MARCH 6 12, 2023 MARCH 6 12, 2023 MARCH 6 12, 2023 VOL. 43, NO. 33 YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY SINCE 1980 $2.50 SBJ.NET State legislators again consider legalizing sports betting by Mike Cullinan · mcullinan@sbj.net After failing last year to cross the finish line, legalized sports betting is back in the legislative lineup. The Missouri House Emerging Issues Committee unanimously passed sports betting bills on Feb. 23 by State Reps. Dan Houx, R-Warrensburg, and Phil Christofanelli, R-St. Peters, that now head to the House Rules Committee. Christofanelli said his legislation, House Bill 581, is identical to House Bill 556, sponsored by Houx. He said the two bills, which are supported by every major league sports franchise in the state and most of the casino companies operating in Missouri, were rolled into one and will now be referred to as HB 556. “It creates a legal and regulated framework for sports wagering,” Christofanelli said. “The goal here is that we adopt a commonsense approach to this issue.” Sports betting is now legal in 36 states and the District of Columbia since 2018, when the by Karen Craigo · kcraigo@sbj.net In 2022, the big story from nonprofit leaders was their concern with talent acquisition. This year, sta ng concerns remain, but soaring inflation is a new source of worry. The 2023 FORVIS State of the Nonprofit Sector Report, released Feb. 28, was conducted over the course of a month in mid2022. Leaders from 195 U.S. nonprofits of all sizes responded to 30 multiple-choice and open-ended questions to provide the data. The report notes that half of nonprofits are having di culty delivering programs and services due to sta ng shortages, even as 68% of organizations face increased demands for their programs and services. Sta ng problems persist despite 93% of nonprofits reporting that they are spending more on employee salary and benefits. More than two-thirds of leaders said they were currently trying to fill sta vacancies. Respondents said their top concern was rising operating costs, followed by limited sta capacity, di culty recruiting and retaining quality sta , inflation and sta turnover. Dan Prater, senior management consultant at FORVIS and the author of the report, said there just aren’t enough people The State of Nonprofits See REPORT on page 40 See BET on page 34 Legal 33 states and DC Legal but not operational 3 states Active legislation/ballot initiative 9 states No active legislation 5 states Phil Christofanelli: Bill allows anyone 21 and older to bet on sporting events. Dan Prater: Loss of investment revenue and inflationary pressures are a dual blow to nonprofits. Report cites inflation and talent acquisition as chief troubles Presented by Special Edition Inside REBECCA GREEN Source: American Gaming Association Issue is yet to appear this session on floor of House and Senate PLACE YOUR BETS Missouri is among nine states seeking to legalize sports betting this year.
GreatSouthernBank.com For a century, we’ve focused on meeting the needs of our customers and communities by getting to know them. We take the time to listen and ask questions to develop better ways to serve them. Though times have changed, one thing has remained the same – our commitment to providing meaningful, personalized support for every customer and every community, now and every day forward. Understanding what really matters takes time.
MARCH 6 12, 2023 SPRINGFIELD BUSINESS JOURNAL 3 NEWS CONTENTS Read profiles of the 2023 class of honorees. page 9 Open for Business Lego products are the focus of a new specialty toy store. page 4 Business Spotlight A Nixa-based company is crafting balloon art decor for area events and parties. page 6 Opinion Page As pandemic concerns have cooled, return-to-o ce policies have become hot button; Editorial Vice President Eric Olson digs into RTO. page 31 From the Ground Up A new hotel centered on nature is coming to Branson. page 33 Demolition by Neglect? by Karen Craigo · kcraigo@sbj.net A member of Springfield City Council wants a policy in place to end the practice of demolition by neglect. Councilmember Monica Horton represents Zone 1, which includes the city’s historic Commercial Street. At the Feb. 6 council meeting, she referred the issue to the board’s Plans and Policies Committee. Demolition by neglect means failure to take reasonable measures to maintain a building so that it deteriorates or loses structural integrity, according to the Law Insider database. “Vested constituents, as well as well-established business owners in Zone 1, have expressed interest in council considering a demolition by neglect ordinance specifically for registered historic districts and landmarks,” she said at the time last month. She said as part of the process, sta would assist by examining demolition by neglect ordinances around the nation and discussing related legal issues and potential enforcement schemes. Horton introduced the ordinance, in part, as a response to a proposed demolition of a structure in the Commercial Street historic district. That structure, technically two adjoining commercial buildings with a shared wall, built circa 1900, is located at the corner of Commercial Street and Washington Avenue. The brick structure was covered with stucco at some point in the distant past, and pieces of that stucco overlay have worn away over the years, giving the building’s facade the appearance of wear and tear. Nationally, ordinances to prevent demolition by neglect require property owners to maintain their buildings. Often, these are accompanied by tools like no-cost loans, tax incentives and grants to help property owners meet expenses of maintaining historic buildings, according to an article in the Journal of Urban Design. The building set to be demolished at 536-540 E. Commercial St., which has been vacant for years, is owned by Titus Williams, president of Prosperiti Partners LLC. Williams bought them in January 2021. Williams also has owned the Missouri Hotel at 420 E. Commercial St. since early 2017. Built in 1929 as the Greene Tavern Hotel, serving travelers on the Frisco line, in 1983 it became a soup kitchen