Inside Columbia magazine March/April 2022

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6 INSIDE COLUMBIA MARCH/APRIL 2022

“National History Day prepares students for rigorous, academic research,” said Beth Winton, Ph.D., coordinator of Secondary Gifted Programs for the Columbia Public School District and a teacher at John Warner Middle School.

“Students learn to ask probing questions, evaluate sources and manage a long-term project. These are the critical thinking skills of the future, and they are transferrable to many fields of study.”

Students are often transformed by the experience. One former National History Day participant and Columbia native, Chris Ghan, became interested in the program as an elementary student when his father volunteered as a judge. Ghan participated in NHD from middle school through his senior year at Rock Bridge High School, receiving multiple state and national honors in the program.

“Over the course of my years in National History Day, I learned a great deal through research about the political and racial conflicts which existed across our nation’s past and continue to have an impact to this day,” said Ghan, a current doctoral student in religious studies at the University of Denver. Before moving to Denver, Ghan volunteered for several years as an NHD judge, giving back to the program that sparked his interest in history and provided skills that continue to serve him in graduate school.

LESSONS FROM THE PAST PREPARE COLUMBIA STUDENTS FOR THE FUTURE Each year, thousands of students across the state participate in the National History Day (NHD) contest, first at their own schools, and then with top finishers advancing to regional, state and national competitions. The National History Day in Missouri program is sponsored by the State Historical Society of Missouri.

The program challenges students to research and prepare projects that address an annual theme; the theme for this year’s contest is Debate & Diplomacy in History: Successes, Failures, Consequences. For their contest entries, students choose among categories of competition that include written papers, exhibits, websites, dramatic performances and documentaries. Teachers from any public, private or home school can serve as sponsors for National History Day in Missouri projects. Students must be in grades 6-12 to participate.

State Historical Society of Missouri Columbia Research Center By appointment

“Chris certainly developed his research skills by being a participant in National History Day projects, but he also worked on writing and presentation skills,” said Chris’s father, Brent Ghan, who is a volunteer judge for this year’s program. “National History Day in Missouri is always well organized and the staff go to great lengths to prepare judges for the experience. It is so rewarding to see the quality of the projects developed by the students. The experience gives me great faith in the future.”

To learn more about National History Day in Missouri, visit NHDMO.org. Due to the pandemic, this year’s program is completely online once it reaches the state and national levels. Judges are always needed, and with an online contest, volunteers will not need to travel to help student participants.

Go to SHSMO.org to learn about more educational programs at the State Historical Society of Missouri, and visit the Society in person at the Center for Missouri Studies, 605 Elm St., in Columbia. The research center, art gallery and bookstore are open to visitors Tuesdays through Saturdays.

Tuesday-Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Saturday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

605 Elm Street, Columbia

Learn more SHSMO.org

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Seniors Life | A STAUNCH CEO

A Staunch CEO DEFINING THE FUTURE OF SENIOR LIVING

Stephanie Harris, CEO of Missouri-based Arrow Senior Living, which manages Columbia’s new Westbury Senior Living, has some thoughts about the current state of senior living: “Our industry has to evolve to provide a more compelling living option for today’s more di sce r ning se niors. The t y pical senior living experience is mediocre and not very attractive. At Arrow, we believe in raising the bar and showing how appealing senior living can be. The Westbur y far exceeds this high standard and def ines what it means to be a cool place to live.”

Harris’ vision for senior living was shaped by years on the road living in communities. By the age of 30, she had lived in senior living for over six years.

Stephanie and her team of “travelers” worked to turn around struggling communities by living as guests right alongside residents. This unique perspective set high expectations of the quality lifestyle communities can and should provide.

These unique experiences formed principles that have found their way into the company’s core values, culture, and management of existing communities while guiding the design and build of new communities from the ground up.

She is determined to reinvent senior living for the future and is doing so with Arrow partner, O’Reilly Development, LLC. Arrow and O’Reilly built The Westbury founded on a longstanding relationship and commitment that truly enables Arrow Senior Living to realize the vision of what a community should be.

Stephanie Harris and Olive the Pug, who faithfully served as “pet support” for 12 years

Under Harris’ leadership, Arrow Senior Living has become an industry pioneer — using innovative new technology to provide a safer, more secure, healthier environment for older adults who call our communities home.

ADVERTISEMENT

PIONEERING PROGRESS

USING TECHNOLOGY TO PROMOTE QUALITY OF LIFE

Arrow communities have embraced technology to proactively impact residents’ quality of life, including: • Predictive analytics for vital signs, ranging from respiratory issues to chest pain

• Detecting subtle changes in a resident’s mobility so proactive intervention, such as physical or occupational therapy, can be offered to help avert a crisis

This technology makes it possible for staff to respond faster when a resident needs help. As a result, residents can enjoy a better quality of life and Arrow communities are able to operate more cost-effectively and deliver more value to residents and their families.

HOW THE WESTBURY RAISES THE STANDARD

The Westbury Senior Living community in Columbia is a shining example of Harris’ vision coming to life — literally.

That “life” is the one she envisions for seniors and it’s a vastly different one than what is typically offered at other senior communities. For The Westbury, it’s about the overall well-being of residents, which includes not only physical health but social, spiritual, and mental well-being. In addition to benefiting from the many technological improvements Harris has initiated, Westbury residents enjoy many amenities, including:

DROP-IN DINING

“EVENT-FULL” LIVING

The Westbury’s restaurant, Butler’s, is a tribute to Columbia area resident Cora Butler, Arrow’s Chief Wellness Officer. It offers:

At The Westbury Senior Living, we plan events based on what our residents tell us they’d like, instead of making cliché assumptions. As a result, our events are:

• All-day-dining - open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. so residents eat when they want.

• Resident-inspired - Events reflect residents’ wants and likes, such as chair yoga, water aerobics, book club, current events and coffee, and much more. Residents across Arrow communities have even collaborated to write a published book titled “The Old and The Beautiful,” which is continuing into season two in early 2022. This event has even attracted public attention for its unique vision and spirit. You can read the latest chapter today at oldandbeautifulbook.com

• Made-to-order - so residents can eat what they want — even breakfast for dinner!

• Anytime availability - The 24-hour bistro offers residents the option to grab a coffee, sandwich or salad any time of day or even a snack in the middle of the night!

We make things as convenient as possible so that when someone moves into our community, they don’t need to change their day-to-day because of us, we are tailoring services to them. Additional dining features include cooking demonstrations, special events, catering, and more.

• Breaking through borders both on-site and off - We offer live entertainment for happy hour, but also take trips to musicals, wineries, shopping areas, and more.

• Intergenerational - Our residents help spread the love of reading by visiting schools and reading to children.

• Inclusive - Our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion series provides opportunities for residents to interview and learn about a topic by talking to an expert.

INDEPENDENT LIVING | ASSISTED LIVING | MEMORY CARE

( 57 3) 82 8 -20 8 8 | W E S T B U R Y S E N I O R L I V I N G .C O M

With 500 years of combined history, these icons of Jefferson City continue to flourish. Admire the scenic views and oldworld architectural charm and discover exciting events the Capital City has to offer all year long.

10 INSIDE COLUMBIA MARCH/APRIL 2022

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INSIDE COLUMBIA MARCH/APRIL 2022 11

12 INSIDE COLUMBIA MARCH/APRIL 2022

features

Inside Columbia

features

C O N T E N T S

60

THINK PINK PERFECT PIECES IN SPRING’S “IT” PALETTE

65 DATE NIGHT ENJOY-AT-HOME EDIBLES

54 CUPID COUPLINGS MEET COMO’S CUTEST COUPLES

“

If you’re not making someone else’s life better, then you’re wasting your time

”

- Will Smith

CONTACT US TODAY 573.514.0097 LegacyMo.com

“It is my personal mission to get to know each individual entrusted to us and see that they receive the highest quality of care.”

Candace Palmer, RN Owner/CEO

Creating a LEGACY one life at a time

March/April C O

N

T

E

N

T S

In Every Issue 16 22

FROM THE EDITOR WHAT’S ONLINE

Life 25 26

5 THINGS Numero Uno. Actually, Duo.

28

HEALTH & WELLNESS A Fresh Take on Spring Sustenance

31

ROBINSON’S RAMBLINGS Feeling Cooped Up? Cooper's!

34

ENCOUNTERS Not Business As Usual: The ACA Business Club

.

Flavor 39

28 51

40

FOUGERE’S FAVORITES Bunny Brunching? The Perfect Easter Dish To Bring

43

DINING OUT Chris McDonnell Is Passing The (Crème Brûlée) Torch

46

COOKING WITH BROOK Brook Serves Up A Colombian Dish For Columbia: Arepas

51

COCKTAIL Hamilton The Musical?

Try Hamilton The Magical

Insider 119 120 BOOKSHELF Spine-tingling: Unbound Returns In-Person and Downtown 134 WEDDINGS Double Date Becomes Date With Destiny 138 CALENDAR 141 SPOTLIGHT Man Up! Expo Center Turns Virile Venue For COMO Man Show

Views 139

147 149 151 153 155

DUELING DJS ON THE TOWN A NEW VIEW DARKOW DRAWS THE FINAL WORD

INSIDE COLUMBIA MARCH/APRIL 2022 15

from the editor

MADELEINE LEROUX

Ready for Spring?

NEW SEASON BRINGS VIBRANT COLOR.

I

Madeleine Leroux

t took me a long time to like the color pink as an adult. When I was 6 years old, my brother and I swapped bedrooms, and my mother let me pick the color of the carpet and walls in my new room. I picked pink.

And by the age of 10, I hated that pink bedroom. Hated it.

I began systematically collaging the walls with posters, photos and cutouts from magazines to cover as much of those pink sponge painted walls as possible (which was a real nightmare five years later, when I had to take it all down before moving).

After that, I stayed away from the color. Pink things were too girly, too infantile, too … pink. It wasn’t until my 20s that I started to incorporate the color back into my life and my wardrobe.

And I must say, it’s delightful.

I love to put on a pink dress or T-shirt when the weather first starts warming up after a good and cold Midwest winter. It helps make me feel like spring is here, or at least on its way.

If you’ve struggled with pink in the past, then maybe now is the time to try it again. For inspiration, check out our spring fashion feature on pages 60-64 to see a few beautiful pink pieces from Columbia shops.

But make sure you don’t flip past some of the cutest couples in Columbia! We wanted to highlight some local love stories and asked you to help us find the cutest couples in the area. And did you ever. Three of the sweetest couples and love stories are featured on pages 54-59.

Let’s all embrace the spirit of spring this season. Bold colors and bold moves.

Not a bad way to start the season.

Editor | mleroux@insidecolumbia.net Inside Columbia magazine

16 INSIDE COLUMBIA MARCH/APRIL 2022

Madeleine

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INSIDE COLUMBIA MARCH/APRIL 2022 17

Details SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscription rate is $15 for 1 year.

Call 573-875-1099 to place an order or to inform us of a change of address, or subscribe at www.InsideColumbia.net.

For bulk subscription rates, contact Becky James at 573-875-1099.

ADVERTISING Inside Columbia is the best way to reach Columbia’s upscale consumers. Information about advertising is available online at www.InsideColumbia.net or by calling 573-875-1099.

NEWS RELEASES & EVENT NOTICES Contact editor at 573-875-1099, or email to editor@insidecolumbia.net.

ON THE TOWN Send your photos with the event description and subject names for captions to tflanner@zrgmail.com, or mail to 3215 Lemone Industrial Blvd., Suite 200, Columbia, MO 65201. Not all photos received will be published.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Send letters to 3215 Lemone Industrial Blvd., Suite 200, Columbia, MO 65201 or email to editor@ insidecolumbia.net. Inside Columbia reserves the right to publish any letter to the editor.

CUSTOM PUBLISHING Let us publish a specialty magazine exclusively for your company or organization.

Call Melody Parry at 573-875-1099 or email melody@insidecolumbia.net

REPRINTS Want to reproduce an article you’ve seen in Inside Columbia? We can provide reprints and customize them on glossy stock for your promotional needs. Minimum quantity is 500 copies. Call Cathy Atkins at 573-875-1099 or email catkins@insidecolumbia.net.

/InsideColumbia.net 18 INSIDE COLUMBIA MARCH/APRIL 2022

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info@bronzebydesign.com INSIDE COLUMBIA MARCH/APRIL 2022 19

Inside Columbia Staff Rost Landscaping

Superior Garden Center

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Superior Irrigation (573) 875-5040

(573) 442-9499

THREE DIVISIONS, ONE GOAL

Quality in every aspect.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Carla Leible cleible@zrgmail.com FOUNDER & PUBLISHER EMERITUS Fred Parry fred@insidecolumbia.net PUBLISHER Melody Parry melody@insidecolumbia.net EDITOR Madeleine Leroux mleroux@insidecolumbia.net

With roots conveniently close to home, Superior Garden Center is mid-Missouri’s most complete garden center with seven greenhouses and over six acres of trees, shrubs, and perennials.

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Peg Gill peg@insidecolumbia.net CONTRIBUTING WRITERS John Robinson, John Darkow, Sara Fougere, Brook Harlan, Mason Stevens, Ben Herzog, Sofia Perez ART DIRECTOR Tim Flanner tflanner@zrgmail.com

SERVING MID-MISSOURI

since 1985

2450 Trails W Ave, Columbia, MO 65202 (573) 442-9499 • rostlandscaping.com

PHOTO EDITOR L.G. Patterson lg@insidecolumbia.net GRAPHIC DESIGNER Madelyn Jones mjones@insidecolumbia.net

On the cover

Gayle Link shows off the latest spring style. Photos by L.G. Patterson.

20 INSIDE COLUMBIA MARCH/APRIL 2022

THE FOUR PHRASES OUR CHILDREN NEED TO HEAR EVERY DAY Being a parent can be busy. Many of us are juggling carpools, school, work, activities, chores, and the ongoing list of our daily responsibilities – all while trying to raise children who will turn into healthy, happy adults. We do our best to support and encourage our kids every day, but in the chaos that is life, we may miss opportunities to care for their emotional needs.

Here are a few phrases we can focus on within our families: I love you.

A parent’s love for a child may feel like a given, but it’s important to not forget to say the words, “I love you.”

Kids can also feel the love you have for them with your actions as well.

You matter.

Our kids need to be reminded that what they think, feel and do matter to us. Asking questions and showing interest can send the message that their experiences, preferences, opinions, and thoughts are important.

You are human.

Sometimes, we need to let our kids know it's okay to be and feel many things at once. We model this as adults when we acknowledge our own mistakes, work to make things right, and talk about the tough situations we experience.

I’m proud of you.

It’s not always what we say directly to our kids that carries the most weight. They could hear us talking about them to other parents, our families or our friends.

Hearing their parents talk about them positively can help our children know we’re proud of them, even without using those words.

Just as our child needs to feel connected to us, as adults, we need to feel invested in our relationship with them. Being mindful of the way we are thinking and talking about our kids has an impact on our own wellbeing and the well-being of our families.

To learn more about the variety of behavioral health services Burrell offers children and teens, visit BurrellCenter.com.

Want to learn more about family mental health?

Find more information and resources at burrellcenter.com

what’s online...

Enjoy additional digital content on our website and social media.

Inside Columbia Staff ADVERTISING COORDINATORS Jeff Ausmus jausmus@zrgmail.com Kalie Kramel kkramel@zrgmail.com Stefanie Joseph sjoseph@zrgmail.com

UNBOUND ABOUNDS

The Unbound Book Festival is making its in-person return this April. Find information on some of the featured authors on pages 120-121, then visit insidecolumbia.net to get more information on planned panels.

MARKETING REPRESENTATIVES Cathy Atkins catkins@insidecolumbia.net Michael Herschel mherschel@insidecolumbia.net Josh Arnold jarnold@insidecolumbia.net Laura Wagner lfuchs@insidecolumbia.net Hayden Haumann hhaumann@insidecolumbia.net Will Reimer wreimer@insidecolumbia.net

FASHION FORWARD

Check our Facebook and Instagram pages for some behind-the-scenes footage from our spring fashion shoot that celebrated all things pink, as seen on pages 60-64.

OFFICE MANAGER Becky James rjames@zrgmail.com DISTRIBUTION ASSOCIATE Steve Leible

INSIDE COLUMBIA MAGAZINE Zimmer Strategic Communications 3215 Lemone Industrial Blvd., Suite 200, Columbia, MO 65201 www.InsideColumbia.net Office: 573-875-1099

#INSIDECOLUMBIA

Inside Columbia is published by Zimmer

We want to see CoMo through your eyes! Post your best (high resolution) photo showing spring in Columbia on Instagram by April 1. Make sure you follow and tag @insidecolumbiamagazine and include #insidecolumbia on your story or post to be considered. The winner will be featured in the May/June issue and will receive a FREE one-year subscription to Inside Columbia. Show us your CoMo!

/InsideColumbia.net 22 INSIDE COLUMBIA MARCH/APRIL 2022

/InsideColumbia

@Inside_Columbia

InsideColumbiaMagazine

Strategic Communications, 3215 Lemone Industrial Blvd., Suite 200, Columbia, MO 65201, 573-875-1099.

Copyright Zimmer Communications, 2022.

All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of any editorial or graphic content without the express written permission of the publisher is prohibited. Postage paid at Columbia, Mo. Not responsible for omissions or information which has been misrepresented to the magazine.

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INSIDE COLUMBIA MARCH/APRIL 2022 23

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Inside Columbia

life C O N T E N T S

26

A Number Of Things To Like About 2022 ∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙

28

Chef Kimber Dean "Rolls" Into Spring With A Very Veggie Vittle ∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙

31

Mid-Mo Marina Offers Relaxing Riverside Respite ∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙

34

Local Couple's Vision For ACA Business Club Works Out Well

RESTORING HOPE

The ReStore, a division of Show-Me Central Habitat for Humanity located on Business Loop 70 East, sells gently used, overstocked and discontinued donated items. While many donated items are used to build houses for lowincome families, the rest is offered for sale to the public to raise funds for building those houses.

Learn more at showmehabitat.org/shop-the-restore.

life

5 THINGS

AND YEAR WE ARE!

FIVE THINGS THAT ARE 2, 2, 2 COOL ABOUT THIS YEAR.

BY PEG GILL

W

e've already "March"-ed" through the first two months of the new year. That got me thinking about the number two. Maybe you believe in numerology. Or that there's spiritual significance to certain numbers.

Maybe you have a lucky number, or a sequence you pick for your lotto ticket. Heck, maybe you're simply a CPA or someone who just really, really loves numbers. Whatever the case, there are some interesting things about this year's number, 2022. Here are five:

1 2 3

Novel number. There hasn't been a year with three twos in it since 1222. In that year, Erik Eriksson was elected the new King of Sweden at just 6 years old. What are you hoping comes your way this year?

But who's counting? In numerology, 2022 is all about focusing on the big picture, your dreams and success. Paying attention to details will purportedly help make your dreams a reality this year. If you keep all aspects of your life balanced and in harmony, new opportunities may arise.

The Trinity And Divinity. In Christianity, the number 222 represents the Holy Trinity — God the Father, Jesus Christ and The Holy Spirit — while in Judaism, it represents two angels watching over you at all times.

4

Halo out there! Speaking of angels, in angel numbers, 222 means faith and trust. This sequence suggests that your life is in need of major adjustments. In addition, it takes two ones to make the number two, suggesting there are two points in your life that need to become consistent.

5

Down in flames? The number 222 is also a “twin flame” number. Twin flames are supposedly “mirror souls,” i.e. another person you share the same soul blueprint with and have an intense soul connection. The idea is that some souls incarnate as two separate physical bodies, and when they reunite, something huge happens. Some believe 222 means you need to take a step back in your current relationship. For others, it means you’re about to meet your twin flame.

There you have it. Regardless of whether you believe in any of these things, it’s always a good idea two count your blessings.

MARCH/APRIL 2022 2022 26 INSIDE COLUMBIA MARCH /april

Karma Care

LLC

IF WE GET A GOOD DEAL, YOU GET A GOOD DEAL!

Our official greeters Henry and Sky!

About Us In the store we carry over 50 types of stones, crystals, gemstones. We also sell jewelry, essential oils, candles, diffusers, singing bowls, figurines, pendulums, Himalayan salt lamps, tarot cards and so much more! Our store has expanded and will now be able to service more people with events and rentable space for workshops. Contact us for more information.

We are passionate about being affordable to everyone and offer layaway. We believe in karma and care!

We welcome you to visit the store or find us on Amazon listed under Karma Care LLC.

Hours Monday: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm Tuesday: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm & 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm Wednesday: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm & 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm Thursday: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm Friday: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm & 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm Saturday: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm & 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm Sunday: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Information Phone: (573) 777-1615 Address: 1414 Rangeline St, Suite B Columbia, MO 65201 Off exit 127 from I70 - ample free parking Like us on Facebook!

INSIDE COLUMBIA MARCH/APRIL 2022 27

life

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Rolling Into Spring

COMBINING THE COLORS AND FLAVORS OF THE SEASON.

W

hen I think of spring dishes, I think of bright beautiful colors and flavors. One of my favorite spring meals to make for my family, friends and Nourish Café customers is spring rolls. I think of spring rolls as mini salad burritos, and I tell everyone that! They are so versatile too, for those picky eaters or people with dietary restrictions.

