MAY 6-12, 2024 SPRINGFIELD BUSINESS JOURNAL · 1 MAY 6-12, 2024 · VOL. 44, NO. 43 $2.50 · SBJ.NET YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY SINCE 1980 SMALL BUSINESS Local professionals say the need for HR resources are critical as small businesses grow. PAGE 9 Opinions mixed on FTC ban of noncompetes by Karen Craigo · kcraigo@sbj.net The Federal Trade Commission on April 23 announced a rule to ban noncompetes nationwide. The rule is scheduled to become effective in 120 days. An FTC news release announcing the ruling defined noncompetes as contractual conditions that prevent workers from taking a new job or starting a new business. The statement characterized noncompetes as a widespread and often exploitative practice, with an estimated 30 million workers, or one in five Americans, subject to a noncompete. Existing noncompetes will no longer be enforceable after the rule’s effective date, according to the FTC announcement, except in the case of senior executives, representing less than 1% of workers. The 3-2 decision by FTC members was made along party lines, with its three Democratic members voting in support of the rule and two Republicans voting against it. The day after the decision, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce filed a lawsuit challenging the rule. The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry is also opposed. According to the FTC’s announcement, banning noncompetes will lead to more innovation, with an average of 17,000-29,000 more patents per year, as well as a 2.7% increase in by Karen Craigo · kcraigo@sbj.net A duo who refined their crisis communication prowess in the fire of COVID-19 is putting their expertise to work for businesses, nonprofits and individuals. Throughout the pandemic, Kaitlyn McConnell and Steve Edwards jointly executed a crisis communication strategy for CoxHealth – McConnell as the system director for public relations and Edwards as president and CEO. In April, they announced the launch of McConnell Edwards LLC, a crisis communications consultancy to evaluate and create strategies emphasizing transparent communication during challenging times. McConnell gives credit to Edwards for coming up with the idea. “This kind of started evolving last year. We started talking about this idea and that we have this experience, and was there a way that we could help share it? That was sort of the genesis behind it,” she said. The company will focus on preemptive crisis communications counseling, McConnell said. That means planning for a crisis in times of relative normalcy so that an organization can mobilize on a dime. McConnell said training is individualized for each client, involving discussions, mock interviews and drills for curated scenarios. The company recently conducted its first crisis drill as a service it offered free See BAN on page 22 See CRISIS on page 24 Crisis communication company launches REBECCA GREEN Rule would impact one-fifth of US workforce Steve Edwards and Kaitlyn McConnell honed their crisis communication skills at CoxHealth. McConnell Edwards markets hard-won expertise at answering tough questions Brendan Cossette: Employers and employees should be able to contract freely with one another.
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MAY 6-12, 2024 SPRINGFIELD BUSINESS JOURNAL · 3 by Geoff Pickle · gpickle@sbj.net One business partner in a portfolio of First Watch restaurants and commercial property has sued the other over allegations that include breach of fiduciary duty and fraud. Joseph Hulston on April 19 filed suit in Greene County Circuit Court against business partner James Tillman and Tillman’s wife, Lisa. The suit alleges, in part, that Tillman acted on business endeavors, paid increased salaries and misused funds without the knowledge or permission of Hulston. The Tillmans have denied the allegations through their attorney. Hulston and Tillman in 2017 formed Ozark Endeavors LLC for the purpose of managing seven franchised First Watch restaurants and a development property located at the southeast corner of Kansas and Kearney streets, according to the lawsuit. Their first location of First Watch opened at 2946 S. National Ave. in 2017, according to past reporting. Hulston and Tillman are 50% business partners in Ozark Endeavors, among other LLCs tied to First Watch operations, according to the lawsuit. The petition also points to Kansas & Kearney LLC, indicating Hulston is 70% owner and manager, and Tillman is 30% owner and manager for the business created to hold development property. The suit alleges Tillman made business decisions involving Ozark Endeavors without the consent of Hulston, sometimes representing a conflict of interest related to Tillman’s other business operations. The suit points to a 2019 incident in which Tillman allegedly made the decision, without Hulston, to move Ozark Endeavors’ headquarters within Springfield to a property controlled by Tillman. Rent for the headquarters increased to $9,750 from $1,710 per month with the move, according to the allegations presented in the lawsuit. “Tillman’s unilateral decision to move the headquarters from 610 E. Battlefield to 1840 S. Ingram Mill Road was done without the consent, permission or agreement of Hulston,” the lawsuit reads. “Further, Tillman had a conflict of interest and was not NEWS CONTENTS A Conversation With ... SBJ talks with the co-owner of El Cafecito on her new Mexican snacks and drinks venture. page 10 Small Business Open for Business Italian street food is the focus of a new food truck in Springfield. page 4 Business Spotlight Harvest Grow Supply offers more than a thousand products in its 6,000 square-foot Springfield store. page 6 On the Job Reporter Mike Cullinan shares observations of unique offerings at soon-to-open Moxy hotel. page 21 Opinion Guest columnist Ron Bogart says the pathway to leadership might come sooner than expected – so be ready. page 29 Bridging a Gap See LAWSUIT on page 25 Gen Z gets bad rap on attitude toward jobs, local employers say First Watch business partner sues another for breach of fiduciary duty, fraud by Mike Cullinan · mcullinan@sbj.net While the members of Generation Z are largely new to the workforce, stereotypes about their work ethic, technology focus and salary demands are pervasive. Defined by the Pew Research Center as those