Ozarks Profile - Jeff Schrag

Tell us about your company.

Schrag is best known locally as the owner of The Daily Events, which he purchased in May 1995, but he also owns Bareham & Saunders, another publishing venture.

"The Daily Events is the oldest newspaper in Greene County, established in 1881. We publish public records and legal notices for Greene and Christian counties, including foreclosures, court cases, real estate transactions, liens and new business listings.

Bareham & Saunders publishes annual directories for football, hockey and basketball. Established in 1912, I just bought it this spring and moved it from Florida to Springfield."

How did you arrive at your present position?

"I have a degree in journalism from Kansas State, and I have always owned and operated publications newspapers in Buckner, Blooming Prairie, Minn., The Daily Events and now the sports directories. I came to Springfield to buy The Daily Events and as a bonus discovered that the Ozarks are a great place to live. Springfield has become my home."

What are some of the challenges you face in your work?

"The constant challenge is to always provide better service better service than other businesses and better service than we did yesterday. I believe that once that has been accomplished, then most other things will fall into place," Schrag said. " My co-workers can expand their knowledge of our products and offer superior service only when they feel empowered, secure and valuable." Schrag also has to work on delegation. "In a small business, there's always the temptation to do things yourself; to answer every question and to oversee every step. I have to remind myself to let go and trust in others. I maintain that it is important to have a good time and make the office a fun place to work."

How do you most enjoy spending your spare time?

"I love working downtown. It provides great opportunities for fun days and fun nights," Schrag said. "Part of my spare time is now taken up remodeling the former Springfield Seed and Floral Building on Walnut Street. We plan to relocate the businesses there next year. I am proud to be part of the downtown renaissance." Schrag also enjoys spending time with close friends dining out, listening to live music and seeing movies. "My goal is to read two good books a month," he added.

What do you find most rewarding about owning a small business?

"The best part about it is that I get to pick the people I work with, and I work with all great people," Schrag said, adding that he works with a staff of 10 to take care of both of his companies. He also enjoys the fact that each day is different and that he can be involved with all different aspects of his ventures. Schrag said as a small-business owner, he doesn't deal with the high pressure that can be found in large, corporate settings.

by Maria Hoover