springfield. After learning about a similar national partnership, Laurie Soulsby, executive officer of the HBA of Greater Springfield, secured a grant through the National Association of Home Builders to bring the program to Springfield. “We wanted to get the message out to young people that residential building trades and careers are a viable option,” Soulsby says. For the past two summers, HBA members have volunteered mornings to work alongside high school-aged kids, building picnic tables in 2025 and cement planters in 2026. “Having a hands-on approach, getting tools

in these kids’ hands, we felt would be much more meaningful and get their attention a lot better than an hour lecture for three days,” Soulsby says. The projects give students practical experience and a sense of ownership, whether that’s signing the undersides of picnic tables or taking home the planters they made. “We want to take advantage of any opportunity to get in front of young people who are not sure of their career path,” Soulsby says. “I want to do this every year.”

MIDWEST PREMIER COMMERCIAL CHECKING With our high-interest commercial checking account, you'll earn 2.02% APY* on balances of $50,000 or more. Stop by our Springfield location or call to learn more about this account and our high-interest money market account.

2540 East Sunshine St 417-350-1311

PHILANTHROPIC PROFILE $2,000 grant each year (2025, 2026) 3 mornings spent with the Boys and Girls Clubs 18 kids working each day 6 member volunteers each day 3 picnic tables built in 2025

*APY = Annual Percentage Yield. APY accurate as of 1/1/23 and may change at any time. $50.00 minimum to open account. Balances of $50,000.00 or more receive 2.02% APY. Receive 0.25% APY if account balance falls below $50,000.00 at any time during the statement cycle. For accounts opened in the Springﬁeld, MO market only.

12 planters made in 2026

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

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MILESTONE PA R T N E R S P OT L I G H T

Chancellor Hal Higdon

Two decades ago, Chancellor Hal Higdon took the helm of Ozarks Tech with a vision to expand educational opportunities for southwest Missouri’s workforce. Over the past 20 years, Higdon, now Missouri’s longest-serving community college president, has led Ozarks Tech’s transformation into a leading community college system through strategic foresight and fiscal stewardship. Throughout his career, Higdon has championed the role of community colleges as engines of economic development. Under his leadership, Ozarks Tech has helped drive regional growth by educating thousands of students annually, aligning training programs with evolving industry needs and cultivating employer relationships. A defining achievement is the opening of the Robert

W. Plaster Center for Advanced Manufacturing in 2022. The $40 million, 120,000-square-foot facility represented a significant investment in technical education, emerging technologies and short-term workforce training. Beyond expanding critical infrastructure, Higdon leads collaboratively within the community to come up with solutions to some of the region’s most pressing economic challenges. Ozarks Tech is a founding member of the Alliance for Healthcare Education, an innovative partnership formed to address workforce shortages by reducing educational costs and streamlining medical training. As Ozarks Tech continues to evolve, Higdon has positioned the college to remain a driving force in strengthening the regional workforce pipeline for years to come.

Ozarks Tech 1001 E. Chestnut Expressway, Springfield 417-447-7500

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

ozarkstech.edu

P H O TO C O U R T E SY O Z A R KS T E C H

Building a Regional Workforce Powerhouse

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ADVICE & WH ISKEY

BY DORI GRINDER

As Seen on TV Whether you know him as a former sports broadcaster or a TV infomercial producer, Scott Opfer, CEO of Opfer Communications, is responsible for selling more than $2 billion in products worldwide. Over drinks at Metropolitan Grill, he shares how sports prepared him for business.

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When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? “I wanted to play football. I was very fortunate to play for Winona State University and had a great college career. When I realized that I wasn’t going to play for a living, I thought about being a sports guy. It was the next best thing to playing.” On the Chicago to Springfield Move “The first weekend I was here, I met Ned Reynolds, and Tom Mast was my boss. Ned was my competitor, yet it felt like being part of the same fraternity here. The longer I lived here, the more I realized I loved it here. Once you get entrenched in the community, it’s pretty tough not to like.”

What has sports taught you about business? “Everything. There’s no classroom in the world that can teach you the realities of business—adversity, dealing with sudden changes, teamwork, commitment, discipline, work ethic, focus. Football taught me everything that I ever knew or needed to know about business. Those intangibles from football got me on the [...] path for my own personal success.”

THE RECEIPT Scott Opfer >> Jack Daniels on the rocks Dori Grinder >> Paris Elderflower Blonde

On weathering business disruptions “First it was the September 11 terrorist attacks, then COVID, and right now it’s AI. However, if you have the right product at the right time, no matter how you get it there, it can go to the moon.” What’s the weirdest thing you ever created a commercial for? “Oh, that’s easy, Zoomies. Zoomies are these glasses that you dial in, and they are like binoculars.” Did they sell? “Oh, yeah, because they were so stupid. People bought them.” On working with the tech of the day “You need to embrace technology. Either get on board or get out of the way. It’s like with AI—get it to work for you, or you’re going to work for it.” If business were like baseball, what would be your walk-up song? “Enter Sandman” by Metallica. What three words do you use to describe yourself? “Caring, committed, competitive.” What three words would others use to describe you? “Loyal, intense, direct.” NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

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ROOTED HERE

Loren Cook Company’s Global Expansion from Springfield After 85 years in business, Loren Cook Company continues to manufacture ventilation products used around the world while keeping its headquarters, family leadership and operational roots firmly in 417-land.

when loren cook company moved to

Springfield in 1964, the decision was strategic: the city’s central location made it easier to ship products to both coasts. More than 60 years later, that location remains at the heart of the commercial ventilation manufacturer’s global success. Founded in 1941 by Loren Cook in Berea, Ohio, a Cleveland suburb, the business started with a simple roof relief unit. In 1964, Loren’s son, Jerry, moved to Springfield and opened a 17,000-squarefoot operation. The Springfield facility 34

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

continued to grow, and in 1989, Loren Cook Company consolidated its remaining Ohio operations here, improving manufacturing and freight efficiencies. Today, while the manufacturer has expanded production to Kansas and Oklahoma, 417-land remains home to its headquarters, educational center and more than 800,000 square feet of manufacturing space across multiple facilities. Loren Cook Company manufactures commercial ventilation equipment used in buildings around the world, from

restaurants and hotels to sports stadiums and high-rises. Its fans have been installed at AT&T Stadium (the Dallas Cowboys’ famously state-of-the-art stadium), the White House and Tesla’s Austin manufacturing plant. “We’ve been very blessed never to have a layoff,” says Loren Cook II, the company’s president and third-generation family leader. He attributes that, along with the company’s longevity, largely to financial discipline. “We’ve been very good stewards of our money,” he says,

P H O TO S BY B R A N D O N A L M S

B Y TA R Y N S H O R R - M C K E E

Massive ventilation fans (far left) on their way to a school in Canada. Jacqueline Cook is the fourth generation, and her father, Loren Cook II (left), is the third generation to work in the family business.

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Just a few of the more than 250 products on display in the company’s showroom (right). Lab fans during assembly on the manufacturing floor (below right).

adding that the company’s longtime approach has been to reinvest in the business to prepare for downturns. The company has been debt-free since the early 2000s. Growth accelerated in the 1990s as the company diversified its product line, filling gaps in its catalog and becoming what Cook describes as “a more complete manufacturer.” That breadth helped the company attract stronger sales representatives, while significant investments in software made it easier for engineers and customers to select products based on their applications, pricing and efficiency needs. “We’ve always said you’re only as good as your reps,” Cook says. “We could have a great product. We could have everything you want, but if we don’t have good reps representing us, [our products are] not going to be good in that particular market.” The family’s connection to the business runs just as deep. Loren Cook II has worked at the business full-time for 40 years, following summers spent in the plant as a teenager. His daughter, Jacqueline Cook, recently joined the company as its Sales & Marketing Coordinator, representing the fourth generation. After spending nine years post-college in Dallas, where she worked in merchandising and owned an event-planning business, Jacqueline returned home to Springfield in June 2026. She sees an opportunity to help translate an 85-year-old manufacturer’s work for a younger generation. “There’s a lot of growth

BIZ BASICS Company founded: 1941 Headquarters: Springfield Type of company: privately owned Number of employees in 417-land: About 600 Most recently reported revenue: Undisclosed

for us because we’ve been around for 85 years,” she says. “We’ve been able to grow in this space and for the younger generation to see what we do and how we do it.” For Loren Cook Company, the formula for growth has never required outgrowing Springfield. Instead, the company has spent 85 years expanding its reach while continuing to invest in its people and the place that became its home. NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

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when you pull into a strip mall or

Springfield Sign Takes a Logo From Concept to Landmark, One Careful Step at a Time

roll past a national retailer, you probably don’t think much about the sign above the door. Trey Watts lives and breathes these installations. As Vice President of Sales at Springfield Sign, Watts is involved in every step of a project’s journey. It starts with that first client meeting and ends with a crane lifting thousands of pounds of aluminum and LED components into place. The company’s roots are far more modest. What began 40 years ago as a one-person vinyl graphics shop

Trey Watts, vice president of sales at Springfield Sign, walks through the journey each sign produced at his company takes. BY MEGAN PRICE

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

in Monett has now grown into a national production force. Today, Springfield Sign employs around 200 people, works with 30 to 40 regional and national accounts, and has installations across the lower 48 states, as well as in Canada, Hawaii and Alaska. STEP 1: THE CONSULTATION

Every project starts with a conversation. Some clients arrive with a fully developed logo and a clear vision. Other clients walk in with a business name and a dream, or,

P H O TO BY B R A N D O N A L M S

BEHIND THE PROCESS

can build a $500 sign, or I can build a $200,000 sign,” he says. “I really just need to know what a client is prepared to spend so we can tailor the design to the budget.” STEP 2: DESIGN

Once the client conversation wraps, the project moves to the conceptual art department, which creates the visual proofs. From there, it passes to a separate technical design team whose job is to translate the dream into something buildable. “Unlike the conceptual [team] that are kind of in the clouds and dreaming things up, we have a technical design side that takes those concepts and makes them buildable,” Watts explains. The technical design team handles vectorizing logos, producing hard-line drawings, and mapping out exactly how each element will be cut and constructed. STEP 3: PERMITTING

Trey Watts is Vice President of Sales at Springfield Sign, where products are created for clients like Culver’s and Plaza Tire Service.

increasingly often these days, an AI-generated concept image. “In the new age of AI, a lot of people come to us with Canva or ChatGPT-created images that we then take the concepts and turn them into something that’s buildable,” Watts says. “What a lot of people don’t understand is that AI resource is great for creating concepts, but that’s what it typically stops at. It’s not a buildable product or a finished logo design at that point.” Budget discussions happen early, and Watts is direct about why. “I

Before a single piece of aluminum is cut, Springfield Sign handles all permitting on the client’s behalf, and Watts notes that this step is anything but a formality. “In our world, the permitting process can be one of the most difficult aspects of getting a sign installed,” he says. In Springfield, a permit can be secured within one to two weeks of submittal. In other larger cities around the country, the wait can stretch to two months or more. STEP 4: FABRICATION

Next, the project moves to the production floor where everything is built in-house. Raw materials include aluminum sheet stock and structural shapes, acrylic and polycarbonate plastics, vinyl, automotive-grade paint, LED modules, and the electrical components that bring illuminated signs to life. About 140 of the company’s approximate 200 employees work on the production floor across multi-

ple shifts. In recent years, the company has invested in automated equipment, including a sheet laser that can run unmanned around the clock. The goal is not to replace workers but to increase production and ensure they always have pre-processed materials that are ready to go. Any given project moves through welders, painters, electrical assembly technicians, CNC and laser operators, sanders and graphic technicians before it’s finished. STEP 5: QUALITY CONTROL

Before anything is packed into a crate and shipped, internal project managers conduct a final inspection. Colors, illumination, surface quality and crate integrity all get checked. However, the stakes are higher when the product is headed across the country than when it’s staying local. “It’s a lot different if I ship a sign to Florida and I’ve got a quality problem,” Watts explains. “If it’s right down the street, it’s easy to fix. If I ship it to Florida, it becomes much more difficult.” STEP 6: INSTALLATION

For jobs within about 250 miles of Springfield, the company’s own field crews handle installation, operating cranes capable of lifting thousands of pounds of signage into position. For projects farther away, Springfield Sign ships the product and manages a network of subcontractors for installation. A dedicated service department handles repairs and maintenance on signs across the region, whether Springfield Sign built them or not. “There aren’t too many places I can go in the country that we don’t have some of our product in a market there,” Watts says. “When I started 19 years ago, that wasn’t a thought or even a dream of mine.” NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

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1 WO R KS PAC E

Sankofa, meaning “looking back to inform your future,” blends affordable housing and commercial space. It’s the first new construction on Commercial Street in 80 years. BY DORI GRINDER

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

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COZY, AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Multiple floorplans are available at Sankofa including studio apartments, one-bedroom units and twobedroom units.

P H O TO C O U R T E SY V E C I N O

New Construction on C-Street

EXTERIOR ENTRANCE

The goal for the new building, which was developed, designed, constructed and branded by Vecino, was to aesthetically blend well within the fabric of the C-Street neighborhood.

