Columbia Business Times Jan 2018

CATCH UP WITH SOME 20U40 ALUMNI PAGE 62

Crosby r

2 RE A L FITN E SS

20UNDER40 CLASS O F 2 01 8

PEOPLE DRIVEN. TECHNOLOGY FOCUSED.

GFI Digital is a Value Added Reseller (VAR) of Cisco, HPE, VMware, and Dell EMC among others. Our tenured engineers work to consult, design, implement, and support your advanced technology needs. Services include networking, data center, security, backup, and applications.

Networking | Data Center | Security | Backup & Disaster Recovery | Applications

OFFICE EQUIPMENT ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY SERVICES MANAGED PRINT SERVICES MANAGED NETWORK SERVICES Andrea Paul, Sales Manager | 573-424-1864 | 4210 Phillips Farm Rd., Ste. 101, Columbia MO 65201 | GFIDigital.com

More than 322 Boone County residents struggled last year with utility assistance*. *211mo.211counts.org

During the winter months, United Way works to make sure that everyone

31% of households in Boone County spend over 30% of their income on housing, making it a challenge to

stays warm.

cover the cost of utilities.

Together, we can make sure that everyone has a warm place to stay.

If you would like to help, join us at uwheartmo.org or text ‘UWHope’ to 41444.

Heart of Missouri United Way

GIVE. ADVOCATE. VOLUNTEER. uwheartmo.org

This message is made possible with the support of

BUMPER CARS

LASER TAG

NE STALE?

GO CORPORATE TEAM BUILDING

BOWLING

KICK IT UP A NOTCH

SPORTS

ARCADE

CAFE

BAR

MEETING ROOM

PLEASE CALL RON OR JEFF LAZERLANES.COM | (573)447-6021 | 3412 GRINDSTONE PKWY 65201

8 JANUARY 2018

NO COVER • FROZEN DRINKS • BEER • MIXED DRINKS • SHOTS • BOTTLE SERVICE PINBALL MACHINES • ARCADES • SKEEBALL • POP-A-SHOT • AIR HOCKEY• FOOSBALL

SILVERBALLBAR.COM • 122 S. 9TH ST. MON-FRI 4PM - 1AM • SATURDAY 12PM - 1AM PLANNING AN EVENT? The Silverball Lounge is available for private events.

BMW of Columbia 1900 I-70 Drive SW Columbia, MO 65203 www.columbiabmw.com 573-446-2691

Visit BMW of Columbia for a test drive today.

THERE IS A SIMPLE SOLUTION ...

DON’T BE DISCOURAGED.

5. Price

4. Condition

3. Location

2. Availability of showing

1. Lack of aggressive marketing

5 REASONS WHY A HOME DOES NOT SELL:

DAYS ON Them: MARKET 332

DAYS ON Them: MARKET 92

DAYS ON Them: MARKET 556

HEATH HIGGINS ABR, GRI, E-PRO, RDCPRO

Us: 25

Us: 24

Us: 4

BEST SELLING AUTHOR | BROKER | OWNER 573-619-6308 | heath@heathhiggins.com

DAYS ON Them: MARKET 191

DAYS ON Them: MARKET 215

DAYS ON Them: MARKET 215

Us: 23

Us: 13

Us: 3

UNTIL THEY WERE LISTED & SOLD WITH US!

All of these homes sat on the market and failed to sell with other agents

carrie@heathhiggins.com 573-761-3343 Cell: 573-690-6195

CARRIE SPICER

AS SEEN ON:

“In Jefferson City & Columbia the agent you need to talk to is Heath Higgins!”

FROM FOX NEWS TV & RADIO

SEAN HANNITY

“If I were selling my home, I’d call Heath Higgins. Not only because his team, on average, sells a home every day and a half, but also because of his Guaranteed Sale Program!”

JACK FM RADIO PERSONALITY

TOM BRADLEY

“Call the agent I trust.”

FROM SHARK TANK ON ABC

BARBARA CORCORAN

HEATH IS ENDORSED BY MANY CELEBRITIES AND EXPERTS IN THE REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY BOTH LOCALLY & NATIONALLY

Find out what your house is worth at PriceForMyHome.com

Join Us...

From

YOUR MOST PRECIOUS AND PERSONAL EVENTS

To

CORPORATE GALAS AND CELEBRATIONS OF 5000 OR MORE

UCLUB.MISSOURI.EDU 107 Reynolds Alumni Center, Columbia, MO p573-882-2586/f573-884-7831

Images provided by Silverbox Photography

A

h, the annual 20 Under 40 Issue — a time to make us all take pause, assess where we are in our careers, and decide whether or not we’re winning at life. Have you started writing that book floating around in your head? Outlined the script for your documentary? Hired that consulCATCH UP WITH SOME tant to help build your side hustle into an empire?

20U40 ALUMNI No? Me neither.

The go-getters in the 20 Under 40 class of 2018 were selected because of something undeniable: they’ve taken action. The final selection process was tough, and not without debate. We received input from advisory committee members, 20 Under 40 alums, and CBT staff. I’d be fibbing if I didn’t admit it ON THE COVER was bittersweet when we selected the final 20.

Cory Crosby’s story is one you’ll not soon forget. He’s begun building Unsurprisingly, we receive hundreds of nominathe fitness empire of his dreams in tions, and the process is exhaustive. We also get unColumbia, and he’s just getting started. solicited (albeit welcomed) feedback, about the metThis image stood out to us, and it was rics used. Some ask, “Is this a popularity contest?” the unanimous choice for the cover.

Photography by Anthony Jinson.

Others wonder, referring to years past, if we could mix it up in the “sea of mortgage bankers.”

In response to such inquiries, I thought it might be helpful to give some insight on how these selections are made. Of course, we’re always beholden to the pool of applications received each year, and this year was particularly weighted with entrepreneurs, a clear theme you’ll see in this deserving set of recipients.

First, we start with the big picture: what has the nominee done? For instance, starting a business takes grit, keeping it going takes sacrifice, maintaining a community presence at the same time takes a maniac — and these are the types of traits that push candidates to the top of the pile.

Beyond that, what else makes someone a 20 Under 40 selection? Unsung heroes, those with stories of overcoming adversity, and that something “more” that makes them stand out. You’ll recognize it when you read their stories, and I’m confident you’ll agree with our choices.

Looking ahead, a major limitation that keeps us from being able to give credit where it might be due is key: an unthorough nomination. We can’t find a gem in pile of similar, brief stories unless the nominator helps us. What makes them different or exceptional? What makes them shine both within their profession and out?

An added tip is that one singular detailed, shamelessly-blush-inducing-bragging nomination outweighs several short-and-sweet clips. Keep an eye out for our call to action for the 2019 class in August and have those gushing love notes ready. There’s more than one 2018 nominee we’d like to see end up in next year’s class...in fact, we’ve already held over a few for a second look.

In the meantime, please join me in applauding this group of accomplished young leaders.

They’ve made our community better, and have much to be proud of.

PAGE 62

Crosby r

EDITOR'S PICKS Considering a little detox from your 2017 hangover? A good dose of juice never hurt anyone. Here are two of my favs from vendors and a good home remedy for those who like a daily helping.

2 RE A L F IT N E SS

20UNDER40 CLASS OF 2018

Salut,

@ Co l u m b i a B i z

Apple, orange, beet, and ginger juice. Add a shot of wheatgrass to really get going.

CHOCOLATE BANANA SMOOTHIE from Starbucks I’m not sure if this is technically “juice,” per se, but it’s my editor’s pick and I do what I want. Plus, it’s darned delicious.

A blended banana counts as juice, right?

I have mine made with almond milk — it makes me feel hip to nix the dairy.

DR. OZ’S GREEN DRINK I make this with a heavy-duty blender — sometimes you have to stir or strain it a little bit, but it’s worth it to prevent wasting all the fiber-rich pulp: 2 apples 1 celery stalk 1 cucumber 1/2 thumb ginger root Juice of one lemon Juice of one lime Parsley bunch 2 cups fresh spinach This stuff isn’t something you’d want to serve your guests for the taste, but it will give you a lift in the morning. For earthy sweetness, add a peeled, raw beet. It will make you feel super healthy and responsible, and it’ll turn the drink purple, which is fun.

Breck Dumas, Editor Breck@businesstimescompany.com

/Co l u m b i a B u s i n e ss Ti m e s

RING OF FIRE from Main Squeeze

Co l u m b i a B u s i n e ss Ti m e s .co m

Ed i to r @ B u s i n e ss Ti m e s Co m p a ny.co m COLUMBIABUSINESSTIMES.COM 15

OFFICE AND RETAIL SPACE AVAILABLE! S q ua re

w it h in d oo r R oo ft op d e c k e & ou td oo r s pa c

36,000+ sq. ft.

G re a t vi e w s of th e A ve n ue of th e C ol um n s & C ou rt h ou s e

Projecte d completio n Spring 2018

CALL FOR AVAILABILITY & PRICING! Direct: 573-424-2895 • Office: 573-449-6200

© 2016 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and 16the JANUARY Berkshire2018 Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.‰ Equal Housing Opportunity.

EDITORIAL Breck Dumas, Editor Breck@BusinessTimesCompany.com Matthew Patston, Managing Editor Matt@BusinessTimesCompany.com DESIGN/CREATIVE SERVICES Jordan Watts, Senior Designer Jordan@BusinessTimesCompany.com Keith Borgmeyer, Art Director Keith@BusinessTimesCompany.com Kate Morrow, Graphic Designer Kate@BusinessTimesCompany.com Cassidy Shearrer, Graphic Designer Cassidy@BusinessTimesCompany.com Sadie Thibodeaux, Graphic Designer Sadie@BusinessTimesCompany.com

Inside the Issue Memory Lane January is traditionally CBT’s 20 Under 40 reveal month, and for the last three years, a recipient has graced the cover. Remember these?

MARKETING REPRESENTATIVES Deb Valvo, Marketing Consultant Deb@BusinessTimesCompany.com Bonnie Hudson, Marketing Consultant Bonnie@BusinessTimesCompany.com Madison Love, Account Manager Madison@BusinessTimesCompany.com MANAGEMENT Erica Pefferman, President Erica@BusinessTimesCompany.com Renea Sapp, Vice President ReneaS@BusinessTimesCompany.com Amy Ferrari, Operations Manager Amy@BusinessTimesCompany.com Beth Bramstedt, Director of Content Beth@BusinessTimesCompany.com

Around the Office

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Breck Dumas, Keith Borgmeyer, Anthony Jinson CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jerry Dowell, Al Germond, Mike Grellner, Eli Marchbanks, Brenna McDermott, Maya McDowell, Teresa Parker, Jamie Patterson, Tony Richards, Jennifer Truesdale, Anne Williams INTERNS Nina Hebrank, Elizabeth Quinn, Chelsea Skidmore SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscription rate is $19.95 for 12 issues for 1 year or $34.95 for 24 issues for 2 years.

Subscribe at columbiabusinesstimes.com or by phone.

The Columbia Business Times is published every month by The Business Times Co., Copyright The Business Times Co., 2008.

All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of any editorial or graphic content without the express written permission of the publisher is prohibited.

OUR MISSION STATEMENT The Columbia Business Times and columbiabusinesstimes.com strive to be Columbia’s leading source for timely and comprehensive news coverage of the local business community. This publication is dedicated to being the most relevant and useful vehicle for the exchange of information and ideas among Columbia’s business professionals.

CONTACT The Business Times Co., 2001 Corporate Place, Suite 100 Columbia, MO, 65202 (573-499-1830) • columbiabusinesstimes.com

We hope your office had as much fun as ours did over the holidays.

We did a cookie contest and sock exchange.

Didn’t get tickets to the sold-out 20 Under 40 Gala presented by Joe Machens Dealerships? Join us for the official 20 Under 40 After-party at Silverball Bar and Arcade on January 18 from 8:30-11 p.m.

Contributors

Teresa Parker

Eli Marchbanks

Jennifer Truesdale

Maya McDowell

Write to CBT editor Breck Dumas at Editor@BusinessTimesCompany.com Breck@BusinessTimesCompany.com COLUMBIABUSINESSTIMES.COM 17

18 JANUARY 2018

JANUARY 2018 VOL . 24 / ISSUE 7

TA B LE OF CON T EN TS

The 20 Under 40 Issue

40

15 FROM THE EDITOR 17 INSIDE THE ISSUE 21 CLOSER LOOK 22 BRIEFLY IN THE NEWS 25 BUSINESS UPDATE Visionworks Marketing Group

28 NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT Presbyterian Children’s Homes

31 MOVERS & SHAKERS 33 P.Y.S.K.

Teresa Magruder, Shelter Insurance

37 7 QUESTIONS

Matt Garrett, KOMU 8

39 OPINION

TIF Approval Might Signal Change

73 MARKETING

20 Tools Under $40

75 ORGANIZATIONAL HEALTH Emotional Challenges Leaders Face

77 POLICY

Chamber Sets Policy Agenda

79 REAL ESTATE Tax Overhaul

81 ASK ANNE

Make the Right Hire

CBT’s 20 Under 40 They’re entrepreneurs, big thinkers, and the photos prove they like to have a little fun too. Meet the 20 Under 40 class of 2018, presented by Joe Machens Dealerships.

83 NEW BUSINESS LICENSES 84 DEEDS OF TRUST 85 ECONOMIC INDEX 87 BY THE NUMBERS 89 THIS OR THAT Kerrie Bloss, Boys & Girls Clubs

90 FLASHBACK

McClain Furniture Store Building

62

66

Where Are They Now?

More Than a Job

CBT has been recognizing the up-and-coming young professionals of Mid-Missouri for over a decade. We sat down with a few past recipients to find out what they’re up to.

When work is a passion and a calling, there’s no such thing as retirement. These Columbia professionals have no plans to slow down: for them, work is a life’s fulfillment.

20 JANUARY 2018

BUSINE SS • P EOP L E • IM P R OV EM EN T • F YI

C LOSER LOOK

Closer Look

34th Street Marketing

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop

Kolu

All companies, no matter how big or small, need some kind of marketing component; it’s a vital part of the business world. Figuring out the right approach to connect with people can be a stressful task, especially for smaller companies or businesses trying to develop their audience.

Some things are best left to the professionals.

34th Street Marketing provides marketing solutions for businesses, offering video capabilities and more. Custom videos and personalized media can offer businesses a unique space in the minds of their customers; videos can build a brand’s image and be easily accessible to their clients.

Owner Jill Dudley graduated from Columbia College in 2007 before embarking on a career in marketing and management. 34th Street Marketing’s current clients include Las Margaritas and Serve It Up CoMo. In addition to producing videos, 34th Street Marketing can also help clients with website creation, marketing consulting, and social media management to connect with potential customers.

Tacos aren’t just meant for Tuesday.

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop’s original home is in Fort Worth, Texas, where it was founded in 2003. It has since expanded to more than 100 locations across the country, which now includes downtown Columbia.

Fuzzy’s prides itself on having frosty drinks and good vibes — they want to be the kind of place that you would never want to leave. Their menu includes tacos, of course, but it expands beyond that as well, including burrito bowls, burritos, nachos, soups and salads, and dinner plates (and that’s not even mentioning the breakfast menu, with ingredients like potatoes, eggs, cheese, shrimp, and bacon.). Their stylish fare is popularly paired with a frozen margarita, some chips and guacamole.

Fuzzy’s will soon open a second Columbia location at 205 E. Nifong.

From morning to midnight and any day of the week, Fuzzy’s is around to satisfy your cravings.

We all want to travel and to make the most out of our vacation days, but when planning trips, it can be difficult finding fun places to go — the restaurants, shops, or hidden gems that only locals know about.

The Kolu app, which launches at the end of January 2018, is the solution to help you no longer feel like a tourist on vacation. Kolu provides local guides that are matched with you based on your interests and theirs. The guides then connect with you through the app and give you insight on what there is to do in the area.

Kolu, formerly known as The Global Hiker, is the intersection between travel and technology. The company sees the app as an opportunity to create a more connected and cultured world by turning everyday trips into real experiences.

Riley De León, co-founder and chief marketing officer for Kolu, says, “It’s our goal to bring human connection back to technology by putting a higher premium on who we place in these guide positions.”

Address: 701 E. Broadway Contact: 573-529-6675 Website: 34thstreetmarketing.com

Address: 132 S. Ninth St. Contact: 573-214-2851 Website: Fuzzystacoshop.com

Address: 500 E. Walnut St., Suite 102 Contact: riley@koluapp.com Website: koluapp.com

Are you an entrepreneur? Are you sprouting a new business? Tell us about it at Editor@BusinessTimesCompany.com COLUMBIABUSINESSTIMES.COM 21

BUSINE SS • P EOP L E • IM P R OV EM EN T • F YI

Briefly in the News JANUARY 2018

BUSINESS

BUSINESS PARK IN MOTION The Potterfield family hosted a private preview of the new Cartwright Business & Technology Park, located between U.S. Highway 63 and Columbia Regional Airport.

Larry Potterfield, of MidwayUSA, has described his vision for the park being “the best, most respected commercial development in Central Missouri for the benefit of our community.” The park spans 447 acres of land and offers 15 lots for commercial and industrial use. The lots can house buildings between 4,000 and 400,000 square feet.

EDUC AT ION

ONLINE ACCOUNTING DEGREE MU now offers a 100 percent online master of accountancy degree from the Trulaske College of Business. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment in the field to grow 10 percent between 2016 and 2026.

NON PROF I T

WEEK OF GIVING Veterans United Home Loans’ charitable arm, the Veterans United Foundation, gave five local charities $10,000 each as part of their national Week of Giving campaign. The recipients were Rainbow House, Loves and Fishes, Turning Point, Assistance League of Mid-Missouri, and Welcome Home.

22 JANUARY 2018

“Making our degree available online gives students and working professionals the chance to be part of a nationally ranked program and broadens their access to an extensive network of faculty and accounting industry peers.”

— Vairam Arunachalam, Director of the MU School of Accountancy

BR I EFLY I N T H E N EWS

EDUC AT ION

BOONE HOSPITAL TOP NURSE EMPLOYER Nurse.org, a leading career website for nurses, recognized Boone Hospital Center as one of the top hospitals for nurses to work for in Missouri.