and later a homeless shelter that closed in 2015. Both of Williams’ properties have been left to deteriorate during his ownership, Horton said, and noted that raises concern. “Properties that are owned by Mr. Williams do not exist in a silo. They are part of a larger ecosystem,” she said. “Stakeholders want to learn more about Mr. Williams’ future plans. He’s been pretty elusive, and that has created uncertainty for many who are a ected by commercial activity on C-Street.” She said the measure is on pace to be taken up by City Council at one of its meetings this month, though it is not on the March 6 agenda. Ticking clock Williams had asked the city’s Landmarks Board for permission to demolish the unnamed structure in the 500 block of East Commercial, but that body denied his request in a December meeting due to questions about Williams’ plans for the property. Williams said he presented the board with a floor plan but not an external rendering. By rule, Williams can follow up with a request to the city’s Building Development Services o ce to demolish the property after 180 days has passed since the date of his application. “The strange thing is that even though it’s denied, I just have to wait it out, and I can tear it down in 180 days,” Williams said in an interview with Springfield Business Journal. Council can be petitioned for another 180-day suspension, he said, but he noted that’s rare. As Williams waits out the clock, he said BDS told him the denial was inaccurate. His attorney has asked for clarification from the city about whether the demolition application should have gone through the Landmarks Board or BDS, and with these questions lingering, he said it’s not clear HEATHER MOSLEY COMING DOWN Developer Titus Williams plans to raze this structure at 536-540 E. Commercial St. It is a brick structure covered by stucco at some point in its history. SeeDEMOLITION on page 41 Titus Williams: Development is an e ort to bring something good to a historic district. C-Street building to be razed as council member tries to prohibit neglect
NEWS MARCH 6 12, 2023 4 · SBJ.NET Bricks & Minifigs Blue Iguana Car Wash, a 10-year-old company owned by husband and wife Greg and Robin Byler, opened its sixth Springfield location Feb. 2 at 1137 W. Kearney St. Greg Byler said Springfield-based Fusion Consulting LLC was general contractor for the project designed by St. Louis-based Levine Associates. The newest Blue Iguana, which he said employs 10, is a remodeled car wash, formerly occupied by Ye Olde Buggy Bath. He declined to disclose startup costs for the 6,100-squarefoot facility, which o ers a tunnel car wash as well as self-service bays. The tunnel wash cleans vehicles in three minutes and starts at $5, while a wash club membership, which allows unlimited washes, begins at $15 per month. Free vacuums are provided at each location for those washing their cars. Byler said three other Blue Iguana shops are in development, declining to disclose details. The company has additional car washes on Sunshine Street, Campbell Avenue, Chestnut Expressway, Fremont Avenue and Kearney Street. Family-owned Senor Julian Mexican Bar & Grill opened Dec. 3 at 3405 E. Battlefield Road, Ste. 100, near U.S. Highway 65. Co-owner Nelson Villela declined to disclose startup costs or terms of the eatery’s five-year lease. He said Senor Julian, which employs 15, fills 1,800 square feet in the strip center formerly occupied by a Daylight Donuts shop. Villela said the other owners are his father and the restaurant’s namesake, Julian, his mother, Guille, and his siblings, Edson and Brenda. He said the five owners have a combined 70 years of experience in the restaurant industry, noting his parents have worked in food service for four decades. Villela said it has been a lifelong dream of the family to open their own restaurant. The menu includes tacos, enchiladas, fajitas and weekend specials, such as menudo, a Mexican soup, and pozole, a stew made with pork and hominy. Prices range $5-$20. The Bricks & Minifigs toy store specializing in Lego bricks made its Queen City debut Feb. 18. The shop at 1570 E. Battlefield Road, Ste. E, in the Galleria Shopping Center, is part of a nationwide chain of stores where customers can buy, sell and trade new and used Lego pieces, sets and minifigures. Phil Vice and his wife, Ti any, are franchisees of the shop, operating the business through Miami Vice LLC. He said the Springfield shop is the second in Missouri, noting the couple invested $200,000 in startup costs, which included a $25,000 franchise fee. Additionally, he said they signed a five-year lease for an undisclosed rate with Warren Davis Properties LLC. The 3,000-square-foot store employs five, Vice said, noting the resale franchise orders Lego products directly from the Denmark-based company. Bricks & Minifigs opened its first shop in 2010 and has nearly 60 locations in the U.S., with another 23 listed as coming soon, according to its website. ☎ 417-771-5255 BricksAndMinifigs.com/springfield-mo Blue Iguana Car Wash Senor Julian Mexican Bar & Grill ☎ 877-748-7867 BlueIguana.com ☎ 417-240-2120 trueflavors@senorjulian.com OPEN FOR BUSINESS By Mike Cullinan, Reporter and Presley Puig, Editorial Intern New business, new location, new owner? Send your info to newbusiness@sbj.net KATEYLN EGGER Phil Vice When partnering with APC Solar, you don’t need multiple consultants. Our team of integrated, multidisciplinary professionals work hand-in-hand across specialties, ensuring seamless communication, high-quality installation, and performance results. Trusted by CPA Firms and numerous local entrepreneurs. https://apcsolar.com/ 888-272-9875 info@apcsolar.com 3202 W Republic Road, Suite 100, Springfield, MO 65807
