Biz 417 Magazine | May/June 2026

GAME ON OR GAME OVER? HOW SPORTS COULD POWER OUR NEXT ECONOMIC BOOM

CASEY WOODS TAKES THE FIELD

JACKIE STILES OFF THE COURT

Game On or Game Over?

The region is primed for economic growth, and increased sports visibility could push it to the end zone—but are we willing to invest what it takes to compete?

story by TARYN SHORR-MCKEE

417-Land’s Founding Families

Long before interstates and the internet, Springfield was built by trailblazers and hard work. Many of those early pioneers created businesses that still exist today. See how today’s generation carries the legacy forward.

story by JENNIFER SWENSON

WORKSPACE

Children’s Smile Center created a space full of light and color to welcome its young dental clients and has built a space where its staff can do their best work.

BACK ISSUES, $6 PLUS $8 SHIPPING AND HANDLING, IF AVAILABLE. NO BACK ISSUE ORDERS OR SUBSCRIPTIONS OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES. ADDRESS CHANGES: INCLUDE BOTH NEW ADDRESS AND MAILING LABEL WITH OLD ADDRESS. BIZ 417 (ISSN 23763604) IS PUBLISHED BIMONTHLY BY WHITAKER PUBLISHING, LLC, 2111 S. EASTGATE AVE., SPRINGFIELD, MO 65809–2146. © WHITAKER PUBLISHING, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRODUCTION OR USE IN ANY MANNER, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE PUBLISHER IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. POSTAGE PAID IN SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI, AND ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES. POSTMASTER: SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO BIZ 417, 2111 S. EASTGATE AVE., SPRINGFIELD, MO 65809–2146. THE MAGAZINE ACCEPTS NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR UNSOLICITED MANUSCRIPTS, ARTWORK OR CARTOONS. PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

Launch

21 Q&A

Crystal Quade shares her vision for downtown and explores the economic opportunities ahead.

22 ON THE RISE

Meet Kiomy Martinez-Ortiz, the new athletic trainer for the Springfield Cardinals.

24 NEW ON THE SCENE

New MSU Head Football Coach Casey Woods brings his own values to the field.

26 SIDE HUSTLE

Baseball dreamers operate a unique sports destination in Branson that benefits the local economy.

Learn

38 BEHIND THE PROCESS

See how Spring Branch Kombucha is made, from SCOBY to store shelves.

44 NETWORKING NOTES

Get to know executives Shad and Sarah Becker, who are new to Springfield.

46 ADVICE & WHISKEY

Jackie Stiles talks about how to build a winning team and what it’s like to retire before age 30.

Link

84 THE SCENE

We caught movers and shakers making connections at local networking events.

88 DOWNTIME

Bank President Tony Lewis created a baseball league for players who aren’t quite done with the game.

Make Room for “Option C”

at this year ’ s think summit our theme was Make Room For What’s Next, and one idea kept surfacing: We have to get better at thinking beyond either/or.

Throughout the day, with more than 700 business and community leaders gathered in one room, we heard speakers across industries wrestle with real tensions—growth and infrastructure, talent and opportunity, vision and execution. The takeaway isn’t choosing one over the other. It is finding a way to hold both.

It’s what I call “Option C”—the idea that innovation, leadership and real growth don’t happen in the obvious choices. We have to stay curious, ask better questions and lead with courage.

In this issue, that idea comes to life through sports. Writer Taryn Shorr-Mckee explores the growing economic impact of sports across our region, along with the facilities and infrastructure already in place. It’s a strong foundation—one that’s already attracting tournaments, talent and momentum.

At the same time, recent decisions—like the convention center vote—remind us that progress isn’t promised. What we heard time and again from the Think Summit stage is that the communities that win don’t just react to opportunity—they design for it. We’re seeing inconsistent momentum building across our region. In order to face the challenges ahead, we must work on connecting all the pieces in a way that creates something bigger than any one project or initiative.

The future of the Ozarks isn’t shaped by one decision. But every “no” puts us a little farther behind the curve. We have to step into saying “yes” even when the outcome isn’t guaranteed. Our regional resilience will be shaped by how thoughtfully—and boldly—we respond to what’s next. LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER

With many of our employees calling the Ozarks home, Nabholz is driving the region’s construction industry forward. We aren’t just building structures, though. We’re proud to work with clients in almost every aspect of commercial facility management, including maintenance services, industrial machinery transportation and installation, infrastructure, energy and solar services, and more.

Leadership Lessons

We captured these words of wisdom during the spring sessions of Biz 417’s professional development programs, The Legacy Network and Remarkable.

edited by DORI GRINDER

“The best teams struggle together. They fight together. They overcome things together.”

—Don Harkey, CEO of People Centric Consulting Group at The Legacy Network on March 31, speaking about surviving generational shift in the workplace.

“As a business leader in the future, not only are you going to have to manage people, but you are going to be responsible for managing multiple [AI] agents. It means that we need to be the masters of AI; we need to understand what it means.”

—Thomas Douglas, CEO of JMARK at The Legacy Network on March 31, presenting how AI changes work.

“It’s the decisions that you make that create culture. It’s your actions. It’s what you tolerate. It’s what you repeat that defines culture.”

—Sarah Tilley with Abilities First, shares how actions set the tone during her final presentation as a participant in the spring 2026 cohort of Remarkable.

“My leadership begins with listening.”

—Crystal Quade, executive director of Downtown Springfield Association, p. 21

“My father taught me that our integrity is our institutional fabric.”

—Jeff Tynes, president and CEO of Springfield Grocer Company, p. 66

“I want people to acknowledge me not because I’m a female in this field, but because I’m a good athletic trainer.”

—Kiomy Martinez-Ortiz, athletic trainer for the Springfield Cardinals, p. 22

“Saying yes even in the midst of your failures. Saying yes even when you don’t feel worthy, equipped, or prepared can have massive positive ramifications.”

—Tatyana Osenniy, Mortgage Sales Manager at Central Bank, during her final presentation of the spring 2026 cohort of Remarkable.

“As a great leader, your job is to raise the bar and help your people see how they clear it as themselves.”

—Jess Lightfoot, Admin Director of Clinical Asset Management at CoxHealth shares how she helps guide her teams potential during her final presentation as a member of the spring 2026 cohort of Remarkable.

“I’ve been saying for 15 years that Springfield is pregnant with enormous potential.”

—Geoff Steele, executive director of the Gillioz Center for Arts and Entertainment, p. 28

“My grandfather would be proud that our family has continued the business into the fourth generation. He would be pleased to see our work ethic and how we are always available to those in need of help.”

—Ron Ollis, Ollis/Akers/Arney Insurance & Business Advisors, p. 66

Beyond the Page

GET THEM WHILE THEY’RE HOT

Early bird tickets for Ladies Who Launch on August 13–14 are available through biz417.com/lwl— but get them before they sell out. Keynote speaker Jenny Wood, author of bestselling book Wild Courage, will inspire attendees to turn so-called negative qualities on their head and then use them to find success.

INVEST IN YOUR LEGACY

The Legacy Network is taking applications through May 31 at legacynetwork.biz417.com.

Haley Armstrong, a 2026 Legacy Network graduate, says of The Legacy Network that “it changed how I show up as a leader.”

BEST PLACES TO WORK

On May 11, Best Places to Work honorees are announced on biz417.com/blog, this time with an additional new mid-size business category generating even more businesses to celebrate. Snag your tickets at biz417.com/awards/ best-places-to-work to see which businesses land the top spot.

DON’T MISS A THING

Visit 417mag.com/newsletters to sign up for our Biz 417 newsletters. Biz Break brings you can’tmiss news every Monday morning. The Launch is geared to the gals and offers professional tips and personal inspiration on the second Wednesday of each month.

Biz 417’s Best Places to Work event takes place in September, but the top 2026 honorees will be announced in May.

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

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

SARAH PATTON CREATIVE DIRECTOR sarah@417mag.com

JORDAN DYKSTRA ART DIRECTOR jordan@417mag.com

BRANDON ALMS SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER & DESIGNER brandon@417mag.com

KATY ST. CLAIR PHOTOGRAPHER & DESIGNER kstclair@417mag.com

SYDNEY ARLT DESIGNER sarlt@417mag.com

ELIZABETH VANFOSSON DIGITAL MANAGER evanfosson@417mag.com

CONTRIBUTORS

PAUL CAMPBELL, GAYLE BABCOCK ARCHITECTURAL IMAGEWORKS, MAX HAVEY, JARED HOFFPAUIR, JENNIFER JOHNMEYER, KAREN KNUTH PHOTOGRAPHY, KRISTIN SHARP PHOTOGRAPHY, MATT LOVELAND, PJ MAIGI, MIKE HUDGENS PHOTOGRAPHY, ALEXANDER MILS, MEGAN PRICE, TARYN SHORR-MCKEE, LEAH STIEFERMANN, JENNIFER SWENSON

LOGAN AGUIRRE PUBLISHER logan@417mag.com

MEGAN JOHNSON VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS & CUSTOM PUBLICATIONS mjohnson@417mag.com

LYNDSEY SLAGLE SALES DIRECTOR lyndsey@417mag.com

KAYLIN STYN ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE kaylin@417mag.com

ALLISON CLEMENTS SALES COORDINATOR allison@417mag.com

CARRIE POWELL ACCOUNTING MANAGER accounting@417mag. com

BETHANY BELL MARKETING DIRECTOR bbell@417mag.com

ERIK KISER EVENTS & PROGRAMING MANAGER erik@417mag.com

ERIN KINGHAM OPERATIONS MANAGER ekingham@417mag.com

KATHY GRIEVE ACCOUNT SERVICES MANAGER kathy@417mag.com

NICKI SHERWOOD ACCOUNT COORDINATOR nicki@417mag.com

MCKENZIE KEY ADVERTISING DESIGNER mckenzie@417mag.com

RILEY JOHANNES ACCOUNT SERVICES INTERN

GARY & JOAN WHITAKER FOUNDERS

“It takes all of us to build something that feels like home.”

BEYOND BUSINESS

Whe re Ba nk i ng Meets

With deep Missouri roots and a presence in 12 communities statewide, First Midwest Bank expanded into Springfield in 2023, transforming a former bank building at 2540 East Sunshine into a modern, state-of-the-art banking facility.

Since opening, the bank has offered a full suite of checking, savings and lending solutions designed to help families and businesses thrive. Highlights include an indexed money market account, a high-interest commercial checking account and competitive lending rates tailored to meet a wide range of financial needs.

In 2025, First Midwest Bank partnered with Greenlight, a debit card and app for kids and teens, offering this innovative

Community

financial tool for free* to First Midwest checking customers.

Led by Community Bank President Matt Bower, alongside expert team members including Commercial Lenders Jerrod Harmon and Westin Gann and Operations Manager Bailie Latz, First Midwest Bank is committed to supporting the schools, families and organizations that make Springfield a vibrant community. The team is always ready to listen, guide and help customers achieve their financial goals.

Proud to call Springfield home, First Midwest Bank looks forward to growing alongside the community. Stop by and experience what makes First Midwest Bank a fresh, modern approach to banking.

First Midwest Bank

2540 E. Sunshine St., Springfield 417-350-1311 onemidwest.com member FDIC | *Terms and conditions apply.

History in the Making

A SALUTE TO THOSE WHO MAKE IT HAPPEN IN OUR COMMUNITY.

BY DORI GRINDER

By the time this issue is published, the National Route 66 Centennial Celebration will be in the rearview mirror, but at press time the community is abuzz with beautification projects, art installations and exciting announcements.

Locals know that in April 1926, a telegram sent from Springfield gave the name to America’s most iconic highway. But did you know that historic moment 100 years ago took place during a Rotary district convention, bringing key decision makers to Springfield together at the right moment?

