After finishing 16-16 in his first season coaching Missouri State University men’s basketball, coach Dana Ford, left, says he’s focused on fundraising and recruitment. Ford was the May 21 featured guest for Springfield Business Journal’s 12 People You Need to Know editorial series. “I want to recruit guys who want to go to the NBA,” he said during the live interview with SBJ Editorial Director Eric Olson, at right.
sbjLive photo by Mike Coonrod
Startup Win
Kevin Wyas, far right, wins $5,000 for his ECRI startup during the Efactory’s Pitch Contest on May 16. The same day, Wyas launched a Kickstarter campaign to help fund ECRI’s patent-pending technology allowing users to program settings on their vehicles. Also pictured, from left, are judging panelists Andrew Doolittle of NAI Enterprise LLC; Zola Finch of event sponsor RMI Inc.; and Will Worsham of Worsham Law Firm.
Utah-based gourmet cookie chain Crumbl Cookies opened its first Springfield shop; interior design business Branson Upstaging LLC relocated; and Lauren Ashley Dance Center LLC added a second location.