born between 1997 and 2012, Gen Z is needed to fill jobs in a myriad industries – a labor participation issue that is only going to grow as those from older generations retire, employers and young workers agree. However, despite that workforce challenge, some employers are hesitant to hire Gen Z applicants, according to a recent study from New Jersey-based research group Intelligent. The study that surveyed 800 U.S. managers, directors, and executives who are involved in hiring found a widespread belief that recent Gen Z college graduates are struggling with many aspects of professional life, making them less desirable to hire. Nearly 40% of survey respondents said they avoid hiring recent college graduates for positions they’re eligible for in favor of older candidates. Roughly one in five employers say that when it comes to job interviews, recent college graduates are unprepared, with 53% saying applicants struggle with eye contact. Additionally, roughly half of employers say young prospective workers ask for unreasonable compensation and that they have had candidates show up to their interviews dressed inappropriately. Survey results notwithstanding, Gen Z is seen in a more favorable light by some local employers. “I think that Gen Z gets a bad rap that they’re lazy and this and that,” said Dennis Bailey, recruiting manager at distribution company SGC Foodservice per his LinkedIn page. Bailey said most prospective employees he deals with are seeking jobs in the operations department, which includes warehouse and sanitation maintenance work. Bailey, who retired from the Navy in 2021 after 22 years of service, said he spent more than a decade of that time as a military recruiter. He became quite familiar with Gen Z members over that span, as they made up the majority of recruits. See GEN Z on page 30 REBECCA GREEN USING ADOBE STOCK AI
MAY 6-12, 2024 4 · SBJ.NET NEWS By Mike Cullinan, Reporter New business, new location, new owner? Send your info to newbusiness@sbj.net Indoor golfing venue franchise X-Golf Springfield swung into the Queen City on March 18 at 225 E. Primrose St., near the intersection with Campbell Avenue. Carl Boyer said he is a franchisee of the local venue with longtime friend James Grier and business partner Jason Digirolamo. Boyer said startup costs were roughly $330,000, which included a $30,000 franchise fee, adding the franchisees handled interior and exterior demolition, as well as painting the 6,200-square-foot building. The facility has seven golf simulator bays with 16foot screens. Bay rentals are $40 per hour for up to six people from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and $50 after 4 p.m., while prices are $60 per hour Friday through Sunday. Players can bring their own golf clubs or rent them from X-Golf, which also has a full bar and food menu, including burgers, pizza and nachos. Territory for the franchisees is a 20-mile radius of Springfield, Boyer said, noting the trio plans to open a second location within the next three years. An April 19 ribbon-cutting event marked the launch for CoxHealth Branson Hills, a 30,000-square-foot clinic at 1601 Branson Hills Parkway. CoxHealth spokesperson Kevin Agee said the 60-employee clinic, just west of the Branson RecPlex, is led by manager Melissa Bell and opened to patients on April 22. Agee declined to disclose startup costs for the project in which KCI Construction Co. served as general contractor and H Design Group LLC was architect. The facility, which has an X-ray room, laboratory services and more than 50 exam rooms, is designed to house over a dozen providers in urgent care, primary care, occupational medicine, internal medicine, diabetes and endocrinology. Services at two facilities on Highway 248 in Branson are consolidating into the new clinic, which will add urgent care this summer. Agee said the CoxHealth Family Medicine Highway 248 building will be used by its cardiovascular team to allow for growth. CoxHealth Center Branson at 890 Highway 248 will be utilized for a future undisclosed CoxHealth project. Bedda Matri The owners of a Springfield catering business launched a new venture with the April 1 opening of a food truck, Bedda Matri. Torino, Italy, native Alessandro De Luca co-owns the mobile eatery with business partner Jennifer Morris. The two also are co-owners of Italian Kitchen LLC, which launched in 2020 as a mobile catering company before opening a brick-and-mortar spot last year in downtown Springfield. Bedda Matri is Italian for “beautiful mother,” but De Luca said the phrase is more a common Italian expression of surprise. He said startup costs were around $50,000, noting the three-employee food truck’s menu centers around street food commonly found in Sicily, where his family currently lives. Entree options include arancini, a deep-fried, breadcrumb-coated rice ball with various fillings, and cipollina, which has sauteed onions, tomato sauce, mozzarella and ham in a puff pastry. De Luca said he wanted to keep prices affordable, noting all items range $5-$6. ☎ 417-419-8084 Facebook.com/BeddaMatriSGF X-Golf Springfield CoxHealth Branson Hills ☎ 417-202-2400 PlayXGolf.com/locations/springfield ☎ 417-348-8964 CoxHealth.com OPEN FOR BUSINESS Alessandro De Luca and Jennifer Morris Erika Bateman Member Relationship Consultant MEET OURLending Team Tyler Essner Member Relationship Consultant Branch Manager Liz Trader LOOKING TO GET A LOAN? 417-895-2770 lending@foundationcu.com foundationcreditunion.com TAWNIE WILSON
