Open for Business: Fortified Elder Law

Fortified Elder Law
Nearly three years after opening, Fortified Elder Law LLC moved Sept. 30 to its new home at 2711 S. Meadowbrook Ave. Business owner Rachel Fortenberry said she and her husband, Brad, purchased the 3,900-square-foot building from Mercy Springfield Communities, declining to disclose relocation and renovation costs. The building formerly housed Mercy Clinic Family Medicine – South Creek, which relocated to a larger one in 2023. Fortenberry said Fortified Elder Law occupies around 3,000 square feet of the Meadowbrook Avenue building, with plans to lease the additional space. She said the six-employee law firm relocated from 2452 E. Madrid St. to accommodate growth and provide a more welcoming, accessible space for clients. Owning the building allows for greater stability, control over the environment and future expansion opportunities, she said. The office also provides additional meeting areas and room for community education events. The firm offers asset protection, estate planning and in-home health and nursing home planning.
Phone: 417-530-4529
Web: FortifiedElderLaw.com

Edward Jones
Weston Kissee, a 17-year employee with St. Louis-based financial services firm Edward Jones, moved June 2 to a newly constructed building at 3333 W. Battlefield Road. It was a relatively short move for Kissee, a financial adviser for the firm, as his former office was in leased space at 1533 W. Battlefield Road. Kissee owns the new 1,964-square-foot building at the corner of Battlefield Road and Carver Street he had constructed for an undisclosed cost by general contractor Nesbitt Construction Inc. Three employees work in the office designed by architect Esterly Schneider & Associates Inc. Kissee said the land his office occupies has been in his family for over 100 years, noting there’s about 75 acres remaining undeveloped. He said owning an office building on his family’s land was his long-term vision for the business. A general partner of Edward Jones since 2018, Kissee said he serves investors with a focus on business owners, executive and retirees.
Phone: 417-877-1763
Web: EdwardJones.com

Monroe Coffee Co.
Open for just over four years in Fair Grove’s historic town center, Monroe Coffee Co. LLC’s ownership changed hands on July 17. Carolyn Mellon said she closed on the sale of the 71 S. Main St. business from founding owners Anna Sutherland, Anna’s husband, Taler Sutherland, and Anna’s sister, Megan Biggs. Terms of the acquisition were undisclosed. The shop held its grand opening in September 2021, Mellon said, noting since her ownership began in July, she consolidated Monroe House Boutique, a related business previously housed in an adjacent storefront, into the main coffee shop space. The boutique now sells clothing, jewelry, seasonal home decor and other items. She also freshened her coffee menu, adding traditional cappuccino and cortado drinks, while maintaining a lineup of iced and hot lattes. The shop also offers drip coffee, cold brew, lemonade and iced and hot tea, along with baked goods, comprising cookies, cupcakes, muffins and scones. Weekly lunch specials feature items like chicken quesadillas and Cuban sandwiches.
Phone: 417-567-2003
Web: MonroeCoffeeCo.square.site