MARCH 25-31, 2024 Mercy partnership looks to fill gap in pediatric care – without CoxHealth by Geoff Pickle ∙ gpickle@sbj.net A newly formed pediatric partnership from Mercy Springfield Communities is seeking to fill service gaps that health system officials say have existed for years – but the arrangement does not involve partnering with CoxHealth to open a stand-alone pediatric hospital as previously planned. Local Mercy executives said in a March 19 interview with Springfield Business Journal that the goal is to bring Children’s Mercy Kansas City services and staff to its Springfield campus as soon as possible. “Our focus is how do we elevate pediatric care so that children can be served here, close to home,” said David Argueta, president of Mercy Southwest Missouri, a region that includes the Springfield market. Clear Creek Golf Cars drives into new territories by Mike Cullinan · mcullinan@sbj.net While the majority of Clear Creek Golf Car and Vehicles LLC’s long history kept its territory in Missouri, the Ozark-based company in recent years is swinging into new states. The footprint for the 41-year-old seller of electric- and gas-powered golf and utility vehicles has now expanded to Arkansas, Kansas and Oklahoma. The latter two states came about over the past 12 months – first with an expansion into Oklahoma through the March 2023 purchase for undisclosed terms of Oklahoma Citybased Justice Golf Car. In February, Clear Creek purchased the territory rights to 67 counties in Kansas from Mexico, Missouri-based M&M Golf Cars LLC. As part of the deal, Clear Creek took over the M&M Golf Cars retail center in Andover, Kansas, east of Wichita. Sandwiched in between those deals was Clear Creek’s acquisition of a local competitor, Ozark Golf Cars and Utility Vehicles. The deal that closed Jan. 15 for undisclosed terms brought Ozark Golf Cars owner Spencer King and his team of eight employees on board. The transactions are part of a growth plan for Clear Creek, which moved in 2022 to an Ozark headquarters from its longtime Springfield home. CEO Brian Cheever, a 25-year See PEDIATRIC on page 40 See GOLF on page 36 Brian Cheever is CEO and Justin Fraker is president at Clear Creek Golf Car and Vehicles, which moved in 2022 to a former Youngblood building in Ozark that serves as its HQ. Kansas is newest area of focus for the Ozark-based company David Argueta: Partnership with Children’s Mercy Kansas City does not rule out future collaboration with CoxHealth. SPECIAL EDITION INSIDE MARCH 25-31, 2024 · VOL. 44, NO. 37 $2.50 · SBJ.NET YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY SINCE 1980 TAWNIE WILSON
MARCH 25-31, 2024 2 · SBJ.NET
MARCH 25-31, 2024 SPRINGFIELD BUSINESS JOURNAL · 3 CONTENTS Read profiles of the 2024 class of honorees. page 9 40 Under 40 Open for Business Mediterranean-inspired cuisine comes to the Battlefield Market Place. page 4 Business Spotlight A small business that started to help a child struggling with ADHD is making retail inroads. page 6 Candidate Q&A Springfield voters to decide school board members, ethics rules and mayoral term. page 32 Opinion Page Editorial Vice President Eric Olson puts a capstone on his 23-year career with Springfield Business Journal. page 43 Branson entertainment venue targets May opening by Mike Cullinan · mcullinan@sbj.net Two years after being announced, entertainment venue The Social Birdy is on the verge of taking flight this spring, officials say. Construction of the $5 million venture is heading into the final weeks at 1250 Branson Hills Parkway, just west of several big-box retailers, such as Target and Home Depot. Co-owner Trey Pelz said a May opening is projected for the 18,000-square-foot project, which incorporates a restaurant and bar, an 18-hole putting course, pickleball courts, golf simulator bays and a full-service golf and pickleball shop. Pelz and friends Mark Mason, Matt Martin and Chris Rohr, as well as several silent partners, own the business through MMTC Development Group LLC. Springfield-based Richards Construction & Renovations LLC is general contractor on the project with Buxton Kubik Dodd Design Collective as architect. “We’re kind of in the home stretch of cleanup and getting things prepped and finished painting,” Pelz said, adding the completion date also will depend on weather, as outdoor work on areas such as the putting course continues. Both the cost and size of the project has grown since its January 2022 announcement, Pelz said. The concept was originally 9,000 square feet with an estimated $3.5 million price tag. Pelz said extensive engineering work has been the biggest issue contributing to delays. He noted the location overlooks a portion of the golf course at Branson Hills Golf Club and is about a mile from U.S. Highway 65. “We were really wanting this location because of the proximity to 65 and the accessibility for Springfield guests,” he said. “We bought the side of a hill. And so unfortunately with sitework in the Ozarks, you don’t know what you don’t know until you get in.” Looking out off the 4,000-square-foot back patio area that will soon have fire pits, a bocce ball court, numerous televisions and seating for 85, Pelz said he’s excited for customers to soon come and experience the venue’s unique view of the Branson area. “We love the Ozarks. We didn’t want to take away from it,” he said. “This is a beautiful area, and so we wanted to be able to have a spot back here where you got couches and chairs and you can sit up here in the evenings and hang out, have some food, have a drink and enjoy everything.” Amenities abound Around 14,000 square feet comprise the interior, which includes a restaurant that Pelz describes as serving “elevated