YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY
Springfield, MO
Spencer Graham’s bold entrepreneurial moves at a young age have led to two growing businesses.
Five years ago at the age of 22, Spencer Graham took the leap of opening GP Athletics, a strength-training gym that offers a variety of services including personal training for all ages. At 24, he launched Graham Colorworks Printing and Design, a full-service promotional advertising company.
Since opening, GP Athletics has grown from one 3,000-square-foot gym to a 7,000-square-foot facility in Springfield and a second location in Hollister. It also has expanded its menu of services. Graham says he hopes to soon franchise the concept.
First job? Working at my parents’ resort from a young age, so I always understood what it took to run a business.
Proudest moment? I’ve wanted to make this list since I first went into business. Besides becoming an honoree of 40 Under 40, my proudest moment would be shortly after my wife and I took the leap of faith to move our business and expand when the pandemic started. Being forced to shut down was a struggle for us, so taking this leap of faith was extremely risky. But the day we figured out that it was going to work and that I would be able to support my family and give them a better life was probably one of the proudest moments I have ever experienced.
Best piece of advice you’ve ever received? There’s not much in life that you can’t fix.
Dame Chiropractic LLC emerged as the new name of Harshman Chiropractic Clinic LLC with the purchase of the business; Leo Kim added a second venture, Keikeu LLC, to 14 Mill Market; and Mercy Springfield Communities opened its second primary care clinic in Ozark.