At the corner of North Jefferson Avenue and Park Central East in Springfield, Birthplace Plaza has been created honoring Springfield’s place in Route 66 history. This high-traffic area features multiple forms of art that will help tell that story for years to come. The six Rotary Clubs of Springfield worked together to orchestrate and fund Birthplace Plaza. Kudos to the local Rotarians who seized the opportunity and helped bring it to life for all of us to enjoy and take pride in.

SOCIALS TO INSPIRE

Four to Follow

John Perry knows that success goes hand-in-hand with mindset. As Nixa High School’s head football coach for six years, he has cemented the team’s status as a top-tier Class 6 program that finished its 2025 season as state runner-up. His social media recommendations recognize the mental strength required of leadership.

Alyssa Roney

@coachajkings

FIND HIM ON X

AJ Kings uses athletics to demonstrate that success stems from attitude. His X page features interviews from competitors like Wayne Gretzky. This translates off the field: “We can take a sport,” Perry says, “and we can teach life through the sport because what it takes to be great at football; it’s the same thing that it takes to be great in business or as a husband or as a father or as an employee.”

@damonwest7

FIND HIM ON X

Perry calls Damon West “the coffee bean guy,” and for good reason. The bestselling author is known for a story where three objects are placed in a pot of boiling water. Of these, only one has the power to affect the water instead of being affected—the coffee bean. This story took inspiration from reality, as West faced a 65-year prison sentence and was freed on parole due to his initiative to change his prison environment for the better.

@alansteinjr

FIND HIM ON X

Alan Stein Jr. caught a second wind as a mental performance coach after more than 15 years as a basketball skills trainer for Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry and Kobe Bryant. Perry says that Stein demonstrates on X that the brain is as trainable as your muscles, and while you can’t stop your emotions, you can train your brain to steer clear of the longterm effects of negative thinking and stress.

@briankight

FIND HIM ON X

Leadership coach Brian Kight is known by Perry for a formula he created: E + R = O, or event plus response equals outcomes. Perry uses the example of being cut off in traffic. “What you do control is how you respond to it,” he says. Kight’s X page is full of leadership lessons.

Seat at the Tabl e

when src industrial was in the final stages of completing its new facility, the company lost one of its founding leaders. Dennis Sheppard served as general counsel for SRC Holdings for over 30 years. He died before the building’s completion, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to both the company and the community. While his loss was deeply felt across the organization, SRC Industrial chose to honor Sheppard in a way that reflects

the culture he helped build—a culture deeply rooted in the community.

Inside SRC Industrial’s newly completed Sheppard Suite conference room sits an oversized conference room table crafted by Austin Jackson, owner of Jackson Woodworks, LLC. Jackson built the table with locally sourced materials, including a base designed by SRC Industrial. Inlaid beneath the table’s surface are a red pen and a Coors Light bottle cap, an invisible but powerful tribute to Sheppard, who was known to always have a red pen ready for marking up legal documents and for his love for Coors Light. Jackson says this design ensures Sheppard al-

ways has a seat at the table–a fitting tribute in a room built for negotiation.

The space and table in Sheppard’s honor are more than a tribute. Spencer Cunningham, president of SRC Industrial, says these dedications are a reflection of the company’s values and commitment to honoring the legacies of those who helped build it. “We like to highlight the people that built the business,” Cunningham says. “The Sheppard Suite is going to be the Sheppard Suite for as long as we’re in this building. So it’s a tribute to all the hard work and dedication that he put in during 40 years at SRC.” By honoring Sheppard in a space where entrepreneurial decisions are made, SRC Industrial ensures his legacy remains part of every conversation moving forward.

BY JORDAN BLOMQUIST

Downtown in Focus

Crystal Quade, Downtown Springfield Association’s new executive director, shares her vision for a vibrant, walkable downtown and the economic opportunities ahead.

What’s one misconception about downtown Springfield?

“Downtown has ebbed and flowed over my lifetime in terms of investment and activity. We have tremendous opportunity, but there is an obvious need for investment and focus from the entire community to make sure that downtown continues to be the lifeblood of our city.”

What types of businesses are you actively trying to attract?

“Retail is a great thing that we need more of. I know in the digital age, having brick and mortars is tough, but I know that for the citizens of Springfield, having a wonderful walkable downtown is a priority. Of course, we love being able to champion our amazing restaurants, and I think the arts are so huge for downtown, and I want to continue to expand on that.”

What part of this job energizes you most?

“I love downtown. I have represented downtown in the legislature for the last eight years, I’ve lived and worked in the area for my whole adult life. What really energizes me about the job, beyond just that I care about it, is that we really do have a tremendous opportunity right now. We have a lot of folks who really want to see Springfield be successful, and those folks are talking and we’re collaborating. This job is really about putting those puzzle pieces together to make sure that we’re delivering a downtown that is vibrant, that is safe, that is fun and a place where families and folks want to go to when they’re thinking about where they want to spend their money and time. It’s a big challenge and a big opportunity all at once.”

Strength on the Sidelines: Kiomy Martinez-Ortiz

Kiomy Martinez-Ortiz’s arrival in Springfield this season marks the culmination of years of growth within the Cardinals organization and a historic first for the franchise.

kiomy martinez-ortiz is the new athletic trainer for the Double-A Springfield Cardinals, becoming the first female full-time field staff member in the franchise’s history. She replaces longtime trainer Alex Wolfinger, who was promoted to Triple-A

Memphis after four seasons in Springfield. Since joining the organization in 2019, Martinez-Ortiz has worked across multiple levels and locations, including three years at the Cardinals’ academy in the Dominican Republic and most recently with

the Florida Complex League Cardinals. Along the way, she filled in with affiliates in Palm Beach, Peoria and Springfield, gaining experience wherever the organization needed coverage.

A 2015 graduate of the University of Puerto Rico–Ponce with a Master’s degree from Florida International University, Martinez-Ortiz measures success less by traditional business metrics and more by performance outcomes.

“My main job is keeping the guys healthy and on the field,” Martinez-Ortiz explains. “A successful season is one with as few injuries as possible.”

While the hire is historic, Martinez-Ortiz is quick to emphasize the work over the milestone. She wants to be recognized not for being the first, but for being effective.

“I feel like I’m breaking barriers, but at the same time, I’m just here to do my job,” she says. “I want people to acknowledge me not because I’m a female in this field, but because I’m a good athletic trainer.”

She understands the weight of being first, especially for young women watching from the sidelines. More than the title, she hopes her presence sends a message: Hard work and dedication can create opportunity.

BY PJ MAIGI

PHOTO

CORNER OFFICE BY JENNIFER JOHNMEYER

Leading the Way

Mid-Missouri Bank’s Community President Kim Calhoon may be new to the position, but this company veteran plans to use her experiences as a catalyst for staff growth—and inspiration.

Her vision for the role

I can’t wait to inspire the staff and team that I’m leading. I see potential for significant growth of the company during the next three years by focusing on our sales efforts and marketing outreach.

Why it felt like the right fit

This role felt like a natural next step. I have spent 14 years working alongside this amazing team, and this new role gives me the opportunity to make a broader impact. I enjoy helping employees learn and grow while assisting customers to reach their financial goals.

LESSONS TO CELEBRATE

The first thing she put in her office

A picture of my family, because at the end of the day, they are what matters most.

Advice for her younger self

To trust myself more and not be so hard on myself. I do not have to have everything figured out right away.

What keeps her up at night

Making sure I have done enough to support the people I work with.

THIS ISSUE HIGHLIGHTS LESSONS LEARNED FROM BOTH WINS AND LOSSES. OUR SOURCES SHARE HOW THEY GREW FROM BOTH.

GEOFF STEELE

READ HIS STORY ON P. 28

“As far as I am concerned, the greatest success of the Gillioz Center for Arts and Entertainment for the last 11 years, since I’ve been here, is the level of confidence and excellence that this staff exhibits on a daily basis. I am incredibly fortunate.”

#NailedIt

“You don’t program this theater or any venue based on your personal preference. There are times when opportunities come where I unlearn that, thinking, ‘Wouldn’t that be cool?’ But it doesn’t work. For example, we were going to do a throwback double feature of horror movies, and everybody here was so excited for it. Then it sold like eight tickets, and we had to cancel.”

#FailedIt

MILES THOMPSON

READ HIS STORY ON P. 66

“A few years ago, I placed a 100-foot flagpole with an American flag at the dealership. It has nothing to do with selling cars. It’s about supporting our veterans, our community and the United States.”

#NailedIt

NIGHTSTAND  “Patrick Lencioni’s book identifies three essential, non-negotiable virtues for effective team members: humility, hunger (drive), and being people smart (emotional intelligence). This book is great for leaders and team members alike because we can all benefit from understanding how to build and function effectively as a team.”—David Atkisson, Springfield Office Leader, JE Dunn Construction

“I still get grief for once ordering 33 GMC Safari vans instead of three. It was a valuable lesson in slowing down and being detail-oriented.”

#FailedIt

Vision, Va lues and a Victo ry Plan for MS U: Cas ey Woods

Before he considered leading the Bears, Casey Woods experienced Missouri State University the way fans do: on a game day, with a packed stadium and something on the line.

at the time , woods was serving as offensive coordinator at southern Methodist University (SMU). Facing off with the MSU Bears, the energy at Plaster Stadium, the fan investment and the genuine pride surrounding the program made a lasting impression. When Missouri State Athletics Director Patrick Ransdell later reached out about the head coaching position, that initial visit carried significant weight.

Ransdell’s vision, President Richard “Biff” Williams’ support for athletics and the university’s willingness to think bigger all mirrored what Woods believes drives winning programs. “We’re in the early stages of building momentum and seeing how big we can take this,” he says. “It hasn’t been done as well as it can be done here, and that excites me.”

As a coach’s son, Woods says he has been preparing for this role his entire life, and his resume reflects it. He has coached for 18 years, appeared in nine championship games and won six championships across four different conferences. Along the way, he helped rebuild programs at the University of Alabama-Birmingham, the University of Missouri and SMU in Texas.

Woods describes his leadership style as core-value driven and goal-oriented. “I live by five core values that are reflected in our program: salvation, loyalty, toughness, hard work and impact,” he says. “Those are the principles that motivate and drive me.”

Looking at his first year, he’s focusing on four main goals. “First, we want to compete for a championship,” he says. “Second, we want to recruit [for] this place better than it’s ever been done before. Third, we want to maximize Plaster Stadium as a true edge in this conference. We’ve got a great community and a fan base that cares. Now it’s about engaging the student body and the city, creating an atmosphere people want to be part of. And finally, we want to have an impact. That means being visible, accessible and invested in this community. It takes all of us to build something that feels like home.”

How Passion for Baseball Combi ned With Strategy Created Ballparks of America

What began as a shared passion for youth baseball has grown into a sports tourism destination drawing hundreds of teams—and millions of dollars in economic impact—to Branson.

BY TARYN SHORR-MCKEE

for many professionals , a side hustle might mean consulting work or a passion project. For Springfield attorney Paul Satterwhite and commercial real estate developer Greg Snider, a side hustle means owning one of the country’s most unique sports destinations.

At first glance, Ballparks of America in Branson looks like a dream for youth baseball players. And it is. But behind the scenes, it’s also a complex business venture—one that both men balance alongside demanding full-time careers.

The facility hosts youth baseball tournaments and some softball, drawing teams from across the country March through October. What sets it apart, Snider explains, is the immersive player experience. “Our fields are replicas of Major League stadiums,” he says. “And we

have on-site team lodging with Major League-style lockers and suites; coaches and the whole team can stay. We also have multiple entertainment options on-site: laser tag, escape rooms and batting cages.”

The idea began with a Chicago-based development group transforming the vacant Red Roof Mall complex into a baseball campus with fields, lodging and entertainment. Snider and Satterwhite first experienced the facility as baseball dads and coaches, bringing their sons to play when it opened in 2016.

“We just fell in love with the place,” Snider says. When the original developers sought local partners

to grow the concept in 2020, Snider and Satterwhite teamed up with fellow owners Steve Strobel and Dale Helle to acquire and expand it. Since then, they’ve added a full commercial restaurant and kitchen, expanded the pro shop and introduced

“It’s allowed me to take a love—a passion—for sports, for baseball, for coaching, and take it from a micro level to a macro level.”