MAY 6-12, 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 Banking & Finance OMB Bank made two appointments for its new banking as a service department. Mindy Taylor, an OMB employee since October 2023 who has nearly 24 years of experience in the industry, was named BaaS operations manager. Faith Strong, who joined OMB in 2022, was promoted to BaaS operations specialist. Nathan Maberry joined OMB Bank as mortgage loan officer. Maberry, who serves Joplin and surrounding communities for OMB Bank, has more than 15 years of mortgage lending experience, most recently as a mortgage loan originator for USA Mortgage. Construction Springfield mechanical contracting company Gold Mechanical Inc. hired a chief financial officer and construction manager. New CFO Angie Way joins Gold Mechanical from Springfield firm BRP Architects, where she worked for 20 years. Carl Kicklighter, who was hired as construction manager, previously served as plant operations director for Vital Farms of Missouri LLC. Health Care Citizens Memorial Hospital’s Colonial Springs Healthcare Center in Buffalo named licensed nursing home administrator Roy Pace as the facility’s new administrator. With 28 years of experience in long-term care, Pace has his associate in nursing from Missouri State University-West Plains. CMH’s Community Springs Healthcare Facility in El Dorado Springs appointed Vautrin Cadle as administrator and Rachel O’Dell as director of nursing. Cadle has been administrator-in-training since November 2023 and brings 15 years of health care experience to the role. He has a bachelor’s in psychology from MSU. O’Dell, who earned her associate in nursing from Southwest Baptist University, has worked at Community Springs Healthcare Facility since 2022. Nonprofit The Springfield chapter of The Salvation Army hired Hollee Ellis as development director. With a bachelor’s in mass communication/media studies from University of Central Missouri, Ellis most recently worked as an education consultant for Promethean. Ozarks Food Harvest Inc. honored volunteer Don Landon for contributing 2,000 hours of service to the nonprofit. Landon, 93, has been moved up on the Charles Foltz Gift of Time Tree for his seven years of service to Ozarks Food Harvest. United Way of the Ozarks appointed new board members and officers. The nonprofit’s new board members are Matt Aug of Cox HealthPlans; Tyler Hesser of Springfield ReManufacturing Corp.; Dee King of Burrell Behavioral Health; and Stephanie Matthews of Simmons Bank. The new officers are Chair David Agee of Husch Blackwell LLP; Vice Chair/Chair-elect Rachel Anderson of the Efactory; Secretary Shawn Calhoun of Associated Electric Cooperative Inc.; Treasurer Jason England of Arvest Bank; past Chair Joan Barrett of Ozarks Technical Community College; Community Investment Committee co-Chair Aug; at-large officer Stephen Hall of Springfield Public Schools; and at-large officer Ryan Sivill of FORVIS LLP. Trucking Barry McGowen, director of safety for Christenson Transportation Inc., was honored as Safety Director of the Year by the Missouri Trucking Association during a conference held in Lake of the Ozarks. NEWSMAKERS Send announcements to newsmakers@sbj.net Way Pace O’Dell Cadle Ellis Landon McGowen Maberry Taylor Kicklighter Strong 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
MAY 6-12, 2024 6 · SBJ.NET BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT by Jillian Smith· intern@sbj.net Daniel Jalaly’s gardening and business operations background stems from his time owning a cannabis company in Colorado from 2009-16. When Missouri approved medical marijuana in 2018, he saw it as the perfect opportunity to open a gardening center in Springfield. Jalaly opened Harvest Grow Supply in 2019 to sell the equipment needed to grow all types of plants using both the hydroponic system and regular soil, including for the budding new industry. Hydroponic gardening is an efficient method that allows plants to grow more quickly and lets owners have more control over their plants’ life by growing in water instead of soil. “Some people go hydroponics because they like the control and the ability to affect the plant quicker,” says Jalaly. “Whereas other people go with soil, and, to me, soil is generally the easy way because you’re not needing so many parts to do the system.” Harvest Grow Supply sells gardening supplies for all types of plants, as well as the plants themselves. The more than a thousand gardening products offered include containers, insecticide, fungicide, soil and growing media. “We sell to anybody and everybody who has something to do with plants,” says Jalaly, adding that the springtime is popular for regular seed-to-sow gardening and for starting raised beds. Jalaly says the type of gardening customers do is based on their personal preference. He notes that his team holds the knowledge to help every customer solve the problems they might be having. His background is mainly in growing cannabis, and, now that it is legal to grow in Missouri, he’s able to help customers with interest in the budding cannabis industry. Jalaly runs the 6,000-square-foot building at 1332 N Glenstone Ave. along with two employees. In 2021, he opened a second location in Hartville that is no longer in operation. The knowledge his team holds is integral to sales because it allows them to grow their clientele. “One of my employees has a degree in horticulture; the other one has been growing since the ’80s at least,” says Jalaly, noting his 12 years of experience. “There’s not many things we run into that we don’t understand.” Diverse knowledge Jorgie Peaster, an employee at Harvest Grow Supply since its inception, gained her experience through years of working in greenhouses and a degree in plant sciences from Ozarks Technical Community College. These tools have helped her aid customers on an in-depth basis. “My degree has helped me identify nutrient deficiencies and fungal and pest issues and help people correct those things with different products in the store,” says Peaster. “We genuinely want to help people figure out their issues and get their maximum yield out of the products they are growing.” Peaster says their main sellers are nonsoil growing media, like orchid bark and mushroom compost blends, as well as soil, because they offer a wide variety of high-quality soil compared to other gardening stores. For hydroponics, they tend to sell a lot of hydroton and clay pebbles. She also notes that the older generations are starting to gear toward hydroponics to grow all types of plants because it can grow inside year-round and does not require as much strenuous effort as growing in soil outside. “It conserves water really well and conserves soil, even,” says Peaster. “You change the water once a week and conserve it all week long until the next week.” Working together Jalaly has worked with Finley Farms, Springfield Community Gardens and other commercial farms, to name a few. “We sell to a few smaller commercial farms that are growing lettuces, herbs, vegetables, things of that nature,” says Jalaly. “We also work with Springfield Public Schools with some of their horticulture things.” Jalaly and his team