Best Places to Work in Springfield, Missouri 2025

For the fifth year, Biz 417 is celebrating the Best Places to Work in southwest Missouri, and the winners have all participated in a rigorous evaluation process to make the list. This year, Biz 417 had a total of 31 participants. Only the very highest-ranking companies, top 10 in each size category (small employers with 15 to 99 employees, and large employers with 100 or more employees) scored highly enough to place on our list and to be profiled in the magazine. 

How were the 20 list-makers chosen? Every company that applies is carefully evaluated by Best Companies Group using a hefty amount of data. The application process requires information provided by the company and a survey with more than 75 questions completed anonymously by its employees. Employee feedback is weighted more heavily than company-provided stats, meaning the results paint a true picture of what it’s really like to work there. 

If scores don’t pass a specific threshold, a company cannot be named a Best Place to Work. Companies that apply can review their data and use it for determining how to improve their own workplace.—Dori Grinder

Companies that apply for Best Places to Work are evaluated in eight categories, each with five to 17 subcategories in which employees can anonymously express how well they feel the company is doing. Later, the companies receive a scorecard showing how they performed based on employee feedback, and how they compare to benchmark data from other local businesses that also applied for Best Places to Work. The average scores in each of these categories for list-makers range from 88% to 99%.

Leadership

Employees are asked about topics like “I have confidence in the leadership of this organization” and “The leaders of this organization are open to input from employees.”

Corporate Culture and Communications

The largest category, this section has 17 topics covering issues such as effective communication, including how the organization is doing financially, staffing levels, quality, diversity and trust.

Role Satisfaction

Here, employees are asked if they understand their job role and its importance, if they have a healthy work-life balance, if they are given enough authority to make decisions they need to make and more.

Work Environment

The physical workspace is covered here, including topics like working conditions, noise control, heating and cooling and safety.

Relationship with Supervisor

Employees are asked if their supervisor treats them fairly and with respect, acknowledges work done well and offers feedback when work needs improvement, and more.

Training, Development and Resources

Are employees provided with adequate training? Do they have the technology needed to do their jobs, and is it adequately maintained? Are employees encouraged to develop and acquire new skills?

Pay and Benefits

This section focuses on adequate pay and satisfaction with benefits packages, specifically asking about things like health care benefits, vacation time or paid time off, retirement plans and more.

Overall Engagement

The questions here are broader and touch on overall employee satisfaction, asking employees if they are proud to work at their company, look forward to going to work, are able to do their best work and more.

The Best Small Companies to Work for in Springfield, Missouri 2025

1. Ollis/Akers/Arney Insurance & Business Advisors

Ollis/Akers/Arney’s culture, professional development, benefits and flexibility have  consistently landed the company a top spot on the list.

For the third year in a row, Ollis/Akers/Arney Insurance & Business Advisors is No. 1 on the small employer list! One of their top benefits is that they are 100% employee-owned. Every team member has the opportunity to earn into ownership. On top of that, Ollis/Akers/Arney covers medical insurance at 100% for every employee participating in their wellness program and contributes to their health savings accounts. The PTO policy is generous, including an extra day off for employees’ birthdays.  Ollis/Akers/Arney leadership is transparent about the workings of their company. The company hosts quarterly “State of the Agency” meetings to update employees on companywide initiatives and financial results.

Professional development is a priority. The team participates in regular internal trainings and attends conferences across the country.

Personal growth is important, too—employees have access to counseling services and can sign up for consultations like one-on-one image sessions that even include shopping to help refine their workplace style. “My view of culture all starts with your people,” says Chief Operating Officer Joe Gaunt. “We can provide wonderful benefits, flexibility and development, but if you don’t hire and have great people on your team, your culture will not thrive.”

2. Rick's Automotive

Rick’s Automotive has a unique vacation perk for long-term employees.

