2008 40 Under 40 Honoree: Justin Harris

His eight years of experience handling real estate matters at Springfield law firm Lowther Johnson LLC prepared him well for the corporate position.

“I wanted to get out of fighting over money – not that it’s not important – and do something more constructive,” Harris says.

At Hammons Hotels, he manages the legal department and legal issues tied to the development of new properties and business operations. He says he is proud to have the opportunity to work for and learn from John Q. Hammons.

When at Lowther Johnson, Harris quickly earned member status after three years, and then his fellow partners chose him as managing member after another three years. This is not, however, what Harris cites as his proudest accomplishment.

“My proudest accomplishment has been working with my wife to raise our children – a job that is not finished by any means,” Harris says.

With four children, Harris keeps busy on the clock and outside of work. He has been active with Cub Scouts, serving for several years as a den leader. Harris also volunteers his time at Heartland Covenant Church, where he has served on the stewardship and finance committees, as a member and vice-chair of the church council and on the leadership and worship teams.

Harris also involve his children in his volunteer efforts. Two of them traveled with him to the Louisiana Gulf Coast to build and rebuild homes. Harris has been able to touch lives, too, through his legal work with various nonprofit organizations.

“I especially enjoyed working with the leaders of Operation Homecoming USA to form that organization (and) work through many difficult issues in planning and development and to pull off an amazing event for Vietnam veterans held in Branson and Saddlebrook a few years ago,” he says.

His goals for the next year are simple. In addition to spending time with his family, Harris wants to learn all he can about John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts, so he can be more effective in his work.

“I am excited about completing some interesting hotel developments,” Harris says.

His advice to young professionals is “be flexible and look for opportunities. Always do the right thing even when it’s hard, because it always pays off."

Double Play

Birth date: Oct. 28, 1973

Family: My wife, Melanie, and I have four children: Georgia, Aulden, Whitman and Rilla.

Philosophy to live/work by: I try to live my life by Micah 6:8: “To act justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with my God.”

In a fantasy world, what professional sport would you play? Baseball. I played baseball from Little League until I went to college and have always loved it. I enjoy the individual challenges associated with playing the game; but being successful in baseball still requires teamwork.

Information accurate at the time of the honor.[[In-content Ad]]