Professional Daym by Professional /dāym/

Mid-Missouri Women’s Business and Leadership

Volume 1 Issue 4

$40 MILLION

A ND COUNT ING

ELIZABETH HUBER CEO of Huber & Associates sets the status quo

CO STLY

MISCONCEPTIONS

Paula Heath’s

A STROKE OF MAGIC

A DV I CE F ROM TECH EXPE RTS

DAYM-A P P ROVED M A N

D R. KE VIN D. RO ME

WATCH OUT LINCOLN, HE’S NOT AFRAID TO FAIL

“The first round of website development for a brand new e-commerce business is always a stressful moment. Although we knew we had a fantastic idea, my staff and I were still trying to articulate exactly what PrintNinja was and who our site should speak to as our launch date loomed.

PrintNinja Ribbon Cutting, July 2011

“Caledon came through for us when the heat was on, deftly navigating challenges of design, user interface and a complex retail backend. Their thoughtful suggestions on structure and round-the-clock diligence made them feel more like full-on project partners rather than the ‘hired guns’ so common in today’s web development world. “Our experience with Caledon was defined by their team’s time-sensitive professionalism and powerful insights, both technical and business-relevant. I’d recommend them to anyone looking for the mutual investment that only comes through true collaboration.” Russell Potterfield President & CEO PrintNinja.com

START-UPs From web architecture to branding, from business model to marketing plan, turn to our team of experts to give your start-up the best chance for long-term success.

Call 573-446-7777 for a FREE start-up consultation. web • branding • brochures • consulting • video • advertising • SEO • logos • sales management

helping

Women define their

Busenbark

RM Designs By

Becky McHugh FeatuRing CaRlisle & PeR se Clothing and accessories www.carlislecollection.com BeckyMcHugh@me.com

573-268-9955

BETSY BELL

Founder Publisher/Editor-in-Chief betsy@professionaldaym.com

SUSANNAH SODERGREN

Associate Publisher

susannah@professionaldaym.com

NICHOLE BALLARD

Deputy Editor

nichole@professionaldaym.com

NANCY VESSELL

Editor-at-Large

ANNE TUCKLEY

Stylist

REGINA PETERS

Illustrator

VIRGINIA WILSON

Advisory Board President CARI NICHOLS

Advisory Board Vice President

CONTRIBUTORS Photographers Anthony Jinson, Angelique Hunter, Nichole Ballard Writers Nichole Ballard, Keith Enloe, Bondi Wood, Nicole Flood, Matt Cowell, Susannah Sodergren, Nancy Vessell, Stephanie Detillier Whit McCoskrie, David Gaines Editorial Inquiries editorial@professionaldaym.com

ADVERTISING Paula Heath Sales Representative Northern Region paula@professionaldaym.com Audra Buxton Sales Representative Central Region audra@professionaldaym.com Advertising Inquiries advertising@professionaldaym.com

PROFESSIONAL DAYM MAGAZINE Mid-Missouri Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Business and Leadership Do business like a Daym. P.O. Box 15, Auxvasse, MO 65231 Phone: 573-310-1357 Fax: 573-386-2268

A free screening for those at risk.

The Stewart Cancer Center is now offering free lung cancer screenings to high-risk individuals. If you are a current or former long-term smoker over the age of 50, this low dose CT screening could save your life. Offered free of charge by the Boone Hospital Foundation, everyone at high risk for lung cancer is encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity. To find out if you are at high risk, call 573.815.2888 or visit boone.org/lung. You are worth fighting for.

Stewart Cancer Center at Boone Hospital

boone.org/lung

#004: A STROKE OF MAGIC

New art studio brings out Moberly’s creative side.

Legacy ANNIE FISHER Called Columbia’s first black businesswoman, Annie Fisher took her talent to the bank.

Elizabeth Huber A BUSINESS BUILT OUT OF DOING IT BETTER

Elizabeth Huber, CEO of Huber & Assoicates sets the tech industry bar.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

44 Startup Diaries

Daym-Approved Man DR. KEVIN D. ROME

Lincoln University’s new president is making changes and taking chances.

15 Business Report IN DEPTH

JobFinders named Women-Owned Small Business of the Year.

After Five

A LITTLE (LIVE) MUSIC ON THE SIDE Get out. Meet people. Make friends.

Professional /daym/

Before starting Professional Daym I knew approximately diddly-squat about launching a business. I had zero expertise in the matter. That’s right. Zero. Zilch. Nada. Even so, I was not deterred. What I so obviously lacked in knowledge I felt I made up for with three essential traits, those being common sense, fiery passion and hella grit.

LETTER

I’m no expert

What I didn’t know I planned to learn on my way.

BETSY BELL FOUNDER

Richard Branson, serial entrepreneur, best known as the founder of Virgin Group says one of his philosophies is to learn by doing. You don’t have to have all the answers from the get-go. There are experts in your community whose JOBS are to give you business advice and counsel for FREE. Many people don’t know about these services but they are out there. Knowing that I knew nothing, I knew I was going to need help –– see ... that was my common sense kicking in. I called R.E.D.I., Regional Economic Development Inc. They have a wonderful resource for the community called the Downtown Incubator. I applied and was accepted. I was able to use the facility and counselor on hand. There I was, introduced to a living, breathing saint among us, my counselor, Mrs.Virginia Wilson. Virginia is the director of the Missouri Small Business and Technology Development Center, but she’s also the type of person that makes you just want to crawl up in her lap and snuggle when you see her. Together, step-by-step, we filed all the legal state and federal paperwork. (Steve Jobs obviously didn’t have a hand in setting up the government; I wouldn’t describe the process as user-friendly.) But with Virginia’s assistance it was a breeze. She knew where to go and how to do it. Steps one, two and three. Follow the directions and you’re well on your way. Her help didn’t stop there: We worked out the financial forecasting. Is this viable? Have you thought of X, Y and Z? Amazing, I tell you. She’s amazing. The fact of the matter is there are experts in your community who will help you if you ask. Take an hour out of your day and meet with a business coach, your local economic development team or a seasoned entrepreneur. Pepper them with questions. Start collecting advice. During the launch of this magazine I asked pretty much anyone who would listen what they thought. I got a lot of good advice. And I got a lot of advice that I left on the table right where I found it. Remember even educated advisors might not know the nuances of your industry. In the end, just trust your instincts. You don’t have to take or agree with others’ opinions. If I had done that, this would be a quarterly magazine and you wouldn’t be reading about business. I’d be producing “articles that women are actually interested in.” Ha! It’s worth sifting through the sand to find a golden nugget. They’re out there.

Betsy Bell To

call (573) 310-1357.

Professional /daym/

HUB & SPOKE

“I am very excited about our new logo that Hub & Spoke worked with us to create. Missouri Contemporary Ballet has grown immensely over the past seven years, and I wanted our logo to reflect that positive growth. The new brand shows our innovative contemporary company.” Artistic/Executive Directer of Missouri Contemporary Bellet, Karen Grundy

WEB DESIGN + PRINT DESIGN + VIDEO + EMAIL MARKETING + SOCIAL + BRANDING + STRATEGY

888-573-4482

HUBANDSPOKECREATIVE.COM

BEHIND THE SCENE

/daym/: The title given to a woman

equivalent to the rank of a knight. With strength, savvy and spirit. That’s how a daym does business.

NOTES Technology has become part of our everyday lives in this day and age. And it happened fast. The industry is growing exponentially with no end in sight. USA Today reported that profits in technology companies are continuing to expand and earn big bucks for it’s ability to innovate and produce high-tech gadgets. The tech industry outlook is expected to increase profits by 9.3 percent in 2014. This issue is dedicated to those who have carved out a piece of the industry in midMissouri. Huber & Associates in Jefferson City is also following the industry trend and working towards expansion, currently renovating and investing in an additional building. Co-owner Elizabeth Huber tells her company’s story from basement computer service to IBM partner. Everyone is quickly realizing, if they haven’t already, the technology business is booming.

NICHOLE L. BALLARD DEPUTY EDITOR

The Callaway Athena Association and Art House in the Brick District of downtown Fulton hosted a meet and greet for the Professional Daym team in March. We were honored with the huge turnout and amazing amount of encouragement and support. Special thanks to Debbie LaRue, a Callaway Athena, for organizing the event. PHOTOGRAPHY BY TOM HARRIS AND BRIAN MAHIEU.

Professional /daym/

MICHELLE WEST *** Buying a home in 2014?

Did you know the loan program you choose is JUST AS IMPORTANT as the house you decide to make your home? Let the staff at Mid America Mortgage put you in the loan program that will save you the MOST money during your time in your home! We offer FHA, USDA & VA loans as well as conventional loans up to 97% loan to value! NMLS# 269669

The level of care & attention you will receive from me and the staff at Mid America is unparalleled. We pride ourselves on quality products and customer service. Call me, Michelle West, to get pre-qualifed!

(573) 875-1100

Michelle@mamort.com 200 E. Walnut St., Columbia

Professional /daym/

BUSINESS REPORT A regional perspective on business news. GRANTS

proposed southeast Highway 87 annexation has been identified as best suited for residential development.

C O L UM B I A The MFA Oil Foundation awarded grants to Family Counseling Center of Missouri, Inc.

C OLU MB I A

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BOONVILLE The Boonville Daily News reported that a possible 311-acre development in the Highway 87 corridor could help the city identify as a commuter city. The development by Hail Ridge Development out of Florida presented plans to the Boonville City Council. Spokesman Darryl Towers said the project is contingent on the annexation. The annexation will be on the ballot April 8. City Council is proposing the annexation, citing limited developable land within city limits. According to the plan of intent by the city, more than 57 percent of the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 4,700 acres have already been developed and an additional 27 percent is unlikely to be developed. Half of the nearly 750 acres left have been deemed best suited for commercial or industrial use. Land in the

Three of the developers to the many housing proposals to downtown Columbia have agreed to pay for part of the infrastructure improvements needed to support the developments, according to an article in the Columbia Missourian. Collegiate Housing Partners, American Campus Communities and The OPUS Group all agreed to help fund sewer improvements and various other utilities.