bar food.” Menu offerings include nine burger options, sandwiches, chicken wings and salads. The full bar will include an extensive selection of bourbon along with 22 TAWNIE WILSON by Karen Craigo · kcraigo@sbj.net The National Association of Realtors has put forth a $418 million settlement offer in a class-action lawsuit brought by home sellers, who accused NAR of price-fixing and collusion by artificially bumping up agent commissions. The case dealt with Missouri markets, including Springfield. The settlement offer is a development that caught Jeff Kester, CEO of the Greater Springfield Board of Realtors, off guard when it was announced March 15. “I’m actually at an NAR conference now, and the details are still kind of circulating through,” he said in an interview with Springfield Business Journal on March 19. Many national media reports following the announcement of the settlement agreement have made predictions about the effects the ruling and settlement will have on the industry, with some national media reporting the standard 6% commission on buying or selling a home is no more, and it will soon be cheaper to buy a home. GREEN SPACE Office space for The Social Birdy co-owner Trey Pelz overlooks an 18-hole putting course at the Branson entertainment venue slated for a May opening. See BIRDY on page 46 NEWS The Social Birdy to incorporate restaurant with large game lineup Court decision could upend standard commission practices, officials say Local Realtor board exec responds to NAR settlement offer $5M Startup costs for The Social Birdy in Branson See NAR on page 38 VOTE
MARCH 25-31, 2024 4 · SBJ.NET NEWS By Mike Cullinan, Reporter and Jillian Smith, Editorial Intern New business, new location, new owner? Send your info to newbusiness@sbj.net The Kebab Shack The ownership team behind Springfield-based Hudson Hawk Barber & Shop has launched Hitch Goods Inc., a new business in the men’s grooming product space. Weston Odneal, public relations coordinator for HH Holding Co. LLC, the parent company of the businesses, said the new venture began selling its pomade hair products on Feb. 15. Co-owner Thad Forrester said Hitch Goods products had a testing period of nearly seven years. Officials said an undisclosed California manufacturer has prepared 10,000 units of the company’s products. Odneal declined to disclose the ownership team’s investment in Hitch Goods. The company’s products are available at all Hudson Hawk shops, all Outlaw Gentlemen Barbershop locations and through the Hitch Goods website. In 2013, Forrester and Paul Catlett started Hudson Hawk, which operates a dozen shops in Springfield, Columbia, Kansas City, northwest Arkansas and Tulsa, Oklahoma. Indoor Nerf gaming venue The War Zone Springfield LLC made a short move Nov. 5 within Sheid’s Plaza. The venture is now at 3322 S. Campbell Ave., Ste. B, after previously operating since its 2021 debut at 305 W. Walnut Lawn St., Ste. TT. Owner Vanessa Grimaldi said the opportunity to move presented itself, and that allowed The War Zone to operate in a more manageable 2,500 square feet from its prior 5,600-square-foot arena. She noted the previous location had too much unused space. She declined to disclose relocation and renovation costs or the one-year lease rate signed with Sandy Harrel of McLoud & Co. LLC. Grimaldi said she’s in space formerly occupied by Point Performing Arts. The War Zone offers games for ages 5 and older, with Nerf gun, ammunition and safety glasses provided for all players. Hourly open play is $15 and birthday parties range $270- $625, according to its website. For their newest restaurant concept, The Kebab Shack, husband-and-wife owners Sherif Magd and Sophia Hamid said they went in a different culinary direction. The menu for the Mediterranean-inspired eatery, which opened Feb. 14 in Battlefield Market Place at 900 E. Battlefield Road, Unit 120, includes kebabs, rice bowls, salads and wraps, along with traditional shawarma and falafel. Prices range $4-$27. Magd said startup costs were roughly $150,000, adding they signed a five-year lease with Magers Management Co. LLC. He said The Kebab Shack employs a staff of 30 in the 1,800-square-foot space formerly occupied by Penn Station East Coast Subs, which shuttered. Magd and Hamid also own grilled cheese sandwich and macaroni and cheese eatery MacCheesy’s, which opened last year, and Dirty Potato LLC, a virtual kitchen that prepares and delivers loaded baked potatoes. Magd said The Kebab Shack also offers delivery and catering through its website and various third-party delivery apps. ☎ 417-306-9087 TheKebabShack.com Hitch Goods The War Zone Springfield info@hitchgoods.com HitchGoods.com ☎ 504-250-8108 TheWarZoneSpringfield.com OPEN FOR BUSINESS Sophia Hamid and Sherif Magd KATELYN EGGER Stop by our Springfield location or call to learn more about this account and our high-interest commercial checking account. 2540 East Sunshine St / 417-350-1311 / onemidwest.com APY = Annual Percentage Yield. Rate will be updated on the first business day of each month. The rate for the Midwest Premier Money Market account is indexed to the U.S. 1-Month Treasury Bill rate as published in the Wall Street Journal on the first day of the month. Account balances of $100,000.00 or more will receive a rate equal to the index. If daily account balance falls below $100,000.00, rate will be the index minus two percent (-2.00%) with a floor rate of 0.50% APY. The minimum balance required to open the account is $100,000.00. Limited time offer that may be withdrawn at any time. Fees may reduce account earnings. Withdrawal limitations apply. For accounts opened in the Springfield, MO market only. No brokered deposits accepted.
