Entrepreneur and Community Success

Creative Office and APEX Accelerators

Join host Luke Dietterle as he chats with Angela Stephens, founder of Re-Focus The Creative Office, and Allen Waldo, a Missouri APEX Accelerator Specialist. Angela shares her journey of creating organizational tools, inspired by her son's struggles with ADHD. The episode highlights Refocus' impressive growth, reaching $500,000 in sales last year, and Angela's collaboration with the Missouri APEX Accelerator program. Listeners will learn about overcoming business challenges, the importance of certifications for government contracting, and the value of no-cost resources for small businesses. Angela's story showcases how passion, innovation, and community support can turn challenges into success, with her products now available in major retailers like Staples, Walmart, and CVS.
For Show Me MO Success listeners - use promo code MO22 for a 22% discount off for your first order.   
www.time2refocus.com
@showmemosuccess
 
 

Digital Ambassador for MU's Broadband Initiative

Join Show Me MO Success host Luke Dietterle as he speaks with MU Extension Field Specialist Mistti Ritter and MU Extension Digital Ambassador Steve Glauber as they discuss the impact of MU Extension's Digital Ambassador program in Hillsboro, MO as part of MU Extension's Broadband Initiative.   We discover how Steve's community has benefitted from Steve's knowledge and communication of the Digital Ambassador program. 

Jackson County Back-To-School Health Fair

Join host Luke Dieterle in this episode of Show Me Most Success as we explore the inspiring story of the Missouri Health Back-to-School Community Fair. Featuring guests Carol Boe Thompson and Jeanette Berkley-Patton from UMKC School of Medicine, and Elena Stevenson from MU Extension, we discuss how this collaborative event promotes holistic health and school readiness. Discover how partnerships with organizations like Our Healthy Jackson County and Habitat for Humanity provide essential health services, educational resources, and community support. Tune in to learn about the fair's impact on Jackson County and gain insights into organizing similar community events.

Creating History: Englewood Art District's Sermon-Anderson Mural

Join Show Me MO Success host Luke Dietterle as he discusses the Sermon Anderson mural at the Englewood Arts Center in Independence, Missouri.  The mural is a vibrant tribute to Roger T. Sermon Jr. and Mitch Anderson, two influential figures in the city's history. Spearheaded by Tammy Parsons and Thad McCullough of West End Connection, this project aims to preserve LGBTQ+ history and honor the duo's contributions. With support from MU Extension, which connected the community to higher education resources, and the creative involvement of UMKC students, the mural came to life through a collaborative effort with Englewood Arts. This episode of Show Me Mo' Success delves into the mural's creation, the challenges faced, and the broader impact of community arts projects in fostering belonging and preserving cultural legacies. It highlights the power of community-driven art in shaping local identity and ensuring that the stories of figures like Sermon and Anderson continue to inspire and resonate within the community.

Rooted in Healing: A Veteran’s Journey into Farming

Join host Luke Dietterle as he chats with Ryan Foster, Veteran and graduate of the Military Veteran Training for Sustainable Urban Farming Initiatives. Listen in as they discuss how Ryan became involved with the program and is now applying knowledge gained through the program on his own farm.
We also hear from Dr. Juan Cabrera-Garcia, Assistant Research Professor at University of Missouri-Kansas City, and State Vegetable Specialist at MU Extension, on his experience teaching with the program. 

Heroes to Hives: A Veteran’s Journey into Beekeeping

Join host Luke Dietterle as he chats with James Tiffany, Veteran and graduate of Heroes to Hives, a program that seeks to address wellness of veterans through free professional training and community development centered around beekeeping.
We also hear from MU Extension Labor and Workforce Development specialist Dr. Amy Patillo on her experience assisting with Heroes to Hives.

Planning for Succession Success: Bucky Pescaglia's Journey

Join guest host Mike Quinata as he chats with Bucky Pescaglia, Fayette, MO resident and CEO of the multi-generational company MOPAC Lumber. Listen in as they discuss how Bucky’s family formed MOPAC Lumber over 40 years ago, and how Bucky is now working to pass down the company.
 
We also hear from Missouri SBDC Business Counselor Paul Zacharias on how he helped Bucky navigate the succession planning process.

One Student’s Journey into the Labor Field

Join host Luke Dietterle as he chats with MU Extension Labor Studies Certificate graduate Ben Cowell on his journey into the world of labor.
We also hear from Doug Swanson, MU Extension Field Specialist in Labor and Workforce Development, on his experience teaching in the Labor Education Program and preparing current and future union leaders. 

Healing from Within: Paige Speers’ Journey

Join host Luke Dietterle as he chats with Paige Speers on her journey as a traumatic brain injury survivor, advocate, and founder of Choose Greater Health, a directory that provides resources and support to brain injury survivors and caregivers. Listen in as they discuss how Paige launched Choose Greater Health and continues to advocate for other brain injury survivors. 
 
We also hear from Missouri SBDC Business Development Specialist Brianna Kliethermes on how she assisted Paige in developing a business plan and putting her ideas into motion.

Owning Your G.R.I.T.- Jennifer Bardot's Journey

Join host Mike Quinata as he chats with Jennifer Bardot, founder, owner, and author of the G.R.I.T. Collection Company about her journey from small business owner to international bestselling author. Listen in as they discuss how Jennifer came up with the G.R.I.T. concept and put it into motion during the pandemic using the very principals that she shares with her audience. Jennifer was the keynote speaker at MU Extension's 2024 Elevate Conference, held in the Lake of Ozarks.