MARCH 6-12, 2023 SPRINGFIELD BUSINESS JOURNAL · 5 Send your company’s new hires, promotions, awards and achievements to newsmakers@sbj.net or click “Talk to SBJ” on our homepage. Please include job titles and relevant career and educational experiences. We’ll publish high-resolution color photos attached as space permits. LET US KNOW by Eric Olson · eolson@sbj.net Accounting Elliott, Robinson & Co. LLP made five promotions: Matthew J. Solidum to managing partner, Alex Hampton to manager, Katy Link to supervisor, Abigail Davis to senior accountant and Abigail West to senior accountant. Solidum has worked at the firm since 2002 and holds a bachelor’s in accounting from Missouri State University. Starting as an intern in 2016, Hampton holds a master of accountancy and a bachelor’s in accounting from MSU. Link, who joined the firm as a senior accountant in 2017, previously worked in public accounting and holds a bachelor’s in accounting from University of Missouri-Kansas City. An employee since 2019, Davis holds a bachelor’s in accounting from Evangel University. With experience in public and private accounting, West holds an MBA and bachelor’s in accounting from MSU. Banking & Finance Paula Dougherty, a financial adviser with Achieve Private Wealth/Ameriprise Financial Services LLC, qualified for the company’s Circle of Success annual program. She has 27 years of experience with the firm. Education The Republic School District Board of Education hired Erin Wayt as principal of Lyon Elementary and Lindsey Lovekamp as assistant director of special education. Both roles are effective July 1. Wayt has spent her 12-year career in education with Republic, currently as assistant principal at Price Elementary. Lovekamp is assistant director of Project Access, a statewide support program for school districts, focusing on autism and related developmental disabilities. She also taught special education for eight years and worked as an autism resource specialist for three years. Media KSMU Ozarks Public Radio promoted Michele Skalicky to news director from senior news producer. The host of KSMU’s “Morning Edition” was named interim director following the departure of Jennifer Moore, who took a post with WGBH in Boston. Skalicky manages the news department and coordinates local news programs and features. NEWSMAKERS Send announcements to newsmakers@sbj.net Solidum Marsch Douglas Stryker Hedlun Lovekamp Wayt Davis West Link Hampton Nonprofit The Southwest Missouri Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America appointed its 2023 officers and board members: President Erin Hedlun, senior director of marketing and communications for Evangel University; President-elect Drew Douglas, director of communications for the city of Nixa; Secretary Charlotte Marsch, communications specialist for Citizens Memorial Hospital; Treasurer Stevie Stryker, communications coordinator for Jordan Valley Community Health Center; Communications Director Melinda Honey, director of community relations for Skaggs Foundation; Membership Director Michelle Teter, media relations representative for Community Blood Center of the Ozarks; Student Liaison Melinda Booze, associate professor of communication for Evangel University; and Past-president Tamera Heitz-Peek, CMH marketing director. Sculpture Walk Springfield named Bridget Bechtel as executive director, succeeding Avery McQueary. Bechtel has experience as an education fellow with the New York Public Library and as director of programming and events for a senior living community in Austin, Texas. Give yourself a time raise. Stress-free payroll solutions with the fastest support in the world. apluspayroll.com CORRECTION The bankruptcies published in the Feb. 27 On the Record section and the Monday Morning Business Leads e-newsletter were duplicates from the previous week. Two weeks of bankruptcy records are published in this edition on page 30.
NEWS BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT Making a Pop at the Party by Presley Puig · intern@sbj.net Sydnie Myers has always had an eye for creativity. For years, she dabbled in building balloon arches and arrangements for friends and family events. About a decade ago, she was working a job with a rigid schedule and wanted to find more worklife balance. She noticed the Springfield area didn’t have a decor balloon artist and saw an opportunity to turn her hobby into a career. Myers founded Dreamy & Darling Creations LLC in 2013 as a home-based business and last year opened an o ce and showroom in Nixa. By appointment only, customers can come and have one-on-one sessions with Myers and begin to see their visions come to life. “I decided to go for it,” Myers says. “I felt like Springfield needed something like this.” Weddings, birthdays, life milestones and company parties are a few of the 190 events DDC has created decor for in 2022. She declined to disclose revenue. Myers says her attention to detail is what sets DDC apart. No longer the only balloon art business in town, she says adding florals and mixing textures with colors is now her specialty. Cheri Marsh says she has used DDC for two years, and through every family party and event, Myers brings “that extra touch of special.” Even after moving to Columbia, Marsh continues to hire DDC for parties she hosts. “I just tell her the space, and she comes up with great things. The colors she puts together are beautiful,” she says. As a mom of two, Myers says her mission has always been to provide a work-life balance for herself and her employees. Myers employs two people to help with constructing and creating arrangements. Each piece takes between two and four hours of work to construct. Trial and error is how Myers says she learned when developing her business. Starting out, there was no education in balloon art, she says, so last year, DDC hosted its first balloon workshop to teach people what she learned the hard way. When it comes to the do-it-yourself trend, Myers says she understands. She says the biggest mistake people make with REBECCA GREEN Dreamy & Darling Creations owner Sydnie Myers builds balloon arches for parties and events from her o ce in Nixa. DIY balloon art is thinking balloons purchased online or at big-box stores will have the same result as a professional design. With this in mind, she created and sells pop boxes, which are DIY balloon kits that appeal to di erent budgets and people and are available to purchase on the company’s website. Pop boxes range from $39-$79 apiece. “A high-quality balloon makes such a difference, so with those