This podcast episode features Shelby Fiegel, Director of the Community Development Institute (CDI) at the University of Central Arkansas.  The Jesup Group focuses on entrepreneurship, community development, and growing digital economies in rural southwest Missouri. While most of our podcasts feature entrepreneurs, this episode is focused on how CDI is creating stronger, more vibrant communities through an intentional program that brings people who love their communities together to share ideas, plan, and network.  Learn more about the mission of CDI, who can participate (anyone who l ..read more

This podcast episode features Megan Escalante. Megan owns Pineapple Bliss, a growing specialty desert shop in Joplin, Missouri and a new location in Springdale, Arkansas. On this podcast episode, Megan discusses her journey as a serial entrepreneur. She discusses her entrepreneurial journey where she learned and became more resilient at each stop. The journey began with a degree in bio chemistry and transformed to two successful businesses in cosmetology and a growing restaurant chain. Listen as Megan discusses the mindset she developed to move past adversity, grow, and continually learn. If y ..read more

This month’s podcast features Chris Forsythe from Precision Coffee in Nevada, Missouri. Chris could be described as a serial entrepreneur. In 2017 he left his steady, hourly wage job (that he worked at for 17 years) and since that time he has begun three businesses. We’re going to discuss his journey as an entrepreneur, the challenges of limiting beliefs for aspiring entrepreneurs, and the opportunities he feels are available for people who recognize they already have the skills it takes to start their own business. Links Precision Coffee in Nevada, Missouri Go Giver book Seven Habits of Highl ..read more

This month's episode features John Newby, who writes a weekly syndicated column titled "Building Main Street, Not Wall Street" and community development approach he calls "Truly Local" as well as Sarah James, a repeat guest who is a local entrepreneur and community activist in Granby, Missouri.  These two guests are passionate about the possibilities in rural areas and have some great advice for rural areas, no matter your size.  Check out this episode and the resources below mentioned on this podcast. Websites Truly Local Website https://www.truly-localllc.com/truly-local-board Buil ..read more

Indian Springs Brewing Company and Briar & Thistle are located in downtown Neosho on the historic Neosho square. These two women owned businesses have formed a strategic partnership to serve great beer, fantastic food, and create a unique "third place" that creates a sense community.  Listen to this podcast to hear how both of these women overcame early challenges and intentionally designed their businesses to serve their community by leveraging one another's strengths. If you have a historic downtown area in your community, give this episode a listen as these two share great insights ..read more

Bart Paden is a Jasper County native and co-founder of Midwestern Interactive, a rapidly growing software development firm located in Joplin, Missouri.  Bart discusses how he developed an entrepreneurial mindset that's allowed him to try, fail, and try again- eventually building one of the most robust digital services firms in the four-state region. To most people, growing a software development company in Joplin, Missouri is an unlikely proposition. Bart shares how he is growing digital talent in the region with a servant leader culture and the incredible potential of the digital economy ..read more

Mark Hudson is a Barry County native created one of the first premium poultry and livestock feed companies in the region along with a small group of Barry County entrepreneurs. The entrepreneurs created Majestic Milling Company near Wheaton, Missouri.  Listen to this podcast to learn how Mark and his partners developed a rapidly growing business based on insights, curiosity, and willingness to develop products for an underserved growing market. We’ll also discuss long-term plans to grow an entrepreneurial farming ecosystem among local farmers to supply conscious consumers of organic and n ..read more

This month's podcast features Tiffany Jordan. Tiffany is a homeschool mom from Goodman, Missouri. She started a blog as an easy way to share her children's homeschool education experiences with family. Over the past few years, Tiffany learned how to turn her blog into a successful business. Tiffany recently shared her passion for education, experience, and entrepreneurship to create a youth entrepreneurship event in her home community.  In this episode, learn how Tiffany created her first blog, developed insights about the ability to earn an income from a blog, overcame early obstacles an ..read more

This month's podcast features Ben McNelly of Full Bore Studios and Pennington Station. Ben is a software developer/ entrepreneur from Joplin Missouri. Ben's story is a great example of how curiosity, determination, and resourcefulness can develop marketable skills and a successful business.  Ben has built a successful software development group focused on VR, automation, gaming, and the internet of things. He also recently opened Pennington Station, a gaming and VR experience destination in downtown Joplin, Missouri. If you are into gaming, have kids who game and are interested in how the ..read more

This month's podcast features Kelly Anderson, CEO of the Kelly Anderson Group. Kelly shares his journey from an over-the-road truck driver to one of Neosho's fastest growing companies. Kelly is the first consultant that we've interviewed and he shares a wealth of information that can help those looking to begin a consulting business or grow a business beyond trading time for dollars.  You'll want to have a notebook handy and jot down some suggestions Kelly shares. Don't worry about writing down the names of books. We have them in the show notes below.  The Kelly Anderson Group Compan ..read more