Meg Dale, Pineapple Bliss
Date: Tuesday, September 17, 2024
Time: 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Location: 3950 Newman Rd., Joplin Missouri 64804
Missouri Southern State University
Plaster School of Business
Cornell Auditorium
Presented by:
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.
Visit Pineapple Bliss's website here.
Matt Baumann & Matt Ball, 24 Elite Gym
Date: Wednesday, October 9, 2024
Time: 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Location: 3950 Newman Rd., Joplin Missouri 64804
Missouri Southern State University
Plaster School of Business
Cornell Auditorium
Discover the inspiring journey of Matt Baumann and Mathew Ball, co-owners of Twentyfour / Elite 24hr Gym.
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 led 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.
Visit their website here.
Kelly Reddin,
Nana Claus
Date: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 9:00 am to 10:00 am
Location: 3950 Newman Rd., Joplin Missouri 64804
Missouri Southern State University
Plaster School of Business
Cornell Auditorium
Kelly Reddin is a former classroom teacher and a global master trainer for an international educational company. She is the owner and chief instigator of Inspiring Your Creativity LLC, a business and educational consulting firm where she embraces creativity and encourages others to explore and play with ideas. Beyond her business, Kelly serves as the President of the Joplin Historical Society, Vice-President of the Carl Junction Chamber of Commerce, and an overnight and weekend manager at the Ronald McDonald House.
Each year, she delights in becoming "Nana Claus" during the holiday season. Kelly’s latest endeavor is writing a series of children's books that celebrate family. Her first book, I Love My Grandpa – A Celebration of Grandfathers, was published in March 2024, followed by I Love My Grandma – A Celebration of Grandmothers in July. Her third book, I Love My Granddaughter – A Celebration of Granddaughters, is set to be published in Fall 2024.
Kelly has worked in all 50 states and most Canadian provinces, and she feels fortunate to have visited Europe, Asia, and parts of South America and Africa. She enjoys traveling, meeting new people, learning new things, and sharing her insights with others.
Visit her website here.