The website collected more than 1,100 surveys from nurses working in 107 hospitals in the state about their workplace satisfaction. Boone Hospital nurses listed supportive co-workers, flexible scheduling, and high patient satisfaction as benefits of working at Boone, and 95 percent of the nurses surveyed recommended the hospital as an employer.

H E A LT H

VA OFFERS TELE-ICU The Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital’s new intensive care unit now has access to Tele-ICU, a supportive service provided by VA intensivists in Minneapolis. The program went live December 12. Tele-ICU provides virtual access to intensivists, physicians with critical care training, allowing them to consult with patients in intensive care. Tele-ICU physicians provide support that improves patient care and ensures best outcomes.

EDUC AT ION

MU ENDOWMENT CROSSES $1 BILLION MU’s endowment has crossed the $1 billion mark, a feat achieved by only 37 other schools. Thanks to new private gifts and stock market growth, the endowment has grown by more than $400 million in the six years since the start of the Mizzou: Our Time to Lead campaign. MU is the seventh school in the SEC to reach the benchmark.

C ULT UR E

MISSOURI ARTS AWARDS The Missouri Arts Council recognized the Ragtag Film Society with the 2018 Arts Organization of the Year award. The Missouri Arts Awards recognize people and organizations that make profound and lasting contributions to the cultural and artistic climate of the state. The awards will be presented on February 7, 2018, in the Capitol Rotunda in Jefferson City.

COLUMBIABUSINESSTIMES.COM 23

Mercedes-Benz of Columbia

1710 I-70 Drive SW • Columbia, MO 65203 • (573) 886-7040 Columbiamercedesbenz.com 24 JANUARY 2018

BUSINE SS • P EO P L E • IM P R OV EM EN T • F YI

B U SI N ESS U PDAT E

Serious About Fun Visionworks Marketing Group focuses on culture.

BY JENNIFER TR UESDA L E | P HOTOG R A P HY BY K E I TH B O R G M E Y E R

From left: Alexandra Wilkshire, Jacqueline LeBlanc, Charlie Duber, Lili Vianello, Eric Hulting, Melissa Boukezzoula COLUMBIABUSINESSTIMES.COM 25

BUSINE SS • P EO P L E • IM P R OV EM EN T • F YI

DO NOT CHALLENGE LILI VIANELLO to a game of pinball unless you’re prepared to be humiliated.

Last January, Vianello snagged a Spider-Man pinball machine at the Ronald McDonald House Charities Red Shoe Gala’s silent auction and decided it would be perfect for the Visionworks Marketing Group office, located in a suite on Peach Way. It’s part of her efforts over the last few years to bring more fun to her company’s work environment.

“I love pinball, and I love Spider-Man,” Vianello says with a laugh.

This March, Visionworks, a full-service marketing agency, turns 23. Since 2011, the company has won 29 awards, including MarCom and Davey awards, for work it has completed for clients such as the Missouri Symphony Society, McDonald’s, the American Heart Association, and Flat Branch Pub and Brewing. In two-plus decades, Vianello has grown Visionworks from a part-time gig run out of her home to a full-fledged business with eight other team members and half a dozen freelancers. Each sports a business card with a quirky job title: Vianello is “Top Dog,” other team members are “Artful Dodger,” “Word Slinger” and “Rebel by Design.” The company is anything but humdrum.

“When I started the business, the fun stuff was having my dogs around — occasionally, they do come to the office here,” Vianello says. “I don’t know if I’ve mellowed over the years, but the Lili of 15 years ago wouldn’t have been comfortable with a pinball machine in the office. Now, I think it’s good for the psyche and good for the work environment.”

MAKING CULTURE A PRIORITY Even though business was booming, Vianello went through what she calls an existential crisis about three years ago. After running her own business for so long, she began to question her next move.

“I started something, blinked, and 20 years went by,” she says. “I started to question what was next. If I closed Visionworks, what would I do instead? After a year of pondering this, I decided I do want to do this, but not the way I’ve done it the past 20 years.”

Instead of doing something different, Vianello decided she wanted to enjoy her work more. She began to infuse the Vision26 JANUARY 2018

From left, back row: Jacqueline LeBlanc, Charlie Duber, Lili Vianello, Eric Hulting, John Shrum; From left, front: Alexandra Wilkshire, Melissa Boukezzoula

works culture with more opportunities for professional development, community involvement, and team bonding.

For the last couple of years, Visionworks has closed at noon every Friday to provide time for these activities. Professional development opportunities have included Leadercast and visiting a print shop in St. Louis (followed by a trip to the St. Louis Art Museum and a Cardinals game). They’ve volunteered at the Columbia Center for Urban Agriculture and the Central Missouri Humane Society, and some Friday afternoons, they stay

in the office to play charades, challenge each other to a round of five-foot-tall Jenga, and have pinball tournaments. They’ve even been known to challenge their clients on the Spider-Man machine.

“When you have the opportunity to get outside of the work environment, it solidifies the team,” says Vianello. “We are what our business is. By that token, I want it to be fun. We spend more time here than with our family and friends.”

Melissa Boukezzoula, or “Sister Do-Much,” as her business card says, agrees that their Friday afternoon activities help build cama-

B U SI N ESS U PDAT E

raderie. As project manager for the past three years, Boukezzoula has been on board to see the transition to a more laidback workplace.

“Even before I came here, I knew the value of company culture.

That will make or break it for some people,” says Boukezzoula.

“Hats off to Lili for realizing that. It’s not so stiff and staunch.

We’re laid back, but we also know when to put the pedal to the metal and get things done.”

Creating a relaxed yet energizing environment has been a priority for Visionworks. The walls throughout the office don a variety of art pieces that Vianello has collected over the years.

Boukezzoula has gotten the team involved in the Ellis Fischel Cancer Center Artful Bra auction, and particularly inventive pieces are proudly displayed throughout the space.

Vianello says the outcome of this upbeat work culture has been creating a safe place for the team to be creative and speak their minds.

“Having an environment where you realize it’s safe to say, ‘This could be better than it is’ is the first step to company culture,” Vianello says.

John Shrum, Visionworks’ “Smooth Operator” marketing consultant and Vianello’s husband, agrees and says the culture affects the team on a deeper, psychological level.

“It reaches a different place in the subconscious mind,” Shrum says. “It makes it a safe place to work. You know it’s okay to disagree with someone. It makes for candid, collaborative conversation.”

BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE As Vianello looks ahead, building and maintaining the Visionworks culture also means hiring the right team members.

Whereas she used to hire employees she felt comfortable with, she now looks for people who will challenge her and take the company to new levels.

“I’m the continuity for 23 years,” Vianello says. “But I’m sure I wouldn’t be where I am without the people who have worked for me. I’ve had to go out and find the best people for the job.”

Vianello’s advice for creating a desirable workplace is to not force it.

“I think part of it is not necessarily having a plan,” she says.

“I didn’t go to the Ronald McDonald House Charities gala with the intent of coming back with a pinball machine. You have to be adaptive and open.”

Vianello says it’s also about making a commitment to enjoy your work as much as possible: “I’m not a frivolous person. Most people would say I’m quite serious. But now I’m also serious about striving to have fun. A year from now, I want to be thankful for laughing more.” CBT

Visionworks Marketing Group 204 Peach Way, Ste. H visionworksgroup.com | 573.449.8567 COLUMBIABUSINESSTIMES.COM 27

B USINE SS • P EO P L E • IM P R OV EM EN T • F YI

Transitioning from Foster Care Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services of Missouri touches lives in Boone County.

BY ELI MA RCHBAN KS

FOSTER CARE ORGANIZATIONS DO selfless work to keep countless children from homelessness. But those children grow up — and then what happens to them? Many young people transitioning to adulthood have families who are able and willing to help, but foster children don’t have this luxury. The National Institute of Health conducted a study on children who grew up in foster care and found 46 percent of the children in their study had experienced homelessness at least once before they turned 26.

Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services of Missouri (PCHS) is working to lower that percentage and help foster children transition 28 JANUARY 2018

into a brighter, more hopeful adulthood. In Boone County, PCHS offers transitional living for girls as well as therapeutic mentoring for children and teens. All PCHS services are provided for free in all counties where PCHS offices are located (Boone County, St. Francois County, Greene County, and St. Louis).

INDEPENDENT SUPERVISION “We serve girls ages 16 to 21 and we provide them with tools for independent living,” says Dana Ortman, site manager of PCHS’s Raleigh House for Girls in Columbia, which offers residential services.

Having a transitional living facility helps the girls focus on things like school work and saving money from their jobs. Even after these girls have gone into the community, they still receive support from PCHS. “We’ve seen what happens when girls enter the community with minimal supervision,” says Jason Beard, mentoring services manager at PCHS, “and they’re often unsuccessful.”

Beard says PCHS tries to offer the best of both worlds, allowing the girls to learn independently while also offering the structure of staff support. Even when the girls move to a truly independent living situation,

N ON PR OFI T

Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services of Missouri

Deborah Olson

they can continue to receive support from the Missouri Children's Division and other social service professionals until deemed no longer necessary.

MISSION “We provide Christ-centered support care and support to children and families in need.”

STAFF IN COLUMBIA 21 staff members working at both the Raleigh House for girls and the Therapeutic Mentoring Program

NEEDS FROM THE COMMUNITY Volunteer mentors and nice clothes for young people for job interviews.

BOARD MEMBERS IN COLUMBIA • Deborah Olson • Larry Dew

ON THE HORIZON Merger with Presbyterian Children’s Home & Services of Texas in 2018

MENTORING FOR ALL Part of the support PCHS offers in Boone County is therapeutic mentoring for foster children who’ve experienced trauma.

“Years ago, there wasn’t a lot of focus on trauma and how that affects kids throughout the rest of their lives,” Beard says. “I was amazed at how [trauma] affects brain development, overall health, and life expectancy.”

Therapeutic mentoring is something that PCHS offers to everyone who comes through their program, but the term mentoring is not clinical by definition. Mentors, who can be either male or female, are volunteers who spend time with their mentees and work on skills like building relationships, professional behavior at work, and even things like basic car maintenance. “These kids come from facilities where everything has been done for them and they really need to learn how to handle their own lives,” Ortman says.

In addition to volunteer mentors, PCHS also works to recruit individuals who have had experiences with high risk youth. Those recruited have backgrounds (whether educational or occupational) in human services, education, early childhood development, and sociology.

Therapeutic mentoring is something that PCHS would like to make available to all children in Columbia Public Schools. It’s a real possibility, Beard says, since PCHS announced it will merge with an affiliate organization, Presbyterian Children’s Homes & Services of Texas, in 2018.

According to Beard, the merger “allows both groups to combine resources, and it will make us a larger agency that can provide

Larry Dew

more services and should be very positive.”

PCHS of Texas serves approximately 2,800 children and families each year.

A GROUP EFFORT The community can also help by donating professional clothes that a young person might wear at a job interview. Many PCHS clients have little more than a pair of blue jeans and a couple of T-shirts and could use some clothes that would be more appropriate for attaining a job.

Beard credits many Boone County organizations for support of their programs, like the Boone County Children’s Services Fund, Boone County Family Resources, and Family Access Center of Excellence of Boone County.

“These kids really are our future, and so the community needs to embrace them,” Ortman says.

PCHS would like to continue growing and developing their programs and incorporate people who would like to support them. Beard says PCHS would like more partnerships with MU, for instance — working with students of social work and psychology would be beneficial. “We’ve recruited some students,” she says, “but I’d like to get the university even more involved.”

While they look for ways to expand their services for those in foster care, it’s important to note that PCHS does not help only children who’ve been in the system. “The mentoring is a service that is free to residents of Boone County,” Beard says. “Kids don’t have to come to us from foster care or from the courts. A parent can pick up the phone and say they would like for their child to have a mentor. And we can help them out with that.” CBT

Presbyterian Children's Homes and Services 409 Vandiver West, Bldg. 5, Ste. 203 573-442-9916 missouri.pchas.com COLUMBIABUSINESSTIMES.COM 29

Jobs change.

Markets shift.

Life happens.

EdwardJones.com Member SIPC

And it’s my job to provide the financial advice that fits your goals, budget and situation.

If your retirement portfolio is in need of some serious scrutiny, we should talk. My clients receive regular reviews to assure that any necessary adjustments happen sooner rather than later.

Kathy Lou Neale Financial Advisor 30 JANUARY 2018

To make sure your retirement stays on track, call me.

573-442-9590 | Woodrail Centre | Columbia |

B U SINESS • PEOP LE • IM P R OV EM EN T • F YI

M OVER S & SH AKER S

Movers & Shakers JANUARY 2018 SIDES

Leadership Columbia 2018

Don Sides

Elizabeth Mendenhall

The Columbia Chamber of Commerce announced its Leadership Columbia class of 2018: Matt Breske, Application Software Inc.; Heather Brown, Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital; Gavin Bryan, Manor Roofing and Restoration Services; Randy Cole, City of Columbia; Stacey Cole, Joe Machens Dealerships; Tania Cook, Job Point; Jerry Dowell, Columbia Chamber of Commerce; Logan Gray, Landmark Bank; Aric Jarvis, The Broadway; Jennifer McDonald, Shelter Insurance Companies; Craig Meyer, Providence Bank; Paul Moen, Marberry and Eagle, CPAs; Missy Montgomery, Columbia College; Patrick Morris, Isle of Capri Casino and Hotel, Boonville; Shelley Naydyhor, MU Health Care; Ashley Otte, City of Columbia Convention and Visitors Bureau; Mike Parks, Columbia Regional Airport; Alex Radman, Re/Max Boone Realty; Julie Rinehart, Columbia Insurance Group; Brad Roling, Central Bank of Boone County; Gary Sabrowsky, 3M; Meagan Schaffner, Bucket Media Inc.; Mike Seda, Tiger Institute for Health Innovation and Cerner; Nevada Shelkey, TrueSon Exteriors; Maggie Skinner, Columbia Family Law Group LLC; Nathan Todd, bleu Events; Tatha Todd, First State Community Bank; Chris Unnerstall, Commerce Bank; Kari Vogt, The Trust Company; Jessie Yankee, Midwest Computech; and Valerie Zumwalt, Show Me Leaders.

Sides recently joined the Igniting Business team as IT manager. Sides brings over 20 years of IT support and operations management to his role and will oversee IT specialists and assist small business clients.

Mendenhall is the 2018 President of the National Association of Realtors, the country’s largest trade association, representing 1.3 million members. Mendenhall is the CEO of Re/Max Boone Realty and has been a Realtor for 20 years.

Kasey Schaumburg Schaumburg has been named interim executive director of First Chance for Children. She joined the FCFC team in August 2015 and has served in several roles including executive assistant and parent educator.

Kathleen Murphy Murphy has joined Commerce Bank as a small business banking specialist. She’ll be responsible for the bank’s small business banking product packages and money management solutions for small business owners. She has more than 30 years of experience in finance and nonprofit administration.

Kelly Gilbert Landmark Bank named Gilbert senior vice president for commercial lending in Columbia. Gilbert has nearly three decades of experience and will strengthen business development efforts and prospecting for new commercial customers. Gilbert served at Landmark for 12 years before moving to Warrensburg, where she worked as market president for U.S. Bank and in two other banking leadership roles.

Emily Spain A Columbia native and award-winning journalist, Spain returned to KOMU 8 news as co-anchor with Jim Riek for KOMU 8 News at 5:00, 6:00, and 10:00 as well as KOMU 8 News at 9:00 on Mid-Missouri’s CW. Spain previously anchored the morning newscast from 2012 to 2014 before taking a job as a reporter in Greensboro, N.C. She is a graduate of the Missouri School of Journalism.

Central Bank of Boone County Central Bank of Boone County named Jesse Walters a relationship manager. In that role, Walters will primarily work with business owners on their finances. Central Bank also named Ashley BOWMAN the manager of the Smiley Lane Bank branch. She will oversee the day-today operations of the bank. She has been with Central Bank of Boone County since November 2013.

Dr. Nathan Miller Columbia College promoted Miller from senior director for student success and financial aid to associate vice president of Adult Higher Education, the division of the college that supports more than 30 Columbia College locations across the country.

MURPHY

GILBERT

SPAIN

MENDENHALL

BOWMAN

Tana Benner Columbia attorney Tana Benner opened her own law firm, Benner Law, in October. Benner’s practice focuses on family law and divorce. She has worked exclusively in family law matters for more than a decade. Prior to opening her own firm, Benner was an attorney at Columbia Family Law Group. CBT

MILLER

BENNER

Are you or your employees making waves in the Columbia business community? Send us your news at Editor@BusinessTimesCompany.com COLUMBIABUSINESSTIMES.COM 31

LA SIK | Cataract Surgery | G l aucom a | Dry Ey e

COMMON MYTHS ABOUT LASIK SURGERY:

• You can be too old for laser eye surgery • You could end up with worse vision than before the procedure.

• You could go blind because of laser eye surgery.

• LASIK is for the nearsighted only.

• LASIK is not affordable.

• LASIK surgery only lasts a few years.

• LASIK doesn’t treat astigmatism.

Schedule your consultation today and get the real truth about your treatment options.

We are mid-Missouri’s exclusive provider of the Intralase technology for all-laser vision correction. (iLASIK) This advanced technology allows us to treat corneas that were once considered too steep, flat or thin for previous laser treatment.

Learn more about how you can take control of your vision by visiting RestorationEyeCare.com 537-441-7070 | 1410 Forum Katy Pkwy Columbia

Congratulations to our

2017 National Philanthropy Day Award Honorees!

These recipients are honored for their gifts of time, expertise and resources that contribute significantly to the success of the not-for-profits they serve.

The Connection Exchange

Brooke Berkey

Hy-Vee of Columbia

Teresa Maledy

AFP Central Missouri Chapter is a professional association whose membership is comprised of persons involved in development, grant writing, non-profit management, and fundraising consulting that is dedicated to fundraising and philanthropy. It is a chapter of the international organization, Association of Fundraising Professionals. To attend a meeting and learn how to become a member please visit afpcentralmo.afpnet.org.

