Biz 417 July August 2026

ESCAPE THE OR D I N A RY

The 2026 10 For The Next 10

Meet 10 business leaders whose ideas, ambition and leadership are helping define what’s next for 417-land. Their influence is only just beginning.

story by JORDAN BLOMQUIST

Launch

17 FOUR TO FOLLOW

Brandi Bailey shares her favorite social media accounts.

18

FORWARD THINKING

A new leadership program for the manufacturing sector inspires connections.

19

SIDE HUSTLE

After years of searching for the right property, Phil Melugin of Phoenix Home Healthcare has created Mountain Creek Ranch.

20

Q&A

Rob Marsh shares how to rebuild a brand and the nationwide TV exposure that’s coming soon.

Learn

28 CAREER PIVOT

Boots to berries: Read about Randy Little’s career change.

30

ROOTED HERE

Learn about the new 102,600-square-foot manufacturing facility that Paul Mueller Company recently opened.

33

ADVICE & WHISKEY

CEO of GigSalad Mark Steiner shares advice and what he does when he’s not working.

Link

57 CALENDAR

Summer is the perfect time to get out and network.

60

THE SCENE

Photos from The Telegraph Ball, the grand finale of the National Route 66 Centennial Kickoff Celebration, held in Springfield.

LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER

Ten Years Ago, We Made a Bet.

we looked out across the 417-land business community, picked 10 people who weren’t yet household names and said, “Watch these people.” We had a belief that these were the ones to watch.

We were right.

10 For the Next 10 started as an idea and became something we’re genuinely proud of. Reader-nominated and editorially decided, it’s never been about who has the biggest title or the loudest presence. It’s not about age or career stage. It’s about potential. Vision. The people who are quietly building something that the rest of the region will be talking about for the next decade.

And now we’ve done it 10 times across every industry, every age, every corner of this community. Flipping back through those early issues is one of the most rewarding things we do in this building. Check out the chart on p. 50 to see the moves this group made over the years—and how they’re connected.

To mark the milestone, we’re throwing a party of course! We are partnering with Hotel Vandivort to host a reunion bringing all 100 together. Of course you’re invited, too! You can grab tickets at biz417.com/10FTN10-event.

This issue, we add 10 more. We don’t know exactly where they’ll land in the years ahead, but that’s the whole point. Ten years of momentum, impact and proof that the Ozarks has never been short on people worth believing in. That’s always been the bet. And we love making it.

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Leadership Lessons

Leadership lessons are all around us. Here are a few business lessons captured in our community recently.

edited by DORI GRINDER

“I didn’t realize, as you grow, how difficult it really is to keep consistency and always have the right people in the stores. You go from doing it yourself, being able to jump in and scoop custard on a Friday night, take care of the business and make customers happy, to having the right people who can do that and are trained properly.”

—Andy Kuntz, president at Andy’s Frozen Custard, reflects on growth, consistency and what it takes to build something lasting as they celebrate 40 years in business

“The best way to become an expert at using AI tools is to use AI tools.”

—Dr. Spencer Harris, president of Mostly Serious, sharing practical tips for using a variety of AI platforms during an Ozark Chamber of Commerce luncheon

“It is my job to get to know people, but not just for the sake of knowing people. It is to build relationships with them.”

—Callie Swafford, business development & shareholder relations officer, OMB Bank, p. 41

“Visionary regional collaboration is a proven strategy. It drives long-term success.”

—Allison Cash, executive director, LORE, p. 43

“Confidence matters because communities that believe in themselves create momentum. They attract talent. They attract investment. They attract entrepreneurs. They attract families. Most importantly, they create hope. And hope is one of the most powerful economic development tools any city can possess.”

—Mayor Jeff Schrag during State of the City address on June 4 at Good Morning Springfield event

“Our research and product development team is important for our long-term growth. It strengthens our competitive edge.”

—Brandon Adamick, sales and marketing director, Paul Mueller Company, p. 30

“If somebody finds their gig, they’ve found the meaning of life and their purpose and value.”

—Mark Steiner, CEO, GigSalad, p. 33

Beyond the Page

READY TO LAUNCH

Biz 417’s Ladies Who Launch is back, and you don’t want to miss it! Join us August 13-14 in Branson for the region’s premier women’s leadership event. This year’s theme is “Courage Grows Here” and we can’t wait to unpack the conversation and help you build trust within yourself. Go to biz417.com/ladieswholaunch to secure your tickets.

“It’s a huge benefit to have a women’s conference here in the Ozarks region. We’ve got a lot of great companies that have incredible women leaders, but traveling to New York and California, in these big cities, it just takes a lot to get your whole team there. So being able to bring a team of, like, 10, 15, 20 people to this conference for professional development is huge.”—Carly Taft, regional marketing director at Forvis Mazars.

BIZ 417 ADVISORY BOARD

David Atkisson, Springfield Office Leader at JE Dunn Construction Joselyn Baldner, President/ CEO at Central Bank Max Buetow, President and CEO at CoxHealth Jeff Childs, Senior Advisor at SVN/Rankin Company Justin Coyan, Private Client Advisor at Ollis/Akers/Arney Insurance

Thomas Douglas, CEO at JMARK Business Solutions, Inc. Chris Jarratt, Chief Creative Officer at Revel Advertising Rachel Munday, Executive Director at efactory Tim Rosenbury, Director of Quality of Place Initiatives at City of Springfield Benjamin Sapp, Partner | Business Development at Sapp Design Architects Jack Stack, President/CEO at SRC Holdings Corp. Dean Thompson, Vice President and Chief Economic Development Officer at City Utilities Pamela Yancey, President/ CEO at Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB

BEST PLACES TO WORK

The results for Biz 417’s sixth annual Best Places to Work contest were recently announced on the Biz Blog, but the exact rankings will be revealed on Wednesday, September 2, at the Biz 417 Best Places to Work Celebration. This event is likely one of the most raucous business luncheons you will ever attend with a healthy sense of friendly competition complete with foam fingers and noisemakers. Get your tickets at biz417. com/BestPlacesCelebration and join us to find out which companies will be named The Best Places to Work.

WE LOVE FEEDBACK!

Have something to tell us? Email our Biz 417 editor at Dori@417mag.com.

Thank you for your inspiring message at Think Summit. Your concept of “Option C” deeply resonated with me, where so much of our work involves navigating complex challenges that rarely fit into simple either/or solutions. Your message will stay with me as we continue working to create pathways for every student to succeed.

H. Gearl Loden, Ph.D. Superintendent of Nixa Schools

KATIE POLLOCK ESTES EDITORIAL DIRECTOR editor@417mag.com

DORI GRINDER BIZ 417 EDITOR & MANAGING EDITOR dori@417mag.com

JORDAN BLOMQUIST CUSTOM PUBLICATIONS EDITOR & STAFF WRITER jblomquist@417mag.com

ALYSSA RONEY EDITORIAL INTERN

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GARY & JOAN WHITAKER FOUNDERS

CONTRIBUTORS

JOSHUA BEECHER, JENNIFER JOHNMEYER, RYAN KOWALSKI, KEVIN O’RILEY, MEGAN PRICE, KRISTIN SHARP, TARYN SHORR-MCKEE, DAVID STRONG A FourOneSeven Publication 2111 S.

Laun h

Fuel for your group chat

“Digging out is not about one big move; it is about consistency, accountability and staying committed when it would be easier to look the other way.”

—Rob Marsh, how to face the work head-on (p. 20)

BEYOND BUSINESS

Built To Last. Trusted To Keep Business Moving.

Remaining locally owned since 1999, ACIS IT Solutions has operated from the same location on South Glenstone, growing and evolving within the same corridor as the city has shifted around it. Over time, storefronts changed, neighbors came and went, and the business’s footprint adapted with them.

What began as residential support has grown into a full-scale managed IT provider. Through the CompleteIT model, ACIS delivers flat-rate, all-inclusive support with 24/7 monitoring, cybersecurity, proactive maintenance, help desk access and complete oversight of networks, backups, VoIP systems, cabling and compliance-driven environments. But through it all, the focus has stayed on retaining local ownership and keeping local organizations’ systems running so they can focus on what they do best.

Inside ACIS, there’s a shared pride in that continuity. There’s a strong sense of trust in Founder Travis Schnelle that runs through the team. Employees talk about wanting to match his drive and build something that reflects the effort he has put in over the years.

ACIS works to keep things simple. They focus on being proactive, catching and preventing problems before they start, utilizing a top-down approach. If something does break, issues are resolved faster because of that preparation, minimizing disruption to your workday.