have aided SPS’ Study Alternative School Garden. Kendall Slaughter, a Farm to School Program specialist with SPS, says he reached out to Jalaly for knowledge about hydroponics systems. “I reached out to Harvest to see if they could better explain how our systems worked before we attempted to set them up,” says Slaughter. “Daniel and Jorgie came to Study and talked us through how to set up and maintain the systems that had been donated to the program.” On top of assisting with setup, Jalaly donated a grow light to the EcoLab for the ebb-and-flow system in the classroom. Slaughter says they have also bought different materials for the system through Harvest Grow Supply, such as electric pH testers, hydroton, air pumps and tubing. The products range greatly in price, with water control products among the costliest and pots and cannabis storage bags among the least expensive. Prices vary greatly, with items like sprouting pots selling for less than a dollar and a tabletop trimmer going for $4,200, and grow lights ranging from a few hundred dollars to just over $1,000. Harvest Grow Supply also sells and offers delivery. Jalaly says he plans to grow offerings online and in-store with the goal of expanding the company’s local market share. • Harvest Grow Supply LLC Owner: Daniel Jalaly Founded: 2019 Address: 1332 N. Glenstone Ave. Phone: 417-755-7162 Web: HarvestGrowSupply.com Email: info@harvestgrowsupply.com Services/products: Supplies for soil and hydroponic gardening 2023 revenue: Would not disclose Employees: 3 Daniel Jalaly uses 12 years of experience with hydroponic gardening to run the 6,000-square-foot Harvest Grow Supply. TAWNIE WILSON Grow What You Know Led by a team of gardening experts, Harvest Grow Supply offers know-how alongside more than a thousand products
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MAY 6-12, 2024 8 · SBJ.NET by Mike Cullinan · mcullinan@sbj.net Reaching its 20th anniversary this year, Dake Wells Architecture Inc. also can add a community honor to its list of accomplishments, as the firm is the recipient of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2024 W. Curtis Strube Small Business Award. “This is awesome. Thank you so much to the chamber for this recognition among such a strong group of finalists. It’s really an impressive group this year,” said Brandon Wells, co-owner of the firm, upon accepting the award during the chamber’s annual luncheon May 1 at Oasis Hotel & Convention Center. Wells, who co-founded the firm in 2004 with Brandon Dake, briefly became emotional after taking the stage, as he saluted those he credits for helping the firm over the years. Dake Wells previously was a finalist for the Small Business Award in 2015. “I also want to thank our team for the incredible effort that they put into all of the work that we do,” he said. “For us, architecture is a team sport, and please forgive my bias, but I think we have the best team around. “We’ve worked with some amazing engineers, contractors and consultants over the years, without whom our work would remain on the page,” he said, also acknowledging the clients who took a chance on hiring them. “Thank you for your patience with us and your willingness to go along for the ride.” The firm’s founders originally set up shop two decades ago in Dake’s guest bedroom using folding tables with a milk crate and toolbox before moving a few months later to its first office location downtown. The 401 W. Walnut St. space was once occupied by the former Dungeons of Doom haunted house, according to firm officials. The firm relocated in 2017 to 134 Park Central Square, Ste. 300, at which time it employed 15. Today, Dake Wells has more than doubled its staff to 35. Despite challenges in the firm’s early years of existence, which included the Great Recession, Wells recently told Springfield Business Journal he and Dake felt confident in their abilities to make the business a success. “I suppose we felt like that from the very beginning,” he said. “We didn’t really have a backup plan, so we knew we had to make it work. Brandon and I have always been big believers in hard work. Just like if we just put our minds to it, we’re going to figure out a way to make this work.” Some projects under its belt include Aetos Center for the Performing Arts, Jarrett Middle School, Liberty United Methodist Church, Andy’s Frozen Custard, Missouri State University’s NEWS Dake Wells receives chamber’s Small Business Award Branson debuts $5M fire station by Geoff Pickle · gpickle@sbj.net The city of Branson has opened a fire station that’s been years in the making. A ribbon-cutting event held May 1 marked the ceremonial opening of the 251 Champagne Blvd. Branson Fire Department building. Branson Mayor Larry Milton said that the fire station would reduce response times by half to an estimated 5 minutes in the areas of Fall Creek, Pointe Royale and Wyndham. “In improving fire rescue services, we are reducing risk – which can directly reduce insurance rates for area residents and businesses,” Milton said. “To you, our community, we are demonstrating our commitment to providing excellent fire rescue services as this fire station is opening on budget and on time.” The project, which had a $5 million budget, was funded by a half-cent public safety sales tax approved in 2017. The Branson Board of Aldermen in 2018 voted to approve a $350,000 land purchase contract for the new fire station and last year, the board accepted a $4.1 million bid from Construct Cos. LLC for the project, according to past reporting. The Kansas Citybased architecture firm of Hoefer Welker was hired for $626,000, said Milton. The Branson Fire Department has added 12 employees to staff the new station, increasing daily fire professionals on staff citywide to 17 from 13, he said. • See AWARD on page 26 Communication is Key: Our Approach to Supporting Small Businesses. At Crossland Construction, we value our partnerships with small businesses. We believe in their potential to grow and thrive, and we’re committed to supporting them every step of the way. As a trusted contractor, we bring expertise, reliability, and personalized attention to each project, helping small businesses build for tomorrow with confidence and success. Let’s grow together. 417.368.3957 I www.crossland.com 902 W. Battlefield, Springfield, MO 65807 jgroven@crossland.com JEFF GROVEN VP, Springfield Contact Us: Discover Flora Farms in Hollister, MO—a 4,500 square foot building project that prioritizes security with a seamless blend of physical and technological measures. But it’s more than just safety; it’s a testament to collaboration. From visionary owners to dedicated subcontractors, every aspect of this project reflects excellence and professionalism. It has been quite enjoyable working with a small business for this project. It is rewarding when you can foster the contractor owner relationship. It allows for fluid communication leading to a successful end product.” —Phillip Perkins, Superintendent TAWNIE WILSON Dake Wells Architecture Inc. co-owner Andrew Wells accepts the 2024 W. Curtis Strube Small Business Award. Architecture firm earns nod among five finalists
