Ozarks Profile: Mary M. Arnold

Tell us about your firm.

Esterly, Schneider & Associates is an 11-person company that provides commercial architectural services to Springfield and its surrounding communities. The late A. C. "Deac" Esterly started the firm in 1947 and formed a partnership in 1985 with Craig Schneider and myself.

What do you do?

I am responsible for office management, secretarial staff, purchasing, payroll, tax reports and related government documents, insurance, personnel records, billings for professional services, accounting, and contracts between owner/architect and owner/contractor. I also take care of accounts payable.

How did you get started in the architecture field?

I was a student at Draughon Business College and was asked to type the specifications for the then-new Glendale High School. This project was a joint venture between architects, Deac Esterly and Joe Amspacher. Approximately six months later, Mr. Esterly had an opening for a secretary, and I was offered the position and, oddly enough, I have been here since that time which was Aug. 15, 1962.

What are some of the biggest changes you've seen?

Changes in technology! I started out typing specifications on stencils, which were printed on a mimeograph machine that had a crank-type handle. For example, if you wanted 25 copies, you would put your stencil on the mimeograph machine, fill the drum with a messy black ink, and then rotate the handle 25 times, giving you your 25 copies. I also remember the day when we did not have a copy machine in the office. We made a lot of carbon copies. Then, of course, I've watched the evolution of fax machines, computers, printers, plotters, Internet, Palm Pilots, etc.

What has maintained your dedication in your career?

I think it may be so that I won't have to go back and work on a dairy farm like I did growing up.

Tell us about your family.

My immediate family includes my husband Don, daughter Christine and her husband Chad, 18-month-old grandson Jake, my parents, three brother and three sisters.

Did you ever consider another career?

No, but I love to travel and am fascinated with foreign languages, so if I would choose another career, it might be somehow connected with that.