32 JANUARY 2018

Greg Jones

Monica Watkins Collins

B U SINESS • PEOP LE • IM P R OV EM EN T • F YI

P E R S ON YO U SH OU LD KN OW

TERESA MAGRUDER EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND TREASURER | SHELTER INSURANCE Job description: Executive responsibility currently overseeing accounting, human resources, Shelter Life Insurance Company, and a property and casualty subsidiary, Haulers Insurance Company, based in Columbia, Tennessee.

Years lived in Columbia/MidMissouri: All of them!

Original hometown: Columbia.

Education: Product of the Columbia Public School system and graduate of Hickman High School. I got a Bachelor of Science in accountancy from MU, and I’m a CPA. Favorite volunteer/community activity: The Heart of Missouri United Way serves many needs in the community and brings various services together to make the whole much greater than the sum of the parts. I’ve been involved with the Heart of Missouri United Way in various capacities, starting as a donor in 1987. I’ve participated in many Days of Caring, was a loaned executive in 1992, and served on several committees and the board of directors. My current service as the president of the board continues to open my eyes to the needs of the community and the great people who work tirelessly to fill those needs.

Professional background: Thirtyfour years at Shelter: internal auditor; various operational management roles; vice president and general manager of Shelter Life Insurance Company; and executive vice president since 2012.

A Columbia businessperson I admire and why: Teresa Maledy, at Commerce Bank, has an incredible talent

Photography by Keith Borgmeyer

COLUMBIABUSINESSTIMES.COM 33

B U SINESS • PEOP LE • IM P R OV EM EN T • F YI

P E R S ON YO U SH OU LD KN OW

for bringing people together for a common good. She shares her passion and moves it into action.

Why I’m passionate about my job: The insurance industry helps customers recover when they experience certain losses, many of which are once-in-a-lifetime events that can be personally traumatic. Our work is to fulfill our promise whenever those things happen. Delivering personal customer service is what it is all about.

Greatest strength: Although I’m not a great cook, I do get requests for my green beans and pecan pie.

Greatest weakness: Snacking.

Why I’m passionate about my company: Shelter is a stable, secure, socially responsible organization. We are committed to our policyholders, and customer service is our core competency.

The responsibility to our employees in providing them a safe, efficient work environment and a means for providing for their families is critical to our success.

Shelter is committed to supporting the communities in which we operate and we encourage our employees to volunteer and contribute in positive ways.

Accomplishment I’m most proud of: Raising two great young ladies.

The next challenge facing my industry: To pick just one, I’d say technology (known in the industry as ‘insurtech’). Integrating appropriate technology to improve efficiency in multiple areas without sacrificing personal service will be an important consideration going forward.

Favorite place in Columbia: Home with family.

What people should know about this profession: Often people think only of sales careers when they hear ‘insurance,’ but there are a variety of career opportunities in the insurance industry and needed skill sets. The insurance industry requires nearly every profession in order to operate.

34 JANUARY 2018

“If you take care of your employees, they will take care of the business.”

If I weren’t doing this for a living, I would: Probably be a practicing CPA, most likely in the tax arena. Early in my career, I also worked tax prep season . . . for fun!

Biggest lesson learned in business: Employees are our greatest asset — the people are your brand, your product, your service. If you take care of your employees, they will take care of the business.

What I do for fun: Enjoy family time at the lake.

How I’d like to impact the Columbia community: Shelter Insurance is a premier employer for Columbia serving as a strong, dependable support for this thriving community. I believe maintaining and strengthening this reputation will help encourage other businesses to make Columbia home and continue to build a stable environment for future generations.

Family: Married to Mike for 28 years. We have two daughters.

Most people don’t know that: I’m a Boone baby. CBT

Is your car so messy you’re embarrassed to give rides to your coworkers?

Visit Rodney at GAINES CAR DETAILING. If it can be done, he will do it—and do it right!

WE DO MORE THAN DETAIL

MOVING OFFICES?

Gaines Moving & Delivery can help!

Scratches?

Upholstry repair?

Ripped or scratched leather?

IT CAN BE DONE! 573-817-2792 | gainesdetailing.com | 1401 Illinois Ave., Columbia MO 65203

COLUMBIABUSINESSTIMES.COM 35

B U SINESS • PEOP LE • IM P R OV EM EN T • F YI

deliver fair, accurate, balanced news — not opinion. It’s more important now than it’s ever been before to make sure you consume news from a source with proven integrity.

Q&A MATT GARRETT Interim General Manager and Director of Audience Development, KOMU 8

1. The term “fake news” is being thrown around a lot these days. So how does a member of the public really discern what’s fake and what’s not? Fake news is a big concern with the public. Bogus stories can be circulated more quickly today because of social media. I contend that local media outlets are the best source for news about your community.

Local outlets employ reporters who live in your community and are fair, accurate, and balanced with their coverage. They earn the public’s trust because they’re invested in making our communities stronger. Viewers trust broadcast network news because of their years of credibility and their practice of vetting stories using the same proven fundamentals of journalism that local outlets use. The rise of opinionated political programs on cable news channels has blurred the line between opinion and fact. People need to recognize the difference between those who are paid to share their opinion versus journalists, who deliver facts. Local news and broadcast network news

2. So, how does one develop an audience? Our mission every day is to share information that is valuable and relevant to people across Mid-Missouri, and by doing that, we’re developing an audience of people we hope will become loyal KOMU 8 fans. We use multiple platforms to engage, motivate, and inform. With television, we develop compelling messages to motivate people to watch KOMU 8, and we do that with both marketing campaigns that drive viewers to watch on specific days and times and with campaigns to highlight all the ways we help people stay connected to our community.

When outside the home, we encourage people to use KOMU 8’s website, news app, and weather app. To complete the cycle, we engage and converse with people on social media. With all of this, our goal is to be an accurate, balanced, and reliable source of news when you need it. We want you to know that when it comes from us, it’s information you can use and trust.

3. Part of KOMU’s mission is to train student journalists. How does that make day-to-day operations different at KOMU than another local television station? KOMU 8’s academic mission makes the station one of the most unique television stations in the country. The Missouri School of Journalism teaches the highest standards of journalism, and we hold ourselves to those high standards every day. We are the only network-affiliated, commercially operated television station whose newsroom is used as a real-world lab for journalism students. Our station is different because journalism students, led by professionals, report stories and produce newscasts, and we have the ability to blanket Mid-Missouri with reporters and cover more local stories like no one else can.

That being said, KOMU 8 operates like other commercial stations. Our newsroom operations are managed, funded, and maintained with the revenue we bring in through advertising, commercial production, and retransmission fees.

7 QU EST I ON S

4. What has your experience as interim general manager been like so far? Fantastic. I’m very lucky to have worked for 18 years with former general manager Marty Siddall. The transition has been seamless, and that’s a credit to Marty. KOMU 8 is a dynamic organization.

Our academic mission combined with our commercial success and talented staff make each day different. I’m like a kid in a candy store. There’s something new each day.

5. What’s the most challenging part of working in television?

People’s schedules used to revolve around the television schedule. Now people want information and entertainment on-demand, on their schedule. We must be on multiple platforms so people get what they want, when they want it, on whatever device they use.

This could be a television, a smart television, or over-the-top streaming on a computer or a mobile device. We also see people starting to use voice-recognition units like Amazon Echo or Google Home to consume information.

We have to be on the cutting edge of the new devices that enter the marketplace to make sure we are where people need us to be.

6. What don’t people know about KOMU that they should? KOMU 8 is a self-funded auxiliary of MU. The station receives no funding from the university or from the state. We operate off income generated by commercial advertising sales, production services, and retransmission fees. With the exception of our academic mission, KOMU 8 operates like other commercial stations.

7. Did you always know you wanted to work in TV? Looking back, I can say yes.

I got the bug when I appeared in a State Farm commercial when I was 12 years old. I used to freelance on production crews for ESPN, Fox Sports, and ABC Sports. Having that front seat at sporting events was exciting — I couldn’t believe I was getting paid to have the best seat in the house. I’m also intrigued by the relationship viewers have with television.

What other product or service has such an intimate relationship each day with their consumer? CBT

Check out more questions and answers with Matt Garrett online at ColumbiaBusinessTimes.com.

COLUMBIABUSINESSTIMES.COM 37

O T E LOV TAIN R E T EN

E W

THANK YOU COLUMBIA FOR SUPPORTING THESE LOCAL BUSINESSES!

YOU!

Congrats to Nic Parks on being one of this year’s

B U SINESS • PEOP LE • IM P R OV EM EN T • F YI

TIF Approval Might Signal Change

BY A L GERMON D

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FIVE MEMBERS of the city council who shortly before midnight on Monday, December 4, summoned the courage to vote in favor of a tax-increment financing proposal to help build the second tower at the Doubletree Broadway Hotel in downtown Columbia. Fronting on East Walnut Street but connected to the existing tower, the second structure will add 80 more rooms, new meeting and conference areas, and an upper level ballroom with a capacity of 300.

Like the Tiger Hotel, Dave Parmley’s Broadway Hotel has restored Columbia’s central business district as a destination for overnight stays, creating an exciting relationship with restaurants, shops, educational institutions, and the rich annual menu of sporting and other special events including the True/False and the Roots ’n’ Blues festivals.

By approving this controversial measure, members of the council as well as the city itself have hopefully started the slow healing process to restore Columbia’s relationship with its citizens. Some of us still fume over the fiasco involving CVS and are troubled by changes in the zoning code, dawdling over power transmission issues, and the unfolding haste to build a new terminal that’s flawed in more ways than one.

Tax-increment financing is a business development tool that was first employed here a few years ago to help finance the gutting and reconstruction of the Tiger Hotel. The iconic downtown property reemerged as a Four Star Plus boutique property after years of neglect and despair by a series of owners.

A TIF is just another form of subsidy. Postponing property taxes over a given period gives the TIF grantee the time to build and get established. Sometime during the term of the TIF, the greatly enhanced property will be appraised at a much higher value over whatever it supplanted on that site. Heretofore, non-existent sales and “bed” taxes collected after the Broadway Hotel’s second tower opens will more than compensate for the minuscule property taxes deferred during the term of the TIF. But there still seems to be a great deal of bad karma about these TIF proposals.

Isn’t a subsidy what a group of Boone County farmers raised back in 1839 to secure Columbia as the location of the state university? Area residents banded together and raised another subsidy after a fire destroyed Academic Hall in 1892, when Sedalia was poised to grab what was left here as a crew with a team of horses was preparing to topple and cart off the columns.

OPI N I ON

Most of us thought this latest TIF proposal was dead on arrival when the council convened to consider it last month. The TIF Commission, recently packed with a couple of new, certified naysayers, had turned it down 8–3, thus requiring a five member super majority at the council. What turned it around was the somewhat dramatic parade of carefully selected proponents who swamped the council with a series of irrefutable reasons to approve it. Councilman Karl Skala clearly relished his role as the last to vote among the seven and, to him, the community owes its profound appreciation for his support.

Yet it was a similar tight vote that swung the other way to disallow CVS from locating one of its drug emporiums at the southeast corner of Providence and Broadway. The five council members who voted for The Broadway Hotel TIF were enthused about the prospect of entry-level job creation when the second tower is completed.

But then the first — of three – of CVS’s proposals employed up to 100 workers, many of them entry level positions. Recall that the council got all tangled up in some ridiculous architectural trivialities about the building and that CVS brought its own circus of gaffes and missteps to the proceeding, in contrast to the cheering section mustered by the Broadway Hotel and its advocates.

The city council is fixated on converting that busy crossroads corner into a tax-exempt, revenue-neutral green space and calling it a gateway park. Like we really want to sit and gaze across that busy intersection, inhaling exhaust fumes while watching the passing parade of vehicles.

Simply ridiculous.

Consider potential job creation and restoring the applicable tracts as taxable entities, upon which are generated substantial sales and property taxes, and the offer by CVS to rebuild the Flat Branch area.

The city should call CVS, get them back in the arena, say “We’re sorry we treated you the way we did” and welcome them back with open arms.

The city should sell CVS the tract on the corner it somehow came up with the more than $1 million to purchase, tying it to tracts owned by others to present a neatly tied real estate package for CVS to build on, thus generating the taxes both Columbia and Boone County seem so anxious about raising in an otherwise revenue-neutral era spawned by the surge in online purchases. CBT Al Germond is the host of the Columbia Business Times Sunday Morning Roundtable at 8:15 a.m.

Sundays on KFRU. COLUMBIABUSINESSTIMES.COM 39

40 JANUARY 2018

It’s time to congratulate CBT’s 20 Under 40 class of 2018. The men and women of this class are talented, hard-working individuals. They’re leaders, they’re innovators, and they’re not sitting still. Each 20 Under 40 class seems to have its own personality. In this group, let’s just say there’s an entrepreneurial spirit that cannot be ignored. Many are founders, whether running their own company full-time or as a side hustle. Several have served our country in the military. Most have dreams of a national presence. It may be our most inspirational and aspirational group yet.

Thanks to our presenting sponsor, Joe Machens Dealerships, for helping us make this award a real splash for the recipients each year. For more content on our recipients, please visit columbiabusinesstimes.com. Additional thanks to supporting sponsor Flat Branch Home Loans.

B Y B R E N N A M c D E R M O T T A N D M AYA M c D O W E L L | P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y A N T H O N Y J I N S O N

COLUMBIABUSINESSTIMES.COM 41

2 0 UNDE R 40

KRISTEN BROWN Owner, Hoot Design Company Age: 34 | Years lived in Columbia: 25

In 2017, Kristen Brown was approached by fellow entrepreneur Chrystal Graves to serve on the board of The BOLD Academy, a nonprofit providing leadership and development for black and brown girls in Columbia. Brown’s company, Hoot Design Co., donated the branding and website design for the project. “My entire team put their hearts into the naming, design, and finally the creation of the content for their website,” Brown says.

The project is a great example of Brown’s passions: women in leadership, equality in the workplace, and good design as a necessity for doing business. Hoot Design Co. has made its mark as a home for female creatives in Columbia, with transparent services and strategic design work. Brown encourages an owner mentality from her team of seven creative women in the hopes they’ll one day become entrepreneurs in their own right.

“I truly believe the world would be a better place if we had more female leaders,” Brown says. “I love providing an environment where young women want to come to work and feel that their voices are valued and have an impact.”

She and her team have a passion for the creative process, working with business owners to create brands that excite. She says, “I love the process of learning about what they do, who their dream client is, and figuring out how to reach those people.”

Brown has made waves with Hoot’s ProFresh Podcast, which delves into challenges female entrepreneurs face. It’s a vulnerable and honest take on being a bosslady. She credits her relationships with other female entrepreneurs for helping her grow. “My mastermind group has totally transformed the way I run my business,” Brown says.

In 2018, Brown hopes to pick up an agency-of-record agreement with a national client, part of the plan to expand outside Columbia. She wants to continue to grow her team in an industry that runs on new talent.

“I want Columbia to be the type of place people stay or move to because it has so much to offer,” Brown says. “I believe Columbia will thrive if we offer people a creative, progressive environment where they can still afford to live and raise a family.”

42 JANUARY 2018

Growing up, Kristen had several imaginary friends.

CL AS S OF 2018

VALERIE ZUMWALT Founder, Show Me Leaders Age: 35 | Years lived in Columbia: 13

CoMo Leaders might have started with a local mindset, but “serial entrepreneur” and founder Valerie Zumwalt is taking her business bigger. Its first iteration was a podcast with business leaders, a chance for Zumwalt to get inside the minds of successful businesspeople.

“Since that time, I’ve focused on growing my business acumen in order to lift my leadership lid to be ready for new opportunities,” she says.

Today, it’s a leadership growth company offering speaking, training, coaching, and events. Zumwalt is Columbia’s licensee for Leadercast, the world’s largest one-day leadership event. She has doubled attendance and tripled the profitability of the event, and she became the third-largest Leadercast host site in the world in just three years. She’s also a certified speaker, trainer, and coach with the John Maxwell team.

You’d think she might chill for a little bit. Now rebranded as Show Me Leaders, Zumwalt’s company is going statewide with events like Leadercast St. Louis and a Working Mom’s Summit in addition to her speaking, training, and coaching between events.

“While events are an important part of the business, Show Me Leaders is ultimately a leadership growth company,” Zumwalt says. “I believe that each person that engages with the company is there for a reason, and it’s my responsibility to raise their awareness of their potential.”

Long term, Zumwalt wants to open up a leadership development center with space for events and training, become an executive director and legacy partner with the John Maxwell team, and become the expert resource for leadership development trainers.

“I operate Show Me Leaders with the purpose that every name tag is a life impacted,” Zumwalt says. “I get to create events, workshops, trainings that profoundly impact the lives of people who attend and businesses that want to develop their employees.”

Oh, and Zumwalt is also the lead organizer of Columbia’s 1 Million Cups, co-chair of Women’s Network’s leadership roundtable, and a member of the REDI Innovation Hub. This serial entrepreneur is only getting started.

Valerie is a diehard Mizzou Women’s Volleyball fan. Her son went to his first match at 4 days old.

2 0 UNDE R 40

TAYLOR BURKS Boone County Clerk; Lieutenant Commander, United States Navy Reserves Age: 31 | Years lived in Columbia: 11

Taylor Burks was 25 when he was named director of the Fleet Logistics Center in Key West — a promotion that made him the youngest director in the U.S. Navy. While there, he applied for and received more than $4 million in federal funding to upgrade fuel facilities, a project 30 years in the making.

Burks’ leadership experience spans across the most important industries on a community and national level. “My resume shows varied experience in the military, finance, logistics, government, higher education, and politics,” Burks says. “While some of my leadership positions have been quite different, I believe all of them have given me experiences that build on one another and have made me a stronger leader and team member at each job.”

Today, Burks still serves his country as a lieutenant commander for the U.S. Navy Reserves. And he also serves his community as Boone County Clerk; he was appointed by Governor Eric Greitens in July.

Burks says the best thing about his job is new voter registration. “I love talking to other young people about civic engagement, which should always start with becoming an informed voter,” he says. “I get to be our citizens’ entry point to the democratic process.”

