Biz 417

09/17/2025

Day one of Biz 417’s The Legacy Network set the tone for a powerful path of growth. Our cohort spent the day learning about leadership development and building meaningful connections.

The Biz 417 publisher Logan Aguirre reflected,
“Don Harkey reminded us to meet people where they are. Thomas Douglas reminded us why: when you’ve walked a hard road, you recognize the bumps in others. That’s empathy. That’s leadership.”

Key takeaways from the day included the reminder that emotional intelligence is a skill we can strengthen through self-awareness, adaptability, and empathy. We were also challenged to own our journeys, celebrate meaningful achievements, and intentionally shape the leaders we want to become.

09/16/2025

✨ Nominations are now open! ✨ We are accepting nominations for Women Who Mean Business 2026. This annual feature celebrates women leaders who are shaping the future of southwest Missouri with their vision, drive and impact.

Know a trailblazer who deserves recognition? Nominate her today!

We all know one: a powerful, determined businesswoman who, honestly, would be a little intimidating if she weren’t so damn good at her job. Nominate that woman for Biz 417’s sixth annual Women Who Mean Business.

09/15/2025

🥁 Drum roll, please… Introducing the 2025 Biz 100 honorees. This list is chock-full of the minds, mentors, movers and makers shaping business in 417-land. They do the work, and we get to party! Plus, we are also celebrating 10 years of Biz 417, so don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate the phenomenal business landscape of the Ozarks! ✨️

Read more about the honorees in the comments. ⬇️

09/12/2025

It’s not too early to start thinking about tax season—fall is actually the best time to plan ahead. 🍂 With a clear view of your income, expenses and any big life or business changes, you still have time to make smart moves before year-end. Check out Abacus Advisers Cristian Rath’s tips on the biggest mistakes to avoid and the strategies that can save you money.

Get ahead of tax season with Abacus! Learn fall tax planning tips for individuals and business owners, avoid mistakes, and prepare for 2025 tax law changes.

09/10/2025

What do Legos, signed books and Razorback memorabilia have in common? 🐗📖 They’re all part of Dr. Shelby Hahn’s office—a place where every item carries meaning and inspiration.

CoxHealth Program Director of Family Medicine Residency Program Dr. Shelby Hahn shares treasured items that serve as positive and sentimental reminders.

09/08/2025

At last week’s Best Places to Work event, Jarad Johnson of Mostly Serious and Habitat Communication & Culture delivered a keynote on Human-First Workplaces in the Age of AI.

He explored how businesses can:
⭐ Communicate clearly about AI
⭐ Choose the right path forward
⭐ Protect humanity at work

It was an insightful reminder that while technology shapes the future, people must remain at the center.

Check out the full recap in the comments! 👇️

09/05/2025

Our annual Best Places to Work issue is out now, featuring 20 standout workplaces—10 small businesses (15–99 employees) and 10 large businesses (100+ employees).

This week, we took these companies across the finish line at the Best Places to Work event, honoring the 2025 winners and the people who make these workplaces exceptional. 🏁

Also in this issue:
🌳 The story of Hammons Black Walnuts
🤝 Lara Krug on leaning into community
🏟️ Jackson Cantwell's ride from high school to Hard Rock Stadium

Biz 417 is celebrating the Best Places to Work in southwest Missouri for the fifth year. Read about the small and large companies who made the 2025 list.

09/04/2025

Celebrating the Best Places to Work in Southwest Missouri 🏆

On Wednesday, September 3, 20 standout businesses gathered to celebrate what makes them the Best Places to Work in 417-land.

With high energy and even higher anticipation, we counted down the 2025 winners:
🥇 Ollis/Akers/Arney Insurance & Business Advisors secured the top spot in the small employer category (15–99 employees).
🥇 Keep Supply claimed No. 1 among large employers (100+ employees).

The event featured a powerful keynote from Jarad Johnson of Mostly Serious and Habitat Communication & Culture, who challenged attendees to think differently about AI and leadership. Some standout quotes:
🤖 “Generative AI is unlikely to replace your job. But somebody who understands how to use these tools well very likely will replace you in your role if you're not learning how to use them.”
🤖 “AI makes options, humans make decisions.”
🤖 “We can lead here in our region. We can make sure that we’re adopting AI the way that we wish the world adopted AI.”

A huge thanks to our presenting sponsor Grooms Office Environments, and to Brightspeed, Oasis Hotel & Conv. Center, Ascend Hotel Collection, Ollis/Akers/Arney, 37 North Expeditions, Elite Mercedes, and Sign Pro for helping us shine a light on the workplaces that make southwest Missouri a great place to grow.

📲 Read about all 20 companies and where they landed on the list:
👉 https://www.biz417.com/awards/best-places-work/biz417-best-places-to-work-2025/

09/03/2025

We’re thrilled to recognize this year’s Best Places to Work winners! 👏 Ollis/Akers/Arney Insurance & Business Advisors earned the top spot in the small company category (15–99 employees), and Keep Supply landed first place in the large company category (100+ employees). Congratulations to these organizations for creating workplaces where people truly thrive. 🎉 Check out our recent cover story to see where the other 18 outstanding businesses landed on the list.

https://www.biz417.com/awards/best-places-work/biz417-best-places-to-work-2025/

08/28/2025

🎉 Bingo for a cause! Each month, 4 By 4 Brewing Company hosts Good in the Hood bingo at Galloway (first Thursday) and Fremont Hills (second Thursday), raising funds for local charities and schools. 🏆 Play three rounds, win prizes and support your community, all while enjoying a cold brew. 🍺

4 By 4 Brewing Company hosts monthly bingo nights and donates the proceeds to different charities to support the local community.