Ozarks Profile

President, Modern Distributing Company, 440 E. Tampa. Modern Distributing was one of a number of companies owned and operated by the Cox family, serving the distributing needs of its collection of businesses. Modern Distributing specializes in the wholesale distribution of outdoor power equipment with a special emphasis on the golf and governmental markets. "Our primary business consists of serving the needs of the outdoor power equipment dealers, landscape contractors, irrigation installers and major turf equipment customers," Frazier said. Modern Distributing has seven offices in Missouri, Kansas and Illinois and is the exclusive distributor of Toro for all of Missouri, Kansas and the southern two-thirds of Illinois, as well as most of Arkansas. Frazier started his career at Modern Distributing in 1987 as director of finance and became general manager two years later. He became a minority owner in 1991 and, a year ago, became the majority stockholder. Frazier is a former board of directors member of the Outdoor Power Equipment Distributors Association and serves on a number of Toro advisory boards.

Age: 40

No. of years in Springfield/area: Frazier has lived in Springfield since 1987.

Education: Frazier has a bachelor of arts in finance from the University of Texas in Dallas.

Early career: "My first real job was with Whirlpool's financial subsidiary. I next worked in Dallas for Goldthwaites, another Toro distributor. Then I moved to Springfield to join Modern Distributing."

Current projects: "We at Modern Distributing are very active with several new golf projects. We were very involved with Branson Glades and are now involved in two Jack Nicklaus signature golf courses. We are also working with several new courses in St. Louis, as well as ones in Kansas City."

Management philosophy: "If you always try to do whatever is right and fair, then you will be successful. A forthright, honest approach will always serve you best in the long run. I also firmly believe that if you keep your eye on constantly improving the satisfaction level of your customers, the marketplace will reward you."

Spare-time pursuits: "I enjoy golfing in my spare time. I am also very active with my children. I try to coach their sports when possible, and attend as many of their activities as possible."

Family data: Frazier and his wife Joy, a former co-president of the Wilder Elementary PTA, have three children. "My oldest son, Michael, is almost 12. Preston just turned 9, and Kate just turned 7. All of the children swim for the Twin Oaks swim team and play basketball, baseball and soccer."