Special Sections

Las Margaritas

Best of Columbia: Las Margaritas

With more than 25 years of experience, Las Margaritas knows how to make authentic Mexican food and drinks. It’s the reason the business can now proudly state that they have won gold for Best Mexican Restaurant for the 10th year in a row! “Our entire company is so incredibly honored to be awarded Best Mexican!” […]

Betz Jewelers

Best of Columbia: Betz Jewelers

Betz Jewelers is a hidden gem, tucked away on the third floor of the Executive Building at Sixth Street and Broadway (Boone Central Title is on the ground floor.) Once you find the secret spot, “you’ll be buzzed in and welcomed, but never pressured or ‘sold,’” says Rachel Flynn, the store’s marketing director. “We’re a […]

Rusty Drewing

Best of Columbia: Rusty Drewing Dealerships

Customers of Rusty Drewing Dealerships, as well as BMW of Columbia/ Mercedes-Benz of Columbia, know that once they step into a dealership, they’ll be greeted by the familiar faces of longtime employees. Rusty Drewing, owner and president, says customer experience is always a priority for his team as happy customers are repeat customers. “Our goal […]

Regeneration Salon & Spa

The Face of Beauty

Having a place for customers to relax, unwind and feel safe is a top priority for Regeneration Salon & Spa. Co-owner Samantha Woolridge says it’s important for guests to not only feel comfortable, but also confident. “You get a chance to make a difference with each guest that sits in our chair,” she says. “We […]

J Jones Homes, LLC

The Face of Design Built Dream Homes

John Jones has only ever wanted to design and build homes. And after nearly 30 years of doing just that, he launched J Jones Homes to continue his work of building dream homes for years to come. “I love running into former clients when I am out and realizing how many lives I have touched […]

Sticklen & Sticklen Law Firm

The Face of Personal Injury

Experiencing great trauma can cause immense stress, and the last things you should have to think about are medical bills or other financial burdens. Luckily, the partners at Sticklen & Sticklen Law Firm are here to help you. Both Charles Sticklen Jr. and Sarah Sticklen-McDonnell were inspired to get into the legal profession by family. […]

Morpheus IV Hydration & Infusion Center

The Face of IV Hydration and Drip Therapy

Jennifer Clark and Kristen Richter are extremely passionate about what they do. As nurse anesthetists, both Clark and Richter have spent their careers in health care and have seen the limitations of traditional medicine, which is what led the pair to found Morpheus IV Hydration & Infusion Center. “That’s why we’re here,” Clark says. “We’re […]

The Trust Company

The Face of Your Financial Legacy

At The Trust Company, each team member works to provide clients with peace of mind, anticipating their needs and understanding their aspirations and priorities. It’s that mission of helping people that attracted Tennille Lester to the field. Now working as assistant vice president and trust officer at The Trust Company, Lester says she’s able to […]

Kretch's Custom Exteriors

The Face of Custom Exteriors

As more and more people are able to work from home, having a comfortable outdoor space has become more important than ever. That’s where Kretch’s Custom Exteriors comes in. Owner Drew Kretzschmar knows how to create or revitalize your outdoor oasis. The team at Kretch’s, which includes Kretzschmar’s wife, Michaella; William Walters and Kretch’s red […]

Kari Vogt of Senior Benefit Services

The Face of Medicare

Helping seniors is something Kari Vogt has always been passionate about. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER TM and licensed agent for Senior Benefit Services, Vogt wanted to help fill the void she saw as many retirees have questions about Medicare and get overwhelmed by the process without many resources to guide them. Since joining the […]

CI Select

The Face of Commercial Interiors

Figuring out how to fill a commercial space can be overwhelming with so many options available. At CI Select, the goal is to help clients work through space planning and furniture selections to help create a meaningful space. Jessica Ayllon, business development manager, and Sammie Boman, interior designer, both jumped into the commercial furniture world […]

Joel Eisleben of S&E Consulting

The Face of Employee Retention Tax Credit

The pandemic was difficult for nearly every business, many of which are still working to recover. Joel Eisleben, CPA, employee retention tax credit specialist for S&E Consulting, wants to make sure businesses are aware of the funds available to them. “Hardly anyone expects to receive money back for what they lost the past few years, […]

Rachel Rave of Rave Homes

The Face of Building and Designing Custom Homes

For Rachel Rave, interior design has always been in her blood. “Ever since I was a young girl, I would have my father take me to open houses so that I could check out the design details,” says Rave, now an interior designer for Rave Homes. Through her job, Rave is able to create a […]

Rock Bridge Financial Advisors

The Face of Retirement Planning

At Rock Bridge Financial Advisors, the focus is always on finding the right solution for you. When it comes to finding a financial advisor, Michael McCuistion emphasizes two things about the firm where he has been owner and principal since 2005: “We have the client’s best interests at heart, first and foremost. And we are […]

Gary Wheeler of Missouri Soybeans

The Face of Soy

Gary Wheeler always knew he wanted to work for farmers. But when he began working for a nonprofit, his passion grew deeper as he realized how he could really help them. “I had the realization of how policy and education can really move the needle for the very folks that grow our food supply,” Wheeler […]

Girard Realty Team

The Face of Residential Realty

At Girard Realty Team, the entire focus is making each client’s dream into a reality. Joan Wilkerson spent 30 years in retail sales before finding her calling elsewhere. For more than two years now, Wilkerson has been enjoying the one-on-one relationships she builds with her clients as a real estate agent. Suzanne Kelley couldn’t agree […]

Zack Girard of Girard Homes

The Face of Custom Homes

As a third-generation home builder, Zack Girard continued his family legacy when he founded Girard Homes. Nine years later, Girard continues to bring his clients’ ideas to life. “We get to work with some really great clients to help them and figure out how to make their dream home a reality,” he says. Throughout the […]

Dr. Justin Kendall of Performance Eyecare

The Face of High Tech Eye Exams

Getting to help people improve their daily lives is one of the driving factors behind Dr. Justin Kendall’s passion for optometry. The combination of medicine and personal interaction is what first drew him to the field and it’s what keeps him motivated to stay up to date on new developments and processes. “Having had issues […]

Gina Mauller-Crane

The Face of Wealth Management

Gina Mauller-Crane, CFP®, has always been passionate about helping others. It’s what led her to become a financial advisor and what keeps her driven with each new day. “I wake up every morning excited,” she says. “I get to solve problems and puzzles daily.” Knowing that she is helping multigenerational families reach their financial dreams […]

Ai Painting Plus

The Face of Residential Painting

At Ai Painting Plus, they know the importance of a good paint job. Because when done well, the right paint can help provide joy through the visual transformation of a cherished space. “Our mission is to ‘paint joy into people’s homes’ and that’s our favorite part about doing what we do,” says Lacie Ilsley, who […]