YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY
Springfield, MO
YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY
Springfield, MO
Lauren Brown has taken her parents’ family business to new levels, expanding Neighbor’s Mill into Springfield and developing a second location.
With her husband Clif, they first brought Neighbor’s Mill to Springfield in 2016, modeled after the original concept in Harrison, Arkansas. Their new restaurant across from Mercy has a target opening in mid-April.
At the heart of it all is a commitment to wheat made on-site and an atmosphere of servant-leadership.
“My employees have seen me do dishes, they see me get down on my hands and knees to clean a spill off the floor,” she says. “If you see your boss on the front lines of battle alongside you, as opposed to seeing them on the sidelines barking directions, then they are much more likely to stick with that team and stay loyal when times are hard.”
What was your first job? My parents owned a Dairy Queen franchise. I was supposed to walk through the parking lot and keep a log of all the out-of-state license plates. My dad confessed he just did that to keep me busy.
What are you doing to make the Ozarks better? We’re trying really hard to keep the craft of bread baking and milling wheat alive.
What did you learn the hard way? I need to clearly define my expectations. I’m learning how to be a better boss and leader every day and a big part of that is learning how to sit down with my team to communicate a clear vision.
Auto service veterans choose Springfield for long-term investments in Blue Iguana.
Sandra Smart, a technology and commercialization specialist, shares helpful advice and cautionary tips about the importance of tracking cash flow for new or established businesses. Smart works with tech entrepreneurs and hosts training workshops through the Missouri SBDC at Missouri State University's efactory.
Michael Smith and Chris Sawyer, COO and CEO of Next Level Solutions respectively, discuss how they keep their remote teams and offices in and out of country on the same page. Next Level Solutions was ranked #1 in the Springfield Business Journal's 2021 Dynamic Dozen.
John Oke-Thomas, architect and co-founder of minorities in business, responds to the accusation that minority businesses are only successful because of the priority they have received in lending. He says that if a business uses a loan well, it shows their worth.
Sandra Smart, a technology and commercialization specialist, shares tips for entrepreneurs who are ready to seek funding. Some of her tips apply broadly; some target technology industry businesses. Smart works with tech entrepreneurs and startups, and hosts training workshops through the Missouri SBDC at Missouri State University's efactory.
Hollie Elliott discusses common misconceptions about locating your business in a small town. She says that there are a lot of benefits that people may not consider.
Drawing on his own experience dynamically evolving his company and business model, Jim Meinsen discusses when and how you might need to draw on new technology. Jim and Debbie Meinsen are co-owners of TCI Graphics in Springfield.
John Oke-Thomas, longtime Springfield architect, discusses his philosophy on architecture. He says that future historians will be focused on the sustainability of our contemporary architecture.
Erin Hedlun, director of marketing and communications at Evangel University, says compassion is an important job skill. Hedlun says it is a component of what makes a leader.
Rachel Barks, owner of Artistree Pottery, talks about the concepting that went behind the aesthetic of the business.
Caleb Scott, coach and co-owner of Queen City Insane Asylum football team, says he had to sacrifice early on to make sure his team had places to play. With the business climate at the time, it wasn't easy.
