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
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