The Missouri Small Business Development Center (SBDC) hosted at Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) is excited to announce the speakers for their 2024 Fall Semester Entrepreneurship Speaker Series: Unveiling the Entrepreneurship Journey!
This event, presented by Southwest Missouri Bank, brings together visionaries, innovators, and industry leaders from diverse backgrounds to share their journeys, insights, and expertise with our vibrant community of students, faculty, and aspiring entrepreneurs. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur, an aspiring startup founder, or simply curious about the world of entrepreneurship, our Speaker Series offers something for everyone.
Meg Escalante, Pineapple Bliss
Tuesday, September 17, 2024 | 11:00 am to 12:00 pm | Plaster School of Business, 3950 Newman Road in Joplin | Free
Join the Missouri SBDC on September 17, 2024 to hear from Meg Escalante, owner of Pineapple Bliss, about her entrepreneurial journey.
Megan started her early adult years exploring various fields, unsure of where she fit. She graduated from UMKC with degrees in Biochemistry & Liberal Arts, and a minor in Spanish. She also obtained a cosmetology degree and a tattoo license for permanent makeup, which she still practices part-time.
Megan has worked in the restaurant industry since college and always dreamed of becoming a business owner. In 2015, she found the Bliss trailer for sale on Craigslist, and by 2016, Pineapple Bliss was open. Today, Pineapple Bliss boasts both a storefront location and a mobile trailer.
Megan’s motivation stems from her diagnosis with an autoimmune disease several years ago, which led her to research food and food allergies to improve her health. Additionally, she has a sweet tooth. Her favorite aspect of owning Pineapple Bliss is hearing how they made someone’s day by providing a stress-free treat that accommodates dietary restrictions or allergies. The delighted reactions of first-time customers trying Bliss bring her joy.
Pineapple Bliss has won several local BEST Dessert awards in the Joplin area, as well as People’s Choice Arkansas Food Hall of Fame 2023, BEST CHEF Taste of the Town NWA 2022, and Most Creative Bite.
Megan was selected to join The Conductor 10x Growth program through the Startup Junkie/University of Arkansas and Cureate Co. In her free time, she enjoys hanging out with her family, especially her nieces and nephew, participating in karaoke, engaging in art-related activities, weight-lifting, and spending weekends at the lake. She loves coffee and has been involved in animal rescue for over 14 years, cherishing her pets. Currently, Megan is working on a new e-commerce project for pets called XOCOCO with the help of the Titan Network. She is also a travel agent on the side, enjoying travel, logistics, planning, and research, and appreciates the flexibility of working from anywhere.
Register for this session here.
Matt Baumann and Matt Ball, 24 Elite Gym
Wednesday, October 9, 2024 | 11:00 am to 12:00 pm | Plaster School of Business, 3950 Newman Road in Joplin | Free
Discover the inspiring journey of Matt Baumann and Mathew Ball, co-owners of Twentyfour / Elite 24hr Gym on October 9.
Matt, a lifelong Carthage resident and MSSU graduate, transformed his passion for fitness into a thriving business. Having struggled with weight and fitness in his youth, Matt knows the challenges new members face and is dedicated to helping them embrace a healthier lifestyle.
Mathew Ball grew up farming alongside his dad and mom in Carthage, Missouri. He planned to continue in his father’s footsteps but an injury lead to a life-changing spinal fusion surgery in 2011. Overcoming significant weight gain and depression, he joined 24 in Carthage, fell in love with the gym community, and transitioned from farming to gym ownership.
Despite facing numerous competitors over the years, they have consistently earned awards for the best gym in the area. They are known for offering transparent pricing, maintaining clean facilities, providing 24-hour access, and fostering a supportive environment for personal transformation.
Don’t miss their engaging entrepreneurial journey discussion where they’ll share their story and insights into building a successful business in the fitness industry.
Reserve your spot for this session here.
Kelly Reddin, Nana Claus
Friday, November 22 | 9:00 to 10:00 am | Plaster School of Business, 3950 Newman Road in Joplin | Free
Kelly Reddin, a former teacher and global master trainer, owns Inspiring Your Creativity LLC, a business and educational consulting firm. She serves as President of the Joplin Historical Society, Vice-President of the Carl Junction Chamber of Commerce, and a manager at the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Four States. Kelly enjoys playing Nana Claus at Christmas and writes a children’s book series celebrating family, with her first book published in March 2024. She has worked across the U.S. and Canada, traveled globally, and loves meeting new people and sharing ideas.
After her presentation, Nana Claus will be available for pictures.
Register here.
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