FAYE TTE The Fayette City Council is planning to give $10,000 to Moberly Area Economic Development Corporation for the next three years, according to the Democratic Leader.

CONTRACTS/BIDS B OON V I LL E The City of Boonville has made agreements with two Columbia-based contractors, Septagon Construction Management, Inc. and Peckham & Wright Architects, Inc., for the Kemper Campus Science Hall Rehabilitation Project.

* Information listed in the business report is sourced from local newspapers, press releases, public records, social media, area experts and reader tips.

The Peckham & Wright contract is for $203,000 and the Septagon Construction Management agreement is in the amount of $140,000 plus expenses, according to city administrator Irl Tessendorf. The City of Boonville entered into lease agreements with nonprofit athletic organizations, Boonville Babe Ruth Baseball and Boonslick Heartland YMCA, Inc. to operate concessions services.

CO L UMBIA Columbia Public Schools is soliciting bids for the Shepard Elementary Addition Project. Deadline for bids is April 29 at 2 p.m.

City staff received a lower bid from a St. Louis company, but it did not meet specifications, according to a city report and recommendation to award the bid.

FAY E T T E The Fayette City Council accepted a bid in the amount of $15,250 from KIOWA Line Builders out of Tipton for replacement of a damaged pole. The council also accepted a bid for $2,500 from J&M Displays out of Iowa for the Independence Day fireworks display, which is funded by local business donations, according to the Democrat Leader.

Mid-Missouri Solid Waste Management District is seeking proposals from independent certified public accountants for financial and compliance audit services. Deadline is April 30 at 4 p.m.

The Fayette City Council accepted a bid in the amount of $15,250 from Kiowa Line Builders out of Tipton for replacement of a damaged pole. The council also accepted a bid for $2,500 from J&M Displays out of Iowa for the Independence Day fireworks display, which is funded by local business donations, according to the Democratic Leader.

ROLLA

ME X ICO

Donelson Construction of Clever, Mo., was awarded a bid in the amount of $537,900 for microsurfacing work with the City of Rolla.

Mexico 59 School District is seeking an architectural and engineering firm to act as a consultant for renovations, additions and construction

City Council members are discussing a new model for fees for developers to cover costs of infrastructure improvements.

The Fayette City Council is planning to Professional /daym/

News from around the region

Modern Litho earned another award for th of new facilities. Deadline for proposals is April 21 at 2 p.m.

JEFF E R SO N C I T Y Jefferson City is accepting bids for the Water Street at Lohman’s Landing Project to reconstruct the 100 block of East and West Water Street. Deadline for proposals is April 22 at 1:30 p.m.

AWARDS RO LL A Brewer Science, a major player in the tech industry with a branch located in Rolla, was named to Minority Engineer magazine’s Top 50 Employers. Missouri University of Science & Technology has been ranked in the top five public colleges offering the best return on investment by The Huffington Post, and 20th in PayScale’s rankings of all universities and colleges. The rankings showed science, technology and engineering schools offered the best ROI overall.

JEFF E R SO N C I T Y Modern Litho earned another award for their efforts to be green. The company announced it was chosen for a SONORA Plate Green Leaf Award in a press release. Modern Litho switched to process-free plates in the past year. That, in addition

to their continual efforts to be environmentally efficient, earned the Jefferson Citybased company national recognition. Modern Litho has been awarded certification through environmental agencies for its use of BioRenewable ink and support of wind energy.

C OL U MB I A Williams-Keepers Financial Services LLC, Will McWilliams ranked 25th on WealthManagement.com’s Top Next Gen Independent Broker Dealer Advisors, according to a press release. Beau Aero Martin, President of GME Supply was named Small Business Exporter of the Year and rumor has it he is in the running for the national SBA award.

EARNINGS J E F F E RS ON C I TY Hawthorn Bancshares, Inc., a financial-bank holding company in Jefferson City and the parent company to Hawthorn Bank, released their financial results for the year ending December 2013 on the last day of March. The company reported a net income for 2013 increased 76 percent from the previous year (2012) and is the highest since 2007, according to Chairman and CEO David Turner. “Our improved performance in 2013 was primarily the result

of continued improvement in asset quality which allowed us to reduce our loan loss provision,” Turner said.

BRIEFS F ULT O N The Callaway Bank recently launched an updated website design at www.callawaybank.com. The new site was designed with mobile devices in mind, adding responsive functionality to allow the website to work on all modern web browsers. The site includes a cleaner appearance, with navigation visible at all times for quick browsing. Columbia based Hub & Spoke worked with The Callaway Bank to research, design and develop the new website.

JE F F E R S O N CIT Y The Missouri House passed legislation creating tax credit incentives of up to 20 percent of moving expenses for businesses to relocate to Missouri. Jefferson City reported a shortage of collected sales tax in March. The March shortage reflects a 2014 trend of sales tax revenues not reaching projections. Since January, the 1 percent sales tax has resulted in a .25 percent shortage in the General Fund. Jeff Schnieders Construction

Company began the construction of Capital Region Medical Center expansion late March.

BO O NV IL L E Cooper County Memorial Hospital announced that CEO Allen Waldo resigned. Jerry Howell was named Interim CEO during the search for a permanent successor for Waldo, according to an article in the Boonville Daily News.

L A K E O F T HE OZ ARKS The 2014 Lake Business Conference at the Tan-Tar-A Resort is April 9. Visit www. lakebusinessconference.com for more information on the event.

CO L UMBIA Current Missouri Symphony Society executive director Chris Campbell has accepted a position with the Boone County Museum and Galleries. The Columbia Daily Tribune reported Campbell is taking over his new position April 1. He has already submitted a letter of resignation. Business reporter for the Columbia Daily Tribune is taking a job at the St. LouisPost Dispatch. His final Street Talk column appeared in the Saturday Business edition on March 22. Brian Toohey has been announced as the new CEO of the Columbia Board of REALTORS. He is succeeding

Beau Aero Martin, President of GME Supply was n 14

Professional /daym/

heir efforts to be green. The company announced it was

IN DEPTH By Nichole L. Ballard

JOBFINDERS N A M E D W OMEN OW N E D SMALL B US I N E S S OF THE YEAR

The Small Business Administration St. Louis District Office announced Anne Williams, President of JobFinders Employment Services Co., as the Women-Owned Small Business of the Year for Eastern Missouri. JobFinders provides employment services for area businesses for temporary staffing needs; professional hiring which

specializes in manufacturing, distribution, construction, IT and insurance; and recruitment of healthcare candidates in allied health professions. “Winning the WomanOwned Business of the Year from the U.S. Small Business Administration – Eastern Division means that I am proud of my team and that JobFinders has had the opportunity to utilize the CapLine loan from the SBA to grow that great team of professionals throughout mid-Missouri,” Williams said. Patti Guttmann, Economic Development Specialist with the Small Business Administration in the St. Louis District Office, said one of the things that set Williams apart from other candidates was her creativity in hiring persons and the programs she implements in her business. “We like how it wasn’t a standard job-finding program. When she saw a need in the community she would try and fit that need,” Guttmann said. Williams was nominated by the Bank of Missouri and selected by a panel of judges. The women-owned business award is a local award using a modified checklist from the national awards

to evaluate nominees. One of the things emphasized is staying power, how long in business and expansion, growth and its network, Guttmann said. The SBA also takes into account the number of employees from the start of a business to the time of the nomination when evaluating local awards. Williams established JobFinders Employment Services in August of 1986. The company is headquartered in Columbia and the website states JobFinders is “one of the most recognized names in staffing throughout Missouri.” Giving back to the community is also an important factor in the award decision. “I’m proud to say that all the businesses we selected are involved in the community,” Guttmann said. “They are owners that are involved in their local community. Anne I know is very well-respected in Columbia and her name is becoming well-known outside of Columbia.” Williams will be presented with the award as Women-Owned Small Business of the Year May 8 during Small Business Week of Eastern Missouri, which is celebrated May 5-10.

named Small Business Exporter of the Year and rumor ha Professional /daym/

News from around the region

Pearl M Lee Russell, who retires at the end of May, and will take office in June.

grow our culture, my door is always open to suggestions and new ideas.”

by Wireless Asset Group to build a cell tower with the intent to lease it to AT&T.

C EN T R A L I A

Centralia Regional Economic Development, Inc. is hosting the Fourth Annual Job Fair/Business Expo April 26 at Centralia Intermediate School.

MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS

R OC H E P OR T

Information Management & Securities in Mexico has been announced as a 2014 Executive Partner with FileBound. The FileBound Partner Program helps reduce go-to-

Michael Rodgers has been selected as the new director for Centralia Regional Economic Development Inc. CREDI’s website quoted Rodgers, a member of Rodgers Rental, stating, “I strongly believe in Centralia and the many things this community has to offer, I’m excited for the opportunity to help sustain and

Justin Willett, The Columbia Daily Tribune reported that the Rocheport Board of Alderman approved the proposal

ME X ICO

market time for FileBound applications. FileBound provides cloud-based business process automation and document management applications. It is part of Upland Software.

