Special Sections

Shawna Neuner

Shawna Neuner has 30 years in the real estate industry and is going strong. She has recently partnered with other members in real estate to develop a new brokerage called Boulevard Realty. Neuner found her specialty in real estate by working on her personal investment properties. In owning her own rental properties and not knowing […]

Sabrina McDonnell

For Sabrina McDonnell, her outstanding career in banking all goes back to her mother. Since childhood, McDonnell says her mother would talk about how much she enjoyed her job, the customers and coworkers. After experiencing it herself, McDonnell says she fell in love with the work. “Bankers help people connect their ideas, goals, and dreams […]

Dr. Diana Coats

For as long as she can remember, Dr. Diana Coats has always had a love for plants and helping people. When an opportunity came along to chase her dreams, Coats, now the vice president of operations at Good Day Farm, couldn’t pass it up. “I made my way back to (Missouri) to join the emerging […]

Melissa Kinkade, Carla Ciolli & Jennifer Miller

At Trilogy Salon & Aesthetics, clients can get the absolute best in everything from hair care to skin care. Just leave it to the professionals, which in this case is the trio of owners, Melissa Kinkade, Carla Ciolli and Jennifer Miller. Ciolli and Kinkade have had a love of hair and makeup for years. For […]

Kassandra Wayland

Kassandra Wayland has always been around plumbing, often being told that she would someday take over the family business at Brian Wear Plumbing. And while that was always her dream, being a plumber wasn’t her passion. “It wasn’t until I was older that I realized I didn’t have to be a plumber to do that,” […]

Jaclyn Rogers

For Jaclyn Rogers, working at Ai Painting Plus has allowed her to follow her passion into an industry that is constantly evolving. “The art world is dynamic, with evolving trends and constant innovation,” she says. It’s what sparked her interest in the field and what continues to ignite her passion for the field, something Rogers […]

Dr. Barbie Sachs, Jennifer Gutierrez, Dr. Lyndsey

At Achieve Wellness Medical Center, it’s all about finding relief — real relief — from pain. It’s a simple focus that drives every member of the team, all of whom have seen firsthand how needed that relief can be. Dr. Barbie Sachs, owner, CEO and physical therapist, says she has spent nearly 30 years working […]

Ashly Gal, Jessie Gieson, Alondra Figueroa

As a child, Jessie Gieson loved to help her dad coupon to save money for snacks. She loved making lists and found math to come pretty easily, even though it wasn’t her favorite subject. Factor in her natural people skills and, as she says, “banking becomes a natural choice. One that I fell in love […]

Andrea Lyn Seppo

Andrea Lyn Seppo has always been a planner. “I would plan tea parties for my siblings, detail life schedules for imaginary families and plan my entire college schedule at one time,” she says. As she got older, Seppo began to see just how useful her planning skills were, especially when it came to restaurants and […]

Alissa Welschmeyer

Interior design always came naturally to Alissa Welschmeyer. She developed a love for art and creativity early on and found that interior design was a natural way to combine expression and creativity. “Painting my room or rearranging furniture was one of my fondest memories,” Welschmeyer says. In 2019, Welschmeyer founded Olive Tree Design Build, specializing […]

Becky Erdel

As a youngster Becky Erdel had an eye for design. Rearranging rooms in her parents’ home was a frequent event. Eventually, Erdel came to realize this behavior was more than a simple hobby. “It was my way of being creative with space. It became my passion,” Erdel says. Now a designer at Girard Homes, Erdel […]

From left to right: Josh Thompson, Mike Ward, Will Garrett, Nick Rector, Mitchell Blehm, Mandy Shanks

Best of Columbia: Missouri Farm Bureau Insurance

As Columbia continues to grow, Missouri Farm Bureau Insurance has grown as well, adding more local insurance professionals to its agency. “From homeowners and renters’ insurance to auto insurance and commercial insurance, we have Columbia’s growing insurance needs covered,” says Director of Customer Experience Ashton Kidwell. At Missouri Farm Bureau, they know the importance of […]

911 Restoration

Best of Columbia: 911 Restoration of Central Missouri

Positioned right in the heart of Missouri, 911 Restoration of Central Missouri is ready to serve a wide customer base, assisting after any disaster. After all, the whole goal of the company is to be there when you most need a helping hand, says Owner Dustan White. “We strive to uplift our customers, helping them […]

Lakota Coffee Company

Best of Columbia: Lakota Coffee Company

For more than 30 years, Lakota Coffee Company has been keeping Columbia caffeinated by providing the freshest tasting coffee possible. So it’s no wonder the business was recognized with the silver award for Best Coffee in this year’s Best of Columbia. “We strive to provide the best coffee, atmosphere and customer service in town,” says […]

Jenna Sutton - The Clip Joint

Best of Columbia: Jenna Sutton – The Clip Joint Salon

For the past 17 years, Jenna Sutton has been working behind the chair, building relationships with the people of Columbia. As a hair stylist at The Clip Joint, Sutton says she spends her time working to make clients feel their best. That’s why it means the world to be recognized by winning gold for Best […]

Izzy Smith Homes

Best of Columbia: Izzy Smith Homes – RE/MAX Boone Realty

Izzy Smith’s extensive knowledge of real estate has helped her assist property buyers and sellers in all types of ways. Smith, of Izzy Smith Homes-RE/MAX Boone Realty, says her agriculture business degree has helped develop her exclusive knowledge of land sales, in addition to the experience she has gained in the field. “My experience with […]

Creekside Pet Center

Best of Columbia: Creekside Pet Center

With a dedicated team, designated pet focused facility and passion, Creekside Pet Center is the perfect place for Columbia pets. Jacob Brummet, owner, loves being a home away from home for your most special furry friend.“We are truly pet focused,”he says.“We designed everything with our pets in mind.” Brummet says Creekside also employs many students […]

Missouri Eye Consultants

Best of Columbia: Missouri Eye Consultants

Missouri Eye Consultants prides itself on putting the needs of each patient first and foremost. Chris DeRose, optometrist and one of the owners of Missouri Eye Consultants, says it’s what the business is known for in mid-Missouri. “We do not take any shortcuts with our patients’ needs,” he says. And winning gold for Best Place […]

Brian Wear Plumbing

Best of Columbia: Brian Wear Plumbing

No one likes dealing with plumbing issues. But when you call Brian Wear Plumbing, you can rest assured that whatever the problem is, it will be solved. Plus, your home will be fully inspected to prevent future issues. “Whatever the problem, we’re here to solve it. We want to be the go-to plumber in Columbia,” […]

Mutrux Automotive

Best of Columbia: Mutrux Automotive

For 21 years, Mutrux Automotive has been serving the Columbia community, providing full service at the pumps and in the garage for both minor and major repairs. Owners Cindy and Ross Mutrux say the customers are the best part of business. “We truly have the best customer base ever,” Cindy Mutrux says. As a hometown […]