APRIL 15-21, 2024 by Karen Craigo · kcraigo@sbj.net New technology is making the History Museum on the Square Inc. and its collections more accessible to visitors, particularly those who are blind or partially sighted. NaviLens is a free phone app being deployed at the museum to offer wayfinding assistance and interpretive translations audibly. The technology also translates information into 34 languages, so international museum guests can absorb all the museum has to offer. The museum’s location on historic Route 66 makes it a draw for people from all over the world, according to Charlotte McCoy, the museum’s business manager. Frank Taylor is promoting Murcia, Spain-based NaviLens in Springfield. He is working on behalf of Mary’s Braille International, a Willard-based company that provides Braille transcription services, and said the local company’s vision is for Springfield to be a model of accessibility for cities throughout the United States. The History Museum on the Square is a powerful demonstration of what the technology can do, Taylor said. “When you go to the museum, you have access to every exhibit. You can find a specific artifact, and if you hit ‘more,’ it will tell you everything about that artifact,” he said. APRIL 15-21, 2024 · VOL. 44, NO. 40 $2.50 · SBJ.NET YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY SINCE 1980 Local CPA firms boost staff amid heightened demand Technology opens doors for blind people See ABACUS on page 33 SPRING CONSTRUCTION REPORT SPECIAL EDITION INSIDE TAWNIE WILSON EXPLORING HISTORY Frank Taylor of Mary’s Braille International demonstrates NaviLens, a wayfinding and interpretative app now in use at the History Museum on the Square. History Museum showcases potential of wayfinding app Bill Dunton: Abacus CPAs plans for 20% business growth annually. by Mike Cullinan · mcullinan@sbj.net It’s been a sustained period of growth for revenue and employee count at Abacus CPAs LLC, which marked 25 years in business last year. Hitting a record-high revenue of $17.8 million in 2023, the Springfield-based company was announced last month by Accounting Today as the No. 16 fastest-growing firm in the U.S. It was the first national ranking for Abacus CPAs on the list, which is published annually. The only Missouri certified public accounting firm recognized on the list, the company also was named a top regional leader in the Midwest, as it achieved the highest growth percentage among regional firms at roughly 30% last year. Bill Dunton, Abacus CPAs’ managing partner, said the company has been steadily adding staff to the growing firm, which has five offices in Missouri and Arkansas. The firm has 166 employees with 18 CPAs and two partners. Of that staff total, 144 are local employees, a nearly 40% jump from 2023, according to Springfield Business Journal list research. For Dunton, the firm’s growth has been well planned, and hiring takes place frequently as the business seeks to build its clientele for accounting, tax preparation, wealth management Abacus CPAs gets national ranking as fast-growing company See TECH on page 28
APRIL 15-21, 2024 2 · SBJ.NET
APRIL 15-21, 2024 SPRINGFIELD BUSINESS JOURNAL · 3 NEWS CONTENTS Read a roundup of 28 local projects under construction. page 9 Construction Open for Business A gourmet cookie chain makes its Queen City debut. page 4 Business Spotlight Cedars Family Restaurant has been serving up eggs with a side of hospitality for nearly four decades. page 6 News Feature Some local companies trust team members with decisions on office dress. page 8 Opinion Page Guest columnist Nia Howard invites area men to the ballpark to hear from a former MLB player about the importance of mental health care. page 37 Four-phase C-Street development OK’d by council Downtown Nixa commercial development aims for summer debut by Mike Cullinan · mcullinan@sbj.net Roughly a year after food hall and entertainment venue 14 Mill Market debuted in Nixa, developers of a next-door property are hoping for a summer launch of part of a 1-acre commercial development. At 109 E. Mount Vernon St., crews with JD Wallace Contracting LLC recently completed parking lot paving in preparation for Iron at the Crossroads, said Mark Anderson, who co-owns and is developing the property with longtime friend Beau Mooneyham. The developers are seeking businesses to lease shipping containers that will serve as brickand-mortar shops. Retail, restaurants and office spaces are all possibilities, said Anderson, a 20-year resident of the Christian County town. “What we’re looking to do is to create a health, wellness, arts type of atmosphere,” he said of the downtown venture, which he and Mooneyham are developing via Hideaway Development LLC. “The vision is to give walkability to a creative and artistic vibe while supporting health and wellness.” Anderson said they began accepting applications last month from businesses looking to fill repurposed shipping containers. The containers are 40 feet long with width options of 8 and 16 feet. Although declining to disclose the rent range, he said it will start at $1,100 per month. Seven units are planned, along with renovation and expansion of a TAWNIE WILSON AT THE CROSSROADS Mark Anderson, left, and Beau Mooneyham are developing Iron at the Crossroads, a small commercial development in downtown Nixa that will consist of businesses operating out of shipping containers. See SHIPPING on page 30 See CITY on page 27 Plan set to transform 7.5 acres in north Springfield by Karen Craigo · kcraigo@sbj.net Springfield City Council approved a multiphase development for a 7.5-acre area on Commercial Street. The approval of the council bill on April 8 followed a failed motion by Councilmember Monica Horton to require separate approval for each of the four phases of the development. That motion failed by a 6-3 vote of council, and the redevelopment plan passed 7-2, with Horton and Craig Hosmer opposing it. The approval gave the go-ahead to a fourphase development by Commercial-Pacific Street Redevelopment Corp., headed by Titus Williams, president of Prosperiti Partners LLC. Williams’ plan for the area extending south from East Commercial to Pacific Street includes mixed-use and townhome construction and a renovation of the Missouri Hotel. Some C-Street business owners who appeared at the March 25 public hearing had offered various concerns about the redevelopment plan, for which Williams was seeking a declaration of blight and approval for all four phases, as well as a 25-year tax abatement for the first phase. Whether the project would include demolitions of existing buildings that could endanger the district’s historic designation was one of the chief concerns expressed. C-Street proponents did not object to the Pacific South Project, the first phase, which would provide immediate construction of 72 townhomes south of C-Street. Amanda Ohlensehlen, director of economic vitality for the city, said approval of the four-phase plan would alter the process for demolitions in the area. She also confirmed that the buildings in line for demolition as part of the project do not contribute to the historic designation of the area – a concern raised by some C-Street business owners. Ohlensehlen clarified that the council bill would approve only the tax abatement for the first Craig Hosmer: Unanswered questions remain about effects of C-Street development plan on historic district. Iron at the Crossroads seeks businesses to rent shipping containers