Rick’s Automotive moved up from No. 3 last year to claim the No. 2 spot in 2025. Its family-like environment continues to earn its spot on the list each year. “Our culture here is very important to us, and we want to have a happy, fun workplace while getting the job done at the same time at a high level,” says Vice President Travis Comfort.

One of the outstanding benefits at Rick’s Automotive is that employees receive an all-expenses-paid dream vacation when they hit their 20-year anniversary. So far, team members have celebrated with trips to Hawaii, Alaskan cruises, train trips up the West Coast and more, with their spouse by their side. They’ve had more than 10 employees reach this milestone.

Rick’s Automotive knows how to celebrate its team. The company’s annual Christmas parties are a favorite tradition, with past gatherings hosted at founders Rick and Karen Hughlett’s home, Beach Volleyball of Ozark and most recently, Classics Yard. Beyond celebrations, Rick’s also invests in its employees’ futures. The company matches retirement contributions at 10%, with funds added to employee accounts weekly. Team members become fully vested after five years.

3. Graddy Real Estate

More than a workplace, Graddy Real Estate builds a team that celebrates the way you show up.

At Graddy Real Estate, culture matters more than sales or production. “It’s awesome to see that recognized,” says CEO Adam Graddy. “We always say, ‘people before profits.’” The team has a silent award called How You Show Up Matters. They recognize team members publicly, but never tell them why they’re receiving the award. Usually, it’s because a client has called in to share an exceptional experience with a employee. When that happens, leadership surprises the team member with a check—awarded at random points throughout the year. “No matter what they’re doing day-to-day, when nobody’s watching, how you show up matters,” Graddy says. “Going the extra mile is really important to us.”

Director of Operations Melinda Love sits down with each team member annually to learn their personal, education or financial goals. 

The Graddy Real Estate team goes on a float trip every summer and celebrates with a Christmas party each winter. They also get the day after Thanksgiving off—paid—to shop and spend time with family. In the fall, the team gathers for an event featuring speakers focused on personal growth and inspiration. “Adam is one of the most generous people out there,” Love says. “He takes really great care of us.”

4. LoanBidz (formerly Investment Property Loan Exchange LLC)

LoanBidz invests in more than just loans.

The loan industry can be challenging, but LoanBidz has built a culture where employees want to stay and grow. “It’s great to know that our team feels empowered and supported, and genuinely excited to be a part of the day-to-day in our office,” says SVP of Operation Sarah Downey.

For short-term recognition at LoanBidz, mini trophies are passed around the office weekly or monthly. They also have a wall of fame that grows during quarterly meetings when a team member hits a new record. Plus, free Friday lunches reward the team when weekly goals are met.

The leadership team’s goal at LoanBidz is to make every team member feel like family. From the start, they had the chance to grow quickly, but instead chose to grow intentionally, focusing on core values and their impact on employees. “We’ve tried to be strategic in making sure that the people we hire know that their voice matters and they play such an impactful role in how our company does things and grows,” Downey says.  

5. Xtreme Exteriors Roofing & Siding LLC

Climbing the Best Places to Work list, Xtreme Exteriors is proving that investing in people pays off.

Xtreme Exteriors Roofing & Siding LLC climbed from No. 8 in its debut last year to No. 5 on this year’s Best Places to Work list. For husband-and-wife co-owners Hunter and Summer Lampe, employee satisfaction is one of the clearest measures of the company’s success. “Knowing that they’re really happy with their job here and what we offer at Xtreme Exteriors is very important to us,” Summer says.

Every year, the company celebrates standout team members with awards tied to a central theme. Past recognitions have included Employee of the Year, Top Residential Salesperson and Rookie of the Year—each one rooted in the company’s core values. “We can’t do this without our team members,” Summer says.

In the past, Xtreme Exteriors did not offer traditional benefits, but that’s changed. “Most people come to work here to get a career, not just a job,” Hunter says. Employees now have access to health, dental and vision insurance, plus life insurance. 

6. Paragon Architecture

Paragon Architecture keeps things fun, flexible and intentional with a team that shows up for each other.

