YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY

Springfield, MO

Log in Subscribe

2013 Men of the Year Honoree: Sam Clifton

Posted online
Five months after an EF5 tornado struck Joplin, Millstone Custom Homes LLC owner Sam Clifton spearheaded a project of grand proportions – building seven homes in seven days for seven families in the damaged community.

The build was filmed for the series-finale episode of ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.” Clifton led some 13,000 volunteers from around the world who participated in the project and says the build was one that some might call impossible.

“We were able to call on many of our friends and coworkers in the building industry to take on leadership roles on this project,” Clifton says. “Our children got to see firsthand the importance of healthy personal and business relationships and how when you build these good relationships, there will always be people there to support you in your greatest challenges.”

Clifton noted ABC crewmembers called it one of the best community projects the company had been involved with. “They were humbled by the willingness and heart of our community to work and give,” he says.

Clifton says his builds represent partnerships that provide exposure not just for his company but also for partners involved in construction efforts.

In this way, he says, the company’s custom homes serve as a showcase that can lead to relationships and business leads.

“The positive word of mouth, referrals and visual impressions in the homes of our clients have a lasting influence on the success of our craftsmen and suppliers,” Clifton says. “When people see something stunning and unique in a home, they tend to remember it.

“Our homes are our reputation and the reputations of all those involved in the process of building them. If I am successful, others will be successful.”

The current mayor of the city of Nixa, Clifton has a well-established influence in southwest Missouri. Elected in 2010, Clifton calls the position his most visible and influential leadership position in civic affairs, working with city employees, elected officials and Nixa residents on various issues, from personal and business to city financials.

“I always try to set a positive tone in my dealings with people, in the hopes that this positive influence will continue in how everyone in the city deals with issues that affect themselves and our city,” Clifton says.

His work in Nixa has drawn the attention of many, including past Men of the Year honoree Stephen Kleinsmith, superintendent of Nixa Public Schools.

“Sam Clifton has been a longtime Nixa resident and has given more of his valuable time and resources than anyone I know,” Kleinsmith says. “The real testimony to Mr. Clifton’s contribution can be seen from his sincere pride, his love for community. “I believe from his giving spirit, he is a citizen we can all be proud of because he has walked the talk.”

Clifton also serves as vice president of legislative advocacy for the Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield Board of Directors, as a member of the CoxHealth Foundation board and as a deacon and Sunday school teacher at Ridgecrest Baptist Church.

“I am always searching for new ways to improve my faith, family, business and self,” he says. “I believe that a true leader is a doer who leads by example.”[[In-content Ad]]

Comments

No comments on this story |
Please log in to add your comment
Editors' Pick
Business Spotlight: The Right Focus

Helping people is the foremost purpose in business for Angela Stephens. The idea for Re-Focus the Creative Office was born to help her son, Drake Stephens, who had started struggling in school in fifth grade.

Most Read
Update cookies preferences