Spring rolls are traditionally made dairy and gluten free, and can easily be made vegan or keto friendly. I don’t ever eat soy or peanuts for health reasons, so I use coconut aminos for my soy sauce substitution in recipes, if needed. There are a lot of nut and seed butters to use in place of peanut butter or peanuts in recipes. I have even made fruit filled spring rolls with a sweet ginger sauce as a dessert for friends.

I also have made spring roll bowls as a weekly special at Nourish Café & Market, which is much more time efficient in a restaurant setting than rolling individual spring rolls. We have spring rolls on our Easter or Mother’s Day catering menus every year because of the bright colors, and they are always a hit! Spring rolls are also very high in vitamins and minerals that are essential for optimal health.

CoMo in the spring is full of colorful

28 INSIDE COLUMBIA MARCH/april

2022

BY KIMBER DEAN · PHOTOS BY L.G. PATTERSON produce from our local farmers. From Happy Hollow cabbage, Three Creeks cucumbers, Share Life carrots, Raw Roots Turmeric ginger, Sullivan Farm carrots and Sellmeyer bell peppers to

The Sage Garden lettuces. I love using local organic cilantro, garlic and ginger when I can in my sauce. The veggies inside a spring roll can be changed easily to fit local seasonal produce.

life I usually marinate my shredded cabbage before using it, but I don’t recommend using too much green curly kale because it usually tries to expand its leaves in the roll and ends up tearing them. I love celery, but I don’t like to use produce that can get thread-like fibers stuck in my teeth, or that can pull out all the other fillings on accident, so I cut these items very thin. Bulky produce like cauliflower or broccoli crowns also are best if cut thin so the filling is easier to roll up. I love adding rice noodles, bean sprouts and cilantro stems in my rolls.

I also sometimes add chicken, shrimp, anchovies or salmon to my spring rolls.

I like to drizzle my dipping sauce inside each of my rolls so you can get

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

sauce in every bite, plus dipping it in the sauce if you really love it, like I do on my veggies. In a spring roll bowl, I would use an organic white, brown, jasmine and/or sprouted rice since I don’t use the rice papers. For my sauce, I rotate between almond butter, cashew butter, sunflower butter and tahini. Check out my simple spring roll and almond sauce recipes for your next spring get-together!

Kimber Dean is co-owner of Nourish Cafés in Columbia and Sedalia, and the author of Happy Food and Happy Baking and Desserts. She is trained in both culinary arts and personal nutrition.

Check out her cooking show “Nourished” on YouTube for more recipes.

SPRING ROLLS

Grain Free | Paleo | Vegan

INGREDIENTS:

6-8 spring roll wrappers

1 cucumber - sliced thin

1 cup thinly sliced purple or green cabbage

1 red bell pepper - sliced thin

3 carrots - thinly sliced

¹⁄₄ cup fresh cilantro

DIRECTIONS:

1. Prep the spring roll wrappers. Fill up a medium size bowl with some warm water and place the wrappers into the water so they are fully submerged. Let them sit in the water for 4-5 minutes. This will help soften them up and make them more pliable for folding.

2. Mix the sauce. Place all ingredients into a blender, and blend until smooth.

3. Assemble spring rolls. Lay the spring roll wrappers on a flat surface. Lay out the veggies and the sauce near the wrappers like an assembly line. Take one of the wrappers and lay it flat. Near the bottom of the wrapper, layer on some of the bell peppers, carrots, cucumbers, cilantro, cabbage and a slight drizzle of the sauce. Roll it up by folding in the sides of the wrapper, then fold up the bottom over the veggies and continue rolling it up nice and tight like a burrito. Be careful not to overfill the wrapper or it may tear. Continue until you have made all of the spring rolls.

4. Slice and serve with the remaining dipping sauce.

ALMOND BUTTER SPRING ROLL SAUCE

Grain Free | Paleo | Vegan

Preparation Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 0 minutes | Yield: ~1 cup INGREDIENTS:

¹⁄₄ cup almond butter

1 teaspoon ginger powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 cup avocado oil

2 ounces lime juice

1 teaspoon onion powder

¹⁄₂ teapoon sea salt

¹⁄₂ bunch cilantro chopped

DIRECTIONS:

1. Place all ingredients into a high-powered blender or food processor, and blend on high until smooth.

2. Pour into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator until used. It will keep for 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator, or up to 4 months in the freezer.

INSIDE COLUMBIA MARCH/APRIL 2022 29

30 INSIDE COLUMBIA MARCH/april

2022

life

ROBINSON'S RAMBLINGS

Columbia’s Marina GOOD TIMES AT COOPER’S LANDING.

BY JOHN DRAKE ROBINSON · PHOTOS BY L.G. PATTERSON

R

ecently, I rode my bicycle

“Backyards and Beyond” glamping tent

down the Katy Trail and

package ready to rent.

stopped at one legendary gathering place. At the

The entire property sits along the

longest nonstop canoe race.

Kayaks and pleasure boats remain rare sights between Kansas City and St.

Katy Trail and the magnificent Missouri

Louis. Other states have successfully

bottom of Boone County, between

River, the longest river on the continent,

turned the river into a playground,

Rocheport and Hartsburg, Cooper's

which means you can get there by bike

even as they siphon water and sell it off.

Landing serves the Missouri River as

or boat. But most people take the easy

Missouri has been slow to engage the

country store, campground, music

drive to this beautiful spot.

river’s recreational potential.

venue and marina.

What a great setting to bring family

From a food truck, I received a hearty helping of the world's best river fare.

But hold onto your paddle.

Years ago, before I became Missouri

and friends: a bonfire; great music

I sat on a picnic bench and listened to

tourism director, then-U.S. Secretary

from the bandstand; plenty of picnic

live music, performed by disciples of

of the Interior Bruce Babbitt stood on

tables; your favorite beverages and

Jerome Wheeler, the dearly departed

the banks of the Missouri River and

snacks served from the open window

Missouri River muse. A solitary pleasure

shared his vision for a Missouri River

of the store; easy parking and plenty

boat arrived at the marina. Then a

trail. He was concerned about the river’s

of campsites for tents and RVs. They

kayak appeared from the west. If it were

future. I trusted Babbitt because of his

even offer glamping, the glamorous

summer, I’d guess she was a contestant

open frankness. To wit, as a presidential

camping alternative, with a brand new

in the Missouri River 340, the world's

candidate he faced the question: INSIDE COLUMBIA MARCH/APRIL 2022 31

"What's your favorite drink?" Other candidates listed milk, tea, lemonade, water, coffee.

Babbitt said he liked Tecate, a Mexican beer!

Babbitt's answer was Trumanesque. You may not like Tecate, or alcohol, or Mexico, for that matter. But you’ve got to trust somebody who will tell you the truth. Babbitt bared his salivary predilections to the world, even if it meant losing votes.

So when he came to the banks of the Missouri River to promote the idea of a national Missouri River trail, I was all ears. Babbitt is from Arizona, a state that covets water. Maybe that's why his vision had an impact on me. Resurrect "Big Muddy" from the list of endangered American rivers — engage it, immerse in it, draw life from it before Dakotans siphon off all the water and sell it to Arizona.

Mike Cooper brought that vision to life at Cooper’s Landing. His property became Columbia’s portal to the river, a spot to commune with nature. It’s an oasis, too — the only boat fuel station between St. Louis and Kansas City.

After 30 years, Cooper was looking to sell a few years ago. Enter Richard King, a man with a vision to take Cooper’s Landing to the next level. He and a few investors bought the property.

Three days after they closed on the deal, the river rose in a flood that lasted three months. When the river receded, King, his son Nick and general manager Michael De Leon went to work to preserve, improve and maintain the charm of this iconic spot bordering a sweeping bend in the river. They were joined by Missouri River Relief folks.

“They didn’t know me and I only knew a few of them but they held my hand during that horrible flood,” King recalls. “They bailed me out with boats, bodies and genuine love of that river.”

King and crew serve up the ingredients for a fun, relaxing and memorable time. And as good stewards of the river, the crew is doing things right.

Bruce Babbitt would be proud.

Check out the Cooper’s Landing website at cooperslandingmo.com.

See you around the campfire.

John Drake Robinson is a former director of the Missouri Division of Tourism and has driven every mile of highway in the state. His appetite covers a wide range of subjects at johndrakerobinson.com.

32 INSIDE COLUMBIA MARCH/april

2022

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life

ENCOUNTERS

Making Connections

ACA BUSINESS CLUB PROVIDES SPACE, NETWORKING WITHOUT PRESSURE.

BY MADELEINE LEROUX · PHOTOS BY L.G. PATTERSON

A

new option for networking

she immediately knew she wanted to

opening internationally as well. After

has been growing in the

do something with it. But at that point,

further conversations between Hess,

Columbia area.

all Shrum and she really had was a wish

Vianello and Shrum, it was clear that

list of what they wanted it to include:

this club encompassed much of what

204 Peach Way suite A, has been quietly

gallery space, as she’s always supported

Vianello and Shrum had been hoping to

expanding its membership throughout

local artists; a board room; training

bring to the open space on Peach Way.

the past two years, thanks to the efforts

room; and some office space.

The ACA Business Club,

of Lili Vianello and her husband John Shrum, who manage the club.

By August 2019, Vianello and Shrum

Then came Martin Hess.

had purchased the suite and began to

Hess, president of the American Club

launch the local ACA Business Club.

Vianello’s business, Visionworks

Association (ACA), approached Vianello

Even though the space was a mess — “It

Marketing Group, has had offices in

about bringing the ACA Business Club

literally had holes in the wall,” Vianello

the building since 1999. When a long

to Columbia. The original club is out

says — more than 60 people showed

standing business in a space on the

of Overland Park, Kansas, and there are

up to the first event, and five of them

floor below closed in 2019, Vianello says

clubs all over the country, with a few

signed up for the club.

34 INSIDE COLUMBIA MARCH/april

2022

Lili Vianello, who manages the local ACA Business Club with her husband, speaks during a Friday coffee at the club.

It was clear that this could work.

close the space, we just weren’t having

Payne Real Estate Team, has been a

So for the next few months, the club

our events,” Vianello says. “It was still

member for nearly two years, finding the

met elsewhere while the space was

open for people if they wanted to come

club to be a great place for co-working.

fully renovated. On March 1, 2020, the

in for co-working or whatever.”

“It’s just a great comfy place to meet

ACA Business Club was officially ready

Members participated in virtual

to open. The space is available 24/7 for

meetings and coffees while people were

members, unless reserved in advance and

urged to stay home.

rented out, and includes all the items from Vianello’s wish list.

But on March 15, 2020, nearly the entire world began to shut down as the global pandemic spread, and the ACA Business Club had to press pause — at least on a few things. “We didn’t really

“So we were still getting engagement,”

folks because you can just sit here and be casual,” Payne says.

Payne says sometimes it’s nice just to move to a new, more creative atmosphere

Vianello says. “And here’s the miracle in

where there may be other people in other

all of this: We’ve continued to grow the

industries with whom to brainstorm.

whole time.”

“It inspires me to think of something I

By the end of 2021, the club was up to 88 members.

Denise Payne, owner of the Denise

wouldn’t have thought of if I were in my office,” she says.

Making new connections, especially

INSIDE COLUMBIA MARCH/APRIL 2022 35

with people or businesses that they

because it’s called a business club, but I

nonprofits need to behave more like

may not have encountered otherwise,

feel like there’s not a lot of business that

businesses,” he says.

matches with the principles of the club

takes place. It’s a lot of development of

itself. Vianello says there are three

relationships and friendships.”

Assisting local nonprofits is another goal Vianello has for the club. Through

“

It’s a great way to get to know people in a very non-pressure, casual environment that could really benefit you down the line. It’s funny because it’s called a business club, but I feel like there’s not a lot of business that takes place. It’s a lot of development of relationships and friendships.

- Trent Rash

pillars for the ACA Business Club: building quality relationships, providing professional and personal development

And that’s exactly how Vianello wants it to be.

“We are strict non-solicitation, so we

club sponsorships, like being the monthly beer sponsor, members are able to fundraise for different causes and help

opportunities, and offering the chance

are not selling to each other,” she says.

spread awareness of different local

to market your business. And any one of

“We don’t really network so much as we

groups. Since September 2020, the club

those pillars may be enough for someone

build relationships.”

has raised more than $3,200 for area

to join.

The club hosts regular events, such as

nonprofits, including the Stop Human

Payne says she’s been able to connect

coffees for members (and invited guests),

Trafficking Coalition of Central Missouri,

with people who she had never crossed

artist receptions and other social events.

The Food Bank for Central & Northeast

paths with before, despite being in

There are also small groups within the

Missouri, and Coyote Hill.

Columbia since 1982. “You really get to

club that have begun to form, like the

“That is great for me to know about

know people,” she says.

business development team, of which

other avenues and new ways to give back

Payne and Rash are members. Rash says

to the community,” Payne says.

Trent Rash, executive director of the Missouri Symphony and club member

the team has fewer than 10 members

since August 2020, says he has found the

and meets every week to “talk about

person must be invited by an existing

networking opportunities through the

our victories and challenges for our

member, Vianello says. That way there’s

club to be amazing. Rash says he now

organizations. We share stories, we share

someone vouching for the values the new

knows many people who he’s developing

advice for each other.”

person would bring into the equation.

partnerships with that wouldn’t have

To join the ACA Business Club, a

Rash says the team has been really helpful for him, since he comes from

Have you encountered a special business or

an academic background and is trying

person in CoMo? Send their name, contact

people in a very non-pressure, casual

to learn more of the business aspects

information and a sentence on why other

environment that could really benefit

to improve branding and marketing for

Columbians should know about them to

you down the line,” Rash says. “It’s funny

the symphony. “In lots of ways, I think

mleroux@insidecolumbia.net.

happened without the club.

“It’s a great way to get to know

36 INSIDE COLUMBIA MARCH/april

2022

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2022

Inside Columbia

flavor C O N T E N T S

40

Hashing It Out: Egg Bake Starts With Spuds ∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙

43

Local Legend Hangs Up Apron At Eponymous Eatery ∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙

46

Brook Serves Up A South American Staple: Arepas ∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙

51

A Dram Good Drink: Discover Hamilton's Envy

FUNGAL FINDS

It’s time again for morel madness! The tasty but short-seasoned ‘shrooms are considered quite a delicacy. Not "buried treasure" in the traditional sense, morels are buried treasure in another: Furtive foragers go to great lengths to keep their troop troves a secret.

flavor

FOUGERE'S FAVORITES

Keeping it Simple and Delicious EASY EGG BAKE ALLOWS TIME FOR FAMILY.

BY SARA FOUGERE · PHOTOS BY L.G. PATTERSON

I

t probably won’t come as a

It’s a lot of work: the planning,

to change up bacon for sausage,

surprise to find that I generally

prepping and organizing that comes

mushroom for spinach (or both) and

cook for all of my family’s

before the actual cooking. So over time

cheese to match your mood. The very

holidays and gatherings. I

I’ve created a recipe repertoire that

best part? It can be assembled the night

absolutely love it and work hard to

provides a lot of flavor and presentation,

before and literally popped in the oven

make sure everyone has something they

while letting me sit and enjoy the time

as needed. I serve it with a giant bowl of

crave on the table.

with family and friends.

fruit and some muffins, and I’ve never

But still.

This breakfast casserole is one of

You cooks out there are shaking your heads because you know.

40 INSIDE COLUMBIA MARCH/april

2022

those recipes. It’s full of eggs and potatoes, and it’s flexible enough

heard a single complaint.

Well, maybe they complain when it’s gone, but I can live with that.

flavor

FOUGERE'S FAVORITES

Egg Bake with Hash Browns INGREDIENTS 1 2-pound package of frozen hash browns (I prefer the chunks) 1 pound pork sausage 1 small onion, chopped 8 eggs 1 cup milk Salt and pepper 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese Optional: spinach, mushrooms and other items as desired.

DIRECTIONS Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Place hash browns in bottom of pan.

Spoon sausage and onion mixture over eggs, top with cheese.

Brown sausage and onion in skillet. Drain fat.

Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees for one hour. Uncover and bake an additional 15 minutes until eggs are set.

Whisk together eggs, milk, salt and pepper. Pour over hash browns.

Recipe can be made the day ahead, covered and refrigerated.

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flavor

DINIING OUT

Chris McDonnell, left, has passed the torch at Chris McD's to new owner Tyler Spurgeon, right.

Taking Over a Columbia Staple NEW OWNER TALKS PLANS FOR CHRIS MCD'S.

BY PEG GILL · PHOTOS BY L.G. PATTERSON

C

hanges are underway at

sit at the same table.” When he ran the

couldn't have taken over at a better

Columbia mainstay Chris

idea of owning Chris McD’s past the

time. We have the best trained staff;

McD’s — not the least of

Maurizis, they were on board. “They

a really good crew that's committed.

which is new ownership.

knew it was a great investment, even if

(Spurgeon) is liked and respected by the

After 30 plus years, founder Chris

the restaurant industry is kind of hard

employees and they're excited about the

McDonnell felt ready to pass the torch,

right now,” Spurgeon says. “Chris McD’s

changes coming."

which occurred this past December

has a great following and knowing

when he sold to Tyler Spurgeon.

that Chris would be showing me the

busy, and Spurgeon has a very good

Spurgeon’s partners in the venture

He adds that Chris McD's is always

ropes, it was kind of an easy decision.”

chance of being successful. Even

are Tina and Dr. Mike Maurizi, his

Spurgeon’s fiancée, Claire, was also on

though McDonnell won't be in the

soon-to-be parents-in-law. Spurgeon

board. “She's super pumped about it.

kitchen at Chris McD's for too much

says, “This is Mike's favorite restaurant.

Super supportive,” he says.

longer, he has no plans to quit cooking.

He and Tina come in every week, sometimes twice a week. They usually

Of selling after 31 years, McDonnell says, "I had a great run. … (Spurgeon)

However, he says, "I don't think I'll ever own another restaurant."

INSIDE COLUMBIA MARCH/APRIL 2022 43

Spurgeon doesn't plan on making any drastic menu changes, but is looking at a few possible additions.

As with all restaurants, the hours and

For new owner Spurgeon, life has

back to Columbia to study exercise and

effort involved are intense. But Spurgeon

come full circle. He started working at a

is unphased. “It makes for some late

restaurant in the New Bloomfield area at

nights,” he says, “but it's not too bad.”

14 and continued moving up the ranks.

wasn’t quite for him and began trying a

It helps that Chris McD’s is only open

Despite an opportunity to assume the

myriad of other jobs in everything from

Wednesday through Saturday and that

reins after graduating high school, he

construction to mechanics. But none of

the kitchen closes by 9 p.m., depending

instead joined the Marines. A yearlong

them lit a fire in him the way cooking

on the day.

posting in Japan followed and he came

had. He realized he wanted to get back

44 INSIDE COLUMBIA MARCH/april

2022

nutrition at Mizzou.

But he found that area of study

behind the stove and applied at “several of

Spurgeon assured McDonnell that

will be done in phases so regular service

the nicer places in town,” including Chris

he didn’t want to change the menu

won’t be interrupted. In addition, the

McD’s, the restaurant where he most

drastically. “This will still be Chris McD’s,”

patio will be expanded into a larger three-

wanted to work. He was about to accept

he says. “McD’s is known kind of as a

season space, complete with in-table

an offer from another eatery when he

steakhouse, a seafood house. So putting

firepits, a covered roof and heat lamps.

got a call from McDonnell himself. “Why

out really good steaks, awesome seafood

here?” McDonnell asked. “Because I think

dishes is kind of the main goal here.” But

yet. Spurgeon says most nights the

you’re the best chef in town and I want to

Spurgeon says they could add to that with

eponymous chef tries to step out to the

learn from the best,” Spurgeon replied.

some “really cool French or Italian dishes”

front of the house once or twice “but he

or even some staple comfort food.

knows and I know, that the job’s in the

After a little more than two years, Spurgeon sensed in spring 2021 that

McDonnell is hardly out of the kitchen

McDonnell and Spurgeon came up

kitchen. It's not meet and greets and stuff

McDonnell was perhaps ready to be done.

with a game plan for moving forward:

like that. It's putting out quality food and

“I don't know if he ever expected to do

McDonnell would stay on for at least

that's what people come here for. Some

it for 30 years,” Spurgeon says. “He was

six months and “serve as a consultant to

nights, he doesn't even come out of the

always kind of edging toward the door.

show and share his 30 years of experience

kitchen at all!”

You know, saying ‘this is going to be my

that made him the best in Columbia,”

last year. This is going to be my last year.’”

Spurgeon says.

Hungry to do more now that he was

While keeping the menu largely the

When asked if any of his studies in exercise and nutrition might come into play, Spurgeon laughs. Although he

working in the career he loved, Spurgeon

same, Spurgeon says there are other

regularly works out, he says, “The style

asked to meet with McDonnell and let

exciting changes in store for the brick-

of cooking here is French and if anyone

him know that “if you're serious about

and-mortar restaurant.

knows French cooking, it's cooking with

hanging up the apron, putting up the

For starters, the entire interior will be

butter sauce. A lot of sauces, a lot of

knives, I'd like to take over and continue

completely renovated. New tabletops,

rich foods, stuff that people just really,

your legacy.”

new bar, new decor — the works. This

really like.”

Tina and Dr. Mike Maurizi, their daughter, Claire, and Tyler Spurgeon, new co-owners of Chris McD's.

