2021 40 Under 40: Jarad Giddens

Jarad Giddens, 38, keeps a full plate. Beyond his work at Meridian Title Co. and Whiskey River Market, he also is a Nixa City Council member.

Despite the pandemic, Giddens joined the council and kept residents informed via social media. At Whiskey River Market, he implemented safety procedures and still netted a 200% increase in sales.

No matter the hat Giddens is wearing, his philosophy is the same: “I create an incredibly positive work environment that allows my employees to be innovative and try new things,” he says. “They learn from my training and then are empowered to come up with their own ideas, make mistakes and celebrate their successes.”

First job? Working in a warehouse for my father’s company making minimum wage and working long hours. I credit my father for almost everything I learned about business.

How do you make the Ozarks better? Serving the Nixa community and being a voice for all members.

Best piece of advice you’ve ever received? I was once asked if I knew what was on the tail of Elvis Presley’s jet. It had the letters TCOB, which stands for Take Care of Business. I was told that if I ended each day and knew that I “TCOB,” then I would go on to accomplish big things.

Favorite hobby or pastime? Loading up the family on our boat, take off with no destination in mind, crank up the music and sing as loud as we can!