Own the Journey

Serving Others & Innovating in the Eyecare World with Dr. Steve Rice

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 and hear his insights on fostering a sense of belonging among employees and customers alike. Gain valuable knowledge as he shares his experiences in managing cash flow, fostering innovation in the optometry field, and working with family members. Join us as Dr. Rice imparts his wisdom on the importance of service, talent attraction, and maintaining a sustainable business structure. Don't miss this enlightening episode!

Mastering Family Business: Innovation and Safeguarding Your Legacy with Kerry Douglas

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 community are evident in his numerous leadership roles. Gain valuable insight into what it takes to navigate a successful family business, the importance of protecting your legacy, and the pivotal role that technology plays in the future of law. With a passion for justice and a steadfast commitment to excellence, Kerry D. Douglas embodies the true spirit of a dedicated lawyer and community leader.

Faith, Business, and Relational Leadership with Sean Kouplen

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 look for in investment opportunities, courage in leadership, and finding success in economic development. There is no shortage of wisdom in this episode, and we guarantee you'll enjoy learning from these stories.

Following Your Passions & Choosing the Right Location with Curt Marshall

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!

Leading with Heart: Max Buetow on Transforming Healthcare and Building Community

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 simplification in management. Max also discusses the integration of technology in healthcare, and the challenges of human capital. Tune in!

Stories from the Fish Whisperer with Dean Ertel

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 realms. He reflects on his journey, emphasizing that there's no perfect job and highlighting the value of volunteerism. Dean also discusses his artistic pursuits, from writing his memoir, "Memoirs of a Fish Whisperer," to his passion for landscape painting and involvement in art associations. Throughout the episode, he underscores the power of persistence and the creative process in changing lives and making a lasting impact on communities. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration from a life dedicated to service, leadership, and the arts.

Shaping Success in B2B Marketing and Workplace Culture with Jon Franko

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. With a nod to his commitment to creating one of the best workplaces in the country, Jon discusses the EOS methodology, the impact of AI in marketing, and innovative LinkedIn strategies. His experience as a passionate community leader and advocate, reflected in his numerous accolades and community involvements, brings a unique depth to the conversation about effective communication and leadership in the dynamic world of marketing.

Embracing Change and Tradition in the Outdoor Media Industry with Matt Drury

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 that have shaped Drury Outdoors, including the development of their innovative app, DeerCast. Matt discusses the challenges and rewards of working within a family business, balancing traditional values with modern ethics, and the importance of appealing to different generations of hunters. His journey from editing whitetail hunts to leading the brand into new frontiers of innovation offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of outdoor media and the future of hunting.

Resilience and the Myth of Work/Life Balance with Adam Markel

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 emphasizes the importance of support systems in both personal and professional contexts, and the art of having each other's back. The episode also covers his insights into the worlds of authorship, public speaking, and personal branding. This episode is packed with valuable lessons for anyone aiming to improve their resilience and leadership skills in today's dynamic environment.

Leading with Innovation: Entrepreneurship and Community Impact with Rachel Anderson

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, and her unique insights into startup development and musician management. As a recognized leader in Springfield, MO, and an advocate for continuous improvement and community involvement, Rachel's story is a compelling guide for aspiring leaders and entrepreneurs.