That same mindset shows up inside the company. Growth isn’t about attention or visibility; it’s about benefiting the people who rely on them.

ACIS IT Solutions 1950 S. Glenstone Ave. Suite G, Springfield 417-823-7100 acisitsolutions.com

BY

SOCIALS TO INSPIRE

Four To Follow

Brandi Bailey, vice president of strategic development and marketing at Snyder Construction Group, knows a people-centric approach to leadership is vital. Her recommended Instagram accounts showcase slice-of-life content alongside tips to becoming the best you.

BY ALYSSA RONEY

@elizabeth.etcetera

Elizabeth Hardin’s Instagram account is jam-packed full of mom hacks and more, but Bailey mostly follows her for her card tricks. “I really love to play card games, but I wanted to learn a few card tricks just to impress my son,” Bailey says. “Now you’ll find me doing it when I’m out with my friends. I always have a deck of cards in my purse to play games.” A fun place to start: Check out the trick in her pinned Reel.

@iansimkins

Ian Simkins is a Tennessee-based pastor who influenced Bailey’s faith with biblical sermon snippets. Bailey’s faith made her consider sharing her story at the Women Who Build kickoff luncheon after a career pivot and divorce. “I was listening to a sermon about six or eight months ago, and it was talking about ‘what is your purpose,’” she says. “I started thinking about how I can use my voice and my story to share with others.”

@historycoolkids

History Cool Kids posts bite-sized fun facts. Bailey follows it for amusement and to “find the most off-the-wall history stats.” These range from dinosaur discoveries to world history to even film history. The day of Bailey’s interview, she learned information from the account about women’s hat pins in the early 1900s. “That was actually like a piece for self-defense!” she says, referring to how some women used long hat pins for protection.

@drjamesdinic

James DiNicolantonio is a doctor of pharmacy and cardiovascular research scientist whose focus is on wellness. He prioritizes supplements, informing his audience about details like when to take certain vitamins. His profile is full of concise tips about recommended workouts, gut health and protein-heavy dietary options to become your best self. He notably collaborated with David Beckham to promote the supplement brand he helped develop, Daily Ultimate.

Summer Celebrations

Hooray for these stories taking shape as we go to press.

BY DORI GRINDER

Med School Expansion

Mizzou celebrated a new location in Springfield, including an expansion of the School of Medicine Springfield Campus, a full four-year regional medical school that will allow students to spend the duration of their medical education in the Ozarks.

MidMo Bank Honored Forbes named MidMissouri Bank as the No. 1 Best-In-State Bank for Missouri for a second consecutive year.

Cryptid Deck Art

Wins Big Congrats to Fried Design Company on winning three national silver awards at the 2026 American Advertising Awards, one of the advertising industry’s largest competitions. The Cryptid Deck Collection caught our eye with its illustrations of creatures from Ozark folklore. We loved that Fried designed the limited-edition illustrated skate decks pro bono for Springfield Skate Park to raise money for youth skate camps.

Ozarks Snipe Hunters

The Springfield Cardinals are playing as alternate identity, Ozarks Snipe Hunters, for select games this summer.

GEARS in Motion

Leadership Springfield and the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce recently partnered to deliver a program providing a chance to network and learn for those in the manufacturing sector.

BY ALYSSA RONEY

the manufacturing industry is at an impasse as baby boomers retire and younger workers taking on leadership roles but often lacking developmental material and industry connections.

This is why Leadership Springfield and the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce’s Manufacturing Leadership Council recently partnered to produce GEARS—a six-month program for 25 individuals in Springfield’s manufacturing sector to gain meaningful insight through five mission principles: growth, education, action, relationships and success.

Each session in the program focused on one principal and took place onsite at a manufacturing facility, allowing manufacturers to ask questions and network with other professionals. It came with plenty of professional incentives, too, with participants under 40 eligible for benefits with The Network, and participants

over 40 eligible for benefits with the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce.

Program organizers Carrie Richardson of Leadership Springfield and Ben Vickers of the Springfield Chamber saw success in its opening weeks by fostering a sense of community among participants. “We’re seeing real connections being built both within the manufacturing industry and within the community,” Richardson says. There are more than 500 similar leadership organizations nationwide, but she was not able to find any others with a program like GEARS in her research. “This is literally a first-of-its-kind experiment that right now, we feel really good about,” Vickers says.

Family Grounds

A longtime dream became a 1,200-acre destination in southwest Missouri.

phil melugin understands perseverance. While his day job as the owner of Phoenix Home Healthcare is fulfilling, he also had a secondary dream:

creating a family-focused ranch that could serve as a gathering spot for generations to come.

The first iteration didn’t quite fit. “I bought a ranch in Kansas in 2009, but it was a hunt club that wasn’t family-centric,” Melugin says. Following that detour, Melugin and his wife, Kimberly, chose to buy property in Shell Knob. The Melugins found a farm nearby, and

Mountain Creek Ranch was born. With 1,200 acres to explore, guests can hike, hunt upland birds on the preserve, ride horseback or by wagon and experience life on a working ranch. The ranch has farm-to-table fine dining, and private lodges with amenities that offer relaxation at the end of long days.

“We ended up with three different lodges and 17 to 18 beds,” Melugin says. “My wife’s dream was to restore the original 1885 schoolhouse there, and it became a great event center.”

The property employs a farm manager, a chef/hospitality manager and groundskeepers. Neighbors, including a mechanic and a taxidermist, pitch in to help when needed.

And word has spread. “We have groups now that are finding us from Texas, Colorado, Illinois, even France,” Melugin says.

More importantly, Melugin’s family is close by, including five grandchildren. “It’s just beautiful,” Melugin says.

Shane Cowger Takes the Helm

COWGER SPENT 27 YEARS AT ARVEST BEFORE BEING RECENTLY NAMED AREA PRESIDENT.

His vision for the role

“My vision is for us to continue to be a true growth engine for the community, supporting local businesses and developing our people.”

Why Arvest was the right fit

“The thing that has solidified my commitment the most has been a tremendously strong culture and this commitment of doing the right thing for customers, our communities, and for one another.”

Where he finds inspiration

“My family and my faith keep me grounded. I also love reading, especially books around leadership and personal growth.”

What keeps him up at night

“People are counting on me to lead with integrity and make good, sound business decisions. I take that responsibility very seriously.”

Advice for his younger self

“Be patient and trust the process. And invest in relationships, because investing more time with people is what’s going to be most meaningful.”

The Big Comeback

Missouri Sports Hall of Fame’s Executive Director Rob Marsh is facing organizational financial challenges head-on. Now, with a big-picture vision and a high-profile opportunity, the future looks bright.

BY JENNIFER JOHNMEYER

What is the most important role the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame plays in our community?

“While we honor the achievements and legacies of Missouri’s greatest athletes, coaches and contributors, our deeper responsibility is to use that platform to give back. The Hall of Fame is more than preserving history; it is about inspiring the next generation. We bring people together around shared stories of leadership and excellence, then channel that energy into measurable impact across the state.”

What part of this work energizes you most?

“The opportunity to build something that matters. Knowing the work we are doing is not just about events or recognition, but about creating impact for children and veterans, gives everything a deeper level of purpose. I’m also energized by people. When you take an idea, execute it at a high level and see the direct impact it has, that’s what drives me.”

How do you start when you know you have a hole to dig out of?

“I start by facing it head-on with complete honesty. Digging out is not about one big move; it is about consistency, accountability and staying committed when it would be easier to look the other way.”

You were recently selected for and cast in the upcoming season of Next Level CEO. Congratulations! How does this opportunity align with your mission?

“The selection process was actually much more extensive than I expected. What resonated most was not necessarily the successes, but the challenges, growing up with very little, spending nearly 30 years climbing the ladder in the grocery industry, battling leukemia and now leading the turnaround of the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame during one of the most difficult periods in its history.

“The filming itself was intense, emotional and incredibly rewarding. Viewers will see not just a business story, but one of leadership under pressure, resilience, perseverance and what happens when you’re faced with obstacles that seem impossible. I hope people walk away understanding that success is rarely a straight line. Behind every accomplishment are setbacks, failures, doubts and difficult choices. If my story can inspire even one person to keep going, then the experience was worth every minute.”

What’s your long-term vision for the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame?

“I envision a future where the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame becomes one of the most visible, impactful and respected sports organizations in the region. At the same time, I see us establishing a permanent home that reflects the significance of the Hall of Fame. Ultimately, the goal is simple: to grow our impact, strengthen our foundation and ensure that everything we do continues to make a lasting difference across Missouri.”