APRIL 15-21, 2024 4 · SBJ.NET NEWS By Mike Cullinan, Reporter New business, new location, new owner? Send your info to newbusiness@sbj.net Crumbl Cookies Interior design business Branson Upstaging LLC relocated Jan. 1 to a new Hollister address at 162 Industrial Park Drive, Ste. A., in Triumph Plaza. The venture, which opened in 2019, was formerly located at 10996 State Highway 165. Owner Holly Jones said relocation and renovation costs were $12,000, adding she signed a two-year lease for $1,950 per month with JKP Properties LLC. Jones said the three-employee Branson Upstaging provides interior design services, specializing in furnishing vacation rental properties to save clients time and maximize their return on investment. The company’s new location is roughly 2,200 square feet, she said, with a nearly even split between office and warehouse space. The move was spurred by the need for more space to store furniture for clients, Jones said, noting the warehouse component was not an option available at the former location. After three years in operation, Lauren Ashley Dance Center LLC added a second location Dec. 27 in Nixa at 701 N. McCroskey St. Owner Lauren Ashley Clark said the new studio space in Village Marketplace was the result of the acquisition for an undisclosed price of Divinity Dance Academy. Clark and her staff of 12 took over instruction of Divinity’s students, which she said doubled her studio’s clientele to around 200. Her dance center also assumed the existing three-year lease with Jared Commercial Real Estate LLC for an undisclosed rate. Lauren Ashley Dance Center also has a studio at 916 N. Main St. in Nixa and teaches classes including ballet, jazz, tap, acrobatic, contemporary and hip-hop. Clark said the dance center previously has instructed students ages 18 months to 19 years old but started offering some adult classes with the addition of the new 2,800-squarefoot studio. Utah-based gourmet cookie chain Crumbl Cookies opened its first Springfield shop on March 28 at 2415 N. Glenstone Ave. Trevor Curtis, who is a franchisee through Curtis Industries LLC, along with his sons, Porter and Stockton, said the 55-employee store occupies 2,000 square feet in a retail building at Glenstone and Kearney Street that also houses Echelon Coffee LLC and an AT&T store. Trevor Curtis early last year told Springfield Business Journal he estimated $600,000 in startup costs but declined last month to disclose the total investment or lease terms with O’Reilly Hospitality LLC. He said Crumbl Cookies has roughly 250 flavors, noting it offers a rotating menu of cookies, such as Key lime pie, raspberry butter cake and semi-sweet chocolate chunk. Curtis Industries also has two Crumbl Cookies shops in the Kansas City metro area, where the franchise company is based, Curtis said. The company, which was founded in 2017, has over 1,000 locations in all 50 states, according to its website. ☎ 417-851-0169 CrumblCookies.com/MoNorthSpringfield Branson Upstaging Lauren Ashley Dance Center ☎ 417-527-0373 BransonUpstaging.com ☎ 417-880-4481 LaurenAshleyDanceCenter.com OPEN FOR BUSINESS Stockton Curtis KATELYN EGGER LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED BY DOUG & ANDREA WINDSOR © 2023 Five Star Painting SPV LLC. All rights Reserved. Commercial & Residential Painting 417.720.2376 FiveStarPainting.com
APRIL 15-21, 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 Geoff Pickle · gpickle@sbj.net Accounting FORVIS LLP promoted Morgan Crews and Travis Liles to director; Sydnie Evgenides, Angela McLaughlin, Nicole Radtke and Chase Simmerman to senior manager; and Steven Bard, Becca Faulconer, Malissa Fields, Dylan Lyon, Ashley Mueller and Garrett Smith to manager. A member of the firm’s health care practice, Crews has a bachelor’s in accounting from Southwest Baptist University. Liles, who has a bachelor’s in entrepreneurship and an MBA from Missouri State University, leads the Springfield private client wealth management practice. Evgenides is a member of the firm’s health care practice and has a bachelor’s in accounting from Southeast Missouri State University. McLaughlin has bachelor’s and master’s in accounting from MSU and provides outsourced accounting services. A member of FORVIS’ health care performance advisory services practice, Radtke has bachelor’s and master’s in accounting from the University of Missouri. Simmerman is a member of the health care practice who has bachelor’s degrees in accounting, economics and finance from SBU. Bard has a bachelor’s in accounting and finance from Drury University and provides accounting services for small to midsize organizations. Faulconer provides audit and consulting services for financial institutions and nonprofit organizations and has a bachelor’s in accounting from Drury. Fields is part of FORVIS’ senior living billing services team. Lyon has a bachelor’s in accounting from Drury and offers specialized consulting services to organizations receiving federal grant funding. Mueller has a bachelor’s in accounting from MSU and provides accounting and consulting services for small and midsize organizations. Smith provides tax services for the private client and construction and real estate teams and has a bachelor’s in psychology from Drury and a master’s in accountancy from MSU. Chambers of Commerce The Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & Convention and Visitors Bureau earned the highest accreditation score possible from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Fewer than 150 of 7,000 chambers nationwide have five-star accreditation. The accreditation process, which can take more than nine months to complete, reviews organizations’ policies, operations and programming. Health Care The Springfield office of Traditions Health earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for home health accreditation. The Springfield home health care branch was reviewed on metrics including compliance with home health standards, infection prevention and control, and medication management. Marketing Digital marketing and creative services company Campaignium announced five promotions. Gam Youthong was elevated to art director; Danielle McGraw was named senior graphic designer; Tyrone Davis was appointed as account manager; Burnette Emerson became senior SEO specialist; and Mackenzie Cobb was promoted to digital advertising specialist. Nonprofit Christian Action Ministries received the annual Public Health Champion Award from the Taney County Health Department. The award recognizes organizations for their contributions to community health, with officials citing CAM’s work to address food insecurity. NEWSMAKERS Send announcements to newsmakers@sbj.net McLaughlin Simmerman McGraw Youthong Davis Evgenides Crews Radtke Liles Give yourself a time raise Stress-free payroll solutions with the fastest support in the world. apluspayroll.com Emerson Cobb CORRECTION Ryan Stack is chief information officer for SRC Holdings Corp. His title was incorrectly identified in the April 8 issue’s story, “Tech investments, challenges garner focus at STC Squared.”
