Tucked deep in the history of Lake of the Ozarks is one family name that helped build the place — literally and culturally.

Emily (Blair) Mensendiek is part of that legacy: her family started Blair Cedar, Ozarkland, and Blair’s Landing — some of the most iconic local businesses at the Lake. Now, she’s turned her energy toward something new: the arts.

From orchestral performances to kids’ theater, Emily’s helping champion and grow a creative community at the Lake. In this episode, we talk about the roots of her family’s impact, how she and her husband are carrying it forward through Evergreen, and what a thriving arts scene could mean for the future of the Lake of the Ozarks.

Tucked into a little light-industrial corner of the city of Eldon, just a stone's throw from Lake of the Ozarks, is a wildly niche business with a high-profile, international customer base.

It's called Argosy: they make super-high-end, custom shelving and workstations specifically for audio recording studios. And it's all made right here at the Lake.

Here's one testimonial: "Argosy is the Rolls Royce of studio styling" - Jon Anderson; YES

James Rericha is the new owner/CEO of Argosy... but he's been involved in quite a few other businesses at the Lake too.

In this free-ranging conversation (as per usual), we talk about the Lake's lost manufacturing segment, the perils of private equity takeovers, and what many business-owners at the Lake aren't doing but should be.

This is definitely part-one of a conversation that is to be continued...

www.argosyconsole.com

www.r.vet

#lakeoftheozarks #business #recording #manufacturing #entrepreneurship

Episode thumbnail courtesy Argosy

Lighthouse for the Blind – St. Louis is a nonprofit manufacturer employing 200+ blind and visually impaired workers. They make Falcon boat horns (yep, the handheld ones you’re legally required to carry on your boat), Dust-Off “canned air,” vinyl/gelcoat repair patches, screen cleaners, emergency kits, and more—right here in Missouri.

We talk mission, products boaters actually use, how they train blind employees for factory work, and the surprisingly awesome sport of beep baseball.

Guests: Kevin Thomas & Steve Kish (LHB Industries)

Learn more: lhbindustries.com

• Why LHB exists: tackling ~75% unemployment among blind/visually impaired folks

• Products boaters need: Falcon air horns (multi-size, refillable trumpets), vinyl mender & fiberglass patch for quick repairs

• Household staples: Dust-Off electronic duster, wipes, HyperClean plant-based screen cleaner

• Where to buy: Walmart/Sam’s/Costco (Dust-Off), Walmart.com (horns), Amazon (RapidFix/Tear Mender/Vinyl Mender), Berg’s at the Lake (wipes/cleaner)

• Mission reinvestment: mobile vision clinics, SOAR life-skills, Space Camp for blind kids, support for beep baseball

• Factory: St. Louis (Maryland Heights), domestic suppliers, adapted lines, high QC