—Paul Satterwhite

additional attractions. The facility employs eight to 10 full-time staff year-round, expanding to roughly 70 in summer.

For Snider, whose day job involves commercial real estate development and private investment partnerships, the opportunity was primarily strategic. But for Satterwhite, a partner practicing employment law at Spencer Fane, the motivation was more personal. “Ballparks is a passion project for me,” he says. “It’s allowed me to take a love—a passion—for sports, for baseball, for coaching, and take it from a micro level […] to a macro level.”

Today, Ballparks of America hosts hundreds of teams each year, including international teams. According to Satterwhite, economic development analyses conducted with the Branson Chamber and Sports Facilities Management estimate the park generates $25 million to $27 million annually for Branson and the surrounding region. About 90% of teams travel from more than 75 miles away, filling hotels, restaurants and attractions. “We consider [traveling from out of the area] essential to calculating economic impact because there’s a huge difference between someone who drives in and stops at the gas station on the way out of town versus someone taking advantage of all Branson has to offer,” Satterwhite says.

Looking ahead, Satterwhite says the team is exploring ways to expand activity beyond the traditional baseball season, including a possible partnership to bring the popular Field of Screams haunted attraction and a holiday experience to the property. “I’m an attorney first,” he says. “But as I joke with my wife, some guys hit middle age and midlife crisis and they buy Ferraris. I did, and I bought baseball fields.”

FORWARD THINKING

More Headliners

As the Gillioz takes on booking for the Historic Fox Theatre and Hammons Field, realizing the potential for Springfield’s arts district continues to become more of a reality.

BY MAX HAVEY

as the historic gillioz theatre celebrates 100 years in october , it is expanding to book shows at more venues around town, growing potential for Springfield’s arts district in the process.

Geoff Steele, executive director of the Gillioz Center for Arts and Entertainment, has been booking shows for the venue for 11 years, but two recent partnerships are offering potential for a wider variety of acts to appear on stages in Springfield.

First, in September 2025, the History Museum on the Square, which owns the Historic Fox Theatre, approached the Gillioz about partnering to book shows at the intimate 613-seat historic theater. For Steele, this means the ability to book acts who might not be big enough for the Gillioz.

“The Fox is going to let us bring a whole lot of talent that has historically not come to the Ozarks,” Steele says.

Then, a few weeks later, another partnership was struck with nearby Hammons Field, home of the Springfield Cardinals, bringing Steele and the Gillioz on to help with programming and artist relations for the 8,000-seat venue, offering potential for significantly larger acts to play in town.

Overall, Steele sees these partnerships, along with other development in the community, as good news for Springfield in building up a true arts district, realizing potential that has been growing here for the past 100 years.

I’ve been saying for 15 years that Springfield is pregnant with enormous potential,” Steele says. “I’ve been saying for the last six months, this is the year we give birth. We’re making decisions that are going to radically influence and increase our quality of life over the next couple of generations.”

Do you ever wonder “Why am I even with this bank?”

It’s too easy to accept a mediocre experience when banking is just a part of life. Before, it seemed like I had to jump through every hoop for my bank. I wanted a bank that would actually work for me. Look, switching banks is a big decision. I never made the e ort before, because I assumed I’d just get the same thing. After switching to The Bank of Missouri, I’ll never wonder if my bank can do more. The bank of not settling. The Bank of Missouri.

ATTORNEY PROFILES

The jury is in on finding the attorney that is right for you. Browse our Attorney Profiles to learn about some 417-land attorneys and their practices. These legal experts are ready to take on your case.

W417-882-9300

ENTRAPPED.COM

2974 E. BATTLEFIELD, SPRINGFIELD

ampler & Passanise has provided the highest-quality legal representation for over 50 years. Managing Partner Joseph S. Passanise, Thomas D. Carver, Of Counsel, and James R. Hayes, Attorney at Law, use a team approach to managing cases, leading paralegals and investigators to create winning defense strategies.

The firm defends serious and complex charges, including federal cases, homicide, weapon and drug violations, domestic violence, assault, felony and misdemeanor DWI, and white-collar crimes.

Passanise has been with the firm for 36 years, handling over 7,500 cases. He has been recognized by Best Lawyers in America for 18 years and Missouri/Kansas Super Lawyers for 19 years. He is a Fellow of the American Board of Criminal Lawyers and a National College of DUI Defense State Delegate.

Carver has practiced for over 50 years, representing more than 300 clients in federal cases and thousands in Missouri state courts. He received the Robert Duncan Award for Appellate Excellence and has been recognized by Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers for more than a decade. Hayes joined the firm in 2025, bringing nearly two decades of experience. He’s the recipient of the Terry T. Thomas Trial Practice Achievement Award and was named to the Order of Barristers. He has built a reputation as a fierce advocate in criminal defense, fighting tirelessly to achieve the best client outcomes.

BY

HUSCH BLACKWELL

417-268-4000 | HUSCHBLACKWELL.COM

3810 E. SUNSHINE ST., SUITE 300, SPRINGFIELD

As Springfield’s only Am Law 100 firm, Husch Blackwell is uniquely positioned to serve as a trusted legal partner for local business leaders. By prioritizing the client experience, the firm empowers its people to develop collaborative legal solutions that draw on the collective knowledge of its 1,000+ attorneys nationwide and the business acumen of its professional staff. Backed by the experience of world-class business teams, Husch Blackwell lawyers don’t just solve legal problems, they help clients make data-driven decisions, optimize their operations, and gain competitive advantages.

TWIBELL PIERSON

417-862-1741 | TWIBELLPIERSON.COM

901 E. ST. LOUIS ST., SUITE 1000, SPRINGFIELD

The Twibell Pierson Law Firm began in 1975 when attorney Bert Twibell left the Greene County Prosecutor’s Office for a career in private practice, helping people solve their problems. Today, the attorneys of Twibell Pierson have over 90 years of combined experience and strive to provide unmatched criminal defense and client service.

What separates Twibell Pierson from other firms is the team approach they take to every client and case. When you hire them, you are hiring their entire firm, not just one attorney. Twibell Pierson is also the proud recipient of recognition that includes Branden Twibell being honored by The Best Lawyers in America® for Criminal Defense: General Practice and Criminal Defense: White Collar. Twibell was also chosen by his peers as “Lawyer of the Year” in 2025 for both White Collar and general practice categories.

Learn

Insights from mentors, makers and movers

“You don’t have to be great to serve, but to be great, you must serve. And greatness is not what we have, it’s what we give.”

—Jackie Stiles shares her personal words of wisdom (p. 46)

From Basement

Br ew to O zar ksBorn B eve ra ge

The process to create this unique drink is both art and science, but Spring Branch Kombucha contains the right ingredients, plus entrepreneurial spirit.

BY MEGAN PRICE

on the surface, kombucha looks simple. tea, sugar and a little time. But for Springfield-based Spring Branch Kombucha, that simplicity hides a carefully managed process shaped by biology and a steady dose of entrepreneurial patience.

Founded by Chris and Jessica Ollis, Spring Branch began as a passion project that outgrew its original container. Chris, who was brewing beer at home, had become a fan of kombucha’s health benefits. He was drinking so much that he started making kombucha in their basement as a cost-effective way to keep up with his habit.

Jessica, whose background spans sales and customer service, was skeptical of his idea to scale things up.

“I thought it was just another hobby,” Jessica says. “Then I tasted the batch of Lemon Hops and realized this could actually work.”

A few encouraging taste tests with friends confirmed demand, but the leap from hobby to business came fast. To sell legally beyond farmers’ markets, Spring Branch moved directly from basement brewing to a certified manufacturing facility. The result is a local beverage brand rooted in Ozarks culture, both in flavor and philosophy.

STEP ONE: BREWING THE BASE

Every batch starts with filtered water, organic cane sugar and organic black tea. While any type of tea, including green or white, can be used to make kombucha, Spring Branch chose black tea exclusively. This decision came after testing how different teas reacted with their culture and local environment.

“The tea is the foundation,” Chris says. “Everything builds from how it responds during fermentation.”

The tea is brewed, sweetened and cooled before the fermentation culture is introduced.

STEP TWO: FERMENTATION PHYSICS

Kombucha is a living beverage, and fermentation is what earns it that title. Once the culture is added, the liquid begins transforming over roughly 30 days. Its benefits begin to brew during this stage

Fermentation chambers (right) are part of the kombucha-making process. Matthew Ollis (far right) brews a highly concentrated tea, to which he adds sugar (bottom left). A SCOBY forms on the top of a fermenting batch of kombucha (bottom right).

and will result in probiotics that support a healthy gut.

As the culture consumes sugar, it produces beneficial acids, B vitamins and probiotics. This process also lowers the pH quickly, moving the batch into a food-safe range within the first few days. The living nature of kombucha requires awareness of temperature, timing and continual monitoring.

Fermentation happens in open-air tanks, where a thick layer called a pellicle forms on top. The pellicle is part of the SCOBY, or Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast. The pellicle protects the kombucha while allowing oxygen exchange. “It looks gnarly,” Chris says with a laugh. “But people are fascinated by it.”

STEP THREE: MAINTAINING THE MOTHER CULTURE

To keep flavors consistent, Spring Branch maintains a long-term “mother” culture. Portions are used to start new batches, while others are retired as the culture strengthens over time. “The culture that comes from the mother is exceptionally strong,” Chris explains. “And the older it gets, the stronger it gets.”

Knowing which cultures to use and when to retire older ones is part art, part science, and a constant process of adjustment for the Ollises. The approach mirrors sourdough baking, and each batch contains a bit of the previous one.

STEP FOUR: FLAVOR DEVELOPMENT

After fermentation, flavor comes into play. Nearly all ingredients are organic, and inspiration can come from anywhere, including family recipes.

“For our Apple Pie flavor, we basically took an apple pie recipe that I had been using for years and converted it into kombucha,” Jessica explains. New flavors are often tested in small

batches at farmers’ markets before moving into broader distribution. Some landed immediately, like Strawberry Rose, Elderberry Ginger and of course, Lemon Hops. Others, like Coffee, have been a hit-or-miss with taste testers.

STEP FIVE: BRANDING, PACKAGING AND DISTRIBUTION

For the Ollises, branding grew directly from the product itself. Chris sees kombucha as shaped by its environment, so they built Spring Branch’s identity around the Ozarks. The logo features a spring house from the family farm, designed in a fieldstone style that echoes local architecture.

When it came to distribution, Spring Branch originally sold only kegs, but the pandemic forced a pivot. Canning and direct delivery opened new doors and ultimately stabilized the business. “That decision saved us,” Jessica claims. “Without it, we wouldn’t still be here.”

Today, cans move from the production floor to local retailers, breweries and markets, carrying Ozarks-inspired branding that reflects the family’s roots and the region’s connection to nature.

KEEPING A STRONG FOUNDATION

For Chris and Jessica Ollis, the process behind Spring Branch Kombucha reflects the realities of building a manufacturing company in the Ozarks. It takes patience, strong systems and the flexibility to adapt when circumstances shift. Each stage builds on the one before it, from nurturing a living culture to bringing a finished beverage in cans to market.

What started as a basement experiment is now a focused, regulated operation grounded in this region. “It’s not just about making something people enjoy drinking,” Jessica says. “It’s about learning how to steward a product, a process and a business at the same time.”

IDEA TO STEAL

Wi nning Engagement

All work and no play? At Toth and Associates, balancing the two is key. Here’s how Director of Marketing Kevin Grinder’s long-ago Office Olympic dreams transformed into the company’s annual competition.

BY JENNIFER JOHNMEYER

while being an adult has its perks, it also has its setbacks. for example, when was the last time someone asked you how fast you could run in your new shoes?

At Toth and Associates, though, you will find that level of interest but also a chance to show off your speed. In 2025, a simple inter-office challenge launched a long-percolating idea, and Toth Olympics was born.