For the team at Paragon Architecture, being named a Best Place to Work is a nod to the culture they’ve worked hard to build. “We know not every firm does things the way we do, so to be recognized for that is both validating and special,” says Marketing Manager Gina Harris. “It reinforces that our people-first approach really does make a difference.”

One of their top perks is unlimited PTO. It works because the team trusts each other to plan ahead, stay accountable and support one another while someone’s out—whether it’s a sick kid, a flat tire or a family trip. They also offer a month-long sabbatical after seven years (and again every four years after that) as a chance to recharge, travel or dive into a passion project.

Last year, Paragon Architecture reported only a 1% voluntary turnover rate, and they added five more team members to their overall staffing numbers. Monthly happy hours, breakfasts and a sense of shared purpose keep the team connected. “When you’re all on the same path and working towards the same good, really magical things can happen,” Harris says. 

7. Kinetic Design & Development

Kinetic Design & Development may be a young company, but they’re already proving that when people come first, everything clicks.

Kinetic Design & Development has positioned itself as an employee-centric workplace with a strong emphasis on work-life balance. As a young company—founded in 2022 by Adam Kreher, Abbye Bobbett and Griffin Bobbett—they’re proud to be positioned as a Best Place to Work. “Our mission statement is people are our purpose,” says Director of Marketing Dane Benton. He says every decision they makes is centered on doing what’s best for their team, their clients and the people who will ultimately engage with the spaces they design.

As part of their hiring process, Kinetic conducts a company culture interview to ensure that incoming team members truly understand the environment they’re joining. This second interview takes place a few days after the initial one, lasts over an hour, and is designed to reflect Kinetic’s core values and team dynamics.

“We are constantly looking for ways for our staff to be acknowledged, but also help them understand their mental health is as important as any other aspect of their health and their life,” Benton says. Kinetic offers quarterly staff check-ins, daily team walks through Chesterfield Village, designated decompression time, a four-day work week and opportunities to participate in service projects every quarter through their Kinetic Kares program.

8. ADSmith Marketing & Advertising

At ADSmith, founder Angela Smith built the kind of workplace where every voice matters and team wins are shared.

Out of her 25 years owning the business, being named a Best Place to Work is the honor founder Angela Smith is most proud to receive. “I had worked at four other marketing firms before ADSmith, and I try to put the best experience of all of them together to try to make it not only a good place for me, but I wanted it to be a great place for team members,” she says.

With that in mind, Smith prioritizes making sure every team member feels heard. The company holds casual one-on-one check-ins throughout the year to ensure each person’s role aligns with their interests.

At each anniversary, employees receive a cash bonus based on years of service. Everyone receives the same team bonus when shared goals are met, with payouts ranging from $500 to over $2,000, in addition to individual merit raises or bonuses. They also offer cellphone reimbursement, offer massages from trained professionals to de-stress, and have a casual happy hour every Friday for team brainstorming. “Knowing that the team members feel about [the business] as strong and some of them even stronger than I do is the biggest compliment any business owner can have,” Smith says.

9. Pella Windows & Doors

Pella Windows & Doors is new to the list, but 100 years in the making.

New to the list this year, Pella Windows & Doors emphasizes a family-like culture and opportunities for advancement. “We are a team that is driven to grow, to improve and win,” says owner and president Michael Farquhar. “External assessments like this process help us gauge where we are at with our team and give our team members another avenue to have their voices heard.”

At quarterly meetings, the team celebrates “Moments of Truth.” Any employee can nominate a colleague by emailing Farquhar and sharing why they deserve to be recognized. He collects the submissions throughout the quarter and reads them verbatim during the meeting. Each nominee receives $35, and there’s no limit on how many times someone can be recognized.

Retention rates are high at Pella thanks to competitive wages and benefits. Employees receive long-term disability and life insurance, along with matching contributions to a Safe Harbor 401(k), helping them plan for the future.