APRIL 15-21, 2024 6 · SBJ.NET BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT by Nicole Chilton · Contributing Writer Cedars Family Restaurant owner Dennis Butzlaff never thought he’d one day be flipping eggs as a profession, let alone doing it for over 38 years. Butzlaff, who grew up in Wisconsin, found his way to Springfield after serving in the Air Force and getting a job at Lily Tulip Cup Corp. as an industrial engineer. There he met his future business partner, Jim Dillard. In their late twenties, the two of them decided they wanted to go into business together in plastic processing and started developing a plan. Shortly after they hit their first obstacle. “We went to the bank, even with these great plans, and they just laughed at us,” Butzlaff says. “The only thing we were able to buy was a restaurant.” The two found Cedars, a small restaurant for sale on West Bypass, and purchased it under Cedars Restaurant Inc. for $140,000, which included the property. Shortly after the purchase in 1986, however, Butzlaff said they met another obstacle – the previous owner ignored a non-compete clause with them, took the staff and opened another similar restaurant in town. With no serving staff or cooks, Butzlaff says he had to quickly learn his way around the kitchen. “I never knew the difference between over easy and over medium,” he says. “I’d cringe every time I’d have to flip over an egg.” Butzlaff recalls those early days when he and Dillard would take turns each week getting up at 4 a.m. to make the biscuits. “We were very driven,” he says, adding that both of them, prior to opening the restaurant, would work all day and attend school at night and on weekends while also investing in the stock market. Eventually the partners were able to hire cooks who taught them the tricks of the trade. “They trained us,” Butzlaff says, adding he is now a self-designated “professional egg flipper.” Cedars is known for its comfort food and casual atmosphere, with menu items like Cedars’ Hashbrowns, daily specials and its most popular dish: chicken-fried steak. “The chicken-fried steak is still the best seller,” Butzlaff says. He added it originally cost $2.75 but is now priced at $8.49. In 2001, Butzlaff and Dillard expanded, opening a second location in Sheid’s Plaza, now McLoud Plaza, on South Campbell, under Cedars Restaurant Management Inc. They agreed Dillard would own and manage the West Bypass location, which has since closed, and Butzlaff the South Campbell one. McLoud & Co. broker and property manager Sandy Harrel says the 4,000-squarefoot restaurant is an anchor of the plaza. “We only have one empty suite right now,” Harrel says, noting that the restaurant’s popularity helps keep the retail center full. Harrel, who started working for McLoud at that location in 2015, has become one of Cedars’ frequent customers, or as Butzlaff calls them, the “daily bunches.” “It’s like family here,” Harrel says. When the restaurant is crowded, Harrel says she will gladly sit at the end of an open table, oftentimes getting to know the neighboring diners and staff. Cedars seats 140 and has 30 staff members, many of whom have been working for years. “Our longest employee, Mary Dickey, has been here 29 years,” Butzlaff says. Many of his staff also recruit family members, and he says it’s not uncommon for a lunch rush to have a mother, daughter and granddaughter all working together, or a cook and his kids in the kitchen. Butzlaff’s son, Luke, is often one of those in the kitchen learning the ropes. “He started here as a busboy at age 16,” Butzlaff says, noting that was almost a decade ago. Harrel says this is a testament to Butzlaff’s leadership style, and points to how he navigated the COVID-19 pandemic: “He kept all the employees, and never closed.” Butzlaff added that to stay afloat, he quickly pivoted to curbside pick-up, worked with Luke to transition from paper tickets to electronic and kept his staff busy doing remodeling projects. Even still, it was a challenging time. “We’d go from making $200 every 15 minutes to almost nothing at all,” he says. “But I kept everyone working.” The restaurant, with its train decor and mural by Springfield artist Farley Lewis spanning the length of the south wall, serves from 500 to 900 people daily, according to Butzlaff. Despite having to raise prices in the past few years, he says it hasn’t seemed to affect business much. Butzlaff adds that a lot of the restaurant’s success should be credited to Dillard. “He found the original location,” he says. “We would motivate each other, and that made us be more driven to be successful.” Dillard retired in 2018, selling the West Bypass location to employees. That location then closed a few years later. “He’s living the good life now,” Butzlaff says, adding that the two catch up frequently to go sailing or play golf. Butzlaff, who says he’s a workaholic, isn’t ready to retire just yet, but that when he does, his son Luke will take over. “I have been stepping back more, running everything through Luke first,” he says. • Cedars Family Restaurant Owner: Dennis Butzlaff Founded: 1986 Address: 3322 S Campbell Ave. Phone: 417-890-1984 Website: CedarsRestaurantSouth.com Services/Products: Casual eatery with a train motif serving homestyle American fare from morning to night 2023 Revenue: $2.14 million Employees: 30 Dennis Butzlaff, seated, came into restaurant ownership by chance but now calls himself a “professional egg flipper.” He says Cedars Family Restaurant will eventually pass to his son, Luke. TAWNIE WILSON Cedars Family Restaurant has cooked up comfort for over three decades Sunny-Side Up
Your business. Your Cadence. Your goals come first. At Cadence, we appreciate the hard work and dedication you bring to your business every day. We’re here to give you every advantage, from expert guidance delivered by financial professionals who understand you, to tailored solutions and financing designed specifically for businesses like yours. That’s what makes us your bank. #yourcadence © 2024 Cadence Bank. All Rights Reserved. Member FDIC. Equal Opportunity Lender. NMLS# 410279 CadenceBank.com/Business Visit or call us today to find out how we can help you achieve your potential.