INSIDE COLUMBIA MARCH/APRIL 2022 45

/InsideColumbia.net 46 INSIDE COLUMBIA MARCH/APRIL 2022

flavor

COOKING WITH BROOK

A South American Staple

AREPAS MAKE THE PERFECT SIDE OR MAIN DISH.

BY FOOD EDITOR BROOK HARLAN • PHOTOS BY L.G. PATTERSON

W

ith a dish that is pretty much as simple as pre-cooked cornmeal and water, it is amazing how arepas are so much more than a delicious sum of their parts. This hybrid of bread and tortillas from Colombia/ Venezuela is a delicious side to any meal, Stephanie Luor youStyled can stuff by it after cooking and make | Photos

by L.G. it thebinski main component of a meal.

ThePatterson pre-cooked or "precocida" cornmeal can sometimes be a little tricky to find. It is not the same as masa harina that you can find in most stores. The precooked corn flours or masarepa (P.A.N. being one of the most popular brands) can be found in most Latin markets and many ethnic markets, and is key to the tender bread as it absorbs the water and makes a very tender dough.

The arepa can be pre-stuffed with cheese, sometimes meat, and then a variety of ingredients after being cooked.

If you can’t find masarepa, you can use masa harina in a similar method, but the outcome will be a little different and will be closer to that of a pupusa (El Salvador) or gordita (Mexico).

DOUGH

Warm, almost hot, water is key, but if it burns you, it’s too hot. You don’t have to add butter or fat, but it does make it taste even better and the dough even more

supple. The heat of the water helps melt the fat and absorb it into the cornmeal.

Making the dough is mostly inactive time. Salt the water, taste it (It should

runny to pliable after the cornmeal absorbs the water.

If the dough crumbles when you squeeze it, it needs a little more warm

be just shy of tasting like ocean water), add the fat, lightly work in the cornmeal (which will help reduce the salty taste) and let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes. The dough will go from almost

water. If the dough is runny or easily squirts through your fingers when you squeeze it, it needs a little more cornmeal and to sit for a few minutes.

At this point, you can add a little INSIDE COLUMBIA MARCH/APRIL 2022 47

flavor

COOKING WITH BROOK

cheese to mix into the dough. Once you start to shape the dough, you may find that it may start to dry out some. Just add a little more water and keep it covered with a damp towel.

SHAPING/FILLING

The recipe included makes eight arepas that are on the smaller side or six that are about medium size. Divide the dough and make it into spheres. If you are not stuffing the arepas, you can start to rotate and pat them into a flattened disk that is about ½-inch to ¾-inch thick and a 3-inch to 4-inch circle. To prevent the dough from sticking to your fingers and keep the arepa exterior hydrated and smooth, you can dip your fingers as needed into a mixture of warm water with a few tablespoons of oil mixed in. If you want to stuff it before cooking, you can rotate

48 INSIDE COLUMBIA MARCH/APRIL 2022

the sphere and use your thumbs to make it into a bowl, add a little cheese or meat filling, then pinch the bowl closed over the filling. Make sure to wet the outside of the sphere as you pat it into a disk. If you happen to see a little filling starting to show, you can take a little dough from the edge and cover it.

COOKING

When you are shaping your last few arepas, you can start to preheat your pan. Cast iron, stainless steel and aluminum pans will work. Turn the heat to just below medium and, just before cooking, add enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan. Place enough arepas in the pan so they are about an inch or so apart. If they are too close, they will be hard to flip and a crowded pan will steam, not brown, the arepas. The arepas need to cook for about four to six

minutes per side. They should be speckled with brown on the outside when they are ready to flip. About another four to six minutes on the other side and the arepas should be finished. If you start to see the filling bubble under the dough or a little bubble out, it’s a good sign.

STUFFING

This is a post-cook stuff of the arepa, which is only necessary if you initially stuffed with cheese and you want to add in meat, vegetables or beans after cooking. Let the arepas cool for three to four minutes (cool enough to touch, but not to room temperature), then you can use the tip of the knife to cut into the bread. You want to create more of a pocket by hollowing out the center while leaving most of the sides, like you’re going to stuff a pita. You may then fill the arepas as you wish and serve.

AREPAS

Makes 6 to 8 arepas 2 cups warm water 1 ½ to 2 cups pre-cooked cornmeal (white or yellow) 1 teaspoon salt About 2 tablespoons butter, lard or oil

OPTIONAL FILLING CHEESE - about 2 cups shredded mozzarella, Oaxaca Cheese, or other melting cheese — ½ cup into the dough, rest mixed until it is a mass and separated into however many pieces of dough you make Pre-cooked meat filling — about ½ cup — separated into however many pieces of dough you make

TIP Keep ½ cup warm water mixed with 2 tablespoons oil in a separate container to use while shaping.

This is what you can dip your fingers into as needed to prevent the dough from sticking to your fingers.

Mix water and salt, and taste before adding fat (butter or lard) and letting the fat warm in the water. Add cornmeal and mix until mass forms. Let sit for 10 minutes to hydrate cornmeal; it may seem a bit loose before it sits. The dough should be firmer after sitting, enough to hold indents in dough if squeezed, but not run or smooth out on its own. Adjust with cornmeal (to firm) or water (to loosen) as needed. If desired, add about a half cup of shredded cheese to the dough and mix in.

If you are making a single batch, it is easier to separate the dough into equal portions now.

If you are making a larger batch, it may just be easier to measure out pieces as you go (as long as you have enough filling, either meat, cheese, beans, vegetables or a combination).

Take each piece of dough (about ½ to ¾ of the size of a baseball) and flatten it into a ½-inch disk. As you start to get close to a ½ inch, start to make a concave bowl (use the bowl of water and oil to wet the dough as needed to prevent it from cracking or breaking). Place about ¼ cup of filling in the center and close the bowl of dough around the filling by gently squeezing the top together. Keep wetting your hands and pat the sphere into a ¾- to 1-inch disk, making sure to keep wetting the outside to prevent cracking. If the filling does puncture through the dough, you can tear off a piece from the edge and use the water to wet the dough like Play-Doh to mend the opening.

You are now ready to cook. Heat a sauté or other shallow pan just below medium. Add just enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan. Without crowding the pan, brown for four to six minutes per side until brown speckles have appeared. Flip and repeat. Once the arepas have cooked for three to four minutes they are ready to enjoy or, if you prefer, stuff with more wonderful fillings.

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Employee Spotlight Brent Elliott, PE Environmental Engineer

Brent, a Mizzou alumnus, recently earned his professional engineering license. As a project engineer, Brent handles a broad range of stormwater, wastewater and civil-site design projects throughout mid-Missouri.

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2022

flavor

COCKTAIL

Worthy of Envy ENJOY A UNIQUE AND RICH EXPERIENCE.

BY BEN HERZOG · PHOTOS BY L.G. PATTERSON

A

love story dedicated to the bitter and strong flavors of Jamaican pimento dram, this allspice and pepper-forward drink can be

best enjoyed year-round, as the balanced and intricate flavors make it perfect for any occasion.

A moderate citrus tang with smoked Demerara syrup combine to satisfy your palette, while the romantic notes of cacao in Angel’s Envy bourbon and Xocolatl Mole bitters add poise and depth to an already sophisticated mixture. The Hamilton Pimento Dram blends spice, anise and Jamaican rum to conclude this drink, leaving you with a bold but polished finish.

Once completed, the complex and thoughtful marriage of cultures inside the Hamilton’s Envy offers a unique and rich experience while staying true to familiar cocktails.

Ben Herzog is a bartender at Dive Bar.

Hamilton’s Envy INGREDIENTS • 2 ounces Angel’s Envy bourbon • 1 ounce Hamilton Pimento Dram • 1 ounce smoked Demerara syrup

• ½ ounce lemon squeeze • 2 drops Xocolatl Mole bitters

TO MAKE THE DRINK: Chill a coupe or martini glass and set aside. Combine ingredients and stir with ice for 20 seconds and strain into chilled glass. Finally, lightly sprinkle nutmeg on top of the drink and garnish with a lemon twist.

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Message from Barry

Barry Roewe

Owner, TrueSon Exteriors & Interiors

The difference between a house and a home

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is the attention to detail.

INSIDE COLUMBIA MARCH/APRIL 2022 53 (573) 442-7292 • truesonexteriors.com

LocalLove Meet Columbia’s Cutest Couples

By Madeleine Leroux | Photos by L.G. Patterson When spring is in the air, love is in the air. And we wanted to share some love stories.

So we asked you to nominate some of the cutest couples in Columbia, and you came through! Sixteen of the cutest CoMo couples we’ve ever seen were nominated and more than 450 votes were cast to determine the top three couples to be featured in the following pages.

Are you ready to hear some love stories?

We always have fun and take the craziest pictures!

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Ally & Adam Willis

Anna & Trey Barrow

Anna and Trey Barrow first set eyes on each other at Moberly’s annual Railroad Days Heritage Festival. That was it for Trey. “I remember thinking at the time that she was the one,” Trey says.

Anna had always known of Trey — she went to the same church as his grandparents and he was well known for his football prowess — but never had any encounters with him.

Until the day after Railroad Days when Trey showed up at church and walked over to Anna (technically, it was his grandmother who talked to her first). But it would take more than a simple conversation to win her over. It wasn’t until months later, and after many attempts by Trey’s grandmother to play matchmaker, that Anna agreed to be his girlfriend.

“I had always known who Trey was growing up since he’s pretty famous in our neck of the woods (Go Tigers!), but I never thought I would be lucky enough to be his girl,” Anna says.

After a year-and-a-half of dating, the couple traveled to Memphis, Tennessee, to watch Mizzou at the December 2018 Liberty Bowl. After the game, they went to the Peabody Hotel for a New Year’s Eve celebration, but Trey had a more romantic surprise in mind.

“Just seconds before midnight, Trey got down on one knee and asked me to marry him as the balloons were falling down to ring in the New Year,” Anna says. “I can’t imagine experiencing this with anyone else; it was a great beginning to our forever together. I love our story!”

Trey says Anna is fun, sweet and caring, calling her the best wife and mom. “Anna is the most amazing person in the world,” he says. Anna says family and faith are priorities for Trey, which is one of the things she loves about him. “He knows how to have fun but has the most calming soul, which is what my loud and wild spirit needed,” Anna says.

When asked what makes the Barrows a cute couple, Anna says it’s simply “because we love each other so much. We always have fun and see the best in every situation.”

The couple will celebrate their three-year wedding anniversary in May and have welcomed their first child, Cayde, who is not quite 1 year old.

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Ally and Adam Willis met thanks to some mutual friends who saw the potential in this particular match. Ally and Adam were invited over for lunch, where they met and quickly hit it off. But Adam says he didn’t want to come on too strong and “moved too slow. Once I figured that out though, our relationship bloomed.”

As they began to spend more time together, it became more apparent that things were right. “I began to understand the kind of woman she is and fell in love with that that,” Adam says, adding that he appreciated the way Ally accepts people for who they are. For Ally, she began to see the patience, kindness and caring for others in Adam that she had always admired about her father.

“When I saw all of these qualities in Adam over time, plus even more, like his ability to make me laugh, the way he encourages me, his humility and generosity, I couldn't help but consider whether he'd make a great husband,” Ally says.

After several months, Ally and Adam got engaged in what Ally describes as an almost disaster. The planned proposal involved a boat to the site where Adam would pop the question, but the boat wouldn’t start. The couple then kayaked across, but Adam was worried about the timing and, as Ally recalls, at one point asked if she was even paddling!

“Thankfully, there were no more emergencies and I said ‘yes,’” Ally says.

After nearly one year of marriage, Ally says the couple continues to go on dates and makes sure they keep having fun together. “Throughout the day, Adam will sometimes send me silly jokes just to make me smile or surprise me with my favorite drink,” she says.

From dance parties in the kitchen to road trips for new restaurants to try, the Willis’ look for ways to find joy in every day. “We like to laugh and share fun traditions together, like popcorn on Sunday Funday and building forts in the living room to watch movies in,” Adam says.

We're coming up on a year of marriage and still laugh at what a great adventure we're on together.

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Kate & Cameron Whittaker

Kate and Cameron Whittaker first met when they both worked at Burrell Behavioral Health. For Cameron, it was his first job out of college and, as he puts it, “my first real step into adulthood.”

The pair quickly hit it off, but it wasn’t exactly smooth sailing.

Kate’s 11 years older than Cameron and was divorced with a child. That, combined with the couple’s racial difference, led Kate to initially hide the relationship from her father.

“You hear the cliché, the heart wants what it wants, right?

Well, it was true,” Kate says. “I was ready to walk away from my father because I was in love. Cameron was my ‘person;’ he got

me and I got him. It was like the rest of the world didn’t exist when we were together.”

The obstacles they had from the start weren’t enough to deter Kate or Cameron. “None of that mattered when we were together,” Cameron says. “It was truly the first time I ever experienced true love.”

So they tackled every challenge they met. Kate says her father came around as soon as he met Cameron, and the two even become “the best of friends” until Kate’s father passed away about five years ago.

This year marks a decade for our relationship. While not easy, it’s our love story and we are so very proud of it.

“As hard as that period was when we felt we had to ‘prove’ our relationship; I wouldn’t trade it for the world,” Kate says. “My father learned a lot from Cameron about race and Cameron gained the father figure that he himself never had.”

After 10 years, Kate says their love has only gotten stronger as they’ve grown their family and shared more together. Cameron says they have their own little language and genuinely love being with each other. “We know what the other is thinking and we tend to respond almost the exact same way to different situations,” Cameron says.

Kate always has gone above and beyond for Cameron, he says, pushing him to do better for himself. “She saw potential in me before I saw it in myself to be honest,” he says. “I don’t know where I’d be in life if it weren’t for her.” Kate says she knows that Cameron came into her life “during the perfect season for the right reason so that we can spend a lifetime together."

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STYLED BY MADELYN JONES | PHOTOS BY L.G. PATTERSON

When it comes to spring fashions this year, think pink!

Whether it's rose, bubblegum, blush or some other variant of the feminine favorite, pink is coloring many of this season's separates, from crop tops to darling dresses. Ruffles are another big trend — especially for cap sleeves and tiered dresses. Our model Gayle Link is certainly pretty in pink, dressed in happy-hued pieces in this season's predominant palette.

Gianni Bini Riley braided belt long balloon sleeve round neck swing dress in azalea pink Dillard's $129

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Cable knit ruffle top in pink Kelly Fields Boutique $54

Show Me Your Mumu Good Karma knit cardi in sherbet stripe Kelly Fields Boutique $148

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Ruffle Mock Neck tiered dress in baby pink Southern Rose $48 Flowers courtesy of Kent's Floral Gallery

Enjoy Some of CoMo’s Best At Home Every once in a while, it’s nice to get all dressed up and go out on the town. But that’s not always the best route for a date night.

Sometimes it’s hard to find a babysitter. Maybe public health concerns have got you wanting to stay home. Or you simply don’t want to have to find a parking spot.

Maybe you’re just too tired to go out.

Whatever the reason, you can still enjoy some of Columbia’s finest date night offerings from the comfort of your own home. Here are a few delightful dishes from some of our favorite local restaurants for your next date night meal.

PHOTOS BY L.G. PATTERSON

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Appetizer Ploughman’s Lunch 44 Stone Public House If you’re a charcuterie fan, you’ll definitely enjoy this dish. Described as an “English-style antipasto of sorts,” this starter includes house-made charcuterie, aged cheeses, bread, pickled vegetables, croustades and a seasonal compote. And at only $10, you just can’t beat the price for that kind of selection!

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Entree

Lemon pesto chicken & linguini Murry's Murry’s is a staple of the Columbia restaurant scene and a perfect choice for a date night meal. Here we have what photo editor L.G. Patterson refers to as "a Murry’s hack" — we ordered two different entrees, the lemon pesto chicken and the linguini with pesto and tomatoes, and combined them to create a complete meal for two.

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Dessert

White chocolate strawberry pie Peggy Jean's Pies There’s a reason this pie was selected by the Food Network to be featured as part of its 36 Favorite Pies from Coast to Coast. Strawberry whipped cream covers a spread of baked strawberries on a foundation of dense white chocolate cheesecake. The 9-inch size is what Peggy Jean’s recommends for couples, as you can get maybe six to eight slices out of it.

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Cocktail The Hannah May Sycamore

Named after one of the Sycamore staff members, this refreshing cocktail is a treat anytime. Made with Earl Grey infused vodka, lemon-lime shrub, simple syrup and vanilla, it’s served with a sugared rim and a dehydrated lemon. Enjoy!

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CHECK OUT THE LATEST EDITION

COVERING COLUMBIA'S BUSINESS COMMUNITY

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The roses are dead, the violets are too, so here’s something you’ll Love, your heart Doc will too!

Columbia’s Premier Steakhouse has the Ultimate Premier Steaks.

1401 Forum blvd | ccscitybroiler.com

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Call ahead seating available (573) 445-7772

CONTENTS Inside Columbia’s CEO • www.insidecolumbia.net

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UP & COMING The Ladder Report

78.

THE POWER PULSE CEOs Share Their Opinions On Our Economy

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NEW CFO “ADDS” VALUE Laura Thomas Makes The Adjustment As New CFO

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CREATING NEW CONCEPTS Three Female Founders Flourish In Columbia

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PORT 131 PARTNERS Two Entrepreneurs Team Together On Event Center

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CEO ROUNDTABLE Local Leaders Speak Out On Columbia’s Future

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ON THE COVER: Read how Boone Health's new CFO, Laura Thomas, is making her mark in Columbia.

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STAFF Chief Executive Officer Carla Leible cleible@zrgmail.com Publisher Emeritus Fred Parry fred@insidecolumbia.net Publisher Melody Parry melody@insidecolumbia.net Associate Editors Madeleine Leroux mleroux@insidecolumbia.net Peg Gill peg@insidecolumbia.net Contributing Writer Jack Wax, Olivia DeSmit Photo Editor L.G. Patterson lgpatterson@insidecolumbia.net Art Director Tim Flanner tflanner@zrgmail.com Graphic Designer Madelyn Jones mjones@insidecolumbia.net Advertising Coordinators Kalie Kramel kkramel@zrgmail.com Stefanie Joseph sjoseph@zrgmail.com Marketing Representatives Michael Herschel mherschel@insidecolumbia.net Josh Arnold jarnold@insidecolumbia.net Laura Wagner lfuchs@insidecolumbia.net WIll Reimer wreimer@insidecolumbia.net Haydn Haumann hhaumannp@insidecolumbia.net Inside Columbia’s CEO magazine Zimmer Strategic Communications 3215 Lemone Industrial Blvd., Suite 200 Columbia, MO 65201 573-875-1099 • www.ColumbiaCEO.com Inside Columbia’s CEO is published biannually by Zimmer Strategic Communicatios LLC, 3215 Lemone Industrial Blvd., Suite 200, MO 65201, 573-875-1099. Copyright Zimmer Communications, 2022. All rights reserved.

Reproduction or use of any editorial or graphic content without the express written permission of the publisher is prohibited. Not responsible for omissions or information which has been misrepresented to the magazine.

Postage paid at Columbia, Mo.

Please Recycle This Magazine.

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DON’T BE FOOLED

BY LOW-COST FIBER INTERNET

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OPENING BELL

UP & COM I N G

The Ladder Report Look Who’s Moving Up In Business DR. JENNIFER JEWELL was named dean of the School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences at COLUMBIA COLLEGE. She most recently served as professor and director of the School of Social Work at Salisbury University on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, where she joined the faculty in 2014.

Prior to being named director, she served as the undergraduate program chair and the graduate program chair. Jewell earned her doctorate in social work in 2008 from the University of Louisville and the University of Kentucky. She taught at Spalding University in Louisville for seven years prior to moving to Maryland.

In a unanimous vote, DE’CARLON SEEWOOD recently was named Columbia’s city manager by the COLUMBIA CITY COUNCIL. He has worked as deputy city manager in Columbia since 2019.

He has previous experience working in several Missouri cities, including Fulton, Ferguson and Berkley. Following previous City Manager John Glascock’s retirement, Seewood assumed duties as city manager on Jan. 15.

NATALIE THOMAS has been selected to serve as the director of advancement at COLUMBIA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL. She most recently served as the director of advancement at the Robert J. Trulaske College of Business at the University of Missouri. Thomas will oversee all fundraising activities, including the CIS Pride Fund annual campaign, special events such as the gala and spaghetti supper, and capital campaign 76

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and major gift programs. Prior to her advancement work at the Trulaske College of Business, Thomas served as a digital marketing officer and account manager for companies based in New York and Denver. She earned a bachelor of arts degree in communication from MU and a master’s degree in business administration from the Daniels College of Business at the University of Denver.

THE TRUST COMPANY has announced the promotion of POLLY REYNOLDS to senior vice president. In addition, she is the branch manager for the company’s Columbia office and a longtime trust officer and wealth adviser for the firm. She graduated from the University of Southern Indiana with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and became a Certified Public Accountant shortly thereafter. She also holds the designation of Certified Trust and Financial Advisor.

TENNILLE LESTER, associate trust officer and financial planner at The Trust Company, has achieved the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards (CFP Board) certification to be recognized as a Certified Financial Planner professional.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in finance with a minor in economics from the MU and has more than 13 years of personal banking, branch management and regional management experience.

