Building Springfield
As we put together this Gentleman’s Issue, I keep coming back to thoughts of the men who’ve shaped my life here in Springfield, Missouri.
They’re not all the same. Some are loud, some reserve their words for the most important of moments. Some lead from the front, others from behind the scenes. But what they share is something simple yet important: they show up. Day after day, in ways big and small, they make a difference without expecting recognition.
That’s really what this issue is about.
Being a gentleman today doesn’t fit a single mold. It’s less about appearances and more about intention. It’s in the way a man keeps his word, the way he treats people when no one is watching, and the way he handles pressure, success, and failure. Maybe most importantly though, it’s in the way he serves his family and his community.
As we talked with the men featured in these pages, I was struck by how often the same themes came up: responsibility, humility, perseverance, and a genuine desire to serve others. These are men building businesses, yes, but also building relationships and a stronger sense of community right here in Springfield.
This issue isn’t about putting anyone on a pedestal. It’s about recognizing the everyday impact of men who are doing their best to live with purpose and integrity. It’s also a reminder to all of us that the little things matter more than we think.
So as you read through this issue, I hope you see someone who reminds you of a man in your own life. Maybe it’s in the creative men who are advancing the artistic culture of Springfield, maybe it’s in the selfless dedication of first responders around the community, or maybe it’s in the sacrifice of those who have served our country with their very lives.
However you define it, being a gentleman is less about what you say and more about how you live.
And around here, that’s something worth celebrating.
ASHLEY GRANT, EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
@SPRINGFIELDCITYLIFESTYLE
June 2026
PUBLISHER
Donna King | donna.king@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Brian Walker | brian.walker@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Ashley Grant | ashley.grant@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Patti Zielinski, Ashley Grant, Casey Weber
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Brittany Dawn Short, Ashley Grant
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick
business monthly
Convoy of Hope: Feeding Millions
2026 is another exciting year for Convoy of Hope and the people it serves. The international aid organization is finishing construction of a new manufacturing and packaging facility to meet the needs of even more children. Convoy currently feeds more than 677,000 children every school day around the world. This new facility on Convoy’s Springfield campus is a huge part of Convoy feeding more than 1 million children by 2030. Join us at convoyofhope.org
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Made-to-Measure at John’s Suit Shop
Finding a suit that meets your needs while reflecting your personal style shouldn’t feel impossible. And at John’s Suit Shop, it isn’t. Their custom, made-to-measure menswear is designed around you, from the first decision to the final stitch. The result? Pieces that feel comfortable, look great, and hold up over time. Whether it’s for a big day or everyday wear, they make it personal. Visit johnssuits.com to learn more.
Pipkin Finance and Bookkeeping: Designed for Small Businesses
Pipkin Finance provides expert, mission-driven bookkeeping services tailored for churches, nonprofits, and small businesses. They simplify complex financial management, ensuring transparency and compliance so you can focus on your organization’s purpose. Led by Tim Pipkin, who brings over 25 years of experience in finance administration within the U.S. and overseas, Pipkin Finance combines expertise with a commitment to integrity and a human touch. Contact them today for a free consultation: www.pipkinfinance.com
There is a difference between a house and a home. One is a structure; the other is a feeling. It’s where your story happens. Through this lens, saving money is more than building wealth, but the start of a future. One is for today; the other is for generations.
At State Bank, we believe that true wealth isn’t just about the balance in your account- it’s about the life you build around it. Whether you are looking for the front porch where you’ll watch your kids grow up, or planning for the days when you can finally slow down, we are here to help you plant those seeds. Let’s grow something beautiful, right here at home.
State Bank of Southwest Missouri. Rooted in Springfield. Invested in you.
the CITY LIST
We have such amazing, innovative business leaders in our community who are proud to serve you, our residents, with class and quality. We’ve compiled some of our top company picks for the services that might be on your mind this month in an effort to make your lives a little easier.
Best Barbecue
City Butcher and Barbecue citybutchersgf.com | 417.720.1113
Buckingham Smokehouse Bar B Q buckinghambbq.com | 417.886.9979
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit dickeys.com/locations/missouri/springfield/springfield | 417.887.2227
Whole Hog Café wholehogsgf.com | 417.720.4759
Hog Tide Bar-B-Que hogtidebbq.com | 417.685.3299
Best Golf Course/Country Club
Rivercut Golf Course parkboardgolf.org | 417.891.1645
Highland Springs Country Club highlandsprings.com | 417.886.0408
Twin Oaks Country Club twinoakscountryclub.com | 417.881.4744
Want to suggest a monthly pick?