LESSONS

#NailedIt

FailedIt

PHIL MELUGIN

READ HIS STORY ON P. 19

“We continued to work toward connecting with our current chef and then we hired a farm manager, which was a big win. You can completely unravel something like this, that’s a passion project, that you’re pouring money into, and then you get people on site that are really negative, and you have to start over. But we did it!”

#NailedIt

“We started the project with a local couple that showed a lot of interest in the ranch and wanted to help us develop it, and it turns out that was a disaster. It was unpleasant.”

#FailedIt

RANDY LITTLE

READ HIS STORY ON P. 28

“Act instead of react. It’s the hardest thing to do, not overreact. But if you act instead of react in any business, you’re going to be successful.”

#NailedIt

“When we started out [at PFI Western Store], we were mailing 60,000 catalogs and we licked 60,000 stamps all night at a ‘stamp party.’ Then when we took them to the post office the next day, they had taken on weight due to moisture and we didn’t have enough postage to cover the new weight. I thought I was saving some money because we put the stamps on. So we learned a very valuable lesson to let the plant mail them.”

#FailedIt

BE THERE  Support the women around you who are constantly putting out fires and elevating your workplace. Ladies Who Launch is our premier leadership event, built for inspiration. Be among more than 800 women who will pack the Branson Convention Center August 13-14, ready to take in this year’s theme: Courage Grows Here.—Dori Grinder

Learn

Insights from mentors, makers and movers

TRENDING NOW

CULTURE CLUB ROOTED HERE

ADVICE & WHISKEY

25 27 30 33

“I don’t intend to retire until I die.”

—Randy Little shares how he has transitioned to life after 47 years in retail (p. 28)

Ready for the Big Boom?

The fireworks industry is enjoying a bit of a boom this year—and locally founded Ingram Enterprises is at the head of the pack.

BY JENNIFER JOHNMEYER

independence day has long served as the quintessential summer tradition. It’s the holiday that has it all: paid time off, gathering with loved ones over star-spangled desserts, perfectly ripe watermelon and so many fireworks No shade to your cousin’s themed charcuterie board, but the true measure of a celebration is how cool the explosions are.

This year, the amount of anticipation has skyrocketed, so to speak. Not only is this the United States of America’s historic semiquincentennial birthday, but the holiday also falls on a Saturday. Countless celebrations large and small are planned nationwide, and right in the middle of that movement is Michael Ingram, president of Ingram Enterprises and its affiliated companies Fireworks Over America, Fireworks Supermarkets, and Pyro Spectaculars. Acquired by the company in September 2024, Pyro Spectaculars is one of the world’s premier fireworks display companies.

“We are part of some amazing projects this season with truly historic venues,” Ingram says. “We do Macy’s in NYC, with two barges on the Hudson in front of the Statue of Liberty and four barges running up and down the East River to Brooklyn Bridge. The bridge will be closed. We use it as a prop.”

While Pyro Spectaculars has been part of that process and production for decades, it is also fortunate to take part in other major celebra-

Michael Ingram (above) and his team are producing 326 Fourth of July shows nationwide.

tions this year, at both Mount Rushmore National Memorial and the Golden Gate Bridge. Ingram is equally excited about the 28 local community shows in Missouri, Arkansas and Oklahoma.

“Producing 326 shows over the holiday from coast to coast is an extraordinary task, but there is no greater privilege than telling the story of America’s independence through the art of fireworks,” Ingram says.

According to Ingram, the scope of the business means each season starts July 5 of the year prior. “We’re the only fully vertical integrated fireworks company in the U.S.,” he says. “We touch every part of the industry in a major way. We have our import company and our distribution company, so we sell from Bangor, Maine, to Seattle, Washington.” His clients include big-box retailers like Walmart, mom and pop stands and professional display companies. On the retail side, the company has 22 stores, plus Pyro Spectaculars, which produces concerts, sporting events and major events like the Olympics and Super Bowl.

“What we want is for people to be immersed, to lose track of time,” Ingram says. “We hope it’s everything we know it can be.”

BY THE NUMBERS

Eyes on the Skies: This year, bigger is the rule. Macy’s celebrates their 50th annual event this year, and they promise one of the biggest shows in their history.

Number of Employees: Approximately 2,000, split evenly between full-time and contract.

How Long a Show Takes To Set Up: Big shows take two full weeks around the clock before the show.

The Bigs: Macy’s New York City, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Golden Gate Bridge, Big Bay Boom San Diego

Must-See Local Events: Big Cedar Lodge, Top of the Rock, Kimberling City, Hickory Hills Country Club

States Where Ingram Sells Fireworks: 49 (Fireworks are illegal in Massachusetts.)

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Safe, secure, maintenance-free living. A peaceful respite from urban chaos and congestion.

CULTURE CLUB BY KATY ST. CLAIR

Can You Spell Culture?

How the Annual Spelling Bee at Grooms Office Environments builds company culture.

for jonathan and audrey garard, co-owners of grooms office Environments, nothing brings a team together quite like a good old-fashioned spelling bee. It’s competitive, it’s humbling, and most of all, it’s an opportunity to bring levity into the workplace.

At Grooms, the annual spelling bee has become a rite of passage for employees. The Garards launched the tradition in 2015 to foster a sense of community and friendly—though often humbling—competition among their staff. “Ultimately, when you are growing as a company and you’re looking for things that you’re hoping are fun, [a spelling bee] is kind of the great equalizer, right?” says Jonathan. It’s an activity in which everyone, regardless of ability or age, is able to participate.

The Grooms team strives to make their spelling bee as official (and fun) as possible, with a stage, a trophy and the official Scripps National Spelling Bee list. Although, according to Jonathan, who often emcees the event, competitors never make it past the fifthgrade level words. This year’s winning word? Skedaddle.

Andrea Mueller, Grooms’ marketing director, says the best part of the spelling bee is how quickly it humbles even the most confident participants. Words are selected at random with varying levels of difficulty. It doesn’t matter whether you have a college degree or not, everyone stands an equal chance of being humbled by the luck of the draw.

For some, though, the competition offers the opportunity to make themselves company legends. Tamra Lovelace won the 2026 bee after only a week on the Grooms’ team. Three-time Grooms Spelling Bee champion Larry Hicks is a member of the company’s install team, and he proudly displays his trophies on the dashboard of his delivery truck. This year, Hicks served as the pronouncer while suited up in a full bumblebee costume.

Now, the Garards are exploring the idea of a community spelling bee with partner companies. Details are still under development and the goal is to have the proceeds benefit the winner’s nonprofit of choice. “When you build camaraderie between local companies, it’s a really good thing,” says Jonathan. “Then if you can do it for a good cause, it ties community and companies and creates a community culture that is worth the effort.” Positive company culture, friendly competition and an opportunity to give back spell success for the Grooms team.

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CAREER PIVOT

Randy Little Digs into His Second Act

For Randy Little, leaving retail wasn’t a retirement plan but a chance to channel his competitive drive into an unexpected new venture.

BY TARYN SHORR-MCKEE

after 47 years building pfi western store into one of the country’s largest single-location western retailers, Randy Little wasn’t planning an exit. But in 2021, when an unexpected purchase offer from Cavender’s arrived, he recognized the moment.

“I’m very competitive,” Little says. “It was going to be hard to keep that level up and keep on increasing. And I had a great opportunity to sell it.”

The deal came together in about 30 days—a remarkably quick close for any business. PFI never had a single down year in sales, even through recessions and COVID-19. “It was extremely hard mentally to sell it and walk away from it. Probably because you live it, you breathe it, it’s yours,” Little shares. Still, he calls the timing right.

Stop by our Springfield location or call to learn more about this account and our high-interest money market account. 2540 East Sunshine St 417-350-1311

True to form, retirement hasn’t stuck for Little. “My retirement is death,” he says with a laugh. “I don’t intend to retire until I die.”

Within months after he sold PFI, a new venture found Little. Neighbors who’d created what is now Missouri Berries started to feel overwhelmed just as he found himself with more time to take on a new challenge. Little bought the farm in 2022, trading boot inventory for berries—and a steep learning curve.

If Little considered retail demanding, berry farming has proved equally consuming in entirely different ways. “It’s like going back to school,” he says, sharing he and his wife have learned a tremendous amount about plant diseases, soil chemistry and irrigation systems, even taking classes through the University of Arkansas and his alma mater, the University of Missouri. Little spends

about 90% of his time on the farm, often doing hard labor—at 75. For him, who calls farm life his “sanity,” the work feels less like a departure than a return.