MAY 6-12, 2024 SPRINGFIELD BUSINESS JOURNAL · 9 SMALL BUSINESS Balancing Lacking HR skills weighs on employees and small-business owners HEATHER MOSLEY Act Lance Coffman: Efactory offers training for owners and managers who handle HR in-house. by Jillian Smith · intern@sbj.net Small-business owners juggle a lot of responsibilities, and a study by national payroll and human resources firm ADP found over half of them choose to handle HR matters in-house – with 80% of professionals tasked with the work having no experience or training. This can cause legal and culture issues, as half of employees working in small businesses believe the lack of an HR department leads to a toxic workplace, a survey by data services firm Secure Data found. Lance Coffman, a consultant for the Small Business Development Center housed at the Missouri State University business incubator Efactory, encounters small-business owners and their employees that are searching for HR training. The U.S. Small Business Administration considers any company with 500 or fewer employees to be a small business, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce recommends adding an HR person to the staff when there are at least 10 employees within the company. Other experts offer numbers of 25 to 50. Coffman said having HR training is critical, even if it is just to learn soft skills because those skills allow for better communication and understanding in the workplace. He went on to say that a lack of HR skills can lead to bigger problems. “There are a lot of legal regulations and just a lot of risk for a business if they do not handle HR properly,” said Coffman. “It could open them up to lawsuits and employee turnover, which it is very expensive to onboard and get new employees.” Coffman notes the Efactory is a resource for businesses to use if they are seeking HR training. These training courses range roughly $300-$500 and offer insight on topics like conducting effective internal investigations and optimizing workplace safety through a threat assessment process. “I think some of the best impact we have seen is in the people who use us for custom training year See BALANCING on page 16
10 · SBJ.NET MAY 6-12, 2024 FOCUS SMALL BUSINESS El Escondite opens May 4. What are your offerings in this restaurant, and what’s your vision for the space? Our goal is to be very family friendly. We have play areas for the little kids, and we’ve got play areas upfront for all ages. It’s hard to find places around here that you do feel like your kid is in a safe environment, even if it’s a teenage kid and you’re sending them on their own. We’re going to serve Mexican snacks, very traditional. A big thing that we’re also going to do is ceviches and aguachiles, all fresh made daily. Another big thing that we’re going to try to push is our homemade hot sauces and mild sauces. A lot of restaurants around here have their own hot sauces and mild sauces, but most of them are just the same. We actually have one that’s made out of peanuts. It’s called salsa de cacahuate, and it’s a mild peanut hot sauce. That pairs really well with the elotes street corn that we’re going to serve. And then we have another one, a black sauce, salsa negra. It’s more of a salty, peppery flavor. We’re also going to serve paletas, which are Mexican popsicles. We’re going to serve fresh fruit cups. Eventually, my goal is to be able to sell full-size tres leches cakes. We’re serving oysters, too. We also make carne seca, basically our version of beef jerky, but the texture is different. The 10 drinks that we have on the menu right now are just things that we’ve learned over the years from traveling to Mexico, to California, to Texas. It’s all premium tequilas. The agua frescas, fresh waters, we’ll rotate the flavors on those. We’re also going to do a tequila tasting flight as well. We’re also making crepes in front of people; we have a build-your-own crepe. You launched your first business, El Cafecito, just 14 months ago. Why did you want to open another venture in the same area as the coffee shop? I’m just an entrepreneur, and El Cafecito is doing really well. We had the money to invest in something else, and I truly believe in investing. My husband, [Cristhian Valdez], was working his other full-time job, and I was doing El Cafecito and he was working for somebody else, and we just didn’t see the point in working for somebody else anymore when we can just build something again of our own and trust in God that it is going to work out and follow his path. What have been the big surprises to you in business ownership? My biggest surprise is the capabilities that I have. It takes a lot, and it is a lot of hard work and dedication. It’s 24-hours, seven-days-a-week dedication. If I’m not opening El Cafecito, I’m waking up at 5:45 in the morning making sure somebody’s clocked in, opening it up every day. It just made it so much easier to open this place, too, because I know how capable I am now of doing something as successful as I did with El Cafecito. I’ve worked in restaurants since I was 16. I’ve seen the behind-thescenes and talked with business owners and restaurant owners, so I kind of had an idea. And then my husband, he’s also been part owner and manager running El Charro in Ozark, so we had experience from that, too. What skill of running a business have you most had to develop? Managing employees. Customer service – I’m really good at. I’m really good at taking the steps to where I need to be to get licenses and insurance. The hardest