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P H O TO S B Y B R A N D O N A L M S, C O U R T E SY V E C I N O

4 5 6

COMMUNITY ROOM

Residents have access to multiple shared spaces at Sankofa. The third floor community room offers a birdseye view of C-Street. WORKOUT ROOM WITH VIEW

Modern amenities include a workout room for residents (pictured) and a patio in the back. ARTISTIC ENTRANCE

The Sankofa bird by local mosaic artist Christine Schilling welcomes residents home near the entrance of the residential space. EXTERIOR

What used to be a surface parking lot is now a four-story mixed use development with 42 living units. NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

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ADINKRA GREETING

Adinkra is a West African language, and these characters spell out I am home. “We like to add Easter eggs, hidden special things at our properties,” says Patrick McWhirt, chief creative officer at Vecino. “Whether the residents know or not, it creates points of conversation.”

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

P H O TO S BY B R A N D O N A L M S, C O U R T E SY V E C I N O G R O U P

UNIQUE RETAIL SPACE

So far, the five street-facing commercial spaces include SBC Community Bike Shop (pictured), Sugar & Glow and Springfield Multicultural Business Center. The nearly 1,700-square-foot southeast corner unit would be ideal for a restaurant or cafe.

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BEYOND BUSINESS PA R T N E R S P OT L I G H T

Travis Schnelle

P H O TO BY K AT Y ST. C L A I R

A Business Built on People More than 25 years into building ACIS IT Solutions, Travis Schnelle has plenty to be proud of. But when he talks about the company, he’s quick to talk about his team and how grateful he is for the people who have helped build it alongside him. Schnelle found his way into the technology world as a teenager, starting ACIS in 1999 at just 19 and handling residential clients and hardware sales on his own. Today, he leads a team that provides managed IT, cybersecurity, network cabling and more to organizations across southwest Missouri. He has watched technology change dramatically over the years, and he’s seen plenty of changes within the business,

too. What matters most to him, though, is creating a workplace where people trust each other, look out for one another and have room to grow. He wants his employees to take on new challenges, build careers they’re proud of and know their work matters. Giving back is also important to Schnelle. The company donates monthly to local charities, supporting the community that has supported the business since its early days. ACIS continues to evolve, but its Springfield roots remain important to Schnelle. After all these years, he’s still grateful for the people beside him, especially the team that shows up every day and helps keep the company moving forward.

ACIS IT Solutions 1950 S. Glenstone Ave. Ste G, Springfield 417-823-7100

acisitsolutions.com

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

P H O TO BY T K P H OTO G

Behind every story and every brand are the faces and leaders who are shouldering monumental decisions. Faces of inspiration and new ideas, faces of grit and endurance. They are the faces keeping our economy strong, our families fed and our local pride alive.

These are the 2026 Faces of Biz 417.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

THE FACE OF ESTATE PLANNING

family dynamics that make every plan unique. LifeGen Law Group has served the Springfield community since 1993, and our team continues to build on that legacy through personalized guidance and thoughtful planning. While our firm has grown over the years, the values behind our work have stayed the same. We believe in listening first, caring for our clients and building relationships that last. One thing that sets our approach apart is the time we spend helping clients understand their options. During

417-233-4709 | LIFEGENLAWGROUP.COM | 1983 E. SEMINOLE ST., SPRINGFIELD Pictured: Cameron Jones, Kara Ransom, John Vaughan, Nathaniel Poivre, Lora Wright, Chandler Lyon

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

P H O TO BY T K P H OTO G

When people think about estate planning, they often think about paperwork. But we see it differently. It’s about family, priorities and making sure clients feel understood and confident about the future they are creating. We know the estate planning process can feel overwhelming, especially when families are faced with decisions about their finances, their loved ones and what happens next. That’s why we take a relationship-driven approach to every conversation. We start by listening, learning about each client’s goals and understanding the

Photo by Katy St. Clair

LIFEGEN LAW GROUP

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our consultations, we walk through each plan step by step, breaking down complex concepts and creating a clear picture of how everything works together. We believe the best estate plan is one clients understand and feel confident using. Our work also does not end once documents are signed. Life changes, and estate plans should evolve alongside those changes. We continue to support our clients through regular reviews and ongoing guidance to help ensure their plans still reflect their wishes.

The most rewarding part of our work is seeing the relief clients feel when they leave our office. Hearing someone say, “I finally understand this,” or “I feel so much better now,” is a reminder of why we do what we do. At LifeGen Law Group, we believe everyone deserves a plan that protects what matters most. Estate planning goes beyond preparing for the future. A thoughtful plan can provide peace of mind today and help protect the people and generations who matter most.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

THE FACE OF COMMERCIAL GENERAL CONTRACTORS

Today, we’re even building a new home of our own near downtown. The projects all look different, but each is an opportunity to leave this place a little better than we found it. That idea is at the heart of our company’s purpose: Grow Our People. Serve Our Clients. Build Our Communities. We’ve lined up with our neighbors to move books

417-450-6000 | NABHOLZ.COM | 1936 E. SAINT LOUIS ST., SPRINGFIELD Pictured: Tyler Verfurth, Ryan Thomassen, Brandon Wall, Dana Haase, Perry Winn 46

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

P H O TO BY T K P H OTO G

For 30 years, Nabholz has had the privilege of building in Springfield, a community that keeps growing, learning and serving. We like to think we’ve done the same. Our work in Springfield has brought us into nearly every part of community life. We’ve built across industrial, municipal, K-12, higher education, entertainment, healthcare, private commercial and banking sectors.

Photo by Katy St. Clair

NABHOLZ CONSTRUCTION

P H O TO BY T K P H OTO G

from an old library into a brand-new facility. We’ve volunteered as principal for the day at our local schools. We’ve packed backpacks, cleaned streets and helped interns begin their careers and grow into leaders within our company. Springfield isn’t simply where Nabholz does business. Our people live here, raise families here, volunteer here

and build careers here. For us, that’s part of what it means to build a community. We’re proud to be recognized as the Face of Commercial General Contractors. Springfield isn’t simply a place where Nabholz does business. It’s home. We’re proud of what we’ve built together and even more excited about the growth and learning ahead.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

THE FACE OF PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS

their high-quality promotional items. They trust us to deliver exceptional products—and you can too. Our professional team loves to brainstorm with you to form ideas, exceed your expectations and provide promotional items you’ll love. We combine our team’s expertise with extreme attention to detail, ensuring that every order that runs through our shop is perfect for your branding needs!

417-889-1200 | ADVERTISING-PLUS.COM | 2130 W. VISTA ST., SPRINGFIELD Pictured: Mitchell Kiser, Marc Kiser

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

P H O TO BY T K P H OTO G

Our business is promoting your business! At Advertising Plus, we can create anything with your logo. Of course, that includes screenprinting and embroidery, but the sky’s the limit! Think pens, awards, desktop items, electronics, golfing gear, tools, drinkware… and those are just a few of our most popular orders. We’re proud to partner with 417 Magazine to produce

Photo by Katy St. Clair

ADVERTISING PLUS

THE FACE OF CREDIT UNIONS

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Photo by Katy St. Clair

BLUCURRENT CREDIT UNION Life moves fast, and your financial needs deserve to keep pace. At BluCurrent, we combine cutting-edge solutions with personalized service to help you stay on top of today and ready for tomorrow. We have proudly served southwest Missouri since 1929, built on the belief that money matters, but people matter even more. Today, we serve over 24,000 members, manage more than $416 million in assets, and operate five branches in Springfield, Nixa and Republic, with an all-new Nixa location currently in construction.

Whether you’re buying your first home, starting a business or simply opening a checking account, we’re here to guide you through every stage of your financial journey. As a not-for-profit credit union, we reinvest our earnings into better rates, innovative products and stronger communities. When you bank with BluCurrent, you’re not just choosing a financial institution—you’re choosing local impact, trusted service and a partner who puts you first. Discover how BluCurrent can move you forward—visit us online or in-branch today. Federally insured by the NCUA.

417-887-1983 | BLUCURRENT.ORG | 4520 S. NATIONAL AVE., SPRINGFIELD Pictured: Daniel Pshonyak, Lily Brockus, Josh Clutter NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

THE FACE OF RESIDENTIAL RESTORATION

We also serve as a trusted resource for insurance agents, realtors and property managers who want dependable partners they can refer with confidence. Whether it’s a homeowner in crisis or a business navigating cleanup, we’re here to restore peace of mind, not just properties. What sets us apart? We lead with heart. We’re a local, family-owned business rooted right here in the Ozarks. This is home, and we care deeply about the people who live here. Our goal isn’t just to clean up damage—it’s to make sure people feel truly taken care of. Every step we take is guided by that commitment.

417-202-0324 | CGRMO.COM | 143 E. STATE HWY. CC, NIXA Pictured: Miles and Tarah McNeill 50

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

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We’re Miles and Tarah McNeill, the husband-and-wife team behind Clean Green Restoration in Nixa. Our company was born out of a desire to do restoration differently, rooted in integrity, clear communication and genuine care for people. We specialize in residential and commercial restoration for water, fire and mold damage. With nearly 20 years of hands-on experience and a background in insurance adjusting, we understand the challenges our clients face. We focus on building strong relationships and educating the community about what to do when disaster strikes, ensuring every client feels informed and supported every step of the way.

Photo by Katy St. Clair

CLEAN GREEN RESTORATION

THE FACE OF BUSINESS BANKING

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Photo by Katy St. Clair

COMMERCE BANK

No matter the challenges your business faces—and the questions that come with them—you don’t have to face them alone. At Commerce Bank, we’ve been helping businesses of all sizes find the solutions they need for 160 years. With deep industry knowledge across verticals, we’ve heard a lot of questions over the years, and we pride ourselves on offering innovative commercial

products and services to meet your particular needs. We’re here to help you thrive in all economic climates, with solutions and strategies built on trust, performance and a commitment to the health and vitality of the communities we serve. No matter what you ask of a financial partner, we’ll work tirelessly with you to find the answers you need, because nothing matters more to us than your success.

417-869-5411 | COMMERCEBANK.COM | 1345 E. BATTLEFIELD RD., SPRINGFIELD Pictured: Becky Gullett, Adam Reichert, Lacy Martin NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

THE FACE OF TRUST

professionals across the entire Commerce Trust footprint, including our dedicated, in-house financial planning and investment research teams. Commerce Trust clients benefit from the insights gained from administering more than $85 billion in total client assets through all market cycles.*

417-837-5261 | COMMERCETRUSTCOMPANY.COM | 1345 E. BATTLEFIELD, SPRINGFIELD Pictured: Josh Hartman, Tisha Trotter, Chris Sweet, David Richards *As of June 30, 2026. Commerce Trust is a division of Commerce Bank. Investment Products: Not FDIC Insured | May Lose Value | No Bank Guarantee

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

P H O TO BY T K P H OTO G

Since 1906, Commerce Trust, a division of Commerce Bank, has been a leading provider of financial and tax planning, investment management, private banking, and trust administration for private clients and institutions. Our experienced team in Springfield is backed by a staff of approximately 500

Photo by Katy St. Clair

COMMERCE TRUST

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THE FACE THE FACE OF OF

HEAVY TK CIVIL CONTRACTING

Photo by Katy St. Clair

TK H OTO IP MHAO GTO E CBY RED I TP BY A RG TIST NAME

EMERY SAPP & SONS Tk tk Emery Sapp & Sons (ESS) is a 100% employee-owned heavy civil construction company with more than 1,800 employee-owners across the Midwest. Since opening in Springfield in 2008, we have grown to more than 300 employee-owners in the region. For ESS, being part of this community means more than having an office here. It means building the infrastructure that keeps it moving. From the MoDOT Greene County Route MM Improvements to the Noble Hill Sanitary Landfill Expansion, our

employee-owners are putting their skills to work on projects that support growth, improve connectivity and serve the region for years to come. “When you own the work, you care about how it gets done,” says Paul Moody, Vice President at ESS. “We live here, our families live here, and we want to build something our community can be proud of.” At ESS, the ownership mindset means investing in our people, taking prideName in the work and building a stronger tk Business community together.

TK PHONE | TK WEBSITE TK ADDRESS Pictured: tk names 417-833-9915 | EMERYSAPP.COM | 5350 E. STATE HWY. AA, SPRINGFIELD Pictured: Tyson Collins, Chris Landwehr, Paul Moody

N4O1V7EMMABGE. R M B E R 2 02026 26 C /ODME C E JANUARY

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THE FACE OF FINANCIAL TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION

THE FACE OF

Because we were founded by bankers, we understand the day-to-day demands of financial institutions. We work alongside our clients through implementation, employee training and ongoing support to make sure our technology fits their workflows and serves their customers well. Springfield is where Invo began, and we’re proud to build a business here that serves financial institutions nationwide. Like Route 66, our local roots connect us to a much bigger journey. We represent a team that works together across development, security, sales and support. It’s rewarding to see our technology help financial tk Business Nameinstitutions grow while strengthening the relationships they’ve built with their customers. TK PHONE | TK WEBSITE

TK ADDRESS Pictured: tkAVE. names 855-468-6843 | INVOSOLUTIONS.COM | 4520 S. NATIONAL #101, SPRINGFIELD Pictured: James Dennis, Jake Martin, Thad Forrester 54 54

JANUARY N O V E M B2026 E R / D E4 C 1E7MMBAEG R. C 2 0O2M 6

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At Invo Solutions, we help banks and credit unions bring their experts and expertise to all their customers regardless of Tk tk fhwuh their geographical location. Based in Springfield, we provide financial technology tools such as video banking, two-way texting, appointment scheduling and online chat that make banking more convenient while keeping service personal. Video banking helps bridge a gap by connecting customers with lenders and other specialists without asking them to make another trip across town. Today, we continue building tools that help financial institutions provide better service, support their teams and make the most of the people and resources they already have.

