The App Pros LLCBusiness partners
Jody Chaffin and
David Rutter moved The App Pros LLC on March 18 to the Missouri State University eFactory business incubator, 405 N. Jefferson Ave., Ste. 1009. The mobile application and software developer signed a one-year lease for $8,250 for 550 square feet. After working together at McKesson Corp. – before Chaffin moved to senior management at Duck Creek Technologies and Rutter to independent consulting work – the co-founders launched the firm in mid-2011 inside Jordan Valley Innovation Center. CEO Chaffin said projects include a CoxHealth Foundation app for employees to access discounts by partner businesses and order processing software for Lockwood T-shirt company Prairie Mountain. He said the firm is consulting with Assemblies of God on its 7:14 Prayer app that sends prayer prompts, requests, daily Bible readings and video/social media tools. Chaffin and Rutter, the chief technology officer, employ a full-time developer and part-time sales associate, along with contract help on projects. Hours: 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Phone: (417) 837-2650. Web:
TheAppPros.comThe GrottoOwner-operator
Mark Coleman moved The Grotto restaurant Feb. 11 to 301 E. Battlefield Road in Battlefield Plaza. He said the move doubles seating to 120 from the Battlefield Market Place space The Grotto had occupied since opening in 2007. Describing the menu as American standard with ethnic infusions, Coleman said the most popular dishes are grilled chicken sandwiches, burgers and pizzas. Items include a $10 grilled salmon filet, an $8 walnut Gorgonzola salad and a $19 large SoCal BLT pizza. Coleman, who has worked as general manager for national concepts Panera Bread, Qdoba, Chili’s and Red Robin, signed a five-year lease with Jared Enterprises for an undisclosed amount, and he spent six figures on infill work. The Grotto employs around 30. Hours: 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m.–8 p.m. Sunday. Phone: (417) 886-9600. Web:
GoGrotto.comWelcome to SpringfieldSharon Ladd on May 6 bought Welcome to Springfield magazine from founder John Ford for an undisclosed amount. The 13-year-old bimonthly magazine is distributed to some 6,000 hotel rooms across Springfield, providing visitors a city map, restaurant guide, events calendar, and editorial and advertising features. Ladd has 15 years of outside sales experience with LA Weight Loss and SMC Electric, and she managed the Hair Club for Men and Women 2008–12. She plans to grow the base of roughly 30 advertisers, including Bass Pro Shops, Wil Fischer Distributing and Mr. Yen’s, and increase the typically 24- to 32-page issues to at least 48 pages. The 66-year-old Ford said he was seeking a buyer with Web savvy, and Ladd has created a Welcome to Springfield Facebook page and Twitter account. Ladd is the sole employee and works with a freelance designer in Arkansas. Kopco Inc. in Kansas handles the print work, she said. Hours: by appointment. Phone: (417) 830-5477.
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