Hickory Hills Country Club hickoryhillscountryclub.com | 417.866.4384
Millwood Golf and Racquet Club millwoodgolf.com | 417.889.4200
A Life of Service
ARTICLE BY PATTI ZIELINSKI | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED From Air Force Lt. Colonel to college dean, Loren Lundstrom’s journey has been guided by curiosity, leadership and a commitment to learning
Loren Lundstrom has been blessed with two distinguished careers. After he retired from the United States Air Force as a Lt. Colonel, he transitioned to academia where he retired as a dean at Ozarks Technical Community College. But guiding him through this journey has been a single North Star: a lifelong love of learning.
Lundstrom, who lives in Willard, became interested in the military as a child growing up on a farm in Kansas. “When you’re on the farm, you use your imagination a lot. My brother and I would play war, based on TV shows like ‘Hogan’s Heroes’ and ‘The Rat Patrol,’’ he says. “I was always interested in the Air Force. I was amazed by the airplanes flying over.”
Although he had military personnel in his family on both sides, Lundstrom initially gravitated toward law — until he had a fateful encounter with an Air Force ROTC recruiter from Washburn University in Topeka while he was attending Hutchinson Junior College in Kansas. “Major Robinson called me over and said, ‘Have you ever considered what you’re going to do after college? Washburn’s the place for you,” he says.
As Major Robinson spoke, Lundstrom became intrigued. He had been raised on service, loved languages, and was fascinated about the wider world.
“My parents bought the World Book Encyclopedia , and I read that page by page, which is where my interest in the world came from.”
Excited, Lundstrom pursued a military life, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 1982 from Washburn and a Master of Arts in National Security Affairs – Russian Studies in 1988 from Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, and graduating from the Defense Language Institute as a Russian language specialist that same year.
His resulting 23-year career in intelligence took him — and his wife, Linda, and daughters Katie, Emily, Hollie and Stephanie — on adventures around the world.
In May 2001, his life forever changed: He was assigned to the Air Force’s Intelligence Directorate
in the Pentagon, where he was on duty during the attack on 9/11. In the years since, Lundstrom has presented on his experience, educating new generations on the events while coping with the tragedy.
Following 9/11, Lundstrom supported the initiation of Operations Enduring Freedom and Noble Eagle as an Air Force Crisis Action Team Executive Officer. His final tour of duty was at CIA Headquarters in Langley, Virginia, where he was involved in the planning, coordination and deconfliction of operations between the Department of Defense and the CIA in Afghanistan and Iraq.
“Today, I realize how much I learned about leadership, cooperation and teamwork. There’s no place like the military to throw you into a situation and be absorbed in it,” he says.
By the time he retired from service in 2004, Lundstrom had been well-decorated by the military. “There’s a feeling of satisfaction that comes with serving your country and serving your comrades in arms,” he says. “There’s really no feeling quite like it.”
However, one of the medals he is most proud of is the one that was given to his wife, Linda. “It was not always easy for my wife when I would have to deploy or be gone for long periods,” he says. “It was CONTINUED >
“Just a common American country boy, my life was (and remains) filled with wonderful opportunities, answered prayers, and divine guidance and protection.”
a big thrill when the Department of the Air Force gave her a plaque thanking her for her years of service.”
As Lundstrom mulled his next move after retiring from the military, the pastor at his church in Northern Virginia suggested he investigate Springfield. “Both my wife and I grew up on small farms and we wanted to raise our kids in the country,” he says. The family traveled to Springfield during spring break and immediately saw a connection.
Lundstrom, who had enjoyed instructing while serving in the military, transitioned to academia. He first landed a job as assistant to the president at Ozarks Technical Community College in 2004. And the lifelong learner kept learning: In 2010 he received a Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership and Policy Studies through the University of Missouri, St. Louis.
Before retiring from the college in 2022, Lundstrum had made his mark, serving in positions such as adjunct faculty, Assistant Dean for both Arts & Letters and Enrollment Services, and Dean of Student Development. Notably he was the founding director of the International Programs Office, which he guided from 2006 to his retirement.
Reflecting over his personal journey, he says, “It’s very clear that I’ve experienced a life full of God’s grace and mercy. Just a common American country boy, my life was (and remains) filled with wonderful opportunities, answered prayers, and divine guidance and protection.”
