In 2018, Michael Smith took a chance and started a company. It’s worked out well.

Beginning in 1999 as a part-time mower for the city of Marshfield at the age of 18, Sam Rost rose through the ranks to become city administrator in 2021. 

Scott Rose, a Realtor with Murney, adheres to a personal motto: Putting people first.

For Cristian Rath, adviser at Abacus CPAs, growing up in extreme poverty was his driving force to double down on his education for a chance at a better life.

When Tyler Padgitt arrived in Springfield in 1999, he began pastoring a student group at Truth Tabernacle that grew from a few members to over a hundred in just five years.

Matthew D. Morris’ job title is deceptively short. As vice president for administration and finance at Missouri State University, Morris oversees multiple departments: Human Resources, University Safety, Environmental Management, Facilities Management, Planning Design and Construction, and Financial Services.

"I am a doer,” Austin Miller, owner of Wise Built Custom Homes, says. “I’m simply not afraid of going out and shaking up the waters.”

Johnny T. McNeil loves it when someone calls him “Coach.” And plenty of people do. He has coached and mentored people since 2015 at Community Partnership of the Ozarks and previously as a juvenile officer, corporate employee, NFL agent and high school coach.

Jeff Kennedy strives to live by the values of servant leadership modeled by his parents.

After more than 20 years as a professional musician, Ryan Hurn traded travel and performing for insurance and securities.

With more than 15 years of experience as a leader in Missouri churches, Ryan Goeden admits it was intimidating to be elected seven years ago as lead pastor at New Life Church in Springfield.

With a leadership style characterized by a commitment to the well-being and progress of his community, Nixa Mayor Jarad Giddens says his actions reflect a dedication to creating a thriving and inclusive environment for all residents, extending into public service and business development.

Laura Farmer is unequivocal. Many foster children are better off because Eric Gerke chose to help them.

Tim Dygon, executive vice president of The Arc of the Ozarks, says his career, spanning nearly two decades with The Arc, is more than a job to him, but “a mission that pays dividends beyond my personal or professional accomplishments.”

A self-described natural problem solver, Duan Gavel is using his talents to help diverse businesses thrive.

Retired oncologist Dr. Robert L. Carolla has left his mark on the local health care industry.

Wes Buchholz says he learned lessons on diplomacy early, due largely to living with three sisters in a single-parent household.