Simply Authentic Podcast

Labor Day typically spells the end of summer. The cool fall days are just around the corner. It’s a great time to get out and explore our local trails. In this episode, we are joined by Mary Kromney, Executive Director of Ozarks Greenways. There are 200+ miles in this planned system of multi use trails. There has been a huge surge in interest in walkability and connecting communities. Hear Mary talk about the expansion that is planned and what it takes to make that all come together. If you haven’t checked out the website, you need to. It is very user friendly, with lots of maps and details about all the trails. https://ozarkgreenways.org

Our conversation continues regarding challenging markets and how to adapt. The recession of 2007 was not the first and certainly will not be the last. Some say we are currently in a mild recession. Recession or not, we know the market has changed. In this episode, we’ll take you back to the recession of the 80’s. We’ll discuss the challenges that one family faced and how they had to find new work in a new area. Then we’re joined by banking veteran Jack Langley of Gershman Mortgage. Jack will discuss the market today and the experience he has had in challenging markets. There is always a way to do business if you are willing to adapt, pivot and stay focused.

Finding the motivation and the inspiration to move forward through adversity can be challenging. Some rise to the occasion while others falter and lose faith. Why is that? What’s the differentiator? It’s probably a combination of things: attitude, focus, determination, a will to survive and thrive. Maybe it comes down to people. Not wanting to let others down. Knowing others are counting on you can be a powerful motivator. As a leader, when the obstacles are affecting the entire team as well as the clients you serve, it can be overwhelming. In the world of real estate, one of the most challenging times in recent history was the recession that started in 2007. In this episode, you’ll hear one person’s perspective of that recession and what it took to come out on the other side. And don’t miss the bonus episode as our conversation continues and we discuss adapting in challenging markets.

Entrepreneurs are a different breed. They usually start with a vision, a dream of what could be. They understand the inherent risks but forge forward with faith and a belief that anything is possible. This husband and wife duo are the epitome of entrepreneurship! Having traveled and experienced the food hall concept, they realized they wanted to bring that experience to the Ozarks. Being part of the Nixa community for some time, they recognized the need for a community building business. They wanted a gathering place, not only for the residents of Nixa but also something that would appeal to patrons from around the area. This unique business model offers small restaurants a way to test their menu and offerings without the cost of a full blown brick and mortar. This gives the patron lots of options for dining under one roof. Add to that fun family activities and one of the best patios around and we think they’ve got a winning concept. LIsten in to hear all the wonderful things they have going on as well as some sage advice for all you wanna be entrepreneurs out there.

On a steamy Friday afternoon we headed to the Roundtree neighborhood in Springfield. We specifically wanted to check out the intersection of Cherry and Pickwick. If you haven’t been there, this mixed use area is quaint and eclectic with a variety of options for visitors. We started off with a late lunch at Tea Bar and Bites and ended with a cold beverage at Tie and Timber Brewery. In addition to several restaurant options, you’ll find Ellecor Designs, Pickwick Underground Framing and neighborhood newcomer, Culture Flock. Some of the best patios in town can be found in this area. Throw in some live music and it’s definitely the place to be!

Don’t add to your loved ones' grieving process by not having your estate planned out! Attorney Danielle Kincaid, Partner at The Elder Law Group, gives practical advice for everyone 18-118. In this episode Danielle discusses everything from Power of Attorney to thorough estate planning. Estate planning is not one and done. As your assets change over time, so does the need for updating your plan. Get all the need to know on this topic right here. Also, listen to the very end to hear how Danielle enjoys giving back to her community and spends her down time climbing tall mountains. Contact Danielle at [email protected] website www.theelderlawgroup.comThe choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely on advertisements.

No, not that B, we’re talking boundaries and balance! Though, not figuring out how to set boundaries and have balance can be a b*#*@!! With age comes wisdom and we’re throwing out a lot of it in this episode. Do you say yes too much to things you don’t want to do for fear you’ll disappoint someone? Or, is it because you have a fear of missing out? Or maybe, you just don’t know how to say no. How are you doing with the ever illusive balance? Working through dinner, skipping plans with family, not engaged and present? We’re guessing a lot of you can relate to all of the above. We’ll discuss some methods we’ve employed to combat the urge to say yes to everything. And when it comes to balance, let’s just say, it’s a work in progress. What we truly believe is this, it’s critical to tackle both of these to have a meaningful, rich, productive life. Taking small steps everyday to set boundaries and improve the balance in our lives, will help us all avoid another big B, Burnout!

Overseeing the operation of The Coffee Ethic and Cherry Pickers became a full time responsibility for owner Michelle Billionis when her husband passed away suddenly at the age of 44. Immediately her world shifted. She had to find a way to grieve, take care of her family and run a business. Michelle’s story is one of resilience, perseverance and the ability to adapt. She describes overcoming staff challenges by changing her perspective to one of alignment rather than conflict. When everyone is in alignment the collaboration that can happen is amazing. Her people are her passion and she empowers them to create and think for themselves. Through COVID she had to reinvent again. For every negative there is a positive and she found it by bottling and canning her product for delivery. AND, there are lots of great things in the works. Be sure to listen to the very end to hear some exciting announcements about what’s next for this dynamic leader!