APRIL 15-21, 2024 8 · SBJ.NET NEWS ‘Dress for your day’ by Karen Craigo · kcraigo@sbj.net Ask an older worker in the office what kind of attire they began their career in, and the picture that emerges is likely to be very different than today’s. For most women, pantyhose were de rigueur in the workplace, often with a skirt and closed-toe shoes. Men may recall suits or, on more casual days, sport coats, always with a button-down shirt and tie. The person offering this view of the not-so-distant past is likely to be clad much differently in the telling, perhaps wearing khakis or even jeans in the office, styled with a pair of sneakers. At FORVIS LLP, one of the largest public accounting firms in the United States, Managing Partner Gary Schafer recalled his early days in the industry after graduating from Missouri State University in 1996. “When I first started in the profession, it was suit and tie every day,” he said. “We all wore that, with business suits for the ladies. That was a really clear expectation: a professional services team is going to wear professional attire.” But the dress policy has changed, Schafer said – as have attitudes about dress in the broader society. “We have now adapted to a policy where we very much say you dress for your day,” he said, noting the policy evolved gradually in the years before the COVID-19 pandemic. Suits are still appropriate much of the time, he said – like when associates are giving a client presentation, or when they are delivering a financial statement or audit. BUSINESS CASUAL BUTTONED UP DOWN TO EARTH See DRESS on page 38 See CONCERT on page 32 Companies are relaxing dress codes amid evolving ideas about fashion VARYING ATTITUDES In some offices, business suits remain the norm, at least on certain days. Both FORVIS LLP and KPM CPAs & Advisors encourage workers to dress for what the day’s schedule demands – and sometimes the demand calls for the polish of a suit. At creative marketing firm Fried Design Co., the vibe is different – the work and the relationships take precedence, and T-shirts are the norm. “We ask our professionals to be thoughtful and to dress for what they expect their day to hold,” Schafer said. It’s also wise to be prepared for the unexpected, he said, noting during a recent online video interview he was not wearing a suit jacket, but he had one in the closet, just in case. “If a client wants to meet me and have a formal discussion, I’m prepared for that,” he said. Sara Choate, managing director of human capital solutions at KPM CPAs & Advisors, helps companies develop human resource policies. At KPM, as at FORVIS, the policy is “dress for your day.” “We went that way years ago, pre-pandemic,” she said. “Essentially, what that means is if you’re not seeing a client or participating in a community event, you can wear jeans.” But not just any jeans, Choate cautioned. “We always tell people, it doesn’t mean dress down. You’re still polished – still put together,” she said. Essentially, Choate said, they swap out their slacks or skirt for a nice pair of denims, paired with an appropriate top. It’s a look she said is seen in more and more clients, too. “Some clients are going to be in jeans themselves, and they’re going to be more comfortable if you’re dressed in jeans, too,” she said. “It’s all about what is appropriate for the time and place.” KPM puts trust in its people to show up looking professional, according to Choate. “Sometimes, if you give people the flexibility and say, ‘I trust you,’ you find they want to Retired Cardinals hurler slated to be first standalone concert act at Hammons Field by Karen Craigo · kcraigo@sbj.net For the first time, a standalone concert will be mounted this season at Hammons Field. St. Louis Cardinals pitching legend Adam Wainwright, who retired from the team after the 2023 season, will be the headline performer at a May 31 concert at the ballpark. Wainwright may have to hoist the microphone with the added weight of two World Series rings. Many fans will remember him as the hurler who tossed the final pitch to clinch the title in Game 5 of the 2006 fall classic. Wainwright, 42, is also a country musician who released his 13-song debut album, “Hey Y’all,” this month. Cora Scott, the city of Springfield’s director of public information and civic engagement, said credit for the selection of the first concert act goes to Springfield Cardinals General Manager Dan Reiter. “He has graciously taken the lead on planning this concert, and we think having Wainwright is an inspired choice,” she said. How it all began Reiter said the concert has been in the works for quite some time as the debut of Hammons Field as a concert amphitheater. In fact, he knows the exact date he planted the seed of the idea: April 19, 2023, when a rehabbing Wainwright started at the mound against the Midland Rockhounds. “When he got done pitching, I talked to him inside the clubhouse and mentioned the city had purchased the stadium,” Reiter said. “I asked him what he thought about being the first concert in stadium history. “When I brought it up, he lit up. He said he would be more excited about this than I was.” That may not be the case, however. “I am so excited,” Reiter said. The city is co-producing the concert and is investing $50,000 toward it. Co-presenting sponsor Hatch Foundation is also donating $50,000. The Springfield Cardinals are also making an investment for this and future concerts. Reiter said the decking being purchased to allow on-field viewing of the show has cost the Springfield Cardinals approximately $165,000. “One of the biggest things that we’re having to learn about is the concept of field decking and how to have the stage,” he said. “This has been one of the hardest things for our staff to figure out.” The city and Hatch Foundation have been helpful in figuring out the issue, both shortterm and long-term, he said. “We’ll always be a baseball franchise first, so we have to protect the playing surface,” he said. “As we move into concerts, we have to learn, how does decking affect the field? We’re being very careful and cautious.” The stage for Wainwright’s show will be in the area of second base, and audience members will be able to sit in the infield and foul territory. “We’re not getting into the outfield much except for driving the stage to the field,” he said. “There are a lot of moving parts to this first concert.” Sara Choate: Even casual attire should project polish and professionalism. HEATHER MOSLEY