part for me is managing employees and being able to keep the friendship/manager relationship different because I’m just such a type of person that I just love everybody and just want to be friends with everybody. And you have to have that fine line with friendship and management. I think I’ve kind of found it. I don’t think I’ll ever be perfect with that, but that’s just who I am. I don’t have a high turnover at El Cafecito. I have a really good manager over there who helps me run everything. What about the costs of opening a brick and mortar? Have you seen those shift? Everything is expensive. If you go buy something, don’t think hundreds; think thousands, because it’s that expensive every time you have a project done. I just kind of expect it now. And what I think about is that they’re business owners, too, and I’m supporting their business too, because I usually only do anything local with the people who helped build this place. The people who did this mural, the people who did my glass, the people who did my flooring. It’s expensive, but it’s worth it because it’s also supporting that business, and they’re going to come right back in and support us. The U.S. Small Business Administration says 20% of businesses fail in their first year, but you’re opening a second business just after hitting your one year in business mark. What’s your advice for aspiring entrepreneurs? Everyone wants to do the same thing, copy each other. You just got to be unique and just do what you love, what you are passionate about, because if you’re passionate about it, you will succeed more. If you’re not passionate about something, you’re not going to go all in it and have effort for it, and you might succeed. shanie valdez Co-owner, El Cafecito and El Escondite A CONVERSATION WITH ... KATELYN EGGER Excerpts from an interview by Executive Editor Christine Temple, ctemple@sbj.net 417-831-1700 / pcnetinc.com The IT Provider they told you “not to worry about.” Your Current IT Provider PCnet
SPRINGFIELD BUSINESS JOURNAL · 11 MAY 6-12, 2024 FOCUS SMALL BUSINESS AREA'S LARGEST INDUSTRY NETWORKING GROUPS Rank Name Address Telephone • Website Email Local Members Annual Membership Dues Meeting Schedule Application Process Group Focus Contact Person Current President Year Founded Locally Affiliation 1 (1) GREATER SPRINGFIELD BOARD OF REALTORS 1310 E Primrose St, Springfield 65804 417-883-1226 • GSBOR.com support@gsbor.com 2,873 $150-$485 1 Varies Open for licensed Realtors & real estate-industry affiliates Realtor services to members, industry & the public Jeff Kester Mike Brown 1933 Local & National 2 (2) SPRINGFIELD METROPOLITAN BAR ASSOCIATION 1615 S Ingram Mill Road, Bldg D, Springfield 65804 417-831-2783 • SpringfieldBar.com chogan@springfieldbar.com 900 $275 Noon, third Wednesdays Open for attorneys & law school students Professional education & networking, community projects & outreach, referrals, publications Crista Hogan Debbie Dodge 1903 Local 3 (6) SPRINGFIELD TECH COUNCIL 405 N Jefferson Ave, Ste 1040N, Springfield 65806 417-708-7924 • SgfTechCouncil.com info@sgftechcouncil.com 657 $199 Monthly, plus special events Open Bringing together businesses, professionals, students & community members to shape & sustain the region's tech future Emily Reed Buckmaster Dan Watson 2021 Local 4 (4) SPRINGFIELD CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION 1313 N Nias Ave, Springfield 65802 417-862-1313 • SpringfieldContractors.org megan@springfieldcontractors.org 325 $450 Varies Board approved Advance local construction industry interests, promote safe work environments, cultivate working relationships Megan Herzog Bill Textor 1953 Local 5 (5) HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF GREATER SPRINGFIELD 636 W Republic Road, Ste D108, Springfield 65807 417-881-3711 • HBASpringfield.com office@hbaspringfield.com 325 $550 Varies Open Residential construction Laurie Soulsby Austin Miller 1954 National 6 (3) NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF INSURANCE & FINANCIAL ADVISORS-MISSOURI 4730 S National Ave, Ste A1, Springfield 65810 417-886-8606 • NAIFA.org jean@clubmanagementservices.com 300 $750 Annual meeting in the spring Open Educational association for insurance & financial advisers Jean Harmison Craig Wright 1927 National 7 (7) GREATER SPRINGFIELD DENTAL SOCIETY 4730 S National Ave, Ste A1, Springfield 65810 417-886-8606 • GrSDS.org jean@cmsmgt.com 250 $1,100 Varies Open Dental education & advocacy Jean Harmison Dr Whitney Bair 1906 National 8 (8) GREENE COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY 4730 S National Ave, Ste A1, Springfield 65810 417-887-1017 • GCMS.us director@gcms.us 150 $100-$350 Varies Open to physicians Physician & patient advocacy, physician continuing education Jean Harmison Dr James Rogers 1874 Local 9 (9) SPRINGFIELD APARTMENT & HOUSING ASSOCIATION 4730 S National Ave, Ste A1, Springfield 65810 417-886-8606 • SpringfieldHousing.org jean@clubmanagementservices.com 150 $150-$375 2 Noon, third Thursdays Open Professional education to the rental-housing industry Jean Harmison Brent Brown 1980 National 10 SPRINGFIELD CREATIVES 338 N Boonville, Springfield 65806 SpringfieldCreatives.com info@springfieldcreatives.com 125 $603 5:30 pm, third Wednesdays Open Providing a community network for commercial creatives Dustin Kirkpatrick Dustin Kirkpatrick 2011 Local 11 (10) ASSOCIATION FOR WOMEN IN COMMUNICATIONS-SPRINGFIELD PO Box 14022, Springfield 65814 417-886-8606 • AWCSpringfieldMo.org membership@awcspringfieldmo.org 58 $150 11:30 am, first Tuesdays Open to individuals employed in communications Forum for sharing ideas & best practices with communications professionals Melissa Martelli Melissa Martelli 1984 Local 12 ASSOCIATION OF FUNDRAISING PROFESSIONALS - OZARK REGION CHAPTER PO Box 9892, Springfield 65801 417-824-2394 • AFPOzarks.com info@afpozarks.org 51 $90-$3504 11:30 am, second Fridays Open to fundraising professionals Provides educational opportunities to fundraisers to advance philanthropy Whitney Williams Whitney Williams 1988 National 13 (12) PUBLIC RELATIONS SOCIETY OF AMERICASOUTHWEST MISSOURI CHAPTER PO Box 4607, Springfield 65804 SWMOPRSA.org communications@swmoprsa.org 46 $505 11:45 am, fourth Tuesdays Open to individuals working in a communications, marketing or public relations field Advancing the public relations & strategic communications profession through ethical practices, professional development, networking & mentoring opportunities Michelle Teter Drew Douglas 1980 Public Relations Society of America 14 (11) NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BENEFITS AND INSURANCE PROFESSIONALS-SOUTHWEST MISSOURI 6 4730 S National Ave, Bldg A1, Springfield 65810 417-886-8606 • NABIP.org jean@cmsmgt.com 40 $545 Noon, third Thursdays, every other month Open Health insurance education Jean Harmison Jeff Kennedy 2006 National Ranked by number of local members, then by year founded locally. 