In this episode of Living in the Ozarks, we sit down with Rod Smith, founder of Ozarks Life, to talk about building a brand rooted in identity and place. We cover the journey from idea to execution, overcoming fear, and what it takes to finally bring something to life.

This episode is part of the Ozarks Experience series, focused on the people behind the work shaping our region.

In this episode of Living in the Ozarks, we sit down with Bruce Adib-Yazdi, architect, developer, and Springfield city council member, to talk about the future of development in the Ozarks. We cover housing challenges, zoning changes, and what it takes to grow a city the right way.

This episode is part of the Ozarks Experience series, focused on the people behind the work shaping our region.

In this episode of Living in the Ozarks, we sit down with Steve Belden, Operating Partner at AMP Recreation LLC, and Gabby Kuehnel, Events Manager at the Sunshine Event Center, to talk about building a food, beverage, and entertainment hub in Springfield, Missouri. We cover hospitality leadership, event experiences, and the vision behind creating a destination district in the Ozarks.

This episode is part of the Ozarks Experience series, focused on the people behind the work shaping our region.

In this episode of Living in the Ozarks, we sit down with Hunter Bartelt, Director of Operations at the Discovery Center in Springfield, Missouri, to talk about STEM education, workforce development, and hands-on learning for kids. We cover early exposure to the skilled trades, new interactive exhibits, and how local initiatives are helping shape future career paths in the Ozarks.

This episode is part of the Ozarks Experience series, focused on the people behind the work shaping our region.

In this episode of Living in the Ozarks, host Duston Farrell sits down with Sigi Hill of CSSI Services to explore how cost segregation works and how it can help commercial property owners reduce tax liability through accelerated depreciation. Sigi explains the engineering-based approach behind cost segregation studies and why this strategy can create significant financial advantages for investors and building owners.

The conversation also dives into Sigi’s personal journey from growing up in Germany to building a career in business consulting in the United States. Along the way, she shares insights on entrepreneurship, real estate investing, tax strategy, and the lessons she has learned working with thousands of commercial property owners.

This episode is part of the Ozarks Experience series — conversations focused on the people, businesses, and stories that make the Ozarks a unique place to live and build a business.

Watch the full episode on

YouTube: @LivingInTheOzarksMO

Spotify: Living in the Ozarks