This October, Pella is celebrating 100 years in business, 10 years as a local dealer and its first year as a Best Place to Work with a team trip to Silver Dollar City. Each employee will receive a commemorative T-shirt and $100 in spending money. “We’re extremely proud of our culture, and we’re thankful to be recognized for it,” Farquhar says. 

10. The Barnabas Foundation

The Barnabas Foundation is the only nonprofit organization on the list this year.

The Barnabas Foundation is new to this year’s list. In late April, Camp Barnabas in Purdy, Missouri, was struck by a tornado, just weeks before their first summer campers were set to arrive.  “Our little ministry has been through a lot lately, so to receive this recognition was the perfect timing,” CEO Bernadette Losh says.

The Barnabas Foundation supports Camp Barnabas, a summer camp for individuals with disabilities, and Barnabas Prep, a two-year collegiate program for adults with disabilities. As a nonprofit, it faces unique budget challenges. Its ability to create a standout workplace is largely thanks to donors and people who love the ministry. “We have such a huge support system all across the United States,” says Executive Support and HR Specialist Melissa Pardeck. “We couldn’t do what we do without them.”

The Barnabas Foundation offers unlimited PTO for its full-time staff. “From the time we have implemented it, we have not had to have one hard conversation,” Losh says.

The team also celebrates wins with birthday gift cards, holiday parties, end-of-year bonuses and annual one-on-one check-ins. “Knowing that they’re happy here, it’s working and our culture is good, that’s my greatest joy,” Losh says.

The Best Large Companies to Work for in Springfield, Missouri 2025

1. Keep Supply

Their benefits, culture and transparency have landed Keep Supply at the top of large employers the list this year.

Keep Supply ranked eighth two years ago and second last year in the small employer category. This year, they’ve made a huge leap—claiming first place in the large employer category. The team at Keep Supply is intentional in everything they do in the culture. “To us, being chosen again is confirmation that we’re doing something right,” says Lindsay Bauer, director of people and culture.

They follow The Great Game of Business and offer a companywide bonus program. “That’s something that helps us all rally together and keep our eyes on the prize,” Bauer says. Keep Supply also covers 100% of medical, dental and vision insurance for employees and their families.

With the goal of allowing their employees time to rest and be their healthiest selves—at work and at home—Keep Supply offers unlimited paid time off, on top of 18 paid holidays. Milestones are celebrated with swag, recognition and team rewards.

“When we talk about doing refrigeration parts, that’s our means to be able to provide the environment and the opportunities,” Bauer says. “It means so much to us because we get to watch families grow. Being able to watch our team build healthy families with really strong foundations makes us so proud.” 

2. Olsson

At Olsson, everyone’s an owner, and that sense of shared purpose is why people stay and thrive.

Team members at Olsson have the chance to build better communities while enjoying what they do. Olsson is 100% employee-owned. “No matter who you are in the company, you are an owner in our organization,” says Senior Vice President Jared Rasmussen. In addition to an employee stock ownership plan, Olsson offers 401(k) matching.

Early on in an employee’s career, the Olsson leadership team aims to identify the goals of their employees to give them training opportunities that they feel are best for them in their career. Some of those include leadership training, management training and other technical training, with the goal of helping employees be the best they can be.

Olsson also gives team members four paid hours each year to volunteer with a nonprofit of their choice. The company is especially active with United Way, hosting a dedicated fundraising week annually.

Olsson has no formal policy on when or how to be in the office—the expectation is simply that employees get their work done on time. And while the benefits are strong, people often stay because of the sense of connection. “You’re creating a place where people see value,” Rasmussen says. “They see where they’re bringing value to their community, to a project, to a client. That to me is a testament to the organization.”

3. West Plains Bank and Trust Company

West Plains Bank and Trust Company builds a tight-knit team with solid benefits and a workplace designed for its people.

At West Plains Bank and Trust Company, employees take pride in their work. An employee stock ownership gives each employee a reason to make decisions with the company’s best interest in mind.

