Open for Business

Advanced Exercise Equipment LLC established a presence in the Springfield area July 1 when the Colorado-based company hired Tim Pack to represent it and sell commercial fitness equipment from more than 50 manufacturers. Pack, who holds a master’s degree in sports science and previously taught at Southwest Baptist University, said he has 15 clients, including James River Assembly of God, Bass Pro Shops, CoxHealth and SBU. Pack, pictured with equipment he sold to James River Assembly of God, works on commission and said the average cost to outfit a corporate fitness center is $20,000. Advanced Exercise Equipment, led by President Gregg Spieker in Wheat Ridge, Colo., has a regional office in Clayton. Pack has no set hours. The company’s Web site is www.advancedexercise.com.

Meals in Thyme LLC

Meals in Thyme LLC opened in Springfield Oct. 13 with manager Lori Tyndall at the helm. Tyndall and three employees offer a service somewhere between a grocery shopper and a personal chef. Customers visit 15 assembly stations at the 3522 S. National Ave. location to put together noncooked meals that already have meat and sauces prepared. Customers take the meals home in freezer packages with cooking instructions. Tyndall said meals take about 25 minutes to cook. She said six meals cost $115 and 12 meals cost $200. Meals in Thyme is owned by Cape Girardeau residents Janet Johnson, Lisa Begley and Cindy Berry, who opened a store in their hometown about a month before the Springfield location. Tyndall estimates both locations cost $350,000 to open. Hours are 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and customers must schedule assembly sessions.

Employee Benefit Design LLC

Ken Stephens, Daniel Ruggeri, Chance Potts and Daniel Burns moved Employee Benefit Design LLC on Oct. 1 to 1125 E. Lakewood. With the move, the four partners increased their space from 3,000 square feet at 3126 S. Pickwick to 6,600 square feet. Stephens said the benefit-consulting firm owns its new building and land. He didn’t disclose building or land investment but said the move cost around $50,000 otherwise. Financing was obtained but undisclosed. Hours are 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Contact Cory Smith with your Open for Business submissions. He may be reached by e-mail, by fax at (417) 799-0603 or by phone at (417) 831-3238.