Part 2 of this topic digs deeper into the relationships we create. Not all friendships are meant to last a lifetime, in fact most aren’t. People come into our lives for a day, a season, a year and we must do our best to embrace the lessons they are there to teach us. Obviously, some of those lessons are more painful than others. However, they are a necessity for our development. They help us to grow so that the next bond we create will be stronger. There are times relationships run their course and we naturally drift a part. Other times, it’s necessary to “break up” with a friend so that each of you can take a different path. It doesn’t mean you don’t still love that person, it’s just that you realize it’s better to love them from afar. If we’re lucky in this life, we eventually find our people, our tribe, our Sisterhood!

Whatever you want to call them, we need them. It’s important to have that fun group of friends where the conversation never goes deeper than Netflix, Botox and shopping. But, what we all fundamentally need and crave is a deeper connection. Surrounding ourselves with a tribe of people that is our safe haven is essential. A tribe where we can be ourselves without judgment and discuss the deep meaningful topics that are important to us. But, who can also tell us honestly and with love, “girl, put that trash back where it belongs and don’t ever wear that in public, EVER!” However, finding that tribe is difficult at times. Moving to another state, getting divorced, changing jobs, etc can push us to create new tribes. In this episode, we mention Lori Harder’s book “A Tribe Called Bliss” that gives a step by step approach to creating new tribes. Additionally, we recount personal stories of finding new tribes while saying goodbye to others. This is such a big topic that there is a part 2 to follow on Friday.

417 Magazine has a rich history in 417 land. This year the publication is celebrating 25 years in business. Its current leader, Logan Aguirre, takes the role of telling the story of 417 very seriously. She may not be a native of Springfield but she certainly has become its biggest cheerleader. After a career in New York, she moved to Springfield to join the family business. Her first roles included sales and the launch of Go Magazine. Eventually, she bought the business from her parents. With 4 separate publications under the 417 brand and 3-4 major events to plan throughout the year, this busy entrepreneur knows a thing or two about the importance of time management. And yet with all this on her plate she still finds time to volunteer and serve her community. This conversation tackles the importance of mindset and downtime to be the most effective and productive leader.

Life sometimes throws us curveballs. In this episode, Angie and Tonya share a couple of stories about transitions, pivoting and evolving to knock those curve balls out of the park! Where would the fun be in living if our life events went exactly in the direction we expected? Every curveball is an opportunity to grow and learn to adapt. The alternative is to have a constant pity party for ourselves and whine about our circumstances. If the goal is to live our best lives, we must learn to appreciate these twists and turns for what they are…….opportunities!

Long time REALTOR Vanessa Howe had suffered with pain for years. Finally, on a trip to Dallas and in tremendous pain from helping her sons move, she found something that would be life altering. Her sons encouraged her to try Cryotherapy and she was hooked. After doing extensive research, she decided to open BelowZero Cryo Spa in Springfield. But it didn’t happen overnight. Listen in as Vanessa discusses the why, the how and the challenges associated with this new adventure. It might just give you chills.

In this episode of In the Neighborhood, we visit downtown Springfield. You may be aware of the bars and nightlife center city has to offer. But on this beautiful, summer day we had the opportunity to explore what else it had to offer. We enjoyed coffee, pastries, desserts and lunch. Yes, we did desserts before lunch, just because we could! Sometimes not following the norm is a delightful treat and there were plenty of those to find as we quickly learned.

In addition to being your safe haven, a place to call your own and raise a family, your home is a key component to building wealth. In this episode Angie and Tonya explore the benefits of home ownership and building equity. They discuss the importance of REALTORS understanding the market, advising their clients and offering solutions for clients that have experienced setbacks. The services REALTORS offer are invaluable if you have homeownership goals. #ThatsWhoWeR

Derek Shimeall, part owner of 4 By 4 Brewing Company, takes a look back at how it all began. How a conversation amongst friends led to them becoming a major player in the Ozarks craft brewing space. Starting in a small taproom across from Sequiota Park, they have grown that space and recently opened their second location in Fremont Hills. This entrepreneurial endeavor was about friends, family and community. Throw in some hops, grains, yeast and a little H2O and you’ve got a recipe for success.

In this episode, Angie and Tonya continue to explain how this project came together and the “why” behind it. They’ll share the challenges of starting something new and being in an uncomfortable space. Staying true to the name of the podcast, they describe how they want to tackle the tough topics, goals, challenges, disappointments, success and failure in a vulnerable, authentic way. Business owners, entrepreneurs, community leaders, educators and leaders in their fields are just some of the interviews you’ll hear as this podcast progresses.

Angie Mullings and Tonya Murfin have a combined 50 years experience in the real estate industry. Searching for a way to share their knowledge about real estate, entrepreneurship, leadership and life, they’ve created the Simply Authentic Podcast. In this episode, which is part one of a two part series, they share their individual, unique backgrounds. They unfold the story of how they met through their leadership journey and how that eventually led to the creation of this podcast.