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INVO SOLUTIONS TK

THE FACE OF COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

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JEFF CHILDS

Real estate is a competitive industry, especially in the retail, office and industrial sectors. As a nationally recognized SVN commercial realtor, I, Jeff Childs, SIOR, CCIM, connect clients with properties that support their business goals and investment strategies. Every day is a chance to offer insight and expertise that go beyond traditional brokerage. I am also a strong advocate for local economic development and workforce education. Through the Ozarks Tech Foundation, I see how technical training connects people with careers and helps employers in healthcare, manufacturing and skilled services find qualified talent. My regional involvement helps me anticipate opportu-

nities, advise clients and support long-term growth. With deep local market knowledge, I guide clients through uncertainty and help them navigate business growth, investment and real estate decisions. I invest in market research, advanced designations and ongoing training to stay ahead in the field. By prioritizing clients and finding solutions, I’ve earned a place among the top 1% of commercial real estate brokers worldwide, built on trust, hard work and market expertise. With over three decades in this profession, there is much to be grateful for. Faith, family and clients are the driving forces behind my commitment to excellence. Living in 417land, a place filled with wonderful people, is a true blessing.

CELL: 417-860-5447 | OFFICE: 417-887-8826 EXT. 104 | JEFF.CHILDS@SVN.COM Pictured: Jeff Childs NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

THE FACE OF IT MANAGED SERVICES ing essential technologies and world-class security built upon proven tools from the leading experts. This is also why we invested in building JIVE, an unparalleled AI environment made to keep business data safe while putting intelligence at the tips of our clients’ fingers and under user control. Because the next threshold for business technology is managed intelligence that brings security, data, AI, hardware and human potential together to foster smart growth and economic scalability. For us, IT is about resilience and speed for business systems. It’s also about people. Because technology alone doesn’t solve problems—people, armed with the right tools and information, do.

417-863-1700 | JMARK.COM | 1 550 E. REPUBLIC RD. BLDG. C, SPRINGFIELD Pictured: Karen Perdue, Controller; Chris Huels, President; Thomas Douglas, CEO; Brad Prost, Account Executive 56

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JMARK has been helping businesses scale with confidence since 1988. We turn technology and intelligence into kickstarters for growth by embedding ourselves into our clients’ businesses as strategic partners. We guard and analyze vital systems, preventing problems and highlighting opportunities for optimization. This empowers organizations to focus on serving their customers and seizing new opportunities. A veteran-owned company with more than 80 engineers and deep local roots, our philosophy is simple: People First, Technology Second. This core value guides how we serve every client. It’s why we deliver quarterly business impact reports, detailed five-year roadmaps for navigat-

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JMARK

THE FACE OF COMMERCIAL ARCHITECTURE

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KINETIC DESIGN + DEVELOPMENT

If you’re ready to turn an idea into a commercial space, you shouldn’t have to navigate endless zoning rules, design decisions and construction headaches. That’s why Kinetic Design + Development exists: to simplify the complex and accelerate your path from vision to opening. From the moment you reach out, we listen and clarify your vision, then guide you through site selection, municipal planning, architecture, interior design and even 3D building scans—all under one roof. Our consistent, repeatable process removes guesswork, reduces delays and keeps your project on track. With over four decades of combined leadership experience

and a team of nearly 90 professionals, we’ve completed 2,000 projects while helping brands like Bass Pro Shops, Thunder Ridge Nature Arena, 7 Brew Coffee, BluCurrent Credit Union and Missouri State Fair create spaces people love. Whether you’re developing a flagship store in the Ozarks or expanding a regional brand in the 50 states we’re licensed in, you’ll get a clear plan, reliable timelines and a partner who cares about your success. We handle permitting and compliance, anticipate hurdles and ensure every detail supports your goals, because “People Are Our Purpose” every day. When you’re ready to start your next chapter, let’s work together to make it a reality.

417-530-4321 | KINETICDD.COM | 2215 W. CHESTERFIELD BLVD., STE 01, SPRINGFIELD Pictured: Griffin Bobbett, Bay Mourer, Abbye Bobbett, Adam Kreher NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

THE FACE OF CPAS/ACCOUNTING

by example. Through our community giving program, KPM CARES, we encourage team members to pursue community involvement with volunteer opportunities, charitable giving, civic engagement and professional memberships. Beyond providing traditional accounting services, our professionals are trusted advisors who help clients navigate their entire business landscape and achieve their goals. At KPM, we believe in providing client-centered solutions; remaining apprised of industry trends, evolving tax laws and accounting regulations; and enriching the lives of our clients, communities and professionals.

417-882-4300 | KPMCPA.COM | 1445 E. REPUBLIC RD., SPRINGFIELD Pictured: Keith Seiwert, Gretchen Russell, Josh Brock, Rebecca Baker 58

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Founded in 1966, KPM CPAs & Advisors (KPM) has grown to become a leading Midwest firm, recognized as one of the top 300 firms in the United States. As one of the largest locally owned CPA and advisory firms in southwest Missouri, we pride ourselves on the technical expertise of our nearly 100 professionals serving our clients. While our size allows us to offer a broad range of services, we remain committed to providing the personalized attention that our clients deserve. At KPM, we are dedicated to building stronger communities through the commitment of time, resources and expertise and understand there’s only one way to lead—

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KPM CPAS & ADVISORS

THE FACE OF HOSPITALITY

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OASIS HOTEL & CONVENTION CENTER We didn’t set out to build another hotel—we set out to build a place Springfield would be proud to call its own. At Oasis Hotel & Convention Center, we believe hospitality is about creating experiences people remember long after they check out. As Springfield’s resort-style, full-service hotel and convention center, we offer everything guests need in one place, from 172 comfortable guestrooms and 30,000 square feet of flexible meeting space to Fire & Ice Restaurant & Bar, Bella’s Pizzeria, The Palms Massage Therapy Services and both indoor and outdoor pools. What truly sets us apart is our people. Our team is driven by a passion for serving others, and that genuine care shines through in every interaction. Many of our

associates have been with us for years, building lasting relationships with returning guests and clients who appreciate being greeted by name and welcomed like family. As part of the Ascend Hotel Collection by Choice Hotels, we combine the benefits of a trusted global brand with the distinctive character of an independent destination. We’re proud to be part of Springfield, not just located here. With our parent company, Prime Inc., headquartered in the city, we’re invested in helping our community thrive. There’s nothing cookie-cutter about the Oasis. We have our own personality, our own story and a commitment to making every guest’s stay feel authentic, memorable and uniquely Springfield.

417-866-5253 | SPRINGFIELDOASIS.COM | 2546 N. GLENSTONE AVE., SPRINGFIELD Pictured: Stephanie Steele, Missy Handyside-Chambers, Andrea Adams, Cassie Shurtz NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

THE FACE OF COMMUNITY BANKING Our connected, experienced teams work together to support personal, commercial, mortgage, treasury and digital banking customers with the responsiveness and care they deserve. We’re all in on delivering a better banking experience and helping create brighter futures for the people and businesses we serve. That’s what we mean by community banking made better. We’re proud to be your trusted community bank, ready to meet your financial needs today and for years to come.

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At OMB Bank, every decision is guided by our commitment to community. From loans for your home, business, car or farm to feature-packed checking accounts and top-tier digital banking tools, our focus stays local. We pair personal, dedicated support with innovative technology that makes everyday banking faster and more convenient. For nearly 30 years, we’ve built our bank around excellent service and real relationships, where customers are people, not account numbers. Decisions are made right here by people who live, work and invest in the communities we serve.

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OMB BANK

THE FACE OF EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

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POINT C

Point C is a national third-party administrator with local market presence that provides customized self-funded health benefit plans. Our commitment and partnership go one step further than typical solutions in the market—to do more for employers and their members, empowering them to go beyond the standard “point A to point B” to Point C. Formerly known as Med-Pay, we have proudly served

southwest Missouri and the Midwest for over 40 years. Our commitment is focused on providing cost-effective, high-value healthcare solutions that empower employers and support members. Point C represents a diverse client base that includes prestigious public institutions, regional employers and locally owned businesses of all sizes. There are many companies with a mission. Point C is a mission with a company.

417-886-6886 | POINTCHEALTH.COM | 1650 E. BATTLEFIELD RD., SPRINGFIELD Pictured: Marshall Kinne, Pam Mathis, Gordon Kinne NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

THE FACE OF PROFESSIONAL CLEANING Springfield base—we serve a wide region across southwest Missouri, including Rolla, Lebanon, Branson, West Plains, Monett, Joplin and Bolivar. No matter your location or facility size, Quality Clean brings the same attention to detail, consistency and hometown pride. With more than two decades of experience under our belt, we know what it takes to earn—and keep—your trust. When you choose Quality Clean, you’re choosing local experts who live and work where you do, and who are committed to excellence at every level. Quality Clean Janitorial Services: a cleaner space, from Springfield to all of southwest Missouri.

417-833-4250 | MYQUALITYCLEAN.COM | 2305 E. OLIVE CT. A, SPRINGFIELD Pictured: Cindy and Burnis Gibson 62

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Springfield roots, regional reach. For more than 23 years, Quality Clean Janitorial Services has been proudly rooted in Springfield, Missouri. Locally owned and homegrown, we’ve built a reputation for reliability, integrity and exceptional service throughout the Ozarks. From small office spaces to sprawling industrial facilities, our professional janitorial team is trusted by businesses of all sizes to maintain clean, healthy and productive environments. Whether you run a downtown Springfield office or a large-scale manufacturing plant, we deliver customized cleaning solutions tailored to your needs. Our reach extends far beyond our

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QUALITY CLEAN

THE FACE OF RELIABLE TOYOTA

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Photo by Katy Brandon St. ClairAlms

RELIABLE TOYOTA

At Reliable Toyota, success has never been measured solely by vehicles sold or awards earned—it’s defined by people, relationships and community. For decades, our Springfield dealership has built lasting customer trust and a deep sense of hometown pride. That pride begins with our team. Reliable Toyota is built on loyalty, mentorship and growth, and many of our employees have built long, fulfilling careers here—growing with the company and now helping lead it. Beyond the showroom, Reliable Toyota is deeply rooted

in its community. Each year, our team supports dozens of local charities and community groups, including longstanding partnerships with organizations dedicated to youth development, wellness and the arts. From major fundraising events to hands-on volunteer efforts, Reliable Toyota believes in investing in the people who make the Ozarks home. At Reliable Toyota, “reliable” isn’t just a name—it’s our way of doing business, caring for people and being part of a community we’re proud to call home.

417-459-4400 | RELIABLETOYOTAMO.COM | 3521 E. SUNSHINE ST., SPRINGFIELD Pictured: Cindy Goodin, Assistant Controller; Matt Sibet, General Manager; Brad Perkins, Parts Director NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

THE FACE OF AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES

Rick’s is also the Professional Sprinter Service Provider of the Ozarks, being the only fleet repair shop in southwest Missouri with authorized diagnostic tools specific to Sprinter. No matter how large we grow, we continue to appreciate the business of individuals for their personal cars, where we got our humble start! Our technicians are dedicated and make it a priority to stay up-to-date on the latest technologies. Many have been on our team for 20 years and some even 30! We have worked hard to earn and keep the trust of our community, and we hope to do so for decades to come. We are proud to be your Face of Automotive Services.

417-887-2225 | RICKSAUTOMOTIVE.COM | 2121 S. CAMPBELL AVE., SPRINGFIELD Pictured: Kala and Travis Comfort 64

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Did you know that Rick and Karen Hughlett founded Rick’s Automotive, Inc. in 1980, and what has become a multi-operational enterprise initially began with just two employees? After decades of success, a new generation of family members is now running the operation—Rick and Karen’s daughter Kala and her husband, Travis. Kala grew up watching her parents and eventually followed in their footsteps. Travis has worked his way up over the last 17 years to VP. We started by working with local families on their personal vehicles and quickly grew to maintaining ambulances for both local hospitals and fleet vehicles for 150 local companies.

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RICK’S AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

THE FACE OF EXECUTIVE COACHING

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Photo by Katy Jessica St. Clair Yates Studio

STRATEGIC SOULUTIONS For more than a decade, I have coached CEOs, executive teams and leaders to clarify what matters most, simplify what feels complicated, turn their vision into action and achieve their goals. Leadership, business and life are connected, and the strongest results come when we coach them as one. When leaders see the whole picture, they lead with confidence and build momentum in business and life. My background in psychology and communication led me to coaching. As the first professionally trained EOS®/Traction® Implementer in the region, I’ve helped several organizations build a business operating system that drives accountability, develops strong teams and delivers results. Today, I combine those timeless business tools with training as a

transformational life, leadership and business coach, plus NLP, Timeline Therapy®, hypnotherapy and IFS-informed coaching. Whether one-on-one with a leader or alongside an entire organization, I tailor each approach to the client. I love being part of the moment a leader begins to see the possibilities ahead and steps into their vision, dreams and goals. Those shifts have a lasting effect, not only on the leader but on their teams, their businesses and the people around them. Witnessing that growth and being part of the ripple effect makes this work so meaningful to me. I am proud to call the 417 home. My goal is to help leaders maximize their leadership, scale their businesses and live their best lives.

STRATEGICSOULUTIONS.COM | 331 E. WATER ST., SPRINGFIELD Pictured: Jill Phillips NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

THE FACE OF SALES MASTERY lenges long-held sales beliefs, turns the tables on prospects and places the power and control of the sales process firmly in the hands of the sales professionals. Maybe it’s time to learn why traditional selling strategies fail. Are you ready to close more sales and build a team of sales masters? Connect with us today to start the conversation.