Director of Marketing Kevin Grinder had first considered the idea when he started at the company nearly eight years ago, after seeing Office Olympics competitions during his time working in Las Vegas.

“I had an idea of doing a field day for the company,” Grinder says. “That had been tabled for a long time, but I added ideas to a notebook over the years.”

A Microsoft Teams inner-office channel called “Ping-Pong Chat” finally put the plan in motion.

“It was a channel to see if anyone wanted to play a quick round of pingpong,” Grinder explains. “Then it turned into ‘Ping-Pong Chat and Random Throwdowns,’ and one day, one of our civil engineers, Derek Estell, said, ‘I can run faster than all of you.”

The challenge turned into a 100-meter dash, and with Estell’s challenge, plus encouragement from President Adam Toth, Grinder’s years of notebook ideas began to take shape.

“We thought it would be kind of fun to have a competition between different departments, in what we call the Toth Olympics,” Grinder says. “We knew not everyone is into sports or might not be able to compete physically, so we created a mix of events for individuals and teams, for people who like athletics and those who don’t.”

“We created a mix of events for individuals and teams, for people who like athletics and those who don’t.”

—Kevin Grinder

The contests in the first year were numerous, ranging from the 4x400 Meter Relay Race around the building to a tissue pull and from a team puzzle-building contest to an office chair relay, all in the span of a single day.

Grinder led the inaugural event, designing the games, flow and logistics with help from colleagues. Organized in just a few weeks to include summer interns, the first Olympics laid the groundwork for what Toth plans to expand in Year Two, with a committee forming to broaden involvement and build on the foundation.

“We ran a survey after the last Olympics: what people liked and the structure of the day,” Grinder says. “The survey is helping inform what we will do this year.”

In Year One, the awards ceremony saw the planning department take the overall gold. This year, in addition to gold, silver and bronze medals, a traveling trophy is in the works.

“We’re going to inscribe which department won, and let the trophy travel through the office,” Grinder says.

BY

THE NUMBERS

Number of games created: 16

Number of employees: 230

Number of participants: 90 (80 players, 10 volunteers)

Employees’ favorite game: 4x400 Meter Relay

Most surprisingly fun event: Tissue Pull

Overall Gold Winner: Planning Department

Budget: Approximately $1,150 (largest expenses were medals and pizza)

Number of hours needed to play: Four hours running from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

BEYOND BUSINESS

Gr owing the Right Way in Sp rin gfield

Crossland Construction has built a strong presence in the Springfield market over the past several years and continues to deepen relationships within the community. Today, the Springfield team includes many longtime area residents drawn to Crossland for its horsepower, support and proven track record.

From the beginning, their approach has been simple: Show up, do quality work and keep their word. In a community like Springfield’s, that approach matters, and people take notice.

Across Springfield, Crossland’s projects are helping support growth and create spaces where the community can thrive.

That impact is visible not just in finished buildings, but in the lasting relationships formed along the way. Just as important is the team behind that work and the shared commitment that drives it forward. They’re invested in the place they serve and are proud to call it home.

As Springfield continues to grow, their team is growing alongside it. The Crossland team is always looking for people who want to contribute to meaningful work and be part of something bigger. They’re not just building in Springfield. They’re building with Springfield, and they’re just getting started.

Crossland Construction 902 W. Battlefield Rd., Springfield 417-368-3957 crossland.com

GIVING BACK

STOMP-i ng the Bl ues Out of Homelessness

After 15 years, Jim and Paige Payne are still going strong supporting the unhoused community in Springfield through the STOMP the Blues Out of Homelessness charity music festival.

BY MAX HAVEY

finding a way to support the most vulnerable people in the community can be a tough act to continue, but for the last 15 years, Jim and Paige Payne have found ways to support many local charity organizations for the unhoused through the power of music.

By day, Jim Payne is the director of business development at Choice Escrow & Land Title, and his wife, Paige, who founded the original Choice Escrow in 1988, is the branch manager and owner. But in their time off they’re devoted to helping Springfield’s unhoused neighbors. The Paynes first got involved in supporting the unhoused community in 2008, serving folks at a walk-in shelter called Bill’s Place. Over time they saw the number of folks they were serving continue to grow and realized just how much it cost to serve people on a regular basis. Then, in 2010, a local DJ, Bob Martin, reached out to Payne about a property title question, but the two got sidetracked with a bigger idea. “I told him, ‘I need to figure out how to make some money, and I think a music festival would be great,’” Jim

Paige and Jim Payne have been giving back to the community for 15 years.

says. “And he said, ‘That sounds like a great idea!’ And that’s sort of how it all came together.”

From there, Payne worked on getting the festival registered as a 501(c) (3) nonprofit and worked with Martin to book the first STOMP the Blues Out of Homelessness charity music festival. The proceeds from the festival go to support a number of local organizations, and Jim notes that as of 2023, the festival has raised more than $260,000. Organizations include Women in Need of the Ozarks, the Drew Lewis Foundation and the Ozark Food Harvest, as well as youth-oriented programs such as Rare Breed, Laura’s Home, the Darr House and the Youth Connect Center.

“We’re not giving a million bucks, and we’re not giving away $50,000 to everyone,” Jim says. “But $1,500 here and $2,500 there really goes a long way to support these programs.”

Now celebrating its 15th year, the festival is still going strong. Payne says festival attendance is generally between 850–900 people, reaching highs of around 1,200 people for two years with headliner Samantha Fish. This year’s fest at the Vietnam Veterans American Legion Post 639 on June 13 features Anders Osborne, Chase Walker, Marcus Trummer and the Brenda Meyer Band.

In terms of other business leaders looking to get involved in the community in a similar way, Payne notes that the best place to start is coming from a place of empathy and finding an organization that speaks to you.

“There’s a variety of organizations out there where you can jump in and volunteer, even just one day, to get a sense of what they really do,” Jim says. “There’s ample opportunity, and there’s so much need in our community for people to get out and help.”

N ew Powe r

Pa i r i n Town

Sarah and Shad Becker were living comfortably in St. Louis and wellestablished in their respective careers when opportunity came calling. Now, the couple has launched their next chapter, in Springfield.

BY JENNIFER JOHNMEYER

sarah becker was feeling comfortable. As the director of Therapy and Audiology Services at St. Louis Children’s Hospital at CoxHealth, she and her husband, Shad, had been living and working in St. Louis since 2016, and their three children were in their respective college eras.

Then one day, a life-changing invitation was extended. “We weren’t actively seeking opportunities outside of St. Louis. I had been in my prior role for five years and was to the point where I was looking forward to the next step. I never imagined it would come in the form of St. Louis Children’s at CoxHealth! One of my leaders approached me and asked me if I would be interested in interviewing, with the caveat that the job was in Springfield,” Sarah says.

Her husband, Shad, Commerce Bank’s Business Banking Relationship Manager, was on board for a change of scenery.

“As Sarah’s opportunity developed, I spoke with my management at Commerce Bank and requested a transfer to the Springfield team. I have enjoyed my 10 years with Commerce and had no intention of changing banks. The management in St. Louis, and Springfield, were extremely accommodating to help with our transition across the state,” Shad says.

Springfield was familiar territory for both Beckers.

“I have ties to Springfield; my mother attended radiology school at Cox North, and I was born there. Growing up in Rolla, we often came to Battlefield Mall to shop for school clothes. Shad’s family vacationed at Table Rock Lake every summer; his dad was a huge fan of Bass Pro,” Sarah says.

Both Beckers had a list of positives when speaking about their new community. “There are numerous things that are great about the area. The one that stands out the most is the people. Everyone we have met, through work or outside of it, has been extremely

welcoming. It’s also nice not having to leave so early to go somewhere. This sounds minor, but it is great knowing that we can get across town in 20 minutes or less,” Shad says.

“There are many of the same stores and restaurants as St. Louis, but things are located in much closer proximity to each other! We love how quickly we can commute to work. This is a very friendly, service-oriented community. You can tell that people take pride in their work and that they want to help you,” Sarah says.

While they’re still getting used to their new chapter, the Beckers have set both personal and professional goals.

“We are looking forward to getting to know our neighbors and establishing roots in the community. We are excited to explore the many golf courses and to make new friends,” Sarah says.

BY

Her professional goals are vast. “I’m looking forward to several big milestones with my role. The opening of the hospital-within-a-hospital and the specialty care center are the culmination of the joint venture vision. Prior to that, I look forward to the opportunities that we will identify to be able to keep kids here in the community for care and to make care even better!” Sarah says.

Shad looks forward to fostering community in all avenues. “I look forward to getting completely settled in the area and seeing how our careers and personal life can have a positive impact on the community. Sarah and I are both in professions that impact the community around us, and it is exciting to see how we can help the area,” he says.

LAUNCH THE SMALL TALK

Education

Sarah: University of Missouri-Columbia, BS, Communication Science and Disorders; University of Missouri-Columbia: MS, Speech Pathology

Shad: Central Methodist University, BS, Accounting; Completed Graduate School of Banking at Colorado

Family: Asher, graduating from Missouri S&T in May with a degree in Civil Engineering, followed by a relocation to Baltimore; Will, Missouri S&T Civil Engineering major graduating in 2027; Evie,19, Mizzou sophomore, Child Life Studies major

Favorite hobbies

Sarah: Reading, golf, cooking

Shad: Being outdoors, fishing and playing golf, spending time with my family

Favorite ways to decompress

Sarah: Reading or spending time with family

Shad: Aside from the hobbies, yard work

One little-known fact

Sarah: Had a cake-making business as a side hustle when the kids were little

Shad: Played four years of college football as a tight end at Central Methodist College (now Central Methodist University)

National Independent Third Party Administrator (TPA)

Local Market Presence

Focus on Value with Low Cost Solutions

ADVICE & WHISKEY BY DORI GRINDER

The Drive To Succeed

Competitive, resilient and full of heart, Jackie Stiles shares how she’s been able to find alignment after a basketball career that took her all the way to the WNBA. Now, her time on the court is on a pickleball court, so we met for a game of pickleball at Classics Yard and a chance to chat.

What was your earliest inspiration?

I knew exactly what I would do. I told my second grade teacher I was going to play professional basketball—and the WNBA didn’t exist then. I just had that vision, that basketball is what I was meant to be good at.

Coach or be coached?

Oh, I love being coached. I love having somebody help me be better than I could be on my own.

Strategic play

I just follow my heart and what I’m passionate about, and then try to make a living from it.

THE RECEIPT

What do you like to do when you aren’t working? Pickleball is one of my greatest passions. And I like to do game nights with friends. I love Mexican train dominoes. That’s my favorite game because you can socialize, as it’s not really intense.

What makes you proud?

I’m proud of making the Final Four for Missouri State, because everybody thought that was an impossible dream. Now it’s definitely opening my business. You just have to have the courage to do it if you really are passionate about it. You will learn as you go. Don’t be scared that you don’t know everything up front, you will learn it. And if you make mistakes, you’ll just correct them, and it’ll be okay.

Work hack

I can’t stand sitting at a computer for hours on end, so I found a way to do all of my emails and business work on my phone [while I’m] on the elliptical. I might

spend three hours on the elliptical a day, but I’m also getting my work done and all my emails answered.

Favorite thing about work

I love the relationship with the client. I’ve just always been curious about other people’s stories. I like to know who they are, what makes them happy, and what makes them tick.

Keeping score

I’m the scorekeeper in pickleball. I literally say the score for both teams, but I joke that the score is the only kind of numbers I can keep. My business numbers... who knows? I hate looking at numbers and analyzing those kinds of things. Thank goodness, I have good people.

On her competitive drive

Our strengths are also our weaknesses and my drive is definitely a strength, but it also ended my basketball career. So I have to keep that in check.

Retiring before age 30

I was so focused on being the best basketball player I could be, for years. I was close to 30 when I realized I couldn’t play anymore. I had perfected a skill that didn’t work for me anymore. In the second half of my career, it’s more about significance over success. How can I align my gifts to help the most people? I have always had a huge passion for fitness. And now for the first time in my life, I feel like I’m truly aligned professionally.