MARCH 25-31, 2024 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 FORVIS LLP ranked No. 9 for the second year in a row on Accounting Today’s list of the top 100 U.S. firms, with a reported $1.7 billion in 2023 revenue. Accounting Today also ranked KPM CPAs & Advisors and Abacus CPAs LLC Nos. 21 and 22, respectively, on the Midwest region, based on annual revenues and growth rates. Banking & Finance Kristy Chastain joined The Bank of Missouri as a senior vice president and senior commercial loan officer. With 20 years of banking experience, mostly in commercial lending, she holds a bachelor’s in mathematics from Missouri State University. Education The Ozark School District Board of Education hired Robert Hedgecorth as executive director of finance and business operations, effective July 1. He’s succeeding Lori Wilson, who was promoted to district superintendent. Hedgecorth, a 20-year education professional as a teacher and technology director, currently works as executive director of support services for the Smithville School District north of Kansas City. He holds a master’s in education from Baker University and a specialist degree in educational administration from William Woods University. Health Care Citizens Memorial Health Care Foundation named Tim Francka as administrative director of long-term care and Rachel Wilhite, a registered nurse, as director of long-term care nursing operations. A CMH staffer for 35 years and licensed nursing home administrator since 1991, Francka previously was administrator of Parkview Health Care Facility and the administrative director of long-term care for the east side of CMH’s service area. He holds a bachelor’s in finance and general business from Missouri State University. Wilhite, with 28 years of experience in long-term care, previously was director of nursing at Parkview Health Care Facility for eight years and holds an associate degree in nursing from Mercy College of Health Professions at Southwest Baptist University. CMH’s Parkview Health Care Facility appointed Ryan Skopec as administrator to succeed Francka and Michele Burkhart as nursing director to succeed Wilhite. Also, Jennifer Nelson was named the facility’s assistant director of nursing. Skopec, a licensed nursing home administrator, has five years of health care experience, including stints as administrator at facilities in Iowa. He previously was a dietary worker at Parkview. Burkhart has 25 years of experience, starting her career at Parkview as a nursing assistant, then seven years as a clinical quality director in Arizona, before returning to Parkview last year to work as assistant director of nursing. An eight-year health care veteran, Nelson has experience in hospital, skilled nursing and rehabilitation, hospice and behavioral health settings for organizations in Springfield, as well as Alabama. Recognition Missouri Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe selected Rachel Anderson and Winter Kinne, both of Springfield, and Teresa Parson, of Bolivar, for his third-annual Women of Achievement Awards. Eleven individuals statewide were recognized in conjunction with Women’s History Month. Recreation / Tourism The Missouri Sports Hall of Fame promoted longtime employee Kari Norris to executive vice president, succeeding Marty Willadsen, who retired in 2022 after 18 years at the organization. Norris, who previously was vice president of marketing for the Hall of Fame and the Price Cutter Charity Championship since 2019, started with the Hall of Fame in 2007. Retail Maschino’s Store Manager Joan Nutting won the national Retailer of the Year Award for North America at the Hearth, Patio, and Barbecue Expo. NEWSMAKERS Send announcements to newsmakers@sbj.net Wilhite Burkhart Anderson Nelson Parson Kinne Francka Chastain Skopec Hedgecorth
MARCH 25-31, 2024 6 · SBJ.NET by Michaela Satterfield Roberts Contributing Writer Helping people is the foremost purpose in business for Angela Stephens. The idea for Re-Focus the Creative Office was born to help her son, Drake Stephens, who had started struggling in school in fifth grade. “If I could go one day without getting a call from the teachers or the counselors or the principal,” Stephens recalls, “it was a good day.” An attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder diagnosis in 2010 provided an explanation but not an answer. Stephens says they tried everything, from medication to counseling. It was when she looked in her son’s backpack and saw only black folders that the lightbulb clicked on: She needed to see things from his perspective. Swapping the black folders for color-coded ones was a first step. Stephens had noticed that, even when an assignment was completed, her son was getting hung up on the step of turning it in. This switch made it easy for him to locate his work, thus solving the problem the black folders created. With this and other simple changes, her son’s grades transformed from D’s to A’s. Along the way, Stephens also was diagnosed with ADHD, at the age of 45. In 2019, Stephens took all she had learned about helping people with this disorder and turned it into a business with products that can be found in 200 Staples stores nationwide, as well as online at Amazon and Wayfair, among other retailers. Annual revenue was $500,000 in 2023, with the company’s password book selling the most. Other products include academic calendars, to-do list legal pads and guided anxiety journals. They aren’t the average calendars or to-do lists, however – every element, from the bold coloring to the formatting, is intentionally designed to work for minds struggling with ADHD or anything else causing memory difficulty. Re-Focus manufactures its own products, Stephens says, and drop-ships nationwide from its two warehouses – one in Missouri and one in California. Stephens says she was even able to get in the door of “Good Morning America” with the products. Re-Focus has been featured on the talk show’s online Deals & Steals page four times in the past six months, staying on the page for two weeks each time. On April 1, the company’s products will be featured for the fifth time. For this exposure, Stephens says GMA is given an undisclosed percentage of the funds earned. Road to retail A highlight in the journey of getting the Re-Focus product line in retail stores occurred at Springfield’s Staples store. One day, Stephens walked in and introduced herself to General Manager Frank Bielicke. After that meeting, Bielicke invited Stephens to set up a table at his store to spread awareness of the brand, and she says he served as a mentor while she sought to get her products into Staples stores. She pitched the Re-Focus products to corporate for two and a half years. Before Stephens was successful in this endeavor, Bielicke says he advocated for her and the Re-Focus products