417-425-7310 | GO.SANDLER.COM/TRUSTPOINT | 2870 S. INGRAM MILL RD., SPRINGFIELD Pictured: Aaron Solari, Bev and Brett Baker 66

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If it were easy, everyone would do it. Selling is a tough job. And salespeople don’t always have the tools they need to do it well. That’s where Trustpoint comes in. Trustpoint, a Sandler Training center, is built for sales professionals who have the desire to sell ethically and get to the truth faster, and are willing to be challenged to grow. Our bold, take-charge approach to the sales process chal-

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TRUSTPOINT

SAVE THE DATE: JULY 21–22, 2027 BRANSON CONVENTION CENTER FOUNDING SPONSORS

APPLICATIONS CLOSE FEBRUARY 13, 2027

MORE THAN AN AWARD. A CATALYST FOR CULTURE.

Biz 417’s Best Places to Work is where recognition meets real insight. More than a trophy, this is your team’s truth, straight from the people living it every day. When you apply, you’re not just chasing a title. You’re unlocking honest feedback that shows what’s working, where to level up and why your people stay. The award lasts a year, but the

Presented By:

insights can fuel decades.

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APPLY NOW AT BIZ417.COM/BPTW

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

The definitive list of 417-land’s most influential business leaders right now. + 2026 P E RS O N O F T H E Y E A R

Tom Douglas CEO, JMARK

Profiles by J O R DA N B LO M Q U I S T, M A X H AV E Y, A LYS S A R O N E Y, K AT Y S T. C L A I R Edited by D O R I G R I N D E R Photos courtesy T H E 2 0 2 6 B I Z 1 0 0 H O N O R E E S

The Biz 100 list is reviewed by advisory board members and selected by Biz 417’s editorial team. We evaluate current and prospective nominees based on their individual business success, their impact on the local business community and their community involvement this year. Current honorees are eligible to appear again, but as people retire, leave the area or otherwise take a step back, they may be taken off the list. Generally speaking, leaders who are new to their roles don’t make the list in their first year, but when someone dives in and has an immediate effect, we make an exception. List-makers can come from any industry and hold any title; we’re looking for people whose hard work and vision make tangible differences in 417-land. Some leaders on this list might prefer to avoid the limelight, but we’ve chosen to brag about them anyway. If you think we missed someone who deserves to be on the list, tell us! Email the editor at Dori@417mag.com.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

M E E T T H E 2026 B I Z 100 H O N O R E ES AGRICULTURE

EDUCATION

HEALTHCARE

Dustin Eldridge, p. 74 ★

Dr. Tyrone Bledsoe, p. 71 Dr. Jeff Frederick, p. 71 Dr. Hal Higdon, p. 71 ● Dr. Brad Johnson, p. 71 Dr. Grenita Lathan, p. 71 Patrick Ransdell, p. 79 ★ Dr. Richard B. “Biff” Williams, p. 79 ★ Casey Woods, p. 79 ★

Max Buetow, p. 75 Michael Calhoun, p. 75 Teresa Coyan, p. 75 Dr. C.J. Davis, p. 77 Clay Goddard, p. 75 John Myers, p. 75 Dr. Matthew Stinson, p. 75

ARCHITECTURE, ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION

David Atkisson, p. 70 Brad Erwin, p. 70 ● Steve Prange, p. 70 Ben Sapp, p. 70 Sean Thouvenot, p. 70 Adam Toth, p. 76 ★ Rachel York, p. 73 ★ ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Beth Domann, p. 70 ● Geoff Steele, p. 70 AUTO & TRANSPORTATION

Robert Low, p. 70 ● David Schaumburg, p. 70 ★ Mark Walker, p. 70 Darrel Wilson, p. 70 BUSINESS SERVICES

Matthew Adkins, p. 71 ★ Jonas Arjes, p. 71 ★ Dr. Spencer Harris, p. 71 Matt Morrow, p. 71 ● Rachel Munday, p. 71

FINANCE & BANKING

Joselyn Baldner, p. 72 Paula Dougherty, p. 72 Robert Fulp, p. 72 Mark Harrington, p. 72 Keith Noble, p. 72 Gary W. Schafer II, p. 72 Becky Scorse, p. 72 ★ Joseph W. Turner, p. 72 ● FOOD & BEVERAGE

Shawn Askinosie, p. 72 ● Michael Cho, p. 72 Pat Duran, p. 72 Andy Kuntz, p. 72 ● Jeff Seifried, p. 72 Paul Sundy, p. 72 Joshua Widner, p. 72

INSURANCE

Trevor Crist, p. 75 Marshall Kinne, p. 74 Richard Ollis, p. 75 ● LAW

David Agee, p. 75 ● Jason Smith, p. 75 Randell Wallace, p. 75 Elizabeth Wente, p. 75 MANUFACTURING

Rick Britton, p. 78 Sally Hargis, p. 78 ● David Moore, p. 78 ● Jack Stack, p. 78 ● MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

Chris Jarratt, p. 78 Josh Sullivan, p. 78

NONPROFIT

RETAIL

Dr. Amy Blansit, p. 76 Erin Danastasio, p. 78 Hal Donaldson, p. 78 Brandy Harris, p. 78 Winter Kinne, p. 78 Rob Marsh, p. 78 ★ Krystal Simon, p. 78 Jaimie Trussell, p. 78 PUBLIC & ELECTED OFFICIALS

David Cameron, p. 78 Dwayne Fulk, p. 78 Jeff Schrag, p. 80 Cathy Stepp, p. 80 Paul F. Williams, p. 80 REAL ESTATE

Christina Angle, p. 80 Jeff Childs, p. 80 Sam Coryell, p. 80 Adam Graddy, p. 73 ★ John Griesemer, p. 80 ● Bryan Magers, p. 80 Patrick Murney, p. 80 ● Tom Rankin, p. 80 ● Cade Rogers, p. 80 Debbie Shantz Hart, p. 80 Stephanie Stenger, p. 80

Brad Beckham, p. 80 Audrey Garard, p. 81 Jonathan Garard, p. 81 Jessica Harmison-Olson, p. 81 Johnny Morris, p. 81 ● TECHNOLOGY

Person of the Year Thomas H. Douglas, p. 82 ● Jarad Johnson, p. 81 Doug Pitt, p. 81 ● TRAVEL & TOURISM

Debbie Bennett, p. 81 Kirk Elmquist, p. 81 Mark Hecquet, p. 81 Tim O’Reilly, p. 81 ● Dan Reiter, p. 77 Brad Thomas, p. 81 Pamela Yancey, p. 81

★ Denotes first-time Biz 100 honorees ● Denotes honorees who have

been Biz 100 all 11 years

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

THE 2026 BIZ 100 LIST

AGRICULTURE

8. Rachel York OW N E R, D O N C O 3 CONSTRUCTION

1. Dustin Eldridge

New

C O - OW N E R, JOPLIN REGIONAL S T O C K YA R D S

New

ARCHITECTURE, ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

9. Beth Domann E X E C U T I V E D I R E C T O R, SPRINGFIELD LITTLE T H E AT R E

4 2. David Atkisson SPRINGFIELD OFFICE

L E A D E R, J E D U N N

10. Geoff Steele

B.S., Missouri State University Returning, Fourth Year

E X E C U T I V E D I R E C T O R, GILLIOZ CENTER FOR A R T S & E N T E R TA I N M E N T

Returning, Fourth Year

3. Brad Erwin P R E S I D E N T, PA R AG O N ARCHITECTURE

M. Arch., University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Returning, 11th Year

4. Steve Prange 7

B.F.A., Stephens College Returning, 11th Year

AUTO & TRANSPORTATION

11. Robert Low F O U N D E R A N D C E O,

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT

PRIME, INC.

- DIRECTOR OF

Returning, 11th Year

S T R AT E GY & B U S I N E S S D E V E LO P M E N T,

12. Dave Schaumburg

C R AW F O R D, M U R P H Y &

DIRECTOR, SPRINGFIELD-

T I L LY

BRANSON NATIONAL

B.S.C.E., Bradley University Returning, Third Year

5. Ben Sapp PA R T N E R | B U S I N E S S

13. Mark Walker

D E V E LO P M E N T, S A P P

C H A I R M A N A N D C E O,

DESIGN ARCHITECTS

B.A., Drury University Returning, 10th Year

6. Sean Thouvenot

14. Darrel Wilson

V I C E P R E S I D E N T,

OW N E R, W I L S O N

BRANCO ENTERPRISES

B.S., Central Missouri State University Returning, Second Year

12 13 14

7. Adam Toth P R E S I D E N T, T O T H A N D A S S O C I AT E S , I N C .

B.S., University of Missouri; M.B.A., Missouri State University New

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

TRANSLAND TRUCKING

B.S., University of Arkansas Returning, Fourth Year

LO G I S T I C S

Returning, Second Year

P H O TO S BY B R A N D O N A L M S, K AT Y S T. C L A I R

AIRPORT

B.S., College of the Ozarks New

THE 2026 BIZ 100 LIST

BUSINESS SERVICES

21. Dr. Jeff Frederick P R E S I D E N T, D R U RY U N I V E RS I T Y

15. Matthew Adkins VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICER, BRANSON/LAKES AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU AND TANEY COUNTY PARTNERSHIP

M.B.A., Northern Kentucky University New

16. Jonas Arjes SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, SPRINGFIELD AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

B.S., Missouri State University New

17. Dr. Spencer Harris O W N E R , H A B I TAT C O M M U N I C AT I O N & C U LT U R E

B.S., M.A., Missouri State University; PhD., University of Kansas Returning, Second Year

18. Matt Morrow PRES I D E NT/C EO, S PRI N G FI E LD AREA CHAM B E R O F CO M M E RC E

B.S., M.B.A., Southwest Baptist University Returning, 11th Year

19. Rachel Munday ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - MISSOURI

P H O TO S BY B R A N D O N A L M S, K AT Y S T. C A L I R

STATE UNIVERSITY

B.G.S., University of Missouri Returning, Fifth Year

EDUCATION

Ph.D., Auburn University, B.S., M.A., University of Central Florida Returning, Second Year

16 17

22. Dr. Hal Higdon C H A N C E L LO R, O Z A R KS TECH

B.S., University of Alabama; M.Ed., Ph.D. University of Southern Mississippi Returning, 11th Year

19 18

23. Dr. Brad Johnson P R E S I D E N T, C O L L E G E O F T H E O Z A R KS

BSED, Ed.D., Baylor University; MAMFC, MARE, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary Returning, Fourth Year

21 20

24. Dr. Grenita Lathan S U P E R I N T E N D E N T, SPRINGFIELD PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Ph.D., Southern Illinois University; M.S., University of North Carolina; B.S., North Carolina A&T State University Returning, Sixth Year

25. Patrick Ransdell DIRECTOR OF AT H L E T I C S , M I S S O U R I S TAT E U N I V E RS I T Y

B.A., Western Kentucky University; M.B.A., M.S.A., Ohio University New

24 25

26. Dr. Richard B. “Biff” Williams P R E S I D E N T, M I S S O U R I S TAT E U N I V E RS I T Y

B.S., Weber State University; M.S., Indiana State University; PhD, New Mexico State University New

27. Casey Woods 20. Dr. Tyrone Bledsoe P R E S I D E N T/C E O, S A A B

B.A., M.Ed, Mississippi State University; Ph.D, University of Georgia Returning, Second Year

H E A D FO OTBA LL C OAC H , M I S S O U R I S TATE U N I V E RS IT Y

B.S., M.S., University of Tennessee New

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

THE 2026 BIZ 100 LIST

29 30

FINANCE & BANKING

FOOD & BEVERAGE

28. Joselyn Baldner

36. Shawn Askinosie

P R E S I D E N T A N D C E O,

F O U N D E R A N D C E O,

CENTRAL BANK

A S K I N O S I E C H O C O L AT E

Returning, Sixth Year

B.S., J.D., University of Missouri Returning, 11th Year

29. Paula Dougherty

OW N E R/C H I E F O P E R AT I N G O F F I C E R,

37. Michael Cho

AC H I E V E P R I VAT E

C O - F O U N D E R, C R A F T

W E A LT H

B.S., M.B.A., Missouri State University Returning, Seventh Year

S U S H I RO L L S & B OW L S

B.S., Rutgers University Returning, Third Year

38. Pat Duran 34 35

30. Robert Fulp

EXECUTIVE CHEF AND

SPRINGFIELD

OW N E R, M E T RO P O L I TA N

P R E S I D E N T, G R E AT

Returning, Second Year

B.S., Missouri State University Returning, Ninth Year

39. Andy Kuntz

31. Mark Harrington 36

40. Jeff Seifried

B L AC K W E L L’ S M E N ’ S C LO T H I N G

C O - F O U N D E R, B I G

41. Paul Sundy W H I S K E Y ’ S A M E R I CA N R E S TAU R A N T & B A R

B.S., Missouri State University Returning, Eighth Year

A.A., Ozarks Technical Community College; B.B.M., Evangel University Returning, Seventh Year

