Springfield Business Journal_2020-06-15

SPRINGFIELD BUSINESS JOURNAL · 29 JUNE 15-21, 2020 FREE CHECKING. HUGE REWARDS. Show Me Checking 5.00 % EARN APY * E M P O W E R I N G C O M M U N I T I E S . Ozark Bank was founded with a vision to invest in hometowns by putting money in the hands of local people to build better communities. With over 113 years of service, you can be confident your hard-earned money is staying local, and is reinvested in the things that matter most to you. We’re committed to giving you our best– service, products, people, and flexible lending solutions to help you reach your goals and live your dreams. Come experience the personalized service of a true local community bank— Come Home to Ozark Bank. Serving the Ozarks Over a Century ozarkbank.com | 417.581.2321 ASHANTI TATE, 30 Regional Director, Heartland Center for Behavioral Change A shanti Tate is on the front lines tackling some of the commu- nity’s most important issues. As regional director overseeing the southwest Missouri region for the Heartland Center for Behavioral Change, Tate works on opioid response efforts, programs to help offenders re-enter soci- ety and social work mentorships, to name a few. She has big ideas to expand upon that work, including a goal of introducing a 30-day residential inpatient center for those struggling with addiction. “I am in a position where I am able to implement change and effective policy,” Tate says. That mindset is not just at work, as she’s also a foster parent for at-risk youth. A pastor’s wife at Turning Point Church, Tate also helps people on their spiritual journeys. What about your job would shock people? Contrary to popular belief, being a drug addict is not a choice but a disease. What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? “Don’t let the fear of striking out, keep you from playing the game.” What is your theme song? Lee Ann Wom- ack’s “I Hope You Dance.” What’s your most treasured possession? The blue jacket my grandmother used to wear everyday for many years prior to her passing away. What is your favorite hobby? Spending time with my former foster child, Zion, whom I pray to adopt in the near future. —Geoff Pickle, Web Editor J amie Thomas is breathing new life into nuisance properties in Springfield. As vice president of Prosperiti Partners LLC, Thomas and business partner Titus Williams purchased 178 homes out of foreclosure last year that were formerly owned by 417 Rentals LLC. The company is rehabbing the homes to rent them at affordable rates, she says. “Prospective and current tenants deserve to be treated as more than the sum of their credit score, income bracket and past mistakes,” she says. Thomas has seen Prosperiti Partners grow in the last two years to nearly 400 properties and seven employees. Before co-founding the company, Thomas was di- agnosed with a rare form of multiple scle- rosis. She’s now active in the Springfield chapter of Walk MS and formed a connec- tion group for those with the illness. What is your proudest moment? Taking a chance on a new business venture. Titus Williams and I share in the belief that there is an entire demographic of renters in southwest Missouri that are underserved. What are you doing to make the Ozarks better? Through Prosperiti Properties, I formed partnerships with nonprofits including One Door, Home at Last, The Kitchen, Rare Breed, Safe to Sleep and The Rebound Foundation. Have you ever met a celebrity? Fabio. He was attending an I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter press event and invited us to attend with him. We politely declined. —Kathryn Hardison, Reporter JAMIE THOMAS, 36 Vice President, Prosperiti Properties LLC JESSICA ROSA