kits, someone can truly make it themselves and be happy with the outcome,” says Myers. With every small business there are challenges, and for Myers she says developing a social media presence for DDC was something that took a lot of time. Currently, DDC has 5,400 followers on Facebook and Instagram combined. “This is the time we live in where people go to Instagram and Facebook to find who they are going to use,” says Myers. Alia Lee, a freelance event coordinator with 417 Magazine, says she met Myers after the company hired her to decorate at several events. Being an event producer that contracts with local businesses, Lee says she helped connect Myers to other customers. Myers says she is passionate about reusing and recycling her creations. She sources balloons that are biodegradable. If a customer pays for DDC to tear down, she says the balloons are donated to a charity, recycled or reused in the company’s staging room. Having previously worked in the nonprofit industry, Myers donates what she can. In 2022, DDC donated decor to 34 nonprofits and small businesses. “We find ways to reuse them,” she says of the balloon art, “because they can last weeks, sometimes a couple of months.” DDC o ers three levels of decor: DIY balloon kits, grab-and-go-garlands and full-service set up. The garlands are fully assembled, smaller structures that are 5-7 feet and come with a hanging kit for self-setup. Prices vary based on materials and additional add-ons but the base price on most structures is $28 per square foot. DDC also o ers balloons of custom colors, unique shapes and floral pieces to incorporate in the structures. Rental options also are available and last year DDC added over 20 new pieces to its inventory, including stands and neon signs. If a customer wants full-service installation, Myers says that’s available for an additional fee – usually 20% of the product total for local jobs. Looking ahead, Myers says she has plans to expand into other aspects of party decor and update her e-commerce site to make purchasing easier. • Dreamy & Darling Creations LLC Owners: Sydnie Myers Founded: 2013 Address: 301 E. State Highway CC, Ste.1, Nixa Web: DreamyAndDarlingCreations.com Email: dreamyanddarling@gmail.com Services/Products: Balloons, backdrops, florals and rentals Employees: 3 Dreamy & Darling Creations is coming up on a decade in business MARCH 6 12, 2023 6 · SBJ.NET
MARCH 6 12, 2023 SPRINGFIELD BUSINESS JOURNAL 7 NEWS $36M Table Rock Career Center to open in 2024 by Mike Cullinan · mcullinan@sbj.net A groundbreaking earlier this year started the clock for construction of a multimillion-dollar career center in Reeds Spring that will nearly double the size of the existing facility that has served the community for nearly 50 years. The Reeds Spring School District broke ground Jan. 27 on the roughly $36 million Table Rock Career Center, a project targeted for completion by August 2024, said Superintendent Cody Hirschi. It was made possible by voters approving a $40 million no-tax increase bond issue in April 2022. “What we’re seeing is just a lot of excitement about how our center and the expansion of programming will impact workforce development,” said Hirschi, now in his fourth year with the school district. Since 1974, the district has operated its career center out of the Gibson Technical Center at 386 W. State Highway 76. At roughly 44,000 square feet, o cials say the current center is outdated and struggles to meet the demand from students wanting to participate in its dozen programs, such as computer technology, early childhood education and automotive collision. Around 400 students from 11 surrounding school districts utilize the 49-year-old building, said Gibson Technical Center co-director Brian Moler. “The teachers and students we have here now are so excited about the prospect of having a new place,” Moler said. “They’re excited about the idea of what the future holds. Our teachers are excited about being able to move into a modern facility with more space and the ability to serve more kids. “The people we have here are very passionate about getting kids out into the workforce, getting kids work-ready to build upon skills to establish as careers and things they’ll use for the rest of their lives.” DeWitt & Associates Inc. is general contractor for the new 80,000-square-foot career center, designed by Dake Wells Architecture Inc. The two companies also served as contractor and designer for the $12 million Dallas County Technical Center, which opened in 2021, according to past Springfield Business Journal reporting. At capacity Moler, who will become Gibson Technical Center’s sole director for the 2023-24 school year following the retirement of co-director Nick Thieman, said the facility has experienced a 40% enrollment increase in the last 10 years. He said five of its programs – construction technology, welding, automotive technology, emergency medical technician and culinary arts – all have waitlists. “There’s kids from our sending schools wanting to take classes here, get certified in our programs, that we’re having to turn away just because we’re at full capacity,” Moler said. Aside from Reeds Spring, the Gibson center serves school districts in Christian, Stone and Taney counties. They are Blue FRONT AND CENTER The Table Rock Career Center is expected to be open for the 2024-25 school year. Cody HirschI: The future of the Gibson Technical Center remains unknown. Facility will replace existing tech school, Reeds Spring o cials say See SCHOOL on page 39 provided by REEDS SPRING SCHOOL DISTRICT info@bluebirdnetwork.com bluebirdnetwork.com 1-855-BLUEBIRD INTERNET • Dedicated Internet Access • Burstable Bandwidth • DDOS Mi�tga�on • Resilient Architecture NETWORK • Ethernet • Dark Fiber • Wavelengths DATA CENTER • Coloca�on • Private Suites • Remote Hands • Mul�ple Internet Exchanges CLOUD • Cloud Connect • Private Connec�ons • Hybrid Solu�ons REALLY INVESTED IN WHAT WE’RE DOING. THEY CONNECT THE DOTS THAT IF WE ARE SUCCESSFUL, THEY ARE SUCCESSFUL. -A BLUEBIRD CUSTOMER I FIND THAT THE STAFF HERE ARE SCAN HERE TO VISIT THE BLUEBIRD UNDERGROUND DATA CENTER FROM YOUR PHONE!