Looking forward, Burks plans to roll out three new initiatives in 2018: re-establish Boone County’s Youth Election Participation Program, propose an election equipment replacement plan, and lead a statewide task force on election system cybersecurity.

“Having a background in national security and protecting sensitive data and systems, I’m eager to apply my cybersecurity experience to my new role,” Burks says.

Managing the voting process isn’t just about election day; it’s a threemonth process leading up to a smooth and transparent election every time. He’s focused on elections nearly every day of the year.

Burks invites anyone in the community to come discuss ideas with him.

“I love talking about big ideas and ways for us to do things better,” he says. “My door is always open to anyone who wants to share advice or give feedback on the things we can improve in county government.”

44 JANUARY 2018

Taylor enjoys camping, canoeing, tennis, and St. Louis Cardinals baseball.

CL AS S OF 2018

CORY CROSBY Owner, 2 Real Fitness Age: 30 | Years lived in Columbia: 20

One day, Cory Crosby picked up Napoleon Hill’s 1937 book “Think and Grow Rich,” which explores the secrets to success. It was instrumental in creating Crosby’s entrepreneurial mindset. “I decided that I was going to be successful no matter what.”

That mindset meant working out and reading business books every day during the eight and a half years that Crosby was incarcerated for robbery. It meant creating a fitness program for inmates in the Boonville Correctional Center.

Today, it means running a successful gym, 2 Real Fitness, founding his own at-risk youth program, and inspiring others to adopt this simple mantra: “Where you come from does not have to dictate where you go.”

Crosby grew up poor, was abandoned and separated from his siblings, and got placed in foster care. When he left prison in 2016, Crosby was homeless and had no money. But he had determination.

Today, 2 Real Fitness is founded on one simple concept: fitness saved his life, and Crosby believes it can do the same for others.

In 2018, Crosby plans to convert his gym into a 24-hour facility, launch an online fitness coaching program, get his first book edited, and continue his at-risk teen program, T.E.A.M. FIT, which is centered around exercise and training young people to become mentors and leaders.

Crosby is also currently pursuing a business degree from Columbia College, teaching fitness at Boys and Girls Clubs of Columbia, and creating a young adult entrepreneurial course through Job Point.

In a short time, Crosby has become a community leader and an inspiration to Columbia. “I believe everyone deserves a second chance, and I know that the only limits we have are the ones we place on ourselves,” Crosby says.

Looking even further ahead, Crosby plans to make the 2 Real Fitness brand a low-cost startup franchise. He dreams about helping other entrepreneurs create and grow their business, mentoring and giving people the hope and tools they need to be successful. He has all the tools himself.

“I am very proud of the man I have become,” Crosby says, “Even though I haven’t accomplished close to what I plan to, I’m happy to be where I am today.”

Cory is an artist — he can draw nearly anything.

COLUMBIABUSINESSTIMES.COM 45

2 0 UNDE R 40

Dan is a supporter of local, farm-to-table food, and he has a garden of his own.

DAN RIEPE Owner, Home Performance Experts Age: 39 | Years lived in Columbia: 15

Good nicknames tend to stick. Just ask Dan “The Energy Man” Riepe, who has built a reputation for excellence as owner of Home Performance Experts. A certified professional energy auditor and Energy Star partner, he’s spent nine years helping clients in Columbia make their homes more energy efficient and save an average of 30 percent on utility bills annually.

Riepe loves providing solutions. He performs in-home energy assessments to identify ways to cut energy costs and increase comfort. He often deals with the misconception that being energy efficient means being uncomfortable or forking over tens of thousands of dollars.

“The absolute best part about being an energy auditor is always on the last day of a customer project,” Riepe says. “I love getting to see the looks on customers’ faces when I tell them how much money they’ll start saving and how much of a rebate they will get back.”

He’s been recognized nationally by the U.S. Department of Energy as a “Century Club” member, which means he’s successfully scored over 100 homes in the past year, a commendation only about 50 companies receive annually. He’s a certified contractor with the City of Columbia’s Energy Efficiency Program and was named the city’s weatherization contractor with the highest average annual energy savings for customers.

In 2018, Riepe would like to continue to increase energy savings for his customers, expand his customer base, and select two or three families to receive free energy efficiency upgrades, something he’s done for the last few years. “I want to be able to make more of an impact helping as many families as possible save money on their utility bills,” Riepe says.

Riepe handles every aspect of his business, from marketing to paperwork to energy audits. “The happiness I get from being an independent business owner in the energy efficiency industry is my daily motivation,” he says. “I was lucky to be able to choose to do something I didn’t think of as work or a job.

It’s become a part of who I am as person in my daily life. I’m always looking for ways to help educate more people about energy efficiency in the home and how I can help them.”

46 JANUARY 2018

CL AS S OF 2018

JAIME FREIDRICHS Director, Missouri Women’s Business Center Age: 36 | Years lived in Columbia: 18

Jaime Freidrichs doesn’t just educate women entrepreneurs; she’s the first director of the emerging Missouri Women’s Business Center, where she helps people in eight Mid-Missouri counties start and grow their businesses. As a business owner herself (and co-producer of several documentaries, one of which premiered at the Chicago International Film Festival in 2017), she is living the life she teaches. Oh, and she actually is a teacher — she’s an adjunct instructor on the nonprofit sector at MU’s Truman School of Public Affairs.

She’s the owner of Romp Travel, an online travel agency that plans creative vacations to locales all around the world. “I created the business to indulge a passion and become a better business coach and teacher by applying the concepts I promote,” she says.

Though you might not see the connection between her endeavors, Freidrichs says they’re all about teaching and inspiring: “All these relate to sharing whatever knowledge I have with others to empower them to expand their own impact.”

Launching the Missouri Women’s Business Center, part of Central Missouri Community Action, is certainly empowering women (and men) in Mid-Missouri. She coaches clients, teaches business classes, connects clients to partners in the community, and manages MoWBC’s agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

“I love seeing the women we work with grow in confidence over time as they take steps toward opening or growing their business,” Freidrichs says.

“And, of course, playing a small part in helping someone reach their dream of launching their own business is an incredible feeling.”

She’s now focused on building sustainability by securing matching funds for MoWBC’s SBA funds and developing strategic partnerships. It sounds right up her alley, as she’s spent the last 15 years in nonprofit development.

“I want to make things better,” Freidrichs says. “I want to help people get better. I need to see myself learning, growing, and getting better at all times.”

Jaime co-produced a feature-length documentary, “T he Experimental City,” with her husband. It premiered in October at the Chicago International Film Festival.

COLUMBIABUSINESSTIMES.COM 47

2 0 UNDE R 40

JESSE BODINE President and Co-founder, Scout & Nimble Age: 38 | Years lived in Columbia: 19

When Jesse Bodine was a little girl, she was not asking for toys at Christmas. She was curating bedding and furniture for her room. Her passion for design goes back at least that far, and out of that passion, she has created Scout & Nimble, a national home furnishings e-commerce site. Designers build shoppable rooms on Scout & Nimble’s website in which each item in the curated room is available for purchase.

Bodine dreamed up the site when she realized her interior design business came with some challenges, namely a lack of tools for both designers and consumers. In 2011, she and her husband, Sam Bodine, decided to take a leap and create Scout & Nimble. “We knew S&N would fill a void in the business world and be able to help other designers with many of the same issues I faced in my own career as a designer,” she says.

In 2018, Scout & Nimble will launch its All Access program, a project management software the company created to help interior designers across the country improve and grow their businesses.

What else is in the future? Continuing to build Scout & Nimble into a design empire. “It would be amazing to stand among the successful companies that prove the Midwest is a wonderful place to grow a national brand,” she says.

They’re certainly on the path. Scout & Nimble has more than 198,000 Instagram followers. “We engage with them daily and are building stronger relationships because of it,” Bodine says. “I love social media simply because it allows us to share our network of designers’ work with our following, and that in turn helps them grow their business.”

Bodine is still a designer herself, working on luxury new construction projects across the U.S. “My biggest passion in life has been helping others,” Bodine says. “Scout & Nimble allows me to do that while still utilizing my creativity every day, whether it’s helping someone here design and build their dream home, helping a designer streamline their business practices, or assisting in getting their name out there and highlighting their work to our followers.”

48 JANUARY 2018

Jesse worked as a charge nurse in the Boone Hospital NICU for six years.

CL AS S OF 2018

NICKIE DAVIS Owner, Muse Clothing Age: 33 | Years lived in Columbia: 27

Nickie Davis has managed to merge her two passions: fashion and community service. As owner of Muse Clothing, a men’s and women’s clothing store in downtown Columbia, since 2013, Davis has used her visibility in the community as a platform. Her daily interactions with her customers have helped her to cultivate relationships that will help the city grow.

“Muse has given me a wonderful way of meeting new people and seeing what it is that the community needs and wants,” Davis says. “If you want your hometown to be great, you have to make it great. Be the change!”

Davis serves on the Young Business Leaders Board for Hawthorn Bank, the Missouri Women’s Business Center board, The District board, and the Her Tomorrow board. She sees her role in these groups as a way to help the community prosper. “I’ve realized that I have a unique perspective that most people on these boards do not: a young, female, interracial business owner living and working in the heart of our city,” Davis says. “And that perspective is important, and I want to share it.”

Muse is a trendsetter in the Columbia fashion scene. Davis hosts fashion shows and events to showcase local artists and clothing lines. She strives to make her store a safe haven for all. “Our goal was always to help make Columbia a better, more interesting place,” Davis says, “whether that’s with fashion shows, fundraisers, donations, or just having an awesome space for people to come and relax.”

Muse’s streetwear style brings a spark of the big city to Columbia. The store carries 10 locally made clothing lines, and Davis is working toward only carrying U.S.-made clothing within five years; she’s also adding plus-size clothing and shoes soon. Ultimately, Davis would like to franchise Muse to other medium-sized towns. And she’s got an eye for civil service here in Columbia.

“I want to live in a vibrant, interesting, open community,” she says. “For myself and for my friends. So I will do anything I can to help that vision of Columbia become reality.”

Nickie brings her dog, Whedon, to work every day.

COLUMBIABUSINESSTIMES.COM 49

2 0 UNDE R 40

Amanda Quick is the rare combination of dreamer and doer. After having her first child in 2015, Quick realized the dream of working from home and caring for her daughter, Ellie, was not exactly realistic. She discovered co-working, and realized she couldn’t be the only mother struggling to get work done at home with a kiddo.

She did some market research and took her big idea to Mary Ropp, now director of sales and marketing at Flat Branch Home Loans.

“When I had the idea for The Hatchery, she’s the person I trusted to let me know if my ‘great idea’ was actually a great idea. I am so thankful for her affirmation and tenacity,” Quick says.

Thus, The Hatchery was born, providing a co-working space and child care for women (and men) who need a professional working environment as an alternative to working from home. The Hatchery offers private meeting spaces, events, and development opportunities; but more than that, it helps members be the best they can be. “We’re creating a space that’s fresh, empowering, and where you know you have no excuses to not get stuff done,” Quick says.

The dream has now become a reality, and Quick is genuinely excited to go to work every day to create a community of like-minded people looking to better themselves. She says, “I created a space that enriches people’s lives, and for me, that is the ultimate success.”

Since The Hatchery has opened, Quick says she’s learned the ins and outs of being a business owner, and she likes to share one of her most important lessons: embrace “I don’t know” as an answer. “I learned so much more information and learned it so much faster . . . and saved money.”

Next up, Quick plans to create a scholarship to The Hatchery, a Hatchery retreat, and possibly franchising. She’ll focus on transitioning more in-office responsibilities to her team, allowing her to focus on building more connections in the community, which she considers the best part of her job. She’s the president of BNI Show-Me Referrals and the foundation chair of Rotary South. “This town is full of people who are creating their dream lives by creating their own dream jobs and I love that I get to see some of those geniuses every single day,” Quick says.

50 JANUARY 2018

AMANDA QUICK Owner, The Hatcher y Age: 32 | Years lived in Columbia: 10

Amanda was a gymnast for six years, and it’s made her quite competitive (a good and bad thing, she says).

CL AS S OF 2018

DAVID ISAACKS CEO, Harr y S. Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital Age: 39 | Years lived in Columbia: 1.5

David enjoys beekeeping in his spare time.

One of the most important parts of his job, David Isaacks says, is being accessible and visible to others: patients, stakeholders, and employees. In under two years, he’s also made the Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital more visible to the nation.

In 2017, the Truman VA was named the best place to work out of 152 VA hospitals across the country.

That’s not just a ranking; it’s a reflection of Isaacks’ servant–leader attitude. “When employees feel safe and protected by the leadership and the organization, the natural reaction is to trust and cooperate,” he says. “Leadership is a choice.”

His goal is to maintain that ranking in 2018 and achieve another: No. 1 VA hospital for patient satisfaction.

As a United States Marine, this ranking doesn’t just affect Isaacks’ career; it affects his personal health care too. “I don’t just serve as an employee at Truman VA and then receive health care services elsewhere,” Isaacks says. “I receive the same health care I oversee. I am invested in this hospital to ensure the care for all veterans continues to improve.”

Under his leadership, the hospital has expanded its surgical capabilities in-house with a new spine surgery program, exceeded revenue goals by seven percent, and grown unique patients by 12 percent.

Isaacks has served veterans his entire career, and his service in the Marines has shaped his career achievements. “I have held significantly impacting roles that have challenged me, shaped me, and refined me into the leader I am today,” Isaacks says. “The diversity of my professional background has enabled me to be prepared for difficult decisions and find the confidence to meet demands and unknowns head on.”

In 2018, Isaacks will continue leading the hospital, and he’ll invest more time in community engagement, working to build strategic partnerships that serve Missouri’s veterans. “With additional community incentives,” Isaacks says, “Columbia could become the best place for veterans to live.”

COLUMBIABUSINESSTIMES.COM 51

2 0 UNDE R 40

ADAM WEBER President, The Evoke Group and Lifeblood Age: 27 | Years lived in Columbia: 10

Adam is a musician, and he’s written more than 30 songs over the past 10 years.

52 JANUARY 2018

Adam Weber is no stranger to award-winning creative work. In high school, the journalism website he built during his senior year was awarded Best in Show. More recently, The Evoke Group — the marketing agency Weber co-founded with Austin Kolb — has won 11 national video production awards in 4 years, including the prestigious Gold Davey Award.

The Missouri School of Journalism grad stayed in Columbia after school. “I started the Evoke Group in 2014 to give Mid-Missouri businesses a new option for digital advertising — we saw a big gap in the utilization of video content to scale businesses, and a majority of our market continues to invest heavily in traditional marketing,” Weber says.

The Evoke Group co-founders have also built a learning management system software solution called Lifeblood. The software makes knowledge more accessible within a business and allows independent content creators to form subscription content services. “The core of our focus [with Lifeblood] is to fix education by making learning information more fun,” Weber says.

As president of The Evoke Group, Weber enjoys getting to unlock people’s creativity. “My favorite part of my job is taking on interns or new staff members and helping them become more confident in their own creativity,” he says.

Weber’s passion for creative work comes through in the workplace. He embraces what he calls “phoenix moments,” when things in the office begin to feel stale and he sees the team needs some inspiration.

At that point, Weber holds a meeting and, as a staff, they decide what needs to change in order to make everyone happy.

“Sometimes this leads to massive overhauls in our company — focusing on different service categories, staffing changes,” Weber says. “Like a phoenix burns and then rises from the ashes, sometimes we risk burning the business down to make sure it’s heading in a direction we’re still proud of and excited to come work for every day.”

CL AS S OF 2018

SCOTT LENGER Scott was offered a vocal music scholarship in college.

Officer, Community Outreach Unit, Columbia Police Department Age: 36 | Years lived in Columbia: 24

Scott Lenger was working as a regional manager for Buffalo Wild Wings when he decided it was time to leave the service industry. He wanted to do “something bigger, with a purpose.”

After doing a few ride-alongs with a police officer friend, Lenger found that bigger, more purposeful calling. He has worked for the Columbia Police Department for six years now, first in the patrol division, then DWI Enforcement Unit, and now the Community Outreach Unit.

The Community Outreach Unit consists of four two-man teams and a supervisor. Each team is assigned to one of the city’s “strategic areas,” zones designated by the city as needing more attention. Lenger and his partner are tasked with identifying problems that require police attention in their assigned neighborhoods while also looking for other problems that need non-traditional police services, Lenger says.

The first few months of placement proved difficult for Lenger and his partner. As they walked down the neighborhood streets, seeking input from community members about how their neighborhood could be improved, Lenger says the trust just wasn’t there yet. “We were sometimes cursed at, and people did not want to share their experiences,” he says. “Almost two years later, what we set out to do is now a reality. I feel as though the people we swore to protect and serve now trust us and value what we do for them.”

Now, after developing partnerships and even friendships with members of the community, Lenger is often stopped by children to chat, invited to play in pick-up basketball games, and welcomed into homes for dinner. “Seeing the trust and friendships built in a short time frame has been one of the most rewarding accomplishments of my career,” Lenger says.

The trust and friendships instilled between the communities and police department has paid off. During the first full year of community policing, the department has seen both call volume and major crimes decrease, Lenger says. “Some people say being a police officer is a thankless job, but I know what my colleagues and I do does not go unnoticed.”

COLUMBIABUSINESSTIMES.COM 53

2 0 UNDE R 40

JESSE WALTERS Co-founder and Owner, Camacho Coffee Relationship Manager, Central Bank of Boone County Age: 28 | Years lived in Columbia: 28 in Boonville

In 2015, Jesse published his book “T he Church Next Door: My Cult Experience and How I Got Out While Staying Close To GOD.”

54 JANUARY 2018

Jesse Walters is passionate about purpose. “Purpose is what drives, defines, and empowers us on a daily basis,” he says. “If we don’t have purpose, we can’t find fulfillment in anything that we do.”

Luckily, Walters has found his purpose: it’s helping and challenging others, especially the entrepreneurs of Mid-Missouri, find theirs, helping them turn their dreams into reality. It makes him a perfect fit for his role as relationship manager with Central Bank of Boone County, where he works to help businesses understand and manage their finances.

“My passion is to help businesses, large and small,” Walters says.

“I love taking an idea or theory and having the power and drive to make it into a reality.”