Building a team

It’s so awesome because that’s what sports taught me. It’s putting people in positions to do their best work, finding their strengths, and highlighting them. I want to be the boss who helps people love their jobs.

Word to live by

You don’t have to be great to serve, but to be great, you must serve. And greatness is not what we have, it’s what we give.

DISCOVER YOUR PRIVATE RETREAT

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efore it became a trusted name in southwest Missouri, ACIS IT Solutions started with a simple curiosity for how things work. Getting to know the company means going back to those early days. Since 1999, the company has grown alongside the technology it supports, evolving from a one-person startup. Founder Travis Schnelle launched the company just out of high school with a belief that new technology has the power to transform the way businesses operate and help organizations thrive.

In the early days, the work centered on residential clients and hardware sales, with Travis handling every call himself. The company began in a small space on Glenstone Avenue, surrounded by the bulky, fast-changing machines that defined the era. Each client project required hands-on problem-solving, like installing hardware, wiring homes and testing connections. That early work gave Travis a solid

knowledge of the technology he and his team would one day manage for businesses. As computers shrank, networks expanded and software became more complex, ACIS shifted toward business-to-business services and expanded into a 6,000-square-foot operation on Glenstone.

Today, ACIS IT Solutions delivers managed IT services designed to keep organizations running without interruption. Its CompleteIT® model provides flat-rate support with 24/7 monitoring, cybersecurity, help desk access and proactive maintenance. The team also manages data cabling, VoIP systems, network infrastructure, backups and compliancedriven environments, keeping every layer of technology secure.

While growth has not always followed a straight line, challenges and setbacks have helped shape the company as much as its wins. This has created a team that’s all

about trust, grit and looking out for each other. Many employees build long tenures, valuing collaboration and dependability. That culture extends outside of the office, building relationships with clients who count on ACIS IT Solutions as a trusted partner.

Working with organizations in healthcare, education, government and professional services, the company prioritizes trust and reliability. Clients depend on ACIS IT Solutions to manage vital systems with care and consistency.

More than two decades in, ACIS IT Solutions remains rooted in Springfield, guided by a promise of growth that benefits both its team and the broader community it calls home, helping local businesses succeed in a constantly changing digital world.

You’ve made your mark. Now it’s time to craft your legacy.

Today is the best day to cultivate the next generation of leaders in your organization. The Legacy Network, brought to you by Biz 417, is perfect for those in director or C-suite roles who have recently been promoted or are poised for growth.

“It changed how I show up as a leader.”

Apply for the third annual cohort by May 31, 2026. 2026–2027 class meets monthly September–March.

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FINANCIAL PROFILES

These local financial advisors offer personalized guidance to help clients achieve financial goals, secure their future and navigate economic uncertainties. This section highlights leaders dedicated to client success, prioritizing trust through transparent advice and comprehensive strategies.

ACHIEVE PRIVATE WEALTH

For 30 years Achieve Private Wealth, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC, has helped clients achieve their dreams for today, tomorrow, and well into the future. With the exclusive Confident Retirement® approach, they break your financial goals into doable steps, taking the uncertainty out of planning and helping you live the life you’ve earned.

They are led by Chief Executive Officer of Achieve Private Wealth Paula Dougherty, MBA, CFP® , APMA™ , BFA™ , CEPA® , CRPC™ , ChFC® , CLU® , CASL® , CKA®; J. Scott Taylor, CFP® , CRPC™; Sam Ackerman, CFP® , APMA™ , BFA™ , CRPC®; Heather Ince, CRPC™ , CDFA®; Dalton Cloyd, CRPC™ and Taryn M. May.

Each advisor specializes in providing a comprehensive approach to financial planning including wealth management, portfolio construction, rebalancing, and investment management strategies. Additionally, they specialize in the areas of retirement planning and risk management strategies, as well as assisting clients with choosing employee benefits that fit their needs.

Achieve Private Wealth helps 417-landers work to achieve their financial goals based on what is truly important to them. They are here to help you adapt to any changes you face along the way and formulate plans for both the expected and unexpected. Call today and start working with an advisor. Your brilliant future starts here.

CENTRAL BANK

417-881-3100

1800 S. GLENSTONE AVE., SPRINGFIELD

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 truly sets Central Bank apart is its integrated approach. 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.

GUARANTY BANK

Founded in 1913, Guaranty Bank continues to operate with a community mindset and a highly personalized approach to wealth. Its team provides customized investment management, financial planning, private banking accounts and tailored lending solutions, built around each client’s specific goals. Nothing is cookie-cutter. Every strategy is designed to reflect the individual sitting across the table.

Clients work directly with their banker, who remains accessible and responsive on their schedule. Meetings happen where and when they make sense, giving clients flexibility and control over their time. As a fiduciary, the bank places clients’ best interests front and center, proactively presenting options and offering a concierge level of service that simplifies complex financial decisions.

The ideal client is someone ready to be intentional about their financial future and open to a close advisory relationship. Many are busy professionals, business owners or families who value expert guidance and want a trusted partner to manage the details of their wealth so they can focus on what matters most.

For the team, the most rewarding part of the work is the relationships built along the way. Finance is personal, and Guaranty Bank treats it that way.

KPM WEALTH ADVISORS

KPM Wealth Advisors specializes in helping clients develop sound financial strategies. They educate clients about financial concepts and products and take the mystery out of investing, insurance, estate conservation and preserving wealth.

KPM Wealth Advisors offers a vast array of wealth management services to help families build, preserve and leave a legacy. They help clients manage their finances, develop a strategy, stay on track and better understand the big picture of both long- and short-term financial goals.

Planning for the future starts today. It’s important to work with advisors who will put the client at the center of their investment strategy by listening to their goals, dreams and challenges and providing customized solutions. KPM Wealth Advisors’ service approach is hands-on and personalized, fostering lasting relationships built on trust and collaboration. With dedicated advisors supported by a skilled team of tax, accounting, trust and estate* and investment professionals, clients receive the kind of attentive, friendly service needed from a financial planning firm.

SIMMONS BANK PRIVATE WEALTH

For more than 120 years, Simmons Bank - Private Wealth has been working with individual clients, businesses, family foundations, endowments and charitable organizations to provide fully coordinated planning and advisement to address their complex financial needs. Locally, their team of over a dozen specialized professionals provides comprehensive wealth solutions to clients and manages roughly $1.5 billion in assets.

Investment management is not just about finding the best stock or bond. Each individual has specific goals, risk tolerances and return objectives. Uniquely specialized investment managers take the time to understand those needs before the first security is purchased. Once investment objectives are determined, the team builds out a sophisticated, disciplined and diversified investment portfolio that is designed to meet their client’s needs.

In order to exceed their client’s financial goals, they create a plan. Financial and estate planning involves defining long-term objectives, implementing a plan and periodically assessing the results. Whether a client’s goals include retirement, charitable giving, business succession, protecting assets or leaving a legacy to the next generation, a team of planning experts can help navigate the changing legal and tax landscape to ensure goals are met.

Effective financial management is crucial to protecting and managing wealth, supporting the financial security of your loved ones, and building your personal legacy. They’re here to protect what you’ve built with customized trust and estate planning services for you and your family.

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ARVEST WEALTH MANAGEMENT

417-885-7244 | ARVEST.COM SPRINGFIELD

Working with a team of trusted financial experts is vital when planning for the future. With Arvest Wealth Management, individuals, families, businesses and institutions alike can get the support they need to build, manage, protect and transition their wealth. By focusing on understanding each client’s financial goals, Arvest Wealth Management advisors can provide customized advice and comprehensive solutions. In every stage of life, Arvest Wealth Management is dedicated to preparing you to handle major life events. To meet with a client advisor or trust officer in Springfield or the surrounding areas, call 417-885-7244, or find a client advisor at arvest.com/wealth.

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Biz 417 wants more women to share their stories through public speaking. This six-week program helps participants develop a clear, compelling message and build the confidence to present it. Apply today at biz417.com/remarkable

Game On or Game Over? How Sports Could Power Our Next Economic Boom

The business case for sports in the Ozarks is clear: Tourism dollars, packed hotels and regional visibility are on the table. Our next moves could determine whether the region keeps up—or falls behind. Are we willing to invest what it takes to compete?

BY TARYN SHORR-MCKEE WITH ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY ALYSSA RONEY

on any given weekend in springfield or branson, the signs are easy to miss—unless you know what you’re looking for.

Packed parking lots at parks and hotels. Out-of-state license plates. Teams unloading coolers, ball bags and folding chairs. Parents scanning schedules between games. It looks like competitive team sports, but it’s also something much bigger: an economic engine quietly but steadily gaining momentum across the Ozarks. Nationwide, sports tourism is a

more than $100 billion industry—and Missouri already ranks among the top 10 states benefiting from it.

From national youth tournament weekends to Division I college athletics and the possibility of professional soccer coming to town, the business of sports is no longer just about wins and losses. It’s about national exposure, visitor spending and how well-positioned Springfield and the surrounding region are to capitalize on the moment.

The Business Behind the Games

According to the Sports Events and Tourism Association, sports tourism is one of the most powerful drivers in the overall travel economy. Its 2023 State of the Industry Report showed $52.2 billion in direct spending and a total economic impact of $128 billion, supporting more than 757,000 jobs.

Even as the numbers predictably fluctuate year to year, the momentum hasn’t slowed. In 2024, spectator sports tourism generated $47.1 billion in direct spending and $114.4 billion in total economic impact, with nearly 110 million travelers attending events more than 50 miles from home— the majority staying overnight at least one night. Lance Kettering, Springfield Sports Commission Executive Director, who has reviewed the full report, shares that Missouri ranks 10th in the country in this sports travel category.

That kind of spending activity has a tremendous impact locally. “The sports tourism segment is vital for Springfield,” says Mark Hecquet, president and CEO of Visit Springfield. “It’s something the city is really well set up for in terms of our location, city structure and amenities.”

But there’s a catch.

“With growth comes competition,” Hecquet says. “Pretty much every city in the U.S. has identified sports tourism as an important economic driver for their communities, which means the process of attracting events becomes much more competitive.”

The opportunity is massive—but only if a city has both the infrastructure and foresight to compete for it.

College Sports, National Exposure

Missouri State University recently stepped into a new era in terms of its athletic programs. The Bears officially joined Conference USA in July 2025, transitioning from the Missouri Valley Conference and moving into the Football Bowl Subdivision—the highest level of NCAA Division I competition.

One of the biggest benefits of that shift is that it comes with increased national visibility. Certain home games played at Rob-

ert W. Plaster Stadium will be broadcast nationwide on ESPN platforms and CBS Sports Network. Especially noteworthy, the Bears’ schedule now includes Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday games in October, whereas it was always traditionally Saturdays only. Likewise, Missouri State University Athletics Director Patrick Ransdell says there has been an increase in game attendance, with the stadium up by a few thousand season ticket holders per game.

Ransdell also says that this will likely have a positive impact on enrollment at the university. “With our strategic plan taking shape, our goal by 2030 is to have 30,000 students,” he says. “So our exposure and [athletics] being the front porch of the university will enhance all of that and allow us to hit all those metrics that we’ve laid out there.”

That kind of exposure extends far beyond the field, shaping perception, recruitment and long-term economic potential. New teams coming into town means more new visitors and, in turn, more new tax dollars coming into the Springfield area.

Another aspect to college athletics is NIL (name, image and likeness). Relatively new at the university level, the NCAA only introduced NIL policies in 2021, allowing student-athletes to commercially control how their image is used. In other words, they can receive compensation for appearances, endorsements, social media content and more.

Rising stars like Jackson Cantwell, a standout Nixa athlete, top football recruit and the top-ranked 2026 offensive tackle in the entire country, command NIL deals worth millions. While he and his family haven’t made a public statement about it, Cantwell’s deal was reportedly worth over $2 million a year—one of the highest to date in college football.