MARCH 6 12, 2023 8 · SBJ.NET NEWS Maryam Mohammadkhani removed as SPS board VP SGF tops state in cost-of-living report by Karen Craigo · kcraigo@sbj.net Dr. Maryam Mohammadkhani was ousted from her vice president role on the Springfield Public Schools Board of Education. The board voted 4-3 during its meeting Feb. 28 to remove Mohammadkhani from her o cer position following her actions to disrupt a session of the Youth Empowerment Summit, a conference for high school students, at Missouri State University, according to a livestreamed video of the meeting. YES is a joint program of the Springfield NAACP, SPS and MSU. Mohammadkhani attended YES and spoke up to challenge an activity that asked participants about their experience of racial trauma, according to descriptions of the incident by attendees, including Mohammadkhani, fellow SPS board member Shurita Thomas-Tate and students who spoke in the public comment portion of the meeting. The incident first came to public attention through reporting in the Springfield News-Leader. The activity was led by Burrell Behavioral Health’s system director of diversity, equity and inclusion, Keke Rover. Mohammadkhani was reported at the meeting to have questioned the number of students who claimed to have experienced racial trauma. Both C.J. Davis, president and CEO of Burrell, and Clif Smart, president of MSU, wrote a letter to the board to protest Mohammadkhani’s actions, which they said impacted students adversely in a time of vulnerability. Thomas-Tate, who also is an MSU faculty member and a Springfield NAACP member, said at the board meeting she was at the event, and students there expressed that their personal experiences were negated by Mohammadkhani’s comment. At the meeting, several members of the public, including students, addressed the board, with some students demanding an apology. Mohammadkhani responded that students were being manipulated in the activity, and she also criticized what she referred to as the “culture of groupthink” behind the board’s response. She added that she felt students were being emotionally and psychologically manipulated under the guise of mental health through the activity. Mohammadkhani is a retired pathologist, according to SPS.org. “I will continue to speak the truth whenever it’s necessary to protect children from whatever the hustlers are peddling,” she said at the meeting. Voting in favor of the removal motion by Danielle Kincaid were Kincaid, Thomas-Tate, Scott Crise and board President Denise Fredrick. Voting no were Kelly Byrne, Steve Makoski and Mohammadkhani. As a result of the vote, Crise will be vice president until the board reorganizes on April 11. Prior to the vote, Fredrick noted that the board has to keep students foremost in mind. “We have a number of students that have indicated to us – and that took a lot of courage – of how this has made them feel, and I think that has been a hallmark of my service on this board is that we do the right thing; we keep our focus on students,” she said. “That is my concern, is how we have made some of our students feel through this event.” She reminded the board that a lead-up to an election is a contentious time. Mohammadkhani is not up for reelection on April 4, though Thomas-Tate is, according to a sample ballot with the Greene County clerk’s office. Fredrick has opted not to run again. “We need to be responsible, and we need to keep our focus on the kids, not politics,” she said, adding, “This was an upsetting event for students.” Mohammadkhani was appointed by the board as vice president in April 2022, according to past reporting. She was elected to the board by voters in April 2021. • Digital Editor Geo Pickle contributed to this article. by SBJ Sta · sbj@sbj.net The Springfield metro area’s annual cost-of-living score fared better than that of Missouri in 2022 after falling behind the state in 2021. Springfield’s average annual index score was 87.4 in 2022, according to a news release from the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center, which collected data from a survey by The Council for Community and Economic Research. Missouri’s overall score was 89.1. A score of 100 represents the national average – the lower the score, the lower the costs. The score reflects prices in areas such as groceries, housing, utilities, transportation and health care. Springfield’s best score, 79.9, was in housing. The metro area additionally scored 91.3 in miscellaneous, 91.8 in transportation, 92.3 in health care, 94.8 in utilities and 95.4 in groceries, according to the release. Springfield’s score fell behind Joplin, at 82, and St. Louis, at 86.3. Kansas City came in at 94.9, and Columbia had a score of 95. Missouri ranked No. 6 nationwide, with Mississippi at No. 1. • Maryam Mohammadkhani was elected to the board by voters in April 2021.
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SPRINGFIELD BUSINESS JOURNAL · 11 MARCH 6-12, 2023 40 UNDER 40 Read through these profiles and you might come away astonished and inspired – and maybe feeling like you have some catching up to do. This class of 40 Under 40 has packed accomplishments, awards and passion into the first parts of their careers and have aspirations for much more. But reading through the profiles and the questionnaires they filled out for the judging panel, the honorees are not looking to fill their walls with awards for the winning alone. They are using their platforms to champion the causes they care about and devoting time to mentoring and encouraging their co-workers and teams. The honorees are pursuing meaningful work aligned with their goals. Springfield Business Journal’s celebration of young professionals is a testament to the talent we have in the Springfield region. These stories show our future is bright. Special thanks to the judging panel who selected this year’s class. And a round of applause to the 2023 40 Under 40 honorees. Springfield Business Journal Executive Editor Christine Temple can be reached at ctemple@sbj.net. COMMUNITY WINS AS HONOREES PURSUE MEANINGFUL WORK Christine Temple Rikki Barton.............................................12 Paden Chambers..................................12 Colin Shea Denniston.........................12 Whitney Distler......................................12 Megan Eli.................................................13 Ashley Evans..........................................13 Joe Everest.............................................14 Christina Ford.........................................14 Candice Frazier.....................................14 Caitlin Golike..........................................14 Dr. Randi Green.....................................15 Sarah Hanak...........................................15 Kenny Kabak..........................................16 Hailey Kolstad........................................16 Dani Lacio...............................................16 Holly Madden.........................................16 Chase Marable......................................17 Dr. Ashley Meyer...................................17 Lauren Mustoe.......................................18 