Show-Me MO Success: Recent Episodes
MU Extension Business & Community
Show-Me MO Success brings you biweekly stories of success from businesses and communities across Missouri. Listen in to get insight and inspiration for your own business or community.
What does it take to build lasting bridges across communities? Host Luke Dietterle talks with Dr. Dwayne T. James (MU Extension, St. Louis County) and Deon Williams, a community development leader focused on economic opportunity and neighborhood revitalization, about the Civic Collaboration Fellows program, a year-long leadership experience uniting elected officials, business and civic leaders, and residents working to strengthen their communities. Dwayne, a co-instructor since 2020, shares how the program turns passion into action, while Deon reflects on how his fellowship year reshaped his approach to leadership. Together they explore the program's immersive travel, the ongoing recovery from the tornado that struck St. Louis's north side, and what it takes to connect across communities.
This episode, host Luke Dietterle speaks with Kim Mildward, project partner in Nodaway County for the Healthy Food Financing Initiative and Missouri Rural Food Access Partnership, and Bill McKelvey, Program and Project Support Coordinator with MU Extension, to discuss Nodaway County's efforts to increase access to healthy, local food. Kim shares how the community has mobilized around food access and the progress Nodaway County has made in connecting residents with healthy, local food options. Bill describes how MU Extension has supported that work and what the Healthy Food Financing Initiative and Missouri Rural Food Access Partnership are doing to strengthen rural food systems across the state. Together, they explore what community-driven food access work looks like in practice, the partnerships and persistence it takes to move the needle, and what Nodaway County's journey offers as a model for other rural communities working to build a more resilient and equitable local food system.
This episode, host Luke Dietterle speaks with Kaylee Paffrath, President and CEO of the Moberly Area Economic Development Corporation (MAEDC), and Sarah Kennedy, an MU Extension Community Development Field Specialist who works with the Missouri Supporting Early Childhood Administrators (MO-SECA) program, about efforts to improve access to child care in Moberly, Missouri. Together, they explore what it looks like when economic development and early childhood leadership align around a shared goal, and what their work in Moberly could mean for communities across the state facing similar childcare challenges.
This episode, host Luke Dietterle speaks with Dr. Toni Sturdivant, Director of Early Learning at Mid America Regional Council, JeT'aime Taylor, Executive Director of Starting Early in Kansas City, and Elizabeth Ireland, Program Manager for RISE-MO at the Center for Family & Policy Research at the University of Missouri, to discuss child care needs across Missouri and the broader Midwest. Describing the landscape of early learning programs across the region and what it takes to ensure educators have the tools and support they need to deliver quality experiences for young children. Shared stories about building coalitions and developing apprenticeship pathways that equip early childhood educators across Missouri and Kansas to step into leadership and advocate within their communities. Explaing the statewide work underway through RISE-MO to strengthen and grow Missouri's early childhood workforce, and what that effort means for families and providers navigating a system under pressure. Together, they explore what meaningful action looks like at the local, regional, and state level as communities work to meet the child care needs of today and tomorrow. MU Extension podcasts: https://extension.missouri.edu/programs/podcasts
This episode, host Luke Dietterle speaks with Taylor Clark, Field Specialist in Community Development with MU Extension, and Jamarcus Williams, Superintendent of the Charleston, Missouri School District, to discuss the Neighborhood Leadership Fellows (NLF) program. Taylor Clark describes NLF as an applied civic leadership program designed for those already leading within their organizations who are ready to take the next step, whether that means joining a board, influencing policy, or making a larger community impact. JaMarcus Williams shares how the program expanded his perspective beyond the school district and helped him connect with like-minded leaders across Mississippi and Scott counties. Together, they explore how NLF's first Boot Heel cohort tackled real community challenges, including childcare access, affordable housing, and youth development, and how the relationships built during the program continue to drive positive change across Southeast Missouri.
In this episode, the host, Luke Dietterle, sits down for a chat with Laura Mize, a code enforcer and Neighborhood Specialist with Excelsior Springs Community Development, and David Burton, an MU Extension Field Specialist. This episode explores how Neighboring 101 isn't just for new homeowners. Laura leveraged her connection with her community as a code enforcer to figure out who might benefit from a little help, and then used the assets around her to help her neighborhood. David Burton sheds light on how to identify those assets and how Neighboring 101 can be a next step if you're interested in engaging further with those around you.
This episode, host Luke Dietterle speaks with Adrienne Ohler, Associate Director of Policy Research for the Financial Research Institute, and Alex Antal, Principal at the Regulatory Assistance Project, to discuss the Regulated Utilities Leadership Institute (RULI). Alex Antal explains the unique business context of regulated utilities and how they differ from other investor-owned firms from a managerial perspective. Adrienne Ohler describes the value of this leadership development program for utility professionals and regulators as they navigate rapid transformations in public utility systems. Together, they explore how the program prepares leaders to understand how electricity, natural gas, and water systems are likely to evolve in the years ahead.
