Open for Business: Leveled Up Loot

Leveled Up Loot
Leveled Up Loot LLC, which owner Christopher Smith dubs a pop culture marketplace, opened Aug. 11 at 2744 S. Campbell Ave. He said inventory for the 1,600-square-foot shop in Village Shopping Center includes collectibles, comics, games, jewelry, movies, music and toys. Smith operates the store with his wife, Amanda, noting he signed a three-year lease for $1,633 per month with Magers Management Co. LLC. Startup costs were $75,000, he said. Smith said he and his wife began selling merchandise at flea markets and trade shows 15 years ago and expanded to e-commerce on eBay and other sites, with a focus on toys and video games. Leveled Up Loot marks their first brick-and-mortar venture, he said, adding average prices range $20-$30. In addition to the shop, Smith said he maintains employment as a regional truck driver with IWX Motor Freight.
Phone: 417-689-0082
Web: Facebook.com/LeveledUpLoot

Winston and Friends
One dog-centered business concept morphed into another for a Marshfield couple with the Oct. 1 launch of Winston and Friends LLC. Vicky Cruz and her fiance, Kelley Rear, co-own the venture, which opened on the Marshfield square at 107 N. Clay St., Ste. A. Startup costs were $7,000, Cruz said, declining to disclose lease terms with landlord Robin Rader. The 600-square-foot pet store specializes in handmade dog products, including bandanas, deodorizers and paw balms, all produced in-house. The store also sells dog-themed clothing for pet owners. She said Winston is the couple’s 3-year-old goldendoodle and company mascot. Cruz said she formerly worked for Walmart Inc., while Rear co-owns information technology services company E Automation Systems LLC.
Phone: 417-413-4092
Web: Facebook.com/ShopWinstonAndFriends

Fortified Elder Law
An attorney with seven years of experience founded her own firm specializing in elder law on Oct. 3. Fortified Elder Law LLC, at 2452 E. Madrid Ave., provides Medicaid asset protection, eligibility and applications, as well as comprehensive estate planning services. Owner Rachel Fortenberry said she signed a three-year lease for the 1,150-square-foot office with J.L. Miller Investments LLC, declining to disclose the rate or startup costs. Fortenberry spent the past two years at 417 Business & Elder Law LLC before starting Fortified Elder Law, with past employment including Aaron Sachs & Associates PC and the Christian County Prosecutor’s Office, according to LinkedIn. She said her recent work in elder law became a passion and motivated her to start the two-employee firm.
Phone: 417-530-4529
Web: FortifiedElderLaw.com