JAN MEES was named as a new board member of the COLUMBIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS FOUNDATION. She was elected to the Columbia Public Schools Board of Education in 2007 and served four terms, including three

years as president of the school board.

Mees was a library clerk, library media specialist and media director for Columbia Public Schools for 21 years.

She is past president of the Missouri School Boards' Association and has been a delegate to the National School Boards Association.

COIL CONSTRUCTION added new staff to the team, including KEVIN HARVEY as a senior project manager. He holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering technology from Lincoln University. He manages projects and uses his site and utilities experience to help clients. Harvey also was recently appointed to the board of the Industrial Development Authority of Boone County. ADAM ROSE joined Coil Construction as a project engineer. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Missouri-Columbia. His role includes assisting with the city permitting process and helping with project subcontractors and bids. GREG CHILLION recently joined the company as a project manager.

He spent five years in the United States Navy as a staff intelligence analyst. His duties include working on estimates and assisting project managers on larger projects to get things off the ground.

JORDAN GRISHAM is a project manager working on regional operations. His responsibilities include field support for the team during all stages of the construction process, from pre-planning and permitting to scheduling. He also handles any warranty work after a project is completed.

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The 2021 CEO Sentiment Survey Local Businesses Remain Cautiously Optimistic For Columbia’s Economic Rebound Let’s face it. It’s been a difficult few years for Columbia businesses. As we said goodbye to two consecutive tough years, we at Inside Columbia’s CEO wondered if optimism was another casualty of the economy.

To answer that question, we went to Columbia’s business leaders and asked them to share their candid assessment of what the future looks like for their business. Our latest CEO Sentiment Survey reveals a cautious-to-optimistic mindset among local executives as they look to what this year holds.

Our survey respondents (of more than 100 people) represent a diverse group of businesses. The majority are privately owned (74%). Nearly 59% of those surveyed are an owner or partner in the business, with the remainder identifying themselves as employees. More than 39% of the respondents have been in the upper level position of their company for more than 25 years.

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Level of Optimism

My current level of optimism about my business in 2022 is:

46% about the same as in 2021

40% more hopeful than in 2021

14% less hopeful than in 2021

Our Economy

I believe the Columbia/Boone County economy in 2022 will: 16.3% decline

42% improve

42% stay the same

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Organizational Costs

In 2022, I expect organizational costs (payroll, benefits, overhead) for my business to: 1.2% decrease

11.8% stay the same

87.1% increase

Staffing Levels

In 2022, I expect staffing levels for my business to:

14.1% decrease 30.6% increase

55.3% stay the same

Greatest Needs

Challenges

What is your business's greatest need?

What are your top challenges as a CEO/manager in 2022?

49.4% attracting and retaing good employees 19.5% maintaining profitability 16.9% sustaining a competivie advantage 7.8% other 6.5% developing leaders

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TRANSPLANTED TEXAN

Laura Thomas Begins Journey As Boone Health System’s CFO

BY JACK WAX | PHOTOS BY L.G. PATTERSON

S

ince moving to Columbia five months ago to become vice president and chief financial officer at Boone Health System, Laura Thomas hasn’t had much time for leisure reading.

For an avid reader of mysteries and popular novels, that says a lot about how much time and energy it takes to learn the ins and outs of her corporate

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environment and her new community.

She describes her career focus during this transition as being about relationships and performance. “Our team has moved through the forming, storming, norming and conforming phases quickly — the phases that you go through when you’re new to a workplace or when you have a new team,” she says.

Raised in west Texas, Thomas proudly holds onto the vestiges of a friendly Southern accent. She has a bit of a drawl, even when using the precise words that explain her new role: “In a sentence, my responsibility is to ensure we are fiscally responsible without compromising quality for the patient, while ensuring that our employees are safe, healthy

responsibilities matter-of-factually, as if there is nothing unusual about her wide range of duties. “I have supply chain operations reporting to me, support services, construction — anything relating to planning, development and building — environmental services,

college in Texas, studying to become a nurse. With help from new friends and colleagues on staff at Boone, Thomas has already discovered a hot yoga studio and a gym, where she works out with a personal trainer. When she’s not at work or exercising, she’s with her family.

It depends on the day whether we are going to get the supplies we need. We are working through sourcing and collaborating with our clinical leaders to see what we need to do to ensure patient care. But, we’ve been able to stay ahead of the curve.

Laura Thomas

and have a high morale. It’s a bit of a balancing act.”

Thomas comes to Columbia and the Boone Health System with 15 years of experience as a CFO, bolstered by a master’s degree in health administration from Ohio University and an undergraduate degree in accounting and information systems from the University of Texas Permian Basin. She is one of five females comprising Boone Health’s C-level executive team. “We actually P H O Tthe O guys,” S B she Y says. outnumber Still in her early 40s, she has assumed L.G. Patterson a workload that only an accomplished professional could be comfortable carrying. She ticks off her list of

security, accounting, payroll and financial planning and analysis, plus our teams ensure that we are meeting or exceeding Joint Commission of Accreditation standards in respective areas.”

The pandemic has added another layer of complexity to her job. Supply chain issues require monthly global logistics meetings with her team. “It depends on the day whether we are going to get the supplies we need. We are working through sourcing and collaborating with our clinical leaders to see what we need to do to ensure patient care. But, we’ve been able to stay ahead of the curve,” she says.

This is the first college town that Thomas, her husband, 14-year-old son, two dogs and a cat have ever lived in.

She also has a 19-year-old son who is in

Columbia is beginning to feel more like home as they explore the city and surrounding area. They especially enjoy hiking along the trails and exploring Devil’s Icebox. “I feel the colleges bring a kind of vibrancy that you might not see in other cities this size,” she says. “There’s always something to do.”

Which is something of an understatement, coming from someone whose goal is to cut down her work week to 45 hours from the current 50 hours per week that it takes. Except for finding time for her mystery books, Thomas is managing well. “Over the years, I’ve gotten more realistic about what I can accomplish in a day. I now have a top three for my accomplishment list each day. I’ve gotten older and wiser: I used to have 10,” she says.

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

INSIDE COLUMBIA'S CEO

WOMEN IN BUSINESS These local Columbia women stand our from the crowd. We've dedicated this special section to their work, their creativity, their passion and their ability to transform our community.

INSIDE COLUMBIA MARCH/APRIL 2022 85

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

INSIDE COLUMBIA'S CEO

WOMEN IN BUSINESS GINA MAULLER-CRANE FINANCIAL ADVISOR EDWARD JONES

What inspired you to go into this field?

I've always had a service-oriented heart and passion to help others. I'm humbled and grateful I am allowed to serve as a trusted professional advisor and make a difference in my clients' lives and in my beloved community. Partnering with clients to ensure they are living their best and healthy financial life is truly rewarding on so many levels.

What makes your business stand out?

Not only are Baby Boomers getting older and increasingly retiring, there will be a significant amount of wealth and assets passed down via generations as well, compounded by the demographics and dynamic of more and more women managing their finances and living longer than before. They're seeking a trusted professional they feel comfortable with to help them navigate those decisions and manage their wealth. As a woman in a male-dominated field, I am confident I bring the perfect mix of knowledge, expertise, skill sets, passion and empathy to help clients reach their dreams today — and for generations!

What impact did the pandemic have on your business? What did you learn?

It was challenging in so many ways, but it also held many silver linings.

We grew closer to our clients which allowed us to become even more laser-focused on their goals, as well as to open up or accelerate critical conversations about other aspects of their holistic financial plan — i.e. their protection plans, estate plans, etc.

As we celebrate our firm's 100th anniversary, I'm filled with renewed optimism and excitement — it's been a momentous year to celebrate both where we've been and where we're going.

What's your favorite way to unwind?

Snuggling up with my fur babies, a good book and a nice relaxing bubble bath! I also find cheering on my son ''Brock the Rock" and his TigerStyle wrestling teammates an awesome way to unwind! M-I-Z!

EDWARD JONES

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2509 Bernadette Drive, Columbia, MO 65203 edwardjones.com/us-en/financial-advisor/gina-mauller 573.445.7671

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INSIDE COLUMBIA'S CEO

WOMEN IN BUSINESS JENNIFER HEIDRICH OWNER BRONZE BY DESIGN

What inspired you to go into this field?

I've known since senior year at Rock Bridge I wanted to own a tanning salon. When I was at Missouri State University, I worked at two different salons and loved it. After being introduced to handheld spray tanning after college and learning more about the harmful effects of UV, I knew sunless tanning was the path for me.

What's the best part about being a businesswoman in Columbia?

The many great resources for entrepreneurs! One of my favorites is Launch U through Missouri Women's Business Center. It's perfect for anyone starting a business or wanting to improve their business.

What makes your business stand out?

In our industry we like to say 'a spray tan is confidence applied directly to the skin.' We get to help our clients look and feel their best! Everyone deserves a luxury spray tanning experience so our custom spray tans include basic contouring, tan line blending and our talc-free 'setting' powder that takes away the 'sticky' feel of traditional spray tans. We're also the only business in Missouri to offer The Sculpt Pod Pro, and the first in the area to offer StyKu, a 3D measurement system to track our clients progress visually.

What impact did the pandemic have on your business and what did you learn?

We pivoted and started offering online ordering and delivery. Many clients were working at home and rarely leaving, yet they still wanted a bit of color to brighten their day. More than ever, I realized the importance of doing things that make you feel better. Now when clients come in we ask if they're tanning for something special or for a little self-care.

What's your favorite way to unwind?

Traveling. I recently had the opportunity to take a month off and backpack the Comino de Santiago from Portugal through Spain with my dad and explore southern Europe.

BRONZE BY DESIGN

111 E. Walnut St., Ste. B, Columbia, MO 65203 bronzebydesign.com•573.864.9627 INSIDE COLUMBIA MARCH/APRIL 2022 87

Burrell

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS JEANNE HARMON, BSN, MS, RN

DIRECTOR OF NURSING – CENTRAL REGION BURRELL BEHAVIORAL HEALTH What inspired you to go into this field?

Seeing the great medical care a family member received at a St. Louis hospital when I was 16. It caused me to start thinking I might enjoy a career in health care. I knew I wanted to help those in need and this seemed like a good way to fulfill that desire. I also considered MU’s physical therapy program, but decided nursing was the best fit.

What makes your business stand out?

Burrell is becoming one of the largest behavioral health agencies in the country and with this growth, we're able to offer a variety of mental health services to those in need. It's very exciting to see the opportunities we have to expand care in Boone County: More clinicians to provide needed care in mid-Missouri and a new federally-qualified health center to meet primary care needs in an integrated setting. This is one of the things I've always wanted to see Burrell offer!

What advice would you give to other women in the Columbia business community?

Embrace your desire to do good things in the places you are. Look for those willing to partner with you and make those connections. This is a great community to grow your career!

What impact did the pandemic have on your business and what did you learn?

We went from our clients coming to see us to our clients being seen in new remote manners. We learned how to use technology to our advantage. A lot more phone calls to make, Zoom meetings to set up and communication channels to navigate. Today, we’re much better at working remotely when needed which has led to less interruption in providing care.

Is there anything else you'd like to add?

I think Columbia’s a wonderful city to live in and I enjoy being a part of a company that’s committed to making a difference in the community.

BURRELL BEHAVIORAL HEALTH 3401 Berrywood Drive, Columbia, MO 65201 burrellcenter.com•573.777.8300

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS LORI AND KELSEY BROCKMAN REAL ESTATE AGENTS BROCKMAN TEAM WEICHERT, REALTORS - FIRST TIER

What inspired you to go into this field?

Lori: I accidentally got into real estate when I started building homes and purchasing and managing rental property.

Kelsey: As a third generation real estate agent, I witnessed my mom’s every move and the joy of helping others. I couldn't help but want to join forces with her!

What is the best part about being a businesswoman in Columbia?

Lori: Columbia is a great place for entrepreneurs! The people are so accepting, helpful and encouraging. No matter what field you are in, everyone wants to see you succeed.

Kelsey: We all work together for the success of the business and Columbia as a whole.

What makes your business stand out?

Lori: With our experience coming from two generations, we each have skill sets that would be hard to come by in one person. We also pride ourselves on being skilled communicators and providing a consistent, quick response time.

Kelsey: We take the time to get to know our clients and find what they really want. Not only where they want to live, but how they live and how they will use the home. Our goal is to walk our clients through what could be a very stressful and difficult process, and make it an enjoyable experience!

What impact did the pandemic have on your business and what did you learn?

Lori: First reaction to COVID-19 was ‘shut down.’ Eventually I think people had time to be at home and evaluate what they wanted in a home. Many realized they needed a home office. That combined with low interest rates created a booming market.

BROCKMAN TEAM

3700 Monterey Drive, Ste A, Columbia, MO 65203 Brockmanteam.com•573.256.8601 INSIDE COLUMBIA MARCH/APRIL 2022 89

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS DEANNA SPORLEDER, MS, MSCP, MARS, CCTP, LPC

OWNER/OPERATOR HATS COUNSELING, LLC (HELPING ADDICTION TRAUMA & SELF-DEVELOPMENT) What inspired you to go into this field?

My undergraduate studies were in pre-med genetics with plans for a degree in medical research. I was working with tarantulas for a paper on lysosomal processes in the cell when ‘life' happened. Five kids and several years later, I rolled that into understanding brain biochemistries’ impact on thoughts, mood and behavior. It was a perfect fit.

What makes your business stand out?

There's more need for mental health support than ever. With opioid overdose, anxiety and depression from COVID and life stressors, it's easy to become overwhelmed and not realize it till you can't get out of bed one morning or have a near-panic episode. I offer evidence-based practice in a small, private setting. You don't have to have substance use issues or trauma, but I do have special training in those areas. I'm a proud Crisis Intervention Team (CIT provider) for first responders and offer Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). With two master’s degrees and continued certifications, I have a large theory base and therapies to draw from to tailor a treatment plan for you.

What advice would you give to other women in the Columbia business community?

Don't wait. Don't look down. Put on the parachute and jump. If you wait for the perfect time, you won't do it. Mistakes are for learning. See the dream and visualize your best possible self.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Our developmental years have more impact than we realize. Anyone can experience shame. It tells you you’re not good enough. That's wrong. We become our own worst critics. Counseling may help heal and release it. Don’t let shame hold you back in personal, professional or social domains. Strive for wellness; to be your authentic unencumbered self. You're worth that.

HATS COUNSELING, LLC

1517 Chapel Hill Rd., Ste. 500, Columbia, MO 65203 hatscounseling.com•573.246.0500 90 INSIDE COLUMBIA MARCH/april

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS NANCY JURGENSMEYER CO-OWNER SKY ZONE

What inspired you to go into this field?

The possibility to give something back to a town and community that has given my husband and me so much! It's a business that provides a healthy, active, fun way to burn off excessive energy and stress!

What is the best part about being a businesswoman in Columbia?

Columbia is a town I owe a lot to. It's where I graduated college (from MU, 1991), met my husband, Bart, and had our first date (at Haden House, 1990). I love having a business in — and giving back to — the town that educated and helped shape me.

What makes your business stand out?

The energy and active atmosphere grab you as you walk in the door.

We've been so lucky with the number of amazing young adults and managers who have chosen Sky Zone to work at. They bring the magic that keeps us hopping!

What advice would you give to other women in the Columbia business community?

Keep your head up! Don't be afraid to ask for advice when you need it and don't be afraid to speak up when you have an idea. 'Figure out what your brand values and messaging are, and stay true to them in everything you do.' – Source unknown

What impact did the pandemic have on your business and what did you learn?

It taught me to be grateful for the smallest of things. It's a wonderful day when everyone is healthy and all orders arrive on time. I have learned to expect the unexpected and go with the flow.

Anything else you'd like to share?

The people of Columbia and surrounding areas have been wonderful to Sky Zone. The team there is its true heartbeat. I am so very thankful for them all!

SKY ZONE

1201 American Parkway, Columbia, MO 65202 ColumbiaMO.info@skyzone.com•573.309.9600 INSIDE COLUMBIA MARCH/APRIL 2022 91

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS LAURA BROWNFIELD

AVP MORTGAGE LOAN ORIGINATOR FIRST MID BANK & TRUST What inspired you to go into this field?

Whether I'm helping with a refi to lower a payment or remodel a home, or a purchase closing, my job's full of happy endings. When it's a home purchase, attending closings is the icing on the cake. I never get tired of watching borrowers receive the keys to their new home. Buyers are usually exhausted at their closing from moving, but their faces still light up when they receive the keys to their new home.

What is the best part about being a businesswoman in Columbia?

The relationships! Whether the call is a chance to connect with a longlost high school friend, help a family from the ball field or welcome a new family to my hometown, learning about people is what energizes me. We're blessed to live in a diverse community. It's afforded me the opportunity to learn about different cultures, sacrifices and struggles.

Each borrower has a unique story. Not everyone qualifies for a home loan, but everyone has friends and family with whom they can share my name. It's working with people and coaching them through the plan, path and timeline to homeownership that's most rewarding.

What makes your business stand out?

In our competitive climate, there are so few available homes that buyers need to be ready to make offers quickly. Being pre-approved is key to making that possible. I connect with the buyers during the pre-approval process so we've already established a working relationship when it's time to finance their chosen home. Then I'll keep them informed through every step of the financing process and be there to answer questions or address their concerns. The ability to work with a local lender is what most people really appreciate about financing with us.

What advice would you give to other women in the Columbia business community?

We live in a small town and your reputation precedes you!

FIRST MID BANK & TRUST

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Member FDIC•Equal Housing Lender• NMLS# 468540 3855 Forum Blvd., Columbia, MO 65203 firstmid.com•573.489.4681

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS PHYLLIS NICHOLS

AGENT STATE FARM INSURANCE What inspired you to go into this field?

I have always had a heart for helping people and this industry allows us to change people's lives every day! Our customers are more than just a number — they are our family and we want to help them in any way that we can.

What is the best part about being a businesswoman in Columbia?

We have a lot of diversity in our town and it allows someone in my business to reach out to a lot of different folks because there are many different needs and asks of the insurance industry.

What advice would you give to other women in the Columbia business community?

Business can be a tough go. Find a mentor to encourage your every step.

Also know that there can be failures along the way but that doesn't mean you should give up or even stop. It just means you need to take a different direction and see what it takes to lead to success.

What impact did the pandemic have on your business and what did you learn?

We were deemed an essential business so we did not close down during COVID-19. We did learn to try and protect our customers and ourselves by disinfecting our office area and wearing masks when deemed appropriate. We learned to meet people where they were comfortable and if that meant doing business over the phone, we did that too. You have to be flexible in an ever changing world.

Is there anything else you'd like to add?

Just remember, you may not be able to change the whole world, but if you help one person, you have changed their whole world.

STATE FARM INSURANCE 1006 W. Blvd. N., Ste. 102 , Columbia, MO 65203 phyllisjnichols@aol.com•573.443.8727

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS AMY WATSON

PARTNER GERDING, KORTE & CHITWOOD, PC, CPAS (GKC) What inspired you to go into this field?

I wanted a career that would be both rewarding and challenging. I enjoy working with others and as a CPA I get to work with clients every day to help them reach their financial and business goals. No two days are ever alike and I enjoy celebrating our clients' personal and professional milestones.

What makes your business stand out?

We’re a full-service public accounting firm that has provided tax, audit and bookkeeping services in mid-Missouri for over 40 years. Our firm has the expertise to address and solve our clients' challenges by looking beyond the numbers. We strive to provide great customer service to assist our clients in meeting their financial goals.

What advice would you give to other women in the Columbia business community?

Invest in both personal and professional relationships. Share your knowledge by becoming a mentor. Don't be afraid to ask for help and embrace change.

What impact did the pandemic have on your business and what did you learn?

The COVID-19 pandemic taught me to be prepared for the unexpected, to be flexible, and to listen and lead with empathy. We all had to learn how to adjust to a new normal. We were able to transition to a remote working environment with very few hiccups. We met virtually with clients, held virtual staff meetings and even fit in a few virtual happy hours.

What's your favorite way to unwind?

I believe self-care is very important. We cannot give to others if we don't take care of ourselves. I love a good Peloton workout. I especially enjoy spending time with my family and cheering on my two sons during their extracurricular activities.

GERDING, KORTE & CHITWOOD, PC, CPAS 20 S. Fifth St., Columbia, MO 65201 www.gkccpas.com•573.449.1599

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS KATIE BASSMANN

CUSTOM HOME CONSULTANT LOMBARDO HOMES What inspired you to go into this field?

I grew up in a construction family environment with many mentors I looked up to in the interior design field. I also had several internships.

Going to college, I knew I wanted to help families and had a passion for interior design. When the opportunity came up to help individuals and families build new homes, I immediately knew I was on the right career path. I've dedicated myself to this profession and have spent years learning the nuances of custom home building. I find it fascinating that I've helped build more than 300 homes and have never built the same home twice! The joy I see on customers' faces as their dream home becomes a reality is what inspires me each day.

What makes your business stand out?

Our Lombardo team and the environment we create. We're dedicated to bringing value to the community. We're a family-owned business that cares not only about each other as teammates, but about every customer who walks through our door. Our customers will never be treated like a number.

What advice would you give to other women in the Columbia business community?

Stay persistent and don't give up. The long hours and extra education will eventually pay off. Always challenge yourself to do better. If or when you're struggling, don't hesitate to reach out to others in the community.

There's a lot of support from those working with and around us.