34. Becky Scorse

42. Joshua Widner

BANK

BSBA, Missouri Southern State University New

35. Joseph W. Turner P R E S I D E N T A N D C E O, G R E AT S O U T H E R N B A N K

B.S., Drake University; J.D., University of Missouri Returning, 11th Year

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

C O M PA N Y A N D

33. Gary W. Schafer II

P R E S I D E N T, G UA R A N T Y

MOTHER’S BREWING

Drury University Returning, Sixth Year

F O RV I S M A Z A RS

P R E S I D E N T A N D OW N E R,

B.S., Missouri State University; M.B.A. Drury University Returning, Second Year

M A N AG I N G PA R T N E R,

C U S TA R D

B.S., Missouri State University Returning, Fifth Year

BANK OF SPRINGFIELD

A N DY ’ S F RO Z E N

Returning, 11th Year

P R E S I D E N T, C O M M E R C E

P R E S I D E N T A N D C E O,

C E O, O M B B A N K

32. Keith Noble

GRILL

SOUTHERN BANK

OWNER AND BUSINESS MANAGER, GOOD SPIRITS & COMPANY

Returning, Fifth Year

P H O TO S BY B R A N D O N A L M S, K AT Y S T. C L A I R

THE 2026 BIZ 100 | NEWSMAKERS

Concrete Leadership Rachel York of Donco 3 Construction shares how she leads in the construction industry. BY M A X H AV E Y in the construction world, Rachel

Rachel York OW N E R, D O N C O 3 C O N S T R U C T I O N

CATEGORY: ARCHITECTURE, ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION

Building Great Teams, Selling Great Homes Adam Graddy has spent 22 years building a successful business and workplace culture. B Y A LY S S A R O N E Y

22 years, Adam Graddy has served as CEO of Graddy Real Estate, a team that operates within Keller Williams. The accolades his organization has received are numerous, including being a frequent (and recent) Best Places to Work winner and the number one real estate team in the Southern Missouri Regional Multiple Listing Service, according to the Graddy Real Estate website. Graddy estimates that by the end of this year alone, his 20-person team will have sold 550 homes. for

York, owner/managing member of Donco 3 Construction, is bringing something a little different with projects that have a community impact and build up Donco 3’s own team for a bright future. “Construction is a male-dominated industry, and I’ve learned I don’t have to lead like everyone else to be effective,” York says. “I think that women bring a different perspective to leadership and I’ve really grown into being more confident in what I bring to the table.” York and her husband, Aaron, founded the commercial concrete subcontractor business in 2010, split-

When asked how he balances the organization’s prowess with a positive work environment, he says it’s all in giving great talent what they deserve, both financially and through numerous benefits, coaching and consistent training. No stranger to investing in the community, Graddy Real Estate collaborated with Obelisk Home’s Nathan Taylor to help bring historic Don Russell homes back to life. This year, the firm advised and partnered with Taylor again through Homecoming Homes to preserve five historic properties in Springfield and rebuilt the Graddy Playhouse inside The Discovery Center with Obelisk Home and HC Rogers Construction. Graddy remains humble, despite his company’s success. “I don’t think there’s anything special that we do,” he says. “We’ve got a really good local book of business, I’ve got really, really, really great people around me.”

ting leadership responsibilities, with Aaron bringing his expertise on all things concrete while Rachel focuses on the business end. Over the past 15+ years, Donco 3 has had a hand in many projects around the region, including the family housing at Fort Leonard Wood. Additionally, York is keen on driving important connections in the community, whether that’s working with the Ronald McDonald House or serving as the president of the Springfield Contractors Association. In addition to these projects and community involvement, York is a big believer in building leaders among the Donco 3 team. “Our biggest difference is our people and the relationships we’ve built,” York says. “We’re very intentional about developing our workforce. We don’t just want to hire someone to pour concrete. We want to give them an opportunity to learn a trade, move into leadership, and potentially build a full career with us.”

Adam Graddy C E O, G R A D DY R E A L E S TAT E L L C

CATEGORY: REAL ESTATE

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

THE 2026 BIZ 100 | NEWSMAKERS

Marshall Kinne R E G I O N A L P R E S I D E N T - S P R I N G F I E L D, POINT C

CATEGORY: INSURANCE

Managing a Merger

Dustin Eldridge C O - OW N E R, J O P L I N R E G I O N A L S T O C K YA R D S

CATEGORY: AGRICULTURE

Taking Stock Joplin Regional Stockyards, located in Carthage, Missouri, is home to the largest cattle auction in the United States. Co-owner Dustin Eldridge keeps tradition alive and operations running smoothly. B Y A LY S S A R O N E Y in 2025, Joplin Regional Stockyards

in Carthage moved about 580,000 livestock heads through its doors, totaling over $1.25 billion in value. The stockyards are reportedly home to one of the largest cattle auctions in the United States (by heads of cattle sold), according to the Joplin Regional Stockyards website. The stockyards were started in 1931, diversifying the local economy during the Great Depression and before the widespread impact of the Dust Bowl. In 1986, the stockyards’ legacy continued when Jackie Moore purchased it, and in 1995, the stockyards moved to their 74

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

Marshall Kinne’s deep community relationships helped navigate the recent company merger. B Y K AT Y S T. C L A I R

current location visible along Interstate 44. It has since become a family business, owned by not only Jackie but also his sons Bailey and Skyler Moore and son-in-law Dustin Eldridge. As a co-owner (and cow-owner), Eldridge oversees the company’s massive financials and banking relationships while managing office staff, forecasting on process improvement and overseeing USDA Packers compliance. During his tenure, Eldridge has developed custom software, which runs nearly everything at the auction. Eldridge prides himself and the company on their commitment to giving cattle owners the best price for their livestock, which is why cattle owners from outside the fourstate area often go the distance to take their cattle to Joplin Regional Stockyards. “We pride ourselves on getting them the best possible price,” Eldridge says. “That’s a big responsibility, and we take it seriously. We know that for us to stay successful, we have to do our best to keep our producers successful.”

in an industry with complex inner workings,

it’s important for companies to have leaders at the helm who can simplify the complexities and ensure understanding. That is exactly what Marshall Kinne did when Med-Pay merged with Point C in June 2023 and rebranded as Point C on January 1, 2026. Med-Pay, originally incorporated by Kinne’s father, Gordon Kinne, in 1984, is a third-party administrator for self-funded health benefit plans. Marshall, who now serves as the regional president for Springfield, started his career with the company in 2009. His history within the company and connections within the community gave him the perspective needed to guide the company through the merger with Point C. Marshall led the rebrand communication efforts, ensuring that clear conversations and messaging were provided. For Kinne, the experience reinforced the importance of explaining the “why.” He believes his years of relationship building allowed him to address stakeholders’ concerns with clarity and trust. It’s this same relational approach that Kinne plans to bring as the chairman of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce board of directors in 2027. “My hope is that I can help steer the strategic conversations to make sure we’re accomplishing our goals,” Kinne says.

THE 2026 BIZ 100 LIST

HEALTHCARE

INSURANCE

43. Max Buetow

50. Trevor Crist

P R E S I D E N T A N D C E O,

C E O, N I XO N &

C OX H E A LT H

L I N D S T RO M I N S U R A N C E

B.A., Canisius University; M.B.A., Drury University Returning, Fifth Year

B.S., Missouri State University Returning, 10th Year

44. Michael Calhoun

51. Marshall Kinne

C EO/EXECUTIVE

REGIONAL PRESIDENT -

D I RECTO R, CITI Z E N S

S P R I N G F I E L D, P O I N T C

M E M O RIAL H OS PITAL

B.B.A., Southern Methodist University Returning, Fourth Year

M.B.A., Southwest Baptist University Returning, Third Year

44 45

46 47

52. Richard Ollis 45. Teresa Coyan

ARNEY

O F G OV E R N M E N TA L

B.S., Missouri State University Returning, 11th Year

R E L AT I O N S , C OX H E A LT H

M.B.A., Webster University; B.S., Missouri State University Returning, Ninth Year

46. Dr. C.J. Davis

LAW

C E O, C E N T E RS T O N E

53. David Agee

B.S., Culver-Stockton College; M.S., University of Central Missouri; Psy.D., Forest Institute of Professional Psychology Returning, Sixth Year

PA R T N E R, H U S C H

B.S., Missouri State University; J.D., University of Missouri Returning, 11th Year

47. Clay Goddard

54. Jason Smith

R E G I O N A L P R E S I D E N T,

O F F I C E M A N AG I N G

C E N T E RS T O N E

PA R T N E R, S P E N C E R

B.S., M.P.A., Missouri State University Returning, Fourth Year

48. John Myers

PA R T N E R, K U TA K

P R E S I D E N T/C E O, J O R DA N VA L L E Y

50 51 52

FA N E

55. Randell Wallace

49. Dr. Matthew Stinson

B.S., Maryville University; J.D., Washington University Returning, Third Year

SPRINGFIELD COMMUNITIES

B L AC K W E L L L L P

P R E S I D E N T, M E R CY

Returning, Second Year P H O TO S BY B R A N S O N A L M S, K AT Y S T. C L A I R

C E O, O L L I S/A K E RS/

C H I E F O F S TA F F/ V P

RO C K L L P

B.A., Drury University; J.D., Vanderbilt University Law School Returning, 11th Year

H E A LT H

56. Elizabeth Wente

B.S., Southwest Baptist University; M.D., Saint Louis University Returning, Second Year

GENERAL COUNSEL,

SRC HOLDINGS C O R P O R AT I O N

B.S., Tulane University; J.D., Southern Methodist University Returning, Fourth Year

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

THE 2026 BIZ 100 | NEWSMAKERS

Toth and Associates has grown from a family-founded Springfield firm into a multistate engineering company. BY M A X H AV E Y adam toth, president of Toth and

Associates, founded the firm with his father, Louis, in 2003. While the firm was initially focused on infrastructure design for electrical utilities, it eventually grew its purview to handle structural engineering and civil engineering. Over the intervening years, Toth and Associates has grown its footprint outside of Springfield, with offices in Washington, Oregon and Montana and a new office in Kansas City on the horizon. All of that hard work has paid off too, as the company recently landed

on the Inc 5000 list of fastest-growing companies, as well as on Biz 417’s Best Places to Work list. Toth attributes this growth to relationships built over the last two decades. He notes that their data center infrastructure and utilities business in the Pacific Northwest came from a former client who moved to the region and wanted to continue working with Toth and Associates. Similarly, a former employee recommended Toth and Associates as a key partner when 7 Brew Coffee was beginning to expand and looking for a firm to work with for site development. “We don’t just want to be hired once,” Toth says. “We want to get to know them, get to know their families, be a part of their life, and they will call us for the next 20 to 40 years. Those relationships have opened a lot of doors that have helped us to grow.”

Adam Toth P R E S I D E N T, T O T H A N D A S S O C I AT E S , I N C .

CATEGORY: ARCHITECTURE, ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION

Building Resiliency Drew Lewis Foundation CEO Amy Blansit works to bring affordable housing to Springfield. BY M A X H AV E Y amy blansit’s passion for affordable

Amy Blansit F O U N D E R/C E O, D R E W L E W I S F O U N DAT I O N

CATEGORY: NONPROFIT

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

housing is no secret. As founder and CEO of the Drew Lewis Foundation, Blansit has been driving efforts to educate, empower and support underserved families through personalized programs and coaching to increase quality of life and build more resilient communities. “Building resilient communities has to do with the people in them,” Blansit says. “Our focus is, how do we bring together public and private investments in order to truly rebuild our communities and create resiliency in the neighborhoods themselves.” In particular, Blansit notes that the

Blue House Project has transformed and redeveloped more than 35 different lots so far in Grant Beach, with four currently under construction. They go through the homes, repairing and replacing from foundation to roof so a home can have another long-term life. In turn, to gain this asset, the new owner must remain the resident of the house for five years, allowing them to build familial wealth through owning property that would otherwise have been out of reach. “We basically are stating, ‘Help us build the stability in this neighborhood,’ and at the five-year mark, any additional asset built into the house, and the original asset, is theirs to keep,” Blansit says. Additionally, the ambitious Broadway Cottage Courtyard Development aims to improve housing density in the area with a pocket neighborhood of smaller lots over 1.2 acres. With key work already in motion, Blansit hopes to see the first houses ready in the spring.

P H O TO S BY B R A N D O N A L M S

Made To Grow

THE 2026 BIZ 100 | NEWSMAKERS

Dr. C.J. Davis C E O, C E N T E RS T O N E

CATEGORY: HEALTHCARE

Leading Change Centerstone CEO Dr. C.J. Davis is shaping the future of behavioral healthcare. BY M A X H AV E Y following a fall 2025 merger with the Springfield-based

Brightli, which also included Preferred Family Healthcare, Centerstone is now the nation’s largest behavioral health nonprofit company. But with a footprint that large, with locations in nine states and a clinical network providing military services across the entire country, realizing the potential of this merger and navigating growing pains requires serious leadership. That’s where Centerstone CEO Dr. C.J. Davis comes in. Formerly the CEO of Brightli, Davis is currently focused on navigating growing pains and defining direction. “The biggest growing pain of any affiliation of this size is culturally aligning,” Davis says. “Our most challenging problem is figuring out where to start and prioritize the many opportunities that we have in front of us. We’re extremely grateful to be in this position, and now the pressure is on, so to speak.” The hope, from Davis’ perspective, is to build Centerstone into a trusted brand in the world of behavioral health and create a national model. For Davis and the Centerstone team, this means looking at outcomes related to behavioral health and transforming services to meet the needs of patients. “It’s going to take an organization of our scale and size to revolutionize behavioral health,” Davis says. “With our growing footprint, we believe that we’re going to build a national model that will not only serve people here in Missouri and Springfield, but potentially one day across the entire country.”

