COMO Magazine

08/12/2025

Ashli Eaves has added “author” to her already-impressive resume. As a Chartered Special Needs Consultant and financial advisor at Aligned Wealth Group, which she helped start, her book on special needs financial planning offers advice and encouragement for other parents in that space. ​

A self-professed “brewery junkie,” Ashli says that the 20 Under 40 honor is something she never expected. “It’s a reminder that showing up, doing the work, and leading with purpose can create real impact.”

Stay up to date on all things 20 Under 40 on our new website! https://ow.ly/NNwC50WC1sI

08/09/2025

Next, let’s meet Taylor Drennan, a dedicated middle school principal! 🎒 With more than a decade of experience in education, Taylor has demonstrated remarkable resilience. He helped open John Warner Middle School during the height of the pandemic, earned recognition as the CPS Middle School Teacher of the Year, and attended over 100 student events this year. ​

​His unwavering commitment to students, families, and the Columbia community makes him an outstanding leader. Great work, Taylor!​

Stay up to date on all things 20 Under 40 on our new website! https://ow.ly/wvO350WA9zJ

08/07/2025

Here's Rodney B. Dixon, the recruiting manager for EquipmentShare, one of Columbia’s biggest homegrown businesses. Rodney is all about fostering strong relationships and enriching employees’ work experiences. ​​

You might also have known Rodney during his stint as a commercial credit analyst at Central Bank of Boone County. He’s also a proud Cougar, graduating from Columbia College in 2016 with a degree in business administration.

Stay up to date on all things 20 Under 40 on our new website! https://ow.ly/3JqF50WA9wA

08/06/2025

What are Columbia’s defining legacies? The August edition of COMO Magazine explores the musical legacy of The Blue Note, the echo of some of the most memorable media voices through the years, and five decades of the unmistakable footprints and fingerprints left by Ray Beck, the city’s former public works director and city manager. https://issuu.com/businesstimescompany/docs/como_magazine_the_legacy_issue_august_2025

08/06/2025

Go ahead. Just try to pull one over on Jessica Caldera, a partner in the Harper, Evans, Hilbrenner and Netemeyer law firm. “I was the president of a sorority,” she tells uncooperative witnesses. “If you think you can out-manipulate me, you are wrong.”

Sure, Jessica aims to be the go-to criminal defense attorney in Columbia, but she’s also masterful Mizzou tailgating hostess. Fun fact: Jessica is just 5-foot-2 but was an all-conference high jumper in high school.

Stay up to date on all things 20 Under 40 on our new website! https://ow.ly/7xbU50WAoRn

08/05/2025

Stepping into the spotlight is 20 Under 40 honoree Adam Brietzke! As marketing & development director at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Missouri, Adam is all about building relationships and championing youth mentorship. ​

He wears a lot of hats (sometimes all in one day!) and still finds time to fuel Columbia’s arts scene through improv nights and original monologue contests — proof that passion and purpose make a great match. 🎭 Congratulations, Adam!

Stay up to date on all things 20 Under 40! https://ow.ly/W5HG50WA9mR

08/05/2025

Annnd we’re off to the races with 2025's 20 Under 40 announcements! 🎉 First up in this year’s 20 Under 40 honorees is someone who truly never left middle school — in the best way possible. ​

Jacob Adams, principal at Jefferson Middle School, is all heart. He greets students every morning, builds up STEAM opportunities, mentors young leaders, and stays involved in both local and statewide education efforts. We’re so proud to kick things off by honoring him! 👏

Stay up to date on all things 20 Under 40 on our new website! https://comobusinesstimes.com/20-under-40/

07/31/2025

We’re thrilled to unveil the newly redesigned websites for both COMO Magazine and COMO Business Times — bringing a bold, modern digital experience that reflects the beauty of our print editions and creates a cohesive, elevated brand across both platforms.

✨ Easier to navigate
📰 Cleaner layouts to spotlight your favorite stories and voices
🗓️ An improved community calendar
🔍 Faster access to meaningful, local content
💌 And exciting new enewsletters launching soon

Everything now feels like part of the same curated experience, designed with you in mind.

A new era of COMO starts here.
🔗 COMOMag.com | COMOBusinessTimes.com

07/31/2025

✨🎁 This holiday season, COMO Magazine and The COMO 411 are joining forces to create the ultimate Holiday Gift Guide — a curated celebration of local shopping, thoughtful gift ideas, and festive inspiration that puts Columbia’s vibrant community front and center.

This collaboration combines COMO Magazine’s storytelling and style with The COMO 411’s real-time connection to Columbia’s trendsetters, delivering a beautifully crafted guide that connects readers with local businesses just in time for the season of giving.

Have a favorite local boutique, restaurant, or maker you think deserves to be featured? Drop your recommendations below or send us a message — we’d love to include your picks!

Are you a boutique, restaurant, artisan, performing arts group, or service provider? 🌟 Email Allie Teagarden at [email protected] to learn more!

The COMO Companies and our very own The COMO 411 are teaming up to produce a local holiday shopping guide this year, and your business is invited to get invo...

07/29/2025

Happy Hour for Hope is back and you’re invited! Enjoy drinks, heavy hors d’oeuvres and a full lineup of fun. Take part in silent and live auctions, wine and whiskey pulls, raffles and photo ops—all while learning how your support changes lives at Missouri Girls Town.

Mark your calendar for 5:30 PM on Thursday, August 14th at the Kimball Ballroom on Stephens College Campus, located at the northeast corner of Broadway and College Avenue.

Every ticket supports brighter futures for the youth at Missouri Girls Town.

Grab yours now:

It is with great pleasure that we announce Missouri Girls Town's 4th annual Happy Hour for Hope presented by Atterberry Auction and Realty Company to be held on Thursday, August 14th at the Kimball Ballroom at Stephens College. Doors open at 5:30pm. Please join us for: heavy apps (you leave full) br...