Three years ago, an editorial idea was hatched around a table at downtown dining establishment Springfield Brewing Co.
Springfield Business Journal's 12 People You Need To Know is that brainchild, and now in its third edition, I'm often reminded of those unsuspecting beginnings. It started with two people, moved to the management team and, voilà, the special booklet has become a capstone to our year and the monthly breakfasts a steady reminder of the fascinating stories behind the businesspeople in our community.
We just have to peel back the layers, and that's what SBJ's editors attempt to do in selecting the 12 each year. We look for three things: young, up-and-comers; influential yet behind-the-scenes personnel; or professional newcomers.
I'm fascinated by looking back at where good ideas originated; that review often provides a story behind the story. In our newspaper jobs, we've reported on business ideas starting on the golf course or architectural designs first scratched on a napkin. Once those ideas move to reality, the good ones stick.
In fact, in this very issue, you'll read about one of our 12 People whose college idea for something called the World Wide Web has turned into a global e-commerce solutions enterprise. That's Shannon McMurtrey's story, and it's just one of the things I learned while editing this publication. Here are 11 more of what I call key notes:
Who knew robotic surgeons would be active in Springfield in the year 2008? Dr. David Anderson did. He helped southwest Missourians get their first look at the precise, hands-on surgery method. (Anderson also attended a college that was a familiar foe in athletics to my alma mater, Olivet Nazarene University.)
Rich Armstrong has taught Jack Stack's Great Game of Business to companies in Europe, Australia, Japan and South Africa.
Dawn Busick predicts that many of today's jobs will not exist in 10 to 20 years.
Regina Cooper is a librarian for life. Why not? She gets to help out people on a daily basis.
As the region's first pediatric hematologist-oncologist, Dr. Remi Fasipe is the key cog in connecting St. John's and the renowned St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Guy Mace worked for a parent; now, a new parent company, Siemens, is opening new doors, particularly in the oil and gas sectors.
Lobbyist Scott Marrs says 2010 will be spent dealing with consequences from a $1.5 billion state shortfall.
Ken Homan had no interest in finance entering college, and now he personally manages or supervises more than $600 million in client assets. Tip: Leave your career doors open.
Keith Jaspers has more than 100 heart-wrenching trips to Nicaragua under his belt, and his love for the people keeps growing.
John Joslyn used to kick his co-owner wife out of his office daily. Something about strong personalities. Now, they collaborate - each executing their specialties in the entertainment business. He also introduced us to a business concept called the nag factor.
Peter Radecki's career has come full circle; the one-time research and production engineer for Shell Development Co. is back to his engineering roots keeping Drury University's campus humming along sustainably.
Thanks to SBJ contributing writers Tanja Kern and Jan Peterson for shaping the 12 stories and sharing each person's ideas so well.
Aren't great ideas what our businesses are all about? If we're not already, we should be continually searching for the next great idea.
Of course, not all pan out - and those that do gain traction don't always come with high profit margins. Therein lies the trick.
From this editorial concept's very beginning, Arvest Bank saw it as a good idea and quickly jumped on as sponsor. Each year, the bank has renewed its support of the annual breakfast series, and we appreciate the votes of confidence.
A great idea we're adding in 2010 is a new venue for the monthly Q&A breakfasts.
I have the honor of interviewing each of the 12 People 22 floors above downtown Springfield in The Tower Club's Starlight Room.
As always, I'm looking for that next great idea and the next great story to tell. Let me know if you've got one.[[In-content Ad]]
Springfield Business Journal Editor Eric Olson can be reached at eolson@sbj.net or (417) 616-5850.