A S HL A ND ShareTracker acquired telecom operator market and flow share measurement assets, making it the largest U.S. market share research company in the telecom sector. RLJ Credit Opportunity Fund invested in ShareTracker to support expansions on the company’s current wireless, video, voice and data market share to include cable, satellite and fiber TV subscription service, and mobile and fixed broadband. Founder and Chairman of RLJ, Robert L. Johnson, previously founded Black Entertainment Television (BET). “The RLJ Credit investment in ShareTracker promotes American entrepreneurship and skilled job creation in a sector that is vitally important to business performance,” Johnson said. “With our support, a small business has been able to acquire critical assets in a sophisticated transaction to help advance their business. As a result, a 2012 start-up company now employs more than 25 technology workers in four states. With our experience in communications, the RLJ advantage will extend to support

ShareTracker acquired telecom operator market and flow 16

Professional /daym/

Motor Company has relocated the company’s development of customer relationships with large telecommunications companies.” ShareTracker was founded in 2003 and is headquartered in Ashland, MO. It employs more than 25 employees.

space, GAF’s new facility will have the highest production capacity of any shingle manufacturing plant in the industry and will be equipped with the most modern technology,” according to a Moberly Area Economic Development Corporation press release.

OPENINGS

“Our newest plant demonstrates GAF’s commitment to expanding our business and to serving our customers with the most innovative technology by delivering quality product when and where our customers need it,” Bob Tafaro, president and chief executive officer of GAF stated in the press release. “We’re proud to have a new home in Missouri. Building this plant is consistent with our desire to create quality manufacturing jobs right here in America and strengthen the U.S. manufacturing economy.”

C O L UM B I A The Broadway Columbia - A DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel located at 1111 E. Broadway, held a grand opening and welcomed its first guest March 27. The hotel/restaurant features a rooftop bar. The Columbia Daily Tribune reported that a Jamba Juice franchise is planning to open in downtown Columbia this summer.

M EX I C O Pearl Motor Company has relocated to a new building located at 3100 S. Clark St. Septagon Construction built the brand new facility.

M O B E R LY GAF, the largest roofing manufacturer in North America is opening its 14th shingle plant and 8th four-wide laminator in a new facility on the 147-acre site in Moberly Industrial Park. “With more than 320,000 square feet of manufacturing, warehouse, and office

The plant will directly employ about 125 people, and operations are expected to begin by the end of 2017. Mayor John Kimmons stated the new facility is a good fit for the area’s workforce. The plant is expected to employ about 125 people and start operations by the end of 2017.

LA K E OF THE O ZA R KS Boater’s Choice Marine, 12065 N. Highway 5 in Sunrise Beach, is having a grand opening April 27.

w share measurement assets, Professional /daym/

PLAN.

How do you make dreams come true? Planning. That’s where we come in. Let’s get started today, so together we can watch your dreams come true tomorrow.

Your journey to financial independence begins here.

573.874.8446

573.348.2761

573.634.1234

573.634.0895

www.myinvestorservices.com INVEST Financial Corporation, member FINRA/ SIPC, and affiliated insurance agencies offer securities, advisory services and certain insurance products. INVEST is not affiliated with InvestorServices or any bank. Products offered are: • Not a deposit • Not FDIC insured • May lose value including principal amount invested. INVEST does not provide tax or legal advice. 113092 (2016.01.08)

Professional /daym/

KNOW

Do more than dream.

Listen and Learn

Media recommendations for insights and inspirations on: Everyday technology BY SUSANNAH SODERGREN

Read:

Watch:

Read:

Mashable: Lifelogging: The Most Miserable, Self-Aware 30 Days I’ve Ever Spent

LeanIn.org: “180 Websites in 180 Days: How I Learned to Code”

Lifehacker.com

“ ... we love revisiting things we already know we did ...” - Max Knoblauch

“Even if the site wasn’t perfect, I had accomplished something.” - Jennifer Dewalt

The availability of personaldata tracking devices and apps is causing many people to examine their lives in a new way. With quick tallies of how we spend our days — how many steps we take, how much quality sleep we get, how our moods fluctuate — come new ways to improve our habits and manage our time. Fascinating as this stuff can be, this article warns that more time “lifelogging” can lead to less time really living.

Web programmers aren’t born with letters and numbers scrolling through their brains. Jennifer Dewalt had a fine arts background, saw coding as a new creative outlet, and decided to learn by doing. She built one new website every day, sharing a 180-page portfolio that’s pretty fun to click through. The sites are simple, but inspiring just the same. We’ve all got to start somewhere, so why not just get started and share?

Available ONLINE at www.mashable.com. Search “lifelogging.”

Available ONLINE at http:// leanin.org/newsinspiration/180-websites-in180-days-how-i-learned-tocode/.

Tips, tricks, and downloads for getting things done. Sometimes there’s something so satisfying about finding a great little tip and applying it to your life. Gawker Media’s Lifehacker blog supplies a never-ending list of innovative suggestions for everyday efficiency. Browse for five minutes and you could come away with new ways to back up your computer, store your veggies, fold a fitted sheet, find great organization apps, breathe more efficiently and keep cats off the kitchen counter. Always entertaining, often downright enlightening. www.lifehacker.com

LEARN

BY WHIT MCCOSKRIE

Small Business Financing Basics: Part I Tips from a banker on navigating the dreaded business plan

BIO: Joseph “Whit” McCoskrie has a degree in economics from the Virginia Military Institute and 28 years as a Midwest bank executive and president, lending to small and medium-sized businesses and nonprofit organizations. Whit often speaks to community and professional groups about business financing.

Professional /daym/

In my nearly 30 years of lending money to small and medium-sized businesses, I was always impressed, even envious, of the passion and drive entrepreneurs displayed for their business plans. One could easily sense a powerful motivating force was at work, symbolic of the American work ethic. I have reviewed a broad array of business plans from small builders to plastic surgeons. Unfortunately, meeting with bankers — more specifically, commercial loan officers — for the first time is much like taking a cold shower for an aspiring entrepreneur. Proper preparation of a viable and well thought out business plan can usually overcome any initial skepticism. Several key documents shape your business plan and take you to that next step of gaining important financial support and capital necessary to successfully grow a business. The first piece is a simple description of what

the business does. Most business ideas entail manufacturing or assembling a unique product, distributing a product or products or providing a service. This description should entail who the intended user of the product or service is and why it is important to that intended user. This can be supported with general market information such as the size of the current market, the potential size of the market and how your business finds customers. The business description should be no more than one to two pages, written with the intent of getting your banker curious and interested in finding out more about the business plan, but also about you. You, the management, are going to be the key piece. After all, you are the one executing the business plan. Next you will need to discuss your qualifications. This can be tricky, but to keep it simple, focus on those skills and previous

experiences that make you stand out. Emphasize your experience particularly when you would have assumed special responsibility for desired outcomes or unique problem-solving situations. My recommendation is to highlight previous experiences that show critical thinking and other skills like perseverance and resilience. Having a great idea or plan is one thing but navigating all the challenges in starting a business and guiding it through startup and early growth is where entrepreneurs are truly tested. The next piece of supporting information a banker is keen on reviewing is the amount of money you are seeking to borrow and how you intend to repay it. Excel spreadsheets are great and easily mastered platforms for providing this information. This is where I have often had the most difficulty with a business loan request. Often an entrepreneur did not feel it required a lot of their personal time

“ U N F O R T U N A T E LY, MEETING WITH B A N K E R S — more specifically, commercial loan officers — for the first time is much like

TAKING A COLD S H O W E R for an aspiring entrepreneur. “

– Wit Mccoskrie

and provided a very sketchy projection backed by vague assumptions. Or they chose to hire a financial consultant to put together borrowing and repayment plans but failed to take the time to understand it. In either case I recommend avoiding some embarrassing and awkward questions. Why is this important to the banker? In the banker’s opinion the financials essentially demonstrate the metrics for growing and earning income to pay bills in a timely manner, particularly the loan the bank is providing. By being unprepared with this important facet you are possibly raising a red flag that you could be careless with the money you want to borrow. This is just a brief overview of the basics for starting a business. I will cover the more technical nuances of the financial aspects of running a business in later columns. A Small Business Administration office (www. sba.gov) has some very practical information guides for small businesses.

Professional /daym/

WHOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NEXT? Do you know a woman who should be featured in our pages? We want to know them too! Please include full name and contact information for all story submissions. We also want to know about your companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s girls with grit. Up-and-coming women who are recently hired, promoted or given awards. Send all story or news submissions to editor@professionaldaym.com

/daym/ PROFESSIONAL

INNOVATE

Where we break business ideas down to the basics.

MONEY ON THE SIDE

BY SUSANNAH SODERGREN

Think about turning your passion into a profession.

Idea:

Home Bakery

Computer Tutor

Etsy store

You’d need:

< $1,000

< $500

$0 to join + $0.20/item for sale

Expense to consider:

Permitting

New software you’ll want to brush up on

Shipping

You could earn an extra:

$1,000 – $7,500

It depends, Etsy keeps 3.5 percent

The best part would be:

Sharing a hidden talent

Being viewed as a genius

Running a store while at your day job

The worst part would be:

Sharing space in your home kitchen

Explaining your second–nature skills to first–timers

You can ship your product overnight, but success could take months to arrive

If you’re good at baking, there are likely plenty of people who would be happy to pay for your homemade goods — rather than picking up a boxed dozen at the grocery store. Just be sure to put in some kitchen prep: Scale recipes, purchase packaging equipment and clear some storage space. Then bake up some samples to deliver to prospective customers and let your treats do the talking.

Clearly computer use has become quite common, but the spectrum of capability remains very wide. If you’ve got a thorough understanding of common applications and some time to spare, then your skill is in demand. For those seeking to get past the frustrating stage of navigating new devices or software, nothing beats good, old–fashioned, one–on–one instruction. Charge hourly and bring your patience.