Genevieve Nelson...............................18 Daniel Ortega.........................................18 Brittany Perry..........................................18 Kristie Pierce..........................................19 Erin E. Plisco...........................................19 Melissa Rea............................................20 Jessica Reed.........................................20 David J. Schaumburg.........................20 Aaron Schekorra..................................20 Sabrena Shipley....................................21 Micheala Steinmetz-Benton..............21 Kelsea Suarez.......................................22 Matthew B. Suarez..............................22 Carly Taft.................................................22 Kayla Thomas........................................22 Syd Tippie..............................................23 Kathryn Wall...........................................23 Sheri Walsh............................................24 Samantha Williams..............................24 Whitney Williams..................................25 Madison Yohn.......................................25 Alumni Spotlight...................................26 TABLE OF CONTENTS Spouses/significant others 34 Children 51 Pets (dogs, cats, tarantula, chickens, turtle) 82 Businesses owned 20 Nonprofit board seats 51 Birthplace Theme Song GET TO KNOW THE 40 This year’s honorees were selected by an independent panel of judges: Jared Giddens, mayor pro tem for the city of Nixa, director of business development for Meridian Title Co. and a 2021 40 Under 40 honoree; Courtney Parsel, vice president of State Bank of Southwest Missouri and a 2022 40 Under 40; Ashanti Tate, regional director for the Heartland Center for Behavioral Change and a 2020 40 Under 40; Lindsay Tobin, institutional relationship manager for Ascensus LLC and a 2022 40 Under 40; and Bryant Young, director of business development for Insurors of the Ozarks and a 2021 40 Under 40. Here’s the 40 Under 40 selection process from start to finish: 1. Nominations are submitted from across the community. 2. Nominees are notified and given questionnaires to fill out for judges’ consideration. 3. SBJ selects an independent panel of judges to evaluate each submitted questionnaire, along with a resume and letter of recommendation. 4. Judges individually score each applicant based on their professional accomplishments, leadership/influence and civic engagement. 5. Judges are asked to recuse themselves from scoring any nominee who would be considered a conflict of interest. 6. SBJ tallies all judges’ scores to determine the top 40 under 40 years old at the time of the event, with no two honorees from the same organization at the time of selection. 7. SBJ announces the honorees and reveals the year’s judges. Tobin Tate Young Parsel Giddens MEET THE JUDGES Editor’s Note Premium Sponsor: Supporting Sponsors: Presenting Sponsor: Charity Partner:
12 · SBJ.NET MARCH 6-12, 2023 40 UNDER 40 Before taking the leap to start her own consulting business, Rikki Barton worked for nearly a decade as the director of prevention services at Community Partnership of the Ozarks. There, she oversaw prevention programming in 21 counties and annual grant budgets totaling more than $1 million. Now, as the founder and lead consultant at Onward Consulting, she uses her on-the-ground experience in prevention services – particularly relating to drug use, mental health and suicide – to empower others working in the field long term. “I acquired a special interest in professional development as a means of helping increase retention,” says Barton, 38. “By building confidence in individuals about their knowledge and skills, they will be more likely to stay in the job long enough to see their work make an impact.” Your proudest moment? I presented to a room of 300 youth and afterward had the opportunity to chat with a few of them. One girl asked me how she could become me. … I told her that she will go on to do bigger and better things than I will; she just needs to find her passion and pursue it. Best productivity hack? Save your emails for the afternoon. Start your day working on the projects that require the most brain power. Credit: Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe. Favorite TV show? “Ted Lasso.” This show brings me joy because it is upbeat while still addressing the hard things in life. —Tessa Cooper, Contributing Writer RIKKI BARTON Onward Consulting LLC PADEN CHAMBERS nForm Architecture LLC Architect Paden Chambers, 32, credits a Drury University liberal arts education with instilling in him the value of community service. As a project manager for nForm Architecture, Chambers’ projects in the past year included the renovation of a midcentury dormitory at College of the Ozarks, a campuswide dormitory renovation master plan for Southwest Baptist University and a historic preservation master plan for the Greene County Courthouse. He was a two-term member of the city of Springfield’s Landmarks Board, including service as chair, and put together a tour catalog and lecture on historic properties for a fundraising campaign for the Maple Park Cemetery. In addition, Chambers says he enjoys mentoring architecture students and teaching as an adjunct faculty member at Drury, as well as educating the general public about his profession when he gets the chance. “This dissemination of knowledge is essential to our community’s continued appreciation and understanding of history, design and architecture,” he says. Best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Become a linchpin, indispensable to your career and community. Your most treasured possession? My tenacity for historical research and analysis. Favorite food item to order in the Springfield area? Cashew chicken poutine prepared by the crew at Lindberg’s Tavern on Commercial Street. —Karen Craigo, Reporter A professional actor in New York City for nearly a decade, Colin Shea Denniston returned to his hometown of Springfield in 2019 and ultimately became 417 Magazine’s engagement and style editor. Denniston, 35, is the social media face of the magazine, and he writes about local businesses and events in an e-newsletter that he considers a unifying tool. “The more connected we feel to each other and to our city, the better the chances are that people will stay here and make contributions of their own,” he says. Denniston crafted 417 Magazine’s approach to social media and worked to educate the publication’s team on the ways in which it could advance their brand. He says he sees it as promoting the southwest Missouri region to an audience far beyond its footprint. Your first job? Lifeguard at Southern Hills. I did this for six consecutive summers, and honestly, out of all my past jobs, this is probably the one that describes me best. Your most treasured possession? My dad gave me a St. Genesius pendant when I graduated high school. It is an exact replica of one my dad wore every day that he got from his dad. Favorite podcast? I listen to NPR’s Up First in the shower every morning, The Bulwark Podcast when I lift and