Although now doubly retired, Lundstrom is still committed to service, learning and family. He continues to work as an adjunct instructor, teaches a terrorism awareness course for the Greene County Sheriff’s Office Law Enforcement Academy and is on the board of the God Bless the USA Foundation, which is working to honor America with the tallest and largest flag in the nation. And in his free time, he enjoys precious moments with his four grandchildren and is happily anticipating his fifth grandchild this year.
“The military has shaped my view of what’s important,” he says. “And one of the things that has amazed me about Springfield is how kind and giving the people are.” After living across the globe, Lundstrom knows one thing for certain: He has found home.
LEADING THE CREATIVE CHARGE
THROUGH MENTORSHIP, COLLABORATION, AND LEADERSHIP, TREMENDICON IS HELPING SHAPE SPRINGFIELD’S EMERGING CREATIVE CULTURE
ARTICLE BY ASHLEY GRANT PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Springfield’s creative economy is not just growing; it is finding its own voice. While typically an area known for its natural beauty and strong sense of community, a broader cultural landscape is emerging.
In recent years, Springfield has become a booming hub for artists, writers, gamers, and digital storytellers who are building something meaningful in the Ozarks. At the center of this creative boom is Tremendicon, a regional event that has evolved into more than a traditional comic convention.
Under the leadership of David Stanfield, Jeffrey Marcus, Amy Kern, Deanna Powell, Rhonda Evans, Dakota Hetz, and Elatia
“...the event is built around a clear mission: to advance and support the artistic community in the greater Springfield area.”
Webb, who also oversee Tremendicon as a nonprofit, the event is built around a clear mission: to advance and support the artistic community in the greater Springfield area.
Each year, the convention hosts celebrity guests, fan-favorite panels, vendors, cosplay, and collectibles. And woven through it all is an intentionality designed to connect creators and aspiring artists with professional mentors who provide feedback and opportunities that might not be found elsewhere.
This year’s guest list reflects the excitement and growth that has come to define the event. Acclaimed comic writer Cullen Bunn, known for his work with Marvel, DC, and a wide range of independent titles, brings national recognition to the event. For longtime readers, his storytelling has shaped major characters and story arcs across the comic industry. His presence, as well as the presence of many others, signals the draw of the event for respected professionals who are willing to invest in the next generation.
He says, “Tremendicon offers a unique opportunity for aspiring creators. It definitely provides networking opportunities, giving attendees a chance to meet and interact with those who have been working professionally in the industry.” He goes on to praise the educational programming, guidance, and overall inspiration of the event.
This kind of access is rare in smaller artistic markets. For young artists in the Ozarks, opportunities to connect directly with professionals can mean the difference between hobby and career.
“If I had attended a convention like Tremendicon earlier in my career, I think I might have broken in as a professional writer much sooner than I actually did,” he says.
For artist Lance Sawyer, that statement is equally true. Lance’s journey began in the third grade when he realized he had a talent for drawing and made the decision to take that gift seriously. The early spark in his elementary years led to professional work with Topps Card Company and Upper Deck, contributing to licensed properties including Star Wars projects and Marvel card sets. He has also been involved in independent comic productions, building a career of which most young artists can only dream.
After stepping away from the industry for a time, Lance revitalized his career and, today, most of his current work intersects directly with Tremendicon and the event team.
“Amy and David are amazing people,” he says. “Our whole staff is great. The board is awesome. There’s so much creativity and talent and love for what we’re doing. There’s a real positivity and family feeling.”
Lance’s connection to Tremendicon began almost by accident. After moving to Missouri, he met David at a local comic bookstore and, through casual conversation, ended up having a table at last year’s convention.
He says that the Tremendicon community mirrors Springfield’s culture. That is an observation that matters. Communities that nurture artists tend to see broader economic and cultural growth, meaning what happens inside the convention hall is already rippling outward into the very identity of the city.
With its growing art scene, food culture, and sense of family, there is a swell of pride developing in the community that’s becoming increasingly appealing to creative minds.
“Tremendicon offers a unique opportunity for aspiring creators. It definitely provides networking opportunities, giving attendees a chance to meet and interact with those who have been working professionally in the industry.”
Mentorship and collaboration are at the core of Amy Kern’s broader philosophy for Tremendicon in the Springfield area. Her desire, she says, is to build pathways where artists begin to see Springfield as a viable home base for serious creative work.