His work with small businesses in different industries also fulfills his need for new experiences each day. He’s an avid member of 1 Million Cups, which exposes members to great ideas and successful entrepreneurs each week.

That entrepreneurial gene runs in the family. Walters grew up on the family farm, Rocking W Ranch, which has been in his family for 100 years. “It was on the farm where I developed my work ethic and had my first exposure to entrepreneurship.”

Today, Walters also owns Camacho Coffee with his wife, Megan; they opened the business in September.

Camacho is a local roaster that supplies single-origin, specialty craft coffee to restaurants and businesses. (They also sell online.) The company gives 10 percent of its profits to local charities.

His own entrepreneurial experiences help Walters better serve Central Bank customers. He wants to be seen as that person in the community who connects people. “As an entrepreneur, it’s easy to feel isolated and like it’s only up to you to keep the company alive,” he says. “It’s simply not true. There are so many organizations and people out there that genuinely want to help you, not just your business, succeed.”

Ultimately, Walters is passionate about small business for the good of the community: startups create jobs, help the economy, and encourage other burgeoning entrepreneurs to take the next step. “Columbia is an amazing community to start a business in,” he says.

CL AS S OF 2018

BARBIE BANKS Executive Director, Citizen Jane Film Festival Age: 35 | Years lived in Columbia: 13

You’re looking at an aspiring future mayor of Columbia. You might wonder what makes the Citizen Jane Film Festival director interested in civil service. Barbie Banks has a background in nonprofit management and a lifelong passion for equality and social change, and she’s out to change the film fest world. Why not city government too?

Banks’ William Woods professor Harriet Yelon took her to her first film at Ragtag Cinema as part of a sociology class. “She showed me that film can be more than entertainment at a megaplex movie theater,” Banks says. “She showed me that film can be a method for social change.”

And change goes where Banks goes. Ticket sales increased by 20 percent over last year for the Citizen Jane Film Festival, and Banks fundraised $100,000 for the 2017 fest, an achievement she’s particularly proud of. She’s creating the new position of creative director for CJ, wants to increase funds raised by 50 percent, and will begin teaching at Stephens College this year. She’s been involved with the fest since 2013.

“It’s a dream that I get to bring this festival to the Columbia community each year,” Banks says.

Her next goal? Sit on juries for at least five film festivals that aren’t women-centric to help increase representation of women in film (only 28 percent of films in top festivals are directed by women), and develop training to help film festivals implement more representation in film. “Imagine chilling with Robert Redford at Sundance as we discuss representation for women and people of color! A dream come true,” Banks says.

She leads the fest’s leadership team, the “Janies,” and says it’s her favorite part of her job.

And she’s motivated daily by Stephens College students. “Every interaction I have with a student motivates me to work harder and smarter so they can experience the best film festival,” she says.

She isn’t kidding about that mayoral dream, by the way. Banks has a passion for social change, and says if city council seats were full-time jobs, “We would be able to accomplish so much more.”

Barbie and her wife organize “Cranktivus” each year, a food drive on bikes for the Central Food Pantry.

2 0 UNDE R 40

JACKIE FLOYD Franchisee and Vice President of Marketing and Training, Smoothie King Age: 32 | Years lived in Columbia: 3.5

Jackie’s favorite Smoothie King item is the Vegan Nutty Super Grain with acai sorbet.

56 JANUARY 2018

If you’re grabbing a smoothie at 805 E. Nifong, you’re visiting one of the 20 busiest Smoothie Kings in the country. That’s out of 900 nationwide locations. And the person who made that smoothie was most likely trained by Jackie Floyd, a franchisee and vice president of marketing and training for From the Vine Franchises, which in three years has grown to seven Smoothie Kings locations with two more on the way.

“Our stores continue to thrive and be recognized by our corporate partners. We leave them begging to know how a town the size of Columbia could be this successful,” Floyd says.

Floyd decided to invest in Smoothie King with her sister and brother-in-law while working as a teacher in the United Arab Emirates. It was a leap of faith for her.

“Now, after three years at Smoothie King, I’m confident I made the best decision of my life: to trust my gut rather than letting ‘security’ be my compass.”

In three years, Floyd has gone from being general manager of one store to running marketing, events, new store openings, staff training, and leadership development for seven stores. She thrives under the constant evolution of her role, whether she’s scouting a potential location for a new store or coaching a manager through a challenge. “It is this ever-evolving identity that motivates me to stay focused in order to meet the needs of my team,” Floyd says.

In 2018, they’ll open two more Smoothie Kings in the Mid-Missouri and Iowa markets, and Floyd wants the Nifong location to hit $1 million in annual sales, something only nine Smoothie King locations have ever accomplished.

Floyd says the long-term plan is to have at least 15 stores.

“Being a leader is a constant ebb and flow of successes and failures, and I’m most proud of the collaborative, loyal leadership team we currently have and the work environment we offer our ‘family.’”

Raise a smoothie to that.

CL AS S OF 2018

BRIAN MILLNER President and CEO Missouri Community College Association Age: 32 | Years lived in Columbia: 10

Mark Cuban bought Brian a bottle of Dom Pérignon in Las Vegas for his 21st birthday.

You might not actually see Brian Millner working his tail off, although in college, he anonymously cheered on Mizzou as Truman the Tiger. He also helped politicians shape policy and decision making.

“I had found my real passion and interest working behind the scenes in politics and shaping policy to have a positive impact on my community,” Millner says.

Now, he’s uniting all 12 of Missouri’s community colleges at a time when the community college experience has never been more valuable. As president and CEO of the Missouri Community College Association, Millner’s background (he served as interim chief of staff and special assistant to MU’s chancellor for about two years) is helping him bridge the gap between MU and the state’s community colleges. “I am working closely with Mizzou administrators to strengthen the pipeline for community college students,” Millner says.

MCCA advocates on the state and federal level and offers professional development for Missouri’s community colleges and their employees. In 2018, Millner is setting his sights on increased MCCA membership and engagement. “There is a universe of about 5,000 community college employees in Missouri and only about 1,500 are members of MCCA,” he says. “I have set a goal to increase our membership to 2,500 by the end of 2018 and to increase our membership revenue from roughly $50,000 annually to $125,000.”

MCCA is also continuing to grow its Workforce Development Network, which partners with Missouri businesses to determine workforce needs and create training and job opportunities. “We currently have a list of about 90 potential projects that would result in more than 2,400 jobs,” Millner says. “Because of our newly created network, we’re able to provide this training for less than $1,700 per job. And these training programs last only a few weeks or a couple months and result in good paying jobs.”

It’s a good time to be an educational advocate in Missouri. “Community colleges have a lot of momentum currently,” Millner says, “and the middle skills gap that exists across the country will necessitate that our community colleges continue to be nimble and efficient in providing educational opportunities.”

COLUMBIABUSINESSTIMES.COM 57

2 0 UNDE R 40

LEIGH NEIER Associate Professor and Director of Elementar y Education, University of Missouri College of Education Age: 37 | Years lived in Columbia: 24

Most of Leigh’s creative ideas come to mind during yoga, which she practices three to four times a week.

58 JANUARY 2018

Most mornings, Leigh Neier starts her day with a motivating thought: “Today is the perfect day to have a perfect day.”

“No matter the challenges that arise, either personally or professionally, I find that practicing gratitude with the promise of a new day — a clean slate — allows me to put my best foot forward as a leader for the [MU] College of Education,” says Neier, who is an associate teaching professor and the director of elementary education.

Neier is a “proud product” of Columbia Public Schools and a three-time MU alumna, having earned her bachelor’s in interdisciplinary studies in 2003 before returning as a master’s and doctoral student in the Department of Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology. In 2014, Neier was selected as a recipient of the William T. Kemper Teaching Excellence Fellowship, MU’s highest teaching honor.

Neier is younger than any faculty member to be selected as a Kemper Fellow, and she received the honor earlier in her career than any other fellows.

“Columbia’s educational opportunities are world-class, and I’m certain that I would not be the educator I am today without the incredible influence of my CPS teachers and Mizzou professors and advisors,” Neier says.

As an associate teaching professor, Neier says she’s “in the business of connecting heads to hearts.” This work begins with preparing future teachers to be ready to address what’s not on the lesson plan. “As we develop savvy, empathetic, and bold teachers, let’s challenge them to understand the complexities of the 21st century, but to also have a heart for the students who will look to them as lifelong role models.”

These future educators are the best thing about Neier’s job. “Every day, my students remind me that there is so much good in the world. If you ever find yourself wondering about our next generation of national and international leaders, let’s get together on campus,” she says. “I’ll introduce you to hundreds of rising leaders who will undoubtedly set the world on fire as change-agents, influencers, and innovators.”

CL AS S OF 2018

BRIANNA LENNON Attorney, Law Office of Mike Campbell Age: 32 | Years lived in Columbia: 10

If you’re looking for Columbia’s poster child for civic engagement, Brianna Lennon is your gal. It’s not just that she has a career in law, now working for the Law Office of Mike Campbell, or that she’s previously served as deputy director of elections with the Missouri Secretary of State’s office and assistant attorney general for the state of Missouri. No, civic engagement is not just a career for Lennon; it’s a passion she shares every day.

She shares it as the author of Keeping Up CoMo, a weekly newsletter on local news and politics; as host of a radio show on KOPN; as a member of the Missouri chapter of the American Constitution Society; and as recipient of the Norma Robb Outstanding Young Democrat Award.

“I really enjoy speaking to students, particularly young women that are interested in public policy, about the kinds of careers they can pursue in public life,” Lennon says.

She plans to continue pushing civic engagement across Columbia by increasing voter registration and providing more civic education to reach people not plugged into the political process. It’s her way of fighting for equity in the community.

“It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the weight of the world’s problems, but I try to make my corner of it better and I’m more fulfilled when I’m actively working to improve things,” Lennon says. She sits on the city’s New Century Fund board, the Greenbelt Land Trust of Mid-Missouri, and stays active in a number of other organizations.

As an attorney, she works on everything from civil litigation to election law and provides creative problem solving and crisis management for her clients. She’s passionate about digging into legal issues and research, solving the puzzle of building up a case. “It’s part knowledge of the law and part storytelling, and I really enjoy fitting those pieces together,” she says.

Recently Lennon worked to ensure a candidate for state office remained on the ballot after some signatures for his candidacy were challenged. She says, “I love election law and the case was really exciting because we only had three days of prep time — and we won.”

Brianna enjoys renovating her house, a 1959 custom-built parsonage, in her spare time.

COLUMBIABUSINESSTIMES.COM 59

2 0 UNDE R 40

NIC PARKS Founder and CEO, The Pinball Company and Parks Amusements Age: 39 | Years lived in Columbia: 17

Amusement is serious business for Nic Parks, CEO of The Pinball Company and Parks Amusements. He takes amusement so seriously that he’s grown The Pinball Company since 2006 to become the nation’s largest retailer of new and used pinball machines.

And it’s been a banner year for pinball. Parks drove more than 1.5 million visits to their website after a redesign, and the company has seen close to 100 percent year-over-year revenue growth. He expects to reach $10 million in annual sales in 2018. The Pinball Company is also receiving a BBB 2018 Torch Award for Ethics.

“I enjoy knowing the products we sell and the machines we operate in the amusement business are making people happy,” Parks says. “It’s also motivating to know the better I do as a business owner, the more jobs I can create.”

Most people expect Parks to be a pinball wizard. He isn’t. But the serial entrepreneur has a knack for succeeding in the amusement business, both nationally and locally. Parks Amusements operates Lazer Lanes, created and expanded The Arcade at Columbia Mall, purchased the children’s attraction Tiger Bounce, and is opening Silverball, an arcade bar in downtown Columbia.

His focus for 2018 is to “make Silverball the place to have a party or corporate events in Columbia.” Parks also has ventures in real estate and publishing, as well as investments in two wild animal safari parks and 14 ski resorts.

“I’m the definition of a serial entrepreneur,” Parks says. “I enjoy starting new businesses and dreaming about what else I can create. I like to think the businesses I’ve created have changed the world by providing enjoyment to those who have used the products or services we provide.”

Parks is also the president of Tigers on the Prowl, which has raised more than $400,000 for Columbia area charities since 2015.

And he isn’t done dreaming. Parks would like to create a venture capital company to invest in start-ups and mentor young entrepreneurs. Starting and running businesses isn’t work for Parks, it’s fun.

“I do not have a job,” he says. “What I do on a day-to-day basis is fun and exciting to me. It’s my life and I love it.”

60 JANUARY 2018

Nic was an Americorps literacy tutor in Columbia. He spent 4,000 hours helping first graders learn to read.

CL AS S OF 2018

CARA OWINGS Co-founder, Co-owner, and Chief Connector, The Connection Exchange Age: 39 | Years lived in Columbia: 4; 10 working

Cara is married to her high school sweetheart.

Cara Owings and Jennifer Schenck co-founded The Connection Exchange with an investment of $50 each. Less than three years later, their company has expanded to five other cities in Missouri.

The Connection Exchange, a “Match.com for businesses,” welcomes new businesses to the community and connects them with established businesses and services. The Connection Exchange also organizes networking events for members.

“I enjoy meeting new people on a daily basis and learning about new businesses that are coming to the area,” Owings says. “My job lets me encounter them before others in town have a chance to do so.”

With an entrepreneurial spirit and ambitious attitude, Owings is continually thinking about new business opportunities. Next up? Owings and her husband are campaigning on the crowdfunding platform Kickstarter to help start a new business, LoCOMOtion Party Bike, a kind of baron-wheels set to launch in downtown Columbia in spring 2018.

Owings recently worked directly with the CVB, The District, and the city on creating a specific ordinance for LoCOMOtion Party Bike. “I used the information I learned and, at the same time, identified a large network of supporters of the concept who will influence its impact downtown and its success overall,” she says.

This speaks to one of Owings’ passions: supporting small businesses. “Small businesses are the lifeblood of our community,” she says. And support means more than just shopping with them.

“It’s also important to connect business people to each other so they can develop partnerships and build on opportunities together,” Owings says. “Business professionals supporting each other to make their businesses better can ultimately make our community better.”

When she’s not connecting business professionals or planning for the launch of her second business, Owings is highly involved in the community. She serves as a board member of First Chance for Children and was re-elected for a second term with Women’s Network Steering Committee — to name just a couple.

COLUMBIABUSINESSTIMES.COM 61

Where Are They Now? CBT’s 20 Under 40 is meant to be a celebration of people who are going places — for our 2018 issue, we caught up with three of our alumni to see where they’ve gone since joining the 20 Under 40 club.

Turns out they’ve gone pretty far (literally and figuratively).

BY MATT PATSTON

62 JANUARY 2018

CLASS OF 2001

PAUL JACKSON THEN: Artist NOW: Artist (but trust us, things have changed)

Technically speaking, Columbia artist Paul Jackson isn’t a 20 Under 40. During CBT’s first run at the awards, in 2001, we included 40 of Columbia’s top young professionals in the class, so Jackson is really a 40 Under 40 — though, even if we were only doing 20, Jackson probably would have made the cut.

At the time of his selection in 2001, Jackson had recently opened his own gallery, Illumia, with a staff of 12 people, and he was in the middle of working on “Tiger Spot,” a 30-foot, 300,000piece mosaic of a tiger head that once took up a sizable chunk of Lowry Mall on MU’s campus. He was also working on a submission for Missouri’s state quarter design contest, which he would end up winning. Sort of.

Change — in the big sense of the word, but also including coins — would become the defining theme in the next chapter of Jackson’s career.

Over the next decade, he went public in defending the integrity of both of the headline-grabbing projects he was working on in 2001. He also found a new niche in the art community that now has him traveling around the world while keeping his home studio, “Avalanche Ranch,” in Columbia.

The quarters came first.

“Turns out, the mint engravers were ripping off America’s artists,” Jackson says. “I busted them at it and had to go protest a little bit.”

During the release of the state quarters series, the U.S. Mint encouraged states to hold

design contests to drum up ideas. To Jackson, it seemed like a pretty simple concept: turn in a quarter design, have the state send it to the mint, and then get the design on quarters. But it turned out that the contests were nonbinding, and the designs the mint put on quarters often varied dramatically from the original designs they received. The design that Jackson sent in featured Lewis and Clark sailing on the Missouri River, coming through a lush forest with a bold rendering of the Gateway Arch in the background. The design that appeared on the quarter featured a bigger boat, more people, a thinner arch, and a sparser forest. Jackson led a group of protesters in Washington, D.C., rolling a gigantic quarter down the street outside the U.S. Treasury building with a reporter and photographer from the Washington Post by his side. Jackson and his supporters also put stickers with the original design on half a million quarters and put them into circulation, which Jackson says earned him the attention of the Secret Service. “Life got rather strange,” he says.

But not too long after, Jackson began getting offers to teach watercolor painting workshops in cities around the world: Budapest, Istanbul, Prague, Paris, London, and so on. When I called him for this story, he’d just returned from a trip to Australia and Indonesia, barely making it in time for the opening of an exhibit of his recent paintings at the Boone County Historical

Society. In recent years, he’s shown a knack for Santa Claus portraiture, and he recently finished up a Santa painting for Coca-Cola.

While his workshop teaching career was beginning to blossom, he also battled with MU over “Tiger Spot,” which had become damaged due to either weather, as MU claimed, or vandalism and careless maintenance, as Jackson contended. Jackson sued the university under the Visual Artists Rights Act, saying they’d allowed the mosaic to become “distorted” and “mutilated.” The university ended up paying Jackson $125,000 to relinquish the rights to the work; they removed “Tiger Spot” in 2012.

For Jackson, the first decade of the millennium was a whirlwind, but one that ultimately clarified a new path forward. “I’m a lot older and wiser now, that’s for sure,” he says. “I’ve learned that smaller is better than bigger.”

The recent Boone County Historical Society show was a collection of workshop demos that Jackson never had time to perfect — in 2017, he finally found the time to put on the last touches on nearly 70 pieces. The collection is called “Unfinished Stories.”

“When you’re an artist and opportunity knocks, you have to keep following it,” Jackson says. “The one thing I’ve learned in three-plus decades of being an artist is that things don’t stay the same for long.”