That kind of money, and again, exposure, doesn’t just reshape individual players or even college athletics as a whole. It raises the profile of entire communities, putting places like Springfield and its surrounding areas into national conversations about recruitment and talent development.

Recent improvements at Plaster Stadium include a new playing surface with stateof-the-art artificial turf and enhanced fan amenities that reflect a broader momentum for Missouri State football. The progress coincides with the University’s move to Conference USA and the program’s firstever Bowl appearance in 2025.

The Soccer Play

Few projects better capture Springfield’s ambitions in the sports world than the proposed United Soccer League (USL) soccer stadium.

City leaders and the USL— the largest soccer organization in the United States—signed a joint letter of intent to explore the idea in late 2024, with the proposed stadium site in the Jordan Valley area.

That in itself is significant, as it would sit just blocks from the recently renamed Route 66 Stadium (home of the Springfield Cardinals and former-

“The sports tourism segment is vital for Springfield. It’s something the city is really well set up for in terms of our location, city structure and amenities.”

—MARK HECQUET, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF VISIT SPRINGFIELD

ly named Hammons Field), essentially creating a mini sports entertainment district.

“What was good about this was the USL came after Springfield,” says Stan Adams, Springfield Sports Commission’s Director of Sports Busi-

ness Development. “There’s a soccer community here with Sporting, Southwest Missouri Rush, Missouri State, Drury. There’s a lot of interest in soccer around this area, and in Missouri as a whole. I think that really attracted them.”

Beyond just interest in soccer, the sport has found its footing in 417-land. The city is home to Sporting Springfield, an affiliate club of the MLS’ Sporting Kansas City. MSU men’s soccer made six consecutive NCAA Division I tournament appearances between 2019–2024, while the women’s team made four successful NCAA tournament appearances and earned four conference tournament titles in the same number of years.

The big-picture vision goes far beyond a single team. Of note, the USL is exploring the

possibility of bringing men’s and women’s pro teams to Springfield. Adams says, “I think what they saw was the potential for growth. [...] Not just something in the short term, but in the long term as well, with a multipurpose stadium that would help, not only for the USL, but for the community.”

Underscoring that, Hecquet says, “Certainly any time you get interest from a professional franchise like the USL, it’s a really positive indicator of what the city is doing.”

That aligns with the league’s own outlook. “We are incredibly excited about the potential opportunity to bring both USL men’s and women’s teams to Springfield,” said USL deputy CEO Justin Papadakis in a 2025 press release. “The City of Springfield has a rich soccer culture and a passionate community of sports fans that aligns with the USL’s vision of growing the sport at all levels.”

It also fits into a broader outlook for the city. “As we prioritize Quality of Place and Economic Vitality, we seek diverse opportunities for our citizens and visitors,” says Amanda Ohlensehlen, the City’s Director of Economic Vitality. Ohlensehlen, who’s been heavily involved with the USL feasibility study, adds, “Implementation of the vision of Forward SGF calls for innovative collaborations and public-private partnerships such as this one […] to promote a spirit of community pride and add to the economic prosperity of our area.”

Interestingly, all of this is unfolding against a shifting regional and national sports backdrop. Kansas City hosts

six matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup this summer, bringing global attention— and the very real possibility of spillover tourism. At the same time, resentment around the Kansas City Chiefs moving to a new stadium in Kansas in 2031 underscores how quickly sports-driven economic opportunities can move across state lines. For Springfield, the message is clear: Moments like this don’t come around often. Often, very literally once in a lifetime.

Laying the Foundation

The good news is that Springfield isn’t just starting from

scratch. In fact, the past few years have brought steady investment in sports infrastructure. “There’s been continued investment in our sports facilities inventory,” Hecquet says. “What we’re seeing is what we’ve always believed: If you have the right venue(s), Springfield is a really, really desirable location.”

Recent additions in the last year and a half, including Wilson Logistics Arena at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds, the Cooper Park Soccer Complex and the Killian Sports Complex (primarily softball), drew immediate interest and activity. And the city contin-

REGIONAL INVENTORY

Our region is home to a wide array of competitive sports facilities. Here’s a snapshot.

ues to build on established anchors like the Springfield Cardinals, whose long-standing presence has helped define Springfield’s sports identity, particularly downtown.

“The real challenge in the sports tourism world is everything starts and stops with the venues you can offer,” Hecquet states. Five years ago, Springfield wasn’t competitive on that front—but that’s quickly changing.

The High Cost—and High Value—of Youth Sports

If the future of sports tourism in 417-land is still taking shape, one piece is firmly established: youth sports.

The average U.S. sports family spent $1,016 on their child’s primary sport in 2024, a staggering 46% increase since 2019, according to research from the Aspen Institute. Notably, this rate is twice that of economic price inflations in the U.S. during the same time period. Also, that figure accounts solely for straightforward fees such as team registration and the price of equipment; it doesn’t include any travel costs. Factoring those in, annual spending on one child’s primary sport can easily extend into the five-figure range. SportsEpreneur estimates that a family spends as much as $18,000 annually on travel and associated costs.

Multiply that across dozens, sometimes hundreds, of teams traveling for a single event, and the impact adds up fast: hotel stays, eating in restaurants, shopping, entertainment. Or, just as easily, and just as impactfully, those dollars leave the region. That’s the opportunity. And the risk.

SPORTS TOURISM IMPACT

Sports already provide a significant impact to our local economy, and the Springfield and Branson Sports Commissions have the numbers to prove it. In 2025 alone, the organizations attracted more than $115 million to the region. These numbers do not include the impact from local organizations like Heart of America Tournaments and Ballparks of America that attract more than 1,400 teams and the spending that comes with them each year.

IN 2025

An Already-Flowing Pipeline

Beyond sports fields and other facilities, the region is seeing substantial growth in the events themselves.

Organizations like family-owned Heart of America Tournaments (HOAT) bring a steady stream of competition to the area, from weekend volleyball tournaments to national baseball events. In February 2026 alone, HOAT hosted three weekend volleyball events at Allison Sports Town, bringing in 65 to 70 teams each weekend. This June, the organization will host 32 baseball teams from eight states for the AABC 18u Connie Mack World Series Qualifier, one of only seven of these qualifiers in the country.

In March 2026, Springfield also hosted the National Christian HomeSchool Cham-

pionships in basketball, drawing 416 teams for a full week.

Paul Satterwhite, one of four owners at Branson’s Ballparks of America, who’s also on the Branson Chamber Board of Directors and a partner at Spencer Fane, shared that Ballparks hosted just north of 800 teams in 2025 tournaments. Right at 90% of those teams were from out of the area, meaning more than 75 miles away, so they slept in hotels and primarily ate at restaurants and did activities in the Branson area.

These aren’t small gatherings. They’re multi-day events that fill hotels, restaurants and venues to capacity across the region, bringing in substantial tax dollars. And they’re just a slice of the broader picture, which also includes often-overlooked sectors like fishing tournaments and ar-

chery competitions—events that quietly generate significant traffic.

Branson’s Playbook

Branson offers a glimpse of what’s possible when a city fully embraces sports tourism. Playeasy.com, often called “LinkedIn for sports” and one of the largest digital networks for sports tourism and sporting event organizers, ranked Branson in its 2025 top five trending sports destinations. The platform dubbed Branson “a winning sports destination” and called it “America’s wholesome and affordable family entertainment capital.”

Kristina Hagey, Director of Sports Sales & Development at Branson/Lakes Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, was not surprised by Playeasy’s ranking.

“We are unique because we are a tourist destination, in addition to having some very well-designed sports facilities,” she says. “I know when people think of Branson, they often think live entertainment, lakes, family attractions, but

we really have another powerful story with sports tourism in our destination.”

That story is paying off. In spades. Hagey says, “In 2025, Branson wrapped our year with just under 150 sporting events, of which more than 40 were brought to our community by our CVB and our sports department.” These included a vast range of events, from local cheerleading competitions to larger events like Missouri state archery [Missouri National Archery in the Schools Program (MoNASP)] championship, held in March, that brings in more than 4,000 archers from across the state. Those 2025 events generated more than $70 million in estimated economic impact.

Ballparks of America contributed another $25 to $27 million throughout southwest Missouri, solely in baseball tournaments.

“Families and their athletes travel for tournaments and compete, not just in games, but they’re staying in our hotels, dining in our restaurants, visiting our attractions and

“Families and their athletes travel for tournaments and compete, not just in games, but they’re staying in our hotels, dining in our restaurants, visiting our attractions, shopping.”

—KRISTINA HAGEY, DIRECTOR OF SPORTS SALES & DEVELOPMENT AT BRANSON/LAKES AREA CVB

shopping,” Hagey says. “In most cases, they’re extending their stay to experience everything Branson has to offer. That sports tourism brings year-round visitation and new audiences. It has a meaningful economic impact into our community.”

That combination—sports plus entertainment—is hard to beat. “This area is going to thrive when it comes to youth

sports,” says Greg Snider, one of Satterwhite’s Ballparks of America partners. “There are so many areas where they’re trying to do this—building the facilities, trying to grow…but there’s not a lot else to offer in the community. They’re going to have a tougher time competing with areas like ours that have so much else to offer in addition to the sporting event itself.”

The Missing Piece: A Proper Convention Center

One of the biggest opportunities—and questions—in Springfield centers on a proposed new convention and events center.

“Cities typically build convention centers to help draw consumer spending from outside the community,” says Tim Rosenbury, City of Springfield’s Director of Quality of Place Initiatives.

But this one would be different, by design. “We’re also designing it as an event center for the community and the region; this facility has a distinctly public purpose,” Rosenbury explains. “Having the convention center would make Springfield competitive for convention and event business, including sporting events.”

Hecquet echoes this sentiment, seeing a convention and events center as part of a clear path forward. “It is really a major opportunity for us to further plant our flag in the ground that Springfield is a major sports tourism destination.”

Rosenbury estimates the ripple effect could exceed $1 billion in additional development, including a convention center hotel and the soccer stadium. However, on April 7, Springfield voters rejected a lodging tax increase that would have funded the project. As of press time, city officials have not identified next steps.

BY THE NUMBERS

Data indicates significant revenue growth is possible with a new convention and events center in Springfield, but the project hasn’t crossed the finish line yet. Will the community find a new way forward?

216 ONGOING FULL-TIME EQUIVALENT JOBS

80,000 HOTEL ROOM NIGHTS BOOKED ANNUALLY

164 PROJECTED ANNUAL EVENTS

180,000 PROJECTED ATTENDEES

$125,000 PER DAY IN VISITOR SPENDING

What Happens Next?

Springfield has all the pieces. New and expanding facilities. A steady stream of tournaments. A university rapidly gaining national exposure. A potential professional soccer franchise. A proposed convention and events center that could tie it all together.

But turning that into real sustained economic impact requires significant coordination, investment and, perhaps most importantly, timing. Because in today’s sports economy, standing still isn’t safe; it’s the third out.

The question for 417-land isn’t whether sports can drive growth, but whether the region is ready to fully step onto the field.

417-LAND’S

F O U N D I N G FAMILIES

Long before interstates s the internet, families staked their businesses and their future in southwest Missouri. Generations later, their descendants are carrying the mantle forward.

BY JENNIFER SWENSON

This summer, we will celebrate america’s 250th anniversary. It’s a remarkable milestone—an opportunity to reflect on our nation’s origins, its defining moments, its trials and triumphs. There will be pomp and circumstance, fireworks and parades, and backyard barbecues that stretch long past sunset.

Yet most of our history has been built quietly, by individuals who take risks and enterprises that take root. Our story is sustained by steady hands and long commitments. In southwest Missouri, some of our most enduring businesses started as modest family ventures seizing an opportunity and have grown into cornerstones of our regional economy and community life.