What's your favorite way to unwind?

Spending time with my husband and kids. Also, I enjoy the occasional glass of wine.

Is there anything else you'd like to add?

If you have a desire to get into new home construction sales or interior design, do it! The new home construction industry is growing rapidly. If you're interested, dedicate yourself to being an open book, learn daily, stay persistent and opportunities will come your way.

LOMBARDO HOMES

4701 Kenora Drive, Columbia, MO 65201 lombardohomes.com/missouri-homes/•636.265.2710 INSIDE COLUMBIA MARCH/APRIL 2022 95

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS POLLY REYNOLDS, CPA, CTFA

TENNILLE LESTER, CFP®

What inspired you to go into this field?

Tennille: We pride ourselves on being an independent boutique wealth management firm. When working with clients or potential clients, we don't try to put them in a box and say this is the product you need. We’re fortunate our leadership’s empowered us to mold what we do for each client around their unique circumstance.

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT TRUST OFFICER & WEALTH ADVISOR

Polly: My degree is in accounting. I've always loved numbers and finance. We didn't always have a lot growing up and I saw the difficulties that could bring. As my husband and I (both spreadsheet freaks) were putting together our personal plan, I understood it could be really helpful for others as well.

What is the best part about being a businesswoman in Columbia?

Polly: We have a lot of incredibly talented female professionals in our area. Our office also has many women who understand the challenges of balancing home, work, community, etc. For years (generally speaking), males have taken the lead on all things financial in the home. But sometimes, life just happens (divorce, death, etc). I’m a widow and "life" happened to me. It’s encouraged me to walk alongside other women to assist and educate them.

Tennille: Women in this community are ROCKSTARS, and I’ve been fortunate enough to meet and interact with many of them.

What makes your business stand out?

Polly: Our CLIENTS! We simply have the BEST. We love active relationships with people. The more we get to be in front of them, the better job we can do. When I first got into this business, I was told the best clients are ones you never hear from and I thought — WHAT?!? For me, that could not have been further from the truth. I have a passion for actively engaging with my clients. Many have become close friends. Do we get it right 100% of the time? No, but we sure do our best trying.

ASSOCIATE TRUST OFFICER & FINANCIAL PLANNER

What's your favorite way to unwind?

Polly: There are so many things I love to do, but cooking, reading and being creative are probably at the top. Though I only live with Harley, my fur baby, I still come home and cook a meal. That is so relaxing to me. I'm not a huge fan of processed food. I get creative when I have time. I like to make greeting cards. Over the holidays, I made wall hangings for family and a few friends. It's always fun to see something that inspires you and to be able to recreate it in your own way.

Tennille: Hearing a toddler recap their day and seeing my baby smile the moment she sees me can instantly bring me back to my happy place. A glass of Pinot Noir never hurts either.

What advice would you give to other women in the Columbia business community?

Tennille: Be intentional and present in all that you do. I challenge you to remember that feeling you get inside when others step up or show up to support you when you’re deciding if you have time to support someone else. Time is precious, so if you have carved out some of this precious commodity to do something or speak with someone, put the time and effort into making it meaningful.

THE TRUST COMPANY

4210 Philips Farm Road, ste 109, Columbia, MO 65201 thetrustco.com•800.285.7878 INSIDE COLUMBIA MARCH/APRIL 2022 97

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS GEMMA RILEY

GENERAL MANAGER RUSTY DREWING TOYOTA What inspired you to go into this field?

I have been competitive my whole life so when the opportunity presented itself, I jumped. I quickly knew the fast-paced environment was the perfect fit for me and I was determined to make it work in a male-dominated industry.

What is the best part about being a businesswoman in Columbia?

Meeting the incredible people within our community. Each day, I encounter people from all walks of life and with very different car buying needs.

What makes your business stand out?

Even through change of ownership, our goal and values have remained unchanged. Our family ownership and, family-oriented atmosphere makes it an inviting place to do business and fulfill all your transportation needs.

What impact did the COVID pandemic have on your business and what did you learn?

We implemented a smooth, transparent and convenient digital experience to meet the needs of our customers. With SmartPath, you can browse available vehicles, customize your own payment, apply for financing, finalize your purchase and schedule your pickup or delivery — all from the comfort of your own home.

What's your favorite way to unwind?

A nice glass of wine, spending time with my husband, kids and dogs!

RUSTY DREWING TOYOTA 98 INSIDE COLUMBIA MARCH/april

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2105 Christy Drive, Jefferson City, MO 65101 RustyDrewingToyota.com•573.893.3100 GRiley@drewingauto.com

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS RACHAEL NORDEN

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & EVENTS MISSOURI SYMPHONY What inspired you to go into this field?

My passions for music, art and education have always been the key driving forces in my life. In my mind, it's never been a question of 'if' but 'when' I'd get there.

What is the best part about being a businesswoman in Columbia?

I'm constantly blown away by the inclusivity, diversity and collaborative nature of Columbia. I've yet to meet a colleague who doesn't share my passions for CoMo!

What makes your business stand out?

Missouri Symphony (MOSY) is home to a legacy that was built from the sweat and tears of strong, dedicated women; 50 years later and we're still out here getting things done!

What impact did the pandemic have on your business and what did you learn?

The entire entertainment game was changed with the pandemic, but it's given MOSY the chance to exercise diligence, creativity and — perhaps most of all — the opportunity to reconnect with our community. In a strange way, I'm grateful to it.

What advice would you give to other women in the Columbia business community?

The world needs our compassion — and our vision. Never be afraid to stand up, stand out or make a difference by being your most authentic self, however that resonates with you. Everything I've achieved up to this point has been without a single degree; know that the strength and talent is within you already, and no piece of paper will prove anything to anyone if you don't first believe in yourself.

What's your favorite way to unwind?

There's nothing like grabbing a drink, curling up on the couch with my pup and gaming with friends from all over the country.

MISSOURI SYMPHONY

PO Box 841, 203 S. Ninth St., Columbia, MO 65201 theMOSY.org•rachael@themosy.org•573.875.0600 INSIDE COLUMBIA MARCH/APRIL 2022 99

Businesses To Boast About Three Women Find Their Start-Up Niches

BY OLIVIA DESMIT | PHOTOS BY L.G. PATTERSON Over the past 15 years, women-owned firms have grown by one and a half times the rate of other small enterprises and now account for almost 30 percent of all businesses, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

These three local entrepreneurs are joining the growing numbers of female-led businesses. Emma Schermer Tamir has found her niche helping more than 1,000 businesses market online. Jayci Gesling is introducing a new concept for toddlers to Columbia, a business called Tiny Town Play Café. And Samantha Boisclair, owner of Party Perfectly, is using her event planning background to open a retail location downtown.

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Entrepreneurship Meets Event Planning New Venture Is The Complete Party-planning Package

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f you’ve planned a party in Columbia, you’re familiar with the lack of options when it comes to supplies. There’s the big box store and — well, that’s pretty much it. Samantha Boisclair, owner of Party Perfectly, is changing that.

Boisclair opened Party Perfectly, a supplies and event planning company at 1207 Rogers St., in December with the goal of creating a one-stop shop for all things celebratory. And of course, part of throwing a party is the planning — which Boisclair has more than covered.

As an event planner, she has a decade of experience working with local favorites, including the Tiger Hotel and the True/ False Film Fest.

“This is something I’ve been dreaming of for six or seven years now,” she says.

“When I was little, our birthday parties were amazing. My mom was so great at it, and I want to help people create that same experience. Parties shouldn’t be stressful.

“People are busy and it’s hard to find time to plan events,” she says. “Pinterest is never-ending and it’s overwhelming. I actually recommend that brides subscribe to bridal magazines because they have a front and a back.”

Boisclair’s main focus will be helping

Samantha Boisclair

to plan local weddings, although she is excited to work with businesses to plan smaller events such as retirement parties.

“When I say I’m an event planner, people immediately think about weddings,” she

because with the retail side, I offer wholesale options for clients to help them source materials a little more effectively,” she says. And what’s unique about the materials she sources is that she places

“Party Perfectly is definitely unique because with the retail side, I offer wholesale options for clients to help them source materials a little more effectively.” says. “They’re wonderful and amazing and I love them. But, I also have a lot of experience with other events, too.”

For anyone hoping to throw their own party, but needing a little help, she offers consultations. Boisclair will put together a “party in a binder” with decoration ideas, table settings, menu ideas, checklists and a timeline. If you’re planning a birthday party or even an intimate dinner party but are feeling overwhelmed with ideas, Boisclair says it’s “a way for people to pick and choose what they want to do, but still work from something tangible.” Since Party Perfectly has items in-store, Boisclair can pull images and ideas for specific, themebased décor and supplies.

“Party Perfectly is definitely unique

an emphasis on women-owned small businesses. “If I can’t decide between similar products, I look at what the company’s values are,” she says. “As a woman small business owner, if I can find someone in their community doing that, then I try to bring their goods here.

That way, by supporting me, you’re also supporting other women designing beautiful cards or wrapping paper.”

The other thing that Boisclair looks for in the party supplies she offers is novelty.

“I focus on getting products that can’t be found in the mid-Missouri area,” she says.

Although she doesn’t currently work with any Columbia-based artists, she says she’s excited to explore local partnerships.

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E-commerce Expertise Local Entrepreneur Tackles Global E-commerce Marketing

Emma Schermer Tamir

T

hat Amazon description that convinced you to order something you didn’t necessarily “need?” It could be the work of Emma Schermer Tamir. Tamir is the CEO and co-founder of Marketing by Emma, an e-commerce copywriting firm.

Based in Columbia and founded in 2016, Marketing by Emma has helped more than 1,000 businesses across every continent — minus Antarctica. “We work with businesses that are selling products online,” Tamir says. “That includes writing copy as well as surrounding content, packaging text and creating a brand story.”

When she first started the company with co-founder and husband Erez, Tamir says they had no idea how it would develop. “We started it as something I

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would probably do on the side and Erez would help find projects and manage the client side of things,” she says. “As we started dipping our toes in, we saw the opportunity there and it just kind of exploded. It’s been incredible from right

elements that work with the copy.

Something that on the surface seems relatively simple has a lot of depth and complexity to it.”

As the Tamirs homed in on e-commerce listings on Amazon as their specialty, their to-do lists grew and their business quickly expanded from a twoperson team to one of eight. “Neither of us came from prior business ownership or entrepreneurial experience, so it’s just been learning as we go and trying the best we can,” she says.

Unlike a traditional marketing agency, Marketing by Emma is project-based.

So, a business might hire their team to help launch a new product, then return months later for a different product.

When a brand works with Tamir, they receive the actual copy for the listing and creative direction, which means they know exactly what types of photos and design elements to freelance out. The project-based workload means that no one at Marketing by Emma is doing the same thing for very long. “I’m someone who gets bored really easily and this has been the first time in my life that I don’t ever feel bored,” Tamir says. “ But, business ownership isn’t all fun.

“It’s easy to look at entrepreneurship and glamorize it,” she says. “There’s so much that goes into things, and so much stress that you carry. I have a team of people who are all counting on us to lead the way and make the right choices. It can be really challenging, but I know for myself,

"It’s easy to look at entrepreneurship and glamorize it.” here in mid-Missouri to engage with people from all over and help grow their businesses.”

Tamir’s background is in traditional marketing, something more complex than most people think, she says. “There is so much that goes into writing, like psychology and design and image

I’ve learned so much. My confidence has grown in ways I wouldn’t have expected.”

Since Marketing by Emma’s initial success, Tamir has been invited to events in Hong Kong, Canada, Las Vegas and New York to speak about her marketing expertise. “It’s been incredible to become a thought leader in that world,” she says.

“But, also to learn how to think on the

New Play Town Isn’t Just for Kids Mother Models New Business Off Her Family’s Needs Jayci Gesling

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ayci Gesling is bringing six new businesses to Columbia — and they’re all opening the same day. The even more unusual part? These buildings won’t be more than 64 square feet each. And they’re meant for toddlers.

Tiny Town Play Café will debut this spring at 901 E. Nifong Blvd. The play space-coffee shop hybrid will enable parents and kids to enjoy their time, simultaneously.

According to Gesling, she's creating something that doesn’t really exist in Columbia yet. “I took my kids to a miniature play town in Springfield, Missouri, a few years ago and had to drag them out of there at three hours,” Gesling says, “It was enjoyable for me, minus the fact that they wouldn’t let me bring my coffee inside. I’m not an entrepreneur by trade, but I couldn’t let it go.”

Gesling, who is a mom to children ages 6, 4 and 2, says it’s difficult finding things to do in Columbia that they can all enjoy.

After visiting a few play towns with cafés built in, Gesling says she put a picture of her vision on her bathroom mirror and has been aspiring for the opening of Tiny Town Play Café ever since. “It got to a point where it was either do it, or dream about it,”

she says. In 2020, she started making her dream a reality through business classes at the Missouri Women’s Business Center and online courses.

Gesling received much of the funding for the play café from traditional small business loans, but also applied through

While Gesling is working with a contractor to build the 8 foot x 8 foot structures, she is hoping local businesses will partner with her to help fund the construction. Each of the play houses will include toys and items that would be found in the actual businesses, such as furniture,

“It got to a point where it was either do it, or dream about it.”

Kiva, a nontraditional microloan company.

Through Kiva, businesses have to go through two phases of funding: private and public. During the private funding stage, Gesling received full funding from the Columbia community within nine hours.

“Even after I received all of the funding, I had more people asking if they could help,” she says. “It was absolutely amazing to see that the support is there.”

So, what does a tiny town for tots look like? Gesling’s will feature miniatures of six different businesses, some modeled after local business sponsors. A miniature house, veterinary clinic, grocery store and restaurant are in the works, along with an office and construction site.

play food and stethoscopes.

Once open, Tiny Town Play Café will have limited occupancy to provide enough room to play. The space will be available for two-hour play blocks, but will also offer a membership option with unlimited visits and free coffee. Gesling says they will be sanitizing the entire miniature town between each play block to minimize the spread of germs.

While details are still being finalized on the exact open date in March and partnerships for the play houses, Gesling recently announced Camacho Coffee will be the café’s drink partner. Check Tiny Town Play Café’s Facebook page for more information on its upcoming opening.

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PORT 131 PROGRESSES Partners Make Their Mark at Mile Marker 131

BY JACK WAX PHOTOS BY L.G. PATTERSON

A

li Hamrah enters a room casually, wearing the polished and cordial demeanor of a host. It’s a look that he’s had more than 40 years to perfect. Greg DeLine hurries in, the model of a brisk, energetic CEO. Compatible yet different, they share an entrepreneurial spirit and will next year open a multimillion-dollar conference, event and wedding center, Port 131, named after the Interstate 70 exit where it is being built.

DeLine, who is president and CEO of DeLine Holdings, has started and owned more than a dozen companies during the past 30 years. Based in mid-Missouri, his businesses include real estate, trucking and mobile home sales, building and home loan companies. He employs people throughout the nation. Describing his decision to partner with Hamrah for the conference center, he says, “I tell people that I’m going to go to the all-star game, and I’m going to take a lot of all-stars with me. Ali has always been one of my heroes.”

If anyone knows how to run a successful catering business and meet the expectations of event center customers, Hamrah does. Currently working as a consultant to restaurants and bars, he helps other food service businesses turn a profit while keeping their staffs and customers happy. About 30 years ago, he started Peachtree Catering (now owned by his son, Benjamin), which he designed initially to handle weddings and private parties. Within a few years, he added 2,500 square feet to his location, giving him room to host small conferences during weekdays, when the venue would have been empty. The space was not ideal for conferences, but Hamrah made it work.

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“I learned that if I ever do that again, I’ll start by planning for conferences and meetings,” he says. Port 131 has given him the chance to do just that — design the facility and operations to meet the needs of conference planners, attendees and catering companies.

DeLine has his own reasons for adding this new business to his portfolio. “I do it because I’m comfortable doing it and because I can,” he says. Behind the self confidence is a faith-based inspiration. DeLine believes that people have a responsibility to be creative and to build what they can. “I’m at peace building businesses,” he says.

Although the idea of partnering for this project seemed like a can’t-miss opportunity, neither of the two rushed into the project. First, they sought out the input of potential

customers and community leaders. “We invited some of Columbia’s business and academic leaders to a symposium,” Hamrah says. “We put their heads together, and they let us know what sort of conference center was needed. We wanted to do this right.”

That was nearly a year ago, and now the bulldozers are onsite and the dirt is being prepared for concrete footings that will support an immense slab foundation. When complete, Port 131 will have the capacity to seat a bit more than 400 people for a conference or meal. Inside the 13,000-squarefoot facility, the main room can be divided to handle two large groups at a time. Both sides of the room feature floorto-ceiling video walls, complete with conference-grade audio systems. The center’s back doors open to an outdoor patio

The 13,000 square foot facility will be located off I-70 at mile marker 131.

We put their heads together, and they let us know what sort of conference center was needed.

We wanted to do this right.

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Ali Hamrah and Greg DeLine have partnered to build the new event center. that can accommodate receptions of up to 300. Surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, the area’s ambiance will be well suited for weddings and cocktail receptions. “A lot of weddings are going outdoors, now,” Hamrah says. “We’ll have the capacity, year-round. If we have bad weather, we’ll close up part of the patio and move inside.”

Two smaller media rooms will host more intimate gatherings. Believing that their new business has to be good for the community as well as for themselves, the two partners plan to make those smaller rooms available on occasion to non-profits who lack the funds to afford an off-site meeting.

DeLine’s experience as president of the board of Phoenix Programs and past president of Love Inc.’s board has given him an appreciation of the needs of nonprofits.

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Hamrah is especially proud of the 600-square-foot prep kitchen that caterers will use as a staging area. “All the caterer has to do is come in and set out the food. We have the utensils, the plates, a walk-in cooler. We want our caterers to know that we have control of the situation and that what they do reflects the image of Port 131,” he says.

Part of that image will include neighboring businesses.

DeLine, along with partner company, Alpha Commercial Real Estate, will be building and leasing 24,000 square feet of commercial space adjoining Port 131. They anticipate businesses such as coffee shops and specialty retailers will make the area a popular destination. In addition, a central courtyard will be opened to food trucks and other local food vendors, creating a farmers market atmosphere for east

Port 131 will be able to seat more than 400 people for a meal and offers conference-grade audio systems.

Columbia. DeLine envisions using the space for seasonal festivals as well.

By car, Port 131 is only a minute or two from the Interstate 70.

It takes about the same amount of time to walk from the front door of the Holiday Inn Columbia East to the event center. “If it’s raining, we can always drive people from the hotel to Port 131,” says Hamrah, only half-joking. DeLine also sees this proximity to a hotel as a win-win situation. Conference and wedding planners will have a convenient location that can accommodate travelers, and the hotel will benefit from an increase in occupancy throughout the year. “In fact, it’s a win-win-win,” says DeLine, who expects that their project will make the area more desirable to other business people looking to expand or start new businesses in east Columbia.

Amy Schneider, director of Columbia’s Convention and Business Center, expects Port 131 will have an immediate impact on Columbia’s business community. “When you bring people into town, chances are they’ll spend the night, eat at restaurants, buy gas and go shopping,” she says. “A new conference center gives us another opportunity to bring in more business.”

“Columbia is growing as a diverse community,” DeLine says.

EquipmentShare, which is just a few steps away from Port 131, is growing at a rapid rate, making the area an attractive environment for retail shops. “I do think you’ll see Columbia expand to the east, in part because of Port 131. It’s sort of like dominoes. Once you have that momentum going, the pieces fall into place.”

Gaining that momentum in the face of a pandemic takes extra effort and planning. Each week that goes by sees

When you bring people into town, chances are they’ll spend the night, eat at restaurants, buy gas and go shopping. A new conference center gives us another opportunity to bring in more business.

- Amy Schneider construction and material costs continue to increase. “Just getting the chairs and tables for the center takes 26 weeks,” Hamrah says. By April, the partners expect to be able to forecast exactly when they’ll have a grand opening.

When asked how Port 131 will impact the businesses and community around them, both partners don’t hesitate to answer. “In five years, I think people will realize that the Port 131 development is the best thing that ever happened to this area,” Hamrah says. DeLine sums up his view in just a few words: “It’ll be cool,” he says.

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Rusty Drewing, Steve Knorr, Jeff Lashley and Robert Hollis

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ROUNDTABLE

A New Vision

Recruiting the Next Generation of Residents and Leaders

By Madeleine Leroux Photos by L.G. Patterson

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he Columbia business community has had its share of struggles in the past few years. The global pandemic strained existing issues and created new ones, from supply chain problems to struggling to attract and retain workers.

Inside Columbia Publisher Emeritus Fred Parry hosted a CEO Roundtable at Zimmer Communications with 11 local business, civic and education leaders to discuss the biggest issues facing Columbia and how we can best work to address them.

The event was sponsored by The Broadway Hotel; the hotel’s awardwinning Chef Jeff Guinn catered the meal that accompanied the conversation.

Attendees included business owners and leaders from the health care, education, real estate and

development industries. One of the biggest issues facing the local business community is one being faced nationwide: workforce development.

have tremendous demand for patient services at Boone Hospital,” Kennett says. “If we could hire 100 nurses this afternoon, we would. It’s that big

As workforce needs change, we need to continue to innovate and provide high-quality programs and learning facilities to support that growth and change.