because of her passion. “She wasn’t just in it for the money,” Bielicke says. “She was in it to make life better for others.” Eventually, the head of retail reached out to Bielicke, asking for a reference for Stephens. First, the Re-Focus products made it onto Staples website. Then, it finally happened: Stephens received a list of 200 Staples retail stores that were going to carry her products. The only problem: Bielicke’s store wasn’t on the list. Stephens told Staples that was a dealbreaker. “My success depends on his success,” Stephens says. “If I’m getting any kind of exposure, I want him to get just as much because he’s been so kind to me.” Staples obliged, and Re-Focus made it onto retail shelves in March 2022. Other retail outlets include CVS and HyVee, as well as Walmart.com, she says. Next in Line As the owner of a longstanding executive search firm, A. Stephens & Associates LLC, in business since 1994, Stephens was no stranger to the world of business. Even so, she says getting her products into retail stores was a difficult undertaking. As such, one of her passions is turning around and helping those who are steps behind her in their businesses. She wants to educate small-business owners as well as help them earn funding so that they can get their products in retail stores. This desire is the result of recognizing those who made it possible for her to reach a level of success. “It’s people like Frank who helped me,” Stephens says. To accomplish this, Stephens speaks at events and hosts webinars. She also hosts two podcasts: RE-Focus with Angela Stephens and Refocus Careers. Additionally, Stephens is certified with the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council. As a Marshfield native, Stephens is adamant about encouraging locals of Springfield and the surrounding area to pursue their business dreams. She says she aims to network with leaders in the area to make this happen. “I want people to know that you can be a business owner in Springfield, Missouri,” Stephens says, “and you can do anything you want.” BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT The Right Focus Re-Focus the Creative Office Owner: Angela Stephens Founded: 2019 Phone: 573-733-6287 Web: Time2ReFocus.com Email: angela@time2refocus.com Services/Products: Password books, annual and academic calendars, to-do list legal pads, college/scholarship timeline sheets, on-the-go notebooks and magnet pads, pill box organizers and guided anxiety journals 2023 Revenue: $500,000 Employees: 4 Re-Focus creator Angela Stephens stands next to her product display at Staples with store General Manager Frank Bielicke. TAWNIE WILSON
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MARCH 25-31, 2024 8 · SBJ.NET NEWS 3050 S. National 417.881.8822 M-F 9am - 6pm, Saturday 9am - 1pm LOCATIONS & HOURS: grovepharmacy.com Drop the Weight with oral drops! Semaglutide is available as sublingual drops for weight loss. Easy drop application under the tongue. Compounded in our lab. Same active ingredient as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus. Prices starting at $110/month Prescription Required Springfield voters to decide mayoral term, city code of ethics 7 vie for trio of seats on SPS Board by Karen Craigo · kcraigo@sbj.net Springfield voters will consider doubling the length of the mayor’s term and revising the city’s code of ethics in the April 2 general municipal election. Both measures, placed on the ballot by vote of Springfield City Council, would amend the city’s charter. Question 1 seeks to update the city’s code of ethics for its employees and allow disciplinary action for ethics violations. If the measure passes, city employees would be granted a legal defense and due process if ethics violations occur, and safe harbor provisions if they were acting in good faith on a prior written advisory opinion from the city attorney. Certain ethics requirements currently exist in the code for city employees, elected officials, appointed officers and by Karen Craigo · kcraigo@sbj.net On April 2, voters will choose from among seven candidates to fill three open seats on the Springfield Public Schools Board of Education. Three incumbents and four newcomers are on the ballot. Running for reelection are Scott Crise, Danielle Kincaid (current board president) and Maryam Mohammadkhani. Seeking firsttime seats on the board are Landon McCarter, Susan Provance, Chad Rollins and Kyler Sherman-Wilkins. In 2023, Springfield Business Journal joined the Informed Voters Coalition, a nonpartisan group with the goal of educating voters and engaging candidates with citizens. To introduce candidates to SBJ readers, we present the answers they provided to questions posed on behalf of the coalition. One question, along with candidates’ answers to it, is featured in this print edition of SBJ, and the others are available at SBJ.net/april24election along with two original questions of our own. All candidates were asked identical questions and were given the same time and space constraints for answering them. Here, the candidates’ responses are presented in the order by which they turned in responses to SBJ’s queries. In addition to SBJ, members of the Informed Voters Coalition are Be Civil Be Heard, Drury University’s L.E. Meador Center for Politics & Citizenship, Junior League of Springfield, KSMU Ozarks Public Radio, Leadership Springfield, League of Women Voters of Southwest Missouri, Missouri State University’s Office of Public Affairs, NAACP Springfield, Ozarks Technical Community College’s Social Sciences Department, Rosie, Show Me Christian County, Springfield Greene-County Library District and Springfield News-Leader. Financial information SBJ asked candidates to explain their ties to the business community along with details on who is funding their campaign. This information is available online. See BOARD on page 32 See MUNICIPAL on page 31 1308 N. Glenstone Ave. | Springfield, MO 65802 | 417-832-1117 Your secret to affordable healthcare • Lower Premium Costs • Lower Out Of Pocket Costs • Wide Range of Medical and Occupational Services • Retention and Happy Employees • Increased Productivity • 24/7 Emergency Service Call For Your FREE Consultation VOTE
