Missourians can’t help it. They keep tearing Lawrence down. Apologies to the good people of Lawrence, Kansas — both of them — but there’s bad blood between them and us. You know most of the story: The Civil War really began along the border between Missouri and Kansas, long before the first shots rang out […]
photos by Silverbox Photography Jill Elder and Josh Smith were wed June 4, 2016, at the Columbia Country Club. Wedding guests received s’mores kits to signify the camping trip where the happy couple got engaged, and so guests could spread “s’more love” at home. Jill and Josh met at a barbecue during the summer of […]
The sweet smoky smell hits you as you walk in the door. A friendly greeting and a seat amidst laughter begins the meal. Paper towels and an assortment of sauces line the end of the table. Whether you’re dining with friends or dining alone, the atmosphere feels like family. This is what you hope to […]
Columbia’s William (Bill) Claassen encapsulates a unique paradox of silence and volume. He speaks gently of yoga, meditation, monastic retreats and the therapeutic benefits of movement and dance. “I prefer silence,” says Claassen. Yet, energy and excitement shimmer on his face — even his silence is not so quiet. Perhaps the volume of Claassen’s quietude […]
A special section celebrating the people responsible for some of Columbia’s best businesses — the places that help our community prosper. Photography by L.G. Patterson
MBS Textbook Exchange, LLC is the largest used college textbook wholesaler, bookstore systems provider and distributor of direct-to-student course materials in the nation. The industry leader in course material fulfillment solutions, MBS serves K-12 and higher education institutions in North America and students around the world. MBS’s primary goals are to provide its partner schools […]
During his 30 years with Plaza Commercial Realty, Paul Land has seen dramatic changes in the industry. Throughout them all, the company has remained committed to its goal: to be recognized as the single source provider of relevant information and the favored counselor of commercial real estate in the Central Missouri area. “We want to […]
Mutrux Automotive is a longtime Columbia fixture. Cindy and Ross Mutrux’s family owned and operated shop offers full service at the islands, alignments, oil and lubrications, state inspections, brake service and A/C and all types of repair. Cindy attributes its success to the loyal customers who walk through the doors every day. She says, “Our […]
Owner Larry Herzing, at Fortified’s helm for a year, has 18 years of experience in the roofing and siding industry. He was previously one of the owners of Manor Roofing and Restoration. In founding Fortified Roofing & Siding, Herzing wanted to create a company where people were treated like family. He wanted to be able […]
Realtor Leslie Spieler-Winn has been with House of Brokers for nearly three years, learning the ropes of the residential realty business from her mother, Audrey Spieler. Spieler-Winn joined her mother after her father passed, and says of her mother, “Man, I’ve got big shoes to fill!” The business works with clients to get their homes […]
Carol Miller has been at the wheel of Central Missouri Auto Body for 35 years. The collision repair business is well established in the Columbia community. Miller credits her parents for her success. She says they “instilled honesty, integrity and compassion.” She feels these traits spill over into successful working relationships with customers, vendors and […]
Rebekah Jouret is entering her second year as principal of Christian Chapel Academy, while Early Education Director Courtney Turberville is entering her fourth. CCA provides year-round nurturing care for infants to two-year-olds, three-year-olds through eighth grade, and a summer program for three-year-olds through fifth grade. All offer part-time and full-time options. Both women share a […]
Benjamin Hamrah, of Peachtree Catering, was basically born into the business. His parents ran multiple food service businesses throughout his childhood and he followed in their footsteps. He attributes his success to his parents, saying his father taught him everything he knows about the food industry and running a business, while his mother taught him […]
For 50 years, Columbia Eye Consultants Optometry has been providing comprehensive eye care including contact lenses, glasses, treatment of eye disease, pediatric eye care, low vision and general eye care. The recent addition of Nathan Hesemann, MD added general ophthalmology and cataract surgery to their services. The doctors enjoy helping patients maintain a lifetime of […]
Nelly Roach, president, and J. Michael Roach, creative director, of Caledon Virtual, were both raised by strong families that valued hard work and personal relationships, two things that factor into their business daily. As a full service marketing agency, the Roaches identify under-served niches within their passions and interests to off their services to business […]
For Joel and Pam Mietzner, EcoWater Systems is a family busieness. Joel started working for his father at age 13 at his dad’s EcoWater dealership in Kankakee, IL. After Joel moved to Jefferson City, Missouri in 1983, he began working for Nelson Perry at the EcoWater location there as a service worker. In 1998, opportunity […]
Elizabeth Lowry, Chief Executive Officer of Professional Technologies, is fascinated by the power of emerging technology. With everyday wireless services, drone technology, artificial intelligence, data analytics and digital identity, business processes are changing every day. Lowry is interested in helping Columbia businesses use these technologies to become more successful and profitable. As a one-stop service […]