SPRINGFIELD NOTABLES

They weren’t all household names, but their impact on Springfield is hard to miss.—Dori Grinder

In this feature, we highlight three of 417-land’s founding families. Their businesses began with a leap of faith: A young veteran, Ben McDonald, who arrived in town on horseback and took a Depression-era job with the local grocer. The Ollis brothers, who were drawn to the promise of opportunity on Springfield’s growing Commercial Street. Father and son George W. and George M. Thompson, who entered the new and untested automobile business. What unites them isn’t how they started; it’s how they endured. Decade after decade, new generations entered the family business, and they built systems, created jobs and reinvested in our community. So let’s light some fireworks not just to honor America, but to honor those who still shape this place we call home.

1865 Sempronius H. "Pony" Boyd (1828–1894) serves as the judge who presided over the Hickok trial.

Boyd is credited with popularizing the nickname "Queen City" for Springfield. Together with Dr. E. T. Robberson and Charles E. Harwood, they convinced the South Pacific Railroad (later Frisco) owners to come through Commercial Street rather than the public square.

John

Slaveholder and Unionist Phelps was an attorney in Springfield after the Civil War. He served in the Missouri House and the U.S. House of Representatives and served as Missouri Governor from 1877-1881.

Jonathan

He served in that role for 38 years and is considered the father of the Springfield Public School system. He served on the school board and city council and was the mayor of Springfield from 1872-1873.

SPRINGFIELD GROCER COMPANY

FOUNDED IN 1865

Long before refrigerated trailers and technology-driven logistics, deliveries at Springfield Grocer Company (SGC) moved by horseback, wagon and rail. In the years following the Civil War, goods bound for the Ozarks were carried to general stores across the region. From ammunition and barbed wire to coffee and everyday sundries, if it could sit on a shelf, SGC probably supplied it.

One hundred and sixty years after its 1865 founding, President and CEO Jeff Tynes today oversees a company that has grown far beyond those early deliveries. The company now serves a core market across four states, supported by a network of 14 distribution centers reaching thousands of customers. A fourth-generation family owner, Tynes has been with SGC for over thirty years, working from truck driver to the top leadership role, while maintaining the family stewardship that has anchored SGC for over a century.

The foundation for this longevity was laid in the late 1920s, when Ben McDonald—Jeff Tynes’s great-grandfather—rose to lead SGC. As the consumer economy expanded, McDonald transformed SGC into a major supplier for regional grocers and helped establish its private-label brand, Yellow Bonnet Girl. In the 1950s, his son-in-law Walker Tynes became president, but after Walker’s passing in 1969, leadership transitioned to his wife, Suzanne McDonald Tynes, Ben McDonald’s daughter and Jeff Tynes’s grandmother.

“My

business. William guided SGC into the computer age and modernized operations.

Today, SGC invests heavily in technology across its transportation fleet, warehouses, sales teams and customer service platforms. Its proprietary app centralizes account management, communication and ordering. “We’ve planted a flag around delivering a great technology experience, and that sets us apart,” Tynes says.

Through decades of change, SGC’s throughline has been its strong, value-driven culture. “My father taught me that our integrity is our institutional fabric,” says Tynes. “Culture isn’t just a buzzword. It’s how we act every day and how we deliver success to our community and customers.” That commitment was evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, when SGC moved quickly to protect jobs and support employees. “We are people-driven, not shareholder-driven,” Tynes says, and this approach has allowed the company to navigate challenges while sustaining growth.

father taught me that our integrity is our institutional fabric. Culture isn’t just a buzzword. It’s how we act every day and how we deliver success to our community and customers.”

—Jeff Tynes

Suzanne recognized that grocery distribution was shifting toward cooperatives and large chains with their own supply systems. In 1972, SGC exited its retail accounts to focus exclusively on foodservice distribution for restaurants, health care facilities and other commercial institutions. It was a fundamental shift for the century-old business. Around the same time, Jeff’s father, William Tynes, joined the

1875 Homer Fellows (1832-1894) controls Springfield Wagon Company. Springfield Wagon Company began in 1872 as Springfield Manufacturing Company. After financial struggles of the Panic of 1873, Fellows and Robert J. McElhany took control and rebuilt it using Fellows’ innovative wagon design. Known as “the Old Reliable,” it became one of the leading wagon companies of its time.

It’s also a cornerstone of SGC’s community involvement. The company partners with organizations that help youth in need, care for the elderly and combat food insecurity. “We support countless organizations—with our hands, with fundraising, with food,” Tynes says. “Being a great community partner is a big part of what drives us.”

Looking ahead, SGC is investing in growth and innovation. The new distribution and culinary center in Tulsa expands service and training capabilities, while several heritage-inspired brands honor a legacy more than 160 years in the making. While SGC is 417-land’s oldest surviving continuously operating business, “it’s not about the years,” Tynes says. “Our responsibility is to carry the legacy forward, make it stronger and deliver on it.”

1905 Clymena Alice Underwood Vail O'Day Young (1853-1936) completes the Elfindale Mansion.

After a messy divorce from a multimillionaire, Young had the 27,000-square-foot home built. She named it Elfindale after the elves she could see dancing on foggy mornings. The property now operates as The Mansion at Elfindale bed & breakfast.

expanding

1911 John T. Woodruff (1869-1949) builds the Woodruff Building, known as Springfield‘s first skyscraper (now Sky 11). Woodruff, an attorney and developer, was instrumental in the development of Route 66, Kentwood Arms and Hickory Hills Golf Course. He advocated to bring the Frisco repair shops and the U.S. Medical Center for Federal Prisoners to Springfield.

1926 Lucile Morris Upton (1898-1992) begins as a newspaper reporter at The Springfield Leader. Upton broke barriers as the city's first female court reporter, covering the Greene County Courthouse. Upton was also a local historian and instrumental in the preservation of the Nathan and Olive Boone Homestead and Wilson's Creek National Battlefield.

SOLLIS/AKERS/ARNEY INSURANCE & BUSINESS ADVISORS

FOUNDED IN 1885

ixty years ago , springfield ’ s union stockyards went up in flames, destroying structures and killing livestock. While insurance carriers paid the costly claim, they refused to renew coverage, citing the risk of another devastating fire.

Yet Ron Ollis, who represented the stockyard account at Ollis & Company Insurors (now Ollis/Akers/Arney Insurance & Business Advisors, or OAA), wouldn’t take “no” for an answer. Ron stepped in with an unprecedented suggestion: Install a sprinkler system. Back then, sprinklers in a stockyard were unheard of, but the idea gained traction. The insurers saw that future risk could be mitigated, and the stockyard owner agreed to the substantial investment, which paid for itself over six years in lowered insurance premiums and safer operations.

It’s just one of many stories that illustrate OAA’s 140 years of business in Springfield. For four generations, the Ollis family has stood at the crossroads of people’s lives, helping individuals and businesses protect their livelihood, their property and their future. When the unthinkable occurs, they navigate the space between loss and recovery— between the insured and the insurer—advocating for fair outcomes and ensuring that life and business can move forward.

Although Hester had attended a business college, she had no formal experience. However, she was soon handling complex accounts. “My mother was a quick learner and tremendous listener,” Ron says. “People had a lot of confidence in her.” When Ron joined the business in 1958, Hester was his mentor. “I would struggle to write business letters and ask her for help. Thirty minutes later, I had a perfect letter. All I had to do was sign it,” Ron says. Their partnership helped carry the business into the corporate area, when it became Ollis & Company in 1962.

Twenty years later, under Ron’s leadership, the company adopted an Employee Stock Ownership Plan, or ESOP. The concept was new and somewhat radical for a family-owned business, because employees would become owners, but Ron knew it would be the catalyst for growth in the years to come. “It attracted capable people, provided retirement income, and allowed us to acquire other agencies,” says Ron.

"My mother was a quick learner and tremendous listener. People had a lot of confidence in her.”

—Ron Ollis

Founded in 1885 by brothers Alfred, Charles and Richard Ollis, the company—then called A.W. Ollis—was originally involved in real estate development, home loans and insurance. Over time, the second generation joined the family business, including brothers Lawrence and Alfred. In 1955, Lawrence died unexpectedly, and Alfred invited Hester Ollis—Lawrence’s widow and Ron’s mother—to join the company as business partner.

Today, Ron’s son Richard is leading Ollis/Akers/Arney Insurance & Business Advisors as CEO. “The growth under Richard’s tenure has been unbelievable,” Ron says. Firmly rooted in 417-land, OAA now has three locations and 65 employees and conducts business in 39 states. A dedicated community leader, Richard has served as past Chairman of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce and served on city council for six years. “Richard is continuing our longstanding devotion to bettering our community,” Ron says.

He adds, “My grandfather would be proud that our family has continued the business into the fourth generation. He would be pleased to see our work ethic and how we are always available to those in need of help.”

1933 Lester E. Cox (1895-1968) begins broadcasting on KWTO, the first radio station in Springfield. In 1949, Cox leads a series of capital campaigns to raise community money and federal matching funds for Burge Deaconess Hospital’s expansion. After his death, the hospital changes its name to Lester E. Cox Medical Center in his honor.

1953 Alberta Ellis (1909-1966) opens Alberta's Hotel and Snack Bar. Ellis owned and operated Alberta's Hotel and Snack Bar, the only full-service hotel in town that welcomed Black travelers in the early 1950s. From 1954 to 1966, her hotel was listed in The Negro Motorist Green Book, a travel guide that helped African Americans safely navigate the country during segregation.

With multi-generational leadership since its founding in 1885, the company transitioned from family-owned to employee-owned in 1982.

From left to

Richard Ollis (fourth generation), Hester Ollis (second generation and wife of Lawrence), cousins Joe and Ron

Hester Ollis joined the company as a business partner in 1955.

Norma

Founded in 1885 as A.W. Ollis, the company was located on Commercial Street for 90 years.

Champion, a well-known television personality as the host of "The Children's Hour" for 30 years, served on Springfield city council from 1987-1992. While serving in the Missouri House and Senate,she was instrumental in the name change from Southwest Missouri State University to Missouri State University.

1963 Wing Yin "David" Leong (1920-2020) invents Springfield-style cashew chicken. He owned Leong's Tea House at the time, and later opened the current Leong's Asian Diner with his son Wing Yee Leong, who still serves the dish today.

THOMPSON SALES COMPANY

FOUNDED IN 1919

or miles thompson , the best moment in the car business isn’t closing the deal; it’s handing over the keys. “I love seeing the customer pick up a new car. It’s like Christmas morning,” says Thompson, who is the Dealer President of Thompson Sales Company. Yet for Thompson, that singular moment doesn’t just represent a sale. It represents decades of trust, including repeat customers whose parents and grandparents purchased vehicles from the dealership long ago.

Since 1919, Thompson Sales Co. has been family-owned and operated. That year, father-son duo George W. and George M. Thompson, Sr. began selling used tires and wagons. Back then the business was called Thompson-Racine Tire Co., and the Racine Tire was guaranteed for an unprecedented 6,000 miles—so the company made #6000 its phone number. Within a few years, the business merged with others, changed its name, and moved to a larger facility. In 1927, it became a Cadillac franchise, and in 1932, added a Pontiac franchise.

During this time period, the company—then known as Thompson Tire Co.—opened the first “drive-in” service department in the area. The decision proved pivotal. Travelers journeying west along Route 66 made the business a trusted stop for motorists in need of service. “The drive-in really started building our identity as a first-quality service destination,” Thompson says.

by Thompson Sales Co. The moment was captured in a newspaper photo, with a Thompson Sales billboard towering in the background.

Thompson Sales Co. is no stranger to challenges. The company weathered World War II, when General Motors halted civilian vehicle production to build tanks. It has faced economic slumps, oil embargoes, tariffs, supply chain issues and rapid technological change. “In the mid-90s, we had to build a website. I had no idea what that meant,” Thompson says. “There are a lot of things we can’t control, and we have learned to pivot quickly to keep the business afloat.”

And afloat it has remained. The company added a GMC franchise in 1996, and today, its 14-acre location on Independence Street is staffed by 130 employees and has an inventory of more than 900 new and pre-owned vehicles, as well as a body shop, service center and parts department. This summer, the company will open a standalone quick-lube facility just west of the dealership.