FUN FACT Jackson has designed Presidential Easter Eggs for the White House three times.

COLUMBIABUSINESSTIMES.COM 63

CLASS OF 2014

JENNIFER BUKOWSKY THEN: Owner, Bukowsky Law Firm NOW: Political commentator, writer, and more

Jennifer Bukowsky’s 2014 20 Under 40 win came as she was establishing herself as Columbia’s premier criminal defense attorney. “I was just coming off a couple high-profile cases, so I was feeling good about that,” she says. “I think I was looking at expanding the law firm. Those were exciting times.”

In 2012, Bukowsky got the first not-guilty verdict on a murder trial in Boone County in almost 50 years. After her 20 Under 40 win in 2014, she would successfully free a client who had been wrongfully convicted of murder in 1993. A year later, The Bukowsky Law Firm, which she founded in 2010, moved to a new building in north downtown. (CBT named it one “Columbia’s Coolest Offices.”)

She’s been busy in the years since too, taking on additional duties as an adjunct professor of law and teaching the Innocence Clinic at MU’s law school while continuing to take on highprofile cases. She’s also become a respected voice in local and national politics, serving as a delegate to the 2016 Republican National Convention, in Cleveland, and as a member of then-Governorelect Eric Greitens’ transition team after the election. Her Twitter account, @esqonfire, got verified around the same time — “which was crazy,” she says. Things were going good.

But in November, Bukowsky announced that she was closing her law firm. She’s ready to do something bigger. Whatever that may mean.

“I’m looking at several things,” she says. “I’m just not ready to say all of them just yet.”

Bukowsky is a self-confessed workaholic — in a 2013 CBT interview, she said if it weren’t for her husband, Veterans United Home Loans co-founder Brant Bukowsky, she’d “probably live alone with two malnourished cats and work 90 hours a week.” She’d occasionally sleep on a red couch in The Bukowsky Law Firm office to save time during trials.

In the past few years, she’s been reflecting on her career ambitions and searching for ways to make more of a difference for more people.

When local attorney Milt Harper, the father of one of her mentors, Phil Harper, suffered a heart attack in court in 2016, Bukowsky began wondering whether she wanted something different.

“When [Milt] had his heart attack in court and the fallout from that kind of killed any ambition I had to build and grow a law firm in Columbia,” she says. “And I was also inspired by other events to try to have a bigger impact in causes I care about, like criminal justice reform and liberty. And I decided a law firm was not the best vehicle to achieve those goals.”

Bukowsky has kept busy through the holidays, and she’s planning on having an eventful 2018. She’s now a regular columnist for The Missouri Times, a political newspaper,

and she’ll be a contributing writer on criminal justice reform for the Show-Me Institute, a conservative policy think tank. “Time will tell if anything more comes out of that, but I’m excited to be working with the smart folks over there,” she says.

Bukowsky also hopes to increase her media appearances and do more writing with other groups and publications. But that doesn’t figure to be her biggest commitment. “There’s another project that I’m just not ready to talk about,” she says.

A quality of any 20 Under 40 winner, but particularly Bukowsky, is that they make every minute of their career count. Having already logged a successful career’s worth of criminal defense work in Columbia, Bukowsky’s hoping to make the most of a new career path, whatever that may look like.

I asked her if she had any advice for this year’s 20 Under 40 class. She does: “I would say that time — how would I phrase this? — everyone faces an ultimate deadline in life, and you really need to reflect on whether what you’re doing is what you’d like to do to meet the deadline you set for yourself, for your life and what you’d like to accomplish. It’s good to try to be reflective of that and aware of that and not let time slip by.

Because it goes pretty fast.”

FUN FACT Bukowsky’s parents, Kevin and Kathleen Koboldt, met as freshman at MU and married in the campus chapel the day after graduation. All four of their children, including Bukowsky, have degrees from MU. 64 JANUARY 2018

CLASS OF 2015

NICOLE GALLOWAY THEN: Boone County Treasurer NOW: Missouri State Auditor

In retrospect, CBT probably named Nicole Galloway a 20 Under 40 winner just a little bit too early.

It’s not that she was unqualified at the time — at the age of 32, she was already four years into her tenure as Boone County Treasurer, where she oversaw the county’s $55 million investment portfolio, and she was coming off her first election win. She had already instituted a new, more transparent debt management system that became, as we wrote at the time, “a model for other local governments throughout the state.”

It’s just that she added a pretty stellar line to her resume only three months later, when she was appointed state auditor by then-governor Jay Nixon. Upon her inauguration, Galloway, a Democrat, became the youngest woman to hold statewide office in Missouri history.

So her 20 Under 40 win probably wasn’t the highlight of Galloway’s 2015. But she still appreciated it. “What I remember is the other professional men and women in the group,” she says. “I admired their careers. I knew some of them personally, others I did not, so it was an honor to be part of such a great group of young professionals in Columbia.”

Galloway earned bachelor’s degrees in applied mathematics and economics from Missouri University of Science and Technology and her MBA from MU. Before becoming county treasurer, she worked as a CPA in St. Louis and

Columbia, becoming a certified fraud examiner along the way. Her private-sector experience helped sharpen the skills she’s now using as state auditor, a position that demands more technical knowledge than many other political posts. “You have to be good with numbers and analytics,” Galloway says. “A lot of what we do is deal with large sets of data, looking for trends, looking for potential fraud, looking for anomalies, doing analytical reviews. You have to be comfortable with auditing concepts.”

Public officials often refer to the auditor’s position as “the taxpayer’s watchdog,” combing through public finances to ensure revenue is being spent reliably and responsibly. Galloway’s highest profile Columbia-related audit came last March, when she criticized the opaque bonus compensation practices for UM System officials, including former MU Chancellor R. Bowen Loftin.

Her audit found the UM System paid roughly $2.3 million in what she called “inappropriate bonus payments” to executives and administrators through 2015, 2016, and the start of 2017. The UM System ended the executive bonus program the week following the audit. A couple weeks before we spoke for this article, an audit of the Cooper County Clerk’s office uncovered criminal misuse of taxpayer money, which led to the clerk’s resignation and subsequent guilty plea.

“My perspective is that people work really hard for their money, and they work hard to provide

for themselves and their families,” Galloway says.

“And when government at any level — from a small municipal court all the way to a state agency — is abusing the public trust and abusing the resources they have . . . it just makes me so mad and so frustrated. Through my role of the auditor, I can use my skill set to root out that abuse and root out that waste and stand on the side of taxpayers to make government work better.”

Galloway says she’s looking forward to staying in public service “for a long period of time” and using her background in economics and math (unusual for a politician) to bring a fresh perspective to public policy. This year will be Galloway’s first election year as auditor, which means she’ll add the rigors of statewide campaigning to her day-to-day duties in office.

She’s currently the only Democrat in a state office in Missouri, but Galloway, like many state auditors before her, views her job as nonpartisan.

“I am tough and I am fair and I am thorough,” she says. “When I go to work, I think about a couple things: my family, and people like me who are working to provide for their families and communities; and taxpayers. If a taxpayer was looking over the shoulder of government, what would they see? And what would they want to change to make the government work better for them? I think if you keep your head down and do those things, it kind of removes, in my mind at least, that political question.” CBT

FUN FACT With the arrival of her third son, Joseph, last January, Galloway became the first statewide office holder in Missouri history to give birth.

COLUMBIABUSINESSTIMES.COM 65

66 JANUARY 2018

RetireWhat?

Most people look forward to a time when they’ll no longer be working. But for three Columbia area residents who are past retirement age, their professions are part of who they are. Although their views all vary about what retirement is, Lenard Politte, Halycone Perlman, and John Whiteside all see their work as something bigger than a job — and retiring isn’t on the table (at least not right now).

BY TE R E SA SHIE LDS PA R K E R PHOTOGR A PHY BY K E IT H BOR GM E Y E R

COLUMBIABUSINESSTIMES.COM 67

Dr. Lenard Politte For Dr. Lenard Politte, 83, cardiologist and professor of clinical medicine at the MU School of Medicine, retirement is not a goal. “I will never retire from my profession,” he says.

“You don’t retire from a job. You retire to do something else. The question should be, ‘What are you retiring to?’”

In 1969, Dr. Politte pushed for and helped develop the first heart program in Mid-Missouri.

This included the cardiac catherization lab 68 JANUARY 2018

and the cardiology and open-heart surgery programs at Boone Hospital Center.

“Medicine has come a long way from when I first started practicing,” he says.

“It’s accelerated greatly, and what’s made it accelerate is how we handle information. The computer chip has revolutionized everything because we can now gather and share knowledge from many different sources.”

Politte says he had hard-working parents, who only had fourth grade educations. They wanted better education for their children.

After graduating college with a bachelor’s degree in zoology and a minor in psychology, he married and then went to work at McDonald Aircraft in St. Louis.

He wanted to further his education and had an interest in biology. With the

encouragement of others, he decided to go to medical school. “I thought only the smart or the rich went to medical school, and I was neither,” he says. “But I wanted to do something to help others, so I enrolled and got into the University of Missouri.”

Before he graduated, his father died of heart disease. This helped set the course for him to go into internal medicine, specifically cardiology, after spending three years in pathology. He was trained as one of three fellows and stayed on as junior faculty in cardiology at the MU School of Medicine.

After a stint in the Army as a medical officer during the Vietnam War, he returned to his family in Columbia, where he went into private practice. From there, he helped develop the open-heart surgery program at Boone Hospital.

Politte is fascinated by the human body and helping others figure out what can be done to help a specific patient. “It’s always a challenge to figure out what is wrong and what can be done to correct it,” he says. “Every patient is different and each is a challenge. Each time we hope we can find a solution.”

After 30 years, he retired from private practice and began teaching cardiology fellows at the School of Medicine. He’s been doing that for 17 years.

Politte enjoys working with young doctors and training them to carry on as physicians.

“I try to encourage them to perpetuate the profession as well,” he says. “I tell them, ‘You want to be remembered not for who you are but for what you do for others.’ I try to instill that in them so they can leave something to others as well.”

As much as he loves his profession, he loves his wife, children, and grandchildren more.

He sees the real highlight of his job is helping people improve their quality of life — the same thing he set out to do when he enrolled in medical school.

He still readily gives out health advice (“Keep good health habits. Don’t smoke. Keep your blood pressure and cholesterol down. Stay active.”), and he’s optimistic about finding cures for all kinds of diseases, including what he calls the emperor of all maladies — cancer.

He advises, “Keep your eyes on monoclonal antibodies for the answers.”

With so much work to be done, how could he step away?

Halcyone Ewalt Perlman Halcyone Ewalt Perlman, 82, has taught ballet for nearly 60 years in the school her parents founded in 1933. She took over the school and renamed it the Halcyone Ewalt Perlman School of Ballet when her mother died in 1967.

Today, the school has been renamed the Perlman-Stoy School of Ballet. (Nancy Stoy is the co-teacher and director.) Perlman — again, age 82 — still teaches two classes and is involved in choreography.

The first studio, in the upper story of the southwest corner of Ninth and Locust in

downtown Columbia, was also the family’s home.

Even though she was raised in a studio, Perlman didn’t become interested in ballet until she was 14 and attended a performance of Margot Fonteyn, an English ballerina.

“I was amazed to see how much was involved in the performance,” Perlman says. “I was really moved by her musicality — that’s ability to interpret the total body of the piece through mood, rhythm, tempo, and movement. [Before that,] I had been interested in being a veterinarian, entomologist or in training and breeding horses.”

Once Perlman was captured by the beauty of the movement of ballet and bringing musical and emotional nuances to the performance, she began studying with her parents and, afterward, some of the ballet greats. Her tutors include Victoria Cassan, of the Anna Pavlova Company; Alexandra Danilova, of the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg; Igor Schwezoff, of St. Petersburg and New York; and Joan Hewson, in London.

Perlman also performed for a season at the Starlight Theatre in Kansas City.

She spent two summers studying with the National School of Ballet in Canada. During her time there, instructors told her that her physique, which is more short and compact than most ballerinas, would never allow her to have the length of line to do solos.

“I enjoyed performing,” she says, “but they gave me a realistic picture of what I was up against. It was hard to hear, but knowing that really directed me into teaching and choreography.” She also learned modern dance, and she now incorporates that into her choreography as well.

One important lesson she passes on to students is that ballet requires discipline in all areas.

“One purpose of ballet is the development of a healthy body,” she says. “The physical demands are intensive. It takes a tremendous amount of physical stamina that has to be built up gradually.”

Ballet as exercise is one class Perlman still teaches; she modifies it for bodies of people who have started late or who are older. She’s learned that “there’s a point beyond which you cannot push,” she says. “Still, it’s fun and great exercise.”

Working as a choreographer and teacher helps Perlman keep on top of things. “This profession keeps me mentally sharp,” she says. “I have to plan what I want to achieve, what impression I want to make.”

And she still loves working with her class of more advanced students. “The work centers me,” she says. “I love walking into the studio and getting totally absorbed in what I’m doing. It helps me be healthy in all ways.”

For Perlman, complete retirement will happen when she’s no longer able to physically to go to work. But even that won’t mean she won’t be involved; it will just mean she’s no longer going to the studio.

“I have plenty to do,” she says. “No matter what, I will always be interested in the arts — ballet, dance, music, beauty and movement as an art — as well as sharing what I can with others. . . .

I love to read and participate in tai chi and yoga. I love animals, especially my terrier, Kinsey. I love to watch horses. They are such beautiful animals.”

Discipline and enthusiasm are two of the most important ingredients to finding work that fulfills, according to Perlman: “You must find something you’re enthusiastic about. Then, you must have discipline to do the work you are enthusiastic about. In other areas, I can be quite lazy. I might have been in total slovenliness if not for the enthusiasm I have for my work.”

Needless to say, it’s hard to imagine this small, intelligent, energetic, and well-spoken woman to ever be slovenly.

COLUMBIABUSINESSTIMES.COM 69

John Whiteside John Whiteside, 68, is an attorney who figures out problems and helps provide logical solutions. By his definition of retirement, he says, “I may cease to practice my profession full-time some day, but I will never retire from being a lawyer. My profession will always affect me. I will always ask, 70 JANUARY 2018

‘Can I prove that? Who would I call as a witness to say I was there and saw that happen?’”

A former Columbia municipal judge, Whiteside now serves as a guardian ad litem for children and psychiatric patients. “When I was a judge, I was an umpire — calling balls, strikes, safes, and outs” he says. “I missed playing. The judge is the umpire, and I wanted to play first base.”

He’s been a proactive player for 14 years, seeking creative solutions for difficult situations.

As guardian ad litem, Whiteside is a voice for kids in distress. This is often in divorce proceedings or custody battles.

“A guardian ad litem is an officer of the court who relays the wishes of the individual they’re

representing and gives recommendations as to the best course of action for the child,” he says.

Whiteside explained that many times there are informal arrangements made for neighbors, friends, godparents, or others to take care of children. In one case, a young man had lived with his godparents since birth and considered them his parents. They treated him like their child.

He had his own room, clothes, food and all he needed. The biological parents weren’t involved.

“Then one of the parents, who was like a stranger to him, snatched him overnight,” he says. “He was sleeping on the floor and getting to school only half the time. The godparents filed a petition for guardianship.”

Whiteside was the representative for the child.

He went to several hearings and then suggested the godparents become emergency guardians and the young man be returned to them.

“I had to first find out, what does the child want?” Whiteside says. “Then, what does the child need? Also, what were the parents doing when nobody was watching? In this case, nothing,” Whiteside says. “No finances. No food. No shelter. No clothing. However, the godparents were fully providing all that, plus love. The judge agreed with me and the boy was returned home to his godparents.”

The people in his cases inspire Whiteside the most. “There are kids falling through the air and someone, for no other reason than love, reaches out and catches them,” he says. “I get to watch that happen. I’m constantly inspired by the selfless love of human beings.”

Now, in the later stages of his career, Whiteside looks at his job — and everything else — with a new appreciation. Thirty years ago, he had cancer. “I was afraid I would never recover from that,” he says. “I’d look out the hospital window and think the luckiest people in the world were the ones headed down Broadway to work. Now every day I get to work is a blessing for me.”

Whiteside is now cancer-free and healthy. His goal is to be useful. “I like being part of the legal process,” he says. “It’s a process in which I have great faith. That’s based on daily observation over the last 33-plus years. There is a judge who makes the final decision, but if I’ve done my job and fulfilled my responsibility, then it’s going to turn out like it’s supposed to.”

Whiteside lives in Rocheport, above the river.

He enjoys spending time with his wife, two daughters, and grandchildren. After living in Columbia, they wanted to downsize to a smaller home in a smaller community near friends. It’s where he plans to stay put. CBT

COLUMBIABUSINESSTIMES.COM 71

72 JANUARY 2018

BU SINESS • P EOP L E • IM PROVE M E N T • F YI

M AR KET I N G

pre-schedule Instagram posts from a web browser. Cost: $20 per month for one account with 10,000 followers or less.

12. YouTube video editor: This basic video editor can be a lifesaver. You can do simple crops, trims, and enhancements right in the video upload interface. Cost: Free.

13. Google Alerts: Is your business talked about in news or blogs? Google can help you find out. Just sign up to be alerted when certain terms are mentioned, and Google will email you mentions daily. Cost: Free

M ARKET I NG

20 Tools Under $40

BY JAMIE PATTERSON | Vice President of Marketing, JCMG

Any marketing professional, whether they’re working with a budget large or small, can benefit from free or inexpensive DIY marketing hacks.

1.

Canva: No Adobe experience? No problem. Create classy graphics and designs with a drag-and-drop editor so easy to use you could train your dog to do it. Cost: Free to create an account and use standard elements. Premium elements: $1 each.

2. Vista Print: A classic starter tool for young businesses and side hustles. Known for great deals on business cards and more.

Cost: 100 business cards for as low as $7.98.

3. Hootsuite: A social media management tool that allows you to post to multiple accounts from one dashboard. You can follow hashtags and topics and respond quickly to relevant posts. Cost: Free for a basic account. Pro: $9.99 per month, which gets you more streams and more advanced analytics.

