Opinion: Business success is in the toil

Paris.

One word brings about a flood of thoughts and emotions. As we close out 2015, the coordinated terrorist attacks Nov. 13 on Paris are top of mind.

Julie Blackmon was there.

The Springfield artist was in the city for an international art show. While she wasn’t in the direct line of threats, the events were very real, alarming, and for a few hours put her life on edge. Thankfully, she eventually made it back to Springfield.

These are the stories Springfield Business Journal’s 12 People You Need to Know series is designed to tell. I appreciate Blackmon’s photography and for the opportunity to get to know the person and philosophy behind the artwork during an upcoming live interview.

I can say that for the work of each of the 12 People. Every one has a public side, and these breakfast events allow us to peel back the layers and get to the why and how questions behind the work. The stories in this booklet begin that journey.

Then, there are the families represented. We’re talking about deep, deep roots that make up the fabric of Springfield.

Griesemer. Rice. McQueary. Magers.

I’m grateful we get to tell these stories.

Louis Griesemer, a member of the multigenerational Springfield Underground Inc. family, is an outspoken free-market thinker, whose business acumen has given him a voice on the board of the Show-Me Institute. After nearly 70 years and 31 million tons of limestone mined, the Underground has called off its refining operations. But it’s not the end of the story.

John McQueary and family’s boutique hotel is educating Springfieldians on a proven concept in other markets, and it’s changing downtown’s social scene in an eloquent way: Hotel Vandivort is now a recipient of the coveted Four Diamond rating by AAA. Talk about raising the bar.

And others, working to help carry the load for their target markets, are influencing a specific future.

I’m speaking of Linda Ramey-Greiwe, who’s picking up where Morey Mechlin left off in the fight against child poverty through Care to Learn. There’s Jonas Arjes, acting as a key contact to develop business throughout Taney County, and Sue Head, the face and inspiration for building character in the students at College of the Ozarks. Battle-tested coach Dave Steckel quickly branded the phrase “Bear up” upon his arrival to Missouri State University football. After a tough first season, there’s nowhere but up to go. Now, he gets to turn his attention to recruiting.

Nancy O’Reilly is a bold voice with a meaningful message for women in the workplace.

Come and listen.

It circles back to the why and how. One thing I hear in the stories is the ambition to struggle through identified issues. Problems are a reality in this world, as we’re reminded again by the acts in Paris.

But it’s worth the toil. These 12 People convince me.

Springfield Business Journal Editor Eric Olson can be reached at eolson@sbj.net.