24 · SBJ.NET APRIL 8-14, 2024 MEN OF THE YEAR 2024 TAWNIE WILSON TAWNIE WILSON For Christopher Upton, success is driven by a team effort. He says putting that belief into practice is what allowed him to take on the role of director of vocational services at Abilities First in January. “I ... immediately set to work directly governing four programs and working as a valued member of the overall leadership team,” said Upton, noting his excitement to serve a broader range of people with disabilities compared with his previous position. Upton began his professional career at Adult Tendercare Center, serving as the center director from 2008-12 followed by a five-year break pursuing other endeavors. He rejoined the team in 2017 when it was nearing permanent closure to save the space that is a haven for disabled adults and their families. “Through creative business strategies, budget consciousness, social media attention and a hefty dose of stubborn grit, I was able to prevent that from happening,” says Upton. “By the time 2023 rolled around, I had reshaped that company into one that was profitable and made more profit than ever since its inception in 1988.” He holds a special place in his heart for the underserved and aims to build relationships with the families he meets. He says he received an outpouring of love when he left the Adult Tendercare Center. “There are a lot of stigmas and misconceptions around people who live with disabilities,” says Upton. “I have made it my mission to lift those people up, and in doing so have been blessed beyond measure.” He was also able to influence the success of ATC thanks to the team he was able to build and lean on during trying times, noting he could not have done it without his right-hand Nicolette Marr. “It comes down to the feeling you get from helping others and the heart to do work worth doing,” says Upton. “That is what I looked for in my team, and that is why they can provide the very best care possible for those we serve there.” While Upton valued the direct relationships he developed at ATC, he decided to use his skillset to make a bigger impact by helping Abilities First serve the entirety of southwest Missouri through its programs for people with developmental disabilities and their families. “Jumping into this role and committing to lead Greene County into a more inclusive and equitable future is going to be challenging, but it is a challenge I am ready for,” says Upton. He chose to go back to school to strengthen his skills in community aid through a dual bachelor’s degree in sociology and psychology at Drury University. He has also built relationships with community groups such as Leadership Springfield Access Class, the city of Springfield’s Citizens’ Tax Oversight Committee and the associate board for Springfield Little Theatre that will help him continue to create inclusivity in southwest Missouri. He intends to use the knowledge he gains from this experience to help him grow with Abilities First. “It is my mantra that a rising tide raises all boats, and that success for those in my program will ripple out to success for all of our community partners,” says Upton. —Jillian Smith, Editorial Intern In His Words Family: I married the love of my life, Nicolette, the day before our 14th anniversary. We have a rescue dog, Izzy, who we spoil shamelessly! Words to live by: Actions speak louder than words. Dream dinner party guest: Robin Willams. Favorite place to be in Springfield area: The Golden Girl Rum Club or Springfield Little Theatre. Advice to men: Listening is twice as important as talking. Also, you don’t have to crush someone’s hand when shaking it! Critical trait in employees: Communication! If it is bothering you for more than five minutes, then you should probably let me know. Adam Toth was a college senior when he approached his dad with an idea: Let’s start a company. So they did. In 2003, Toth and his father, Louis Toth, both engineers, founded Toth and Associates Inc., focusing on electric utility engineering. More than 20 years later, the company has expanded into a multidisciplinary firm of electrical, civil and structural engineers and other staff who serve clients ranging from municipalities to utilities and educational institutions. What began as a two-person company is closing in on 200 employees and has four other offices in Oregon, Washington and Montana. Early on, Toth recognized where gaps existed in the firm and worked to fill them. When the company was young and lacked funds to acquire a specialized software, Toth developed a program that got the job done the first three years until finances allowed purchase of the real thing. After several years in business, Toth noticed his father preferred engineering to day-to-day operations. The younger Toth knew his skill set included human resources, accounting and marketing, so he took those on. It proved to be good training for when Toth became president in 2019 after Louis Toth stepped away from daily operations. Toth’s approach to running his firm is twofold: building strong client relationships and creating a culture that retains long-term employees. “From its humble beginnings with a father and son working at their kitchen table, we have transformed into the largest engineering firm in our region since 2012,” he says. “The success of Toth and Associates is not solely attributed to the scale of our operations but, more importantly, to the values we uphold and the impact we have on the lives of those involved. “We believe that fostering a culture where people genuinely enjoy coming to work is paramount. Witnessing our firm’s positive impact on the lives of our employees and their families brings me immense joy and satisfaction.” Under Toth’s leadership, Toth and Associates has been recognized four times with a Springfield Business Journal Economic Impact Award and was selected in 2022 for SBJ’s Dynamic Dozen Judges’ Choice Award. “Our strength lies in our employees’ expertise and knowledge. Without our people, we don’t have a company,” Toth says. “Our people are our most valuable asset.” If he faces personnel-related decisions, Toth employs a simple formula. “I utilize a guiding principle that involves envisioning how I would want a company to treat one of my own four children,” he says. “Reflecting on that question often clarifies how I should address the various situations and make choices that align with our values. I lead with our people first.” Toth has volunteered for Leadership Springfield Inc., Rotary Club of Springfield Southeast, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks and the Discovery Center of Springfield Inc. He especially loves coaching his kids’ teams. “I am not the most skilled coach, but I really enjoy and have been successful at motivating younger children to get excited about their sport.” —Tresa McBee, Contributing Writer In His Words Family: Married to my wife, Erin, for about 17 years. She is a pediatrician. We have four children: Sophia, 15, Gianna, 11, Anthony, 8, and Joseph, 6. My family is the center of my life. Words to live by: Lead your business with care of people and community above all else. Do what you said you were going to do. Favorite place to be in Springfield area: Outside, whether at the lake, the golf course, a playground or a youth sports field. Childhood dream: A doctor. In high school, I was in Medical Explorers. After walking in a patient room, I nearly passed out and ended up in my own hospital bed. After that, I knew medicine wasn’t for me. Christopher Upton Abilities First Adam Toth Toth and Associates Inc.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy