MO

Keith Crawford knows the construction business inside and out. He began his career as a construction contractor, but stood apart for his business capabilities. He was often asked by competitors to close shop and work for them. After spending years as an admired authority on construction, Crawford finally launched his own consulting firm.

In less than three years, the Mid-America Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce has skyrocketed from the ground up to become an influential player in the Midwestern LGBT business community.

Founded by Dan Nilsen, CEO of Bishop-McCann, the Mid-America GLCC arose to fill “a big void in the Midwest for a gay and lesbian chamber of commerce,” said Michael Linctecum, executive director of the chamber.

It’s no secret that maintaining a small business is tough work. At the heart of many small business success stories is adaptability, a trait that has enabled Goedeker’s to thrive for more than 60 years.

Since 1951, the St. Louis staple has changed with the times, becoming a trusted name in major appliances, furniture and home lighting after starting out as a quaint TV and radio repair shop, noted Steve Goedeker, the store’s current owner and son of the store’s founder, Ben Goedeker.

Solar power is a great, efficient energy source that has yet to really catch fire for the average consumer. But one small business owner in the Show-Me State is looking to enlighten his fellow Missourians, one solar product at a time.

Kyle Barber, managing partner of EFS Energy, has been a passionate advocate for solar energy for much of his life.