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SPRINGFIELD BUSINESS JOURNAL · 11 MARCH 25-31, 2024 40 UNDER 40 There’s something special about the 40 Under 40 awards. From the photo shoot where we gather the class to take their portraits for publication to the event when each honoree crosses the stage to accept their award hardware – it’s a big moment in the lives of these young professionals and the excitement is palpable. I’ve heard from honorees over the years that this award was a shaping moment in their careers. Maybe it helped them land that promotion or connected them with a new, trusted friend in business. While the award may be a platform for connection and visibility, many years of dedication led to this designation. That dedication comes first and foremost from the members of the class, but also in this story are the mentors, family members, friends, bosses and colleagues who believed in these honorees and gave them the courage to start that business or take that dream job. Special thanks to the judging panel who selected this year’s class. And congratulations to the 2024 40 Under 40 honorees. This celebration of young professionals is a testament to the talent we have in our region, and to the many people who foster that talent in so many ways. Do you feel the excitement? Springfield Business Journal Executive Editor Christine Temple can be reached at ctemple@sbj.net. Time to shine – years of hard work by honorees pays off with awards Christine Temple Haley Armstrong...................................12 James Ballard........................................12 Brandi Bartell..........................................12 Josh Beaird.............................................12 Josh Beecher.........................................13 Jessica Bower........................................13 Haiden Bowman...................................14 Taylor Bryson.........................................14 James Case............................................14 Lisa Cillessen.........................................14 Jared Davis.............................................15 Drew Douglas........................................15 Heather Finnell......................................16 Rachel Fortenberry..............................16 Thomas Ganaden.................................16 Abby Glenn.............................................16 Victoria Gorham....................................17 Jana Greig...............................................17 Whitney Grieshaber.............................18 Ricky G. Haase......................................18 Jessica Harmison-Olson....................18 Colten Harris..........................................18 Alexandra Henson................................19 A. Breanna Jain.....................................19 Brandon Jenson...................................20 Brandon Keene....................................20 Colby Keeth...........................................20 Tom Masterson.....................................20 Hannah McClelland Ruder.................21 Nick Meinhardt......................................21 Elise Mitchell.........................................22 Crystal Monahan..................................22 Ryan Morris............................................22 Sunni Nutt...............................................22 Dakota Paris..........................................23 Hannah Porter.......................................23 Matthew Sibet.......................................24 Ashley Silva...........................................24 Sara Walraven.......................................25 Kirsten Whitehead...............................25 Alumni Spotlight............................26-28 TABLE OF CONTENTS GET TO KNOW THE 40 This year’s honorees were selected by an independent panel of judges: • Alyea Alldredge, executive director of the Mercy Health Foundation and a 2023 Most Influential Women honoree. • Jimmy Liles, Nixa city administrator and a 2023 Men of the Year honoree. • Stephanie Matthews, vice president and business development officer at Simmons Bank and a 2023 Most Influential Women honoree. • Genevieve Nelson, therapist with Counseling Solutions LLC, adjunct faculty at Missouri State University and a 2023 40 Under 40 honoree. • Zac Rantz, chief communication officer for Nixa Public Schools, a 2012 Men of the Year honoree and 2015 Dynamic Dozen sales and marketing executive honoree. 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. Nelson Matthews Rantz Liles Alldredge MEET THE JUDGES Editor’s Note Presenting Sponsor: Charity Partner: WHAT’S THEIR THEME SONGS? SCAN TO HEAR HONOREES’ THEME SONGS OR VISIT SBJ.NET/4040SONGS Premium Sponsors: Supporting Sponsors:
12 · SBJ.NET MARCH 25-31, 2024 40 UNDER 40 Growth was at the forefront of Brandi Bartell’s mind when joining the team at Phoenix Home Care & Hospice, where she started her career as a financial services lead and was promoted to director of public relations After two years, Bartell, 31, cultivated a leadership training program outside of work with her colleague, Terri Tucker, called BIT Leadership LLC. “I have grown exponentially to learn what it takes to launch a business, build a brand from scratch, start a new website, grow skills to create top talent video all while navigating time management and being a first-time mom and wife at home,” she says. She dedicates her time to around 11 community organizations that aid those in need while also overseeing her own company’s nonprofit, In Time of Need Foundation Inc., that helps disabled people with basic life needs. Your proudest moment? Giving birth to my son and watching my husband become a great father. What about your job would shock people? A team of five covers the public relations, advertising, graphics, culture for a $220 million enterprise, spanning Missouri, Kansas, Illinois and Texas, eight companies and 21 office locations. Best productivity hack? My dad once said, “The sooner you start, the quicker you’ll get it done.” When I’m really procrastinating on a project, I remember this and eat my frog first. —Jillian Smith, Editorial Intern As CEO of The Whitlock Co. since 2023, Josh Beaird has led with a focus on sustainability, advancing the company’s internal coaching program and fostering client relationships. Beaird says his 13-year journey from intern to CEO highlights his commitment to growth and excellence, and embodying core values such as innovation and integrity. “The Whitlock Co. has a great legacy in the Springfield community, and it is my job to ensure that remains,” he says. A lifelong Springfield resident, Beaird, 37, says he gives back to the community in several capacities: on the advisory board Missouri State University’s School of Accountancy; through his involvement with the HOPE Foundation and Lost & Found Grief Center; as a Leadership Springfield Class 39 graduate; and as a deacon at High Street Church. What about your job would shock people? Accounting is more about people than numbers. Best productivity hack? Wake up early and sweat to start the day. Favorite podcast/book? I love history, always coming back to Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History and Walter Isaacson’s biographies. Favorite local food/drink order? A deluxe salad and pepperoni pizza from Pizza House is on our family’s menu at least once a month. —Nicole Chilton, Contributing Writer Within her first 30 days at Next Level Solutions, Haley