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. 1 $485 for Realtors, $150 for affiliates. 2$150 for landlord plus $2.25 per unit, $375 for vendors. 3Free for students. 4Based on membership type. Not including monthly meal cost. 5Chapter dues only, membership dues to national PRSA membership also required. 6Previously the Springfield Association of Health Underwriters. Researched by Karen Bliss Karen Bliss © Copyright 2024 SBJ. All rights reserved. This material may not be republished, rebroadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
12 · SBJ.NET MAY 6-12, 2024 FOCUS SMALL BUSINESS Small businesses are the backbone of America. In fact, 99.9% of businesses nationwide are made up of small businesses. That’s more than 33 million small businesses, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration. You are probably familiar with the fact 20% of small business fail in the first year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The challenges can be numerous, including raising capital, maintaining a low expense ratio, being cost-efficient and customer acquisition. In the first year in business, it can be hard to know where to wisely spend your dollars and cents on marketing and when to grow into a brickand-mortar location. Successful business owners include Better Business Bureau Torch Award Ethics winner Michael Rodhouse of 417 Rekey. He remembers his challenges getting started 11 years ago well: “Our biggest challenge the first year was getting our name out there. While there weren’t many companies in our field, the ones that did exist were well-established.” Finding and sticking to a realistic operating budget is essential. Christina Ford took a leap of faith 22 months ago when she opened a revolutionary drop-in day care for kids called Kids Inn Child Care Center. She jokingly would tell a younger version of herself: “There might not be any money left over to pay yourself!” Mental toughness is key. It takes inner strength to adapt to going from a comfortable, consistent wage mentality to being a business owner where the first year in business you may not be sure where the next paycheck is coming from. New business owners can find budgeting that first year to be a huge hurdle. “Adapting as a business owner is a tool you must have in the toolbox. It has allowed me to shift more easily to the business demands and make necessary changes,” continues Ford. Rodhouse agrees. “If you don’t adapt, you’re sunk. Visionary business owners can intuitively recognize trends and seasons, enabling them to shift gears and adapt. Indicators of change can be subtle,” he warns. “If you don’t adapt accordingly and recognize the signs, it emits an embittered stench that repels your clients.” What are three possible signs your business could be a bad stench to your customers? 1. Charging unreasonable fees. 2. Confusing pricing model. 3. Lack of clarity for when bills are due. BBB advises customers to solicit three bids from different contractors before accepting an offer. If your customers notice a significant price differentiation without any additional value, you can expect to lose the opportunity to serve. After a recent hailstorm, my husband and I solicited bids from different contractors. The insurance adjuster pointed out one of the contractors was charging to bring and remove his own ladders, which was supposed to be built into the pricing model and not an add on. Maintaining your cash flow and budgeting for dry seasons is necessary. Amanda and David Heideman own Acres of Envy and Fight the Bite. They worked in a family business before owning their own and credit the lessons they learned there to helping them achieve greater success. They’ve been in business for about three years and share these words of wisdom: “Business can be a roller coaster. There will always be things that will come up and make you feel like you’re moving backwards again,” says Amanda Heideman. “Our biggest challenge was figuring out how to grow at a rate that worked for us. We want to provide as many services for the customer as possible to be their onestop shop, but at the same time, you don’t want to lose customer service or have employees spread too thin.” Another locally owned business by a husband-and-wife team is Handy Helper. Based in Ozark, owners Tim and Stacey Bartholomew are working hard to stay on top of ongoing changes in the construction and remodeling industry. They specialize in helping aging clients. “Our clients’ homes are their safe spaces and private sanctuaries, and often the biggest investment they will make in their lifetime. It is crucial that clients can trust us completely with that important possession,” says Stacey Bartholomew. Regardless of the industry, all business owners I interviewed in this story agree that clients’ trust is essential. “We are caring for the most important thing in the world to our parents,” said Ford of her day care center. “That begins with trust. Parents are trusting us to care for their children, and we don’t take that lightly.” Stephanie Staggs is the owner of Staggs Financial Services LLC and previously was the Springfield region executive for the Better Business Bureau. She can be reached at stephanie_staggs@glic.com. INDUSTRY INSIGHT Stephanie Staggs Overcoming first-year financial hurdles for business owners News releases and tips sbj@sbj.net Newsmakers Hires, promotions, awards and achievements newsmakers@sbj.net Open for Business Recent business changes, additions newbusiness@sbj.net Lists lists@sbj.net Guest Columnists eolson@sbj.net From the Ground Up Construction projects construction@sbj.net Complaints, Corrections, Clarifications ctemple@sbj.net Letters to the Editor ctemple@sbj.net HERE’S WHERE TO SEND IT. GOT NEWS?
