Introducing “Ten Questions” a new feature to the Prudential Vision Properties Blog. Each week, we’ll ask the movers and shakers of Columbia just Ten Questions. It’s quick, it’s new and it’s only here on PrudentialVision.com!

This week:

Tia Felts, Community Coordinator – Circles

Tia Felts Community Coordinator - Circles

1. What does Columbia need and why?

Our community has been extremely fortunate with the quality of leadership in all of the local elected offices.  I am excited for the upcoming elections to continue the tradition of excellence in regards to leadership.  Our community has an amazing ability to choose diverse community minded leaders, and I look forward to the opportunity to add to that diversity in just a few short months. My hope for the incoming group is an increased emphasis on public service.  Our city is a great diverse community, but, like every community, there are those that need a louder voice.  Leaders who put an emphasis on the importance of community service will in turn, create an even stronger community.

2. What do you do for fun?

I absolutely LIVE to spend time with my family.  With two kiddos, my husband and I are constantly on the go. We love being outside, watching movies, and cheering on our MU Tigers!  My hubby and I love the arts and are always on the lookout for a date night which would include a great show at Jesse Hall followed by a dinner at one of our amazing local eateries!

3. What are 3 things people don’t know about you?

• I married my high school sweet heart.
• I am a very open individual.
• I participated in the local Soap Box Derby in 1993.  I ranked 1st in Columbia, and 7th in my division at the National competition in Akron Ohio.  An absolute MUST for all children in our area.  What a self-esteem booster and  a great opportunity for parents to spend quality time with their children!

4. What’s the best advise you’ve ever gotten and from whom?

I regularly look to both of my parents and my husband for advice.  My father has been known to give some pretty quote worthy advice.  The old trust worthy “Let Go, Let God” sure comes to mind here.

5.  What are 5 things you couldn’t live without?

HMMM,

1. Absolutely my family, each and every one of them
2. (as materialistic as this sounds) My Chi Flat Iron (women that have experienced a Missouri summer know what I’m talking about!)
3. The Four Seasons
4. Mugs Up, Murry’s  and Thin Mints
5. The occasional Pedicure is always a treat!

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Introducing “Ten Questions” a new feature to the Prudential Vision Properties Blog. Each week, we’ll ask the movers and shakers of Columbia just Ten Questions. It’s quick, it’s new and it’s only here on PrudentialVision.com!

This week:

District I Commissioner, Karen Miller

Karen Miller - District 1 Commissioner

1. What does Columbia need and why?

Many groups, agencies, organizations and the private sector have been putting their efforts into economic developments efforts but not in a coordinated effort. I believe the University’s new direction supporting entrepreneurial efforts working with the city and county will pay dividends in the long run.  Innovation excels when people face a crisis, the same goes for governmental policy.

2. What do you do for fun?

I love sharing my home by entertaining friends and colleagues.  I also really enjoy reading and surfing the web for tidbits of information to solve a genealogy puzzle.   

3. What are 3 things people don’t know about you?

1. I had a wild side, jumping out of airplanes and rode a motorcycle
2. I lived on a farm and raised hogs in my adult life.
3. I became a college graduate in 2006from Stephan’s College

4.  What are 5 things you couldn’t live without?

1. My partner, David
2. My family
3. My PDA
4. Living in the center of town
5. The changing of seasons

5.  What accomplishments are you most proud of?

On a professional level, I am proud of being elected by my peers across the country to be President of the National Association of Countries.  On a personal level, I’m proud of having been able to take care of my grandmother at home so she didn’t have to spend her final years in a nursing home.

6.  What is something on you bucket list?

Top of the list is to take a Caribbean Cruise

7.  What profession, other than your own, would you like to attempt?

Another career I have considered is Association Management.  I am a firm believer that businesses or groups of people with a common goal can achieve more working together than by themselves.

9. What natural gift would you like to possess?

I would love to have a little bit of artistic creativity.  I can’t even draw a good stick person!

10.  What is the next country you want to visit and why?

I would like to visit Poland.  My maternal great-grandfather came from there; I have his baptismal records, naturalization papers, etc. so I would like to visit those places. It may fill in some blanks in that branch of the family tree. 

 Bonus Questions:

11. What was the last book you read and did you enjoy it?

James Patterson’s “Cross Country”, I love a good mystery.

12. How would you like to be remembered?

I want to be remembered as someone my friends, family, and constituents could count on.

13.  Which Columbian should we interview next and what should we ask them?

I recommend you interview Tia Stamper-Felts and ask her about “Circles.” 

