18 · SBJ.NET APRIL 8-14, 2024 MEN OF THE YEAR 2024 TAWNIE WILSON TAWNIE WILSON “I am a doer,” Austin Miller, owner of Wise Built Custom Homes, says. “I’m simply not afraid of going out and shaking up the waters.” This philosophy has guided him through multiple ventures, from writing an e-book on real estate investment to developing a cost calculator for home construction and assuming pivotal leadership roles in the community. Miller sees innovation as a key leadership skill and used that to develop a cost calculator tool for potential homebuilders, addressing the frequently asked but difficult-to-answer question of building costs. After facing technical hurdles, he took the initiative to create the tool himself, creating an online quiz and offering a free resource to both his clients and peers in the industry. “I have even had other builders from other markets reach out to me and ask me how to do it for their market,” he says. Miller’s impact stretches beyond the confines of his business. His leadership as the president of the Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield since 2022 has been pivotal. Under his guidance, the association has seen significant growth, from increased board membership to substantial budget enhancements. “We found two ways to increase the budget by $20,000 in revenue just by taking advantage of some easy opportunities,” he says. Miller has also dedicated time to volunteering with various community groups, including teaching aspiring real estate investors in the Beginners’ Group through Springfield’s Real Estate Investor Group. He says his aim was to pave their path to financial freedom. “It was a blast. Teaching was fun, but what is most rewarding is hearing a student come back and tell you they successfully put your methods into place and built wealth for their family,” he says. He also wrote and published “Free Houses: How To Build Your Real Estate Investment Portfolio With No Money” in 2018, an achievement he says he is particularly proud of, as it earned him guest spots on rental income podcasts across the nation. “I had so many great mentors teach me things along the way that I knew if I wrote a book it could be a powerful guide to helping others start on their journey to build wealth and establish financial freedom,” he says. In addition, Miller’s involvement in initiatives like the Springfield Mayor’s Commission on Human Rights and Community Relations’ Universal Design Task Force and the SW Missouri HOME Team underscores a deep-seated belief in the necessity of inclusive living spaces. “As a builder, my contribution was to incorporate more accessible housing concepts to the Springfield community,” he says. Miller has another accomplishment he’s proud of: being a musician. “If my book isn’t my most proud accomplishment, I would say that it was co-writing and recording two full-length bluegrass albums with my dad, Guy Miller,” he says. “The second album is a gospel album, and since my dad and myself wrote it together, we labeled it ‘A Father, A Son, and The Holy Spirit.’ It’s a tremendous amount of time and effort that we set out to do together.” —Nicole Chilton, Contributing Writer In His Words Family: I am married to my high school sweetheart. Our first date was when we were 12. We have three kids, Anders (9), Liza Jean (6) and Amos James (2). Words to live by: Your mindset is your reality. Dream dinner party guest: Both of my grandpas. There’s so much I want to ask them since I’ve become a man, and I just miss being around them. Advice to men: Understand the assignment. Step into the role God has called you to, and do it to your best ability. Critical trait in leaders: Accomplishing things without caring who gets the credit. Johnny T. McNeil loves it when someone calls him “Coach.” And plenty of people do. He has coached and mentored people since 2015 at Community Partnership of the Ozarks and previously as a juvenile officer, corporate employee, NFL agent and high school coach. In each, his goal has been to help others succeed. He has what he calls “a mentor’s spirit.” “I developed leadership skills that revolved around athletics while playing in high school and college,” he says. “Athletics can be a microcosm of life. You will not always come out on top. There will be losses. Some will hurt more than others. There will be victories, and I always preached to my student-athletes to win with grace and dignity. “How do I know that it made a difference? ... I’m invited to weddings, I receive pictures of their babies, some call and wish me happy birthday, but most of all when they see me, almost all will give me a hug and call me by my favorite name, Coach.” As vice president of community relations at CPO, McNeil is responsible for raising the funds critical to powering the organization’s 50 programs. Janet Dankert, president and CEO, explains how important that is: “These funds allow us to meet the emerging needs in our community, helping address issues such as homelessness, child abuse and neglect, poverty, affordable housing and many more.” After coaching football, basketball and track and field at Central High School 2009-15, McNeil joined CPO in August 2015 as supportive services coordinator. He implemented case management plans, fostered relationships with civic leaders and recruited volunteers to mentor youth enrolled in the organization’s programs. He moved to his current role in June 2016. A primary goal is developing ways for organizations and individuals to participate in CPO’s mission through donations, sponsorships and volunteerism. He analyzes data, attends events and networks with business and government officials to increase awareness of CPO’s causes, activities and needs. In addition, he volunteers at a cold-weather crisis center, advocates for the Rebound Foundation and mentors MSU fraternity members. He says one of his proudest moments was when a client made an NFL roster. “This player had been through many cuts and injuries, and seeing their name on an opening-day roster in the National Football League was an amazing feeling and accomplishment.” He is proud to be a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., which was the first all-Black Greek fraternity nationally. McNeil gives credit to family, and one person in particular, for his compassion. “I am a reflection of a woman that raised me to treat each individual with respect. ... To not make fun or degrade someone for what they might have or not have. To not let anyone be bullied. To stick up for those that may not have the strength to defend themselves. ... To have faith and belief. So, I am not truly sure what sets me apart from other professionals, but I do know that I was raised by a woman, Constance Ann McNeil (RIP), that was second to none.” —Cheryl Whitsitt, Contributing Writer In His Words Words to live by: A shoe that doesn’t fit isn’t a bargain at any price! Strange but true facts: I hold my high school record for striking out 16 batters in a baseball game. I believe in UFOs. Childhood dream: To find a woman like my mother or sister and to love them unconditionally. To ride in the back of the Mystery van with Scooby-Doo and Shaggy during a rainstorm and to hide out in the trunk of the Mach Five with Chim-Chim and Spritle. Advice to men: Protect and provide. Never relinquish control of the remote control unless you want to watch reality TV all night! Austin Miller Wise Built Custom Homes Johnny T. McNeil Community Partnership of the Ozarks Inc.
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