SPRINGFIELD BUSINESS JOURNAL · 9 APRIL 15-21, 2024 Projects continued on pages 11-21 General contractor: CB-GC LLC Size: 15,300 square feet Estimated cost: $1.3 million Estimated completion: November Project description: Commercial Builders General Contracting is constructing a new office and shop building for Donco3 Concrete Pumping LLC in Marshfield. The preengineered metal building features concrete walls, conventional steel, metal roofing, an aluminum storefront and standard office and shop finishes. The building will include office space for employees, a full shop for maintaining and storing equipment and an interior/exterior conference space. Project architect is R.E. Werner Architect LLC, and engineers are Cook, Flatt & Strobel, Engineers Inc. (Kansas City), civil; RTM Engineering Consultants LLC, structural; and Schober Engineering LLC, mechanical, electrical and plumbing. Donco3 headquarters KATELYN EGGER REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK Plenty is happening here in the Ozarks, and that comes sharply into focus in the following pages. Construction companies were invited to submit a current local project or two for inclusion in Springfield Business Journal’s spring project report. In all, these represent 1.5 million square feet of new or renovated building area alone. Now think of the projects that weren’t submitted for this sampling. Our construction professionals are transforming the landscape – here’s a glimpse of their work in progress. —Karen Craigo, Reporter 1539 STATE HIGHWAY CC, MARSHFIELD CONSTRUCTION 1730 S. LUSTER AVE. TelComm Credit Union Operations Center Construction manager: DeWitt & Associates Inc. Size: 32,000 square feet Estimated cost: Would not disclose Estimated completion: August Project description: A new structural steel building will serve as TelComm’s Operations Center. The building will house staff on the second floor with a large training room on the first floor, which will also hold office suites available for rent. The current main office building will continue to function with a drive-thru, night drop, loan officers and an automatic teller machine. Hood-Rich Inc. is the project architect and interior designer, with frankZdesign LLC serving as landscape architect. Engineers are Wilson Surveying Co. Inc., civil; Mettemeyer Engineering LLC, structural; and CJD Engineering LLC, mechanical, electrical and plumbing. REBECCA GREEN General contractor: Base Construction & Management LLC Size: 11,160 square feet Estimated cost: Would not disclose Estimated completion: July Project description: Rising near the site of the existing White River Valley Electric Cooperative Inc. office is its replacement, with a 3,500-square-foot office and a 7,500-square-foot shop with four rollup bay doors. The project architect is Paragon Architecture LLC. Engineers are Own Inc., civil; RTM Engineering Consultants LLC, structural; and CJD Engineering LLC, mechanical, electrical and plumbing. White River Valley Electric Cooperative TAWNIE WILSON 2807 HIGHWAY 14, OZARK
10 · SBJ.NET APRIL 15-21, 2024 What’s the basis of prefabricated or modular design, and how does the concept work? The idea with conventional build, there’s a lot of challenges with weather and other conditions, site conditions. So, it just gives you an opportunity to build something offsite. While the dirt work and concrete work and all those scopes are being performed, you’re able to produce a building offsite. There’s a lot of opportunity cost benefits to it. What are the drawbacks to that type of design, or what types of structures can’t be made this way? There’s a lot of challenges with modular in general, but there’s also a lot of benefits. Let’s say you’re an electrical contractor; you just have to be really good at electrical. If you’re a modular builder, you have all different facets of trades that you have to perform. So you have to have a very large group of people to do it. You have to have master electricians and plumbers, and you have to have architects and engineers. True modular is actually done without tape measures and sawing and cutting, it’s all CNC fabricated. If you’re just building one or two small buildings that are similar, it doesn’t really make sense. If you’re building 10 or more, then it starts to make a lot more sense to do something modularly because it’s repeatable. You have been working with 7 Brew nationally to build their roughly 500-square-foot buildings since 2020. Tell me about that partnership and how many you’ve created. That partnership came about from a phone call from the founder of 7 Brew to me, and he’s my 50% business partner in Creative Modular Construction, Ron Crume. He was looking for ways to build a better mousetrap and save costs. And of course, modular can save significant costs over a conventional build, if it’s repeatable. We’ve completed about 50 to 60 of these buildings at this point, and we’ll probably have 100 this year that we’ll complete. It’s again the same building over and over. It’s really considered the future of construction, with those limitations. Shipping-wise, you can’t ship large buildings, so it doesn’t make sense for large projects unless you have something that has, say, 100 rooms that are similar, like a hotel. Other franchise groups are looking at this type of building, such as Little Caesars. Are you seeing growth opportunities in your industry? It’s not something that is an easy type of a startup. But yes, if you have a lot of CNC fabrication experience, you’ve got a big enough group that can handle a complete design from the ground up, and then you’re able to install these components. Your business has been involved in state and national programs to hire formerly incarcerated individuals, utilizing grant funding to cover training costs through programs like APPLIE and Reentry 2030. How has that worked, and how has that allowed your business to scale? Our motto is we build people, we build buildings. We consider ourselves a for-profit Christian ministry. About 75% of our employees are people who’ve been formerly incarcerated or felons. We do Bible studies every week, so we’re a lot more than just a construction company. For about 1,040 hours, about half the employee’s salary is covered [by