Brian Yearwood

Superintendent of Columbia Public Schools BUILDING NEW PIPELINES The pandemic and the Great Resignation have created labor shortages in nearly every industry across the country, and Columbia’s businesses are feeling the pinch.

Dr. Jerry Kennett, chair of the Boone Health Board of Directors, said staffing is the organization’s biggest challenge right now. “We

a problem.”

But the issue goes beyond nursing and health care in general. While other technical fields within health care are struggling with staffing levels, it’s an issue many industries are having to deal with. One remedy is improving the pathways into various fields, which is what educational institutions such as Moberly Area

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Community College (MACC) and Columbia Public Schools (CPS) are trying to develop.

Jeff Lashley, MACC president, says several new health sciences programs have been started to try and positively impact area workforce issues. This year, MACC began a one-year program that allows practical nurses to become registered nurses and it’s already full, Lashley says. But even

— overwhelming unemployment — would be even worse. Treece, who is finishing his final term this spring, says job corridors, like the ones being developed through MACC and CPS, are key to developing the workforce the community needs. “But we have to build that pipeline,” Treece says.

Yearwood says the district is hoping to increase the number of available internships and develop

In every single price range, we do not have enough housing.

Since the pandemic started, we’re lucky to have three weeks worth of inventory in the market.

Brian Toohey

CEO of the Columbia Board of REALTORS with that and other existing programs, including surgical technology, “We know we’re still not touching the need the way that we need to,” Lashley says.

Brian Yearwood, CPS superintendent, says an ongoing shortage of bus drivers is on the road to improvement as the district is developing programs to train drivers to receive the necessary licenses after being hired. CPS contracts with Student Transportation of America for bus services.

Yearwood says the district also is reaching out to area organizations and faith-based groups to try and widen the pool of available substitute teachers. “We are beating the bushes, as one would say, to try to remedy that situation,” Yearwood says.

As difficult as the workforce issues are to solve, Mayor Brian Treece says it’s important to keep in mind that the opposite problem

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more apprenticeships to improve available pathways to various fields.

“That’s a new push for us that we must continue to do,” Yearwood says.

“As workforce needs change, we need to continue to innovate and provide high-quality programs and learning facilities to support that growth and change.”

Lashley says MACC’s Early College program with CPS, which allows students to earn credits toward an associate’s degree while in high school, has grown in its second year and there are plans to expand the program into career and technical education.

More than 100 students will graduate high school with significant college credits, he says. While he isn’t able to give concrete numbers yet, Lashley says the number of high school students graduating this spring with an associate’s degree will be in the double digits. “That’s a great path

to a university or a four-year college to continue on in the bachelor’s program,” Lashley says. “We’re getting more first-generation students because of this program.”

The trouble is that many of the fields that are particularly hurting for people are highly specialized, says Rusty Drewing, president of Drewing Automotive. “If you have to build the pipeline, you’re already too late,” Drewing says. “I don’t know how you solve the problems you have in some of our industries overnight.”

In his business, Drewing says it’s easy to find a spot for someone with the right attitude. And when something comes up, like an inventory shortage, it’s time to tweak the standard practices and teach people a new way to think, he says.

“We’re selling as many cars as we ever used to, but if you drive past our lots, you would think, ‘God, they’re struggling. They don’t have any cars,’” Drewing says.

The Columbia Area Career Center is an example of a local asset that’s incredibly beneficial for students, Treece says. The center includes an auto mechanics class that teaches skills that could help a student land an $80,000 salary as a mechanic at a local dealership. “We need to make all these opportunities available to kids because the middle skills gap between those with the high school degree and the college degree are where our community is going to see the greatest amount of growth,” he says.

Construction is another industry where workforce has become a very difficult problem to solve. Brian Toohey, CEO of the Columbia Board of REALTORS, says there’s nowhere near enough people to

Brian Yearwood, Jeff Echelmeier, Jay Burchfield and Brian Treece

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Elizabeth Mendenhall, Brian Toohey and Dr. Jerry Kennett

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fill the available construction jobs, which is only further complicating an already tight housing market. “That’s definitely caused a hardship for building new housing,” Toohey says.

A FULL-BLOWN HOUSING CRISIS While Columbia has been dealing with the issue of affordable housing for more than three decades, Toohey says the community is now dealing with an overall housing crisis. “In every single price range, we do not have enough housing,” he says. “Since the pandemic started, we’re lucky to have three weeks worth of inventory in the market.”

Ideally, he says, there would be between five to six months worth of inventory at this time of year.

It’s also important to remember the effect of regulatory changes on the housing market, says Jay Burchfield, founder and president of SilverTree Companies-Realty. “There’s increased bureaucracy in developing lots that are buildable,” he says. “It drives the price up, which is not being absorbed by the developer — it’s being passed on to the homeowner.”

Burchfield says it’s important to ensure codes and regulations fit the community’s needs and market in order to avoid arbitrary changes that substantially drive-up costs for very little benefit. What may be in vogue on the West Coast is not necessarily what our market demands, he says.

But at the same time, there are some aspects of new codes that potential home buyers are looking for, Treece says. “The reality is consumers and home buyers want some of the components in that green energy code.”

Robert Hollis, an attorney with Van Matre Law Firm, says while the city’s uniform development code, which

was overhauled in 2017, is a definite improvement over its predecessor, it may be time for the city to hire a consultant who can advise ways to streamline the process to be more consumer friendly.

Toohey says the city could use some of the federal money that has come in through the pandemic to hire someone who also could look for ways that the code could be adjusted to allow for different housing

and our community.”

The community as a whole has low unemployment and when there are top local companies attracting people with high salaries, it just drives up the price for everyone else, Mendenhall says. “We’re seeing those first-time home buyers, they’re not entering at normal first-time home buyer prices anymore. They’re entering at a second and third tier.”

When we have an opportunity, we have to do everything we can to make that seed grow here, because if we don’t have the infrastructure for that seed to grow here, or the people, or the energy around it, it’s going to go somewhere else.

Jeff Echelmeier

CEO of Williams-Keepers LLC opportunities that don’t currently exist in Columbia.

Elizabeth Mendenhall, CEO of RE/MAX Boone Realty and a former president of the National Association of REALTORS, says Columbia has become a viable option to more people in the era of expanding remote work possibilities, but at the same time the local housing market is simply too expensive for those working in essential local positions, such as law enforcement and education. “When we talk about the jobs that we need, our prices are too high,” Mendenhall says. “That’s the real struggle.”

Yearwood notes that Missouri ranks at the bottom of U.S. states when it comes to average starting pay, which hurts the local district’s ability to attract quality teachers, even though starting pay for a CPS teacher is above the state minimum. “We cannot be ranked at the bottom as a state and keep high-quality teachers in our state

ATTRACTING INDUSTRY While Columbia is home to many great companies, there’s more that can be done to attract, and retain, new industries to the area.

Jeff Echelmeier, CEO of WilliamsKeepers LLC, points to the Missouri Innovation Center as an asset within the community, but it’s only a first step in attracting businesses.

“When we have an opportunity, we have to do everything we can to make that seed grow here, because if we don’t have the infrastructure for that seed to grow here, or the people, or the energy around it, it’s going to go somewhere else,” Echelmeier says.

“That is definitely an asset that is in our grasp, if we can find a way to harness it.”

Kennett, of Boone Health, says the NextGen Precision Health Institute on the University of Missouri campus, which opened last fall, also has the potential to generate many new

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investments in the community. The facility is used for both bench and clinical research. Kennett says in order for that investment to reach its fullest potential, MU will need to continue to allow researchers to share in the rewards of their discoveries.

Ownership is an important aspect of attracting new industries, says Steve Knorr, president of Endovac Animal Health. Those in high technology industries are not looking to lease a property, they want to buy it.

Burchfield says the area currently has an industrial vacancy rate of 3%.

Considering 10% is healthy, Burchfield says, there is essentially nothing

here, they want to send their kids to college here.”

THE RECRUITMENT CHALLENGE But after college graduation, many students leave Columbia and midMissouri for other bigger cities.

Echelmeier says recruitment is a constant challenge, as there is also a nationwide shortage of accountants.

What they’ve found, he says, is that their best chance is to recruit those who grew up in mid-Missouri or other small towns and are about three or four years out of college, now looking to return from the larger cities.

“We have limited opportunities to

There’s a short period of time that we have as a community to really attract some very unique businesses and people to this part of the world that we may not have in the rest of our lifetimes.

Steve Knorr

President of Endovac Animal Health available for industrial companies in the area.

All of the shovel-ready sites have been exhausted, Treece says. New ones should be created and Treece says that would be a job for the city and Regional Economic Development Inc. Even without sites ready to go, Treece says companies have chosen to locate here because of the strength of the area’s diversity. He points to companies like Aurora Organic Dairy, which opened in Columbia in 2019 on a 102-acre site.

“We’ve got great companies here that could locate any other place, but because they feel welcome here, they stay,” Treece says. “When people feel welcome here, they want to move

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recruit a person who grew up in St. Louis or Kansas City, and sometimes we lose someone who grew up in midMissouri, wanting to go to the city for a period of time for an experience,” Echelmeier says.

But after a few years away, he says, mid-Missouri begins to look more attractive as those young people start looking to buy a house with a yard and move closer to grandparents. “We want to provide an opportunity for them to move back and have had some good success in that,” Echelmeier says.

Columbia has an opportunity now as a centrally located city to take advantage of the mass migrations being seen from populous states such as California, Knorr says. “There’s a

short period of time that we have as a community to really attract some very unique businesses and people to this part of the world that we may not have in the rest of our lifetimes,” Knorr says.

Treece says there are plenty of amenities to attract people to the area, it’s simply a question of packaging them properly. He points to the trail system and world-class Columbia Farmers Market as examples of what Columbia has to offer. As for anything that’s missing, “We can develop the amenities,” Treece says.

Mendenhall says Columbia needs to do a better job of taking those selling points and amenities, and presenting the right package when recruiting those young people back to the area when they’re ready to buy a home.

“We can sell this town, that’s not a problem,” Mendenhall says. “This town is awesome.”

But what’s missing may be a comprehensive vision for the future.

“We have to figure out where we fit,” Mendenhall says, noting that growth would help address many of Columbia’s issues, but it takes vision to achieve that growth. She says there’s a new group of community leaders who have yet to be tapped. These are not CEOs or small business owners, but regular employees sitting at EquipmentShare or Veterans United, making significant salaries and contributing to the community, but who have not yet been given the opportunity to engage.

“They’re not engaged in what this town can be and can look like, and they want to be,” Mendenhall says. It’s a question of how to get that group to be more involved in crafting Columbia’s vision for the future.

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RAPIDFIRE “One of the strengths of the last two years and how we handled the pandemic was how we collaborated as a community … and we made decisions together, very difficult decisions that I think got us through the pandemic. … But that framework for decision making shouldn't happen just in times of trouble.”

Mayor Brian Treece

Final Thoughts “Only 20% of employees are engaged in the culture of their employment, and that's the 20% you keep that won't leave you for more money. … I think we have a whole generation of workers that view a career and view what a job means in their life differently than what we have.”

Jeff Lashley MACC president

“We want to continue to receive support from industry where we can have our scholars doing apprenticeships, internships in their area of (study). If there are any doors open in industry or business, we’d love to have a conversation.”

Brian Yearwood Superintendent of Columbia Public Schools

“What is it over the next year that we can do to help small businesses get back on their feet? Many have had a very difficult two years and we need to look for ways to help shore them up a little bit.”

Steve Knorr President of Endovac Animal Health

“There’s an entire new wave of community leaders that we have an opportunity to engage. They’re not the small business owners and they’re not the CEOs. … How do we get that group in and contributing to build this community? We’re not quite there yet.”

Elizabeth Mendenhall CEO of RE/MAX Boone Realty

“We need to redefine what your first-time house is. … People need to look at being more acceptable of multi-family housing for a while and then looking for that three bedroom, two bath, two-car garage house.”

Brian Toohey CEO of the Columbia Board of REALTORS

“Once you’re here, you never want to leave. And once you leave, you always want to come back. …

I don’t know how you get the rest of the world to see this.”

Rusty Drewing

“(The Broadway Hotel) has spent years with a goal of accumulating enough property downtown to develop a convention center. … We’ve taken this to the city and been met with a lukewarm response, which is shocking. … This is absolutely a publicprivate partnership if there’s ever been one, because convention centers don’t make any money, but I think it’d be a great thing for Columbia.”

Robert Hollis Attorney with Van Matre Law Firm

“Without the amenities and the infrastructure, we run the risk of people living somewhere else and wiring in to do their work in Columbia. …

We need to create the environment where they want to live here. They might work somewhere else, but we need them living here.”

Jeff Echelmeier CEO of Williams-Keepers LLC

“We need to focus on business retention and expansion, and attracting people. Skilled labor should be a priority. … There has to be a leader that has a mission statement and sets that tone.”

Jay Burchfield Founder and president of SilverTree Companies-Realty

“The younger population now moves from job to job for minor reasons, which makes it even more challenging for us to ensure that Columbia is an extremely inviting and desirable place to be.”

Dr. Jerry Kennett Chair of the Boone Health Board of Directors

President of Drewing Automotive

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Age-Related Macular Degeneration is the leading cause of blindness among older Americans.

• New treatments have dramatically changed the course of this disease over the last decade, making AMD more manageable than ever before.

• Vision can be preserved more often now, but early detection is a critical first step.

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Inside Columbia

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Spine-tingling: Unbound Returns In-Person and Downtown ∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙

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Double Date Becomes Date With Destiny ∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙

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Local Events Of Note ∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙

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Man Up! Expo Center Turns Virile Venue For COMO Man Show

SCREEN SCENE

After venturing outside in 2021, the True/False Film Fest returns downtown to six indoor venues March 3-6. The documentary delight's an impressive feather in CoMo's cap and offers us an extraordinary chance to watch extraordinary films. Learn more at truefalse.org.

insider

BOOKSHELF

The Collective Experience.

UNBOUND RETURNS IN-PERSON AND DOWNTOWN.

BY SOFIA PEREZ · SUBMITTED PHOTOS

S

even years ago, Alex George

planning the event. In 2021, the decision

nothing like being there in the moment.

founded the Unbound Book

was made to go completely virtual and,

These are unique events that can’t be

Festival with the mission of

“the content was unbelievably good,”

repeated.”

bringing together readers and

George says. “Doing it that way brought

writers to create diverse communities, exposing participants to new ideas and authors. Since then, it has grown to become a nationally recognized literary festival, right in the heart of Missouri.

Unbound brings together authors of world-class renown to talk about their books, work and lives. The event takes place over a weekend in Columbia,

“

There’s nothing like being there in the moment. These are unique events that can’t be repeated.

- Alex George

but in 2020, the festival was canceled

This year, the Unbound Book Festival is making a fully in-person (and perhaps emotional) return with a new location in downtown Columbia from April 2124. (Previous festivals were held on the Stephens College campus.) “The quality of this year’s panels is fabulous,” George says. “We have at least two Pulitzer Prize winners and authors who were on (former President Barack) Obama's reading list this year.”

about six weeks before it was scheduled.

home to all of us that technology is

The cancellation was particularly hard

wonderful, but it doesn’t replicate being

for writers and readers of all ages.

on Unbound’s team of volunteer staff

there in person — being part of the

For more information on panels, visit

because they work year-round, tirelessly

crowd, the collective experience. There’s

insidecolumbia.com.

120 INSIDE COLUMBIA MARCH/april

2022

The festival will feature programming

insider BOOKSHELF

Viet Thanh Nguyen

Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah

Viet Thanh Nguyen is a Vietnamese-American novelist and professor at the University of Southern California whose novel, The Sympathizer, won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, among other awards. He has published nonfiction and short stories, as well as a children’s book written in collaboration with his 6-year-old son, Ellison. Nguyen joins Unbound as the festival’s keynote author.

Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah is the bestselling author of Friday Black, a collection of short stories exploring themes surrounding black identity. In 2018, he was selected by novelist Colson Whitehead as one of the National Book Foundation's “5 Under 35” honorees.

Jenny Lawson

Marcia Chatelain

Jenny Lawson is a bestselling author and humorist who is also known online or her personal blog, The Bloggess, which features dark humor and honest insight on mental illness. Her blog has won many awards.

Marcia Chatelain is a Mizzou alumna and professor at Georgetown University who received the Pulitzer Prize in History in 2021 for her book Franchise: The Golden Arches in Black America, which examines the relationship among black politicians, civil rights organizations, communities and the fastfood industry.

Patrick Rosal

Sequoia Nagamatsu

Patrick Rosal is an interdisciplinary artist and the author of five books of poetry who has earned fellowships from the John Simon Guggenheim Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts and the Fulbright Senior Research Program. Rosal also is the inaugural co-director of the Institute for the Study of Global Racial Justice at Rutgers University-Camden in New Jersey.

Sequoia Nagamatsu is a Japanese-American writer and author of the award-winning short story collection Where We Go When All We Were Is Gone. He teaches creative writing at St. Olaf College and the Rainier Writing Workshop Low-Residency MFA program. His recently published novel, How High We Go in the Dark, was an immediate national bestseller.

INSIDE COLUMBIA MARCH/APRIL 2022 121

The Columbia business community is filled with successful CEOs and entrepreneurs in all sizes of companies — from large corporations to small startups. Many of these executives are thought leaders in their respective industries who have solid industry knowledge, a good grasp of current trends and events and deep insight into a problem or challenge. They are critical thinkers who are not afraid to challenge others, inspiring the employees to work harder and smarter. On the following pages, we’ll hear from some of Columbia’s foremost thought leaders in the business world. We hope you enjoy their insights and vision.

PROMOTION

Re si d ent ial Real Est ate and Auct ions

TIM ELLIOTT | ATTERBERRY AUCTION AND REALTY COMPANY

T

he mid-Missouri real estate market has exploded in recent years, and it’s not just an issue of price. There are fewer properties becoming available, resulting in a very tight market. “The real estate market is very hot right now and looks to stay that way for the foreseeable future,” says Tim Elliott, owner of Atterberry Auction and Realty Company.

Elliott says the tight real estate market in Boone County and the surrounding areas is creating great opportunities for those looking or having to sell. But, he cautions, “if you’re a buyer right now, don’t expect to find any real steals. You can get more for your home, but probably can't replace the same size home for anywhere close to what you sell yours for.”

Elliott has been in the field for almost three years, purchasing Atterberry Auction with his wife, Crystal, in 2019.

The company itself was started by Larry Atterberry Sr. and his wife, Judy, in 1970.

Elliott says he and his wife chose to purchase the business and work in the industry because they love working with others one-on-one. “It is very rewarding to help our clients get top dollar for their real estate and personal property,” Elliott says. It’s especially rewarding to work with seniors as they downsize, or children who have lost their parents and need to liquidate assets, he says.

Elliott sees the real estate industry becoming more innovative with new and exciting ways to buy a home, including more virtual reality tours and internet transactions instead of the traditional in-person showings. “Through digital

marketing, online advertising and targeting, sellers are able to list their homes with us and market them to people around the world,” he says. It’s all part of how Atterberry Auction works to be an innovative and growing company that can help anyone market and sell their home and assets for top dollar.

Atterberry Auction & Realty Company 7912 I-70 Drive SE 573.874.9295 atterberrysells.com

INSIDE COLUMBIA MARCH/APRIL 2022 123

PROMOTION

I N SURA N C E

100% Employee Owned

Jack Watson, Allison Madrid, Steve Nicholson, Stacie Coke-Lisby, Steve Tade

WINTER-DENT & COMPANY

W

ensures the company has the capabilities

flow and risk. With a corporate rallying cry

to consult and work with everyone, from

of "Humans Helping Humans," Winter-

uniquely positioned to deal with

startups all the way to multinational or

Dent is committed not only to its clients,

one of the top issues facing the

international companies. “Business in

but also to its employee owners, working

general is changing fast and in order to

to provide as flexible a work environment

stay ahead of our client’s risk, we not only

as possible. “With our ownership mindset,

have to address the traditional risks we’ve

we really do believe that we are all going to

all faced most of our lives, but we now face

make a huge impact on each other and the

them in a more mobile and digital world,”

communities we all serve,” Nicholson says.

ith over a century of experience, Winter-Dent & Company is

industry: perpetuation and leadership continuity. Steve Nicholson, CEO, says the industry and competitors are getting rolled up or purchased, but that issue has been solved at Winter-Dent with the transition to a 100% employee-owned company, which happened in 2018.

That transition has helped position the

Nicholson says.

As a 100% employee-owned company,

company locally, regionally and, now,

everyone is involved in growing the

nationally for the long term.

business and creating stock value in a

Winter-Dent currently has a presence

transparent and empowered environment.

in Columbia, Jefferson City, Kansas City,

As the company continues to expand

St. Louis and Dallas, and Nicholson says

geographically and into a multitude of

they are continuing to expand, both

industries, staff is focused on ways to give

geographically and across industries. This

their clients more control over their cash

124 INSIDE COLUMBIA MARCH/APRIL 2022

Winter-Dent & Company

3610 Buttonwood Dr., Ste. 310 573.449.8100 winter-dent.com

PROMOTION

E N GI N EERI N G

KAYLEE CANNON & JEFF KENNEY | TERRACON CONSULTANTS INC.

F

or any project to have a strong finish, it must start with a firm foundation.