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If you want to see more of Ten Questions! become a fan or follow us on:

Introducing “Ten Questions” a new feature to the Prudential Vision Properties Blog. Each week, we’ll ask the movers and shakers of Columbia just Ten Questions. It’s quick, it’s new and it’s only here on PrudentialVision.com!

This week:

Director of the MU School of Accountancy

Professor Vairam Arunachalam

1. What does Columbia need and why?

More indoor tennis courts (for practice during the winter months).  And perhaps more walking and bicycle paths—to promote fitness and also reduce the use of cars to get around even for small distances.

2. What do you do for fun?

You guessed it…tennis and (sometimes) walking! Also, chess is a favorite hobby of mine.

3. Where do you see Columbia’s grown over the next 5-10 years?

Housing growth.  As the economy picks up, there will continue to be values to be had in Columbia that people living in urban areas can only dream about.

4. What are 3 things people don’t know about you?

1. My knees lock up in January and February
2.  I need tea or coffee to smile
3.  I am having a hard time losing (quite consistently now) to my son in tennis and chess!

5. What’s the best advice you’ve ever gotten and from whom?

People are basically the same.  You just need to figure out what makes each person tick and work with them accordingly.  Mom. She knows.

6. What are 5 things you couldn’t live without?

1. Hard Work
2. Initiative and Promptness
3. Chess
4. Tennis
5. iPhone

7. What is something on the horizon in your business?

International exposure and work or study opportunities for Missouri students

8. What is something on you bucket list?

A week in Hawaii

9. What profession, other than your own, would you like to attempt?

Farming

10. If we asked your friends to describe you, what would they say?

Workaholic, Promptness freak, Hard worker, Kind, Family Man

BONUS QUESTIONS:

11. What natural gift would you like to possess?

Patience

12. What is the next country you want to visit and why?

India, to visit my mom and dad

13. What music is in your car stereo right now?

Eagles: Hotel California

14. What was the last book you read and did you enjoy it?

I don’t read anymore…Just Kidding! “Can Humanity Change?” by J. Krishnamurti in dialog with Buddhists

14. What is your earliest memory?

Accidentally locking myself in a bathroom, when I was maybe 3 or 4, and not knowing how to unlock it.  My mom had to stand out side and tell me to wait until someone could climb in from the outside and let me out!

15. How would you like to be remembered?

Get-it-done guy, Reliable, Hard working, Trustworthy, Kind, Family Oriented, Sucked at tennis and chess

16. Are there any words of wisdom you’d like to pass along?

• Prioritize life’s activities
• Get away from the consumerism that pervades our daily lives
• Try to smell the roses

17. Is there anything else you’d like to add or plug?

All Columbians need to walk and play outside more!

18. Which Columbian should we interview next and what should we ask them?

Mayor Hindman to reflect on his time as Columbia’s mayor overseeing significant growth.   

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Introducing “Ten Questions” a new feature to the Prudential Vision Properties Blog. Each week, we’ll ask the movers and shakers of Columbia just Ten Questions. It’s quick, it’s new and it’s only here on PrudentialVision.com!

This week:

Hickman High School’s Assistant Principal

Greg Grupe

1. What does Columbia need and why?

Columbia needs to invest in a permanent facility for the Farmer’s Market. There are economic, health, educational, and fraternal aspects to the market experience and my family goes almost every week in season.

2. What do you do for fun?

I read several books most weeks, my wife and I travel, and I enjoy all kinds of music.

3. Where do you see Columbia’s growth over the next 5-10 years?

We are on the cusp of really exciting possibilities where, with careful reflect, we can retain the small town Harvard on the Hinkson feel while also providing business, recreational, employment, and educational opportunities for all.

4. What are 3 things people don’t know about you?

• My high school graduating class at Smithton R VI had thirty three members (six were my cousins and more probably were!)
• I have visited twenty-five different countries
• I greatly value service opportunities with Heart of Missouri United Way.

5. What’s the best advice you’ve ever gotten?

Know your limitations, but keeping working to try and overcome them.

6. What are 5 things you couldn’t live without?

• My wife and two great children
• Good books
• Great friends
• Chances to be of service
• My Kewpies!

7. What is something on the horizon in your business?

I am retiring from the public schools after thirty years this July and look forward to new opportunities for work and service to the community.

8. What is something on your bucket list?

Almost every weekend and evening supervision assignment I’ve completed this school year… After thirty years, I’ve seen a LOT of games, plays, and concerts!