There are echoes of PFI in this second act, too, especially in how Little talks about people. He credits “good people” for every success, from longtime PFI employees to the crew helping run Missouri Berries. “It never is one person; it’s a team,” he says. Another constant is his focus on experiences. Whether drawing crowds to PFI’s famous Parking Lot Parties or welcoming families to the berry farm, Little has always understood that successful businesses are built around connection. At Missouri Berries, that looks like children sampling strawberries from the field, faces stained red with juice. “That’s what you do it for,” he says.

The berry farm isn’t his only post-PFI chapter. Little also co-owns Adventure Seekers FlyRide in Branson and runs a 250-head cattle operation with his wife. Even a recent knee replacement hasn’t changed much. Although it slowed him down, he expects to be planting this fall.

When asked if he’d do anything differently, Little doesn’t hesitate. “If I had a chance to relive my life, I’d do it the same way,” he says.

Then he sums up both careers with characteristic bluntness: “It’s been one hell of a ride.”

BIZ BASICS: BY THE NUMBERS

Years in business: 4

Berry plants: 50,000 strawberries, 6,000 blueberries and 1,250 blackberries

Season dates: Strawberries late April through late May/early June; blueberries late May/early June through mid-July; blackberries end of June/early July through August

Employees: 15, plus another handful during peak season

Scaling Up for Global Demand

Global pharmaceutical demand is fueling new growth for Paul Mueller Company.

BY JORDAN BLOMQUIST

when demand for modular skid systems increased over the last three years, it sent ripple effects beyond pharmaceutical labs. In Springfield, Missouri, that demand translated into growth for Paul Mueller Company, a manufacturer whose stainless-steel systems power some of the world’s most complex drug production processes for industries like Life Science and Food & Beverage.

This year, Paul Mueller Company opens a new 102,600-square-foot manufacturing facility dedicated to modular skid systems.

The expansion reflects both a national market shift and a long-standing foundation in the Ozarks. “We’re well known in

many industries as the single-source skid provider,” says Brandon Adamick, sales and marketing director for Paul Mueller Company. “We make all of the components, full manufacturing and assembly capabilities, and have our own truck fleet to deliver it directly to the project.”

Paul Mueller Company also just finished a new addition to its Components building. This will give its team the space needed to create larger, thicker metals. The expansion includes a new 800-ton press and a 40-millimeter flanger to maintain their position as a market leader.

The new facility will build modular skid systems, which are self-contained units that include tanks, platforms, piping

and controls. They’re delivered to manufacturing plants ready to use, even if the rest of the facility is still being built. This allows the customer to improve their speed to market for their products. Paul Mueller Company specializes in building these full processing systems at a scale only a handful of U.S. companies can manage.

While many manufacturers can fabricate individual tanks, far fewer can deliver fully integrated systems of this size and complexity. “Whenever we do the full processing system, that’s when it gets to where you’re narrowed down to only a few companies that can handle those projects,” Adamick says.

Why Springfield Works

Paul Mueller Company’s ability to compete nationally and globally is closely tied to where it operates. Springfield and the surrounding region has been a hub for stainless steel manufacturing for many years, and it’s home to a skilled workforce that understands the precision and quality required.

That strong talent base has allowed Mueller to scale while maintaining quality, even as demand has grown. To help handle the increased number of people they are hiring, they built a state-of-the-art welding and grinding lab. There’s a classroom in the middle of the space, with 10 welding stations on one side and 10 grinding stations on the other side.

Paul Mueller Company’s decision to invest in the new facility came after years of watching the modular skid market grow. The company had outgrown its existing space and saw demand ahead. “At least for the next five years, that market is going to be very strong,” Adamick says, “so we thought we would be ahead of the curve by building a new building now to have it ready so we could take on additional business.”

The facility triples Paul Mueller Company’s dedicated skid manufacturing space and frees up room in existing buildings for more tank and vessel production.

Unlike competitors’ shop floors, the new production area has no interior support beams, allowing teams to build, rotate and move massive systems more efficiently.

It is also fully climate-controlled, keeping temperatures within five degrees of the office environment year-round. That helps improve the comfort level for the employees. “It weighs on your body when you’re doing work like that all day, every day,” he says.

Beyond production, the building also houses Paul Mueller Company’s research and product development team. The group now has double the floor space and triple the ceiling height, removing previous constraints on testing and innovation.

“We’ll be able to develop new products, where we’ve previously not had the space to do that successfully,” Adamick says. “Our research and product development team is important for our long-term growth. It strengthens our competitive edge.”

Fueled by Global Demand

The rise of injectable weight loss drugs has become a significant driver of Paul Mueller Company’s recent growth. The company builds equipment used across multiple phases of pharmaceutical manufacturing, including bioreactors, buffer preparation and media preparation. Paul Mueller Company’s systems are shipped to job sites where they are installed as major components of production facilities, both in the United States and internationally.

The expansion is expected to drive job growth, with Paul Mueller Company anticipating up to 150 new positions over the next several years. The new facility also positions Paul Mueller Company to take on larger portions of complex projects, strengthening relationships with the customers they already have while opening doors to new ones.

“With this new facility on top of what we have currently done, I think we will gain business with additional new customers and be able to grow projects with our existing ones,” Adamick says. “Taking on a larger portion of those projects because they know that we have the quality, and now we have the additional space. I think we’ll continue to gain market share,”

BEYOND BUSINESS

A Dr eam Years in the Making

Monarch Hair & Company feels welcoming from the moment you enter, with chic design details and a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere. Jared and Hannah Short opened Monarch in Springfield with the help of BluCurrent Credit Union, stepping into a new chapter after years in the salon world. “It was a big step for us,” she says. “It was great to have somebody who was supportive of our dream.”

Hannah started her career in 2004 and has built more than two decades of experience at the same salon, honing her craft along the way. Jared shifted from corporate work into cosmetology, eventually training and carving out his own path in the industry. Together, they’ve raised a family, grown their careers and turned a long-standing dream into Monarch Hair & Company. BluCurrent plays a role in the Shorts’ new venture.

Jared has been a member since the late 2000s and describes consistent personal and business support. “Top-notch service; always been there for us,” he says. “I think that means a lot to business owners. It’s really been helpful on the business side of things and also on the personal side.” Jared and Hannah also credit financing guidance and digital tools that helped them launch and grow their business.

Monarch Hair & Company comes from years of salon experience, a shared commitment to craft and encouragement from the community that has followed their journey. The Shorts are focused on building a welcoming space where clients feel at home, while continuing to grow and shape their team. BluCurrent remains a big part of their journey as they establish their place in Springfield’s small business community.

BluCurrent Credit Union 4520 S. National Ave., Springfield 417-887-1983 blucurrent.org

Monarch Hair & Company 1616 E. Republic Rd., Springfield

ADVICE & WHISKEY BY DORI GRINDER

Gig Master

Mark Steiner, CEO of GigSalad, shares details about following his instincts, cherished routines and his walk-up song during a conversation at The Order inside Hotel Vandivort.

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

“A movie star. I wanted to be a performer. I wanted to be on stage, or I wanted to be in movies—really bad— it’s all I ever thought of.”

Where did your company’s name, GigSalad, come from?

“Our co-founder Steve Tetrault, came in one morning and said, ‘I think I got it!’ We provide gigs and it’s a hodgepodge of various gigs.”

After 20 years in business, is this what you thought the company would be when you started?

“I’m the dreamer, the visionary guy. At one point before we even launched, I

said, ‘We’ll have 20 employees someday!’ GigSalad went from being a kind of booking agent, but really we’re a technology company that happens to be in a certain space.”

Is there a routine in your life that you cherish?

“Yes, my mornings. My morning routine is time for meditation, contemplation and prayers.”

THE RECEIPT

Do you follow your gut instincts?

“Entirely, 100%. That’s all I have. My intuition is king, queen and everything in between. Everything I have done has always been instinctual. My gut has never, not once, failed me. With GigSalad, we’ve dodged a lot of bullets—with the partners, all of us have very strong instincts.”

If business were like baseball, what would be your walk-up song?

“‘It’s My Life’ by Bon Jovi.”

Tell us about the three words you’d choose to describe yourself.

“Peace, love, gigs. That’s what I’m trying to live by. Love of myself, and the overflow of that, and love to others, and finding your gig in life that I think that is the essence of what we’re here for. I think everybody has been put on this earth for something distinct, something unique, something individual—something that only they can do. Their gig is a thing that should make you feel the most valuable, and that you’re giving the most value out there. If somebody finds their gig, they’ve found the meaning of life and their purpose and value.”

Legendary.

18 YEARS IN A ROW

Energizing Impact

Husch Blackwell is a di erent kind of law firm.

