2008 40 Under 40 Honoree: Jody Shelenhamer

Take, for example, Service Right Lawn Care which he started at age 12 and sold in 1994.

The secret, he says, lies in surrounding himself with talent.

“Good people are what make people in the position I’m in look really good,” Shelenhamer says. “We are all talented in different ways; it is my job to find the best person for (a) position.”

Among Shelenhamer’s ventures are KJM Properties & Investments LLC, the parent company for Shelenhamer Construction LLC, SD Investments LLC, S&S Golden Management LLC and St. Louis’ Incredible Pizza Co. LLC.

“My combined organizations provide jobs for close to 300 people in Missouri,” he says, noting that gross combined sales are expected to reach nearly $30 million this year.

Shelenhamer’s Incredible Pizza Co. LLC is the latest addition to his holdings. He opened a St. Louis location for the Springfield-based pizza and family entertainment franchise in May 2007.

It is Bolivar-based Shelenhamer Construction, however, that holds a special place in his heart; he lists its founding as his proudest accomplishment.

“This company was built from the ground up with a lot of dedicated hard work and determination,” he says. The commercial general contracting firm’s portfolio includes Springfield Fire Station No. 12, River Bluff Fellowship Church, and Nixa City Hall and Police Station.

Shelenhamer says it isn’t enough for him to just give his employees a paycheck.

“There has to be a sense of accomplishment and pride in workmanship at the end of every payday for every employee,” he says.

Shelenhamer is proud of his work to help create and define the Franchise Advisory Council for America’s Incredible Pizza Co. to improve communication between the company and its franchisees. He serves as the council’s vice president.

He’s not planning to slow down any time soon.

“Our goal is to increase our gross sales by 15 percent or better,” Shelenhamer says. “I am also working toward building a second Incredible Pizza Co. (store).”

Double Play

Birth date: Aug. 8, 1971

Family: I have been married to my wife, Robin, for almost 13 years. She has a master’s degree in education and is very involved in the Christian school that our children attend. She also spends much time in the activities at the First Baptist Church of Bolivar. However, her favorite job is being mother to our three children: Kayla, 10; Jacob, 8; and Mariah, 6. Our family enjoys spending time together on our farm, camping and traveling.

Philosophy to live/work by: I seek God’s will and wisdom in all I do. I try to surround myself with people who are knowledgeable, able and willing to succeed.

In a fantasy world, which sport would you play? Football, because I like the fast pace and hard-hitting action.

Information accurate at the time of the honor.