This episode explores how employers and community members can support individuals who are or have been justice-involved in finding meaningful employment. We discuss the challenges they face, the resilience and skills they bring, and the pathways that help them rebuild their lives while strengthening our communities.
This episode, host Luke Dietterle speaks with Elena Stephenson, field specialist in community development, and Rachelle Gardner-Roe, a fiber artist and poet, following up on our previous episode on the Dorothy Day Cabin almost two years ago! Rachelle Gardner-Roe describes what her experience was like as the inaugural artist in the Dorothy Day Cabin residency program, along with the stories of how that time sparked future creative inspiration for her. Elena Stephenson explains the work she did as one of the program’s organizers to create a space for local artists to create in a way they hadn't before, and how the program connects with the larger community through artistic action.
MU Extension podcasts: https://extension.missouri.edu/programs/podcasts
This episode, host Luke Dietterle speaks with Ashley Beard-Fosnow, Executive Director of the Missouri Humanities in Kansas City, and Matt Pezold, field specialist in labor and workforce development. Ashley Beard-Fosnow describes her current experience with humanities work and how she still uses the lessons from the Labor Studies program in her position, along with the hands-on perspectives she gained that have benefited her. Matt Pezold explains how he works as one of the program’s instructors to shape these courses to provide knowledge leaders can take into their communities, and how he sees these experiences change for every one of his students.
MU Extension podcasts: https://extension.missouri.edu/programs/podcasts
Labor Studies Certificate Program: https://www.umsl.edu/political-science/labor-studies/index.html
Labor and Workforce Development: https://extension.missouri.edu/counties/urban-west-region/labor-and-workforce-development
This episode, host Luke Dietterle speaks with Hillary Green, an immigration paralegal with Lathrop GPM in Kansas City, and Matt Pezold, field specialist in labor and workforce development. Hillary Green describes her experience as a law student balancing full-time work and responsibilities with her studies, and the way that MU Extension’s Labor Studies Certificate program provided courses that fit her needs. Matt Pezold explains how he works as one of the program’s instructors to shape these courses for the varied backgrounds of his students, and how the program evolves with the needs of current leaders.
MU Extension podcasts: https://extension.missouri.edu/programs/podcasts
Labor Studies Certificate Program: https://www.umsl.edu/political-science/labor-studies/index.html
Labor and Workforce Development: https://extension.missouri.edu/counties/urban-west-region/labor-and-workforce-development
This episode, host Luke Dietterle speaks with Kris Knutson, founder of Shot Bot LLC, and Kris Bockting with Missouri APEX Accelerator. Kris Knutson developed the programming and hardware design of Shot Bot’s mobile targeting system, an advanced system of targets to enhance firearm training for law enforcement. After realizing the potential for this product to serve police training practices, Shot Bot LLC crossed paths with Missouri APEX Accelerator in order to pursue federal opportunities. Kris Bockting explains some of the processes that Missouri APEX Accelerator aids small businesses with, including government contracting and proposal advising.
In this episode of Show Me MO Success, Luke Dietterle interviews Guy Renshaw of T&C Stainless and Becky Nace from the Mid-America Trade Adjustment Assistance Center (TAAC). TAAC helps businesses in Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, and Nebraska compete against foreign imports by improving operations and profitability. Guy’s company, T&C Stainless, manufactures stainless steel tanks for biotech and pharmaceutical industries. After joining in 2018, Guy sought TAAC’s help to enhance their operations. TAAC assisted with developing a federal petition for funding and creating a recovery strategy, including upgrading systems and employee training, with cost-sharing funding from the Economic Development Administration.
In this episode of Show Me Mo Success, host Luke Dietterle explores the entrepreneurial journey of Jonathan Johnson and Kellen Grantham, co-owners of Tee Time Entertainment in Webb City, MO and the Missouri Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Missouri Southern State University Director Katie Kelly. The podcast delves into how these young entrepreneurs developed their concept for a climate-controlled entertainment facility featuring golf, pickleball, a full bar, and restaurant. It highlights the crucial role played by Katie Kelly from the Missouri SBDC in guiding the entrepreneurs through their business development process, touching on the challenges faced and their innovative approach to combining different business models.
The episode also emphasizes the importance of community support, student involvement in real-world business projects, and networking for aspiring entrepreneurs. Jonathan and Kellen share valuable advice for those looking to start their own businesses, stressing the importance of perseverance and learning from failures. This inspiring conversation offers insights into turning entrepreneurial dreams into reality while showcasing the resources available through the Missouri SBDC and the power of determination, creativity, and collaboration in business development.
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.
