2026 Business Leaders of the Year: Abe Stamper

As CEO of Cassville-based Arning Cos., Abe Stamper advocates leadership through listening.

“I approach leadership with the belief that I work for our people – they do not work for me,” he says. “My responsibility is to create the environment, clarity and support they need to succeed, at the business level as well as the personal level.”

Arning Cos. got its start in 1983 designing fuel canopies for the petroleum industry, and today is known for delivering turnkey building solutions, expanding from canopy systems to modular buildings, architectural elements and even construction management services.

And as the company’s offerings have diversified, Stamper describes a process of improvement through feedback.

He adds that he makes it a priority to capture input, identify trends and translate insights into process improvements and enhancements. Doing so, he says, has allowed the company to reduce inefficiencies, lower stress and give time back to its teams.

Equally important, Stamper says, is the development of the company’s people.

“Watching individuals grow into stronger leaders, take ownership and contribute to broader organizational success is one of the most rewarding aspects of my role,” he says. “Our success is a direct reflection of our team’s strength and engagement.”

Stamper says he also has an eye on accountability and results. 

It’s a philosophy Stamper carries into the community. He gives his time to coaching soccer players, and he also encourages his teams to get involved beyond the walls of the company.

“Leadership is about service,” he says. “I actively encourage our teams to engage in the community as well, reinforcing that leadership is about service. I also emphasize the impact of small but meaningful actions – taking the time to listen, supporting others, showing appreciation and consistently lifting people up.”

Stamper says his leadership philosophy is rooted in a servant mindset, and part of that is making people feel valued.

Says Stamper, “I want everyone to know they have direct access to me – whether it’s walking into my office, calling or texting – and that I will stop, listen with intent and support them in any way I can, both professionally and personally.”

He added that he tries to have conversations that move beyond the surface level to get at challenges, ideas and opportunities.

“By capturing feedback and identifying patterns, I can help drive improvements that positively impact the broader organization, not just individuals,” he says.

Stamper says his leadership philosophy is rooted in a servant mindset.

“I make a deliberate effort to go beyond surface-level conversations – taking the time to truly understand challenges, ideas and opportunities,” he says. “By capturing feedback and identifying patterns, I can help drive improvements that positively impact the broader organization, not just individuals.”