2018 40 Under 40: Rick Mouery, 35

SBJ photo by Wes Hamilton

Rick Mouery was 23 years old when he paid $40,000 cash to take over the lease, customer list and accounts of an existing construction and carpet company. That was the beginning of his business, Mouery’s Flooring, and he’s never looked back. Certified through the National Wood Flooring Association, Mouery says he is purposeful to keep up with flooring trends and new manufacturers. It’s what helped him build a $1.2 million, 14,000-square-foot gallery on Battlefield Road in August. As a member of the Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield, last December Mouery’s business was named Associate Member of the Year.

What was your first job? When I was 15, I started my own mowing business. By the time I was 18, I had grown my business to around 25 residential and commercial accounts.

What are you doing to make the Ozarks better? We donate floors when we hear of needs. Also, we work hard to provide a good working environment for our employees and their families. I guess you could say I’m also contributing to the future of our community by doing my best to raise my daughters – four future strong women.

What is your best productivity hack? Hire good people.

What is your proudest moment? In business, my proudest moment was when I built my new building. It felt like all our hard work and who we really are was now visible to everyone.