What happens when marriage, military service, and entrepreneurship collide? In this episode of Own the Journey, Tom sits down with Jonathan and Audrey Garard, co-owners of Grooms Office Environments in Springfield.

From Jonathan’s 15 years of military service to Audrey’s leap from advertising into business ownership, the Garards share how resilience, risk-taking, and relentless teamwork have shaped their lives. Together, they open up about:

• Navigating long deployments and raising young kids while building a business.

• The decision to buy Grooms and the grit it took to lead as one of the youngest Herman Miller dealership owners in the U.S.

• The challenges and humor of being spouses and business partners.

• Why creating intentional, people-focused workspaces is essential for culture, talent retention, and community impact.

• Their best advice for leaders: keep moving forward, bet on yourself, and surround yourself with trusted advisors.

It’s an honest, inspiring look at how faith, determination, and a deep commitment to people can turn challenges into opportunities.

In this inspiring episode of Own the Journey, host Thomas H. Douglas sits down with John Oke-Thomas—CEO, President, and Founder of Oke-Thomas + Associates. John shares his remarkable story of leaving Nigeria as a young man, traveling through Europe, and ultimately finding his way to Springfield, Missouri, where his accidental stop turned into a lifelong mission.

John reflects on his deep-rooted passion for architecture, from being fascinated by buildings as a child to launching his own firm and taking on historic projects like the Washington Avenue Baptist Church. Beyond blueprints and buildings, he opens up about the lessons of perseverance, communication, and the importance of designing not just for beauty but for people.

The conversation also dives into his role as a community leader, champion of diversity, and advocate for leaving a lasting footprint. With humility and wisdom, John shares what he’s learned about business, family, and the responsibility to make the world a better place during our short time here.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, community builder, or simply someone seeking inspiration, John’s journey is a testament to courage, vision, and the power of human connection

What does it take to lead a trucking company through change, challenges, and growth in today’s fast-moving world? In this episode of Own the Journey, we sit down with Mark Walker, CEO of Transland, to uncover the leadership lessons, industry insights, and personal philosophies that guide his journey.

🚛 Inside this episode:

• How Mark Walker shaped Transland’s culture and reputation in the trucking industry

• Lessons learned from navigating economic shifts, regulations, and technology adoption

• Why people-first leadership matters in an industry driven by efficiency and scale

• The future of trucking: sustainability, innovation, and the human side of logistics

Whether you’re a business leader, logistics professional, or someone seeking inspiration from resilient leadership, this conversation is packed with actionable takeaways.