Own the Journey

In his tenure as President of Missouri State University, Clif Smart has faced countless challenges and overcome them with humility and tenacity. Hear from this veteran of academia as he discusses his role in the public eye, the student debt crisis, government involvement, and partnering with the business community in this episode.

Jim Lewis has been in the accounting industry for more than 35 years, specializing in business management and tax advising. This makes him the perfect resource to inform business leaders on common bookkeeping mistakes, facilitating a relationship with a CPA, and cash flow. Tune into this episode to learn what you need to know about accounting & business structures!

Dr. Hal Higdon is a leader in the educational space in Springfield, MO. As Chancellor & President of Ozarks Technical Community College, Dr. Higdon has spearheaded countless projects focused on the betterment of the community and workforce. In this episode, he touches on failure, government relationships, economic development, and the impact of the economy on educational organizations.

Brandon Welch is the President and Chief of Strategy at Frank & Maven, a marketing and business strategy agency. After facing a setback with a family business resulting from poor marketing strategy, Brandon redefined how media should work for companies and built an agency around his methodology. Tune in to this episode to learn about identifying your niche audiences, practicing core values in...

With over 15 years of business consulting experience, Randy Mayes has seen it all when it comes to navigating people conflicts and coaching a rockstar leadership team. In this episode, Randy and Tom discuss the personnel challenges that many companies face, including toxic leaders, collaboration, and the difference between knowledge and changed behavior. Tune in for some input on how to best struc...

Weaver Gaines is a veteran in more ways than one. After serving in the Vietnam War, Weaver began his career as an attorney and hasn't slowed down since. From the patent process to board membership to targeting the right investors, this episode covers a multitude of topics and phases of business. Jump in and see what you'll learn!

In this episode, Tom sits down with NBA veteran and philanthropist Anthony Tolliver. Join Anthony as he shares his remarkable journey and imparts valuable insights on personal growth, resilience, and achieving one's goals. From his experiences on and off the basketball court to his philanthropic endeavors, Anthony's story serves as an inspiration for viewers seeking to pave their own paths to succ...

Richard Ollis is a fourth generation insurance specialist and CEO of Ollis/Akers/Arney, one of the leading agencies in Southwest Missouri. In this episode, Tom and Richard discuss foundational elements that business leaders need to consider when setting up an insurance plan as well as upcoming trends in the industry. They also cover many elements of leadership including the importance of listening...

In this episode, we are excited to feature Josh Sullivan, the visionary founder of Fried Design. Join us as Josh shares his expertise on creating a business that truly reflects your identity. Discover valuable insights on managing international employees, fostering workforce growth, and cultivating a tight-knit company culture. Josh also dives into the intriguing debate of working locally versus g...

In this episode, we are delighted to welcome Kirk Elmquist, a distinguished expert in economic development and regionalism. Join us as Kirk shares his profound insights on the economic impact of tourism, highlighting its role in driving growth and prosperity. Discover the importance of unified regionalism and how collaboration across communities can lead to remarkable achievements. Drawing from hi...

In this episode, we are delighted to have Julie Swift as our special guest. Join us as Julie shares her insights and expertise on various topics. Discover the inner workings of the food service industry and gain valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Julie also emphasizes the importance of identifying and overcoming personal barriers that hinder progress. She sheds light on the significance o...

In this episode, we are excited to have Brett Payne as our special guest. Discover the benefits of gaming for personal development and how it can enhance skills and contribute to growth. Brett also provides valuable advice on connecting with others, building meaningful relationships, and creating a sense of community. Explore the world of franchising and development in the eSports industry and gai...

In this engaging episode, host Tom Douglas sits down for a captivating conversation with David Cameron, a prominent figure from the City of Republic. Together, they delve into various thought-provoking topics that shed light on the dynamics of city development and management. From the challenges and strategies involved in creating development in small cities to the concept of operating a city like...

