John, Jason and Jeremy Chapman, owners of The Acoustic Shoppe, say the pandemic just accelerated retailers moving sales online. They say customers appreciate the convenience and it allows them to …

Alex Neville-Verdugo, museum director of the Discovery Center Springfield, says though she’s currently between mentors, they have been important in her professional development. She says the …

Jennifer Leonard and Curtis Marshall, co-founders of Tie and Timber Beer Company, say pivoting to curbside service and opening their beer garden allowed them to serve customers while maintaining …

When Emily Laurie learned she had a malignant melanoma, she looked for a hobby to take her mind off the diagnosis. She made a bead bracelet and shared it online. Within days, she had a large number …

Did your business experience supply chain issues due to the pandemic? Jeff Eiserman, senior risk advisor with Ollis/Akers/Arney, talks about the causes and what effect COVID-19 continues to have on …

Brent Cochran, owner of Al’s Pals Pet Place, says the pandemic has made it difficult to analyze his business and set long term goals. He says they hope to grow into a brick and mortar location so …

Choosing to remodel or renovate existing space as opposed to building a new structure is a difficult decision for a business owner when evaluating space needs, functionality and cost concerns. …

Elizabeth Hurst, business development manager with HR Advantage, says while people are ready to move on, the pandemic is still affecting the workforce. She says adaptability and innovation have …

Patrick Little, co-owner of 22 Sierra Coffee Company, says having a business partner in a different state is challenging but advantageous. He says being separated enlarges their network and lets …

Abby Glenn, development director with Habitat for Humanity, says they’re transforming their 2021 Gala into a virtual event. She says they hope this will focus on their needs and mission rather …

Daniel Ogunyemi, college director of diversity, equity and inclusion for OTC says he likes the book, “Creating Great Choices,” by Jennifer Riel and Roger L. Martin. Ogunyemi says it teaches you …

Technology business consultant Mackenzie Scherer says many perceive virtual meetings as a barrier. Scherer says the opposite is true. People are more comfortable engaging in a digital environment, …

Christine and Austin Mayfield, owners of Juniper Coffee Roastery, say plan to spend double your projected numbers to give leeway for unexpected expenses. Austin says most financial institutions …

Brandy Harris, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield, tells features editor Christine Temple that a dark childhood gave her the passion and skills necessary to fight for children. Listen to the …

John Lopez, managing member with Old Route 66 Dispensary, says the pandemic hampered progress for their business. He says equipment delays for cultivators put the dispensaries on hold because of …

Abe McGull, attorney at law, says his military experience enriched his spirit by exposing him to different cultures. He says learning about culture helps you realize people are more similar than …

While some businesses went on defense during the pandemic, Donnie Brawner, CEO of Paragon 360, chose to actively seek new opportunities. Brawner says they looked at risk mitigation, but chose to take …

Many professionals find time and money to be a barrier to advancing their career with a graduate degree, and finding the right fit is a challenge as well. With this in mind, Drury University created …

Jann Holland, vice president of marketing and communications for CoxHealth, says it’s important to have an innovation mindset in your toolbox. Holland says creativity is coming up with an idea, but …

Todd Nielsen, chief strategy officer with JMARK, says the pandemic changed many philosophies about remote work. He says it’s important for companies to look forward and recognize challenges to …