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@showmemosuccess
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Join host Mike Quinata as he chats with Allan Arias on his journey to small business success. Allan moved from Costa Rica to Kansas City and started his own construction company, now the prospering Compass Constructors.
We also hear from MU Extension APEX Accelerator procurement specialist Jeff Rosenblatt on how he helped Allan gain momentum in the government marketplace.
Join host Luke Dietterle as he chats with Raine McDevitt on her journey into the building trade through the St. Louis Missouri Works Initiative’s BUD program. The BUD program is six-week program that serves as a recruitment tool to encourage more minorities and women to get into the union building trades. Raine has found her niche in the building trade and joined Local 18 in January.
We also hear from MU Extension Labor and Workforce Development specialist Doug Swanson on the benefits of apprenticeships, as well as MU Extension's labor education program.
Join Show Me MO Success host Luke Dietterle as he chats with Laclede (MO) County Presiding Commissioner Randy Angst and Regional Economic Development Extension Specialist Dr. Ashley Allan Brown. In this episode they discuss the 2023 Laclede (MO) County Commission Ag Tour - an event cooperatively hosted by Laclede (MO) County Commission and the University of Missouri Extension - designed to feature Laclede County's best and brightest businesses in manufacturing and agriculture. They also discuss the event expansion plans for 2024.
For the last episode in the child care series, join us as Christine Roberts, a community trainer at UMSL- Community Innovation and Action Center, talks about her experience with MO-SECA and how child care directors can benefit from it.
Join guest host Mike Quinata (substituting for Show Me MO Success host Luke Dietterle) as he chats with St. Louis resident Greg Smith who - along with his wife Suzanne - was selected to receive an Engaged Neighbor Award for 2023 for their consistent acts of selfless work and kindness as neighbors in a Manchester MO neighborhood subdivision. They also - each holiday season - decorate the subdivision's lake area with 100,000 LED light display.
We also talk to David Burton - the Community Development Specialist for MU Extension - who has championed the engaged neighbor principles in his own neighborhood, for his own city and ultimately for the State of Missouri as Governor Parson has signed Good Neighbor Week into Missouri law in 2022.
Tune into the second episode in our child care series where we have with us the director of Little Precious Angels Child Care Center in St. Louis, Samantha Cross. We will dive into her experience as a child care provider and the resources she was introduced to by Lynette Watson, Missouri SBDC director of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
To start off this season, join us as Amber Allen, field specialist in human development and Aileen Garcia, state specialist for early childhood development, talk about their experience in working with childhood educators through the trainings provided by MU Extension, Health and Human Sciences.
Welcome to Show-Me MO Success Season 2! To kick off this season, we dive into the lessons learned from 2023 by our team and their tips for 2024!
This week we talk to St Louis Resident Aaron Dohogne about his recognition as as a 2023 Engaged Neighbor recipient for his “Trash for Trees” neighborhood program and Community Specialist David Burton on his promotion of the Good Neighbor Week program and its origins in his backyard.
Tune in to hear about The MERS Goodwill Excel Center, an adult education center, and hear how and why it became the first educational center in Missouri to receive the Recovery Friendly Workplace designation. To shed light on this topic, we have Abby Courtney and Micheal Reynolds from the Excel Center, and Ann McCauley, the director of the Rural Opioid Technical Assistance program.
For this episode, Representative Kevin Windham joined us to talk about his experience in the Neighborhood Leadership Fellows. Tune in to learn how it helped him in his political career and get insight on the program from Dr. Dwayne James, field specialist in community development at MU Extension.
Join us to go through the journey of the annual Current River Food Truck Festival which was established in 2021 despite the challenges of mounting an event during a pandemic. We have with us, Jennifer Williams, county engagement specialist (CES) in community economic development who planned and organized this festival in Carter County.
This episode is about the transformation of Ace Pipe Cleaning into a recovery-friendly workplace. Eric Cohen, a company data technician, joined us to talk about his journey and destigmatizing being in recovery alongside Douglas Swanson, MU Extension field specialist in Labor and Workforce Development.
Your Fall Food Fashion Pro Tip: Elderberry is the New Black
We talk with St. Louis area resident Emilia Rizzuto - founder of All Things Elderberry - about her journey from discovering elderberries when seeking out a natural remedy for better health to creating a tasty elixir and selling it from the trunk of her car to creating a company and owning and working an elderberry farm. And what a journey it has been! We also talk to Becky Nace, Assistant Director for the Mid-America Trade Adjustment Assistance Center a Business Development Program under MU Extension’s Business and Communities, about how she assisted Emilia and her company with preparing to compete in the global elderberry marketplace.
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allthingselderberry.com
This episode takes you to the Civil War-era house, known as the Dorothy Day Cabin. After Platte County spent $1 million to preserve that cabin, tune in to see how MU Extension is transforming it into a creative space for artists and the community.