Armstrong showcased her go-getter mentality when she onboarded 35 people in her position as recruiting manager. Armstrong, 31, also collaborated with human resources to create an internship program where she planned and executed program-related meetings and facilitated the hiring process for the first cohort of summer interns, she says. She secured a partnership with Southwest Baptist University through the SBU Academy and volunteers at Springfield’s high school coding competition and hackathon, Hack 4 Good, allowing students to showcase their talent with technology. “I derive immense satisfaction from contributing to the betterment of the 417 community,” says Armstrong. Best piece of advice you’ve ever received? “Well, just keep moving forward then!” My grammy always said that life hits you with lessons, curveballs, joys and sorrows. The only way to navigate through them all is to keep on pressing forward with the purest of intentions. So that is what I do, in honor of her. What historical figure do you identify with most? Amelia Earhart. Back in her day, she was a symbol of daring ambition and resilience and broke through societal barriers and expectations of the time. She embodies the spirit of adventure. Favorite TV show? It’s a three-way tie between “Love is Blind,” “90 Day Fiance” and “The Golden Bachelor.” —Jillian Smith, Editorial Intern Discovering the power of mentorship came early in Ballard’s career. After leading a Columbia law firm through a challenging leadership transition, Ballard moved to Commerce Trust, where he helped launch a mentoring program for new trust officers, improving training and fostering internal connections. In 2022, he became one of 30 aspiring leaders to go through Commerce Bank’s Leadership Development Program. Through his role at Commerce, Ballard, 36, also works with the Student African American Brotherhood in Springfield, leading a mentorship program that merges personal growth with financial literacy. Ballard’s civic contributions include being a part of Leadership Springfield Class 42 and board chair for The Summit Preparatory School, guiding strategic decisions and enhancing educational offerings. Your first job? Bussing tables at Hinode Japanese Steakhouse at age 16. Favorite book? “The Wheel of Time” series. I enjoy reading different book genres, but Robert Jordan/Brandon Sanderson’s fantasy series ranks at the top. Favorite hobby or creative outlet? I enjoy spending time with family and friends on Table Rock Lake. There’s nothing better than waking up and having coffee on the deck overlooking the lake. Favorite local food/drink order? Paper Crane from Ariake. My wife and I had New Year’s Eve 2023 dinner at Ariake. Great food, drinks and atmosphere. —Nicole Chilton, Contributing Writer JOSH BEAIRD The Whitlock Co. LLP BRANDI BARTELL Phoenix Home Care & Hospice JAMES BALLARD Commerce Trust Co. HALEY ARMSTRONG Next Level Solutions TAWNIE WILSON
SPRINGFIELD BUSINESS JOURNAL · 13 MARCH 25-31, 2024 40 UNDER 40 Josh Beecher has an eye for detail – and his body of photographic work, published in local, national and international publications, invites others to look along with him. Beecher, 38, owner of Josh Beecher Studios LLC, has had his photographs featured in National Geographic and other national outlets. He also has trained his lens closer to home, serving business clients like Legacy Bank and Askinosie Chocolate. He often donates his photography and videography work to local nonprofits. “By offering my photography expertise and creative vision, I aim to amplify their messages and enhance their visual presence, contributing to their respective missions,” he says. “This engagement demonstrates my belief in the power of collaboration between the arts and community organizations to create positive change.” Your first job? Working as a dishwasher at a pub in Windlesham, England. Your proudest moment? Being a guide for middle school and high school students on international expeditions with No Barriers USA. What did you learn the hard way? Chasing your dreams is far more challenging and rewarding than to choose a Plan B. Never turn away from your dreams. What historical figure do you identify with most? Edmund Hillary, one of the first to climb Mount Everest. —Karen Craigo, Reporter Jessica Bower, 39, began her theater career at age 8 when she joined the children’s choir of Springfield Mid-America Singers. Over 30 years later, Bower serves as program coordinator for the Springfield Little Theatre Academy, drawing on her acting and directing experience with regional theaters across the country. “I am a better teacher because I am a working actor,” she says. As program coordinator, Bower mentors emerging artists in middle and high school as they complete theater training at SLT along with curriculum through Springfield Public School’s Launch program. She says the program has doubled enrollment in its second year. Bower most recently directed SLT’s “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” and performed in Missouri State University’s Tent Theatre production of “Moon Over Buffalo.” Your proudest moment? Becoming a mom to my son, Joshua. Best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Move toward the fear. Best celebrity meeting/sighting story? I once saw Bruce Springsteen at a bookstore in New York. We were both browsing from the same pile of autobiographies. I immediately called my mom because she is a huge fan. Favorite hobby or creative outlet? I don’t know what I would do without hot yoga. Shout out to Stephanie and Nikki of Sumits! —Claire Porter, Contributing Writer JESSICA BOWER Springfield Little Theatre JOSH BEECHER Josh Beecher Studios LLC TAWNIE WILSON JUST PLAYING BALL IS A GAME CHANGER IT TAKES LITTLE TO BE BIG WWW.BIGBRO.COM
14 · SBJ.NET MARCH 25-31, 2024 40 UNDER 40 At age 29, Haiden Bowman is the youngest director of client service for Mercer Global Advisors, where she oversees 30 direct reports across 14 states. Bowman says she recognizes the impact that trust and cohesion has on employee retention and has implemented monthly one-on-one check-ins and trainings, in addition to establishing a comprehensive career path for the firm’s 300-plus client service specialists. “What sets me apart is my fearless approach to being in the trenches with my team,” says Bowman. “This role has allowed me to witness the transformative power of fostering the success of those under my guidance.” Bowman has served as co-president for the Lost & Found Grief Center junior board, and she volunteers with American Cancer Society and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. Your first job? At 16, I began my working career as a cashier at Arby’s. I still have nightmares about working the drive-thru. Your professional aha moment? If there is not a defined path for you, pave one