One that not only believes in empowering our female attorneys and business professionals to drive their own careers, but that also provides the support they need to achieve their goals.

We are proud to support Biz 417 ’s Ladies Who Launch Leadership Conference and its mission of empowering, inspiring and uplifting Springfield’s female leaders.

huschblackwell.com

The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.

Need a primary care doctor?

We make it easy to schedule the first available appointment in your area, either virtual or in person.

TWO WAYS TO EXPERIENCE LADIES WHO LAUNCH

Each year, women from across 417-land gather for Biz 417’s Ladies Who Launch—a leadership experience that blends professional growth, real conversation and meaningful connection. Pick the one that fits your year:

Classic Event Access Friday's Half-Day main stage: keynotes, networking and the full midday lineup.

Fully Loaded Sessions Everything in Classic, plus Thursday's reception, Friday morning activities and a Rise & Shine workshop: Build High-Trust Teams with Jenny Wood or Own Your Calendar with Dr. Meg Myers Morgan.

AGENDA

4–7 p.m.

THURSDAY FRIDAY

6–6:45 a.m.

Welcome Reception and Early Event Check-In Presented by Convoy of Hope

Morning Movement Presented by Achieving Your Best

7:15–8:15 a.m. Coffee Chicks Hustle Hour Presented by Achieving Your Best

8:30–10:10 a.m. Rise & Shine Workshops Presented by Burrell Behavioral Health

10:10 a.m. Fully Loaded Fast Pass Entry

11 a.m.

Registration & Networking

11:30 a.m. Welcome: Logan Aguirre Lunch will be served

11:45 a.m. Wild Courage: The Confidence to Ask, Act and Lead with Jenny Wood Presented by Forvis Mazars

12:55 p.m.

2:05 p.m.

3:25 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

Remarkable Voices Presented by Mercy Springfield Communities

Know Your Worth: How to Negotiate for Everything You Want in Life and Work with Dr. Meg Myers Morgan Presented by Husch Blackwell

Women Who Mean Business Panel Presented by Central Bank/Central Trust

Women Who Mean Business After Hours

These 10 change-makers are getting the job done today, while looking ahead and discovering new ways to influence the future of our communities.

BY JORDAN BLOMQUIST

PHOTOS BY BRANDON ALMS

Danny Perches

BUSINESS CONSULTANT, OLSSON

Danny Perches is using his experience and connections to move projects forward and strengthen economic growth across the Ozarks region.

Danny Perches is a problem solver focused on serving people. A business consultant at Olsson, he works with clients across 417-land to move projects forward on time and on budget. “Early on in my career, I learned how to take care of the people I’m working with,” Perches says. “How to be their advocate and ultimately help them solve their problems.”

Perches’ path through workforce development, the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Springfield taught him that progress comes down to service. At the City, he helped first-time business owners navigate the development process and supported large companies planning their next move, acting as a connector between ideas and execution. His time at the Chamber was especially formative, giving him a close view of regional growth and leadership.

“Danny doesn’t just react to change—he creates change,” says Jim Anderson, former president of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce. “He is a change agent. His entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in everything that he does.”

Outside of work, he serves on the Battlefield Fire Protection District board as the board president. It’s a role that reflects his long-time commitment to supporting first responders. “Our primary charge is to serve as the governing body responsible for efficient operation of the district and the stewardship of public dollars that fund what we do as a fire protection district,” he says.

Looking ahead, Perches sees his work as part of a larger effort to strengthen 417-land’s capacity for growth. “It’s all about promoting economic development,” he says. “Helping municipalities and educational or healthcare institutions accomplish their goals that lead to job creation, capital investment and economic opportunities for the area.”

What’s your go-to coffee order?

“An Americano with a splash of cream.”

Favorite way to reset after a long day?

“Listening to music.”

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

“A veterinarian.”

Favorite local spot?

“Retro Metro.”

Where is your hometown? “Springfield, Missouri.”

What’s your favorite podcast recommendation?

“Huberman Lab Podcast.”

Callie Swafford

VP, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & SHAREHOLDER RELATIONS OFFICER, OMB BANK

Callie Swafford is proving that showing up and building real relationships is still one of the most powerful drivers of growth.

“My job is community,” Callie Swafford says. “I go to events all day, every day, and I love it.” Her job at OMB Bank is built around showing up. Most days, that means meeting people and strengthening relationships that directly support the bank’s growth.

In addition to building relationships, she works on raising capital and connecting with shareholders, all while representing a locally rooted, privately held community bank. “This is the community we serve,” she says. “Therefore, my relationships in the community are very important for our growth.”

That people-first approach also shapes how she leads. Swafford describes her leadership style as intentionally untraditional, focused less on titles and more on connection. For her, networking is not transactional. “It is my job to get to know people, but not just for the sake of knowing people,” she says. “It is to build relationships with them.”

Her civic role on the Springfield City Council connects directly to that same mindset. Being in the community, she says, keeps her grounded in real needs and real conversations. It also shapes how she approaches decision-making. “Everything Callie does, she does with her whole heart,” says Seth Swafford, Callie’s husband and president of Palen Music Center. “She’s not afraid to roll up her sleeves and dive in—even when the work is hard, messy or unpopular.”

Swafford is energized by what young professionals offer. “When young professionals feel a part of something that’s bigger than themselves, they want more,” she says.

What’s your go-to coffee order?

“Hot Americano, splash of almond milk.”

Favorite way to reset after a long day?

“Probably a Missouri State Bears game, something athletics-wise or just grabbing dinner with my husband.”

What’s one word you want people to associate with your work?

“Optimism.”

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

“Miss America or a WNBA player.”

Favorite local spot?

“Architect Coffee.”

Where is your hometown?

“Springfield, Missouri.”

What’s your favorite book recommendation?

“Daily devotionals with my husband.”

Ben Shantz

PARTNER, SPENCER FANE

Ben Shantz is using his legal expertise and leadership to help solve complex challenges and shape Springfield’s future.

Ben Shantz is a lawyer at Spencer Fane who spends his days helping clients work through complicated problems that rarely come with simple answers. His practice centers on real estate and construction, but over time, it has expanded into something closer to outside general counsel, where he is often helping clients navigate whatever issue shows up next.

“There’s really not a typical day for me,” he says. Most of it is conversations, strategy and problem-solving, layered with a steady litigation practice that keeps him in court filings, legal documents and constant communication with other attorneys.

As his role has evolved, so has his approach to leadership. “I think of myself as a servant leader and an experiential leader,” he says. Rather than directing from a distance, he focuses on collaboration and accessibility. “My door is quite literally and figuratively always open,” he says.

That mindset is implemented even outside of the firm. Shantz serves on the Springfield Board of Public Utilities, the Springfield Community Land Trust and the History Museum on the Square, roles he sees as a natural extension of what it means to be a lawyer. “We are principally people designed to serve the community,” he says. “We help sustain and repair the fabric of our community.”

For Shantz, that service mindset also shapes how he thinks about Springfield’s future, especially housing. “The only silver bullet solution is to build more housing,” he says, pointing to affordability as a longterm community challenge.

Even as his work spans law and civic life, his focus stays grounded in people, not process, to help make Springfield a place more people want to be. “He chooses Springfield every day,” says Krystal Simon, CEO of Care to Learn. “He is caring, strong-willed and gives 100% to whatever is in front of him.”

What’s your go-to coffee order?

“A hot Americano.”

Favorite way to reset after a long day?

“Sitting on the porch with my wife and our baby, just hanging out with them before we put her down for the evening.”

What’s one word you want people to associate with your work?

“Reassuring.”

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

“An astronaut.”

Favorite local spot?

“Cherry Picker Package & Fare.”

Where is your hometown?

“Springfield, Missouri”

What’s your favorite book recommendation?

“Dune.”

What’s your go-to coffee order?

“A cold brew coffee with a splash of milk.”

What’s one word you want people to associate with your work?

“Caring.”

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

“A teacher.”

Favorite local spot?

“The Coffee Ethic.”

Where is your hometown?

“Nixa, Missouri.”

Allison Cash

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, LORE

Allison Cash is helping the Ozarks think and act as one region, using LORE to connect people, tell a stronger story and create momentum for the future.

Allison Cash is guided by the belief that the Ozarks region is stronger when its community moves together. For her, the opportunity at LORE (Leaders for Ozarks Region Evolvement) felt like a natural extension of her professional background and her personal pride in the Ozarks. “It really was something where I could use my pride for the region in a business sense,” she says. At its core, LORE is a regional collaboration effort designed to connect

businesses, communities and leaders across the Ozarks. “LORE really represents working together as a region,” Cash says. “We can tackle regional challenges more effectively and seize new opportunities together.”