9. What accomplishment(s) are you most proud of?

Raising two wonderful, kind, funny child with my wonderful wife; hundreds of former students and family members who have changed my life; and being able to give back to this community which has given me and my family so much to be thankful for and for memories I will always hold dear.

10. What profession, other than your own, would you like to attempt?

Now that is the $64.00 question right now… Anyone with good ideas, give me a call!

Bonus Questions!

11. If we asked your friends to describe you, what would they say?

Kind, honest, people-centered, and loyal. (Now if you ask people I have suspended on more than one occasion, you might get a different list of descriptors!)

12. What natural gift would you like to possess?

I would love to be able to play an instrument well. Music is a big part of my life and that would be a great achievement.

13. What’s the next country you want to visit, and why?

My wife is much more of a world traveler than I and she says we are going to Zululand in South Africa and sit on a beach there. That is the most beautiful place she has every visited. Works for me!

14. What music is in/on your car or home stereo right now?

Bettye LaVette, White Stripes, Buddy Guy, Johnny Cash, Blind Boys of Alabama, Rolling Stones and Mighty Clouds of Joy!

15. What was the last book you read?

I am currently reading The Monuments Men, a history of the Allied agents and soldiers who worked to recover European art looted by the Nazis.

16. How would you like to be remembered?

I hope to be remembered as someone who was a friend and supporter of those in need. And I want to be buried in my Kewpie jersey!

17. Is there anything else you would like to add or plug?

Heart of Missouri United Way does a phenomenal job in helping reach those with needs while using a transparent, volunteer-governed process to allocate funds, assess needs, and support local not-for-profits.

18. Which Columbian should we interview next and what should we ask them?

Eliot Battle, Hickman’s first African American faculty member, about what we as a community need to do to help close the achievement gap. Jean Gurruchari, about volunteerism and community activism. Sabrina McDonald, about combining work and family responsibilities with such style and grace. Tim Rich, about the mission and vision of our local United Way. Jan Mees, about our schools and their needs as well as the key roles educators play in the community.

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If you want to see more of Ten Questions! become a fan or follow us on:

Introducing “Ten Questions” a new feature to the Prudential Vision Properties Blog. Each week, we’ll ask the movers and shakers of Columbia just Ten Questions. It’s quick, it’s new and it’s only here on PrudentialVision.com!

This week:

Ten Questions with American Watercolorist

Paul Jackson

American Watercolorist - Paul Jackson

1. What does Columbia need and why?

Gateways at either entrance to the city on I-70. The gateways would inspire a sense that one has arrived someplace special and will encourage more travelers to stop, shop & explore our incredible city.

2. What do you do for fun?

Paint, travel and spend time with interesting people.

3. Where do you see Columbia’s growth over the next 5-10 years?

Explosive. Columbia enjoys a very low cost of living and an intelligent population. There is great potential for growth, most likely faster than average economic recovery.

4. What are 3 things people don’t know about you?

• I never graduated high school.
• I love the color orange, but can’t stand the fruit.
• I love it when it rains!

5. What’s the best advise you’ve ever gotten and from whom?

Follow your heart. Mom

6. What are 5 things you couldn’t live without?

• Water
• Color
• Love
• Hope
• iPhone

7. What is something on the horizon in your business?

More public art projects

8. What is something on your bucket list?

Sunset in Bora Bora.

9. What accomplishment(s) are you most proud of?

Eagle Scout

10. What profession, other than your own, would you like to attempt?

Travel writer.

Bonus Questions:

11. If we asked your friends to describe you, what would they say?

• Generous
• Honorable
• Talented
• Ambitious
• Idiot

12. What natural gift would you like to possess?

Patience

13. What’s the next country you want to visit, and why?

Tahiti/Bora Bora. The photos I’ve seen lead me to believe it is a visual paradise.

14. What music is in/on your car or home stereo right now?

Jack Johnson

15. What was the last book you read? Did you enjoy it?

Shantaram. Awesome! Thank you judge Oxenhandler!

16.What is your earliest memory?

Getting a miniature coke machine/soda for my 6th birthday.

17. How would you like to be remembered?

Trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, adventurous, cheerful, independent, generous and interesting.

18. Are there any words of wisdom you’d like to pass along?

Follow your heart. Mom says so. Follow your dreams. I say so.

19. Is there anything else you would like to add or plug?

Some of Columbia’s best assets are Lorah Steiner, Roger & Pat Wilson, Jose Lindner, Mark & Elaine Hassemer and Judge Gary Oxenhandler…Just to name a few!

20. Which Columbian should we interview next?

Josh Oxenhandler

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