22 · SBJ.NET APRIL 8-14, 2024 MEN OF THE YEAR 2024 TAWNIE WILSON TAWNIE WILSON In 2018, Michael Smith took a chance and started a company. It’s worked out well. Co-founded by Smith, Next Level Solutions has grown from a two-person operation to a firm with more than 300 employees in four locations. “We set out to create a place and an environment that was different from other businesses in our industry,” says Smith, NLS’ chief operating officer. “We wanted a place where people matter, a place where giving back was just as important as earning. Looking back, I think it really amazed me what our entire organization has been able to accomplish.” NLS offers software services to property and casualty insurance carriers. It has made repeat appearances on Springfield Business Journal’s Dynamic Dozen, which recognizes the fastest-growing companies in the Ozarks. In 2022, SBJ’s Dynamic Dozen also honored Smith as a top chief operating officer. Last year, NLS made the Inc. 5000. Smith says he hasn’t had many jobs in his career, but he has made each one count, working to develop skill sets that have served as a foundation to run a successful business and allowed him to devote time to important causes. “I will never ask someone to do something that I haven’t either already done myself or that I won’t learn to do,” he says. “No job is too small. I’ll be there for anyone that needs my help, regardless of the ask. My wife and I have helped people make rent, donated clothes to families, allowed people to do things they never thought they would have been able to do. We have a passion for helping others. As long as I can, I always want to be a leader who leads, not a boss who bosses.” Ellen Caldwell says that’s true. NLS’ chief financial officer has worked with Smith for four years. “His growth as a leader and executive during that time has been impressive and fun to watch and be a part of,” she says. “But even beyond that, Michael’s dedication to his community and causes that impact it makes him truly stand out.” Because Smith’s family has been affected by cancer, he is a staunch supporter of efforts to combat the disease. “Due to Michael’s thought leadership and his strong desire to fill this need for his community, ShoreUp Foundation was formed and just finished its first full year in operation, helping dozens of local cancer warriors and their families be encouraged to continue to fight,” Caldwell says. “Michael serves as an adviser to the board and actively participates in its efforts.” Smith was already involved with the American Cancer Society’s Men Wear Pink, for which men wear the color throughout October during Breast Cancer Awareness month and enlist personal and professional networks to raise money. Smith is a prolific fundraiser and has inspired NLS employees to participate in cancer-fighting efforts. He is on the board of ACS’ southwest Missouri office. “Despite the professional successes he has personally enjoyed, he remains humble and grateful for where he is, and he seeks to use what he has to improve the lives of others,” Caldwell says. —Tresa McBee, Contributing Writer In His Words Family: Norah, 10, is into volleyball and golf. Leo, 7, is into video games and Marvel characters. My wife, Jodee, of nearly 12 years has many trades but focuses on being a stay-at-home mom who homeschools and runs a photography business. So, SBJ Woman of the Year? Favorite place to be in Springfield area: On the golf course. Advice to men: Love what you do for a living. If you aren’t fortunate enough to have that opportunity, then fill the gap with something you love. Critical trait in employees: Dependable employees consistently meet deadlines, produce quality work and are reliable in both their attendance and performance. Critical trait in leaders: Emotional intelligence. Beginning in 1999 as a part-time mower for the city of Marshfield at the age of 18, Sam Rost rose through the ranks to become city administrator in 2021. He manages 40 full-time employees and numerous part-timers, according to his resume. He also works with the city finance director to prepare a $9 million annual operating budget, and, since taking over the administrator role, he has coordinated with multiple agencies and the Marshfield Board of Aldermen to get some $30 million of projects approved and under construction. Rost’s management philosophy is that the most effective workers are empowered ones. “During my time here, I have worked under many managers where micromanaging was simply out of control,” he says. “When I reflect on how we operated in the past, I am mesmerized with how progress was slowed due to the multiple steps of authorization that were required to do even the simplest task.” Rost says as he worked his way up in the organization through many different roles, he began to incrementally change the culture. “I have empowered our employees and department heads to be able to make certain decisions without having to come to me for authorization for issues that they can resolve within reason,” he says. “This led to our employees taking ownership of the organization and has made them responsible for their offices, departments and their actions.” For tackling issues that arise, Rost believes there is no better time than now. “I have always had an open-door policy,” he says. “I strive to hit every obstacle head on and not sweep any of them under the rug or put them off for tomorrow.” He notes this strategy has led to his department leaders having confidence in his willingness to address problems consistently and fairly. “My elected officials have seen firsthand that I am consistent and that what I tell them, I also tell the public,” he says. “It might not be what people want to hear, but it is the truth, and it is the same no matter who I am dealing with or who is in the room.” Rost says it’s important to support one’s employees and to stand behind them in their decisions if they communicate why they made them. “Without the working knowledge that they bring to the job, I cannot efficiently do my job,” he says. “I have held many titles within this organization, but there is no way that I could do them all at the same time. Everyone must pull their own weight, and I have found that if you support your staff and empower them, they will support you, and everyone will succeed.” Rost is an active volunteer at Marshfield High School, where he participates in mock interviews with graduating seniors and evaluates senior project presentations. He is also active in assisting with MHS’s participation in the national Jobs for America’s Graduates program, which helps students discover options for future careers. —Karen Craigo, Reporter In His Words Family: Married to my junior high sweetheart, Breanne. This year marks 20 years that we have been married. My son, Coby, is 15 and my daughter, Atley, is 13. Most of our free time is spent traveling the region and surrounding states playing competitive travel baseball and volleyball. Breanne and I both have large families that have been deeply rooted in the Marshfield/Webster County area for generations. Words to live by: No amount of money ever bought a second of time. Dream dinner party guest: Adam Sandler and Chris Farley. Critical trait in leaders: Humility. Reading: 2 Samuel. It has been interesting to dive into the success of David. Even with God’s favor upon him, he was not without failures. Michael Smith Next Level Solutions Sam Rost City of Marshfield
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