Dan Reiter G E N E R A L M A N AG E R, O Z A R KS S P R I N G B I R D S

CATEGORY: TRAVEL & TOURISM

Rebranded Birds

After nine years as the Springfield Cardinals general manager, Dan Reiter saw the opportunity to find a name for the team that is unique to the Ozarks. BY KATY ST. CLAIR dan reiter has spent 22 years with the Springfield Cardinals,

joining the Double-A affiliate team before its inaugural season. When it came time to usher the Springfield Cardinals into a new era as the Ozarks Springbirds as of October 6, 2026, Reiter knew it was more than a business decision—it was personal for himself, the community and the fans. In an industry where feelings often outweigh the facts, he knew his approach to the rebrand had to leave space for both. Reiter also recognized a larger industry trend: Minor League Baseball teams adopting identities distinct from their Major League affiliates. Springfield was ready to follow that movement, but the new identity had to be uniquely local. Throughout the rebrand, Reiter focused on three goals: maintain a strong connection to Springfield, connect with the entire region and honor the relationship with Cardinals nation. His approach to the team’s rebrand enabled fans, community members and employees alike to mourn the loss of the familiar, honor the team’s history and embrace their new uniquely local identity. For Reiter, the Ozarks Springbirds are more than a new name and logo. They are an opportunity for the community and baseball fans to show their regional pride. NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

THE 2026 BIZ 100 LIST

MANUFACTURING 57

64. Erin Danastasio E X E C U T I V E D I R E C T O R, H AT C H F O U N DAT I O N

57. Rick Britton P R E S I D E N T/C E O, D I G I TA L M O N I T O R I N G P RO D U C T S I N C .

Returning, Fourth Year

58. Sally Hargis

CHAIRMAN OF THE B OA R D, O Z A R KS C O CACOLA / DR PEPPER

B O T T L I N G C O M PA N Y

B.A., University of Missouri Returning, 11th Year

59. David Moore PRESIDENT AND CEO,

B.S., University of Missouri Returning, Sixth Year

65. Hal Donaldson FOUNDER AND CEO, CONVOY OF HOPE

B.A., San Jose State University; B.A., Bethany University Returning, 10th Year

66. Brandy Harris C E O, B OYS & G I R L S CLUBS OF SPRINGFIELD

B.A., Drury University; M.A., Missouri State University Returning, Seventh Year

PAUL MUELLER COMPANY

B.A., Middlebury College; M.B.A., University of Chicago Returning, 11th Year

60. Jack Stack CEO/CHAI RMAN O F TH E BOARD, S RC H O LD I N GS CO RP.

B.S., Elmhurst College Returning, 11th Year

67. Winter Kinne PRESIDENT AND CEO, COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF THE OZARKS

B.A., M.B.A., Drury University Returning, Third Year

68. Rob Marsh P R E S I D E N T/C E O, MISSOURI SPORTS HALL O F FA M E

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

New

69. Krystal Simon C E O, CA R E T O L E A R N

C H I E F C R E AT I V E O F F I C E R/C O - F O U N D E R,

R E V E L A DV E R T I S I N G

B.A., Drury University Returning, Fourth Year

62. Josh Sullivan OW N E R, F R I E D D E S I G N C O M PA N Y

B.S., Full Sail University Returning, Third Year

NONPROFIT

63. Dr. Amy Blansit F O U N D E R/C E O, D R E W L E W I S F O U N DAT I O N , I N C

B.A., Drury University; M.A., Adelphi University; DHSc, A.T. Still University Returning, Third Year

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

70. Jaimie Trussell PRESIDENT & C E O, C RO S S L I N E S C O M M U N I T Y O U T R E AC H

B.A., M.A., Missouri State University Returning, Fourth Year

PUBLIC & ELECTED OFFICIALS

71. David Cameron CIT Y MANAG E R, CIT Y OF SPRINGFIELD

B.S., John Brown University Returning, Sixth Year

P H O TO S BY B R A N D O N A L M S

61. Chris Jarratt

B.S., Drury University Returning, Third Year

THE 2026 BIZ 100 | NEWSMAKERS

Teaming Up Behind Missouri State University’s successful first year with Conference USA status is a three-person team—Richard “Biff” Williams, Casey Woods and Patrick Ransdell— overseeing grassroots efforts to bolster sports, Missouri State and the community. B Y A LY S S A R O N E Y and after Missouri State University’s first year with Conference USA status, the university’s athletics triumvirate homed in on their strengths. Together, Missouri State President Richard “Biff” Williams, Director of Athletics Patrick Ransdell and Head Football Coach Casey Woods ensure the university and community both have a steady stream of fresh talent to draw from by committing to athletics recruitment. The 2026 off-season was busy for the football coaching staff, who have, in total, visited all 412 football-playing schools in Missouri. Woods is the self-described “map geek” behind the project, devising ways to make grassroots connections with high school players. Concurrently, Williams uplifts athletics through the university’s strategic plan, while Ransdell pushes for increased visibility of Bears sports through relationship building. The group’s efforts seem to be paying off particularly well in football, where the Bears have landed themselves in the top 85 nationally for recruiting classes, the first time this has happened at the university. Another way that the group

P H O TO BY K AT Y S T. C L A I R

during

Dr. Richard B. “Biff” Williams

Casey Woods

Patrick Ransdell

H E A D FO OTBA LL

DIRECTOR OF

P R E S I D E N T,

C OAC H ,

AT H L E T I C S ,

M I S S O U R I S TAT E

M I S S O U R I S TATE

M I S S O U R I S TAT E

U N I V E RS I T Y

U N I V E RS IT Y

U N I V E RS I T Y

CATEGORY:

EDUCATION

bolsters athletics is through the improvement of facilities like McDonald Hall & Arena and Robert W. Plaster Stadium, Ransdell says. Of course, football is not the only sport that the team has helped recruit for. Ransdell says the entire athletics department benefits when

the university’s 19 sports are viewed holistically. Sports teams across the board have seen great success during the 2025–2026 season, with Lady Bears basketball competing in the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) tournament. Baseball also earned an at-large

bid to the NCAA tournament. The attraction of young talent to the university, largely as a result of the Bears’ transition to C-USA status, has solidified the support of Missouri State fans, whose support helped the Bears break 2026 season ticket sales records. Additionally, numerous Bears football games have been broadcast on national television this season. “In my opinion, there should be no greater investment that the city of Springfield makes than in Missouri State University,” Woods says. Williams echoes this sentiment. “When a student comes to Missouri State University, they get a degree that… can better their community,” he says. While the exact metrics of success look different across the group, their shared interest in the university and community is unwavering. “We get to be connective tissue,” Woods says. “So every time you walk into the airport, and somebody’s wearing that Bear logo, it’s an MSU Bear. Instant connection right there.” Many of the goals the group has set for themselves fall under the university’s wider goal of having 30,000 students by 2030, with athletics recruitment being a strong means to do so. The Bring a Bear Fund, for example, is a scholarship given by the university to friends of student-athletes. Likewise, the face-to-face interactions that the team has had with prospective student-athletes have proven to be beneficial. “I think as we move forward with trying to get our enrollment numbers where we want them to be, we can take a lead in athletics and be the tip of the spear to be able to accomplish all the goals that the university wants to accomplish,” Ransdell says.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

THE 2026 BIZ 100 LIST

72. Dwayne Fulk

79. Adam Graddy

P R E S I D E N T- C E O,

C E O, G R A D DY R E A L

CIT Y UTILITIES OF

E S TAT E L L C

SPRINGFIELD

New

B.A., Missouri State University; J.D./L.L.M., Duke University Returning, Second Year

80. John Griesemer

73 74

PUBLIC & ELECTED OFFICIALS, CONT.

C H A I R M A N & C E O, E R L E N G RO U P

B.S., Purdue University Returning, 11th Year

81. Bryan Magers P R E S I D E N T/OW N E R,

73. Jeff Schrag M AYO R, C I T Y O F SPRINGFIELD

B.S., Kansas State University Returning, Ninth Year

B RYA N P RO P E R T I E S M A N AG E M E N T

University of Missouri Returning, Fifth Year

82. Patrick Murney OW N E R, M U R N E Y

74. Cathy Stepp C I T Y A D M I N I S T R AT O R,

CITY OF BRANSON

Returning, Third Year

75. Paul F. Williams

CHIEF OF POLICE, CITY OF SPRINGFIELD

78 79

B.S., Northern Michigan University; M.S., Northeastern State University Returning, Sixth Year

A S S O C I AT E S , R E A LT O RS

B.S., Missouri State University Returning, 11th Year

83. Tom Rankin OW N E R, R A N K I N D E V E LO P M E N T

B.S., Missouri State University Returning, 11th Year

84. Cade Rogers P R I N C I PA L , H . C . RO G E RS C O N S T R U C T I O N

80 82 81

REAL ESTATE (RESIDENTIAL/ COMMERCIAL/ DEVELOPMENT)

B.S., University of Nebraska; M.S., Louisiana State University Returning, Second Year

85. Debbie Shantz Hart

P R I N C I PA L , H O U S I N G

PRESIDENT, ERLEN GROUP

PLUS, LLC AND

B.S., Washington and Lee University Returning, Sixth Year

C H E R RY VA L E

77. Jeff Childs S E N I O R A DV I S O R, SV N/ R A N K I N C O M PA N Y

B.S., Missouri State University Returning, Fifth Year

78. Sam M. Coryell PRESIDENT, TLC PROPERTIES AND CORYELL COLLABORATIVE GROUP

B.S., Missouri State University Returning, Third Year

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

D E V E LO P M E N T, L L C

B.S., Missouri State University; J.D., University of Missouri-Columbia Returning, 10th Year

86. Stephanie Stenger C E O, S P R I N G F I E L D L A N D

B.S., University of Missouri; J.D., University of Southern California Returning, 10th Year

P H O TO S BY B R A N D O N A L M S

76. Christina Angle

THE 2026 BIZ 100 LIST

RETAIL

TRAVEL & TOURISM

87 88

87. Brad Beckham

94. Debbie Bennett

CEO, O’REILLY AUTO PARTS

P R E S I D E N T, B A S S P RO

Returning, Third Year

S H O P S H O S P I TA L I T Y

Returning, Third Year

88. Audrey Garard OW N E R, G RO O M S

95. Kirk Elmquist

O F F I C E E N V I RO N M E N T S

EXECUTIVE D I RECTO R,

B.S., Missouri State University Returning, Seventh Year

B RAN SO N/L AKES AREA

89. Jonathan Garard OWN E R, G ROO M S

TO U RI S M CO M M U N IT Y E N HAN C E M E NT D I STRI CT

B.S., Liberty University Returning, Third Year

OFFICE ENVIRONMENTS

96. Mark Hecquet

Returning, Fourth Year

P R E S I D E N T/C E O, V I S I T

90. Jessica HarmisonOlson

B.S., M.S., University of Kentucky Returning, Fourth Year

SPRINGFIELD

OW N E R, M A XO N F I N E J E W E L RY

B.S., Missouri State University Returning, Second Year

97. Tim O’Reilly

91. Johnny Morris

B.A., Westminster College; J.D., University of Missouri Kansas City Returning, 11th Year

91 92

★

C E O, O ’ R E I L LY H O S P I TA L I T Y M A N AG E M E N T L L C

C E O A N D F O U N D E R, B A S S P RO S H O P S

B.A., Drury University Returning, 11th Year

93 95 94

98. Dan Reiter G E N E R A L M A N AG E R,

TECHNOLOGY

★ Person of the Year: Thomas H. Douglas C E O, J M A R K

Returning, 11th Year

92. Jarad Johnson F O U N D E R & C E O, M O S T LY S E R I O U S

Returning, Second Year

93. Doug Pitt OWNER, PITT TECHNOLOGY GROUP; OWNER, PITT

P H O TO S BY B R A N D O N A L M S

DEVELOPMENT GROUP;

O Z A R KS S P R I N G B I R D S

B.S., University of Missouri Returning, Sixth Year

99. Brad Thomas

P R E S I D E N T, T H E S I LV E R D O L L A R C I T Y C O M PA N Y

B.S., M.B.A., Missouri State University Returning, 10th Year

100. Pamela Yancey PRESIDENT/CEO, BRANSON/LAKES AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU AND TANEY

100

98 99

COUNTY PARTNERSHIP

Returning, Fourth Year

FOUNDER, CARE TO LEARN

B.S., Missouri State University Returning, 11th Year

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

2026

PER P H O TO BY B T KRPAH NOTO D O NGA L M S

OF THE

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

SON

YEAR Tom Douglas is helping businesses keep up with a changing tech landscape, including the rise of AI and the introduction of humanoid robots, without losing sight of the people behind the technology.

P H O TO C BY OU TR KP TE HSY OTO 1 XG

BY JO RDAN B LO M QU IST

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

A JIVE

This year, Douglas announced JIVE, short for JMARK Intelligent Virtual Environment, a platform designed to help small and midsized businesses put AI to work securely. JIVE brings company data, workflows and AI tools into one environment, with the ability to connect business functions such as finance and human resources. It’s transformational for businesses—to put it lightly. Unlike most AI platforms, JIVE isn’t tied to a single model. It can tap into multiple models and determine which is best suited to a given task. It also gives businesses greater control over their information. “We don’t trust all 84

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“I’VE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN FROM INCREDIBLE PEOPLE, AND I WANTED TO BE ABLE TO PAY THAT FORWARD.” —TOM DOUGLAS the big models, so we wanted to own the memory and manage our own [security] harness,” Douglas says. As more businesses turn to AI, keeping control of their information becomes more and more important. “In a world increasingly focused on what technology can do, Tom Douglas reminds us of what only people can do,” CoxHealth President and CEO Max Buetow says. “He’s an innovator who challenges conventional thinking without losing sight of the people af-

fected by change. And perhaps most importantly, he’s a servant leader who is constantly investing in the success of others. His insights are grounded not in theory, but in a lifetime of learning, leading and helping others grow.” As headlines about AI raise questions about the future of work, Douglas sees an opportunity to help businesses adapt while protecting the people and cultures that make them successful. That vision is a big part of why he was named Person of the Year.