Etsy is an easy, low–risk way to step into retail. Create your own shop and display your homemade or found wares. If you’re just experimenting for fun, then minimal effort could work for you. But if you want to invest more effort, then you could build big results over time. First, put time into your presentation with good product photography and write–ups that really speak to your audience. Check out www.etsy.com for much more.

Professional /daym/

Sara

Before NeriumAD

REAL SCIENCE REAL RESULTS REAL June OPPORTUNITY Who knew a night cream could do this!

Find out more // www.thankfulbeauty.com After NeriumAD

Become a Brand Partner www.thankfulbeauty.info // Call Now! Amber J. Waltemate 573.682.7557 // amberwaltemate@gmail.com

Professional /daym/

University Concert Series

presents

Lyle Lovett

And His Acoustic Group Tues day • May 13 • 7pm • Jesse Auditorium

Tickets: Missouri Theatre Box Office (573)882-3781 www.ConcertSeries.org • 203 South 9th Street

We run the numbers so you can run your business.

Jackie Forck, CPA Kim Hill, CPA Jenie Honse,

Staff Accountant

Jay Seaver, CPA

573-636-5507 3523 Amazonas Drive Jefferson City

NANCY VESSELL

“The B I G G E S T

A D V A N T A G E of working from home is that you do it Y O U R

STYLE.”

Nancy Vessell is a freelance writer and editor who worked for more than 20 years as a newspaper reporter and columnist. She contributes articles to two national health care publications in addition to freelance consulting.

INNOVATE

Home Office: The Commute and Other Advantages

It was on a solo drive from Jefferson City to St. Louis about 15 years ago that I concocted my work-fromhome scheme. The vision was complete with a chic office space carved from our living room and an allnew, more casual, but still smart wardrobe.

After that, it would just be a matter of lining up a revenue stream. Eventually, it all came together. I took that harrowing leap off the employment cliff -- where paychecks are steady and vacations are paid — and became selfemployed. While my home office and clothing collection might not have matched the initial vision, it turned out to be a positive change in both workstyle and lifestyle. The explosion in electronic communication has made working from home more possible in many occupations. As a writer, all I needed was a computer, a telephone and an all-in-one copy, print, scan and fax machine. My home business has lasted through four home offices and at least as many computers. Through the years I’ve been asked by others contemplating that cliff jump how to make it work. It’s important to realize there are both advantages and disadvantages to working from home. The most obvious advantage is a flexible, family-friendly work schedule. (I should point out that my two children were entering their teen years, and it probably was not part of their visions to have mom around more.) During the work day, it’s easy to take a few minutes to do the school pickup, throw in a load of laundry or let the cable guy in without major work disruptions. I don’t need to point out the advantage of the morning work commute. Still, some benefits are lost in the switch to home employment, notably the friendly companionship of co-workers. My dachshund was at my side for years, but she lacked a little in witty conversation. Also, there’s no office IT department to call when those handy electronic communication devices fail or demand an upgrade. As for advice, there is no one “how to work from home” guide. The biggest advantage of working from home is that you do it your style. But here are five loose guidelines that work for me: 1. Get dressed. Some home office workers extol the virtues of working in their bathrobes until noon. I can’t. I feel mentally ready for work only after the normal morning shower, makeup, dress routine. So, maybe I leave the shoes off. 2. Make it a pleasant home office where you like to be. For me that means a window, a very comfortable office chair and a desk and cabinet that hide office clutter. It’s also nice to have another comfy sofa or chair in the office to occasionally move to for reading or thinking. 3. Get out. Once you’re no longer in a public office setting, you still need contact with other people. Meet with clients and attend networking events with other professionals. 4. Shut it down. When you finish work for the day, turn off the computer and close the office door. That physical break from work helps you make the mental break. 5. Relax. After 25 years of 8-to-5 office jobs, my biggest challenge was granting myself permission to enjoy the flexibility of self-employment. I knew I finally had the hang of working from home when I could take two-hour lunches with girlfriends or read a novel in the backyard on a sunny afternoon — without guilt.

Professional /daym/

BY STEPHANIE DETILLIER PHOTO BY ANGELIQUE HUNTER

YES, PLEASE. MAKING CHANGES AND TAKING CHANCES

Lincoln Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new president, Dr. Kevin D. Rome is infusing innovative ideas and business principles into how he operates the historically AfricanAmerican university.

D R . K E V I N D . R O M E knows a thing or two about breaking stereotypes. One of five children raised mostly by their single mother in Columbus, Ohio public housing, Rome defied the odds, earning a bachelor’s degree from the prestigious Morehouse College, a master’s degree from the University of Georgia and a doctorate from the University of Texas at Austin. Now, after years of rising through the ranks of academia, he’s a university president — a position often stereotyped as a stuffy, unapproachable administrator who clings to tradition and is slow to change. Rome, however, is quite the opposite. A genuine, down-to-earth man who eats in the campus cafeteria and walks the halls, Rome is part of a new generation of innovative university presidents who are challenging the old “ivory tower” mindset. “We don’t have years to analyze data and make decisions,” says Rome, president of Lincoln University in Jefferson City. “To be innovative, you can’t be reactionary. You have to be in front of the issues and thinking, if we make this decision today, where will that situate

us in three years, five years, 10 years? Will we be ahead of the curve or behind? I would rather be ahead of the curve, and by creating new programs that meet market demands, we’re going to situate ourselves to do that here at Lincoln.”

Hitting the ground running A first generation college student, Rome initially had his sights on becoming a lawyer. But while serving as a resident assistant in the Morehouse residence halls, he found his passion for working with students and improving the college experience. For the next 25 years, Rome built up an impressive resume with stints at eight different institutions, including California Polytechnic State University, University of Texas at Austin and North Carolina Central University, where he was most recently vice chancellor for student affairs and enrollment management. Relationship building and information gathering became Rome’s first priorities when Lincoln University announced in January 2013 that he would become its 19th president. Knowing tough decisions would have to be

“ I ’ M N O T A F R A I D of making mistakes because I don’t think anyone can be a G R E A T L E A D E R if they’re fearful of failing.”

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made soon after he took over the ranks on June 1, Rome quickly immersed himself in the university culture. “Before I started, I was walking around campus in casual clothes, talking to people, observing, listening. Some people accused me of being ‘Undercover Boss,’ but that really wasn’t my intention,” he says with a laugh. “I wanted them to know I’m just a regular person. Just because I’m president doesn’t mean I’m better than anyone else or that I know more than anyone else. We are all people who have something valuable to contribute.” Only a few months into his presidential tenure, Rome faced his first major hurdle. About 200 fewer students than anticipated enrolled in fall classes. The decreased number of students paying tuition coupled with a decline in state appropriations led to a budget shortfall. Rome didn’t fret though; looking for ways to make money and cut costs was nothing new to him. “Based on what I experienced growing up, budget issues don’t faze me,” he says. “There’s no fear associated with them because I know that one can overcome financial challenges. You just have to take them on directly.” With payroll as one of the university’s biggest expenses, Rome announced a reorganization plan this fall that began with the termination of five employees — including three vice presidents — and reassignments or new

“There’s no fear associated with them because I know that O N E C A N O V E R C O M E

F I N A N C I A L C H A L L E N G E S . You just have to T A K E T H E M O N directly.”

duties for other employees. The changes are expected to save the university about $500,000 a year. “No matter what the circumstances are, it’s always challenging when you have to separate someone from employment,” Rome says. “But even though it’s challenging, those decisions can’t be avoided because students deserve the best quality education, and for the university to be situated to provide that, someone has to make the difficult decisions.” To boost enrollment, Rome has ramped up student recruitment efforts and contracted a recruitment consultant to help attract students from across the country. To help improve retention and graduation rates, he’s created the Center for Academic Advising and the Center for Career and Academic Support. To build a sense of ownership in Lincoln, he’s sending out electronic surveys to faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members — asking them what Lincoln’s top five priorities should be. Rome plans to use this feedback to guide the university’s new strategic plan. “This isn’t me sitting in my office deciding exactly where we should

go,” he explains. “It’s the collective voice saying this is what we should be focused on.” Rome says he’s received a lot of positive feedback so far, but he knows that not everyone agrees with his decisions. “I’m not driven by trying to be liked,” he says. “What I try to look at every day is what’s best for the institution and the students, faculty and staff that we serve. I try to make the best-informed decisions that I can. Am I always right? Absolutely not. Am I perfect? Absolutely not. Do I work hard and try to make the best-informed decisions? Yes, absolutely. I’m not afraid of making mistakes because I don’t think anyone can be a great leader if they’re fearful of failing.” Dr. Charlie Nelms, Rome’s supervisor at North Carolina Central University, describes his former employee as a focused, collaborative and inclusive leader. “He cares passionately about students and holds himself and his colleagues accountable for their success,” Nelms says. “The speed with which Dr. Rome is introducing change at Lincoln University is reflective of the

increasing demands placed on higher education.”

Forging ahead Having lived and worked in so many different cities, Rome realizes that change doesn’t impact him the same way it does others. “I have to be sensitive to those who are more resistant to change, but that doesn’t mean we can’t move forward,” he says. By reorganizing, Rome has already made Lincoln administratively leaner. His next step is evaluating which university programs to eliminate, keep or create. “We have to identify our priorities and focus on them, and in doing that, we’ll have to let some things go,” he says. “In an innovative society, sometimes you have to eliminate to then create new programs.” When making those decisions, Rome will look closely at market demand, ensuring that Lincoln offers degrees that give students the best chance of finding solid jobs after graduation. He has already announced that the university’s two-year associate degree in nursing will be replaced

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CHANGES IMPL EMENTED:

In a cost-saving measure, Rome began reorganizing Lincoln by eliminating five positions (vice president for administration, interim vice president for academic affairs, vice president for university advancement, building and grounds director and tutor) and reassigning other staffers (vice president for student affairs is now dean of students).