yourself. Best piece of advice you’ve ever received? At a pivotal time, a friend and colleague told me, “If you can’t control the situation, control your mindset.” I’ve carried this with me for several years now and regularly find myself sharing this advice with others. —Claire Porter, Contributing Writer Lisa Cillessen is dedicated to making pharmacy practice and education more rewarding and accessible. She established a residency program for ambulatory care through the UMKC School of Pharmacy and Jordan Valley Community Health Center, helped redesign UMKC’s Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum, and actively contributes to the Missouri Pharmacy Association by leading the professional affairs committee and supporting continuing education efforts. Cillessen, 36, also works to enhance medical accessibility and care for the medically underserved in Springfield, delivering clinical pharmacy services at Jordan Valley and leading educational initiatives through Missouri’s Show-Me ECHO program. What about your job would shock people? Pharmacists play a vital role beyond the pharmacy counter and work in clinics and doctors’ offices. As an ambulatory care pharmacist, I collaborate with medical providers, utilizing a collaborative practice agreement to adjust medications for patients and empowering them to achieve their health goals through lifestyle changes. Best piece of advice you’ve ever received? From my dad growing up: “Never let the books get in the way of your education.” This reminder has shaped my approach to learning and teaching, emphasizing the importance of seeking knowledge from diverse sources and embracing opportunities for growth. Favorite TV show/podcast/book? “Brave, Not Perfect,” by Reshma Saujani. —Nicole Chilton, Contributing Writer Joining the Army as a young officer, James Case developed his leadership style early, he says, valuing his team’s experience, and building respect and cohesion. He continued this style at City Utilities, helping foster mentorships and facilitating successful transitions within staff roles. At CU, Case, 37, was tasked to help lead the vegetation management department, developing plans to prevent vegetation encroachment onto nearly 1,400 miles of overhead electric lines. He also introduced innovative practices to improve operational effectiveness in his role as manager of electric transmission and distribution maintenance. Case is also active in the community, participating in volunteer initiatives with Convoy of Hope and supporting the United Way of the Ozarks through fundraising and its Community Investment Panel. Best productivity hack? I live out of Microsoft OneNote. I don’t know what I’d do without it at this point. Best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Work hard and treat people right; everything else will take care of itself. Your most treasured possession? I’m not sure they are technically considered a possession, but my children. I have two beautiful daughters, and I love them very much. Favorite local food/drink order? Pretty much any of the beer from our local breweries, but I’m a sucker for the Cherry Street Sour from Tie & Timber. Pair it with an Imo’s pizza and a nice day on their patio and that’s hard to beat. —Nicole Chilton, Contributing Writer Inspired by choir teacher Alberta Smith at age 13 during a choir camp, Taylor Bryson knew his future career path. “Fourteen years later, I am living my dream each and every day as the music and choir teacher at Inman Intermediate school in Nixa, and as the artistic director for the Boys Choir of Springfield,” he says. Bryson, 27, also holds key positions with the Missouri Music Educators Association and Missouri Choral Directors Association, where he earned the Prelude Award in 2023. In 2021, Bryson was asked to voluntarily lead the Boys Choir, which he grew from two members to 40, created a new advisory board, and raised funds to create paid positions and scholarships for the boys. Your proudest moment? Having my choir selected to perform at state, working hard to prepare for that performance and my students doing an amazing job as they performed for 1,000 music educators and audience members. What about your job would shock people? How few restroom breaks teachers have. Best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Students will not always remember what you teach them, but they will remember how you made them feel. Best celebrity meeting/sighting story? When I was in college, our choir sang at a presidential inauguration, so we were surrounded by famous politicians, previous and current presidents and many other famous people. —Nicole Chilton, Contributing Writer LISA CILLESSEN University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Pharmacy and Jordan Valley Community Health Center JAMES CASE City Utilities of Springfield TAYLOR BRYSON Nixa Public Schools and Boys Choir of Springfield HAIDEN BOWMAN Mercer Global Advisors Inc. TAWNIE WILSON
SPRINGFIELD BUSINESS JOURNAL · 15 MARCH 25-31, 2024 40 UNDER 40 Engineer Jared Davis says his industry tends to save its respect for those with gray hair. What separates him from other young professionals, he says, is confidence in what he can do. It’s an attitude the land development director for Own Inc. tries to instill in his staff. “Projecting that confidence towards my employees and clients gives them comfort that we are going in the right direction,” he says. Davis, 34, notes that he always tries to challenge himself and those around him. “I’ve committed to myself to always remain uncomfortable,” he says. “Not in a way that doesn’t let me sleep at night, but in a way that gives myself permission to try new things and push personal boundaries.” Your proudest moment? Pushing myself to lead a remarkable team of employee owners and earning their trust. Best celebrity meeting/sighting story? Running into Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus at Top of the Rock was quite the scene. Jack seemed to have eyes for my wife, and who could blame him? Meanwhile, Mr. Player decided to play pacifier thief with my son (who was barely a year old), asking him if he still needed it. Spoiler alert: He definitely did. Favorite hobby or creative outlet? Being naturally competitive and having played various sports since childhood, golf has become a favorite pastime where I can engage in friendly competition with friends and clients. —Karen Craigo, Reporter Drew Douglas has a vision for local government. That vision is playing out in his role as director of communications for the city of Nixa. In recent years, he has coordinated the Imagine Nixa strategic planning process, led a rebranding and website transition for the city and developed voter education campaigns for taxes and charter updates. “I learned a lot about how to build support for ideas and processes,” says Douglas, 39. Douglas is president of the southwest Missouri chapter of the Public Relations Society of America, and he assisted in starting the Nixa Young Professionals group through the Nixa Area Chamber of Commerce. Your professional aha moment? Realizing that Steve Hartman’s “Everybody Has a Story” segments on CBS were essentially three-minute documentary films presented as news stories. He inspired me to overcome my fear of being on camera and made me want to be a better visual storyteller. What did you learn the hard way? There is a time for everything under the sun. Wisdom is knowing what time it is. Best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Every honest question deserves an honest answer. Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good. Favorite local food/drink order? The Full Ride burger at JOB Public House or Las Verdes Enchiladas (with pork) at Cesar’s Old Mexico. —Geoff Pickle, Digital Editor DREW DOUGLAS City of Nixa JARED DAVIS Own Inc. TAWNIE WILSON