SPRINGFIELD BUSINESS JOURNAL · 13 MAY 6-12, 2024 FOCUS SMALL BUSINESS INDUSTRY INSIGHT Angela McLaughlin Five timeless techniques for networking success In today’s interconnected business landscape, networking isn’t just a skill that’s nice to have; it’s a necessity for professional growth and success. Yet, for many, the idea of networking can evoke feelings of discomfort or reluctance. However, embracing networking – even if it’s out of your comfort zone – can open doors to invaluable opportunities and connections that will advance your career or business. Finding the right networking group can transform your experience into something truly rewarding. By aligning with groups that cater to your interests and goals, you’ll discover a supportive community where networking feels less like a chore and more like a natural extension of your professional journey. To make the most of this opportunity, it’s essential to approach networking with an open mind and a willingness to engage authentically. Start by exploring professional associations relevant to your interests or field of expertise. These organizations often host regular networking events, seminars and conferences tailored to specific sectors, providing plenty of opportunities to connect with like-minded professionals. Additionally, consider joining online networking platforms and communities, where you can interact with individuals from diverse backgrounds and industries. LinkedIn is, of course, the best-known and perhaps most widely used online networking tool, but it’s not the only one. Reddit and Facebook Groups provide platforms for individuals with similar interests or professions to connect and collaborate within specific communities. Look for online groups that dive into niches where you already do business or are looking to do more. Local business chambers, meetups and networking events are also valuable resources for expanding your network. It may seem old-school, but there’s still no substitute for building trust with face-to-face connections. Here are five timeless principles that can help you enhance your engagement with others: 1. Listen to understand. Effective networking begins with the art of listening. Be curious. Within networking groups, make it a priority to actively listen to the experiences, perspectives and needs of fellow participants. Instead of focusing on sharing your own agenda, take the time to truly understand the challenges, aspirations and goals of others. One of the best tips I have received from mentors at my firm is, “Notice what is not being said, and be aware of tone and body language.” 2. Be responsive. Responsiveness is important in developing relationships and seizing opportunities within networking groups. Whether it’s promptly following up on introductions, responding to questions or offering support, being responsive demonstrates your reliability and commitment as a partner. Stay engaged with group discussions, contribute valuable insights and seek opportunities to assist others. By prioritizing responsiveness, you reinforce your reputation as a dependable and supportive member of the networking community. 3. Be bold. To stand out in networking groups, embrace boldness in your interactions and initiatives. Don’t be afraid to share your unique perspectives, ideas and aspirations. Take proactive steps to initiate conversations, propose collaborations and explore innovative opportunities. By daring to step outside your comfort zone, you position yourself as a dynamic and influential presence within the group, inspiring others with your forward vision and innovative spirit. 4. Build meaningful connections. In networking groups, it’s always quality over quantity when it comes to building connections. Prioritize cultivating meaningful relationships based on shared interests, values, and goals. Invest time in getting to know fellow members on a deeper level, beyond surface-level introductions. Engage in authentic conversations, express genuine interest in others’ success and explore opportunities for collaboration and mutual support. By building trust within the group, you pave the way for long-lasting professional relationships that can lead to valuable opportunities and partnerships. 5. Embrace diversity and inclusion. Diversity and inclusion are essential elements of vibrant networking groups. Seek out opportunities to engage with individuals from different industries, cultures and backgrounds. By advocating for an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity, you improve the networking experience for all members, advancing innovation, creativity and collective growth. Your networks matter. Active participation in networking groups offers countless opportunities for professional advancement and growth. As you utilize the collective wisdom and resources within your networking groups, you will discover new pathways to success and prosperity in your professional journey. Angela McLaughlin is a managing consultant with the commercial products practice of FORVIS in Springfield. She can be reached at angela. mclaughlin@forvis.com. 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 STAND OUT.
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