One of Lance’s favorite Tremendicon moments illustrates why mentorship is central to the event. During a panel, a 16-year-old artist named Jade asked how to create art without fear of backlash. Lance answered the question honestly, explaining that artists should not be afraid to explore ideas or create things that make people think. Later, she came to his table and asked him to review her portfolio. Two hours after their conversation, she returned to say she had secured a table for next year’s convention.
When established professionals sit across the table from local artists, the distance between Springfield and the national creative industry shrinks. What remains is a shared space, a conversation, and the first step towards something bigger in the Ozarks.
Tremendicon continues to grow in size and influence, but its true impact is measured in the transformed confidence of local artists. If the energy surrounding the event is any indication, the community is not merely consuming artistic industries, it is beginning to take part in them. And for people in the Ozarks, this represents a declaration that Springfield is a place actively contributing to the creative scene on a national level, not just sitting on the sidelines.
To learn more, visit tremendicon.com
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Heroes Who Serve
Inside the Willard Fire Department, three firefighters reflect on leadership, sacrifice, and protecting their community
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY ASHLEY GRANT
KEVIN SAMSEL
FIRE CHIEF
For Fire Chief Kevin Samsel, the Willard Fire Department’s burden of leadership rests upon his shoulders. Responsibility for his crew, the equipment they use, and the decisions that need to be made are things he does not take lightly.
You stepped into the role of fire chief about a year ago, but your history with the Willard Fire Department goes back much further. How did that journey unfold?
Over the past 17 years, I’ve climbed through the ranks from firefighter to engine captain to battalion chief and now serve as fire chief. That progression has given me a unique perspective on the department and the people who serve within it. In communities all around Springfield, service with a fire department isn’t just a concept or an ideal, it is a commitment lived out by men and women who call this place home, and our crew feels that responsibility every day.
What makes the Springfield and Willard communities unique for firefighters serving here?
Springfield and its surrounding suburbs sit at an interesting crossroads. The area is large enough to have urban characteristics, but surrounding towns still deeply shape the region with their rural values. For firefighters, that creates a sense of closeness that is almost tangible. Residents regularly stop by the station with homemade snacks or small tokens of appreciation. Those unexpected acts of gratitude mean a lot. It reminds us that the relationship between firefighters and the community runs both ways, and it often feels less like public service and more like neighbors helping neighbors.
Jonathan Brown didn’t originally plan to become a firefighter. In fact, a decade ago he had a steady job in Springfield with no plans for a career change.
How did you first become involved with the Willard Fire Department?
My father-in-law was a firefighter, and one day he brought my kids to see a fire truck at the station. During the visit someone mentioned that the department was looking for volunteers, an opportunity I hadn’t even known existed. I decided to start volunteering, and it wasn’t long before that initial curiosity grew into a calling. From there, I pursued the necessary certifications and eventually made the decision to leave my job of 11 years to become a full-time firefighter. Today I’ve been serving for more than five years.
Many people think firefighting is only about responding to emergencies. What other parts of the job are important?
JONATHAN BROWN
LIEUTENANT
“
“Inside the station, the department operates with the closeness of family, and that bond is something we intentionally keep strong. How things are established now, such as the culture and environment of the firehouse, will affect the future as the greater Springfield area continues to grow and expand.”
While responding to emergencies is a central part of the job, much of the department’s mission happens long before a crisis. Education plays a major role. The goal isn’t necessarily preventing every emergency because emergencies are inevitable. Instead, we focus on preparing people to respond effectively when crisis situations arise. Another important part of the job is interacting with youth. When firefighters visit schools, we’re not just showing off equipment; we’re shaping how kids understand service and community.
What changes are you seeing as the Springfield area continues to grow?
As the Willard and other Springfield suburbs continue to grow, local fire departments are evolving as well. Many have transitioned, or are in the process of transitioning, from fully volunteer departments to combination systems with both paid and volunteer firefighters. Inside the station, the department operates with the closeness of family, and that bond is something we intentionally keep strong. How things are established now, such as the culture and environment of the firehouse, will affect the future as the greater Springfield area continues to grow and expand.
BRETT FISH
CAPTAIN
Captain Brett Fish’s journey into firefighting began with a simple invitation from a friend.
What first introduced you to the fire service?