16 · SBJ.NET MARCH 25-31, 2024 40 UNDER 40 Heather Finnell’s director of finance position at Citizens Memorial Hospital exists at her suggestion. The Bolivar-based health system previously employed two finance directors – one on the hospital side and the other over the CMH foundation. Finnell, 37, saw an opportunity to create efficiencies in the work and took the initiative to make the proposal when the foundation position came open in 2021. She got the job, now overseeing $660 million in annual revenue. And Finnell’s in a key position as a $100 million hospital expansion is underway. She’s served as the point person for developing the financial forecast and resulting bond issue that was approved. “The project is the most thrilling endeavor I have experienced in my career,” she says. Your first job? A Sonic carhop. I was the only one that roller skated, so I was always first on the delivery line. Best productivity hack? Time blocking. I find breaking things up keeps my mind fresh and keeps me from spending too much time on one thing. I pride myself on the ability to multitask. Favorite book/podcast? I love Mel Robbins! I have read all of her books and listen to her podcast regularly. She gets straight to the point on things and doesn’t sugarcoat it. Favorite local food order? Civil Kitchen downtown has the best appetizers! It is a toss-up between Shuffle Truffle Fries and Crack Bread. —Eric Olson, Editorial Vice President In 2022, Rachel Fortenberry, 36, launched Fortified Elder Law. After working in the offices of the Christian County prosecutor and Missouri attorney general, Fortenberry built her own client-centric firm focused on serving the middle class. Throughout her professional life, Fortenberry says she has mentored and coached junior colleagues with a leadership style that identifies strengths and provides freedom to utilize them. She also has advised other female attorneys on launching their own firms and encouraged fellow board members to step into more advanced roles. “Leading is oftentimes about taking a back seat and empowering your team to take on more responsibility,” Fortenberry says. Fortenberry is a board member with the Junior League of Springfield and Hospice Foundation of the Ozarks, and also serves on the planning committee for Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Best productivity hack? ChatGPT. You still need to do about 20% of the work in giving a detailed enough prompt before and heavily editing it after, but it can save you 80% of your time and energy. Just don’t use it in court. Best piece of advice you’ve ever received? How can you hit a target you’re not aiming for? If you’re lost in the day-today work without a plan, you’ll never make headway. Favorite local food order? Golden Buffalo wings at Coyote’s with a side of ranch. —Claire Porter, Contributing Writer When Thomas Ganaden last year joined State Bank of Southwest Missouri, he didn’t bring a lot of banking experience with him. He’d worked a year for Great Southern Bank back in 2018-19. But leaders in his new company saw his potential and quickly gave him a big task him: to develop from scratch processes and tools to analyze commercial borrowers. “It was an intimidating task at first since the average tenure of our other bank officers is 20-plus years,” says Ganaden, a 28-year-old assistant vice president. “With the assistance of other professionals and various resources, I was able to jump right in.” He ended up co-leading a team to rewrite the bank’s entire commercial lending policy – and also closed $9.3 million in loans in his first nine months. Outside of the bank, he serves at High Street Church in the young adult ministries and as a small group leader, as well as coordinating a church-sponsored 5K race called One Sole Purpose. Your first job? Shoveling snow. Me and my buddies would be on-call during snowstorms, and we would get called to start shoveling at any time in the night. What I remember most was that it was hard work, it paid well and we would always make a trip to Waffle House when we finished. Favorite hobby or creative outlet? I love hunting of almost any kind. Favorite local food order? The Triple Chocolate Concrete from Andy’s Frozen Custard. —Eric Olson, Editorial Vice President Abby Glenn, 35, brought her passion for the nonprofit industry with her to Central Bank in Springfield, for which she’s served as assistant vice president and business development officer since mid-2021. Previously with Habitat for Humanity of Springfield, Missouri Inc., Glenn in 2023 won Central Bank’s Mike Williamson Community Service Award in recognition of her civic work. At Central Bank, she coordinated an initiative to raise money for Burrell Behavioral Health by purchasing T-shirts for employees during May’s mental health awareness month. That initiative, which raises funds and awareness for Burrell, continues in 2024, she says. “I’m always finding ways to develop partnerships for nonprofit organizations that I support,” says Glenn, who is on the ambassador board for the Burrell Foundation. What did you learn the hard way? How to not send an emotional email. Thankfully, I learned that in college before I began my working career. Best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Your boss should never be surprised whether it’s good news or bad news. Always prep them so they’re not caught off guard. Favorite TV show/podcast/book? World War II historical fiction has always been one of my favorite genres. Favorite local food order? The Jacqueline from Big Momma’s on C-Street. —Geoff Pickle, Digital Editor ABBY GLENN Central Bank in Springfield THOMAS GANADEN State Bank of Southwest Missouri RACHEL FORTENBERRY Fortified Elder Law LLC HEATHER FINNELL Citizens Memorial Hospital TAWNIE WILSON
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