YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY
Springfield, MO
YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY
Springfield, MO
Wayne Morelock has led construction efforts to bring major properties to the Springfield market.
While still president of Morelock-Ross Builders Inc., the company completed more than 350 projects, including development of the $78.5 million mixed-use Springfield Plaza and the $48 million Bear Village student housing complex in recent years.
Earlier this year, Morelock split with longtime partner Kenny Ross, and now Morelock is president of the company called Morelock Builders & Associates Inc. Ross joined his sons, who founded Ross Construction Group LLC.
Morelock Builders & Associates specializes in commercial buildings, custom-built homes and rentals, according to its website.
Morelock recalls the early days when he first purchased a house for $5,000 – spending “every dime I had in my name” – and fixing it up to sell at a profit. That led to the next house, which ultimately resulted in a commercial and residential construction firm with hundreds of projects under its belt.
“From zero, I have built a company that has changed the skyline,” Morelock says. “In over 30 years of construction management, I have had the pleasure of working with exceptional teams.”
He seeks to extend a professional development hand to colleagues.
Morelock recalls a local developer who told him a conversation they once had led to his career choice. At Morelock Builders & Associates, Morelock believes in personal growth opportunities for co-workers.
“A business does not rise on the merits of the leader but on the individual contributor’s work within the team as a whole,” he says. “Within those individuals lies the ingredients for success – the passion, the attention to detail, the proactive customer service and the grit to apply the first three ingredients until the work is completed and beyond.”
Morelock prefers a behind-the-scenes approach that puts his work in the spotlight.
Those ideals several years ago earned him the Silent Hero Award from the Missouri governor’s office. His accolades also include an honor in 2015, when he was named among Missourian Award winners with the likes of Jack Henry & Associates Inc.’s Jack Prim and Youngblood Auto Group’s John Youngblood.
“Of all the things I have been recognized for, I am most proud of this honor,” Morelock says of the Silent Hero Award. “It is important to me to give back to the community that has supported me and my work.”
In the community, Morelock has given back through board memberships for several nonprofits, including the Springfield Contractors Association, the Greene County Board of Developmental Disabilities and Friends of the Zoo.
Closest to his heart is his work with Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks.
A 10-year board member, Morelock points to the progress made during that time.
“We have been able to develop the mission to extend financial relief to over one-third of those diagnosed with breast cancer in the Ozarks,” he says. “Ten years ago, BCFO helped 50 women and their families a year. Now, over 350 women going through breast cancer treatment receive a financial hand-up from BCFO.”
Moseley’s Discount Office Products was purchased; Side Chick opened in Branson; and the Springfield franchise store of NoBaked Cookie Dough changed ownership.