P H O TO BY B R A N D O N A L M S

“are you going to make it a uniform?” I asked Tom Douglas, CEO of JMARK, while sitting in a local sports bar after work one day. “Heck, yeah,” he said. “I’ll put, like, a JMARK jersey on it or something.” Of all the things we could be discussing, I bet a humanoid robot at the Springfield JMARK offices didn’t come to mind first. Or maybe it did, if you know anything about Douglas. He begins his days at 4:20 a.m. at the latest, every day. After 54 years of life, Douglas has found he can function normally on about five hours of sleep. He then sets a 14-point daily checklist each morning—usually half work tasks and half home or family life tasks—and carves out slots in his day for meetings, work and writing. It’s the kind of schedule a guy like Douglas needs. He utilizes nearly all hours of the day to sort out his big ideas and brainstorm for the future— our future. For most of his life, Douglas has looked at what exists and wondered how it could work differently. These days, that might mean understanding artificial intelligence, programming a humanoid robot or finding new ways to strengthen the people and culture behind a business.

Left: JMARK CEO Tom Douglas. Right: Neo robot that Tom is bringing to JMARK. Below right: Douglas (second from right) and coworkers in the original JMARK office.

P H O TO S C O U R T E SY J M A R K , 1 X

LOOKING BACK

The first thing Douglas told me when we met was that his mom and dad are incredible parents. “I was so blessed,” he says. He was raised in Bolivar in a tight-knit family and with great friends. He began working at Western Auto with his aunt Rose Roweton at 12 years old, shining wagons, assembling bikes and unboxing appliances. Douglas’ journey in tech really started there, too, when he began helping customers set up their new TVs and VCRs. Throughout high school, he worked on the farm as well. Douglas entered college without a clear vision of where he was headed. At the University of Missouri, he became a cheerleader, joined a fraternity and, by his own account, spent more time enjoying college than preparing for what came next. Eventually, he left Mizzou without graduating and went to work in construction. By 20, Douglas knew something had to change. He needed to, as he puts it, “get my shit together.” Three days after his 21st birthday, he went into the Navy. He considered becoming a Navy SEAL and was physically capable of passing the qualifying test, but he missed one technical instruction and failed. It was an early lesson in how much the details matter. While serving in the Navy, he spent late nights aboard a ship in the middle of the ocean tinkering with its computer and writing his own database. Douglas has never been particularly good at leaving a problem alone. “He’s a leader who always thinks big, and he is rarely satisfied with simply maintaining what already exists,” says Chris Huels, president of JMARK. “He’s con-

stantly asking, ‘What’s next? What could be better? What’s possible that we haven’t considered yet?’” THE NEXT CHALLENGE

When Douglas left the Navy and returned to southwest Missouri, he knew he wanted to stick with technology—it was something he found came to him naturally. In 1997, he joined JMARK— a privately owned IT services and technology company—with a handful of certifications and quickly realized there was still plenty he didn’t know. He worked his way into management, where he began noticing problems within the company. JMARK was struggling financially. Douglas helped uncover accounting irregularities and, in 2001, became part of a group that purchased the company. The timing was characteristically hectic. He bought JMARK in April and married his wife, Michele, a month later. On their honeymoon in Mexico, Douglas lugged along one of those thick laptops that look like briefcases so he could dial in and keep working. “Michele has been a part of the story the whole way through,” he says. But owning the company didn’t mean Douglas was happy with the way things worked. JMARK was still operating on a traditional “break-fix”

model: Something went wrong, a customer called and JMARK fixed it. The model frustrated everyone. Clients had to wait for problems to be resolved, and even when JMARK fixed the issue, the relief was often short-lived. Invoices could be higher than expected when repairs took longer than initially estimated. For JMARK, the model was difficult to scale. Douglas wanted a different approach, he says, one that aligned the company’s success with its clients’ success, so when JMARK did well, its clients should do well, too. He began moving clients toward flat-fee contracts, giving JMARK an incentive to prevent problems rather

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

than profit from them. And customers were happier, too, because they had a predictable bill each month. The bet paid off. One hundred percent of the original customers stayed on with the new business model. JMARK became profitable, completed an acquisition and grew from about 16 employees to around 38. Then came a new challenge for Douglas. Fixing technology was one thing, but figuring out how to lead a growing company was another. For maybe the first time in his career, Douglas had to stop focusing on solving the company’s problems himself and learn how to lead the people around him. PEOPLE FIRST, TECHNOLOGY SECOND

“Tom Douglas is one of those rare leaders who combines a relentless appetite for innovation with a genuine love for people,” Buetow says. “He sees possibility in nearly everything, embraces challenges with infectious optimism, and isn’t afraid to question the way things have always been done. Yet he never forgets that meaningful change happens through people, not around them.” Huels says one of Douglas’ strengths as a leader is his ability to see potential in people, sometimes before they see it in themselves. Huels experienced that firsthand while working as an engineer at JMARK, when Douglas challenged him to think beyond becoming a better technician and consider the impact he could have by leading and developing others. “He doesn’t just look at who someone is today,” Huels says. “He has the ability to see who they could become, and then he’s willing to make the investment in them to help them get there.” FINDING LIFE BALANCE

For years, work consumed much of Douglas’s attention, even as he and Michele raised their two boys. He didn’t skip a beat when asked if he’s a workaholic. “Yes,” he says, “but I don’t look at it that way because I love it.” Douglas is candid about what being highly committed meant for life at home. He says there were times he let his family down because he worked too much. That realization eventually forced him to reconsider how he measured a successful 86

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life. During a retreat in California, Douglas participated in exercises that forced him to look inward. “I was trying to find a better balance in my life so that I could be more present,” he says. “That’s how I found the program in the first place because I knew things were just not good enough.” Today, the same discipline Douglas once directed almost entirely toward work is directed toward his family. Each morning, he writes Michele a handwritten note. He has also stopped thinking in terms of work-life balance. “Everybody says ‘work-life balance,’ which is my pet peeve,” Douglas says. “It’s just life balance. Work is part of life. We all have to do our part to drive value to society. It’s what drives the country. It’s what drives family. It’s what creates the ability for the next generation to live.”

“IT’S JUST LIFE BALANCE. WORK IS PART OF LIFE.” —TOM DOUGLAS After spending much of his life focused on work, Douglas has had to learn that work is only one piece of the bigger picture. Douglas credits the JMARK team and the many people in his broader ecosystem for making its success possible. He’s extremely proud of his two boys, he says, and the role his wife, Michele, has played in their lives. “Michele is a fantastic mom who was the driving force behind helping to make sure they were headed in the right direction,” Douglas says. JBITS AND BOOKS

The desire to share what he’s learned led Douglas to create JBITS, the JMARK Business Innovation Technology Summit. Launched in 2018, the event was designed to offer something different from the average conference, bringing people together to talk about innovation, technology and the intricacies of running a business.

Beyond his own summit, Douglas makes a point to attend high-caliber, invitation-only conferences that put him in rooms with some of the leading minds in business and technology. He brings those insights back to southwest Missouri, helping local businesses keep pace with changes. He wants JMARK to stay ahead, and he sees an opportunity to help the broader business community do the same. “Tom is the ‘best case’ when it comes to describing an entrepreneur,” says Jack Stack, president and CEO of SRC Holdings Corp. and a member of JMARK’s board. “Our community is a better place because of people like Tom.” Writing is another way to share those lessons. His book, Adapt or Die: How to Create Innovation, Solve People Puzzles, and Win in Business, was published in 2022 and draws on lessons from the leaders, mentors and business partners who have shaped his career. His goal was to turn years of experience into practical ideas other leaders could use. “I’ve had the opportunity to learn from incredible people, and I wanted to be able to pay that forward,” he says. JBITS and Adapt or Die reflect Douglas’ commitment to helping others succeed. “His definition of success has never been limited to financial results,” Huels says. “Obviously, we’re running a business, and performance matters. But there has always been a deeper purpose behind what we’re building.” For Douglas, that means creating opportunities, taking care of clients and making an impact beyond JMARK’s walls. His next book, Adapt to Thrive, is currently in the works. The book centers on six areas he believes leaders need to get right: strategy, culture and communications, AI and adaptability, leadership and economic resiliency—or SCALE for short. The challenges ahead, he says, will be significant, from economic uncertainty and leadership transitions to the next chapter of artificial intelligence. The goal of Adapt to Thrive is to help leaders look ahead, recognize change and learn how to respond. Douglas continues to look ahead, bringing the same curiosity to JMARK’s next chapter that helped shape its growth. There are companies to build, ideas to explore and problems to solve. Still, tomorrow morning, his alarm will go off at 4:20.

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G R E AT S O U T H E R N B A N K C O N G R AT U L AT E S

2026 BIZ 100 HONOREES

Rob Fulp Springﬁeld Market President, Regional Managing Director

Joe Turner President & CEO

Debbie Shantz Hart Board Member

Doug Pitt Board Member

Great Southern Bank is proud to celebrate four exceptional leaders whose vision, service and commitment have made a lasting impact on the bank and the communities we serve. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition.

GreatSouthernBank.com/business 800-749-7113

Celebrating Leadership in Our Region The Springfield Chamber is proud to recognize current and former Chamber & SBDC Board members who have been named to Biz 417’s Biz 100.

CURRENT CHAMBER & SBDC BOARD HONOREES Christina Angle, Erlen Group David Atkisson, JE Dunn David Cameron, City of Springfield Trevor Crist, Nixon & Lindstrom Insurance Brad Erwin, Paragon Architecture Dr. Jeff Frederick, Drury University Dwayne Fulk, City Utilities Jessica Harmison-Olson, Maxon Fine Jewelry Dr. Spencer Harris, Habitat Communication & Culture Marshall Kinne, Point C

Dr. Grenita Lathan, Springfield Public Schools John Myers, Mercy Springfield Communities Steve Prange, Crawford, Murphy & Tilly, Inc. Krystal Simon, Care to Learn Jason Smith, Spencer Fane LLP Brad Thomas, Silver Dollar City Attractions Sean Thouvenot, Branco Enterprises, Inc. Adam Toth, Toth & Associates, Inc. Elizabeth Wente, SRC Holdings Corporation Dr. Richard (Biff) Williams, Missouri State University

PAST CHAMBER & SBDC BOARD HONOREES David Agee, Husch Blackwell LLP

John Griesemer, Erlen Group

Mayor Jeff Schrag, City of Springfield

Joselyn Baldner, Central Bank

Sally Hargis, Ozarks Coca-Cola/ Dr Pepper Bottling Co.

Debbie Shantz Hart, Housing Plus, LLC

Max Buetow, CoxHealth Jeff Childs, SVN/Rankin Company Teresa Coyan, CoxHealth Erin Danastasio, Hatch Foundation Dr. C.J. Davis, Centerstone Thomas Douglas, JMARK Rob Fulp, Great Southern Bank Audrey Garard, Grooms Office Environments

Dr. Hal Higdon, Ozarks Tech Chris Jarratt, Revel Advertising Bryan Magers, Bryan Properties Richard Ollis, Ollis/Akers/Arney Doug Pitt, Pitt Technology Group, LLC Tom Rankin, SVN/Rankin Company Dan Reiter, Ozarks Springbirds Gary Schafer, Forvis Mazars

Jack Stack, SRC Holdings Corp Stephanie Stenger, Stenger Management, LLC Dr. Matt Stinson, Jordan Valley Health Paul Sundy, Big Whiskey’s Restaurant & Bar Jaimie Trussell, Crosslines Community Outreach Joseph Turner, Great Southern Bank Mark Walker, TransLand Randell Wallace, Kutak Rock LLP

Congratulations to all the Biz 100 honorees, including our own Matt Morrow and Jonas Arjes! S P R I N G F I E L D C H A M B E R .CO M • 417. 8 62 . 5567 • @ S G F C H A M B E R

Congratulations,

Rachel! R AC H E L YO R K Owner, Donco 3 Construction

2026 BIZ 100 HONOREE Celebrating your leadership, your vision, and the impact you continue to make in our industry and community.

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

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WHERE TO BE

Calendar Finish the year strong with tons of networking events designed for 417-land business professionals. BY CAROLIN E TROTMAN

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON

DON’T MISS IT!

11 a.m.–1 p.m. Tuesday, November 3

6 p.m. Wednesday, November 11

This monthly luncheon for the Republic Chamber (republicchamber.com) features city, school, business and local community updates as well as speakers. AWC MONTHLY LUNCH

11:30 a.m–1 p.m. Tuesday, November 3

At this month’s AWC event (awcspringfieldmo.org), hear from speaker Andrea Battaglia from Abacus! about navigating high-demand roles. Be sure to register in advance. GOOD MORNING, SPRINGFIELD!

P H O TO BY K AT Y S T. C L A I R

7:30–8:30 a.m. Thursday, November 5

Knock out some networking before the day really begins at the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce’s (springfieldchamber.com) monthly breakfast event. Hear the latest news from the city, county and chamber.

BIZ 100 CELEBRATION

Join Biz 417 to toast the Biz 100 honorees of 2026 (biz417.com/ biz100party). A festive evening of rubbing shoulders and making connections.

Max Buetow, Sally Hargis and Rob Fulp at the 2025 Biz 100 Celebration.