This episode looks back at the Connecting Entrepreneurial Conference that took place in Hermann, MO in 2022. This conference is designed for stakeholders, economic developers, businesses, local government, educators, and nonprofits seeking to learn how to create a network that increases a community’s potential for entrepreneurship. Tune in to know more!
Tune in to this episode where MU Extension's Passport to Arts program comes together with The Creative at Klondike to provide a multifaceted creative space for arts, artists, and the community. The Creative at Klondike is a creative arts center, offering gallery space and curated exhibitions, artist studios, artist in residencies, studio workshops for photography, ceramics, and fiber arts, community art and nature programs, and much more!
This is the story of a home created for providing peace and care with compassion to those who are at the end of their lives. Jackie Reed, co-founder of Caring Hearts and Hands of Columbia and graduate of MU Extension’s Neighborhood Leadership Academy, worked tirelessly to bring her vision to life.
Springfield, MO resident Wes Hester’s journey to build his cybersecurity-focused Foxhole Technology as well as developing the technology education infrastructure in Missouri. Join us as we talk to 27-year Army veteran Wes Hester and how he leveraged his experience in technology-based military service to found and manage a cybersecurity company to protect critical data infrastructure for the Department of Defense and other frontline agencies as a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business. We also talk to Allan Waldo of the APEX Accelerator program (formerly PTAC) and Extension’s role in Wes’s journey.
The Fattened Caf In St. Louis not only serves finger licking Filipino barbeque but also shares the Filipino culture and provides a network of support. Tune in to see how their participation in Neighborhood Leadership Academy helped their business and the people around them.
Hunger in the Heartland is a study that focuses on identifying the depth and breadth of food insecurity in the state of Missouri. Join us with Bill and Joanne, who were a part of this unprecedented study, to learn what we should know as a community to help those in need of food assistance. Check out the full study here.
Theresa Pearson was elected to the Normandy Schools Collaborative Joint Executive Governing Board in April for a three-year term. Tune in to see how Pearson continued her leadership journey with Neighborhood Leadership Fellows and became an elected school board member to not only improve the quality of education for her children but for all of her community.
Ciara Imani May went from an enterprising middle schooler in Kansas City to MU Trulaske College of Business graduate to CEO and founder of her company, Rebundle, makers of the first U.S. made plant-based hair extension.
Tune in to the latest episode of Show-Me MO Success to hear Ciara’s entrepreneur journey.
Podcast transcript available here
When opportunity is dressed as hard work - the only way out is through. Nikki Gardner, Chief Marketing Officer and Business Development Lead for RC Landscape Services in Kansas City shares with host Mike Quinata how she and founder Chris Henry took rolled up their sleeves and put the work in to take their small lawn services company with a single client to half a million in revenue by navigating the gauntlet of government registration and certification to take advantage of available commercial government contracts with the assistance of APEX Accelerator, a program under MU Extension's Business and Communities program.
In 2014, Columbia, MO entrepreneur Gina Overshiner explored what it means to be vegan and committed fully. In 2020, she attended a vegan cooking academy in New York City and in 2021 she opened her part-time vegan mobile food service "Gina's Vegan-A-Go-Go" serving a plant based menu of tasty and familiar comfort foods. Along the way she got a little advice and some straight talk from MU Extension's Business and Communities program via its Missouri Small Business Development Center and made the decision to go full-time. This is her journey.
MU Extension Engagement Specialists share how they’re working to empower women to overcome the challenges that prevent them from taking on leadership roles as public servants through a new program, Show-ME REDI. Tune in to learn more.
This episode elaborates on a guide that has resources that can help you skillfully navigate through government funding to get a secure broadband connection in your area. Tune in with MU Extension to learn more!
How can you save your money in this economy as a business owner and help those in addiction recovery at the same time? Tune in to learn more with MU Extension and Tower Rock Stone company.
Good neighbors deserve roses and the Neighborhood Leadership Academy has made sure of that. With over 10,000 acts of neighborhood kindness reported last year across the state of Missouri, tune in to see the part you can play to make our state better.
Gardening turmeric, a passion that became a business. Learn about how SBDC can help you turn your passion into a business, featuring Raw Roots Turmeric.
United WE and MU Extension come together to help women set their ground and have a voice for themself in politics to close the gender gap in civic representation.
Learn how to become a workplace that is recovery friendly while taking inspiration from Citizens Memorial Hospital in Bolivar, MO.
A hopeful neighborhood meets a good neighborhood, together discussing the ways of turning the negative into positive in your area and bringing the best out of your community.
Welcome to Show Me Mo Success brought to you by MU Extension Business and Community. Tag along with us on our journey through multiple counties, talking to businesses and communities impacted by MU Extension. Learn about resources that you have access to and enjoy the ride!