When LORE formed, she immediately saw its potential, noting that regional collaboration is a proven strategy for long-term success.

Cash’s career started in advertising, working at Noble and Associates, where she built a foundation in strategy and client service. That experience shaped how she leads today. “Marketing is really about listening and connecting needs,” she says. “It’s communicating solutions and options clearly.”

Favorite way to reset after a long day?

“I like to listen to music really loud. Then probably after that, a good workout. I love to go take a walk or go to the gym with my husband and honestly, just get outside, get away from screens.”

What’s your favorite book recommendation?

“The Correspondent by Virginia Evans.”

Now, she applies that mindset to regional development. In her first year, she will focus on building connections across communities, recognizing that the region already functions as one interconnected system. “Allison embodies the kind of leadership our region needs right now,” says Erin Danastasio, executive director of Hatch Foundation. “She brings energy, authenticity and a deep commitment to this community.”

“We already live regionally,” Cash says. Over the next decade, she sees LORE’s role as amplifying that reality by telling the region’s story in a way that resonates, with efforts in workforce attraction and quality of life.

Dillon Low

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SALES, PRIME, INC.

Dillon Low is driving growth at Prime while using his work and community involvement to strengthen systems that support people on and off the road.

Dillon Low builds relationships for a living, and at Prime, that work shows up in fuel costs, logistics strategy and long-term partnerships that keep the transportation company moving. His role focuses on expanding Prime’s fuel program by bringing in third-party trucking companies to increase overall fuel volume, which strengthens the company’s ability to secure better pricing with major fuel vendors and helps reduce costs across the network.

In short, the more gallons flowing through the program, the more leverage Prime has to drive down fuel costs, directly supporting both efficiency and long-term growth.

Outside of sales, Low is just as invested in community impact. He serves on boards and helps support initiatives like Harmony House’s iCare campaign, which raises awareness around domestic violence, and the Good Dads program designed for over-the-road truck drivers balancing parenting and distance. “My cup gets filled pretty well by helping others,” he says.

That mindset traces back to his time as a volunteer firefighter and, more recently, to becoming a father. What

What’s your go-to coffee order?

“I am a dark roast, just straight black coffee guy.”

Favorite way to reset after a long day?

“Playing Hot Wheels or dinosaurs with my son.”

What’s one word you want people to associate with your work?

“Selflessness.”

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

“A Secret Service agent.”

Where is your hometown?

“Springfield, Missouri.”

What’s your favorite podcast or book recommendation?

“The Shawn Ryan Show and Meditations by Marcus Aurelius.”

the future looks like for his now threeyear-old son is something Low thinks about often, especially when considering how his work and service can help shape a stronger community. “Dillon is always looking for ways to make a positive impact,” says Nathan Kelley, corporate security at Prime, Inc.

For Low—grandson of Prime CEO and Founder Robert Low—success at Prime is about company growth, and building healthier systems. “Success means making Prime an even more dominant force in the market and helping the people I work with grow,” Low says. “For Harmony House and Good Dads, the sky is the limit. There’s good work happening, and more ahead.”

Rachel Watson

OPERATING PRINCIPAL, KELLER WILLIAMS LOCAL

Rachel Watson is driving long-term growth in Springfield real estate by strengthening leadership, culture and connection across hundreds of agents.

Rachel Watson is the operating principal at Keller Williams Local, a role that puts her in the CEO seat for the Springfield office, where she helps steer big-picture strategy, culture and agent growth. “I am setting the vision for our office and the direction we want to go,” she says. That includes coaching nearly 500 agents, working with the brokerage leadership team and guiding hiring decisions, partnerships and long-term growth. She also just led Keller Williams through a rebrand to better reflect the company’s expanding footprint across southwest Missouri and northern Arkansas while reinforcing a locally connected culture.

For Watson, leadership starts with consistency. “Do what you say you’re going to do, when you say you’re going to do it,” she says. The phrase sits on a plaque on her desk and anchors how she shows up.

At Keller Williams, she is intentional about modeling the culture she expects others to carry forward. That culture matters even more in a real estate market that never really slows down. “We really focus on relationships,” she says. “I care about people so much, but I also want to help provide clarity in their world.” For her, success isn’t just measured in transactions, but in agents who feel supported and proud of the lives and businesses they’re building.

Watson also carries that belief to a community she helped build, Flourishing Female. The group hosts quarterly meet ups for women in 417-land. “Rachel has a heart of gold and is a solid leader,” says Ericka Peppers, team leader at Keller Williams. “She can be direct and elevated and still lead with empathy.”

As she continues her work, the impact Watson hopes to make is simple but empowering. “I want people to feel seen, heard and supported,” she says.

What’s your go-to coffee order?

“Black iced coffee.”

What’s one word you want people to associate with your work?

“Clarity.”

Where is your hometown?

“El Dorado Springs, Missouri.”

What’s your favorite book recommendation?

“The Energy Bus by John Gordon.”

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

“I wanted to be a wedding planner.”

Favorite way to reset after a long day?

“Taking a family walk with my husband and my daughter.”

Favorite local spot?

“You will typically find my husband and our family at Galloway on Lone Pine.”

Steve Belden

OPERATING PARTNER, AMP RECREATION

Steve Belden is reimagining a high-traffic corner of Springfield into a multi-use hospitality hub designed to serve the community all day, every day.

Steve Belden is the operating partner at AMP Recreation LLC, the company behind Daily Blend Coffee Shop, Sunshine Event Center, a rooftop bar and patio and the recently-opened Scratch and Co. restaurant inside Plaza Towers.

He sees the project as a way to reimagine a central piece of Springfield, on the busy corner of Glenstone and Sunshine. “What I saw was potential to utilize space currently in

this building,” he says, pointing to its location, parking and untapped opportunity for hospitality growth. “This is a perfect fit on this corner.”

As a lead investor, Trent Overhue has seen how Belden shows up day to day. “His character, work ethic and consistently uplifting attitude are truly second to none,” Overhue says. “Steve brings a level of pride and energy to the project that elevates everyone around him, and we’re excited to create something genuinely special for the Springfield community.”

For Belden, the vision is a connected, all-day experience under one roof, with morning coffee, daytime

What’s your go-to coffee order?

“A triple shot of espresso over ice.”

What’s one word you want people to associate with your work?

“Dedicated.”

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

“A musician.”

Favorite local spot?

“A toss-up between JW's Kitchen for eggs Benedict, or Ariake for sushi. I’ve got to give that an equal 50-50 right now.”

Where is your hometown?

“Watertown, New York.”

What’s your favorite podcast recommendation?

“The Joe Rogan Experience.”

lunch, rooftop evenings and dinner service all flowing together in a single space. “I like seeing people have that right in their building where they don’t even have to leave the property,” he says. “It’s just a convenience factor for them.”

That hospitality mindset also shapes how he defines success, with guest experience at the center, alongside consistent food quality. He also prioritizes a strong, stable team culture. “Seeing people leave with smiles on their faces is near and dear to me,” he says. “Creating and developing and executing a great culture is probably at the top of my list for a success point.”

Bryant Young

AGENCY PRINCIPAL, INSURORS OF THE OZARKS

Bryant Young is carrying forward a multigenerational business while modernizing how insurance leadership connects with and serves 417-land.

Bryant Young stepped into ownership of Insurors of the Ozarks in April, a big move for both his career and his personal life. The agency was started by his father and grandfather 44 years ago, and now Young carries the next generation of leadership forward. He reflects on the unusual gift of building a career alongside his father. “I get to spend every single day, five days a week, with my dad,” he says. “That’s rarefied air.”

Young prioritizes clarity and honesty in an industry he believes is often misunderstood. “How much time you got?” he says with a chuckle when asked about misconceptions. He says insurance is less about price and more about having guidance and protection when it actually matters. “We’re having a conversation with somebody—whether it’s a nice conversation or a negative conversation—we’re leading with honesty, clarity and consistency,” he says. Through his involvement with the Springfield Chamber of Commerce, The Network and boards like the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools and Visit Springfield, Young works to bring young professionals into bigger community conversations and decisions. “His representation has not only afforded the next generation an invite into the decision rooms, they’re getting seats at the table,” says Dave Schaumburg, director of aviation at the Springfield-Branson National Airport.

Young’s focus is carrying the agency forward without losing what made it work in the first place. He approaches ownership as a team responsibility, with perspective that leadership means working alongside others. “If I’m going to be involved, I’m not just going to be a name on the roster,” he says. “We’re all pulling together.”