“I would love to spend time R E B R A N D I N G L I N C O L N and addressing some of T H E P E R C E P T I O N S O F T H E

P A S T — some warranted, some unwarranted. I want people to see the great things this university has done and is capable of doing in the future if G I V E N T H E O P P O R T U N I T Y .”

Lincoln has expanded student recruitment efforts and has contracted a recruitment consultant.

To improve retention and graduation rates, Lincoln has created the Center for Academic Advising and the Center for Career and Academic Support.

Rome is soliciting input from students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members regarding Lincoln’s new strategic plan.

CHANGES ON THE HORIZON:

In fall 2014, Lincoln will begin offering a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, which will replace the university’s two-year associate degree in nursing. (The AAS nursing program will still be offered at Ford Leonard Wood.)

Lincoln may receive new classrooms and training facilities if Gov. Jay Nixon receives legislative approval for his proposal to purchase and renovate the soon-to-be-vacated St. Mary’s Hospital for Lincoln’s use.

If Nixon’s proposal is approved, Rome plans to use some of the extra space to add a culinary arts degree program.

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with a four-year bachelor’s degree in nursing to meet the demand for more educated, better-trained nurses in Missouri and beyond. Additionally, Gov. Jay Nixon has asked the legislature for $10 million to purchase the soonto-be-vacated St. Mary’s Hospital and renovate it into classrooms and training facilities for Lincoln. If the proposal passes, Rome hopes to add a culinary arts degree program to prepare students for careers in the booming tourism and culinary industries. “Ultimately, I want the reputation of Lincoln to be one of a comprehensive university that people have confidence in its programs and the students we produce,” he says. “I would love to spend time rebranding Lincoln and addressing some of the perceptions of the past — some warranted, some unwarranted. I want people to see the great things this university has done and is capable of doing in the future if given the opportunity.” Rome’s wife, Stefanie, who works as the assistant director for urban initiatives at the University of Missouri, says at the core of every decision her husband makes is a deep commitment to the academic and personal lives of Lincoln students. “He holds high expectations for those he works with simply because students deserve nothing less than

excellence,” says Stefanie, who describes her husband as a true family man and great friend. “In his role as president, he intends to build on Lincoln’s rich history and unapologetically push, create and innovate in order to provide students with a world-class educational experience that prepares them to become world-class leaders.” In his downtime, Rome enjoys spending time with their twins, Kevin Jr. and Kendel; cooking, watching sporting events, and playing bid whist — a popular card game. He is also is an extensive reader who studies leadership and organizational theories and philosophies. As he takes on the huge task of positioning Lincoln University for the future, Rome leans on his research as well as his counseling background. “If I seek to understand others and I seek to be understood, we can maybe come up with some consensus and then we can build on that and work together to accomplish the goals that we set,” he says. “That’s probably the hallmark of any good organization — a respect for individualism and the collective goals we have to reach. Everyone should have a voice, and when it comes time for the decisions to be made, true leaders can step up and make informed decisions, knowing that they are being made in the best interest of the institution.”

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A business built out of doing it better Brogrammers might be the status quo in Silicon Valley, but not so much in mid-Missouri. With $40 million in sales last year Elizabeth Huber’s Huber & Associates is setting the status quo in tech. BY BONDI WOOD I T M A Y B E no coincidence that good storytellers share the same traits as good business leaders. Storytellers use clear details to develop events, people and a sense of place. Storytellers describe rather than inform. Storytellers find a way to make listeners care about the story being told. Can’t we say the same about good business leaders? Elizabeth Huber likes to tell stories. It was among the first personal details she shared with me when we met recently at her offices in Jefferson City. “I like to tell stories,” she said — more than once — during our 90-minute interview. Elizabeth Huber is both a good storyteller and a good business leader. She and Jim, her husband of 28 years, own and operate Huber & Associates, a full-service IT company that continues to

PHOTO BY ANTHONY JINSON

expand its range of services and grow its service area.

Preface Jim and Elizabeth Huber, college sweethearts, both earned electrical engineering degrees at the University of Missouri-Columbia in the early 1980s. After graduation, their career opportunities took them different directions for a few years. Elizabeth took a job with IBM, first in Tucson, then St. Louis. Jim worked as a test engineer for Caterpillar in Peoria. They ultimately married and settled in Jefferson City in 1986. While Elizabeth was able to transfer within IBM to Jefferson City, Jim wasn’t sure what he wanted to do. They decided to start a small computer business called James M. Huber Computer Consultants. “We were very conservative. I bought him his first

computer, assuming he wouldn’t make any money for a year, and he worked out of the house,” Elizabeth said. Jim’s business continued to grow and Elizabeth found herself working a full-time job and helping Jim nights and weekends. But in 1992 two events occurred at about the same time, forever changing the trajectory of the Huber family and the family business. Elizabeth became pregnant and IBM began laying off skilled employees. Within a matter of months, Jim and Elizabeth became self-employed parents. “My dad always said, ‘Pay attention to what they do well and what they don’t do so well. You might be able to make business out of doing it better,’ ” Elizabeth said.

Plot Twists Although Elizabeth was not

among those layoffs, the IBM lay-offs allowed Jim and Elizabeth to hire some available skilled staff, prompting their decision to become self-employed. Huber & Associates was formed in 1993, and the company’s growth began; admittedly, there were a few growing pains. “It became clear from the beginning that I was more management and Jim was more the ‘doer,” Elizabeth laughs. “Jim is the smartest man I know and a huge asset to us. He’s just much better out of the office and with the customers.” As with every successful company, the Hubers regularly faced decisions regarding growth and expansion. To date, the Hubers have always chosen growth, continuing to expand both their services and their

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“My dad always said, ‘ P A Y A T T E N T I O N T O W H A T T H E Y D O

W E L L A N D W H A T T H E Y D O N ’ T D O S O W E L L . You might be able to make business out of doing it better.’” – Elizabeth Huber

service area. “You can grow to a certain level, then you have to hire and delegate,” Elizabeth said. Huber & Associates is preparing to hire their 80th employee. With more than 600 active customers from several states and Canada, Huber & Associates recently reached a sales milestone. “Last year we crossed a huge line and had $40 million in sales,” Elizabeth said. Despite the rapid growth, according to Elizabeth, turnover is low and employee satisfaction is high. Joan Rundle, a 14-year employee and current CFO for Huber & Associates agrees. “Elizabeth connects with employees on a personal level. She takes the time to know our spouses, our children and our interests. The atmosphere that she and Jim have created is one of family and team. They have created the type of place

people WANT to work,” Rundle said. The company also just began renovating 4,200 square feet of office space within their existing 20,000-square-foot building. They are moving executive offices into a second nearby building, as well as expanding into the Kansas City and St. Louis metro markets. “We own Central Missouri. But there are huge opportunities in St. Louis and Kansas City,” Elizabeth said. Huber & Associates has a physical office with a small staff in Springfield, Mo., already, and remote employees currently maintain the metro markets. Elizabeth said the company will soon be renting space in the metro areas.

Acknowledgements Huber & Associates is one of only 50 IBM Business Partner Innovation Centers in the world. This means they have met several criteria,

including housing over $1 million in demonstration equipment. Elizabeth realizes the value of such an investment. “I always believed you had to see it or touch it to sell it,” she said. Plus, it can demonstrate proof of concept to a skeptical customer and it lets Huber employees get firsthand experience with the highend equipment. Huber & Associates is also a Missouri-certified Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE). “We use the WBE to get our foot in the door. We tell our customers the point of being certified is to get your attention. It is then our intention to delight you from the moment you agree to work with us,” she said. James Yaws, Head of Platform Services for ING U.S. (Voya Financial), has been a delighted Huber & Associates customer for more than eight years.

“I have worked in the Information Technology industry for over 33 years,” he said. “Huber & Associates is by far the best value-added reseller I have ever done business with. Elizabeth and her team are simply the best in the business.” Outside the office, Elizabeth has coached basketball teams, learned to play golf, and volunteered for her sons’ high school theatrical productions. Outstanding female mentors and role models can help other women believe that they too can succeed. “Elizabeth is accomplished as a business owner, community leader, volunteer, wife and mom,” Ann Bax, President of United Way of Central Missouri, said. “She has found a way to balance all these hats she wears, which has made her the extraordinary person she is today.” Extraordinary person, yes. And a good storyteller.

Business Established

1993

Opened office in Springfield

1997

Certified Missouri WBE

1986

Elizabeth Huber became CEO

1994

Hired 25th employee

1999

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2 000

Acquired Enterpol Products for Public Safety

women are very much a minority in this sector. What are your thoughts on this matter?

A N S W E R : When I was studying electrical engineering at the University of Missouri, only 17 percent of engineering students were women. Twenty years later, I checked with the university to see how that percentage had changed, and I was surprised (and disappointed) to find that the percentage had remained roughly the same.

Q. What are some common misconceptions about Huber & Associates? A N S W E R : That the company is smaller than it actually is. Most of our clients work with just two or three folks from Huber on a daily basis and do not realize that we have 80 employees and operate in multiple states.

Q. What in your life prepared you for becoming CEO of Huber? A N S W E R : Many of the experiences in my life have helped to prepare me to be CEO of Huber & Associates. I was lucky to grow up in an environment where people believed in me and had high expectations for me. I was expected to succeed – in school, in sports, and later, in my professional life. My parents set an example of being self-employed, and I always assumed that I would own my own business one day. Engineering school gave me problem solving and troubleshooting skills, and gave me the opportunity to meet my life and business partner, Jim Huber. Having children and aging parents has helped me to learn to maintain a balance in my life, to set priorities and to be understanding of the life challenges our employees face. Every day I gain experiences that help make me a better CEO.