A friend from church had recently moved from Springfield to Willard and suggested that I try volunteering with the fire department. I decided to give it a shot. I enjoyed the experience and eventually decided to turn volunteering into a career. That decision nearly 12 years ago made me one of the original nine firefighters hired when the Willard Fire Department launched its full-time positions. Chief Samsel was also part of that same group.
What does a typical shift look like for firefighters at the station?
Today I serve as an on-duty shift commander, working 48-hour shifts that require endurance and meticulous precision. Shifts usually begin early in the morning with firefighters arriving at 7 a.m. The day starts with a briefing from the shift we are replacing, followed by checking equipment and inspecting the fire truck. Training is built into every shift. Firefighters usually spend one to two hours practicing critical skills like search-and-rescue techniques, medical response protocols, and vehicle extrication. Continuing education also happens regularly to make sure crews are ready for whatever calls come in.
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WHERE 66 BEGAN
As the birthplace of Route 66, Springfield is where a number became legendary
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY ASHLEY GRANT
There’s something remarkable about Springfield, Missouri, a city that doesn’t just sit along the infamous Route 66; it helped birth it. Long before the neon signs and nostalgic road trips full of photographs-turned-postcards and Americana playlists, there was a decision. A number: 66. And that number was decided in Springfield.
“This is the most famous road in the whole world.”
For author and historian Susan Croce Kelly, that origin story isn’t just a collection of trivia facts, it is the heartbeat of the road itself.
Kelly’s fascination with the road began during her childhood. Her mother was raised in southwest Missouri, and family stories painted Route 66 as something almost sacred. She remembers walking down the blacktop road with her mom and hearing her say, “This is the most famous road in the world.”
That early imagery, paired with her own professional career that revolves around covering the Ozarks, eventually pulled her back into the orbit of the highway.
What she discovered was a rich history that had much more to offer than pure nostalgia.
In the early 20th century, America’s roads were fragmented and unreliable. States controlled their
own road systems, often leaving travelers stranded at borders where roads simply didn’t connect. People became desperate for better roads and pushed for a unified highway system. That growing demand made the plea something the federal government could no longer ignore.
Enter Cyrus Avery, often called the “Father of Route 66.” Avery was part of a national effort to create standardized highways. His taskforce introduced numbered routes that would guide travelers clearly across state lines. Originally, the Chicago-to-Los Angeles route was slated to be Highway 60. But politics intervened.
That’s where Springfield comes into the story.
In April 1926, Avery and other officials who were gathered in Springfield set out to resolve the numbering dispute. After much debate about the number
“60” and the possibility of using “62”, a telegram was sent from Avery and Missouri State Highway Engineer B.H. Piepmeier. In an effort to compromise, the group had searched for a “catchier” unused number and discovered “66”. By the end of May, a consensus had been reached.
On November 11, 1926, the name Route 66 was officially adopted.
Springfield wasn’t just along the road, it was the place where the road got its name. A name that would live on in history indefinitely.
That moment defines why the city celebrate its identity as the “Birthplace of Route 66.”
Author Michael Wallis, whose seminal book helped spark the modern Route 66 revival, describes the highway as something personal for many, especially Missourians.
Growing up near St. Louis, Route 66 shaped everything from family trips to fast drives that fed the adrenaline of youngsters.
Wallis sees Springfield as a vital link in the broader Route 66 narrative, not just historically, but culturally as well. He says that Springfield has a great remaining business route right through town and credits the stretch between St. Louis and the Ozarks as one of the best on the entire road.
That stretch tells a layered story of booming tourism in the 1950s, a decline after the rise of the interstate system, and now a global resurgence.
Historian Jim Hinkley frames it even more expansively, saying that Route 66 is the longest small town in America. This linear community connects places like Springfield with others across the country in a common, shared identity.
Hinkley emphasizes that Springfield wasn’t just present at the creation, it was instrumental in shaping the road’s early success. From political negotiations to promotional campaigns, the city helped transform Route 66 into something bigger than infrastructure; it became an experience.
That experience, in turn, reshaped local economy.
By the late 1930s, Route 66 carried massive traffic volumes. Businesses sprang up to meet demands, such as cafes, motor courts, and gas stations. These businesses turned Springfield into a thriving hub for travelers across the country.
“The stories still live and thrive within it. And Springfield’s identity has become one that is inseparable from the history of the infamous road itself.”
Not only was it one of the earlier portions of the highway to be paved, it offered unique destinations such as America’s first drive thru, Red’s Giant Hamburger, established in 1947 by Sheldon “Red” Chaney.