4. Survey Monkey: When was the last time you asked your customers about their preferences? Get input from your audience via easy-to-complete online forms. Cost: Free for a basic account (and they do mean basic.) Premium: $35 per month for unlimited questions, higher allowed responses, and exportable results.

5. Pic Monkey: Photoshop meets Instagram, only easier to use and with better filters. I love this tool and have used it more than any other on this list. Cost: $3.99 per month with annual plan.

6. MailChimp: It dominates email marketing with user-friendliness, quality responsive templates, safe list management, useful automation tools, and integration capabilities. Cost: Free for up to 12,000 sends per month and 2,000 subscribers. Price scales by list size.

7. Google Analytics: For more than a decade, Google has offered completely free website analytics, and every business owner on the planet should be taking advantage of this. Cost: Free; pro plans available.

8. Google Trends: Want to find out how interest in a product or service has trended over time? Google Trends will show you — and the charts, comparison tools, and location capabilities are fantastic. Cost: Free.

9. Facebook Ads Manager: Take your boosted Facebook posts a step further – the full Facebook Ads Manager lets you create a wider variety of ad formats, perform A/B tests, and access a more granular set of targeting options. Cost: Free with ad campaigns.

10. Facebook Boosted Posts: Not boosting your posts yet? You just need an ads account and a form of payment and you’re good to go. Click “Promote” and set your geographic target, audience, duration, and budget. Cost: $40 or less will get you a good boost for a narrowed audience in Columbia.

11. Schedugram: If Instagram is important to your business, then I highly recommend Schedugram, a paid service that lets you

14. Pivot Tables in Excel: In our datadriven marketing world, Excel’s Pivot Tables can change your life. If you have sales, revenue, web traffic, or social data, pivot tables can make it actionable. Cost: Free with Microsoft Excel.

15. Pexels: Free, quality stock photos have arrived with Pexels. Options are a bit limited, so glance at your competitors’ stuff before using a Pexels photo as a primary branding element to avoid duplication. Cost: Free.

16. Melody Loops: The silence can be deafening in a video without a background track.

Melody Loops has a large selection of royalty-free, YouTube-friendly background tracks ready for use. Cost: $29 for most music packs, with a handful of free tracks mixed in.

17. CoverItLive: Create a moderated, scrolling social media feed with CoverItLive. Nonprofits, take note — while not under $40 for most businesses, CoverItLive is free for 501(c)(3)s. Cost: Free for nonprofits.

18. Splice: A handy, easy-to-use video editor app. You can “splice” multiple videos together, add transitions, and select a royalty-free background track — all from your phone. Cost: Free.

19. Transfer: This is one of the handiest apps ever. Open your phone’s camera roll in a web browser and download batches of your photos and videos on your laptop. No cords required. Cost: Free.

20. PhotoStudio: The must-have photo-editing app for top-quality filters, filter selection, and editing capabilities. Cost: Free.

Start your new year off right with a these low-budget, high-return resources. Happy 2018, and happy marketing! CBT COLUMBIABUSINESSTIMES.COM 73

Celebrating 30 years of service in Boone County

IF IT’S IMPORTANT TO YOU, THEN IT’S IMPORTANT TO FRAME IT PERFECTLY. Our custom framing is executed with a level of creative expertise you’ll not experience anywhere else.

For a flawlessly finished project, visit our shop today.

Here’s what clients are saying: Here is what we needed: an energetic, experienced team of cleaning professionals to tackle a very large, very old home with years of dust and dirt in every nook and cranny. Here is what we got when we hired Personal Touch Cleaning Service, LLC: a team of energetic, experienced cleaning professionals who exceeded our expectations in every regard. That they are honest, upbeat, and fun people to be around is just icing on the cake.

Sue Riley, the owner of Personal Touch, brought her team in two vans, along with all of the supplies they needed to clean cabinets, countertops, tubs, showers, baseboards, furniture, walls, and everything in between. She took one look at the job at hand and decided to divide and conquer, with her crew going to work right away from one end of the house to the other.

I highly recommend Personal Touch Cleaning Service. Sue, who has been in the cleaning business for 30 years, has assembled a team of people who are exceptional at what they do. If you like a sparkling home as much as we do, my recommendation is to call Sue today. You won’t be disappointed.

-Becky Does your home need a Personal Touch?

StudioHomeInteriors.com 573-445-4122 1029 E. Walnut St. Columbia

74 JANUARY 2018

Office: 573.256.1920 www.personaltouchcleaningservicellc.com

B U SINESS • P EOP L E • IM P ROVE M E N T • F YI

OR G A N I ZAT I ON AL H EALT H

brings energy and energy keeps things living and growing. Why do you want to continue to feed energy into something you don’t want?

You can either focus on what isn’t working or what is, what you don’t have or what you do, what you believe in or what you don’t.

In 2018, it will be important to focus on new issues and problems — they will very likely be different from the ones you faced in 2017. If you continue to focus on yesterday’s issues and problems, you’ll miss the answers to the next set of problems about to bowl you over.

3. Managing or downsizing your stress.

ORGA N I Z AT IONAL H E ALTH

4 Emotional Challenges Leaders Will Face In 2018

BY TON Y RICHA R DS | Fou n de r of C le ar Visio n Deve l o p m e n t G ro u p

WELCOME TO 2018! AS WE WORK hard to achieve new goals and successes in this brand new year, it’s important for us to make a little emotional checklist of the things we need to pay attention to in order to be the high performance leaders we expect ourselves to be. Let’s run through four of the most important emotional challenges (there will, inevitably, be more than four) leaders will face this year.

1. Relying on technology but keeping the human touch. So much of successful business requires the human connection between customers, employees, suppliers, and the marketplace. But the technology we now rely on puts us in jeopardy of losing much of that human connection. Tech-

nology accelerates the speed of business. It improves the employee education process.

It does many good things. Leaders have to take advantage of these benefits while making sure they don’t lose sight of building positive and trusting relationships.

If today's leaders could choose to visit an employee whose office is down the hall or send an email, the tendency is to do a “techtouch.” The temptation is strong. The visit might take a few more minutes, but, in the end, you’ll be enhancing the relationship in a more positive way.

2. Focusing on what you want. For years, I’ve been teaching the principle of focus — the benefits of focusing on what you want and removing focus from what you don’t. Focus

I teach a lot of stress management to my clients, and stress will more than likely increase in 2018.

As the pressures of the marketplace continue to mount (be the fastest, be the best), the pressure on leaders increases. There is no work–life balance any longer; there is only balance. The lines have blurred into non-existence.

Remember, the real culprit is not what is happening outside ourselves, but what’s happening inside. How do we respond to stress?

Learning how to handle our triggers, stressors, and emotions will dictate how well we enjoy life and work.

4. Letting go of old emotional baggage from 2017 (and 2016…). While the previous challenge deals with moving forward, this challenge deals with the baggage you’ve been lugging around while trying to do so. These are old emotional problems we’ve carried around for days, months, or years — old hurts, resentments, or anger. It can also be some old guilt, failure, or fear. We get comfortable with these things after a time. So comfortable, in fact, that many people go to their graves without being able to let it go.

Let it go. Suppressed emotions take a serious toll on us mentally, physically, and spiritually.

Emotional baggage is one of the biggest stresses that can affect your life.

Do me a favor. Write down all your old hurts, pains, and fears on a piece of paper. Once you’ve done that, tell yourself that you’re going to wad it up and throw it in the garbage — not just for now, but forever. When you throw it in the garbage, you’re also going to release it from yourself as well. Let it go! Do it today. Seriously. CBT COLUMBIABUSINESSTIMES.COM 75

We’re not making your father’s sipping Whiskey.

come experience columbia’s only craft distillery locally made spirits well crafted cocktails

open tuesday - saturday 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm 210 St. James Street, Suite D Columbia, MO 65201 (573) 777- 6768

76 JANUARY 2018

B U SINESS • P EOP L E • IM P ROVE M E N T • F YI

Priority legislation is being filed early and perfected throughout the session.

AGENDA

P OL IC Y

Chamber Sets Policy Agenda

BY JERRY DOWELL | Director of Government Affairs, Columbia Chamber of Commerce

EVERY YEAR ON DECEMBER 1, Republicans and Democrats in the Missouri House and Senate begin to pre-file legislation that will be considered by both houses when the session starts the first Wednesday in January. Over the past five years, an average of more than 2,000 bills have been introduced annually, with roughly 125 bills making it to the governor’s desk for his signature or veto. With a dismal success rate of less than seven percent, most bills are never even heard in committee.

The Columbia Chamber of Commerce represents nearly 1,000 business members and over 52,000 employees. We watch what happens at the state capitol with great interest.

One of the ways we engage in the public policy process is by the creation of a state legislative agenda. This process begins after the legislative session adjourns in May. Our government affairs committee invites community partners and our local elected officials to outline their objectives and priorities for the next legislative session. The committee reviews recommendations from the chamber’s other 11 committees and produces a legislative

POLI CY

agenda, which is then approved by the Board of Directors and released to the public and our elected officials.

This year’s chamber legislative agenda covers five areas.

1. Education. The chamber will emphasize stabilizing funding for MU.

2. Transportation. The chamber will support comprehensive transportation funding, with an emphasis on rebuilding I-70, and continue supporting the effort to complete the Columbia Regional Airport terminal project.

3. Business and Economic Development. The chamber will support efforts to expand education and training for the university’s research reactor.

4. Taxes and Tax Credits. The chamber will endorse sales tax policies that level the playing field between local retailers and out-of-state competitors for online purchases.

5. Administrative. The chamber will support a statewide prescription drug monitoring program.

Each session, the Columbia Chamber of Commerce joins other industry and interest groups that hope to influence legislators to advance and vote for their own set of priorities.

With a Republican governor and Republican super-majorities in both the house and senate, it’s increasingly important to identify coalition groups that support the same policies we’re trying to pass.

In 2016, the chamber created the Columbia Community Partnership, an organization that enables the chamber, the City of Columbia, Boone County, Columbia Public Schools, the Columbia Convention and Visitors Bureau, Moberly Area Community College, and MU to promote Columbia and Boone County and advocate to the general assembly with one voice on issues of importance to our region.

The partnership has already achieved success by securing a $2.5 million appropriation for the Columbia Regional Airport terminal project in the 2018 state budget. With continued collaboration, our region should increase our influence and legislative support for our priorities in the coming years.

The CCP has its own set of priorities this year, including supporting funding for MU and MACC; construction of a new medicine complex at MU; the aforementioned statewide prescription drug monitoring program; pilot partnerships between public schools and community transportation services; and creating a visiting scholar certificate program to allow public schools to find qualified teachers.

In the last two legislative sessions, nearly 71 percent of the total number of bills passed were bills that were pre-filed in December, up from 31 percent in 2013. This increase is an indicator that priority legislation is filed early and perfected through the session. There is also a continuation of advocating for policy changes that failed in the previous session.

As a community, if we expect to be successful, we need to be persistent in advocating for our priorities every day. Engage yourself in the public policy process and help us make Columbia an even better place. CBT COLUMBIABUSINESSTIMES.COM 77

Congratulations

to Community Outreach North Officer

Scott Lenger Protecting with integrity.

Serving with compassion.

Empowering neighbors to create safe spaces to live, work, learn and play.

como.gov 78 JANUARY 2018

(573) 874-2489

701 E Broadway

P.O. Box 6015

Columbia, MO 65205

B U SINESS • P EOP L E • IM PROVE M E N T • F YI

R EAL ESTAT E

This tax code will be a major factor in the next generation’s willingness to open a business.

R EA L ESTAT E

Tax Overhaul and Small Businesses

BY MIK E GRELLNER | Vice P re side n t , P laza Co m m e rc i a l Re a l ty

AS I WRITE THIS COLUMN, we’re preparing for the holidays. It’s a great time of year to be in Columbia for a number of reasons. Certainly, there is no shortage of fulfilling holiday activities geared towards families and people of all ages.

It’s also a critical time of year for our local retailers. In many instances, this is the stretch of the year where businesses hope to go from red to black. Subsequently, now that we’re in January, those same businesses will make decisions about expanding, contracting, staying the same size, or closing altogether (an unfortunate trend with retail businesses these days). We, the general public, only realize the latter has occurred when we see empty storefronts in town and hear our city government’s commentary on the continual loss of sales tax revenue.

A not-so-festive conversation is underway as I write this column — the federal legislature is contemplating the overhaul of federal

tax code. It has been over 30 years since such a passage has occurred. A couple of the stated goals laid out by its proponents are to: 1. Simplify the tax code.

2. Protect and enhance the wealth of middle class families and small businesses.

On goal No. 1: everyone in this country, of course, can rally behind that goal (barring, perhaps, the accountants). We have enough stress in our lives, and it’s bad enough that we have to cut the check every year — can we at least make the process of getting there less of a pain in the rear?

While we can agree on that notion, I don’t feel excited about it yet. Perhaps I’ve grown too skeptical, but pairing “federal legislation” and “simplify” in the same sentence is roughly the equivalent of paring “Jayhawk football” and “bowl game.” I hope I’m wrong.

On goal number 2: I think this is headed in a positive direction, especially if you reside in said middle class or the small business community. This CBT issue focuses on the 20 Under 40 award recipients. I wonder how much of the under-40 audience in this country is paying attention to the tax conversation. You’d hope the majority, as they have the most to gain (or lose) as a result of this tax overhaul given the many years of productivity and tax payments that lay ahead of them.

If our federal legislature is successful in achieving these two goals (and the cost of the new tax code is not detrimental), then those efforts will be applauded, but time will tell.

In the short term, tax time is essentially upon us, and with that comes some difficult decisions about the future of small businesses. I’m hopeful that whatever the final code looks like, it will encourage rather than discourage our under40 demographic to start businesses and create employment opportunities, to grow that business, and to invest further in our town.

Assuming some version of this new tax code becomes law, it likely will be in effect for decades to come. Therefore, it will be a major factor in the next generation’s willingness to open businesses in this country. If it’s successful in coaxing more people into starting a business, the commercial market stands to benefit immensely, especially in Columbia.

Our commercial landscape remains dotted with local small business owners. They are a stabilizing force in our market, and their investment and tax generation is critical.

Good luck to everyone as we embark on 2018, and a toast to our working middle class and small business owners who keep the Columbia engine running every day. CBT COLUMBIABUSINESSTIMES.COM 79

80 JANUARY 2018

BU SINESS • P EOP L E • IM PROVE M E N T • F YI

ASK AN N E

Q I am a small business owner with eight employees. Before the company started three years ago, all the employees, including me, worked for another company.

The issue I’m having trouble with is that most of the employees see me as a co-worker and friend, not an authority figure or their boss. What can I do?

A SK A N N E

How to Make the Right Hire

BY A N N E W ILLIAM S | P re side n t , JobF in de rs E m p l oy m e n t S e r vi ce s

Q I am having the biggest problem in hiring the right people. How do I make the right decisions so people want to work here for the long haul?

People will stay on the job if they like the work and the culture — and if the compensation is in line with industry standards. Here’s a handy acronym to help you make the RIGHT hire.

R — Responsibility. How much responsibility does each interviewer take to ensure a successful job match? There is no quick fit when it comes to hiring. Decision-makers need to learn to take the process carefully.

I — Information. You need to be on a quest for information about your job candidates. Learn what culture they prefer to work in, the management style that works best for them, their technical skills and leadership abilities, and what they want from you as a leader. Ask each candidate the same questions so you can compare apples to apples.

G — Goals. Always set the goal of making every staffing match between a candidate and the position a win-win-win.

• The job candidate wins. Is the position you offered the best job opportunity for the candidate? It should meet his or her employment needs and career desires.

• The company wins. Is the candidate you matched to the job the best you can recommend to solve issues or help your company grow?

• You win. Will the candidate you endorsed be an asset to you in your job or contribute to make the team stronger?

H — Habits. There is no room for complacency.

Form good work habits that minimize the possibility of picking the wrong candidate.

Develop and implement a thorough matching process that becomes a habit.

T — Team. Team focus is essential when hiring a new person. Every time someone is hired, it affects the team. Your team members look to you to make the very best recommendation to help their department work well together and succeed.

Remember it’ll take a while, too. Writing job descriptions, advertising open vacancies, calling candidates to arrange meetings, interviewing, and making hiring decisions is tough work and time consuming, especially for those businesspeople without HR prowess.

I bet you find yourself not knowing how to act at work these days. I’m a boss. Generally, I handle things quickly and stay as upfront and positive as I can be. Personally, I’m more comfortable talking to employees individually than in a group setting.

When you’re one-on-one, you’re able to discuss the problems they have and issues that they might see in the company. They may feel free to give suggestions.

Often, in a group, people don’t speak up.

If you haven’t read “The Four Agreements,”

by Don Michel Ruiz, I highly suggest you do. It’s a short read, but it has a message to live by. Ruiz outlines “four agreements” that we’ve all learned and practiced along the way. The problem is we often leave out a step, don’t remember all four at the same time, or just forget the whole thing.

Though I’m not perfect, I do try to live this way.

When it comes to working with employees, I think the agreements are extra valuable.

The basic agreements:

• Be impeccable with your word. Don’t lie to your employees, be to the point, don’t gossip about anyone.

• Don’t take anything personally. People don’t do things to hurt you intentionally; people say or do things for themselves.

• Don’t make assumptions. See, hear, speak, and write well in order to avoid misunderstandings or drama in the workforce.

• Always do your best. Your best is your best depending on a lot of things. When you do your best, you set a great example for others and will never have room for regret in your world. CBT Anne Williams is not an attorney. All content in this column is not guaranteed for accuracy and legality and is not to be construed as legal advice.

