Amy Howe

Modern Variety celebrated 60 years in business in 2022, having started as a toy store by J.D. Pilkenton in July 1962 in Aurora, Missouri. Now managed by Pilkenton's sons Scott and Ben, the family-run business offers unique and eclectic items alongside traditional toys at locations in Aurora and Monett.

Mark Myers has been running for over 25 years and shares his passion with son Landin, who was born with cerebral palsy but competes in races and encourages other athletes despite multiple leg surgeries. The duo participates in various events together, from 5Ks to triathlons, while Mark teaches others through the Run for God program connecting spiritual and physical health.

Connie Miller creates Midcentury Pop Art using bright acrylics, painting people without faces alongside animals, flowers, and birds to allow viewers to see themselves in her work. After careers in art education and counseling, she now focuses on her colorful, optimistic paintings displayed at Joplin galleries.

Married couple Ken and Kristina discuss running Bailey's Family Dining together, sharing how working as best friends has strengthened their marriage while they balance business challenges with plans to expand catering and charity fundraising.

Cowin Construction, founded by Ken Cowin over 50 years ago and now run by son Daniel, operates as a three-generation family roofing and construction business specializing in copper work across the Four States region.

Dallas String Quartet will perform their Electric Christmas show December 11 at Ozark Christian College Chapel, presented by Connect2Culture, featuring reimagined holiday classics performed on electric and traditional string instruments.

After deciding to pursue her "someday" goals, non-cyclist Shelly Dreyer completed the entire 240-mile Katy Trail solo from Clinton to St. Charles, Missouri, using basic equipment and learning bike repair from YouTube videos. Despite brutal 103-degree temperatures and having never ridden more than a few neighborhood miles before, she discovered that the journey itself—with days of solitude and self-reliance—was more rewarding than just the sense of accomplishment, gaining renewed confidence and love for biking.

Jim Adams, a car dealer, husband, and suicide survivor, has battled major depressive episodes for over 14 years. Through self-awareness, structured routines, and ongoing education about mental health, he’s learned to manage his condition and now dedicates his life to helping others do the same. He shares his story openly to fight stigma, encourages people to seek help, and reminds them, “It’s okay to not be okay.”

Kelli and Jeff White, owners of Posh Dogs Boutique in Joplin, turned Kelli’s love for her dog into a shared business dream. Open since 2019, the boutique offers quality pet products in a fun, welcoming space. Working together has strengthened their marriage, as they balance roles, support each other, and enjoy turning their passion into a thriving business.