It was transformative for economy and society, Hinkley says.
And yet, what makes Springfield’s role remarkable isn’t just its history, it’s its continuity.
Unlike many cities that lost their connection to Route 66 after the interstate era, Springfield has maintained a tangible relationship. The road still runs through it. The stories still live
and thrive within it. And its identity has become one that is inseparable from the history of the road itself.
Wallis resists the idea that Route 66 belongs solely to the past. In fact, he says that he doesn’t even talk about it in past tense, citing that more than 85% of it can still be driven.
It is a living, breathing, piece of history that keeps Springfield relevant and an active participant in its next chapter. Because in Springfield, Route 66 wasn’t just born, and it’s not just remembered, it is continually shaping its culture as part of the longest small town in America.
AN EXCERPT FROM EPISODE 6 OF SHARE THE LIFESTYLE, A CITY LIFESTYLE PODCAST
Photographer: Brittany Dawn Short
Creative Director: Jen Birn
Stylist: Stephanie Coultress O’Neill
Location: Hotel Saint Cecilia, Austin, TX
MIKE JOHNSON HAS BUILT HIS LIFE AROUND ONE QUIETLY RADICAL IDEA: THE STANDARD YOU SET PRIVATELY IS THE ONLY ONE THAT MATTERS.
After eight years in the Air Force, a celebrated run on national television, and a health crisis abroad that sent him deep into supply chains and ingredient certifications most founders never touch, the result is Oshun — a luxury ritual brand built on provenance you can trace and integrity you can verify. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Mike shares what it actually takes to build something worth putting your name on. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full episode.
Q: YOU BECAME A FAN FAVORITE ON THE BACHELORETTE AND THEN LEFT THE SPOTLIGHT. YOU MOVED TO MEXICO, LEARNED SPANISH, THEN COSTA RICA, AND BUILT A COMPANY. WHAT DID THAT EXPERIENCE TEACH YOU ABOUT HUMAN BEHAVIOR?
A: “If you’re a good person going in, that shows. If you’re not, that shows too. I also learned that people form this parasocial relationship with you — they assume things about you. When in all actuality, different circumstances bring out different parts of who you are. I was on TV trying to find love. The kindness people were showing after felt a bit fake, because they wanted to be a part of something that isn’t who I am individually, but a part of what they saw on TV. And so I had to get away from everybody and everything and the noise.”
THE QUIET STANDARD:
MIKE JOHNSON
“Too many people have prayed for me. So I’ve got to get up and do the walking.”
— Mike Johnson
Q: YOU JOINED THE AIR FORCE RIGHT OUT OF COMMUNITY COLLEGE. WHAT WERE YOU ACTUALLY RUNNING TOWARD?
A: “There was something in me that was saying: I’m not living up to my full potential. I was being a follower. My uncle said, ‘What’s going to make you become an adult the fastest?’ I said, obviously, the military. The Air Force broadened my thought process more than anything. We’re so caught up in our own perception — when you learn to understand different people’s perspectives, it adds to you in so many ways.”
Q: WITH OSHUN, YOU OWN YOUR MANUFACTURING, YOU EMPLOY A CHEMIST, EVERY PRODUCT HAS A BATCH NUMBER TRACEABLE TO ITS ORIGIN DATE. WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO GO THAT DEEP WITH THE BRAND?
A: “The EU bans 1,100 ingredients in personal care products. The U.S. bans nine. That’s my starting point. Oftentimes, it might be the same ingredient, but it comes from a place where it doesn’t have the highest purity. And 60% of what we put on our skin is absorbed. Every product Oshun makes carries a batch number that goes back to the exact day it was created — I can show you every single supplier, the date, the origin. I own more than one part of the supply chain because that’s the only way I can stand behind what’s in the bottle.”
This conversation is just the beginning. Mike goes deeper into why he’s buying land up north, the family in the Philippines who prayed over his factory floor, and what he’d tell every person ready to stop performing and start building. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle podcast.
MIKE JOHNSON
The Perfect Steak
ARTICLE BY CASEY WEBER, TALL GRASS MEAT COMPANY
Nothing describes summer better than a good cookout! And what is a cookout without a good, quality steak and the perfect grilling recipe?
1. Thaw and acclimate the steak. For searing to occur, the proteins in steak need to be heated to at least 310°F. Tossing cold meat onto a hot grill lowers the temperature and can prevent a crust from forming, so it’s important that any frozen steaks are thawed completely before cooking.