state and federal programs]. After that, your goal is to have them become long-term employees. You do have to have people that are willing to pour into people’s lives, and we call it leading with love. Our core values are based on the acronym CHRIST, which is creative, honorable, respectful, innovative, synergistic and total ownership. At the end of the day, our biggest thing that we want to accomplish is having made a real difference in people’s lives and having an eternal impact sharing the Gospel message. What’s your employee size, and what’s your vision for growth? Right now, there’s approximately 140 employees. Our limitation to growth is our ability to manage everything, and we don’t want to grow too fast, but we are growing and we are providing a great product. Sky’s the limit, really. What percentage of your work is for 7 Brew? It’s mostly all 7 Brew. We’re in the process of building a new facility, and until we get that built, we’re a little bit limited on what we can take on. So, that’s part of the growing pains process is really having the room. That’s why we are working out of five locations now. Our goal is to be able to get under one roof, and then the growth can really start. When you’re building things modularly, you have to have enough area for all these materials and a place to put the modular buildings when they’re done. And so it does require a bigger footprint in your manufacturing facility to do this. What’s the size of the new facility and the timeline for completion? It’s got multiple phases. It’s about 160,000 square feet. It’s out by the airport and it’s off of Highway E. We have 65 acres and we’re hoping to utilize a chunk of that. That’s our future home of CMC. We’re probably at least a year away from having that facility operational. Is the next step in growth finding another franchise to partner with on modular buildings? That’s pretty much what it does look like. Do you have a franchise in your sights? Ready to share? Yes, we do. Not at this point. lee loveall CEO and Co-owner, Creative Modular Construction LLC A CONVERSATION WITH ... REBECCA GREEN Excerpts from an interview by Executive Editor Christine Temple, ctemple@sbj.net 417-831-1700 • pcnetinc.com Our IT isn’t about technology, it’s about you. CONTACT US TODAY FOCUS CONSTRUCTION
SPRINGFIELD BUSINESS JOURNAL · 11 APRIL 15-21, 2024 FOCUS CONSTRUCTION General contractor: Ross Construction Group LLC Size: 61,360 square feet Estimated cost: Would not disclose Estimated completion: June Project description: The remodeling of portions of the James River Church south campus is combined with a 26,000-square-foot addition to bring the youth worship area, including supporting offices and activity areas, into the main church building. The addition includes a youth worship auditorium, gathering areas, offices and a gymnasium. The architect was Buxton Kubik Dodd Design Collective, which also served as mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineer. Other engineers were Own Inc., civil; and Miller Engineering PC, structural. James River Church renovation TAWNIE WILSON 6100 N. 19TH ST., OZARK elfindaleretirement.com Now offering the full continuum of care. 417-831-2273 417-501-1000 Independent Living 417-831-3828 Jordan Valley Community Health Center PACE Project General contractor: Branco Enterprises Inc. Size: 12,250 square feet Estimated cost: $2.2 million Estimated completion: April Project description: To accommodate Jordan Valley Community Health Center’s new Program of All-inclusive Care of the Elderly, demolition and infill of under-slab plumbing and electrical will be followed by infill of multiple rooms, including a kitchen, exam rooms, a therapy area and quiet rooms. The project is equipped with a dining area with safety devices to serve the needs of elderly participants in the program. The project architects are Buf Studio LLC and Sapp Design Associates Architects Inc., and RTM Engineering Consultants LLC is structural and mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineer. 1720 W. GRAND ST. REBECCA GREEN
12 · SBJ.NET APRIL 15-21, 2024 FOCUS CONSTRUCTION provided by CROSSLAND CONSTRUCTION CO. INC. 165 HOLLISTER PKWY., HOLLISTER General contractor: Crossland Construction Co. Inc. Size: 4,518 square feet Estimated cost: Would not disclose Estimated completion: April 30 Project description: This marijuana dispensary is housed in a new single-story building in Hollister. The construction also involves parking and site lighting, and the building features exterior insulation finishing systems and wood composite lap siding. The project architect is Hunter and Millard Architects Inc. (Joplin), and engineers are Own Inc., civil; BSE Structural Engineers Inc. (Lenexa, Kansas); and Forward Engineers (Rogers, Arkansas), mechanical, electrical and plumbing. Flora Farms General contractor: O’Reilly Build LLC Size: 42,808 square feet Estimated cost: Would not disclose Estimated completion: March 2025 Project description: The goal of the 42-unit Mountaintop Homes community, under development by the O’Reilly Development Co. in partnership with Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri, is to provide affordable housing for mixed-income families and homeless or at-risk veterans while providing access to community resources, according to project officials. A mix of two- and three-bedroom units are to be offered. The project includes three residential buildings, a clubhouse and a community space and playground area. Project architect is Stark Wilson Duncan Architects Inc. (Kansas City), and engineers are Quist Engineering Inc. (Lee’s Summit), civil and geotechnical; Bob Campbell Construction LLC (Mound City), structural; and Hoss & Brown Engineers PC (Kansas City), mechanical, electrical and plumbing. Palmerton & Parrish Inc. is doing third-party inspections. Mountaintop Homes provided by O’REILLY BUILD LLC 1516 S. MCCANSE ST., MOUNT VERNON Let’s Keep Changing the Landscape, Together! LEARN MORE AT BRANCO.COM/BRANCO-BUILT Call Us! 417.451.5250 THE FIRST THINGS BUILTON ANY BRANCO PROJECTARE RELATIONSHIPS. Though we’re builders at heart, we believe design and execution should go hand in hand. That’s why the Branco team establishes open communication with our design partners, clients and other stakeholders at the start of every job. Stronger collaboration leads to stronger results.