Pantsuit Politics when I go on long runs. Favorite hobby or creative outlet? Yoga. It makes me a better person, friend and co-worker. —Karen Craigo, Reporter COLIN SHEA DENNISTON 417 Magazine Whitney Distler prides herself in using creativity while serving as chief internal auditor for City Utilities. She has found unique and fun ways to present departmental meetings, like having board members play games with information presented. “Engagement and interaction help the content presented become more understandable,” Distler, 37, says. “Audit presentations often have a reputation of being rather dull.” She grew her leadership skills in her former role as chief financial officer at NewStream Enterprises. She had to navigate her team through the pandemic by ensuring everyone had the materials to work from home. From there, she continued her strong communication and guidance into her role at CU and says she believes her position there is a role of serving. She takes any opportunity to help teach others and help them grow into higher positions. She also volunteers and donates to nonprofits, such as Convoy of Hope and Pregnancy Care Center, but says the best way she can give back to her community is by being a role model to her four children and raising them into good citizens. Your first job? A taekwondo instructor for preschoolers. Your proudest moment? Becoming a mom to my four amazing kiddos. Best productivity hack? Using the Pomodoro Technique and finding a way to get movement into my day; both make a world of difference for me. —Presley Puig, Editorial Intern WHITNEY DISTLER City Utilities of Springfield HEATHER MOSLEY
SPRINGFIELD BUSINESS JOURNAL · 13 MARCH 6-12, 2023 40 UNDER 40 Megan Eli says a supervisor once described her as a silent leader, noting traits like listening deeper, thinking longer, maintaining a level head and remaining humble. That approach to work has served Eli, 36, well in her career in architecture. She’s used her design skills on projects like Hotel Vandivort, Park57 Lofts and the pediatric emergency room renovation at Mercy Hospital Springfield. In 2020, when the Lamar Johnson Collaborative suddenly closed its local office, Eli says she found herself out of work for the first time as an adult. But hours later, she got a call from former colleagues asking her to join their efforts to open a local office of Bentonville, Arkansas-based Buf Architecture Studio. It’s now a 20-person firm in Springfield, and Eli oversees health care, higher education and civic projects, and supervises and mentors younger staff. She says her goal is to bring beauty to the world. “Hopefully, the buildings I design will stand the test of time and help make Springfield a more beautiful place to live for generations to come,” she says. What about your job would shock people? There is not near as much math involved as you’d think. Your professional aha moment? Asking for permission is not the way to get ahead. Trust your instincts; they’re usually right. Favorite hobby or creative outlet? I love to bake. I run a bakery out of my kitchen called My MeggieCakes. —Christine Temple, Executive Editor MEGAN ELI Buf Architecture Studio LLC Empowering others has been a central theme in Ashley Evans’ career in clinical pharmacy. She helps patients meet health goals through disease education, answering medication-related questions and providing general recommendations. In 2017, Mercy hired Evans to start outpatient clinical pharmacy services at the health system’s clinics. She played a pivotal role in the program’s growth by building a network of support and recruiting team members. Evans, 33, says the skills and knowledge gained allowed her to segue into a more formal leadership role as residency program director. “(It) has allowed me to further expand on my professional leadership through teaching,” she says. “Training the next generation of clinicians and leaders is an important aspect of leading the profession of pharmacy and health care into the future.” Your first job? I worked in a snow cone shack when I was 16. It was a very sticky job. I was usually working alone, so it helped me develop independence and problem-solving skills. What about your job would shock people? I’m a pharmacist who doesn’t dispense any medications! I have a schedule and see patients by appointment to adjust their medications between doctor visits. I made it my career mission to play a role in expanding access to more patients. Favorite hobby or creative outlet? I like to style things – home furniture and decor, outfits and flowers. —Tessa Cooper, Contributing Writer ASHLEY EVANS Mercy Springfield Communities HEATHER MOSLEY Be a Big. It’s easy to be a friend. www.bigbro.com
14 · SBJ.NET MARCH 6-12, 2023 40 UNDER 40 Since becoming president at the family business six years ago, Joe Everest, 39, says he’s tripled revenue and the workforce at Ozark Fence & Supply Co. and expanded to serve clients nationwide. Everest’s passion to help others find success runs deep. His YouTube channel – Joe Everest, The Fence Expert – has 45,600 subscribers and provides tips on running a profitable business. He mentors others in the fencing industry including competitors, he says, and gives in-person training for fence company leaders every year across the country. He also serves on the board of the American Fence Association. Everest has used his success to give back. In 2020, he formed the Ozark Fence Charitable Giving Committee, which he says is committed to donating at least $35,000 annually to nonprofits “regardless of our business health.” He also is board president of the Springfield Sertoma Club. “I believe it’s critical that I provide a legacy roadmap for my team, those that I mentor and my three kids so that they will know the importance of using their resources to build a better community,” he says. Your first job? Picking up screws/nails/ trash in the lot, as well as putting bolts into fittings as a kid. First official job was as a fence installer. Best productivity hack? Time blocking and leaving time for reading/reflection. What did you learn the hard way? Frustration is the result of unmet expectations. —Christine Temple, Executive Editor JOE EVEREST Ozark Fence & Supply Co. CHRISTINA FORD Rebound Foundation Inc. and Kids Inn Child Care Center LLC Christina Ford knows what it means to fill a need. She’s the founder of Rebound Foundation, a nonprofit that provides transitional homes for women and children survivors of domestic violence, and Kids Inn Child Care Center, a business designed to add flexible child care options in the area. Through both organizations, Ford is working to fill needed services, whether that’s providing a safe and reliable place to stay or giving working parents peace of mind. “I have shown leadership and proven what planning, assistance, dedication and a desire to increase the quality of life for those around you can accomplish,” says Ford, 36. Her proudest accomplishment, she says, is opening Kids Inn and becoming certified as a minority-owned and women-owned business enterprise. “I continue to find joy in many stories, the mom that was able to return to