Jason Gruender, Owner, Liberty Insurance Solutions
1. What’s your background? Born and raised in Columbia, I graduated from Hickman High School in 1998. After earning my electrical engineering degree from MU in 2003, I began in the electrical construction industry and earned my professional engineer’s license in 2009. July 1, 2016, marked the day I began managing Liberty Family Medicine, which […]
Michelle Baumstark, Community Relations Director, Columbia Public Schools
1. What’s your background? I’ve been the director of community relations for Columbia Public Schools since 2005. I manage the communications, public relations, and community engagement strategies for the school district. From 1999 to 2005, I worked at the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Prior to that, I was a newspaper reporter. I’m […]
Dr. Sara L. Cochran, Entrepreneurial Programs Manager & Interim Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, UM System
1. What’s your background? I hold a PhD in higher education with research focused on entrepreneurship education, an MA in integrated marketing communications, and BA degrees in accounting and arts administration. I’ve been in my current role for two and a half years. Before moving to Columbia to pursue my doctorate, I worked as the […]
Transformations: From Heavy and Fazed to Light and Free
After shedding 175 pounds, Jennifer Mack helps others let it go. For years, Jennifer Mack wanted to be the best version she could be for her family and herself. As a 34 dress size, Jennifer didn’t feel anywhere near her best. She was plagued with sleep apnea, chronic neck pain, and back pain. As a […]
CYSK: Christina Kelley & Michael Marcum
Christina Kelley and Michael Marcum share a love for art, downtown, and the True/False Film Festival. How did you meet? We met through a mutual friend. What was your first date? Our first date was on New Year’s Eve at Shattered. What do you like to do in your free time? Christina: I love to spend […]
Strong Woman: Lisa Bartlett
Owner of Artlandish Gallery comes from a long line of strong women. Tell us a little about you. I am 57 years old and have lived in Columbia for 41 years. I am married to David, and we have three children, Asia, Mason, and Tonia. Who are your favorite artists? My favorite visual artists are Romare […]
Jeff Guinn, owner, LGI Business Brokers
1. What’s your background? I attended the University of Central Missouri from 1975 to 1978. After graduation, I managed my family’s lumber yard in Mexico, Missouri. Through the next few years, I held progressively larger leadership roles: salesman for MidCity Lumber and manager for a True Value hardware store. In 1983, I opened two stores, […]
Strong Woman: Jan Beckett
Former nurse gives back through the Boone Hospital Board of Trustees. What is your background? I’m a graduate of the MU School of Nursing. I’ve worked as a pediatric nurse at Children’s Hospital in St. Louis, a med surgery and surgical ICU nurse at MU Health, an ICU nurse in California, and an ICU nurse […]
Transformations: From Foster Care to a Forever Family
Tiffany Lester finds community at Coyote Hill Christian Children’s Home. When describing her childhood, Tiffany Lester calls it “standard and what every kid goes through.” But the standard childhood the now 28-year-old Tiffany is referring to is for foster care children. “From kindergarten to first grade, I was taking care of my little brother by […]
CYSK: Elton & Nancy Fay
Elton and Nancy Fay value their independence and their togetherness. How did you meet? Elton: A mutual friend, Pat Basset, arranged our first date, so I met Nancy when I knocked on her door and introduced myself. Nancy: Our first date was dinner at Los Bandidos. We’ve been together almost 33 years. What is unique […]
Karla Rose, Postmaster, United States Post Office, Columbia
1. What’s your background? I was a restaurant manager for about 15 years prior to being hired at the post office. I initially started out as a letter carrier and worked my way up the management chain. 2. Tell us about your job. I am responsible for the day-to-day operations in two delivery units and […]
John Ott, owner, Alley A Realty
1. What’s your background? My degree from MU is in journalism. I worked with Dave Baugher and Al Germond for almost 20 years in the broadcasting business. [Editor’s note: Baugher and Germond are partners in The Business Times Company.] For about the last 15 years, my wife, Vicki, and I have been buying, redeveloping, leasing, […]