2. Salt your steak 30-45 minutes before grilling. This causes the salt to draw moisture from within the steak up to the surface, where it dissolves the salt and creates a brine that gets reabsorbed into the steak where it breaks down tough connective tissues.
3. Oil the grate on the grill, not the steak. Use tongs and a paper towel dipped in vegetable oil to lube your grates.
4. Manage your heat well. Remember that your grill needs to be hot for your steak to get a good sear. But if it’s hot enough to cause your oil to smoke, it’s too hot.
5. Use the 60/40 rule. The best-tasting steaks are seared on both sides and cooked evenly in the middle. The simplest way to do that is to only flip your steak once. The 60/40 rule suggests that 60% of your cook time should be spent on one side, and 40% on the other.
6. Keep the lid closed. It may be tempting to peek, but trust the experts and keep it shut! Opening the lid makes your grill lose heat, which makes steaks cook unevenly.
7. Check for doneness. A meat thermometer will give you the most accurate temperature reading:
• Rare: 120°F
• Medium Rare: 130°F
• Medium: 140°F
• Medium Well: 150°F
• Well: 160°F
8. Let your steak rest. Pull your steaks from the grill once they’re cooked to 5-10 degrees below your target temperature and rest for 10-15 minutes.
Calamari,
Options
Choice of Entree
Chicken Dishes | Poblano, Marsala, Piccata, or Parmigiana Pasta Dishes | Excluding: Frutti Di Mare, and Seafood Linguini
Dessert | Housemade Caramel Flan
Including:
Chuy's
Chuy's Express Lunch
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
JUNE 5TH – 7TH
2026 Parade of Homes
636 W Republic Rd Suite D108, Springfield, MO | 10:00 AM
You won’t want to miss this year’s Parade of Homes! This annual, self-guided tour showcases some of Springfield’s most breathtaking homes, each with a unique design and individual style. Tickets are $10 per person (2yrs old and younger are free). For additional information or to purchase tickets, download the HBAGS Parade of Homes app.
JUNE 11TH
HOT ROD Power Tour
Missouri State University 901 S National Ave, Springfield, MO | 9:00 AM
Cruising along Route 66, the 2026 HOT ROD Power Tour is a must-see for all ages. Deemed America’s largest traveling car show, this free-for-spectators event will bring more than 6,000 cars and trucks across one of the most nostalgic roads in history and into the heart of Springfield. To learn more, visithotrod.com/hot-rod-power-tour
JUNE 12TH – 13TH
Golden Hour Jewelers’ One Year Anniversary Celebration
3002 E Sunshine St, Springfield, MO | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM & 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Join Golden Hour Jewelers for new jewelry collections, spring/summer handbags, celebratory sips, and anniversary savings. Friday evening features a special invitation-only preview event. Saturday open to all from 10AM-5PM.
JUNE 18TH – 21ST
Queen City Open Pickleball Tournament
Cooper Tennis Complex 2331 E Pythian St, Springfield, MO
Serve up excitement at the Queen City Open, Springfield’s premier pickleball showdown. Held at Cooper Tennis Complex, this lively multi-day tournament brings Midwest players together for competitive matches across all ages and skill levels—plus junior events, open play, and a welcoming, community-driven atmosphere all weekend long. For details and registration, visit pickleballtournaments.com/ tournaments/B8227703-FDF3-42CA-9174-463C4882DB74
JUNE 19TH
Juneteenth FreedomFest
Founders Park 330 E Water St, Springfield, MO
The 8th annual Juneteenth FreedomFest will take place at Founders Park and is on track to be the biggest year yet. With more than 40 vendors and 25 performers, this free event will feature games, prizes, live performances, and great food! Come out and join the celebration! Check out their Facebook page for additional details.
JUNE 19TH – 20TH
Sertoma Duck Race
Finley River Park 891-961 N Riverside Rd, Ozark, MO
The Sertoma Duck Race is a weekend full of fun for kids and adults alike. Featuring more than 10,000 rubber ducks racing down Finley River, there is no more adorable or exciting way to help raise money for local charities! While you’re there, you will also find tons of additional activities for the whole family! Find out more at 4csertoma.com/sertoma-duck-race
Convoy of Hope equips vulnerable communities with the training, tools, and seeds to grow life-sustaining crops.
Learn more: CONVOY.ORG/CAFS