The team starts each morning, except Friday, with a short huddle before opening to the public. It lasts about 10 minutes to give shoutouts, call out positive things going on, play a game and share stories. “We take our job seriously, but take ourselves lightly,” President and CEO David Gohn says. They also have quarterly celebrations after work with dinner, games and awards. Knowing how busy the holiday season is, the bank skips a traditional holiday party and instead celebrates the bank’s birthday in April each year.

When it comes to standout benefits, they pay 100% health and dental for employees and 50% for dependents. The leadership team aims to make West Plains Bank and Trust Company a place where employees want to show up to work and do their best each day. “It’s a snowball effect when you have the right culture,” Gohn says. “It’s something we believe in, and it’s really been good for us.”

4. JMARK

JMARK makes work a place where people feel seen, supported and appreciated every day.

“In today’s world, there are a lot of challenges people deal with,” says CEO Tom Douglas. “We have a special opportunity in the workplace to create a space, atmosphere and culture where people feel safe, celebrated and appreciated.”

As a veteran, Douglas is passionate about supporting veteran organizations. The team understands the challenges of transitioning from military to civilian life and honors those sacrifices by supporting veteran-led companies and causes. Several veterans also have a home on the team.

Recognition is woven into JMARK’s culture. Awards like Gem of the Quarter and Tech of the Quarter celebrate individual contributions, while the annual Living the Six award honors a team member who has done an outstanding job of living the company’s six core values.

Health and well-being are major priorities. The company recently launched a counseling and coaching program to support employees personally and professionally. JMARK also pays 100% of health insurance costs for each employee, plus 70% of coverage for their entire family. “We want to make sure everybody knows we want to keep their family well,” Douglas says.

5. NABHOLZ

NABHOLZ is building a strong future through youth apprenticeships, employee wellness and a positive culture.

NABHOLZ Construction Corporation is new to the Best Places to Work list this year! There, the environment and culture are important to the leadership team. They have a commitment to integrity and servant leadership. “We win together, we struggle together, we support each other together,” EVP of Operations Brandon Wall says.

It’s no surprise that a strong workforce is key to the future of the trade industry. With that in mind, NABHOLZ created a Youth Apprentice Program designed to attract young people to careers in construction. High school students can apprentice during the summer—and in some cases after school—and work alongside NABHOLZ crews on real projects. “That’s been a great experience for a student who is preparing to enter the workforce but may still be unsure,” Wall says.

NABHOLZ also invests in employee well-being through its in-house health and wellness department, which includes a full-time, professionally accredited nursing staff, nutritionists and a wellness team. In Springfield, they are preparing to build a new facility that includes a fitness area. “A healthy workforce is a safe workforce,” Wall says. 

6. Arvest

At Arvest, development, generosity and team spirit are just part of what makes it a great place to work.

For the team at Arvest, being named a Best Place to Work affirms that they’re doing something right. “We always say we work really hard, but we like to play hard too and have fun,” says SVP, Sales Manager Penny Lacy.

The team participates in the Million Meals campaign, where associates donate personally, involve customers and host fundraisers, including a popular “pie your banker” event. Employees are also encouraged to give back through paid volunteer hours with the charity or organization of their choice.

Through Arvest’s 401(k) plan, associates can purchase bank stock and benefit from a profit-sharing program. Based on company performance, they may receive a percentage of their pay in a January bonus. Arvest also contributes 6% of each associate’s salary into their retirement account, helping employees plan confidently for the future.

Arvest focuses heavily on the development of their people. They have programs for mentoring, internships and training, including Women of Work, Arbilities, BAAM, ArPride, ArVets and more. “If we can keep happy associates, our business will do better as well,” Lacy says. 

7. Abacus!

Abacus! has built a framework that empowers employees across every single level of the company.

At Abacus!, being a Best Place to Work is about building a culture where people can do their best work and truly enjoy what they do. “We believe people want to be part of something meaningful, where their contributions are recognized, their growth is supported and their values align with our firm’s mission,” says Chief Excellence Officer Andrea Battaglia.