When it comes to construction, aspects like geotechnical

engineering, materials testing and environmental services are sometimes overlooked, says Kaylee Cannon, a Columbia-based geotechnical engineer with Terracon Consultants Inc., but can play major roles in a project. “It is crucial to have proper investigations and testing to ensure the safety and welfare of the public,” Cannon says. “The early stages of a project can affect a structure’s performance years later.”

Terracon was founded in 1965 and now has a presence in all 50 states with more than 175 locations. Throughout their history, Terracon has collected subsurface information across the country dating back to the early 1900s. They have digitized that information and made it available to clients via an online portal to help owners make educated decisions early in the construction process. in the construction industry, and Cannon

ago, Kenney says. “We use our experience

manager in Columbia, says the services

says she sees that continuing. “It helps us

and expertise as engineers and scientists to

Terracon provides impact the entire com-

give more accurate data and allows us to

ensure that projects are completed in a safe,

munity, as engineering and construction

deliver better quality reports,” Cannon

efficient, and quality manner through every

play significant roles in everyone’s daily

says. Terracon uses this technology to

step of the construction process.”

lives, from the roads we drive on to the

provide real-time engineering results for

power system we depend upon.

its projects.

Jeff Kenney, P.E. materials department

“Columbia leads the way in mid-Missouri

Kenney agrees, saying “Terracon is on

for promoting engineering involvement

the leading edge of innovative technol-

from the design phase, into construction,

ogy to continuously progress our industry

and through the service life of the struc-

standards and client experience.” Internally

ture, which greatly improves the quality of

developed programs can now assemble, uti-

our community,” Kenney says.

lize and share information in amounts and

Technology has only increased its role

Terracon Consultants Inc. 6700 Stephens Station Road 573.214.2677 terracon.com

ways that were not possible just a few years INSIDE COLUMBIA MARCH/APRIL 2022 125

PROMOTION

PH AR MACY

ANTHONY DESHA | FLOW'S PHARMACY

W

hile he was in high school in Jefferson City, Anthony DeSha started working with Randy Flow at a pharmacy there. In 1974, Flow opened Flow's Pharmacy here in Columbia and DeSha came to work with him. Desha says, "The rest is history." He has been with Flow's for 13 years.

Dan Cornell became a partner in 1994, and a second Flow's location on Keene Street was added six years ago. DeSha says, "The most important part of my job is forming relationships and building bonds with our customers."

His industry changes daily, DeSha says. With COVID-19, they have had to shift the way they do business and the ways in which they can better serve our community.

DeSha sees independent pharmacies as the future: "We have the ability to help people one-on-one and give them what I feel is a different level of care. There aren't many places where you can call and get someone with the education that our pharmacists have. The entire pandemic has shown us that pharmacies play an integral part, along with other health care providers, to give patients more direct care — from immunizations to overall well-being and health." DeSha realizes that the healthier our citizens are, the healthier Columbia is — not only in terms of our economy, but also the incredible quality of life we have here. Good health is often the result of good health care, and both help ensure we're able to enjoy all the resources Columbia has to offer.

Flow's has always been involved in the community, from sponsoring local sports teams to helping with community 126 INSIDE COLUMBIA MARCH/APRIL 2022

events and festivals. DeSha feels that in order to continue to be successful, "we have to show that we are invested in our community because we're all in this together. Throughout the pandemic, we have formed close relationships with other pharmacies and businesses here in town that will help in the future of health care in Columbia."

Flow's Pharmacy 1506 E. Broadway 573.449.5366 flowspharmacy.com

PROMOTION

EN T R EPR EN EUR SH IP

GREG DELINE | DELINE HOLDINGS LLC

O

ver the past four decades, Greg DeLine has built more than a dozen successful companies under the umbrella of DeLine Holdings LLC. After starting

his career at what is now Central Bank of Boone County, DeLine says he decided to strike out on his own as he was ready to start something new. At first, he says, it was about finding a way to create some immediate income to support his family.

After an initial venture, things began to snowball. “It’s like a lot of these situations you just kind of stumble into where you’re at,” DeLine says.

Though the entrepreneur spirit was always in his DNA, he says, the key for anyone to succeed is simply hard work.

“I believe that if you work hard and are honest with yourself, you won’t fail,” DeLine says.

While DeLine’s companies span a variety of industries, their success is all dependent on the ability to constantly be adapting and changing. The principles and models used in business are universal, DeLine says, regardless of the size of the business. “If you’re not changing, you’re dying,” he says. “You have to stay relevant and be aware of the current landscape.”

As a successful entrepreneur, DeLine says he has learned the value of the right work-life balance, something with which many entrepreneurs struggle. That focus on balance allows DeLine the time to give back to the local community. He says he sees himself as a steward who loves to share and mentor.

DeLine serves as the president of the board for Phoenix Programs, is a current

board member and past president of Love Columbia and is a Leadership Circle-level sponsor of the Heart of Missouri United Way. “I love to bless other people and share what’s been so freely given to me,” DeLine says. “We need one another. We gain strength from one another; we learn from one another.”

DeLine Holdings LLC 111 Eastside Drive Ashland GregDeLine.com

INSIDE COLUMBIA MARCH/APRIL 2022 127

PROMOTION

COMMERCIAL R EAL ESTAT E

JACK MAHER III | MAHER COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

G

rowing up in Columbia gave Jack Maher III a good feel for our town and the small businesses in the area. An MU grad, he left his job with a commercial brokerage to partner with his grandad, Jack Maher Sr., forming Maher Commercial Real Estate in 2014. Their fullservice commercial brokerage firm focuses on retail, office and industrial properties within an hour of Boone county.

Maher’s job allows him to shape the business landscape of our community, which is very rewarding and makes him feel he’s accomplished something with a long-lasting impact. In that same spirit, he’s also on the board of Lutheran Family & Children's Services (LFCS).

According to Maher, the commercial real estate industry’s always evolving. The recent challenge of supply chain issues has led to rising building costs — limiting new construction supply. The inventory of existing industrial buildings has diminished over the past few years in particular, leading to high demand for new construction industrial buildings.

Columbia’s a retail hub for midMissouri, Maher says. The success of the commercial real estate industry in Boone County and the surrounding area is dependent on the major employers that drive Columbia’s economy and draw in population growth. As our population steadily increases, Maher says we will see more opportunities for outside employers to develop brick-and-mortars here. He feels evolving our local government to become more business-friendly about zoning and building regulations will go a long way toward consistent and efficient growth.

128 INSIDE COLUMBIA MARCH/APRIL 2022

Maher Commercial is involved with several exciting projects in 2022: >>> It’s seeking buyers for lots in a new commercial development on the southeast corner of Vawter School Road and Scott Boulevard. >>> A new industrial/office building currently under construction at the former Superior Garden site at 3100 Old Hwy. 63 S. that will be the new home of Lanier Landscaping.

>>> Trade Winds Industrial Park, southwest of the Route Z exit, offers affordable industrial lots for sale or lease, with Huebert Builders willing to build-to-suit for qualified buyers and tenants.

Maher Commercial Real Estate 7000 Madison Creek Drive.

573.228.6321

PROMOTION

VEIN CAR E

MICHAEL RYAN, M.D. | MISSOURI VEIN CARE

A

fter graduating from Harvard College and Columbia University, Dr. Michael Ryan completed cardiac surgery training with renowned pioneer

cardiac surgeon Dr. Denton Cooley in Houston. Dr. Ryan was a cardiac and vascular surgeon from 1995 to 2007, before founding his solo vein care practice in 2007.

Before that, he traveled to training centers and national meetings to train in new minimally invasive vein treatments, and saw how effective and patientfriendly these treatments were. He also experienced the personal benefit — and relief — with treatment for his own vein condition, which he had suffered for more than 20 years. "I understand firsthand what people experience with a vein condition," he says. "It’s very satisfying to treat a vein condition and see the relief people experience as their pain and discomfort resolve and their energy and stamina increase." In 2007, he switched from the hospital and focused full-time on vein care in the office. Missouri Vein Care now has locations in Columbia, Jefferson City, Rolla and Cape Girardeau.

Most people with a vein condition don’t have any visible veins on their legs.

For those individuals, the only way to determine if you have a vein condition is with a leg vein ultrasound. That’s when Dr. Ryan and his team rely on the typical and unique symptom patterns of vein disease to screen for this condition. "People with restless leg syndrome, leg or foot cramps, foot numbness or tingling, or fatigue at the end of the day don't understand the connection between those symptoms and a vein condition," he says. Dr. Ryan focuses on the symptom patterns to

recommend whether treatments can help a patient, rather than just whether they have abnormal veins.

With gentle treatments and an expectation of immediate results, the patient looks for a seamless experience with no downtime. Forward-thinking practices such as Missouri Vein Care are continually striving to improve their delivery of care to meet this patient expectation and to achieve high patient satisfaction.

Missouri Vein Care 4004 Peach Ct., Ste E 573.449.2273 missouriveincare.com

INSIDE COLUMBIA MARCH/APRIL 2022 129

PROMOTION

C USTOM H OM E BUI LD ER

Emalee Gilberg, Jeff Hemme, Brooke Neville, Orie Hemme | HEMME CONSTRUCTION

T

he global pandemic has had an impact

For the Hemme family, the most

housing whenever they can.

on nearly every single industry, and

important part of the job is making

home building is no different. “We

sure they have satisfied homeowners.

Columbia Area Career Center and Ranken

They, of course, work hard on building

Technical College, to encourage more

quality homes, but living up to the high

people to join the home building workforce.

standards set by their buyers is equally

There's a great opportunity to make money

important: They love having happy Hemme

in the field, Hemme says, and the company

homeowners. And to do that, their team

supports education about home building

of custom home specialists work hand-

through offering scholarships

in-hand with homeowners. “As times and

and internships.

are currently building larger homes and more custom homes than we ever have because that is what the market is currently dictating,” says Jeff Hemme, owner of Hemme Construction. He says some of those include multi-generational homes, something that’s been a trend in the industry since the spread of COVID-19.

Hemme knows the home building industry — he’s a fifth-generation home builder who established Hemme Construction in the Columbia area.

The newest and sixth generation member is Orie Hemme, the current vice president of the Home Builders Association of Columbia.

130 INSIDE COLUMBIA MARCH/APRIL 2022

The company works closely with the

trends evolve, our business evolves along with them and we walk our homeowners through that process, too,” Hemme says.

The need for affordable housing is evident, Hemme says, but with rising costs of materials, those projects are only becoming tougher. Still, he says, Hemme Construction is looking forward to finding projects that fill the need for affordable

H O M E

B U I L D E R

Hemme Construction 2301 Chapel Plaza Ct., Ste. 1 573.234.7253 HemmeConstruction.com

PROMOTION

H IG H ER ED UCAT ION

DR. JEFF LASHLEY | MOBERLY AREA COMMUNITY COLLEGE

F

irst a student, now the president, Dr. Jeff Lashley gained far more than an education at Moberly Area Community College (MACC). After earning his

degree, Dr. Lashley began working as an adjunct faculty member and soon became ful time in 1996. It became apparent to him that the programs offered by MACC were life-changing to students and that the work environment and culture made it a great place to work and build a career.

Founded in 1927 as a part of the Moberly public school system, MACC has expanded into a regional institution, serving 16 counties with campus locations in Columbia, Hannibal, Kirksville, Mexico and Moberly, as well as a robust online program. The college offers an associate of arts degree and an associate of science degree that prepare students to transfer to four-year institutions. MACC has also developed extensive career and technical education programs that prepare students to enter the workforce upon completion.

These are in areas such as health sciences (nursing), advanced manufacturing, computer information and early childhood, to name a few.

Dr. Lashley says MACC has established effective and ongoing partnerships with Columbia Public Schools, all three local colleges, the city of Columbia, the Boone County commissioners and many business and industry partners who serve on advisory committees for its programs.

These partnerships have led to new programs and important financial support.

“I believe MACC has made a significant impact on Columbia and Boone County and that we have become an important

and impactful partner to the community.”

He says that in the future, accessibility and opportunity will continue to be the focus of community colleges. “To meet the promise of opportunity,” he says, “MACC must continue to have a strong focus on what is happening in the communities we serve and quickly respond to changing needs. That’s reflected in our focus on not only preparing students to meet the present needs of our community, state and nation, but to prepare students for career paths that don't yet exist.”

Moberly Area Community College 601 Business Loop 70 W, Suite 216 660.263.4100 macc.edu

INSIDE COLUMBIA MARCH/APRIL 2022 131

PROMOTION

BUSIN ESS D EVELOPMEN T

LISA DRISKEL HAWXBY | REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INC. (REDI)

B

usinesses have had to evolve rapidly in the past couple of years. Global changes and economic challenges have

eliminated the days of “business as usual,” and put a higher emphasis on the role of creative problem-solvers. “We have to come together to face issues with an honest desire for resolution and progress,” says Lisa Driskel Hawxby, business development specialist with Regional Economic Development Inc. (REDI).

REDI, founded in 1988, works to coordinate the region’s economic development and entrepreneurship activities. The organization has a mission of supporting upward economic mobility for the residents of Columbia and Boone County, and is funded by the city of Columbia, Boone County, the University of Missouri, and more than 100 local businesses and municipalities.

Hawxby’s role is to find ways to move the business community forward by removing barriers and finding workable solutions to problems. As a business advocate she helps businesses navigate regulatory processes. She also facilitates opportunities that enhance the vitality of local businesses, support the creation of quality jobs and address workforce challenges. “I do not have a ‘magic wand’ that will make everyone happy, but I do have the ability to facilitate discussions that are necessary for progress,” she says.

“Anytime I can make a connection where ideas and/or issues can be approached with a spirit of cooperation to serve the greater good, I feel accomplished.”

With the role of business development specialist being new to mid-Missouri, Hawxby says she is acutely aware that

132 INSIDE COLUMBIA MARCH/APRIL 2022

her accomplishments may inspire other communities to develop a similar position.

“Business development encompasses many areas that impact all of our daily lives, from workforce development to the strength of the local economy to qualityof-life issues and engaged citizenry,” Hawxby says. “Looking at the community from a holistic lens is critical for success, now and in the future.”

Regional Economic Development Inc. 500 E. Walnut, Suite 102 573.441.7676 Columbiaredi.com

PROMOTION

PROPERT Y MA N AG EMEN T

RYAN KRUEGER | RTK RENTALS LLC

A

cross the nation, the rental market is growing. And with more rental properties, comes the need for increased management, for the benefit

of both the owner and the tenant. “It can be a unique challenge to make a property profitable while still keeping up with things that tenants want and that a building needs,” says Ryan Krueger, owner of RTK Rentals LLC.

Krueger was first approached about being a leasing agent about 10 years ago, quickly getting a crash course in investment property and property management. “I saw the need and the potential were there to make a successful and stable career out of it,” he says.

In April 2017, Krueger founded RTK Rentals. From that first phase, when it was just Krueger and Angela Garrett, operations manager, with four clients and about 100 units to manage, RTK has grown substantially, especially in the last two years. Krueger says they intentionally grew the business slowly to ensure clients and customers would get the best service possible.

As the cost of real estate, and maintaining that property, increases, Krueger says more people are turning to rentals, both nationally and locally.

People also are opting to spend more on experiences rather than saving for a home, and renting allows people to have the convenience of a manager to care for the property. “In my experience, it seems like there are a lot of people who see the value in owning property, but either don't know how to take care of it or don't want to,” Krueger says. “That's why they hire us to

take care of everything for them.”

Krueger says more calls are coming in now from out-of-state buyers who have seen the advantage of the mid-Missouri market and are looking for local property managers. “I think that the relatively low cost in central Missouri is very attractive to buyers from larger, more expensive markets,” he says.

RTK Rentals LLC 2024 Cherry Hill Drive #102 573.355.6860 rtkrentals.com

INSIDE COLUMBIA MARCH/APRIL 2022 133

insider

WEDDING

Roomie Romance BRIDE MEETS BEAU THROUGH GAL PAL.

BY PEG GILL · PHOTOS BY JENNIFER KLINK PHOTOGRAPHY

J

ust before finishing her first year at Mizzou in 2012, Laura Fuchs went to St. Louis for a weekend to visit her high school friend, Mary, at

Saint Louis University. Mary mentioned her new boyfriend would be joining them and bringing his roommate, Danny. The four hung out that night, with Laura and Danny really hitting it off. Once the school year ended, Laura moved home to St. Louis for the summer, and she and Danny spent pretty much every day together.

After graduation, both settled in Columbia and nine years after meeting, got engaged on July 18, 2020 — the day after Danny's birthday. Laura thought they were going to St. Louis to celebrate his birthday, but no! Danny's tale of golf with the guys, then meeting up in the afternoon for a pool party and barbecue was an elaborate ruse: He had arranged for Laura's friend Emily to take her hiking, and he didn't hit the links at all.

Instead, he hit the ground running to pull off a huge surprise engagement party.

After a long morning of hiking, Laura and Emily ate a leisurely lunch and even stopped to get Danny a “happy birthday” cookie cake, something Laura nearly dropped when she opened the gate to her parents' backyard.

Music started to play and, to her surprise, Danny was standing there, not golfing.

Confused, she didn't really register what was happening until Danny dropped to one knee, her family and friends appeared from around the corner and he proposed!

134 INSIDE COLUMBIA MARCH/april

2022

insider

Laura became Mrs. Danny Wagner

WEDDING

dusty rose tie and pocket square. His

"He said, 'Maddie asked me to read

on Aug. 7, 2021, at Our Lady of Lourdes

groomsmen were similarly attired, as was

her toast tonight. To mom and dad,

Catholic Church. The Rev. Chris Cordes

Laura's father.

congratulations on your big day today.

officiated and the couple exchanged

After the ceremony, guests adjourned

You are the greatest mom and dad a baby

traditional vows during a full Catholic

to The Club at Old Hawthorne. Laura

wedding. The décor in the church was

and Danny wanted their reception to

simple — a large floral arrangement on

feel elegant yet casual. It began with

trade for the world? Dancing on the patio

each side of the altar.

a cocktail hour held both inside the

together at sunset and having a moment

clubhouse and also outside on its patio

to themselves.

Both moms walked in to "I Have Loved

could ask for and I love you so much …'”

Another moment the couple wouldn't

You,'' then made a loop and walked in

overlooking the 18th hole. Servers passed

"We tried to take everything in and

together a second time carrying the

appetizers while guests enjoyed an open

stopped to pause every once in a while

couple's infant daughter, Madison. The

bar and instrumental music.

to remember as many details as possible,"

bridesmaids walked next, to "Canon in

The main reception and sit-down

Laura says.

D." The Pachelbel piece also played as

dinner followed under a huge white

Laura's father escorted her down the

tent on the event lawn. Guests entered

as well as an assorted dessert bar. The

aisle, but with the volume raised.

through a greenery-draped opening

main cake was two-tier and had ribbed

with a large floral arrangement on either

icing and buttercream frosting, along

A-line dress with a sweetheart neckline,

side of it, and white fabric swooping

with a Mr. and Mrs. Wagner topper.

lace and beading. Her hair was half up/

dramatically down the tent pole. Edison

The second cake was a fun surprise for

half down and curly, with a twisted back.

lights were strung throughout the tent.

Danny: A golf course with a little golf

Laura's gown was a spaghetti strap,

She wore a full-length veil and carried

Guests sat at round tables, half

Guests had their choice of two cakes,

cart that said "Just Married" on the back.

a mix of blush peonies, anemones,

graced with garden-style arrangements

quicksand roses, lisianthus, spray roses,

in gold compotes, the other half of the

pink sedum, blushing bride protea,

tables graced with gold lanterns ringed

ranunculus, jasmine and sweet pea. Her

by loose greenery including eucalyptus

bouquet was wrapped in a blush rose silk

and a hint of smilax. Two rectangular

ribbon, her favorite color.

farmhouse tables served as the head

where the bride works in sales and

Her bridesmaids wore long dresses

They ended the night by dancing on the stage and Danny crowd surfing.

"We definitely ended the night with a bang," Laura says.

The newlyweds live in Columbia,

table, connected by an ivory cheesecloth

marketing at Zimmer Communications

from Azazie, each in a style of their own

runner and set with tall votive candles,

and the groom is an attorney for The

choosing, in dusty rose. They carried

greenery and dusty rose napkins with

Kroenke Group. They plan to take a

smaller versions of the bridal bouquet,

gold Chiavari chairs.

delayed honeymoon on their one-year

also wrapped in blush rose silk ribbon.

Wedding toasts began, with one of

Danny wore a navy suit with brown

the most memorable coming from an

The bride's parents are Greg and

shoes from Men’s Wearhouse. His garden

unexpected source: Baby Madison, via

Linda Fuchs of St. Louis. The groom's

rose boutonniere was wrapped in blush

her grandpa Greg, Laura's dad.

parents are Dan and Claudia Wagner,

rose silk ribbon and, in a further nod

"Talk about a waterfall of tears

to Laura's favorite hue, he sported a

when he started talking," Laura says.

wedding anniversary.

also of St. Louis.