Attained IBM Server Business at the state of Missouri

2002

2 0 03

Exceeded 20 million in revenue

Remodeled and Occupied New Corporate Headquarters (20,000 square feet)

2004

2008

Opened Kansas City Office

Opened St. Louis Office

2012

T H E S E Q U ELS While Huber & Associates started as an IBM business partner, selling primarily IBM equipment and services, they have purchased and developed other businesses.

E X A M P L E 1 : Purchased Enterpol: A law enforcement and public safety software system sold internationally

E X A M P L E 2 : Developed a custom program and software package for Missouri Department of Corrections

E X A M P L E 3 : Developed a custom program for Missouri Department of Conservation for hunters to call in their tag information

2013

Surpassed 40 million in Revenue

P R ES EN T

Q. In Silicon Valley there is a term with growing popularity —“Brogrammers.” It alludes to the fact that

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4 COSTLY M I SC O N C E PT I O N #1: My computer network does not need regular monitoring and maintenance. This is probably one of the biggest and most costly misconceptions that business owners have, usually in place because they have been fortunate enough to never have encountered a major disaster. That is similar to someone thinking they do not need to wear a seat belt when driving a car because they have never had an accident. Computer networks are complex and dynamic systems that need regular updates and maintenance to be reliable, run quickly, and be problem-free. In fact, it is surprising how quickly a brand-new PC will slow down after just a few weeks of use without proper updates and maintenance. Here are just a few of the critical updates that need to be done on a weekly — if not daily — basis: • Security patches applied – with new viruses and hacker attacks cropping up DAILY, this is a CRITICAL part of maintaining your network • Antivirus updates and monitoring • Firewall updates and monitoring • Backup monitoring and testing of restores • Spam filter installation and updates • Spyware detection and removal • Disk space utilization monitoring on workstations and servers

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• Hardware failure monitoring

MIS CO NCE PT IO N #2 :

• Systems optimization If you do not perform regular maintenance on your car like changing the oil, replacing filters, rotating the tires, flushing the transmission, etc., it will eventually break down. The same is true for your computer systems. If your computer support technician does not insist on some type of regular, automated monitoring or maintenance of your network, then DO NOT HIRE THEM. Lack of system maintenance is the No. 1 reason most people end up losing valuable files and incurring heavy computer repair bills. If your technician is not offering you these services, you need to find someone else to support your computer or network for two reasons: 1. Either they do not know enough to make this recommendation, which is a sign of inexperience, OR 2. The technician recognizes a profit from your computer problems and does not want to recommend steps towards preventing you from needing help on an ongoing basis. After all, they will get paid more to remove a virus than to make sure your system is patched, updated, and secured (which can be done quickly and inexpensively with good monitoring). Either reason should drive you to avoid this technician!

My nephew/neighbor’s son or daughter/relative/office manager can take care of our computers. Most people look for a part time “guru” for one reason: to save money. This thriftiness, however, often comes back to haunt them. We frequently get calls from business owners who desperately need our help to get them back up and running or to clean up a mess that was caused by an inexperienced neighbor, friend or relative who was just trying to help. If the person you have working on your machine does not do computer repair and support computers for a living, then that person will probably not have the knowledge or experience to truly help you. Do you really want a part-time, inexperienced person responsible for handling something as important as your data and computer network?

MIS CO NCE PT IO N #3 : All computer technicians are created equal. Your best option will be the one who offers the lowest price. Really good technicians do not work cheaply because they are in high demand just like every other professional service category. The only

Elizabeth Huber shares four of the most costly misconceptions people have about computer maintenance and repair.

MISCONCEPTIONS technicians that will work cheaply are those that are just starting, and they are typically inexperienced. Some shops will hire college students or inexperienced technicians because they will work for minimal pay to gain experience. What you do not realize is that an inexperienced technician like this can end up costing you more because: 1. They improperly diagnose problems, causing you to pay them to fix the wrong thing, and you will still have your original problem. For example, a few years ago, a TV reporter went undercover to eight computer repair shops in Los Angeles with perfectly working computers that simply had a disconnected cable in the back (a fix that the average computer tech would have caught in minutes with a visual inspection). Several shops improperly diagnosed the problem and wanted to charge them anywhere from $59 to over $275 to fix it! 2. They could take three to five times as long to do the same repair an experienced technician could fix quickly. Again, you are paying for those extra hours. 3. They could do more damage, costing you more money and downtime.

records, e-mail and other critical data at stake, do you really want the lowestpriced shop working on your machine? We take the view that most people want value for their money, and they want the job done right. In our business, we decided a long time ago that we would rather explain our higher rates than make excuses for poor service.

MI S CO NCE PT IO N #4 : An honest computer support company should be able to give you a quote over the phone. I wish this were true, but it is not. Just like a good doctor, an honest and professional technician will need to diagnose your network before they can quote any price over the phone. Some consultants will quote you an inexpensive rate over the phone, but then increase the prices once they get in your office by taking three times as long, selling you add-ons and up-sells, etc. And finally, reputable firms do not charge by the hour â&#x20AC;&#x201D; they give you a firm, fixed, flat rate. Here is whyâ&#x20AC;Ś One of the easiest ways that a technician can take advantage of a customer is to get the customer to agree to a time and materials repair, and then take an exorbitant amount of time to fix the problem. ALWAYS make sure you get a flatrate, fixed fee quote in advance.

With your client data, accounting

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INNOVATE

B Y M AT T C O W E L L

We learn, we shop we buy. And in that order Knock. Knock. Knock. The world of Internet shoppers is at the door and, what’s that? They want to buy something from your business. Best be prepared.

“I soon realized that J U S T

BECAUSE I HAVE A W E B S I T E , it doesn’t mean people will find me.”

Matt Cowell, president of Ascend Business Strategies, has been designing and developing programs in the leadership and professional training industry for more than 20 years. For the last 13 years Matt has also served as an adjunct professor at William Woods University in the business department, teaching both graduate and undergraduate courses. He has authored three books. Matt feels his greatest accomplishments are his two children, Katlyn and Jordan, and celebrating 19 years of marriage to his wife Julie.

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B Y 2 0 1 4 , T H E R E will be more mobile Internet users than desktop Internet users. Is your site mobile-ready? In today’s world of technology, if you have a great product it makes sense to put it on the Internet. The problem is the amount of information on the Internet is overwhelming. It is estimated the amount doubles every 277 days. By the end of 2015, information will double every 74 days. My journey started, I developed a great product and wanted to share it with the world. So I did what any good business person would do, I had a website created and thought, “Here we go, my product is out there for the world to see!” I soon realized that just because I have a website, it doesn’t mean people will find me. How do I get the perfect website? What are people looking for on the web? I started to learn about meta tags, analytics, footer tags, header tags and link building. I was overwhelmed and out of my league. I talked to web designers and programming experts. I found that everyone had a different priority or solution to my problem. I thought to

myself, this shouldn’t be that hard to figure out, but I still had more questions than answers. If you are thinking about buying a product or service, you go to the web and Google the product or service. And I learned that as business owners we need to do more than just have a website. People actually go through three phases when they make a decision to purchase a product or service online. We learn, we shop, we buy. And in that order.

Step 1: Learn We must teach people about the products or service we are selling. The problem is you need to teach without selling. What? I’m in the business of selling my product or service! As humans we don’t like to be directly sold to. We are actually turned off by it. Educate the consumer about the aspects of your product or service and become a teacher.

Step 2: Shop

What do I mean by this? A good website only has one product per page. What is one product per page? It is just what is says. We as consumers are very easily distracted, so if you have multiple products on a page,

it distracts the consumer and diverts their attention.

Step 3: Buy

The best way to keep your existing customers engaged and continuing to purchase from you is by obtaining their email and informing them of specials, coupons or about other people who use your products. The content you send must be engaging and it must find a way to eliminate or improve the consumer’s lifestyle somehow. Just don’t overdo the emails. People hate to be spammed.

The 7 fundamentals of online success: 1. Know your customer 2. Know their challenges 3. One topic per page (or content piece) 4. Each page is about them 5. Get connected 6. Do it — continuously, consistently, and thoroughly (social media) 7. Test and measure — improve or remove (analytics) Google analytics and other website tools allow tracking what impacts customers. You should be tracking Facebook posts, comments and where traffic comes from. Once you identify issues driving a majority of traffic to your site, continue doing those same things. Just always be monitoring the data. Don’t forget to add value. Once you get those ideas figured out, you can focus on search engine optimization (SEO), meta tags and link building. After you master those, focus on auto responders, landing pages, analytics and pay-per-click marketing. It’s time to focus on providing what people want.