Abacus! has Value Awards—a firmwide tradition that celebrates those who embody what the company stands for: excellence, growth, service and a people-focused mindset. During their busiest seasons, the team plays tax season bingo, hosts theme days and plans special events. “We take our work seriously, but we don’t take ourselves too seriously,” Battaglia says. “That balance is what makes the magic.”

The firm is intentional in how it supports employees at every level. They’ve created a Culture Guide, a Path to Partner framework and career growth training. Flexible work options are available, and the strategic plan is shared transparently with all employees, along with opportunities for them to give input and help bring it to life. Tools like balanced scorecards ensure that everyone has clear expectations and understands how their role connects to both personal growth and firmwide impact.

8. Toth and Associates, Inc.

Toth and Associates, Inc. focuses on building strong relationships and a workplace where people thrive.

After making the list last year, Toth and Associates, Inc. used the employee survey to drive real improvements across the company. For example, what was once a separate vacation and sick leave policy is now combined for more flexibility. The company also introduced bereavement pay and paid bonding time and expanded education assistance in response to staff feedback. “We try to look at the top things people are saying they’d like improved, and then we try to address that,” says President Adam Toth.

Toth also rewards hard work through bonuses and profit sharing and by continually expanding internal offerings that support connection, enjoyment and a strong sense of team culture. “We have a young senior leadership,” Toth says.

At Toth, the leadership team is always looking for ways to make the office environment more enjoyable. Perks include a ping pong table, full-service coffee and espresso bar, complimentary fruit and beverages with over 50 drink options, monthly celebrations with food provided, Thursday food trucks, family outings, sporting events and more. “As a consulting firm, what we sell is our relationships, our expertise, our joint knowledge, and all we have is our people,” Toth says. “Our people are our biggest asset.”

9. Panda Restaurant Group, Inc.

At Panda Restaurant Group, associates find opportunity, solid support and a company that gives back.

The Panda Restaurant Group is new to the Best Places to Work list. “What it means to me is that I am able to provide a future for people who may not have seen this as an opportunity,” says Susan Crespino, area coach of operations for a Missouri region. “I am able to let them see what the company is really about. They can go to school, get their hours and have a livable wage so they don’t have to have multiple jobs.”

Their CEO has been in place for 52 years, which is not something you see every day. Panda Restaurant Group’s benefits package includes a learning fund, tuition assistance and scholarships. Any employee working at least 30 hours per week and employed for a year is eligible. Associates can also earn monthly bonuses based on sales performance, and employees who refer new hires receive a referral bonus.

The team is passionate about giving back through Panda Cares, the company’s philanthropic arm. This includes donation matching and programs that help feed undernourished children and support at-risk youth. “Our initiative to no child being hungry, no associate being hungry—that means a lot to me that we’re taking care of our community and associates,” Crespino says.  

10. Holloway America

Manufacturing isn’t always a glamorous job, but Holloway America is proving it can be a top place to work.

Holloway America is the only manufacturer on the 2025 Best Places to Work list. Manufacturing is a notoriously tough industry, so to promote fun and reduce workday stress, the team hosts random donut days, giveaways during quarterly meetings and an annual associate appreciation day. “Camaraderie and community are something we spend a lot of time building,” says Human Resource Specialist Lacey Coleman. “Relationships are super important here.”

The culture is a perk at Holloway America. Employees receive quarterly bonuses, regardless of start date. The team goes all out for its annual Christmas bash, complete with skits, contests, awards and big-ticket giveaways—they’ve even handed over a truck a couple of times. There’s also an annual party at Silver Dollar City for employees to bring their families and spend time together. “We want to get to know your family because every decision we make affects them as well,” says Holloway America President Randy Colwell.

Safety is the top priority. For Holloway’s leadership team, that includes making work a place employees genuinely want to be. “We’re trying to set the stage for what manufacturing really should be as a lifestyle for a lot of people,” Colwell says.