“There are a lot of things we can’t control, and we have learned to pivot quickly to keep the business afloat.”

—Miles Thompson

By the 1950s, Thompson Sales Co. was a fixture of Springfield life. In 1952, President Harry S. Truman visited Springfield for a military reunion. During the parade in Truman’s honor, Ronald and Nancy Reagan—who were in town for a movie premiere—passed by in a Cadillac convertible owned

Through it all, one constant has been family leadership. Miles is a fourth-generation owner, serving alongside his uncle Lynn, who is Chairman of the Board. The dealership is supported by a team of family members in key roles and now extends into the fifth generation. Miles credits that continuity with fostering a workplace where employees stay for decades. “We treat our employees like family, and it benefits the customer in the long run,” he says.

Miles continues, “Our family is local, and we support many organizations and schools. This community has trusted us for generations. I don’t take any of it for granted.”

1995 Roseann Bentley (1936-2025) is the first female state senator elected from southwest Missouri.

Bentley helped found the first PBS station in southwest Missouri and was first president of the Junior League of Springfield, She served in the Missouri State Senate from 1995-2003, then served several terms on the Greene County Commission.

If you are interested in learning more about local historical preservation, visit Queen City Preservation at queencitypreservation.org.

Sources: John Sellars, executive director emeritus of History Museum on the Square; Brian Grubbs, local history and genealogy manager of Springfield-Greene County Library District; and Connie Yen, director of the Greene County Archives and Records Center

In 1952, future President

Thompson Sales Company was originally located on Kimbrough Street and featured the first drive-in service department in Springfield.

and service new automobiles

Building Smiles

Children’s Smile Center celebrates its 20th year with a bright new dental clinic in Nixa. More than double the square footage, the new Christian County facility allows the clinic to see more kids for dental care as well as creates additional capacity for future growth in its six-county service area.

BY DORI GRINDER

1With a goal to add interior ceiling height and a spacious feeling throughout, the lobby is filled with natural light and an openness that creates a warm welcome when patients arrive. The front desk area now has ample space for the team.

The Children’s Smile Center team worked closely alongside architects Arkifex Studios, developer Pitt Development Group and contractors Snyder Construction Group for several years leading up to the opening of the new clinic in January 2026.

3

4

5

Creative use of color is evident throughout the clinic. “At night the building becomes a piece of art,” says Jackie Barger, executive director of Children’s Smile Center.

A special focus for employees was considered in the design, which added a kitchen to provide them a place to have lunch and grab a fancy coffee.

Dental exam rooms have special, brightly colored pop-out window seats that provide extra room for family and additional comfort for patients.

A spacious community room doubles as the board room and includes a variety of seating options. Natural light pours in from a wall of windows.

The building includes a team suite, creating a private area for employees. The suite includes a bathroom, mother’s room and locker room for the staff.

Two waiting areas are located on either side of the lobby: one for teens and another (pictured) for younger patients. Each area includes multiple engaging activities to keep kids busy while waiting for their dental exam.

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Where to be for connection and collaboration

Li nk

Thomas Douglas challenges The Legacy Network cohort to consider how AI is changing the work we do.

Read more on p. 87.

WHERE TO BE

Calendar

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

DON’T MISS IT!

SMALL BUSINESS

LUNCHEON 2026

11 a.m.–1 p.m., Wednesday, May 6

The Springfield Chamber (springfieldchamber.com) hosts this annual ceremony and luncheon to honor the finalists for the W. Curtis Strube Small Business Award.

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

4–6 p.m., Thursday, May 7

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

MORNING BREW

7:30-8:30 a.m., Friday, May 8

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 hour to get connected.

RISE WITH ROSIE

8–9 a.m., Friday, May 8

The women of Rosie (rosiesgf.com) gather for casual coffee meet ups on the second Friday of each month.

WE&CO MEET & EAT

11:30 a.m.–1 p.m., Monday, May 11

Enjoy lunch with fellow community members every second Monday of the month, offered by We&Co (weandco.com). This month’s lunch is at Palm & Paddle Grille.

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON

11 a.m.–1 p.m., Tuesday, May 12

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 and news.

working event hosted by the Springfield Chamber of Commerce (springfieldchamber.com) will be at Big Shots Golf and guarantees an easy-to-follow format to grow your connections.

GOOD MORNING, SPRINGFIELD!

7:30–8:30 a.m., Thursday, May 14

NORTH SPRINGFIELD BETTERMENT ASSOCIATION LUNCHEON

11:30 a.m.–1 p.m., Thursday, May 14

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

WORKING WOMEN IN NIXA

11 a.m.–1 p.m., Tuesday, May 19

BIZ BLITZ

4–6 p.m., Tuesday, May 12

This quarterly net-

Knock out some networking before the day really begins at the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce’s (springfieldchamber.com) monthly breakfast event. Hear the latest news from the city, county and chamber.

COFFEE CONNECT

7:30–9 a.m., Friday, May 15

This drop-in event gives local women leaders the chance to meet Springfield Association for Women in Communications members in a casual breakfast setting (awcspringfieldmo.org)

Business advice often means most from someone who has been in your shoes. Enjoy lunch while meeting other businesswomen at this monthly event by the Nixa Area Chamber of Commerce (nixachamber.com) featuring speakers, lunch and networking.

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS 2026

4:30–6 p.m., Tuesday, May 19

Joplin Chamber of Commerce (joplincc. com) puts on this come-and-go networking event,

which includes drinks and light appetizers.

SMALL BUSINESS ACADEMY

5:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 19

We&Co (weandco.com) hosts this monthly business meeting at Big Whiskey’s on East Battlefield.

MAXIMIZE YOUR MEMBERSHIP

11:30 a.m.–1 p.m., Wednesday, May 20

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.

SPARTA CHAMBER MONTHLY NETWORKING MEETING

11:30 a.m.–1 p.m., Wednesday, May 20

Lunch will be provided at this monthly meeting for business leaders in the Sparta community. There is also an opportunity to share updates at the meeting, when attendees notify the chamber (spartaareachamber.org) in advance.

LADIES ONLY HAPPY HOUR

4:30–6 p.m., Wednesday, May 20

Join We&Co (weandco.com) every third Wednesday of the month to network and connect with like-minded businesswomen at Mully’s Patio and Pub.

WAKE UP REPUBLIC

8:30–9:30 a.m., Thursday, May 21

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

WE&CO BUSINESS MIXER

5–7 p.m., Monday, June 1

Monthly, free networking opportunity with We&Co (weandco. com) at the Where House Bar.

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON

11:15 a.m.–1 p.m., Tuesday, June 2

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

DON’T MISS IT!

SHE MEANS BUSINESS: REAL TALK FROM WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS

11:30 a.m–1 p.m., Tuesday, June 2

Join local women business leaders at a monthly luncheon for the Springfield Association for Women in Communications (awcspringfieldmo.org) professional networking organization. This meeting features local entrepreneurs Susie Farbio of Mama Jean’s, Cheryl Briggs of DermaHealth and Rachel Fortenberry of Fortified Elder Law.

GOOD MORNING, SPRINGFIELD!

7:30–8:30 a.m., Thursday, June 4

Knock out some networking before the workday begins at the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce’s (springfieldchamber.com) monthly breakfast event. This edition includes a state-of-the-city update.

FIRST FRIDAY COFFEE

7:30–8:30 a.m., Friday, June 5

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

WE&CO MEET & EAT

11:30 a.m.–1 p.m., Monday, June 8

Enjoy lunch with fellow community members every second Monday of the month, offered by We&Co (weandco.com). This month’s lunch is at Crave Mediterranean Cafe in Springfield.

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON

11 a.m.–1 p.m., Tuesday, June 9

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 and news.

NORTH SPRINGFIELD BETTERMENT ASSOCIATION

LUNCHEON

11:30 a.m.–1 p.m., Thursday, June 11

This monthly networking luncheon hosted by the North Springfield Better-

ment Association (nsbanet.com) is a great opportunity to meet driven community leaders.

BUSINESS

AFTER HOURS

4–6 p.m., Thursday, June 11

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

MORNING BREW

2026

7:30-8:30 a.m., Friday, Friday, June 12

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 to make connections.

RISE WITH ROSIE

8–9 a.m., Friday, June 12

The women of Rosie (rosiesgf.com) gather for casual coffee meet ups on the second Friday of each month.

WORKING

WOMEN IN NIXA

11 a.m.–1 p.m., Tuesday, June 16

Business advice often means most from someone who has been in your shoes. Enjoy lunch while meeting other businesswomen at this

monthly event by the Nixa Area Chamber of Commerce (nixachamber.com) featuring speakers, lunch and networking.

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS 2026

4:30–6 p.m., Tuesday, June 16

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

SMALL BUSINESS ACADEMY

5:30 p.m., Tuesday, June 16

We&Co (weandco. com) hosts this monthly business meeting at Big Whiskey’s on East Battlefield in Springfield.

SPARTA CHAMBER MONTHLY NETWORKING MEETING

11:30 a.m.–1 p.m., Wednesday, June 17

Lunch will be provided at this monthly meeting for business leaders in the Sparta community. There is also an opportunity to share updates at the meeting, when attendees notify the chamber (spartaareachamber.org) in advance.

ROSIE BOOK CLUB

4–5 p.m., Wednesday, June 17

Partake in this free and open networking opportunity with

Rosie (rosiesgf.com)

They offer a complimentary book club for anyone to join in on, discuss books and deepen connections.

LADIES ONLY HAPPY HOUR

4:30–6 p.m., Wednesday, June 17

Join We&Co (weandco.com) every third Wednesday of the month to network and connect with like-minded businesswomen at Mully’s Patio and Pub in Springfield.

WAKE UP REPUBLIC

8:30–9:30 a.m., Thursday, June 18

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

OFF THE CLOCK SOCIAL

4:30–6 p.m., Thursday, June 25

This event, exclusive to Republic Chamber (republicchamber. com) members, gives local business owners the opportunity to network in a relaxed setting at Miss Boston’s Cocktail Lounge in Republic.

Oza rk Community Awa rds Banq uet

Ozark Chamber of Commerce guests enjoyed an evening celebrating the outstanding individuals and businesses that serve Ozark. The event’s theme was Love Your Community.

FEBRUARY 7, 2026

The OC

100 Wise Women

This Rosie event, drawing inspiration from the Jefferson Dinner concept, attracted more than 400 attendees to engage in conversations guided by inspiring women from our community. The format is specifically designed to unlock the collective wisdom of the hundreds of women in the room.

MARCH 26, 2026

Oasis Convention Center

Celebration

Party: STC Fifth Anniversary

Springfield Tech Council celebrated its fifth anniversary and the end of Springfield Tech Week with a party for the tech community, including entertainment provided by 1980s tribute band Members Only.

MARCH 27, 2026

Veridian Event Center

Biz 417 ’s The Legacy Network

Cohort participants, speakers and mentors from The Legacy Network 2025-2026 wrap the final session at a happy hour reception featuring appetizers, cocktails and a chance to connect over what they learned.

MARCH 31, 2026

Show Me Chuy

Bri nging It All Back Home

tony lewis, springfield market president of the bank of missouri, has been in banking for 15 years. Before this, though, Lewis played professional baseball. His prowess took him to France, where he played for the Bois-Guillaume Woodchucks, and later to Canada after playing for Drury University in 2007. When he settled back in Springfield, however, something was missing. “I actually never fully scratched the itch of being done,” he says. This led him to found the Grip’N’Rip Baseball League in 2015 as a second chance for players. Since its founding, the league has expanded to six teams, with one in Branson, Nixa, Republic and Ozark and two in Springfield. Giving back to the community is important to Lewis, the league’s commissioner and owner. His league has donated around $10,000 to local charities including Care to Learn, ALS Battle for Bell and Community Blood Center of the Ozarks. To try out on June 13 at Meador Park, visit thegrbl.com.—Alyssa Roney

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