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LEAD

Service with a Smile BY DAVID G. GAINES

Customer service is the most important element in building a business that customers will spend money with time and time again. Recently, while looking for a speedy lunch option, one restaurant called out to me to the extent that I crossed two lanes of oncoming traffic to get there. Walking in the front door I was greeted by a cheerful young person behind the cash register. That greeting came complete with a smile. Having taken my request the young person quickly gathered up what was ordered and offered it with a thank you. A bid to return to the restaurant came next with a “I hope you have a good day” to seal the deal. The hook was set. I’ll be back. Again and again I have frequented this restaurant chain. The response to my needs is the same even though the locale and the young person changes each time. Even the time of day changes. What is it about this restaurant that draws me to their door? Is it the cool, refreshing taste of the lemonade? Without a doubt. Is it the tastiness of the food? You bet, even at a higher price. And by the way, the food is always fresh and hot. All of those things are important, especially since they command a higher price. Nothing is worse than paying a premium price for food that is not up to par. The deciding factor in continuing to cast a shadow at their doorway and even driving miles off the route to find them is due directly to the experience. They never fail to make me feel as if my $8.37 purchase is the most important sale of the day. They value my little bit of money as much as I do. The chain has instilled in every one of its young employees, from the person cleaning tables to the general manager, that the customer is important. So important that the restaurant would not exist without them. So important that evey customer is treated as if their $8.37 is the last dime they have. Quality customer service is the cornerstone to this company’s success. Did I also mention that the food was good? They create an experience so good that I’ve started to sell that experience for them. I often recommend them to my friends. I know they will experience quality customer service. Do your customers say this about your company? Do your customers return time and time again to spend their hard-earn dollars with you because you appreciate them? Do you tell them so? The kind of experience that makes you want to cross the highway for an extralarge lemonade is not unique. It’s an investment that every company can and should make to ensure that their customers believe that they are the only reason the business exists. Your success depends on you providing quality service.

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INNOVATE

STARTUP DIARY #004

A Stroke of Magic A stroke of magic in the Magic City. Paula Heath colors outside the lines in Moberly. BY NICOLE FLOOD NEW TECHNOLOGIES HELP move our world to a global society, but something can also be said for taking a step back and appreciating the world around you. Being creative and doing things with your hands is something that Paula Heath not only enjoys, but also values. Her new business focuses on the creative side of life and makes an effort to help people take a step away from the electronic world and create their own masterpieces. Moberly is dubbed the Magic City, and Heath’s new addition to the historic downtown highlights the namesake. On January 16, Heath opened A Stroke of Magic. “I wanted my business name to be relevant and for Moberly to have ownership of it,” Heath said. She takes pride in being part of the community and hopes her business reflects that, she said. A Stroke of Magic is a directive party painting studio where groups can go in and have a step-by-step guide to creating a piece of art. Two canvas sizes are offered to clients in the fee and paint, brushes, aprons, and easels are provided. The studio is open for a 6 p.m.

class on Thursday and Friday evenings and Heath also holds a Saturday class at 3 p.m. The rest of the week, customers are able to book private events. Heath said she is flexible and each group is unique in terms of structure. She hopes to offer different types of painting and instruction to provide varying views of interpreting art. Aside from just canvas painting, Heath hopes to look into other types of media to paint as well. Being multifaceted is key to longevity in the Moberly area. Heath said it’s all about “keeping it fresh for sustainability.” When contemplating this business venture, Heath was concerned that a canvas studio might not go over in Moberly. She was concerned that people might not have the time and resources or desire to paint in a town focused on agriculture and rural business. So far, A Stroke of Magic has welcomed several events. Heath has hosted a wedding shower, 15 birthday celebrations, 2 youth groups and a sorority. In total, 350 artists have tried their hand at painting since Heath opened her doors.

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Beginning the Business Venture Heath owned her own hair salon for 15 years in Moberly. For health reasons and a change of pace, she went back to college at Moberly Area Community College for an associate of arts in graphic design. She has been involved in the print industry for 10 years in advertising, web development and marketing. Heath also owned a Curves franchise for five years and decided it was time to make a change. She thought a canvas painting studio would be fun for Moberly. Heath has always been crafty, and knew she wanted to be creative and have control over her work. Heath contacted David Gains at Grow Mid-Missouri to help her pull demographics to see if a canvas painting studio would be marketable in Moberly. The data for this type of business was not measurable, so she took a leap on blind faith and feedback from her friends. In early December, Heath began running numbers and doing research by checking other similar businesses in other areas and visiting their websites. Having been an owner of a franchise in the past, she was ready to have more ownership and go into business for herself. There are several benefits to buying into a franchise, including help with structuring and marketing, she said. Since Heath had previous business experience, she knew she wanted to open a business that was all her own. “That was important to me — to be able to do this business and do it well and do it right,” Heath said. A $5,000 personal

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investment was all it took to open A Stroke of Magic. “People think it’s super expensive to start a business – all you need is common sense and networking,” Heath said. She looked at several spaces before deciding to rent the studio A Stroke of Magic calls home. The building was newly renovated with tin ceilings, hardwood floors, belt fans and old schoolhouse ceiling lights. The space gives the studio a relaxed and laid back atmosphere that is perfect for canvas painting. “Utilize your network opportunities in your communities when looking for business space,” she advises. The building, owned and renovated by Jerry and Renee Swartz, is a huge asset for the new business.

Growing Your Business To be successful, a business owner needs to take pride in their business, Health said. “You don’t have to spend a lot to make your business look professional and nice – but it’s important to do both of these things.” She sees networking as one of the best things you can do for yourself and your business. On her journey in multiple businesses, Heath has found there are other business owners that

would love to help you — and recommends being open to listening to others when they strive to bring growth to your community. To those wanting to open their own business, it’s important to ask questions and seek out these mentors, she advises. “For any business person, it is so critical to maintain networks with other likeminded people,” Heath said. “You have to continually strive to be around people who are positive – move away from negative people.” Heath urges other business owners to get involved in a business women’s or men’s group, your chamber, and a group you can relate to that keeps you moving. “There will be days that are easy and you feel like everything is working. And then others when you think, Why am I doing this? But you have to keep moving forward, and your network can support you and motivate you,” said Heath. * Editor’s note: Paula Heath is as an outside salesperson for Professional Daym in Moberly and surrounding areas. ** Publisher’s note: If you’re interested call her!

A Stroke of Magic 215 W. Reed Street Moberly, Mo 65270 (660) 372-5000 www.a-stroke-of-magic.com www.facebook.com/AStrokeOfMagic

“People think it’s super expensive to start a business – A L L Y O U

N E E D I S C O M M O N S E N S E A N D N E T W O R K I N G ,”

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LEAD

Girls with Grit Opportunity looks a lot like hard work. 1. Missy Bonderer is the

newest mortgage loan originator at Residential Lending for Providence Bank Mortgage. Bonderer will work out of the Ellis Banking Center.

2. Crystal Aulbur of Columbia

is the director of strategic communications for William Woods University marketing and university relations department. Aulbur worked in the marketing department at Columbia College for the last three years, most recently as manager of marketing strategy. Before that, she spent three years as development coordinator at Columbia Independent School.

3. Amy Greenwood joined

RE/MAX On The Move in Mexico as a salesperson. Greenwood will work in Mexico, Columbia and surrounding areas.

6. Kori Sands Bucket Media announced

4. Brynne and Bailye Stansberry, founders of TwoAlity, LLC, were selected to receive Young Entrepreneur of the Year award for their customizable boot company by the Small Business Administration St. Louis District Office. The sisters began their company in high school and have been featured on The Today show.

5. Sandra Nivyabandi, a

Westminster College junior, has been selected as a Newman Civic Fellow for her leadership and work in the community.

the recent hiring of Kori Sands, Media Buyer in Columbia. Graduate of the University of Missouri, Sands comes to Bucket Media with 15 years of media and marketing experience. Sands has both agency and media experience, along with working on regional accounts. “We are fortunate to have Kori join the Bucket team. Her vast array of experience will be a valuable asset to our clients and their growth,” says Bucket Media President, Keri Tipton.

H A R D W O R K looks a lot like this.

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Karie Maasen

BY NICHOLE L. BALLARD

Lake Chamber West Executive Director Karie Maasen took the position in February, but she has a long history of involvement with the the Lake of the Ozarks West Chamber of Commerce. Maasen has been coming to the Lake since she was a little girl, and made the move with her family when she was 13. She and her three children and husband call Laurie home. In 2010 Maasen led the Lake West Chamber into a tiered membership structure, which according to reports, increased the exposure of member businesses and has been adopted by other area chambers. Maasen shares some of the reasons she is passionate about the chamber of commerce and why she says joining a chamber of commerce is one of the least expensive ways to market for small business owners.

What value does the chamber bring it’s members and what advice do you have for getting the most for your membership?

How did you get involved with the Lake of the Ozarks West Chamber of Commerce?

How does the chamber help small businesses behind the scenes?

“I have a business, Budget Blinds. When I started up that business I joined the chamber as a member. After about a year of being a member I joined the board of directors. I’ve served on the board of directors for six years — two three-year terms. And three of those years I served as the president. When this position became available I thought it would be a natural fit.”

“I think the chamber is one of the least expensive things that a business can utilize just because there are so many things a chamber does for businesses. There are the little things, like networking socials, joint chamber events, and email and social media promotions that the chamber can do for you, then there are the bigger things like having a voice on highway projects or legislative issues that are important to the entire community. But that being said, you cannot just sit back and do nothing once you have joined the chamber. To make the most of your membership, you have to go to the chamber socials, use the email blasts, bring your information to the chamber office. You have to participate.

“I’ve been doing this for the past couple of months and I’ve been going to countless meetings on the transportation advisory councils and the Lake Ozark Council of Governments. Some people accuse the chamber of not doing anything. First of all, you have to utilize it. If you have a hammer and you don’t use it, you can’t nail that nail. You have to go to the chamber socials. You’ve got to use the email blasts. You’ve got to

INNOVATE

Q&A

Newly selected Lake West Chamber executive director explains the benefits of Chamber life.

bring your information to the chamber office. Sometimes people don’t have time to do the socials, but there are other things behind the scenes that are beneficial to the businesses and the community.”

As a small business owner, why did you stay so involved with the chamber? “I am a big fan and always have been. We get a lot of feedback from our members that they really enjoy our chamber and we are attentive to their needs. We cater to the visitors that come here and the chamber is a type of hub. They come in here to get information on local businesses. That’s another thing that is beneficial to belonging to a chamber, we direct people to our member businesses.”