work or the family that had a sitter cancel and now has a resource,” Ford says of her business. What about your job would shock people? My child care center is quieter than my home! Best productivity hack? Compartmentalization with my schedule. Designating set days in the week for certain tasks and responsibilities. Your professional aha moment? Hiring a virtual assistant. Shout out to Denae’s Virtual Desk! What historical figure do you identify with most? Coretta Scott King. —Geoff Pickle, Digital Editor Candice Frazier’s work in the field of neonatal eye imaging brings her face to face with the smallest of eyes. A senior clinical specialist with NeoLight, Frazier, 37, works to bring together neonatal intensive care professionals with the ophthalmic community and provide learning materials on infant eye health. “I’ve learned that health care in its entirety is a collaboration of several specialties,” she says. Frazier says she found an overwhelming need for educational materials on screening for retinopathy, which can cause vision loss in preemies. She created a toolkit that became the start of a worldwide outreach. In 2022, Frazier traveled to Italy to work with neonatal eye imagers from around the world. Her research on eye imaging has appeared in several medical journals. Best productivity hack? An app called TimeTree. I keep color-coded calendars and lists for all five in our household. Best piece of advice you’ve ever received? My late boss and friend, Linda Fuggiti, guided me to write out my thoughts and rest on them for a day before creating any plan of action. Best celebrity meeting/sighting story? I was recently presented a clinical excellence award at my company’s annual meeting. I was shocked that Ben Roethlisberger was the one to hand out my award. My boys were pretty jealous! Favorite food item to order in the Springfield area? The pastries from European Cafe. —Karen Craigo, Reporter CANDICE FRAZIER NeoLight LLC Caitlin Golike nurtures relationships with one of Community Foundation of the Ozarks’ biggest assets – its donors. “I provide the customer service that makes the donors feel like they are a part of something special,” she says. “I meet with them to talk about their charitable goals. I provide ideas on how to use their grant dollars, and I make sure the experience is smooth and easy for them.” She directs a department of five people, and together they host educational events to provide insight into current community needs and work with more than 450 donor-advised funds. Since starting at the organization in 2017, Golike, 32, has worked to increase charitable spending among these funds to $14.5 million per year from $6.4 million. Meanwhile, assets in donor-advised funds have increased to $79 million in 458 funds from $57 million in 321 funds. Your first job? Passed out cold towels at a golf course in Lake Ozark. Weird job, but I was able to golf for free! Your proudest moment? Selling my paintings to Scotch & Soda Bentonville. It was my first big art sale, and I still get a thrill seeing my paintings of scotch bottles hanging up there. Your most treasured possession? Signed copy of my favorite book, “American Gods,” by Neil Gaiman. Favorite podcast? My podcast interests are truly all over the place. Top three include My Favorite Murder, I Saw What You Did and Maintenance Phase. —Tessa Cooper, Contributing Writer CAITLIN GOLIKE Community Foundation of the Ozarks Inc. HEATHER MOSLEY
SPRINGFIELD BUSINESS JOURNAL · 15 MARCH 6-12, 2023 40 UNDER 40 Dr. Randi Green works hard to bring a smile to patients’ faces. As the owner of Springfield Smile Doctor, roughly half of her clientele could especially use one. She says 50% of her practice is helping patients with chronic temporomandibular joint pain. “Many of these individuals have been searching for relief for many years and have tried many unsuccessful treatments,” she says of patients with TMJ. “When they arrive at my office, they often feel defeated and lack trust in dentistry and medicine. “It takes great leadership on my part to help these patients regain motivation to heal.” Green, 39, represents her trade on the world scale, currently serving as board president of the International Association of Physiological Aesthetics, which works to elevate physiologic-based dentistry worldwide. “I take this mission to heart, and am proud to help lead an organization committed to pushing the boundaries of dental education to provide better care for our patients year after year,” Green says. Additionally at her practice, Green is mentoring a younger dentist on the ins and outs of running a dental practice. Your first job? Babysitting. Best productivity hack? Automate as much as possible, then batch the rest. Best piece of advice you’ve ever received? You don’t know what you don’t know. —Geoff Pickle, Digital Editor DR. RANDI GREEN Springfield Smile Doctor Sarah Hanak says she uses her career to help inspire those around her. In her role as chief nursing officer at Citizens Memorial Hospital, Hanak, 38, says she saw a need to create opportunities that help nurses expand their education and skills needed for the job. She says her focus is developing specific roles that allow people not only to focus on their job, but also to pursue personal growth. Working with the hospital’s CEO, Hanak created dual roles for other employees to focus more on gaining experience and helping advance their careers. She prioritizes developing close relationships with those she works with by trying to lead by example. Hanak says she uses communication to motivate staff while holding them accountable and using the three principles of being “transparent, transformational and transactional.” “When I see talent and potential in individuals, I want nothing more than to help them see and reach their potential,” she says. “If I can play a small part in helping them get there, well, there is nothing that fills my cup more.” What about your job would shock people? I still wipe people’s butts. Best productivity hack? Email organization: Do it, drop it, delete it. I never leave with a full inbox and don’t check email at home. What did you learn the hard way? You are rarely able to teach good work ethic. Favorite food item to order in the Springfield area? Blackberry sundae at Andy’s! —Presley Puig, Editorial Intern SARAH HANAK Citizens Memorial Hospital HEATHER MOSLEY Matthew Suarez Vice President & Portfolio Manager Central Trust Company We are very proud of your 40 Under 40 accomplishment and truly appreciate your hard work and continued dedication. From your friends at Central Trust Company and Central Bank. CONGRATULATIONS! centraltrust.net centralbank.net MEMBER FDIC A Division of The Central Trust Bank CTC SGF SBJ 40 Under 40 Suarez.indd 1 2/7/2023 3:37:41 PM Is your child at risk? 417-799-7474 perimeterspringfield.com Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays, for children ages 6-17. American Business Systems would like to congratulate Joe Everest of Ozark Fence & Supply Co. on being one of SBJ’s 40 Under 40 in 2023! (417) 866-5083 ambussys.com
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