Step into the captivating world of Dr. Steve Rice, a remarkable optometrist and the visionary owner of Vision Clinic in Springfield, MO, in our latest episode of Own the Journey. In this inspiring conversation, we delve into Dr. Rice's incredible story, exploring his path to success and the challenges he encountered along the way. Discover how Dr. Rice navigated the realm of business in healthcare...

Join Kerry D. Douglas, a seasoned lawyer and influential figure in Bolivar, Missouri, as he shares his remarkable journey in the legal profession in this episode of Own The Journey. With over five decades of experience, Kerry has been an integral part of the esteemed law firm Douglas, Haun & Heidemann, P.C. since 1972. A proud third-generation attorney, Kerry's dedication and commitment to his...

CEO, best-selling author, investor, Secretary of Commerce & Workforce Development, Taekwondo black belt, Citizen of the Year, board member, family man. These are just a few of the roles that Sean Kouplen has filled in his lifetime of service to the people of Oklahoma. Tune into this episode of Own the Journey as Tom sits down with Kouplen to discuss incorporating faith into business, what to l...

This episode of Own the Journey features Curt Marshall, co-founder and owner of Tie & Timber Beer Co. With a background in IT that turned into a passion for brews, Curt has seen his fair share of the business world. He'll dive into the importance of choosing a location for your business as well as the influence that community has on the success of a brand. Tune in today!

Join us on this episode of Own the Journey as we sit down with Max Buetow, the esteemed CEO of CoxHealth Systems. In this episode, Max shares insights from his journey, starting from his days at Sara Lee Fresh Bakery to his current leadership role. He delves into the challenges of merging culture and process in healthcare, the importance of surrounding oneself with the right team, and the art of s...

In the upcoming episode of "Own the Journey," host Dean Ertel, a seasoned leader with a rich background in youth development and community engagement, delves into a variety of inspiring topics. Drawing from his 40 years of experience, particularly with the Boy Scouts of America, Dean shares insights on the importance of patience, commitment, and perseverance in both personal and professional realm...

In the upcoming episode of "Own the Journey," Tom is joined by Jon Franko, Founder of Gorilla 76. From the art of focusing on a niche in B2B marketing to the intricacies of measuring ROI and vetting marketing agencies, Jon shares his expert strategies. He also explores the importance of developing a culture of thinkers, the power of empathy in the workplace, and the art of effective delegation. Wi...

In the latest episode of "Own the Journey," we delve into the captivating world of Drury Outdoors with Matt Drury, a pivotal figure in the company's evolution. Growing up in the heart of a family business, Matt shares his unique insights, from early days learning the ropes in video production to his current role as General Manager. The episode explores the dynamic shifts in strategy and technology...

In this engaging episode of "Own the Journey," we welcome Adam Markel, a distinguished speaker, author, and entrepreneur. Adam brings his extensive experience as a lifeguard, attorney, and transformational trainer to discuss a variety of insightful topics with a focus on developing resilience, managing life's competing priorities, and understanding the negative impacts of "the grind." Adam emphasi...

In this episode of "Own the Journey," join us for an engaging conversation with Rachel Anderson, Executive Director of the eFactory at Missouri State University. With over fifteen years of diverse leadership experience, Rachel shares her journey from student body president to a key figure in entrepreneurship and innovation. She delves into the challenges of business, the importance of mentorship,...

Your career path isn’t the one laid out for you but the one you make. Join us as we sit down with Stephanie O’Connor, Chief Technology and People Officer at City Utilities and all-around badass. In this episode, Stephanie takes us through her journey at City Utilities, her experience working in a male-dominated industry, and creating spaces for women to thrive. This episode is a must-watch for any...

In this episode of Own the Journey, you'll get an exclusive peek behind the curtain of local government. From navigating bureaucratic labyrinths to fostering trust in a fearful community, David Cameron lays it all out on the table. Brace yourself for some real talk on: • Team problem-solving that gets stuff done • Dealing with public criticism (even the nasty stuff) • The inside scoop on landing m...