NORTH SPRINGFIELD BETTERMENT ASSOCIATION LUNCHEON

11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Thursday, November 12 WHAT WOMEN WANT

This North Springfield Betterment Association (nsbanet.com) event is a great opportunity to meet driven community leaders. BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

4–6 p.m. Thursday, November 12

With drinks and apps after work, business professionals can form connections in this casual atmosphere hosted by the Springfield Chamber of Commerce (springfieldchamber. com). Spend your evening socializing at the Moxy Springfield Downtown.

7:15 a.m.–noon Friday, November 13

At this half-day workshop hosted by the Association of Women in Communication (awcsprinfieldmo.org), hear speaker Rebecca Emery provide insight on tools, strategies and practices on how to responsibly use AI in the workplace.

MAXIMIZE YOUR MEMBERSHIP

OZARK CHAMBER LUNCHEON

11:30 a.m–1 p.m. Wednesday, November 18

11 a.m–1 p.m. Thursday, November 19

This lunch event offers insight into how you can expand your business potential with the Springfield Chamber (springfieldchamber. com).

Attend this monthly luncheon put on by the Ozark Chamber of Commerce (ozarkchamber.com) to get in touch with other business leaders. AI COLLECTIVE

SPARTA CHAMBER MONTHLY MEETING

6–7:30 p.m. Thursday, November 19

8:30 a.m. Weds., November 18

11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Wednesday, November 18

Meet and support fellow business leaders and entrepreneurs over a cup of coffee at this event (1mcsgf.com).

Enjoy a Thanksgiving lunch and stay up to date on community news at this event (spartachamber.com).

Join other AI enthusiasts at this social and informational event. Talk about trends and the development of the AI landscape, hosted by the AI Collective (sgf-ai.com).

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COFFEE CONNECT

FIRST FRIDAY COFFEE

7:30–9:30 a.m. Friday, November 20

7:30–8:30 a.m. Friday, December 4

Drop into this free networking event hosted by the Association of Women in Communication (awc. springfieldmo.org) at the Moxy Springfield Downtown.

Come out to Urban Grounds Coffee and enjoy a cup of joe and some tasty pastries at this monthly networking event. It’s hosted by the Ozark Chamber of Commerce (ozarkchamber.com). Connect with fellow professionals and hear about the successes of other local businesses.

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON

11 a.m.–1 p.m. Tuesday, December 1

This luncheon for the Republic Chamber (republicchamber. com) features city, school, business and community updates as well as speakers. AWC MONTHLY LUNCH

11:30 a.m–1 p.m. Tuesday, December 1

Hear from speaker Angela D. Smith about how to overcome obstacles and make the most of mistakes and challenges (awcspringfieldmo.org).

NEW TO THE NETWORK

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON

11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Tuesday, December 8

Join the Nixa Area Chamber of Commerce (nixachamber. com) for the monthly lunch to connect members and provide community updates. Expand your professional skills, hear from others in the field and indulge in a tasty lunch. OZARK STATE OF THE COMMUNITY

8–9 a.m. Tuesday, December 8

6–8 p.m. Tuesday, December 8

Are you a young professional looking to get involved in the business community? This one’s for you. Attend The Network’s monthly event (thenetworkspringfield. com) to meet new people, hear about upcoming events and learn about different task forces you can join to get involved.

Hosted by the Ozark Chamber’s Partnership in Progress (ozarkchamber.com), this event allows members of the Ozark community to stay informed about events and see progress within the community. Come out for a night of conversation and learning.

DON’T MISS IT!

THE NETWORK LOCAL LEADERSHIP SERIES

GOOD MORNING, SPRINGFIELD!

MAXIMIZE YOUR INVESTMENT

7:30–8:30 a.m. Thursday, December 3

9–11 a.m. Tuesday, December 8

11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Wednesday, December 9

Start the holiday season with a festive monthly breakfast hosted by the Springfield Chamber of Commerce (springfieldchamber.com), and hear about upcoming events and updates within the business community. Come out for a chance at a surprise appearance from Santa.

Attend this free workshop to learn the benefits of maximizing your membership with the Table Rock Lake Chamber of Commerce (visittablerocklake.com/ chamber-home). Here you can hear about recent community efforts while you connect with other chamber members.

Join members of The Network (thenetworkspringfield.com) to hear Erin Danastasio, director of the Hatch Foundation, and end the year at this local leadership event. Learn about her efforts to support the Springfield community through entrepreneurship, art and the outdoors.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

NORTH SPRINGFIELD BETTERMENT ASSOCIATION LUNCHEON

11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Thursday, December 10

This monthly networking luncheon hosted by the North Springfield Betterment Association (nsbanet.com) is a great opportunity to meet community leaders. BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

4–6 p.m. Thursday, December 10

Unwind after a workday and come out to this event hosted by the Springfield Chamber of Commerce (springfieldchamber. com). Meet other professionals, expand your circle and enjoy a food and drinks. DON’T MISS IT! BLACK TIE GALA

5:30–9 p.m. Friday, December 11

The Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and CVB’s (bransonchamber. com/events/) premier event returns for its 80th year. The elegant evening honors community spirit and celebrates the leaders who make a lasting impact on the Branson/Lakes Area. WORKING WOMEN IN NIXA

11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Tuesday, December 15

Expand your professional skills, and hear from businesswomen

in the Nixa area (nixachamber.com). Listen to community updates, and meet new professionals at this monthly luncheon. SPARTA CHAMBER MONTHLY MEETING

11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Wednesday, December 16

Lunch is provided at this monthly meeting for business leaders in the Sparta community. There is also an opportunity to share updates at the meeting, as long as you notify the chamber (spartaareachamber. org) ahead of time. OZARK CHAMBER LUNCHEON

11 a.m.–1 p.m. Thursday, December 17

This is a great opportunity to stay informed about events and meet new people. Spend your lunch break at this event hosted by the Ozark Chamber of Commerce (ozarkchamber. com) at the Ozark Community Center. COFFEE CONNECT

7:30–9:30 a.m. Friday, December 18

Join the Association of Women in Communication (awcsprinfieldmo.org) at The Workshop at Finley Farms for a morning filled with coffee, connection and conversations. Bring your colleagues and grow your network.

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Summer Massey

Banking on Resilience

P H O TO BY K AT Y ST. C L A I R

With over 25 years of banking experience, Summer Massey is no stranger to handling professional challenges. As a leader in a highly competitive and ever-evolving industry, she is familiar with making needed pivots. As she prepared to step into her new role as loan manager at Arvest Bank in late 2025, she found herself facing a new personal challenge: a breast cancer diagnosis. One year later, Massey is carrying an important leadership lesson from the journey with her. An avid reader, Massey learned early on from one of her favorite books, Leadership & Self-Deception, that everyone always has

something going on in the background of their lives. Throughout her career, she has used that knowledge to develop an awareness of how her behavior affects those she leads and works with. In her personal life, it helped her accept that cancer was the something she had going on in the background of her life. Refusing to let her diagnosis define her, Massey focused on what she could control, instead of worrying about what she could not. Everyone faces challenges, and years of overcoming professional hurdles prepared Massey to face her biggest personal challenge to date—and come out on top.

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Amanda Thomas, Joel Thomas

Grenita Lathan, Nicole Holt, Crystal Magers, Jessica Blake

Becca Murdaugh, Jarrod Murdaugh

THE SCENE

Care to Learn School Soirée

Denise Dunaway, Sarah Johnson, Courtney Beykirch, Marcia Mahnken

Amy Smith, LeRoy Smith

Care to Learn held its School Soirée with the theme “Thursday Night Lights” and raised $720,000. The organization also celebrated that it has met five million health, hunger and hygiene needs for students since its founding in 2008.

Debbie Shantz Hart, Krystal Simon, Joselyn Baldner

SEPTEMBER 10, 2026

White River Conference Center

Hannah Childs, Reid Alexander, Jonathan Vance, Alyssa Vance

Doug Pitt, Lisa Pitt

Gina McNabb, Keona Johnson

P H O TO S BY K R I S T I N S H A R P

Chris Taft, Carly Taft

Link

Avary Boumstein, Becky Harris

Bri Hecke, Taylor Gray, Kerrie Van Sickle, Lori Casey

Calvin Davis, Jennifer Pierson

THE SCENE

Toast to Tourism Clint Rosdahl, Missy Robertson, Andy Bartholomy

Visit Springfield held its annual Toast to Tourism event on Historic Route 66, celebrating local hospitality leaders and businesses that drive the regional visitor economy.

Bethany French, Kristi Bench

SEPTEMBER 10, 2026

Mother’s Brewing Company

P H O TO S BY C A M E R O N G R A H A M

Janet Ellison, Gary Ellison, Kathleen O’Dell, Tracy Kimberlin

Matt Capen, Karen Capen, Kelsey Witten

Joanna Dettmer, Alexandria Dool, Ren Luebbering, Angela Pitts

Joey Thorsen, Jenn Groves, Madison Foreman, Doug Wilde, Brandei Clifton, Andrea Copeland

Tonya Goddard, Shanil Patel, Naiya Patel

Link

Abby Smith, Debbie Weathermon, Bernadette Losh

Bryana Diaz, Carolyn O’Kelley, Mar’Ellen Felin

Luke Melvin, Payton Young

THE SCENE

Best Places to Work Celebration Clarissa Young, Beth Alvarez

This year’s Biz 417 Best Places to Work Celebration was bursting with FIFA World Cup– themed team spirit and lively energy. With the introduction of the mid-size employer category, the spotlight was cast on 29 of the best workplaces 417-land has to offer.

Destiny Ward, Cassie Shurts

SEPTEMBER 2, 2026

Mike Hayward, Jonas Parra, Bay Mourer

Mike Nabena, Mitch Friend, Jackson Chronister

PRESENTED BY

Jayme Sweere, Adrianne Hughes, Haylee Netemeyer

Eli Russell, David Gohn

P H O TO S BY K R I S T I N S H A R P

Elizabeth Drewry, Tammy Johnson

Oasis Hotel & Convention Center

Link

Adam Reichert

Stephanie Matthews, Brandy Harris, Brooke Rasmussen

April Lindley, Colleen Boulware, Laura Helmke

THE SCENE

The Legacy Network Opening Reception John McNabb, Brent Baldwin, Tim Rosenbury

The 2026–2027 class of Biz 417’s The Legacy Network kicked off with an opening reception where members had the chance to meet each other, their mentors and the speakers they’ll learn from this year.

Carlee Brown, Jessica Blake, John McNabb

S E P TE M B E R 14, 2026

Commerce Bank

P H O TO S BY K AT Y ST. C L A I R

Brad Sundstrom, Bryant Young, Adam Reichert

Michelle Algya, Miranda Stamps, Olivia Smith

Andrew Buchanan, Walker Neer

Nancy Allen, Katie Pollock Estes

Presented by

Participants receive custom padfolios

Hosted by

Link

THE SCENE

Ladies Who Launch Biz 417 hosted Ladies Who Launch, a two-day leadership event that brought together more than 800 women for inspiration and motivation. The event wrapped with the reveal of its new brand, Pretty Brilliant. This new event name and platform is designed to inspire and engage women in our region.

AU G UST 13–14, 2026

Branson Convention Center

Becky Lucas, Elaine Leinaweaver, Alyea Alldredge, Janelle Haik Keynote speaker Dr. Meg Myers Morgan

Angie Jackson, Kristen King, Payne York, Pavin Aduddell

Coffee Chicks Hustle Hour connection cards

Beth Sellman, Elena Mullins

Carol Wendt, Laura Farmer, Sara Walraven

Hannah Childs, Andrea Harp

PRESENTED BY

P H O TO S B Y K R I S T I N S H A R P, K AT Y ST. C L A I R

The 2026 Women Who Mean Business panel

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Heather West, Julia Villarreal, Heather Moore

The event featured moments for meaningful networking.

Keynote speaker Jenny Wood signs her books.

Joan Whitaker, Logan Aguirre, Lucy Aguirre Jennifer Henry, Dr. Regina Waters, Krystal Simon

Judy Brunner, Danielle Kincaid, Gail Smart

P H O TO S BY K R I S T I N S H A R P, K AT Y ST. C L A I R

Lorianne Dunn, Beth Domann

Kara Turner, Tatyana Osenniy, Gretchen Miekley

Megan Neyer, Bernadette Pry, Jessica Harmison-Olson

The event capped with the reveal of the event’s new brand: Pretty Brilliant.

Guests enjoyed custom colors analysis.

Downtime

A Very Macy’s Thanksgiving exander, Care to Learn vice president of development, the family tradition isn’t watching the parade, but participating in it. His involvement started when a cousin, the costuming director for the parade, invited the family to get in on the action. In 2023, his most recent time in the parade, he and his son, Carter, got to ride on a LEGO float, perfect for the LEGO-loving little. Part of the fun, Alexander says, is the surprise factor, as the family won’t find out where they will be until the big day. “We don’t know a whole lot yet other than we are going, so it’s always exciting—what are we in for this time?” he says. —Alyssa Roney Know someone who does something unexpected, creative or especially unique in their downtime? Tell us about it! Email submissions to dori@417mag.com.

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P H O TO C O U R T E SY J A R E D A L E X A N D E R

a thanksgiving day tradition for many is watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. For Jared Al-

2111 S. Eastgate Ave., Springfield, MO 65809 417-883-7417 biz417.com @biz417

This issue planted 68 trees through PrintReleaf.

Vol. 12, Issue 1 $4.95 November/December 2026

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