What’s your go-to coffee order?

“The largest black coffee I can find.”

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

“Lego Master Builder was chief among them.

A marine biologist for a second. And then, for the longest time, I thought I was going to be an attorney.”

Favorite local spot?

“Hickory Hills Country Club.”

Favorite way to reset after a long day?

“Time with my daughter.”

What’s one word you want people to associate with your work?

“Enthusiasm.”

Where is your hometown?

“Springfield, Missouri.”

What’s your favorite book recommendation?

“I’ve been rediscovering my inner dork recently, reading some Brandon Sanderson Mistborn.”

Jesse Tyler

CO-OWNER, ALL TRUE AND SGFCO

Jesse Tyler is shaping how organizations and communities tell their stories, along with building brands and creative platforms that strengthen Springfield’s identity.

Jesse Tyler is a co-founder of All True, a branding studio in Springfield that builds names, strategies, logos and websites for organizations looking to better understand and express who they already are. “We create foundational assets for how organizations and companies describe themselves and present themselves,” he says. The work is less about inventing something new and more about uncovering what is already true. “We’re usually think-

ing about tapping into what’s true and making it easier to understand.”

Outside the studio, Tyler channels that same mindset into SGFCO, a creative platform that celebrates and supports Springfield’s identity. Projects have included a locally inspired apparel line, the Jubilee concert series and public art efforts. He sees that work as an extension of the same awareness that drives the studio. “Jesse is a master at envisioning what something can become and tinkering, or rather shepherding, until it reaches its full potential,” says Austin Elliott, president of Locke and Stache. “And his propensity toward seeing the good in something and keeping it alive extends to all ar-

Favorite way to reset after a long day?

“It’s walking my dogs with my wife around University Heights.”

What’s one word you want people to associate with your work?

“Sincerity.”

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

“I wanted to be a sports journalist.”

Where is your hometown?

“Brick Township, New Jersey.”

What’s your favorite podcast recommendation?

“There is an episode of How I Built This with Bob, from Bob’s Red Mill. This interview was profoundly impactful for me... I’ve listened to it probably 10 times at this point.”

eas. The way that he has helped guide and champion brands, inspire pride in Springfield and continued to be a loyal friend is rare and worth celebrating.”

Tyler is a genuine community builder, always looking for people to partner with on new ideas. “If I really love something, if I believe something’s good, I want to bring attention to it and share it with people,” he says. Looking ahead, Tyler wants to keep growing All True by helping more organizations clearly say who they are and what they stand for, while staying grounded in work that feels honest. His goal is to create things that stick with people and make Springfield feel even more like home.

What’s your go-to coffee order?

“Travellers House Coffee & Tea’s iced hazelnut latte.”

Favorite way to reset after a long day?

“I live in east Springfield. It’s about 25 minutes from the airport, and I love listening to music superloud in my car on the way home. Show tunes. My favorite.”

What’s one word you want people to associate with your work? “Bold.”

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

“A writer.”

Favorite local spot?

“Any stage with live theater.”

Where is your hometown?

“Springfield, Missouri.”

What’s your favorite book recommendation?

“Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara.”

Ren Luebbering

MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR, SPRINGFIELD-BRANSON NATIONAL AIRPORT

Ren Luebbering is reshaping how travelers experience Springfield’s airport, turning everyday touchpoints into moments of connection and community.

Ren Luebbering is the ears of the Springfield-Branson National Airport.

As the communications and marketing coordinator, she shapes how travelers experience everything from signage to social media, all with the goal of “helping people choose to fly Springfield every time,” she says.

She started in 2025 after more than a decade at Springfield Public Schools, where she led digital strategy and helped reframe how it told its story.

Now at the airport, she oversees communications that shape every touchpoint of the passenger journey. A major example is the 110,000-squarefoot carpet replacement, which she turned into a community moment. “Some people think it’s just carpet, and it definitely is just carpet, but it’s also a memory made real,” she says. “When you’re at the airport, it’s some of your best and your worst days. We hope they’re always great, but sometimes travel isn’t for a positive reason… those visuals are the anchors of our memories that are associated with travel. And we honor that, and people want to be a part of it.” The airport leaned into nostalgia and donated the carpet

squares to the Springfield Regional Arts Council, which raised more than $10,000 for the arts.

Just a piece of Luebbering’s job is managing and making creative content for the airport’s social media accounts (@flysgf). “She never says no and is always eager to see what a collaboration can look like, willing to face a project or task she has never done before,” says Tina Pham-Morgan, operations director for The Alliance for Healthcare Education.

Luebbering sees the airport as a civic engine. “The airport is for everyone,” she says, while advocating for sensory spaces, improved amenities and a stronger passenger experience overall.

Where Are They Now?

Rachel (Anderson) Munday

Then: entrepreneurial specialist for The eFactory

Now: named executive director at efactory in February 2023

Heather Hardinger

Then: programs and communications director for Taney County Partnership

Now: named director of consumer experience at CoxHealth in September 2023

Teresa Coyan

Then: director of public affairs at CoxHealth

Now: named chief of staff/ VP of governmental relations at CoxHealth in March 2023

Max Buetow

Then: vice president of regional services and neurosciences at CoxHealth

Now: named the president and CEO of CoxHealth in June 2022

Kyle Drenon

Then: director of marketing at Murney Associates, Realtors®

For our 10th anniversary of 10 for the Next 10, we are showing how some of our honorees have made an impact, how their career path has evolved and how many of the honorees are connected to each other. Call it our version of Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon—but 417-land style.—Edited by Dori Grinder

Derrick Estell

Then: engineer II in traffic operations at the City of Springfield

Paige Oxendine

Then: program coordinator at efactory

Now: director of consulting services at Habitat Communication & Culture

Tyler Drenon

Then: co-founder at Tacit

Now: account manager at Pitt Technology Group

Now: Supper Co. CEO/ co-owner since March 2021

Brandy Harris

Then: director of programs and Sertoma unit director for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield

Now: chief executive officer at Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield; opened the Risdal Family Teen Center August 2025

Andrea Sitzes

Then: chief executive officer at Show Me

Christian County

Now: commercial banker, VP at Arvest Bank

Dr. C.J. Davis

Then: president and CEO at Burrell Behavioral Health

Now: CEO at Centerstone

Now: project manager at Toth and Associates

Addison Jones

Then: design associate at Dake Wells Architecture

Now: architect at Dake Wells Architecture

Katie Jones Then: talent retention coordinator at Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce Now: account director at Revel Advertising

Dee King

Then: corporate services development officer at Guaranty Bank

Now: chief governance officer at Centerstone

David Cameron

Then: city administrator at City of Republic

Now: city manager at City of Springfield

Griffin Bobbett

Then: partner at Torgerson Design Partners Now: broker + partner at Kinetic Design + Development

Melanie Stinnett

Then: owner and founder of TheraCare Outpatient Services

Now: vice president of therapy services at The Arc of the Ozarks; elected to Missouri State Representative District 133 in 2023

Rachel Watson

Now: operating principal at Keller Williams Local

Ren Luebbering

Now: marketing and communications coordinator at Springfield-Branson National Airport

Michael Calhoun CEO at Citizens Memorial Hospital Big Project: Completed phase one of 117,000square-foot expansion including a new ER, ICU, birthing unit and more

Abbye Bobbett architect and COO at Kinetic

Design + Development

Then: 56 employees Now: 79 employees

David Schaumburg

Then: assistant director of aviation at SpringfieldBranson National Airport

Now: director of aviation at Springfield-Branson National Airport

Adam Toth president at Toth & Associates

Then: 194 employees Now: 246 employees

Kate Francis

Then: museum affairs officer, development and fundraising at Springfield Art Museum

Now: executive director of the Friends of the Springfield Art Museum

Sara Choate

Then: human capital solutions managing director at KPM CPAs & Advisors

Now: chief people officer & managing director at KPM Human Capital Solutions

Ericka Peppers

Then: chief operating officer at Bryan Properties

Now: team leader at Keller Williams

Gabrielle Martin

Then: executive director at Burrell Foundation

Now: director of strategic partnerships & events at Barnabas Foundation

o n t h i s i n c r e d i b le r e cogniti on !

Allison’s leadership is helping shape a stronger, more connected future for our region through her vision, energy, and ability to bring people together around a shared purpose. The LORE Board is proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition and is excited for the impact still to come under her leadership.

Spencer Fane is proud to congratulate Ben Shantz on being named among Biz 417’s “10 For the Next 10” honorees.