INSIDE COLUMBIA MARCH/APRIL 2022 135

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BRIDAL GOWN Town and Country Bridal, St. Louis ∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙

BRIDESMAIDS’ GOWNS Azazie.com ∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙

HAIR STYLING The Strand ∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙

PHOTOGRAPHY Jennifer Klink Photography, St. Louis ∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙

VIDEOGRAPHER Byler Media-Marshall Byler, Jefferson City ∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙

SHUTTLE BUSES MO-X ∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙

SUITS Men’s Wearhouse ∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙

FLORIST Kailey Russell-Bare Root LLC ∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙

DJ OR BAND Griffin and the Gargoyles, St. Louis ∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙

CAKE(S) Ang at Hy-Vee on Grindstone ∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙

RINGS Betz Jewelers ∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙

REGISTRY Crate and Barrel, Bed Bath and Beyond, Dillard’s ∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙

WEDDING COORDINATOR Margaret Monson at Sentimentally Yours Event Co. ∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙

RENTALS A1 Rentals ∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙

SIGNS AND DÉCOR RENTALS Pretty Little Things ∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙

TENT AND LIGHT DRAPING U.S. Rents-It

136 INSIDE COLUMBIA MARCH/april

2022

THE BEST CONTEST OF THE YEAR IS BACK! Nominations for Best of Columbia 2022 are open now!

Go to InsideColumbia.net to cast your nomination for your favorite!

Nominations will be open until April 1st Voting will begin April 11th.

INSIDE COLUMBIA MARCH/APRIL 2022 137

What’s Going On THE EVENTS YOU NEED TO KNOW.

Dates and events are subject to change. Please visit the event website for the most up-to-date information.

March MARCH 3-6 TRUE/FALSE FILM FEST

VARIOUS VENUES Don’t miss Columbia’s annual cinematic celebration. The festival not only showcases documentaries by filmmakers from all over the world, it also showcases downtown Columbia with special T/F art installations, musical performances and events.

Times and prices vary; www.truefalse.org

MARCH 5 ROOTIN' TOOTIN' CHILI COOKOFF

HOLIDAY INN EXPO CENTER Enjoy all the chili you care to sample from local chefs, businesses and talented amateur cooks (including a Classic Rock 96.7 KCMQ team!) at this annual fundraiser sponsored by MFA Oil and JES Holdings to benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Columbia.

2 to 6 p.m.; $15 in advance ages 11 and older; under 10 free; bgc-columbia.org/ events/chili-cookoff/ 138 INSIDE COLUMBIA MARCH/april

2022

MARCH 12 POLAR PLUNGE

BASS PRO SHOP Come out and cheer on the chilly dippers in this annual frosty fundraiser! Scores of plucky participants will brave the frigid winter waters of Bass Pro Shops’ lake to raise funds for local Special Olympics athletes.

Noon; donations encouraged; somo.org

MARCH 22 "FIDDLER ON THE ROOF"

JESSE AUDITORIUM See Tony nominees Danny Burstein and Jessica Hecht in this classic musical, with stunning choreographer from acclaimed Israeli expert Hofesh Shechter. A wonderful cast and lavish orchestra tell this heartwarming tale of the timeless traditions that define faith and family.

7 p.m.; from $59; concertseries.missouri.edu

April MARCH 17 HASAN MINHAJ

MISSOURI THEATRE Minhaj was the host and creator of the weekly comedy show "Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj" that premiered on Netflix in October 2018. The series received a 2019 Peabody Award and a Primetime Emmy, and was recognized for a 2020 Television Academy Honor. More unique comedic specials followed.

7 p.m.; from $53; concertseries.missouri.edu

APRIL 8–9 MISSOURI CONTEMPORARY BALLET: LIVE!

MISSOURI THEATRE Missouri Contemporary Ballet (MCB) presents an audience favorite, "LIVE!," featuring both live dance and live music. "LIVE!" includes three world premieres, acclaimed works from the MCB repertoire and original compositions from local musicians.

7 p.m.; from $28; concertseries.missouri.edu

APRIL 19 THE QUEEN'S CARTOONISTS

JESSE AUDITORIUM The Queen’s Cartoonists play music from classic cartoons and contemporary animation. Performances are synchronized to video projections of the original films, and the band leads the audience through a world of virtuosic musicianship, multi-instrumental mayhem and comedy.

7 p.m.; from $32; concertseries.missouri.edu

APRIL 21–24 UNBOUND BOOK FESTIVAL

DOWNTOWN COLUMBIA Unbound celebrates literature of all kinds and features nationally recognized and best-selling authors across many genres. Pulitzer Prize-winning author Viet Thanh Nguyen is this year's keynote speaker and will give his address Friday, April 22, at 7 p.m. at the Missouri Theatre. On Saturday, the festival takes place at various venues throughout downtown Columbia.

All day; free; www.unboundbookfestival.com

APRIL 24 COUNT BASIE ORCHESTRA

ARROW ROCK LYCEUM THEATRE Count Basie is the only bandleader in jazz history whose orchestra is still performing sold out concerts all over the world 30 years after his death.

2 p.m.; prices vary; Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre; lyceumtheatre.org

May MAY 20 OZARK MOUNTAIN DAREDEVILS 50TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR

MISSOURI THEATRE In 1973, Rolling Stone magazine said, “The Ozark Mountain Daredevils are best described as a ragtag collection of hippies, bohemians and musicians of no fixed ambition. They are indefinable in terms of music genres, producing sounds of country-rock and electric bluegrass all on the same record; writing lyrics both whimsical and poetic, singing harmonies that would send shivers up your spine.”

7 p.m.; from $52; concertseries.missouri.edu INSIDE COLUMBIA MARCH/APRIL 2022 139

Don’t Miss Our Spring Lineup!

See all 3 shows for just $114!

LyceumTheatre.org 660-837-3311 Mar 2 - Mar 6

Mar 16 - Mar 20

Mar 31 - Apr 10

Season Sponsors 140 INSIDE COLUMBIA MARCH/april

2022

insider

SPOTLIGHT

Puttin' The MO in Machis-mo THE COMO MAN SHOW TURNS FIVE.

I

BY PEG GILL

f the COMO Man Show isn't the

manly marathon. He grew up in Oregon

logo designed just for this year's show.

ultimate testament to testosterone,

and has never forgotten how excited

A portion of the proceeds will go to

I'm not sure what is. It's essentially

he got about the Portland Sportsman's

Central MO Honor Flight, a charitable

the premier mid-Missouri expo for

Show as a kid, which his family annually

organization with a mission to transport

everything manly. Whether it's hunting

attended. That’s what the COMO Man

America’s veterans to Washington, D.C., to

and fishing, sports, food, beer or power

Show's modeled after: "I wanted to bring

visit memorials dedicated to honor their

tools, the one-day expo has everything a

the concept here and share my passion

service and sacrifices.

guy needs to indulge in a mega man day

for the outdoors and conservation with

with his best buds.

everyone in mid-Mo," Shags says, "and

to attend. Or, a man date. Either way, it's

to promote conservation and outdoor

gonna be fun. A-men to that.

The show's brought to you by Zimmer Communications' radio station Classic

recreation growth."

Rock 96.7 KCMQ. It couldn't be a more

So what can you expect at the show?

copacetic combo: KCMQ's the home of

A manslide of fun. Dozens of booths and

“The Morning Shag with Shags and Trevor,”

activities, prize drawings, a wing eating

lunch with Kelly,“The 96-Minute Free Ride”

contest, best beard competition, delicious

with Tim Taylor and Rock Legend Alice

food and drinks from local establishments,

Cooper from 7 p.m.-midnight. KCMQ's

other drinks for purchase and more.

also your home for the Chiefs, MU football and men’s basketball.

Consider this a lighthearted mandate

Last year’s best beard contest winner, Chad Day, who works at Gilbane

Details WHAT COMO MAN SHOW

WHERE

Motorsports, says he thoroughly enjoyed

Holiday Inn Expo Center

Crew” is mainly a manly group. As in,

the show, which was his first. Some of the

they're all men with the exception of Kelly.

highlights for him were, “Trevor, naturally.

WHEN

(But she can hold her own.) All four enjoy

And being able to talk to everyone about

drinking beer, watching sports and being

the assorted goodies that every man enjoys

outdoors: Shags is a fervent fisherman.

and loves,” Day says, adding he would go

Trevor hunts. Tim's a retired athlete who

again this year for sure.

If you're a listener, you know the “Q

played football and baseball. Kelly enjoys

Nearly 750 people attended last year,

hiking and canoeing. Shags, Trevor and

and many of the most popular booths

Tim all sport bold beards. Several on the

will be back, along with new ones. You'll

crew have ink. And Trevor rides a Harley.

also be able to buy an official COMO

Shags is the mastermind behind this

Man Show T-shirt featuring an exclusive

Saturday, March 19, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

COST General admission $15 in advance, $20 day of; free for children under age 13, VIP option available

WEBSITE comomanshow.com INSIDE COLUMBIA MARCH/APRIL 2022 141

Phone: 573-289-4609 | Email: sue@riverhillslandscaping.com

CALL RIVER HILLS LANDSCAPING FOR ALL YOUR LANDSCAPING NEEDS • Commercial and residential • Landscape maintenance, once a year, once a week and everything in-between • Landscape design service • Landscape installations • Seasonal color for your home or association

• Spring and fall landscape cleanup and mulching • Hardscapes • Interior plants • More than 20 years of horticultural experience

By blending the unique character of the surrounding environment with the client’s tastes, personal needs and budget, we create outdoor living spaces that provide lasting enjoyment and value.

Visit our website and follow us on Social Media! riverhillslandscaping.com

MARCH/april 2022 144 INSIDE COLUMBIA Schedule a free

consultation at 573-289-4609, or sue@riverhillslandscaping.com

Inside Columbia

views C O N T E N T S

147 Dueling DJs

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149 On The Town

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151 A New View

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153

Darkow Draws ∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙∙

155

SEEING RED

With parking at a premium downtown — especially during certain hours and events — wouldn't it make sense for the city to return the COVID-created red spots to regular ones? Or are they still fulfilling a need? Designated to make things easier for curbside pickup, the special spots may now be fueling frustration for some.

Share your thoughts with us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

The Final Word

car insurance

Will your current agent fight for YOUR agent fight for WillYOU yourand current COVERAGE?.

YOU and YOUR COVERAGE?

HOME · AUTO · LIFE · BUSINESS · HEALTH · PET · PROPERTY

FASHION FASHION

Phyllis Nichols, Agent 1006 West Blvd N | Columbia, MO 65203 573-443-8727 | phyllisjnichols.com |

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DUELING DJS

Superior Sound

FROM VINYL TO DIGITAL — WHICH AUDIO FORMAT IS YOUR FAVORITE? Each issue, two on-air talents from two different Zimmer Communications’ stations will voice their opinions on what you might call a controversial topic. This issue, check out Lauren from Y107’s and Andy Humphrey’s takes on the format that provides superior sound — or just the most nostalgia.

LAUREN, 106.9 Y107 CASSETTE TAPES

This is 100% nostalgia. It’s not like cassette tapes have amazing audio quality.

ANDY HUMPHREY, KTGR CDS

There was just something special about going to pick out new CDs. It was usually a trip with my parents to a big bookstore like Barnes

But when I was little, we often would take road trips and cassettes

& Noble where they had a huge music section filled with CDs. You’d

provided the soundtrack. One of my favorite tapes was the soundtrack

take your time and rifle through the newest albums or your favorite

to “Cocktail,” which I had never seen, and I thought the man on the

genre. Sometimes a CD cover just caught your eye.

tape cover (Tom Cruise) was singing all of the songs. (Yes, even Bobby

Cover art seemed more important on a CD. It really stood out in

McFerrin’s “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.”) When I got to pick out my own

a way that’s missing with digital albums. And you’d actually take the

cassette tape for the very first time, it was Hanson.

time to look through the little booklet inside, or at least I would, to

I loved pulling out the little cassette booklet included and reading the lyrics in the tiniest print imaginable, but I could read them as I was young and full of hope!

The coolest thing about cassettes was being able to feel like an

read all the lyrics.

I still remember my first CD — it was New Found Glory, a rock band from the early 2000s. That band was fond of using one of the hidden tracks, another nostalgic feature of the CD. The listed tracks

engineer when something went wrong. Tape unravel? I got this. With

would end, there would be silence for a while and then, suddenly, a

an effective twist of a pencil or even just my child-sized pinky finger, I

track you had no idea existed began to play!

could have that tape playing again before you knew it.

INSIDE COLUMBIA MARCH/APRIL 2022 147

SEE YOUR FEET THE WAY WE DO

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148 INSIDE COLUMBIA MARCH/april

2022

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ON THE TOWN

Chamber of Commerce Quarterly Membership Breakfast The Columbia Chamber of Commerce held its quarterly Andrea Lyn Seppo, Kerrie Bloss, Ann Merrifield, Matt McCormick and Amanda Jacobs

membership breakfast Jan. 19 at The Crossing with featured speakers Dr. Mardy Leathers and Ronda Anderson, who spoke on state workforce development.

Date Jan. 19, 2022

Location The Crossing Jade Poe, Lakeela Mings, Mark Bauer and Cheryl Jackson

Greg Baker and Lisa Driskel Hawxby

Photos by Wally Pfefer, mizzouwally@compuserve.com

Amanda Jacobs and Josh Bender

Jenny Hayes and Lynn Limback

Trent Rash and Rachael Norden

Greg Brockmeier and Rachel Klosterman

INSIDE COLUMBIA MARCH/APRIL 2022 149

Columbia

Pro-Life Event

Tuesday, April 26, 2022 Dinner & Program 7:00 - 9:00 PM $100 per person ($70 Tax Deductible)

Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center Columbia | 2601 S. Providence Road | Columbia, MO

Keynote Rachel Campos-Duffy Rachel Campos-Duffy a published author and respected television personality began her television career as a cast member on the MTV reality series The Real World: San Francisco. Campos-Duffy has been highly sought-after for her unique views on politics, culture and parenting. Rachel is the newest co-host of Fox & Friends Weekend, and frequent guest on The Today Show and The View. Campos-Duffy and her husband, former Congressman Sean Duffy, recently welcomed the birth of their daughter,Valentina, despite her Down Syndrome diagnosis. Today, this mother of nine celebrates life and hosts her own show Moms on FoxNation.

All proceeds benefit Vitae Foundation, a national non-profit organization that leads the world in its research of abortion-decision making, tests its findings using digital media campaigns, and shares best practices at no cost to pro-life peers worldwide to encourage a culture of life.

er t s i g Re !

y Toda

Scan QR Code

vitaefoundation.org

Call 573.634.4316

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A NEW VIEW

A New View

BEING A PHOTOGRAPHER, I HAVE ACCESS TO SOME UNIQUE POINTS OF VIEW IN THE COMMUNITY. Assignment: Working in my photo studio

The Location: Zimmer Communications Building

N

ow that the weather is warming up, it’s time to crawl out from the toasty cave where I have been hiding to happily greet the sun and spend some time outdoors.

It sounds like it would be full of happy bees and colorful flowers, but the reality is noticing all the work I need to do outside my house.

As the window washer works at my studio, I am reminded of the work I am going to have to endure to make things look spring-like. Moles have destroyed my yard, squirrels have dug holes in my garden and my windows have a nice haze to them.

While it’s nice to get outside, I find that I spend more time working on my property than I do enjoying the weather.

I guess I will have to wait for summer to enjoy the sun, but it will probably be too hot and I will want to stay in the air conditioning.

The joys of home ownership.

L.G. Patterson

INSIDE COLUMBIA MARCH/APRIL 2022 151

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DARKOW DRAWS

INSIDE COLUMBIA MARCH/APRIL 2022 153

ADVERTISING INDEX A Nu U, LLC................................................. 42

Las Margaritas ...........................................142-143

Ai Painting Plus ..........................................37

Legacy Life Services of MO .....................14

Allstate Consultants LLC .........................50

Lombardo Homes of Columbia ..............95

Ammo Alley.................................................38

Magelings LLC ............................................50

Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre ...................140

Maher Commercial Real Estate ..............128

Atterberry Auction and Realty Company .... 123

Mediacom ...................................................75, 152

Bank of MO .................................................17

Menard Inc .................................................23

BMW of Columbia ....................................4

Mercedes-Benz of Columbia ..................11

Boone Health ..............................................12

Mo Retina Consultants ............................118

Broadway, A Doubletree by Hilton ........42, 117

MO Symphony ...........................................99

Brockman Team .........................................89

MO Vein Care ............................................129

Bronze by Design .......................................19, 87

Moberly Area Community College ........131

Burrell Behavioral Health .........................21, 88

REDI ..............................................................132

CCs City Broiler ..........................................3, 72

River Hills Landscaping ............................144

City of Columbia Water & Light .............18

Rost Landscaping & Superior Gardens .20

Coil Construction ......................................77

RTK Rentals ................................................133

Commerce Bank ........................................5

Rusty Drewing Toyota ..............................98

Convergence Financial .............................24

School House Bed & Breakfast ...............23

DeLine Holdings Inc .................................127

Sky Zone ......................................................91

Edward Jones - Gina Mauller-Crane .....86

Socket Telecom, LLC .................................30

First Mid Bank & Trust ..............................92

State Farm Insurance - Phyllis Nichols .93, 146

Fleet Feet Sports Columbia .....................148

State Historical Society of Missouri ......6-7

Flow’s Pharmacy .......................................126

Suites at Concorde ....................................41

Gerding, Korte & Chitwood, CPAs .........94

SumnerOne.................................................33, 84

HATS Counseling LLC ...............................90

Terrace Retirement Community..............148

Hawthorn Bank ..........................................156

Terracon Consultants Inc..........................125

Hemme Construction ...............................130

TrueSon Exteriors & Interiors..................52-53

Inside Columbia magazine ......................18, 42, 74, 137

Trust Company...........................................96-97

Jefferson City Convention and Visitors Bureau 10

Vitae Society...............................................150

Joe Machens Ford Lincoln .......................2

Westbury Senior Living.............................8-9

Karma Care .................................................27

Winter-Dent & Company.........................124

154 INSIDE COLUMBIA MARCH/APRIL 2022

The Loss of a Legend

GARY DREWING'S LEGACY LIVES ON IN THOSE HE MENTORED.

BY FRED PARRY

G

ary Drewing, long-time car dealer, philanthropist and local business leader died unexpectedly on Jan. 28. Even if you didn’t know Gary Drewing well, you probably knew of his substantial impact on our community and the high standard he set in doing business and giving back to the community.

A native of St. Louis, Drewing first came to Columbia in 1983 to become a minority partner in the Joe Machens dealerships. Over the course of the next 40 years, he would transform the Machens organization, turning it into one of the most successful and respected automotive dealerships in the United States. His Ford dealership became the largest franchise of any kind in the state of Missouri and one of the largest throughout the entire Midwest. In 2015, with 16 brands under 10 dealerships and more than $850 million in annual revenue, Drewing sold eight of his dealerships to the Little Rock-based McLarty Automotive Group. He retained his Mercedes and BMW dealerships and operated them under the Drewing Automotive brand.

Drewing’s rise to the top was based on the common-sense philosophy that centered around taking care of the customer. As you might suspect, not every customer was a happy customer, but Drewing did his best to right any wrongs and personally deal with any customer who wished to talk to the “owner.” With a local workforce of more than 1,000 employees, he did his best to build a culture that nurtured professional and personal success.

Gary Drewing took care of his employees and his customers. He had a generous spirit

in all that he did. He was quick to come to your rescue and willing to help you get back on your feet.

Not only did Gary Drewing set the bar high for operating car dealerships but he also blazed the trail in setting an example for corporate stewardship and leadership in the local business community. I suspect that very few people know about all the organizations he supported, but he openly supported the causes that made a measurable difference in people’s lives including True North, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Special Olympics, MU Children’s Hospital and the United Way. Though Drewing might have been one of the busiest persons you’d ever meet in Columbia, he also gave generously of his time to a number of important boards and community endeavors.

Drewing had a particular passion for the youth of Columbia. Whether it was little league sports, scouting or high school sports, he was a popular target for kids who were raising funds for their respective organizations. Drewing wasn’t exactly an “easy sell” as my sons told me after they went to see him about buying discount cards for the Kewpie football program.

Though he did it with a kind heart, he would make even the youngest Girl Scout run through "the features and benefits" associated with selling a box of Thin Mints.

He loved kids and went out of his way to mentor and encourage them, sharing valuable life lessons along the way.

I met Gary Drewing almost 30 years ago when I launched my first magazine in Columbia. My first impression was that he was gruff, intentionally disinterested

in what I had to say and, all in all, a bit of a curmudgeon. A few years later, our paths collided when a mutual friend had a near-death experience and, together, we spent the long, worry-filled night getting to know each other while waiting outside the emergency room at Boone Hospital.

That’s when I met the “real” Gary Drewing.

A friend was in dire need and he gave up a night’s rest to be there when it really mattered. I would witness similar acts of generosity and kindness from Drewing over the next 25-plus years. A trip to a NASCAR race in Indianapolis, a fishing trip to Wyoming and countless Saturday mornings enjoying a cup of coffee in Drewing’s office gave me the opportunity to see what really made him tick.

While many may claim that Drewing’s business acumen and philanthropic generosity will be the reason he’s remembered, I would venture to say that his legacy may be in the many lives he mentored along the way. Whether you were one of his employees, a media sales rep or the executive director of an organization he supported, the lessons you learned from Gary Drewing are the ones that made a difference. The best way to honor him is to pay his kindness and wisdom forward to those we come in contact with on a daily basis.

You’ll be missed, GRD. Thanks for making a difference. Our community is a better place because of you.

Fred Parry Founder & Publisher Emeritus fred@insidecolumbia.net

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