Ready to be inspired and equipped for success? Join the Missouri Small Business Development Center (SBDC) hosted at Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) as they kick off their 2025 Fall Entrepreneurship Speaker Series on September 24!
Each part of this three-part series will bring together visionaries, innovators, and industry leaders from diverse backgrounds to share their journeys, insights, and expertise to an audience of community members, students, faculty, and aspiring entrepreneurs. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur, an aspiring startup founder, or simply curious about the world of entrepreneurship, this series has something for everyone.
Unveiling the Entrepreneurial Journey with John Hunter
Wednesday, September 24 | 9:00 to 10:00 am | Cornell Auditorium, Plaster School of Business, MSSU | No cost to attend
Join Missouri SBDC to learn about John Hunter’s entrepreneurial journey. John is the President and CEO of American Ramp Company and Atlas Safe Rooms. He also co-owns University Plaza LLC, JNJ Properties, and Gusanos Pizza Joplin. For the last 15 years John has led a team that has developed thousands of skate and bike park facilities across the globe, including all 50 states and 46 countries. Over the years John has contributed to national publications and been a speaker both state and international recreation and trail conferences. He is a National Ambassador for the non-profit “All Kids Bike” and a partner in “Be Good Foundation.”
Register here.
Unveiling the Entrepreneurial Journey with Kristen Hawkins
Wednesday, October 22 | 11:00 am to 12:00 pm | Cornell Auditorium, Plaster School of Business, MSSU | No cost to attend
Learn about PUP and hear the entrepreneurial journey of Kristen Hawkins. Kristen Hawkins is the founder and CEO of PUP, a super neat dog boutique in downtown Carl Junction, Missouri. She is a graduate of Missouri Southern State University and uses her business background to create a unique blend of products, services, and community events that enrich the lives of dogs and their people. Kristen is a strong advocate of animal rights and actively participates in animal-assisted therapy work.
Register and learn more here.
Unveiling the Entrepreneurial Journey with Andrew Jordan/Emma Ball
Wednesday, November 19 | 10:00 to 11:00 am | Cornell Auditorium, Plaster School of Business, MSSU | No cost to attend
Find out more about Jordan CPA from Andrew Jordan and Emma Ball. Andrew Jordan is a CPA and co-owner of Jordan CPA Services, where he specializes in tax planning, bookkeeping, and fractional CFO services for growing businesses. He regularly speaks on topics like tax strategy, corporate governance, and the role of AI in accounting.
Andrew was named one of Joplin Business Journal’s 15 Under 40 and is a graduate of the AICPA Leadership Academy. Outside of work, he’s a proud husband to Sarah and dad to three wonderful kids — Evelyn, Theo, and Lillian — who inspire and energize him every day.
Emma Ball is the Chief Operations Officer at Jordan CPA Services and a 40 Under 40 honoree by the Joplin Business Journal. With a background that spans both corporate and small business roles, she leads with creativity, clarity, and a heart for people.
She’s the founder of the Hip Handmade Market, a beloved local craft fair, and speaks regularly on topics like small business taxes, project management, and personal growth. Emma is also a proud mom to Douglas and Isabella, a role that grounds and inspires everything she does.
Find out more here.
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