COLUMBIABUSINESSTIMES.COM 81

82 JANUARY 2018

BU SI N ESS • P EOPL E • IM P R OV EM EN T • FY I

New Business Licenses JANUARY 2018

ThermaVant, Lexo

Professional Yogis

Meers Home Inspections

1000 Pannell St. 573-397-6913 Design and sales of tumblers and coffee mugs

2801 W. Broadway 573-808-5393 Yoga instruction to on-site businesses

3005 Rollins Rd. 573-881-3869 Home inspector

Missouri Electronics

Profit Plus Advisors

Management

3804 Mamba Dr. 573-347-0444 Consumer electronic appliance sales

3610 Buttonwood Dr. 800-260-2927 Business consulting

Services

Aladdin Food

Vine Vera Spa Regan Irene Photography

3640 Evergreen Ln. 573-808-7986 Photography; service only, no retail

2300 Bernadette Dr. 702-972-9286 Cosmetics, skin care, anti-aging products Taco John’s

Broken Beauty Body Art

3910 Peachtree Dr. 573-442-9796 Tattoo shop Beverly Helm PT

2205 Park De Ville Pl. 573-808-7986 Physical therapy

2300 Bernadette Dr. 573-289-6095 Fast food restaurant Affordable ATVs

1406 Vandiver Dr. 573-826-2887 ATV and power sports dealer Blue Horizon Studio

Laurmar Consulting LLC

2016 Devonshire Dr. 417-496-1360 General contractor and consultant

573-397-4666 Digital graphic design services We Bees Cleaning

1001 Rogers St. 601-664-3100 Contract food service — snack bar

2703 E. Broadway 573-355-9384 Supplemental learning center

2409 Andy Dr. 573-289-8443 Hands-on cleaning services

relief.

They now know what needs to be done and why. And then they discover a level of personal service they’ve probably never experienced before.

I can do the same for you, as well.

Aladdin Food Management Services

1001 Rogers St. 601-664-3100 Contract food services — dining hall Milan Laser Hair Removal

303 N. Stadium Blvd.

573-335-5057 Laser hair removal Christianson Lawn Care

2315 Windmill Ct. 573-808-0629 Lawn care Embodied Work

17 N. Fourth St. 660-626-3219 Private yoga instruction

Services Brain Balance of Columbia

From the very first meeting, my clients feel a sense of

Bella Salon

4603 John Garry Dr. 573-817-2566 Hair salon

Old School Superior Services

Puzzles & Games

The Quarry

1312 Count Fleet Ct. 573-673-3532 Painting, trim, and cleaning

2300 Bernadette Dr. 217-935-5058 Retail sales

1201 E. Broadway 573-424-0071 Restaurant and bar CBT

Wills & Trusts Business Law 303 N. Stadium Blvd. Suite 200 Columbia | 573-874-1122 NathanJonesLaw.com The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.

COLUMBIABUSINESSTIMES.COM 83

B U S I N E SS • P E O P L E • I M P R OV E M E N T • F Y I

DEEDS OF T R U ST

Deeds of Trust MidMoTix.com

You’re on the guest list.

MidMoTix is your local option for conveniently selling and purchasing tickets to events in the Mid-Missouri area.

midmo TIX FOLLOW US: Interested in learning more? Contact us at info@MidMoTix.com

84 JANUARY 2018

WORTH MORE THAN $975,000

$20,775,000

$1,543,000

Centerpointe Columbia Real Estate LLC Royal Banks of Missouri LT 1001 AUBURN HILLS PLAT 10-A

Show Me Properties LLC The Bank of Missouri LT 18 PT C R TURNERS SUB LT7,8 FF JOHN A STEWART’S SUB

$4,745,025

Tharp Family CO LP American Sercurities Company STR 21-49-12 //S SUR BK/PG: 3365/167 AC 7.07 FF TRACT 1

$1,410,000

Newton, James Camp & Jill Marie Commerce Bank STR 17-47-13 SUR BK/PG: 2620/135 $1,149,025

Arrowhead 3 LLC

Central Bank of Boone County STR 3-47-13 // SW SUR BK/PG: 1392/982 AC 24.19 $1,149,025

Arrowhead 3 LLC Central Bank of Boone County LT 35A PT ARROWHEAD LAKE ESTATES PLAT NO 2

LT C1 RIDGEMONT PARK PLAT NO 1 $975,000

Winscott Construction & Excavating Inc. Hawthorn Bank STR 22-46-12 // NE SUR BK/PG: 1289/905 AC 25.19 CBT

$1,012,500

432 deeds of

Ridgemont Development LLC Landmark Bank

trust were issued between 10/30 and 11/22

BU SINESS • P EOP L E • IM P R OV EM EN T • FY I

Economic Index LABOR

HOUSING

(not seasonally adjusted)

October 2017

October 2017 COLUMBIA, MISSOURI

Labor force: 67,705

Single-family homes sales: 152 Existing single-family home sales per month: 138

Employment: 66,703

New construction single-

Unemployment: 1,002

family home

Rate: 1.5 percent

sales per month: 14 Single-family active listings on

BOONE COUNTY

market: 763

Labor force: 99,400

Single-family homes average

Employment: 97,940 Unemployment: 1,460 Rate: 1.5 percent

sold price: $206,638 Single-family home median sold price: $177,000

MISSOURI

Single-family homes average

Labor force: 3,042,240

days on market: 56

Employment: 2,967,007

Single-family pending listings

Unemployment: 75,233

on market: 158

Rate: 2.5 percent UNITED STATES

Labor force: 160,465,000 Employment: 154,223,000 Unemployment: 6,242,000 Rate: 3.9 percent

UTILITIES Water

November 2017: 49,162 November 2016: 48,581 Change #: 581 Change %: 1.196%

CONSTRUCTION

Number of customers receiving

October 2017

service on December 1,2017:

Residential building permits: 73 Value of residential building permits: $67,234,659 Commercial building permits: 20 Value of commercial building

49,104 Electric

November 2017: 50,150 November 2016: 49,025

permits: $3,816,692

Change #: 1,125

Commercial additions and

Change %: 2.295%

alterations: 11

Number of customers

Value of commercial additions:

receiving service on December

$1,977,529

1, 2017: 50,179 COLUMBIABUSINESSTIMES.COM 85

olumbia Region al A

by C irp red or we o t P

TOP

CBT’s

OF THE

TOWN 2017

TOP PLACE TO WORK – 1-25 EMPLOYEES

TOP ARCHITECT

TOP ADVERTISING AGENCY

TOP ACCOUNTING SERVICE

1st Place: Columbia Eye Consultants 2nd Place: Caledon Virtual

1st Place: Simon Oswald Architecture 2nd Place: PWArchitects

TOP PLACE TO WORK - 26-50 EMPLOYEES

TOP HR FIRM

1st Place: True Media 2nd Place: Visionworks Marketing Group

1st Place: Williams-Keepers LLC 2005 W. Broadway, Columbia 573-442-6171, williamskeepers.com

1st Place: Woodruff 2nd Place: Century 21 Advantage

1st Place: Moresource, Inc. 2nd Place: Accounting Plus 1604 Business Loop 70 W. B, Columbia 573-445-3805, accountingplusinc.com

TOP PLACE TO WORK - 51+ EMPLOYEES 1st Place: Veterans United Home Loans 2nd Place: Central Bank of Boone County

TOP EMERGING PROFESSIONAL 1st Place: Amanda Quick, The Hatchery 2nd Place: Brandon Banks, Modern Media Concepts

TOP SEASONED PRO 1st Place: Eric Morrison, Providence Bank 2nd Place: Gina Gervino, Columbia Insurance Group

TOP COMMERCIAL REALTOR 1st Place: Paul Land, Plaza Commercial Realty 2501 Bernadette Dr, Columbia 573-445-1020, paulland.com

TOP SALESPERSON 1st Place: Brooke Berkey, Central Bank of Boone County 2nd Place: Danny Gingerich, Joe Machens Toyota-Scion

TOP CHAMBER VOLUNTEER 1st Place: Tom Trabue, McClure Engineering Co. 2nd Place: Sherry Major, Columbia EDP

TOP CEO 1st Place: Steve Erdel, Central Bank of Boone County 2nd Place: Gary Thompson, Columbia Insurance Group

TOP BANK 1st Place: Central Bank of Boone County 2nd Place: Landmark Bank

2nd Place: Gina Rende, Maly Commercial Realty

TOP COMMERCIAL LENDER

1st Place: Coil Construction 2nd Place: Little Dixie Construction

1st Place: Chris Widmer, Landmark Bank 2nd Place: Chris Rosskopf, Central Bank of Boone County

TOP REAL ESTATE DEVELOPER

TOP BUSINESS INSURANCE

1st Place: Mike Tompkins, Tompkins Homes & Development 2nd Place: Jay Lindner, Forum Development Group

1st Place: Stephanie Wilmsmeyer, State Farm 2609 E. Broadway, Columbia 573-445-5774, insurecomo.com

TOP COMMERCIAL BUILDER

TOP PLACE TO CLOSE A DEAL 1st Place: 44 Stone 2nd Place: Boone-Central Title Co.

TOP STAFFING COMPANY 1st Place: JobFinders Employment Services 1729 W. Broadway #4, Columbia, 573-446-4250, jobfindersusa.com

2nd Place: Kelly Services

TOP JANITORIAL SERVICES 1st Place: Atkins, Inc. 2nd Place: Safi Sana

TOP HAPPY HOUR 1st Place: Logboat Brewing Co. 2nd Place: The Roof

TOP IT COMPANY 1st Place: Midwest Computech 311 Bernadette Dr., Ste. A, Columbia 573-499-6928, midwestcomputech.com

1st Place: Fresh Ideas Food Service Management 2nd Place: Missouri Employers Mutual

1st Place: LG Patterson 2nd Place: Casey Buckman

TOP COMMERCIAL VIDEOGRAPHER 1st Place: The Evoke Group 2nd Place: Cosmic Sauce

TOP EVENT LOCATION 1st Place: Logboat Brewing Co. 2nd Place: Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center

TOP PLACE FOR BUSINESS LUNCH 1st Place: Addison’s 2nd Place: D. Rowe’s

TOP COFFEE MEETING LOCATION 1st Place: Kaldi’s Coffee 2nd Place: The Grind Coffee House 2nd Place: EasyPC IT & Computer Repair

TOP NATIONAL PRESENCE 1st Place: True/False Film Fest 2nd Place: Veterans United Home Loans

TOP CATERER 1st Place: Bleu Events 2nd Place: Hoss’s Market 1010 Club Village Dr., Columbia 573-815-9711, hosssmarket.com

TOP WEB DEVELOPER 1st Place: Hoot Design Co. 2nd Place: Delta Systems

TOP B2B PRODUCT OR SERVICE

1st Place: Crockett Engineering 2nd Place: McClure Engineering Co.

1st Place: GFI Digital 2nd Place: CoMo Connection Exchange

2nd Place: Columbia Insurance Group

TOP OFFICE DIGS

TOP COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHER

TOP ENGINEER 86 JANUARY 2018

2nd Place: Accounting Plus

TOP LOCAL TEAM-BUILDING EXPERIENCE 1st Place: Breakout CoMo 2nd Place: Escape Plan

BU SINESS • P EOP L E • IM P R OV EM EN T • FY I

BY T H E N U M BER S

GET TO KNOW THE 2018 20 UNDER 40 CLASS

28 Most years lived in Mid-Missouri

attended Mizzou as an undergrad

1.5 Fewest years lived in Mid-Missouri

70%

are entrepreneurs!

have masters degrees

AVERAGE AGE

34.25

attended Truman State University as an undergrad

attended Columbia College as an undergrad

has a Ph.D. COLUMBIABUSINESSTIMES.COM 87

ADVERTISER INDEX ACCOUNTING PLUS............................................................................................91

LAZER LANES......................................................................................................... 7

ANTHONY JINSON PHOTOGRAPHY............................................................13

MERCEDES-BENZ OF COLUMBIA................................................................24

ARIA APARTMENTS............................................................................................76

MIDMOTIX.COM................................................................................................... 84

ASSOCIATION OF FUNDRAISING PROFESSIONALS - CENTRAL

MOBERLY AREA COMMUNITY COLLEGE................................................ 80

MISSOURI CHAPTER..........................................................................................32

NATHAN JONES LAW........................................................................................83

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOME SERVICES................................................16

NAUGHT NAUGHT INSURANCE AGENCY................................................ 84

BMW OF COLUMBIA.......................................................................................... 10 CENTRAL TRUST COMPANY..........................................................................78 CITY OF COLUMBIA...........................................................................................78 DOGMASTER DISTILLERY...............................................................................76 EDWARD JONES - KATHY LOU NEALE.................................................... 30 ESI COMMUNICATIONS......................................................................................18 FIRST STATE COMMUNITY BANK.................................................................76 GAINES CAR DETAILING..................................................................................35 GFI DIGITAL............................................................................................................. 3

PERSONAL TOUCH CLEANING SERVICE..................................................74 PROVIDENCE BANK............................................................................................71 REALTY EXECUTIVES- HEATH HIGGINS......................................................11 RESTORATION EYECARE................................................................................32 SILVERBALL...................................................................................................9 & 38 SOCKET...................................................................................................................85 STANGE LAW FIRM.............................................................................................88 STUDIO HOME......................................................................................................74

HAWTHORN BANK.................................................................................. 82 & 92

THE BROADWAY HOTEL..................................................................................82

HEART OF MISSOURI UNITED WAY...................................................... 4 & 5

TIGER SCHOLARSHIP FUND............................................................................. 6

HOOT DESIGN COMPANY................................................................................35

TRUE FALSE FILM FEST..................................................................................... 8

JOE MACHENS DEALERSHIPS............................................................. 14 & 36

TRUMAN VA HOSPITAL.......................................................................... 30 & 71

JOE MACHENS TOYOTA.................................................................................. 20

UNIVERSITY CLUB...............................................................................................12

LANDMARK BANK................................................................................................ 2

WILSON’S FITNESS............................................................................................72

88 JANUARY 2018

B U SINESS • P EOP L E • IM P R OV EM EN T • FY I

Photography by Keith Borgmeyer

T H I S OR T H AT

KERRIE BLOSS Community Development Director, Boys & Girls Clubs of Columbia

Mac Details

Big Picture

Cursive

Print

Early Bird Cinema Michael Jackson Firefox 9-5 Learn At Your Desk

Netflix The Beatles Chrome Flexibility Teach In a Meeting Beer

Pie

Cake

Modern Skeptical City

Planner Traditional Certain Country

Save

Spend

Summer

Winter

Cat Passenger Car Ocean Optimistic Business

Dog Driver Plane Mountains Realistic Casual

Solo

Team

For Here

To Go

DISC Books

StrengthsFinder Magazines

Reading

Writing

Creative

Analytical

Introvert

Extrovert

Podcast Cluttered Card Game

1. A mix of both.

2. I’m an “any time of day” woman!

3. Spur-of-the-moment and pre-planning are both comfortable for me.

Night Owl

Wine

Improviser

A M E N DME N TS A N D CONDI TI ONS

PC

Concept Fiction Text Soup

Playlist Minimalist Board Game Execute Non-fiction Call Sandwich

COLUMBIABUSINESSTIMES.COM 89

B U SINESS • P EOP L E • IM P R OV EM EN T • FY I

FLASH BAC K

McClain Furniture Store

BY BRENNA McD ER M OT T | P HOTOG R A P HY BY B R E C K DU MAS

Meet Our Tax Team!

Let our friendly, professional and knoledgeable team work hard for you this Tax season. Come see us!

The building at 916 E. Walnut, known historically as the McClain Furniture Store building, is located in north downtown Columbia and is on the U.S. Department of the Interior’s National Register of Historic Places.

The structure, a large two-part commercial block, was built in 1931 for the McClain Furniture Company, owned by William Elliot McClain Sr. The building has a concrete foundation, and the walls are brick and stucco. It housed McClain Furniture Company until 1960.

McClain Sr. opened his first furniture store in Columbia in the 1910s. That first store, according to a 1917 city directory, was located around the corner from 916 E. Walnut, at 26 N. Ninth Street, home today to M. Boss Barber and Salon.

At that time, downtown Columbia was bursting with retail furniture stores. City directories from that time indicate there were five furniture

stores downtown that were located within two blocks of each other.

McClain Furniture relocated to a larger space, a one-story building at 916 E. Walnut in 1922, which was then replaced by the two-story building in 1931. The back part of the building was used as a furniture repair area. In 1947, McClain Sr. was 71 years old and both McClain sons, W.E. McClain Jr., and Raymond G. McClain, had joined the family business as proprietors. An ad from that same year mentions the company made cabinets and did refinishing and upholstering in addition to selling furniture, stoves, and rugs.

In 1951, McClain Furniture Company became the oldest furniture store in Columbia; the building was remodeled in the same year by local builder Richard Knipp. Knipp, according to National Register documents, installed a new, more modern all-glass storefront, which remains in place today.

McClain Sr. retired in 1959 and died a few months later on January 29, 1960. His obituary appeared on the front page of both the Columbia Missourian and the Columbia Daily Tribune.

McClain Furniture Company closed in 1961, at which point Pioneer Venetian Blind Company moved into the building.

Today, the building looks much the same it did at the time of the 1951 remodel. The storefront at 916 E. Walnut now houses Plasma Biological Services, a plasma collection site owned by a company called The Interstate Companies, which owns human blood and blood component banks across the United States. CBT

McClain Furniture Store Building 916 E. Walnut

We love Columbia business history. If you have any interesting photos and stories, please send them to Editor@BusinessTimesCompany.com 90 JANUARY 2018

WE KNOW

payrolL It’s a New Year, start it off right

www.AccountingPlusInc.com — Schedule online!

573.445.3805 | 1604B Business Loop 70W, Columbia, MO Right across from Cosmo Park!

Leave it all to us!

Come see us for your Business Accounting & Tax needs!

COLUMBIABUSINESSTIMES.COM 91

COLUMBIA BUSINESS TIMES \ 2001 CORPORATE PLACE, STE. 100 \ COLUMBIA, MO 65202

Justin Starr Starr Properties

Matt Boyd QuestTec

Gardell Powell Veterans United

These entrepreneurs connect us to those who drive Columbia forward.

Lydia Melton Günter Hans

Nickie Davis Muse Clothing Forrest Shock Huntleigh McGehee

Kellie Ann Coats Director of Advancement University of Missouri Shelly DeVore Columbia Insurance Group

Member FDIC NASDAQ: HWBK © 2017, Hawthorn Bank

Bartley Stevenson Milam Contracting

David Rowe D. Rowe’s

Tyson Hunt Logboat Brewery

573-449-9933 HawthornBank.com

MacKenzie Knierim The Southern Rose