What are your goals for the chamber? “I feel a long term goal will come the longer I am in this position, but as far as short term, growing membership is always a goal. We also need to be sure we are taking care of our current members. I would like to focus on reaching out to our current members and finding out what they want and what they need in addition to everything else they have already been getting. I want to be hands on and able to have conversations with members and be there for them.”

First of all, you have to U T I L I Z E I T . If you have a hammer and you don’t use it, you can’t N A I L T H A T N A I L . ”

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LEAD

Legacy: Annie Fisher

PHOTOS FROM “THE SOUTHERN WORKMAN” (1909).

Called Columbia’s first black businesswoman, Annie Fisher took her talent to the bank.

BY SUSANNAH SODERGREN

A N N I E F I S H E R H A D her work cut out for her. She was born with natural talent that blossomed early. She had a strong sense of purpose and a winning personality. But she learned at an early age that the food on the table for her family of nine, and the secondhand clothes on her back; all of that came from hard work. Born in Boone County 1867 to former slaves, Fisher went to work at age seven, and left school altogether after the third grade. She helped out in homes around town, first rocking cradles and pushing strollers, but found herself drawn to the kitchen, where she rapidly picked up cooking skills. As a young woman, Fisher worked as a cook in some of Columbia’s most prominent households, where her food was such a hit that an employer suggested she start a catering business. Fisher began cooking to order out of the two-room house she’d bought with five years of savings. Within 18 months of business the house was paid for. She expanded to a full catering service and built up her property to accommodate it -- and then some, building eight extra houses to rent out. As demand for Fisher’s food grew, Columbia society began to plan their events around her schedule. Fisher chalked it up to two things: Butter -- refusing margarine, in “real old Missouri style,” -- and preparing everything herself from scratch. It was Annie Fisher’s Beaten Biscuits that brought her nationwide notoriety. In 1911 alone, she sent a million biscuits out of her kitchen -- baking 90 at a time with two pans in a double oven. Besides the biscuit cutter she invented herself, Fisher cited elbow grease and common sense as her key kitchen tools. Taking orders for biscuits and fruitcakes from customers nationwide -- many, former Columbia students -- Fisher could have stepped back to a management role, but chose to keep at it, building business and earning extra income from real estate and selling hogs she owned in the country. Fisher put her daughter, Lucile Smith, through college and a music conservatory, and built a new 14-room house. Having worked in Columbia’s finest homes, Fisher had plenty of design ideas. She bought all of her own construction materials and contracted the job. Inside she housed a large collection of imported china, no longer borrowing dishes for big events. In 1926 Fisher opened a restaurant called The Wayside Inn, serving travelers on what was Highway 63. The dining room was housed in her new second home, built on land bought from her parents. Speaking to the National Negro Business League in 1919, Fisher said, “It may be strange to say but I owe my success in business to the fact that my father had to care for and rear a big family of children, and that when I was but a child, necessity made me learn the valuable lesson of industry.” Fisher was proud of the success her talents brought her and the fine things they afforded. But she was most proud, it seems, that she built it all with her own hard work.

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AFTER FIVE BY KEITH ENLOE Keith’s Bio: Keith Enloe is a freelance writer living in Jefferson City. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Theatre from the University of Central Missouri. Keith is an amateur playwright and has had several scripts produced locally.

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A Little (LIVE) Music on the Side

The gentle strum of a guitar. The mellow moan of a saxophone. Melodic keyboards backed up by the soft swish of a brush on a snare drum. A lyric that can bring a tear or a smile. I love music and can’t imagine a world without it. Everything goes better with music. It helps us relax, makes us dance, evokes memories and accompanies celebrations. Music is the soundtrack to our lives. The poet William Congreve would tell us that music “has charms to soothe the savage beast.” In today’s digital world, music is rarely more than

573-220-0177

soft rock, blues, jazz, folk and country with a lot of acoustic styling. Some of the most popular bands appearing regularly include Squigglefish, Spontaneous Serendipity and A Deeper Blue. Events coordinator Amy Bright describes the The Side Bar’s atmosphere. “We’re going for a laid back, speakeasy, lounge type feel.” she says. “A place where adults can gather with friends, relax with a drink and listen to some great live music.” If that’s the kind of vibe you’re looking for, give The Side Bar a look … and a listen.

/daym/

Keith Enloe is a freelance writer living in Jefferson we City. provide He earned his Bachelor’s At ErrandRunners, degree in Theatre from the University of an affordable solution tohas thecontributed to the Central Missouri. Keith Arts blog for the Jefferson chaos called Life. Our missionCity Convention and Visitors Bureau webpage. He is also an is to make your life easier amateur playwright and hasand had several scripts produced locally. allow you to reclaim your weekends. You work too hard to not enjoy some downtime.

Guitarist Ben Green gets excited when he describes the sound. “They’ve done a great job designing the space for live music,” says Green. “It’s a great room acoustically –– small enough so the sound is really tight, but large enough for a natural reverb … Musicians love it.” And audiences seem to love it, too. Brown says, “There’s been a very good response. Some of our patrons want music with their meals, some don’t. So it’s another option.” Live acts are featured every Friday and Saturday night and the room has been buzzing. Music tends toward

PROFESSIONAL

available and it was the right time to pursue an indoor venue.” So that’s exactly what she did. A warm, inviting space, The Side Bar’s décor features dark wood with black upholstered accents. The pressed-tin ceiling and light fixtures along with sections of exposed brick reflect the historic character of the building. But make no mistake, the focal point of the room is the performance area — an efficient, semicircular stage nestled into the corner. It’s the design that makes The Side Bar such a great place to play and listen.

a fingertip’s touch away, and that’s great. But for me, there’s nothing like listening to music the way it’s supposed to be heard … live and in person. If you agree, here’s a place you’ve got to check out. The Side Bar was opened in Jefferson City about six months ago by business owner Deb Brown (right next door to her restaurant, Prison Brews) with the idea of establishing a new outlet for live music. Brown explains, “When the city designated this area an entertainment district, we thought we’d better step up. The building became

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Advertiser Index Advertiser Index copy: Academy of Early Childhood Learning, page 50 Accounting Plus, page 3 Atkins, page 42 Becky McHugh, RM Designs, page 4 Boone Hospital Center, page 6

Hub & Spoke, page 10

Sara June Rhoads RE/MAX, page 24

Innovative Designs by Priya Batchu, page 26

Seaver & Forck, page 26

Interior Design Associates, page 59

Southbank Gift Company, page 48

Jones Beltone, page 43

Spaces in Balance, page 33

Leslie Davis RE/MAX, page 26

Spillman Contracting, page 22

Lindsey Stinson Personal Training, page 41

SQWEAR, page 19

MayeCreate Design, page 17

The Little House on the Bluff, page 22

Mid-America Mortgage Services, Inc., page 12

Toddlers’ Ink, page 56

Mid-City Lumber Co. Ltd., page 43

Truescape Garden Center, page 52

Caledon Virtual, page 2

Mid-City Lumber Co. Ltd., page 49

University Concert Series, page 25

Central Bank Investor Services, page 18

Nerium, page 24

Windows Walls & Design, page 19

Concannon Plastic Surgery, Back Cover

O’Donoghue’s, page 39

Dryer’s Shoes, page 57

Pools Unlimited, page 48

To all of our advertisers: Thank you for seeing the value in the power of print. An unintrusive form of marketing that people CHOOSE to engage with. A welcomed impression is a powerful impression. To advertise call 573-310-1357 or email advertising@professionaldaym.com

Buesenbark, page 8

ErrandRunners, page 55

Professional Daym Workshops, page 54

Family First Chiropractic & Wellness Center, page 33

Regional Economic Development, Inc., page 21

BREAK TIME

CROSSWORD:MONEY & TECH BY SUSANNAH SODERGREN

DOWN ACROSS 2 Raise a glass to this growing local industry 5 Current “Veep” Louis-Dreyfus 7 April’s sparkler of a stone 9 Many Americans’ favorite day of Mayo 12 The frigid vortex that’s finally in the rearview 16 When coins got too heavy, this Eastern country invented banknotes 17 Airwaves to surf on 19 Formerly known as the pound key 22 Amazon’s futuristic delivery drivers 24 Missouri State Treasurer 28 Not to be confused with butter 29 Move over, movies. The future of 3-D is in ______. 31 Democrat delegate from Rolla 32 The Valley where technology grows 33 Best Buy’s tech team 34 President & CEO of Yahoo Ms. Mayer 36 Lincoln University chief 37 Destination of a rolling 401K 38 April 24 is the official day to bring this little helper to work

Hint: Some of the answers come straight from this issue!

March Solution

1 The price you’ll pay on the piazza 3 One shade of gray 4 Fulton’s William Baker designed this city’s towering Burj Khalifa 6 Hometown to Missouri science and technology 8 Gold in Barcelona 10 The only state with more farms than Missouri 11 In Hawaii, May 1 is a day to wear a ___ 13 The first phase of purchasing online, according to Matt Cowell 14 Google’s experimental substance in Kansas City 15 Forbes counts 1,587 of them 18 Hacked big box whose story is said to be hitting the big screen 20 Founder of Ms. Magazine, who turned 80 last month 21 Columbia’s Annie Fisher was famous for baking these 23 Just relax, April is __ Awareness Month 25 CEO of Huber & Associates, on a first name basis 26 Kentucky Derby drink of choice 27 Game that just celebrated 100 years down, across the nation 28 The good stuff in a box of rocks 30 Tells you how to get from A to B 34 Month named for the Greek goddess Maia 35 Informal debt doc.

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