SPRINGFIELD BUSINESS JOURNAL · 13 APRIL 15-21, 2024 FOCUS CONSTRUCTION 2521 S. HOLLAND AVE. REBECCA GREEN Holland Park Apartments General contractor: Valiant Group Size: 155,945 square feet Estimated cost: $5 million Estimated completion: Winter Project description: Comprising three buildings and 35 units, Holland Park Apartments is on track to make history in Springfield as the first buildings constructed on stilts within a floodplain, seamlessly integrating with South Creek Greenway Trail, according to project officials. The project architect is Ireland Architects Inc., and engineers are Own Inc., civil; RTM Engineering Consultants LLC, structural; and Jennifer Winslow PE LLC, mechanical, electrical and plumbing. Springfield | Joplin | St. Louis | Northwest Arkansas paragonarchitecture.com • 417.885.0002 We’re ready to bring your architectural and interior design projects to life. Our team has the tools and tenacity to be your “Sherpa,” guiding you every step of the way as we navigate your project from concept, design, construction, and beyond. Through innovative thinking and focused expertise, we strive to deliver quality designs that enhance your brand objectives — now and in the future. That’s the Paragon Approach™. EXPERIENCE THE PARAGON APPROACH™ Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Co. General contractor: Ross Construction Group LLC Size: 115,375 square feet Estimated cost: Would not disclose Estimated completion: January 2025 Project description: A two-phase build begins with construction of a new 67,750-square-foot manufacturing facility, to be completed in May, followed by the construction of 47,625 square feet of new meeting and office space, scheduled to wind up in January 2025. The project architect is Buxton Kubik Dodd Design Collective, which also served as mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineer. Other engineers are Own Inc., civil; and Miller Engineering PC. 1777 N. PACKER ROAD KATELYN EGGER
14 · SBJ.NET APRIL 15-21, 2024 FOCUS CONSTRUCTION AREA'S LARGEST LABOR UNIONS Rank Name Address Telephone • Website Email Local Active Members Monthly Dues Pension Fund Local President Business Manager Workers Represented Representative Employers National Affiliation National President Year Founded Locally 1 (1) TEAMSTERS LOCAL 245 1850 E Division St, Springfield 65803 417-866-7206 • Teamsters.org localunion@teamsters245.com 2,300 Three times the members' hourly wage, monthly Yes Jeremy Manley Bryan Emory Warehouse, bus & truck drivers, dairy plant, freight, manufacturing, welders Aramark, Associated Wholesale Grocers, Ozarks Coca Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Co, Dairy Farmers of America, Hiland Dairy International Brotherhood of Teamsters Sean O'Brien 1932 2 (4) INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF ELECTRICAL WORKERS, LOCAL 453 2902 E Division St, Springfield 65803 417-869-7251 • IBEW453.com info@ibew453.com 545 $25-$45 Yes Joey Baker Kevin McGill Master, journeyman & apprentice electricians, videodata-voice technicians, maintenance & custodial A-1 Electric, Horton Electric, Meyer Electric, Pro Electric, Price Electric, Trinity Electric International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Kenneth Cooper 1929 3 (3) INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF ELECTRICAL WORKERS, LOCAL 753 2902 E Division St, Springfield 65803 417-866-0044 • IBEW753.org brianbrawley@ibew753.org 525 $22-$44 No 1 James Foster Brian Brawley Utility workers, linemen, gas workers, clerical, substation, power plant, fiber, water treatment, environmental City Utilities of Springfield, White River Electric Co-op, Nixa Electric Line, City of Springfield, City of Lebanon International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Kenneth Cooper 1977 4 PLUMBERS & PIPEFITTERS, LOCAL 178 2501 W Grand St, Springfield 65802 417-869-0633 • UA178.org mgott@uanet.org 467 $37-$47 Yes Justin McCarty Michael Gott Plumbing, mechanical piping, HVAC service technicians, pipefitters, pipe welders Allen's Mechanical, C&N Plumbing, DeLong Plumbing Heating & Air, James River Mechanical United Association Mark McManus 1905 5 (5) LABORERS, LOCAL 663 1700 S Campbell Ave, Springfield 65631 417-743-3222 • LU663.com dbarnes@lu663.com 425 $37 Yes Jason Mendenhall Jason Mendenhall Heavy & commercial building construction, quarry, concrete, utility, asphalt APAC, DeWitt & Associates, KCI Construction, Carson-Mitchell, AT Urban Development, McCarthy, Kerans Construction Laborers International Union of North America Brent Booker 1938 6 (7) SOUTHERN MISSOURI PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS, LOCAL 152 1200 E Woodhurst, Ste K-400, Springfield 65804 IAFF152.com iaff152president@gmail.com 392 WND No Chad Davis Devin Keeney Firefighters, fire marshals, fire equipment operators, rescue specialists, fire lieutenants & captains Cities: Springfield, Branson, Republic; Fire Protection Districts: Fair Grove, Strafford, LoganRogersville, Ozark, Nixa International Association of Firefighters Edward Kelly 1918 7 SPRINGFIELD POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION 235 N Benton Ave, Springfield 65806 417-521-8882 springfieldpoa@gmail.com 305 $64 Yes Justin Hollingsworth Mark Stewart Springfield Police Officers Springfield Police Department National Fraternal Order of Police Patrick Yoes 1969 Ranked by the number of active local members within a 50-mile radius of Springfield. Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers, Local 15, ranked No. 2 last year, ranked No. 8. Springfield Business Journal relies on the individual businesses to be truthful and accurate in their representation of the information listed. To be considered for future lists email lists@sbj.net. WND: Would not disclose. 1 Available with select memberships. Researched by: Karen Bliss Karen Bliss © Copyright 2024 SBJ. All rights reserved. This material may not be republished, rebroadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
