In the heart of the Ozarks, amid the friendly neighborhoods of Springfield, Missouri, a thriving and dynamic business scene has been quietly shaping the city’s identity.
Bass Pro Shops: At age 21, Johnny Morris fell in love with the emerging sport of bass fishing and spent five years on the professional circuit. After noticing growing interest in the sport, Johnny started Bass Pro Shops with 8 square feet of space in the back of his father’s liquor store in Springfield, Missouri, the company’s sole location for the first 13 years of business. Bass Pro Shops has expanded to over 154 locations across the United States. The success of Johnny Morris has led to many other outdoor adventures in the Ozarks such as Dogwood Canyon and Big Cedar Lodge.
O’Reilly Auto Parts: O’Reilly Automotive, Inc. officially started in the auto parts business in Springfield, Missouri, in November of 1957. Sales the first full year totaled $700,000. O’Reilly Automotive’s impactful reach stretches nationwide, with an impressive 5600+ stores across 47 states.
The Kraft Heinz Company: The Kraft Heinz Company, one of the top food and beverage companies, operates with 36,000+ employees across 40+ companies. Over 1,000 employees make up the Kraft Team at the Springfield location.
Cox Health: More than 100 years ago, CoxHealth’s story began with the generous donation of a Springfield woman’s duplex on Jefferson Avenue. Passionate about helping others, Ellen Burge dedicated her life and resources to improving the Springfield community. Her house became Burge Deaconess Hospital. The hospital opened its doors on Thanksgiving Day 1906 and almost immediately began serving patients to its full capacity. From 500 employees in the 1960s, we’ve grown to more than 12,000 employees today. From a single campus in North Springfield, the system now includes hospitals in South Springfield, Branson, Monett and Lamar. Once a struggling organization, CoxHealth is now able to contribute millions each year to community outreach, medical education and research, foundation grants, donations and other contributions to the community.
Mercy: Founded by Dr. Jonathan Edward Tefft, first operated by the Sisters of Mercy, what started as a 4-bed hospital, received its first patient on November 6, 1891. Today Mercy Hospital has grown to more than 800 beds and provides the region’s only Level I Trauma Center for adult and pediatric patients, a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, the region’s burn unit and a Children’s Hospital.
Kody Gideon and Victoria Gideon are Springfield, MO real estate relocation experts. If you find yourself moving to Springfield, for an employment opportunity, let us know how we can help you find your dream home!