Spencer Fane LLP | spencerfane.com |

ON BEING A 10 FOR THE NEXT 10 HONOREE

Where to be for connection and collaboration

Li nk

Ladies Who Launch takes place August 13-14 with the theme Courage Grows Here, and we are excited for the conversations that will bloom.

See the full lineup of activities on p. 34.

BEYOND BUSINESS

PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

Banking, Elevated.

In today’s world of automated banking and call centers, Central Bank’s Private Banking team offers something refreshingly different: a high-touch, concierge-level experience built around you. Designed for busy professionals with complex financial lives, Private Banking combines personalized service with exclusive products to help simplify and elevate your financial strategy.

At the core of the program are tailored deposit solutions, specialized lending options and creative credit structures— supported by a team that works on your schedule. Whether at the office or in the comfort of your home, Central Bank’s Private Bankers bring the service to you. The team specializes in serving medical professionals, corporate executives and business owners who need more flexibility and expertise than traditional banking offers.

What makes Central Bank’s approach a little different is how everything connects. Private Banking clients gain seamless access to the expertise of Central Trust Company and Central Investment Advisors, allowing financial planning, investment management and trust administration to be coordinated under one roof. With a team that includes attorneys, Chartered Financial Analysts and Certified Financial Planners, clients benefit from deep expertise and a fully aligned strategy. Each client works with a dedicated Private Banker who coordinates services and serves as a single point of contact for time-sensitive needs. Preferential lending rates, customized loan structures and alternative investment strategies are among the program’s exclusive advantages.

Central Bank

1800 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield 417-881-3100 centralbank.net

Central Bank is an Equal Housing Lender & MEMBER FDIC | NMLS #407985

WHERE TO BE Calendar

GROW YOUR NETWORK AND MAKE NEW CONNECTIONS AT THESE CAN’T-MISS EVENTS

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON

11 a.m.–1 p.m., Tuesday, July 7

This monthly luncheon for the Republic Chamber (republicchamber. com) features city, school, business and local community updates as well as speakers.

GOOD MORNING, SPRINGFIELD!

7:30–8:30 a.m., Thursday, July 9

Knock out some networking before the day really begins at the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce’s (springfieldchamber. com) monthly networking breakfast event.

FIRST FRIDAY COFFEE

7:30–8:30 a.m., Friday, July 10

The Ozark Chamber of Commerce (ozarkchamber.com) hosts a free monthly meet-andgreet. Drop in for a few minutes or stay for the whole hour.

MORNING BREW 2026

7:30–8:30 a.m., Friday, July 10

The Joplin Chamber of Commerce (joplincc. com) hosts a morning networking event for local businesspeople. Drop in for a few minutes or stay for the whole hour.

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON

11 a.m.–1 p.m., Tuesday, July 14

Join the Nixa Area Chamber of Commerce (nixachamber.com) for their monthly networking opportunity. Join them on the second Tuesday of each month to network and get chamber updates.

WAKE UP REPUBLIC

8:30–9:30 a.m., Thursday, July 16

This Republic Chamber (republicchamber.com) members only event makes sure you start the day off with building connections.

DON’T MISS IT! SISTERHOOD IN SUCCESS

11 a.m.–1 p.m., Thursday, July 16

The Ozark Chamber of Commerce (ozarkchamber.com) event, Sisterhood in Success is a quarterly luncheon series designed to help women of all ages and professions network with intention.

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

4–6 p.m., Thursday, July 16

Mingle and unwind with Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce (springfieldchamber. com) members at this monthly happy hour.

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

4:30–6 p.m., Tuesday, July 21

The Joplin Chamber of Commerce (joplincc. com) hosts this comeand-go networking event, which includes drinks and light appetizers and the chance to connect with others.

OZARK CHAMBER

LUNCHEON

11 a.m.–1 p.m., Thursday, July 23

This monthly luncheon hosted by the Ozark Chamber (ozarkchamber.com) is the perfect networking opportunity and chance to stay upto-date with all things local business.

STATE OF THE STATE 2026

11 a.m.–1 p.m., Wednesday, July 29

At Great Southern Bank Arena, network and

hear Governor Mike Kehoe speak about Missouri’s economy, workforce development and infrastructure (springfieldchamber.com).

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON

11:15 a.m.–1 p.m., Tuesday, August 4

This monthly luncheon for the Republic Chamber (republicchamber. com) features city, school, business and local community updates as well as speakers.

GOOD MORNING, SPRINGFIELD!

7:30–8:30 a.m., Thursday, August 6

Knock out some networking before the day really begins at the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce’s (springfieldchamber. com) monthly breakfast

event. This special edition focuses on a state of report for Springfield Public Schools.

MORNING BREW 2026

7:30–8:30 a.m., Friday, August 7

The Joplin Chamber of Commerce (joplincc. com) hosts a morning networking event for local businesspeople. Drop in for a few minutes or stay for the whole hour.

DON’T MISS IT! LADIES WHO LAUNCH August 13-14

Join 800+ women for Biz 417’s leadership experience designed to help women lead with discernment. There are two ticket types (biz417. com/ladieswholaunch); Friday half-day, or fully loaded for both Thursday and Friday sessions.

WOMENTUM

11:30 a.m.–1 p.m., Thursday, August 13

This catered lunch networking event is a exclusively for women in the Republic Area Chamber of Commerce (republicchamber.com)

NORTH SPRINGFIELD BETTERMENT

ASSOCIATION LUNCHEON

11:30 a.m.–1 p.m., Thursday, August 13

This monthly networking luncheon hosted by the North Springfield Betterment Association (nsbanet.com) is a great opportunity to meet driven community leaders.

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

4–6 p.m., Thursday, August 13

Mix and mingle with Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce (springfieldchamber.com) members at this monthly happy hour.

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS 2026

4:30–6 p.m., Tuesday, August 18

Joplin Chamber of Commerce (joplincc.com) puts on this come-and-go networking event, which usually includes drinks and light appetizers.

DON’T MISS IT!

SBDC ECONOMIC OUTLOOK

11 a.m.–1 p.m., Wednesday, August 19

Join the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce (springfieldchamber.com) to gain national and local insight on economic trends, with time for networking before.

WAKE UP REPUBLIC

8:30–9:30 a.m., Thursday, August 20

This Republic Chamber (republicchamber.com) members-only event makes sure you start the day off with building connections.

MAXIMIZE YOUR MEMBERSHIP

11:30 a.m.–1 p.m., Wednesday, August 26

This event hosted by the Springfield Chamber (springfieldchamber.com) includes a complimentary lunch as chamber members learn, or are refreshed in, how to get the most of their membership.

The Telegraph Ball

The grand finale of the National Route 66 Centennial Kickoff Celebration was hosted by Missouri’s First Lady Claudia Kehoe and Springfield’s First Lady Mary Helen Schrag. Attendees enjoyed an evening of fine dining, music and dancing under soaring arches and the glow of stained-glass windows.

MAY 2, 2026

Historic Shrine Mosque

One Big Class Reunion

Leadership Springfield hosted its 40th anniversary celebration and the graduation of Signature Classes 49 and 50. The Visionary Volunteer Award honored Dr. Nicole Holt and Dr. Nichole Lemmon. The 2026 O. Franklin Kenworthy Award for Outstanding Leadership was presented to Mark McNay.

JUNE 5, 2026

The Old Glass Place

Biz 417 ’s Thi nk Summ it

More than 700 people packed the room to hear engaging talks from some of the brightest minds in the Ozarks. The day sparked inspiration and momentum, and attendees left focused on the future.

FRIDAY, APRIL 24 Convoy of Hope Global Headquarters

On a Roll

suzanne cantrell discovered roller derby when she was 17 years old and had not yet finished high school. “I’ve been playing roller derby longer than I’ve been working in a professional setting,” says Cantrell, a production scheduler at the McCormick factory in Springfield. “I love it. It changed my life. I don’t know what kind of trajectory I was on before I found roller derby.” At work, she is responsible for scheduling the production of millions of pounds of mustard and hot sauce, but on the rink she is known to “kick ass and beat ass.” With the nickname Psycho Suzie, she spent 18 years as a jammer—the player responsible for scoring—and recently transitioned to blocker. Cantrell and the Springfield Roller Derby team practice for three hours, two times a week, year-round and travel for games and tournaments from January through October. Celebrating its 20th year, Springfield Roller Derby hosts a home game July 18 at 3 p.m. at Brightspeed Ice Park.—Dori Grinder

Know someone who does something unexpected, creative or especially unique in their downtime? Tell us about it! Email submissions to Dori@417mag.com.

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