YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY
Springfield, MO
YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY
Springfield, MO
Then: Franchisee, McAlister’s Deli
Now: Restaurant Consultant; Independent Marketing Director, Team National
It seemed sweet tea was in the veins of Richard Vance. But the McAlister’s Deli franchisee of 14 years got out of the business in 2011.
“Six restaurants and three kids didn’t merge with what I wanted to do for the rest of my life,” says Vance, who started at the first McAlister’s in Mississippi at the age of 19. “Emotionally, it was like a divorce.”
He’s now applying the lessons learned as a consultant to other restaurateurs. Springfield franchisor Great American Taco is among his current handful of clients.
“I teach the anatomy of business,” Vance says of the nine clients he’s helped. “I find your pain points, where you’re bleeding and how to fix it.”
On the side, he earns money as an independent marketing director for Team National, a direct sales outfit.
Now, he says a perk is traveling while he works: “It’s more about the freedom with the kids.”
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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.