SPRINGFIELD BUSINESS JOURNAL · 15 APRIL 15-21, 2024 FOCUS CONSTRUCTION 260 E. MCDANIEL ST. KATELYN EGGER Hotel Vandivort renovation General contractor: Branco Enterprises Inc. Size: 3,400 square feet Estimated cost: Would not disclose Estimated completion: July Project description: This infill project for the Hotel Vandivort includes the additions of a new conference room, multiple offices and a maintenance area that keeps with the style of the downtown hotel. The project architect is Buf Studio LLC, and CJD Engineering LLC is the mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineer. Cogdill Early Childhood Center addition General contractor: Crossland Construction Co. Inc. Size: 26,332 square feet Estimated cost: $9.4 million Estimated completion: July Project description: This early childhood education building will be equipped with four classrooms as well as offices, a gymnasium, a mechanical area, bathrooms and storage areas. The project architect is Buxton Kubik Dodd Design Collective, which is also the mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineer. Other engineers are Own Inc., civil and geotechnical; and Toth and Associates Inc., structural. 218 W. MCCABE ST., STRAFFORD KATELYN EGGER CONTACT US TODAY | 417-866-6199 | NESBITTCONSTRUCTION.COM Commercial & Industrial New Construction & Remodeling The experience to meet your needs BUILT TO LAST DELIVERING INNOVATIVE, HIGH-QUALITY SOLUTIONS THAT EXCEED OUR CLIENTS’ EXPECTATIONS. EXPERIENCE THE NEXT GENERATION OF COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION. BUILD BETTER WITH NESBITT CONSTRUCTION. MICHAEL NESBITT
16 · SBJ.NET APRIL 15-21, 2024 FOCUS CONSTRUCTION Strafford Fire Station No. 3 General contractor: Rich Kramer Construction Inc. Size: 7,028 square feet Estimated cost: $3.5 million Estimated completion: Fall Project description: Plans for the new Strafford fire station call for two truck bays, five bunk rooms, a kitchen, workout room and training and community room. The project is part of an $8 million bond passed in April 2022. The project architect is FGM Architects (Oak Brook, Illinois), and engineers are Great River Associates Inc., civil and structural; and SSC Engineering Inc. (Chesterfield), mechanical, electrical and plumbing. 300 W. BUMGARNER ROAD, STRAFFORD KATELYN EGGER 910 ST. LOUIS ST. General contractor: Snyder Construction Group LLC Estimated cost: Would not disclose Estimated completion: To be determined Project description: Varying levels of renovation are planned for the four-story FORVIS LLP building, with some areas being fully gutted to build offices, meeting spaces, training rooms and amenity areas. The work includes finishes, millwork, lighting and mechanical improvements. Some future phases are still in preconstruction, with final completion dates to be determined, according to project officials. New furnishings and audiovisual equipment are included. The project architect is HOK Architects (Kansas City), and engineers are KH Engineering Group PC (structural); and Lankford Fendler & Associates (Kansas City), mechanical, electrical and plumbing. FORVIS renovation KATELYN EGGER General contractor: J.E. Dunn Construction Co. Size: 38,000 square feet Estimated cost: Would not disclose Estimated completion: April 30 Project description: The project is a partial renovation of a church building and conversion of an existing drive-thru canopy into finished interior space. The scope includes a new children’s education area featuring a large-group worship room with a stage and LED wall, a remodeled nursery and preschool space and an indoor playground. The project architect is Buxton Kubik Dodd Design Collective, which also served as mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineer. Other engineers were Own Inc., civil; and RTM Engineering Consultants LLC, structural. Second Baptist Church renovation TAWNIE WILSON 3111 E. BATTLEFIELD ROAD General contractor: Hambey Construction LLC Size: 13,800 square feet Estimated cost: $1.4 million Estimated completion: April 30 Project description: Interior and exterior renovations of the Polk County Library’s Rayl Family Branch are concluding this month. Upgrades include a children’s section, with an area nearby for parents and caregivers to relax or study, plus a teen area with gaming system, meeting rooms and an outdoor space for reading and enjoying nature, according to library officials. The project architect is Sapp Design Associates Architects Inc., and engineers are RTM Engineering Consultants LLC, structural; and Interpres Building Solutions LLC, mechanical, electrical and plumbing. Polk County Library Rayl Family Branch renovation provided by CREATIVE ENDEAVORS LLC 1690 W. BROADWAY ST., BOLIVAR
SPRINGFIELD BUSINESS JOURNAL · 17 APRIL 15-21, 2024 FOCUS CONSTRUCTION 3240 S. FREMONT AVE. TAWNIE WILSON Avanzare Italian Dining General contractor: Eoff & Associates Inc. Size: 9,919 square feet Estimated cost: $3.5 million Estimated completion: May Project description: A single-level, freestanding building for Avanzare Italian Dining is being constructed with wood framing and a stucco and stone exterior. It has a large commercial kitchen to serve more than 300 customers. The restaurant will include a large dining area, a bar, a private dining space and outdoor dining with a view of water and fountains. The project architect is James O’Donnell Architect, and engineers are Vandersluis Engineering Inc., civil; Tom Edelman Engineering, structural; and Latifi Engineering, mechanical, electrical and plumbing. 417-831-5634 1-800-884-1918 www.DeltaRoofing.net For over 50 years, we’ve maintained a stellar reputation as your SW Missouri Commercial Roofing Company. We take pride in our excellent workmanship. • New install • Repair • Replace We’ve got your project covered! WE GO ABOVE and BEYOND. General contractor: Nabholz Construction Corp. Size: 37,423 square feet Estimated cost: $22 million Estimated completion: May Project description: A 120-bed facility with eight dayrooms and an indoor-outdoor recreation area will be centered on a control room at the Lawrence County Law Enforcement Center, now taking shape in Mount Vernon. The project employed the construction management at-risk procurement method. The project architect is Elevatus LLC (Joplin), with Olsson Inc. as landscape architect. Engineers are Olsson Inc., civil; JPS Consulting Engineers LLC (Jefferson City), structural; and Primary Engineering Inc. (Jefferson City), mechanical, electrical and plumbing. Accurate Controls Inc. (Ripon, Wisconsin) is consultant for security electronics, and Vorndran & Associates (Indianapolis) is consultant for food service. Lawrence County Law Enforcement Center provided by NABHOLZ CONSTRUCTION CORP. 1525 MISSOURI DRIVE, MOUNT VERNON
sbj.netRkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy