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Jeremy Morris, 35
Tax manager, Williams-Keepers
Family: Wife Beth and children Macy, Tyler and Ellie
“I think many people think that accounting is a numbers profession, when, in actuality, it is a highly personal service profession,” says Jeremy Morris, Williams-Keepers tax manager and One to Watch nominee.
After graduating from the University of Missouri with a Master of Accountancy, Morris earned a Master of Science in business administration from Penn State University and became a CPA. While studying at MU, Morris decided to take his degree and move into the academic arena to teach accounting, but before beginning his studies at Penn State University, he completed an internship at Williams-Keepers. He ultimately realized he wanted to get back into public accounting where the work he did “would have a practical impact on individuals and business owners,” he says.
“Jeremy quickly rose through the ranks of the firm by developing his technical expertise, client service skills and leadership abilities,” says Morris’ employer, John Sheehan, CPA, J.D., Williams-Keepers.
In 10 years, Morris hopes to be doing what he’s doing now but as a better father and better servant to the clients and the community. “It sounds cliché, but I am a firm believer in continual improvement,” he says.
Morris’ work ethic and investment in the community are both products of his parents’ example. “They were the true embodiment of a strong work ethic, coupled with a mentality of leadership through service,” Morris says.
He’s also proud of the community support provided by Williams-Keepers employees. “I am fortunate to have wonderful role models who demonstrate a servant leader mentality,” he says, “and the way in which we serve our neighbors both in a professional setting and outside of the office is something I am very proud of.”
And family and co-workers are proud of him. “I believe Jeremy’s legacy will be of an individual who did his best to serve those around him, both the individuals and businesses that we are fortunate to work with as well as the larger Jefferson City community,” Sheehan says.
Community involvement: Morris’ community involvement includes the Mizzou Alumni Association Leadership Board for Cole County, finance committee member for the Jefferson City YMCA, finance committee member for St. Joseph Cathedral Parish, incoming treasurer for the Jefferson City Concert Association Board, Cole County Relay for Life, member of Jefferson City Young Professionals and investment committee member for the Missouri Valley Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Charity of choice: Missouri Valley Big Brothers Big Sisters
By matching adult mentors with kids (ages 6 to 17), MVBBBS makes a positive difference in the lives of children. The organization serves more than 250 children a year and is always looking for mentors to be paired with the kids. MVBBBS states these one-on-one relationships assist children in reaching their full potential by becoming more confident, competent and caring individuals.
“I have been fortunate to have strong mentors in my life, but not everyone is so lucky,” Morris says. This organization provides mentorship and support to those individuals who may not otherwise receive that additional support, encouragement and guidance.”
Angela Nale, XX 
PR coordinator, Central Bank
Family: Son Weston and daughter Whitney
Angela Nale was only 1 year old when her family moved to Jefferson City. Later, as an adult, she returned to the capital city to raise her two children: son, Weston, a recent graduate of JCHS, and daughter, Whitney, who is a fourth-grader at Moreau Heights Elementary School. “I am a single mother, and I am challenged on a daily basis with the balancing act of raising my children, work, community and personal time,” Nale says.
Nale’s commitment to family, community and career prompted co-worker Clay Broughton to nominate her for Ones to Watch. “Her willingness to connect to various organizations throughout the community reflects her personal values and those of Central Bank,” he says. “She works tirelessly to promote these values, putting in countless hours of her own time to accomplish a variety of worthwhile goals. With this attitude, it is little surprise that Central Bank has had such success creating a special bond with our community.”
Additionally, Broughton says Nale’s take-charge personality, careful attention to planning and expert execution of area events such as community football tailgates and parades make her ideal for the PR position.
“I am a very creative person, always thinking outside the box,” says Nale, who ran her own business before deciding it was time to go back to “work.”
Originally hired within the trust department, now known as Central Trust and Investment Co., Nale says an encounter with First Lady Georganne Nixon changed her career course. “At that time Mrs. Nixon was employed with Central Bank,” she says. “She knew my personality was way too big for the trust department, and when a position came open in the marketing department, she pushed for me to pursue it.”
Nale says she’s humbled to be chosen as a One’s to Watch nominee. “I don’t believe I deserve to be honored,” she says, adding that she’s blessed to work in a position that allows her to give back to the community. “I love what I do and always believe I could do it better. But, on the other hand, it is nice to know someone notices what you do.”
Community involvement: Nale volunteers with several community organizations, including: United Way, Jefferson City Chamber of Commerce, Jefferson City Downtown Business Association, Partners in Education, American Heart Association, Jefferson City Nightmare Rugby Football, Missouri Youth Rugby and Upward Basketball, Boys and Girls Club, March of Dimes and the American Cancer Society Relay for Life.
Charity of choice: American Diabetes Association
“My father died at 43 from complications of a life suffering with diabetes,” Nale says. “I spent my childhood watching him suffer: losing both legs, a kidney transplant, losing his vision and most of all losing his ability to do things with his daughters that most daddies get to do. They say that diabetes is the silent killer; I believe we can change that. I choose the American Diabetes Association, and I know it would make my daddy proud.”
Tyler Beck
Senior account manager, GFI Digital
Family: Wife Susan and firstborn baby, a girl, due in July
Jefferson City native Tyler Beck always planned to go into business, so after high school he enrolled in San Diego City College in California and took various business and marketing classes. However, two years later he returned to the Midwest to help his mother run her bar in Hermann, Missouri. But according to Beck, moving back to the Jefferson City turned out to be a great decision because two years later he was hired by the office technology company GFI Digital.
Corey Backues, who nominated Beck, says Beck’s hard work, great attitude and ability to work with others makes people want to follow him. “Tyler is always willing to take the lead,” Backues says. In fact, in 2009, the company awarded Beck the title of Rookie of the Year.
“Tyler is consistently a top producer and has won the GFI Presidents Club Award five times [the highest award achievable],” Backues says, which makes Beck a vital part of the GFI Mid Missouri organization. “We can always count on Tyler to go above and beyond for our customers and fellow co-workers.”
Backues is also impressed with Beck’s commitment to the community, especially his desire to join committees, help those in need and ultimately make a difference. “He not only donates his money but also his time to many organizations in Jefferson City,” Backues says.
Beck is thrilled to be selected as a nominee for Ones to Watch. “There are a lot of people that I look up to who have been in City Magazine’s Ones to Watch issue,” he says, “so being part of this group is an exceptional honor.”
Community involvement: Beck is a 2013 graduate of the Jefferson City Chamber: Leadership Jefferson City and was voted the class representative for the Jefferson City Chamber Executive Board. He has participated in all of the chamber committees and has chaired the golf committee. Other volunteer activities include the Boys and Girls Club along with fundraising events such as Men of the Club, where he was crowned Mr. Capital City in 2011. He has participated in the Heart Walk and the GFI Pace Setter Campaign for the United Way. Beck led the Jefferson City YMCA basketball fundraiser and is an active member of the YMCA annual auction committee. Additionally, he serves on the business curriculum board at Linn State Tech, where he helps shape business programs for the college.
Charity of choice: Boys and Girls Club
“I was fortunate to have a great childhood, but I know that is not the case for many children,” Beck says. “I also believe all kids should have an equal opportunity to succeed. The Boys and Girls Club is a great place for kids to hang out when they don’t have anything to do after school. But along with play, there is time for studies. The Boys and Girls Club provides a great start for a better future.”
Devin Fischer, 30
Manager, Fischer Body Shop
Family: Wife Valerie, son Maxon and daughter Hanna
From an early age, Devin Fischer loved cars, but he wasn’t sure what path, if any, that passion would take when thinking about a career.
“My dad [Curt Fischer] opened Fischer Body Shop 35 years ago,” Devin says. “I worked there in the summers, and I loved cars, trucks, racing…but wasn’t sure what I wanted to do when it was time to go to college.”
One year into a two-year business marketing degree at State Fair Community College, the then 19-year-old’s life changed.
“I was forced to pull him from college early to begin the roll of estimator for Fischer Body Shop,” Curt Fischer says.
At the time, father and son sat down for a frank discussion. “He told me the opportunity was there if I wanted it,” Devin says. “I took the ball and ran with it.”
“He went from being jerked out of college to managing over 30 employees,” Curt says proudly.
During the past 11 years as Devin has learned and managed the business, the Jefferson City body shop has seen an approximate five to six times growth rate, built a new location in Jefferson City, added a glass shop and opened a body shop in Eldon. For Devin, his pride in what he does stems from his father’s name and what it represents, along with the team they’ve built around themselves. “I think Fischer’s has the best group in the automotive industry here,” Devin says.
He also takes great pride in helping people. “When something goes wrong with a car, it’s a major inconvenience and stressor,” he says. “I enjoy making things easier for the customer.”
Looking into the future 10 years, Devin says he hopes to, “God willing, add some locations, maybe have full ownership so dad can retire and meet other life goals he has and see my younger brother, Chase, managing as well.”
For now, Devin will continue to enjoy cars, trucks and racing and getting his customers back on track with Fischer quality work and friendly service.
Community involvement: Not only does he enjoy helping his customers, but Fischer also gives back to the community as much and as often as he can. This includes involvement with The Special Learning Center, Capital City Connections, coaching and supporting local youth sports and participating in local food drives.
Charity of choice: The Special Learning Center
The Special Learning Center helps special-needs children attain their maximum potential through classroom instruction and comprehensive therapy services. The center also provides an outreach therapy program, a preschool/child care program and pediatric evaluations and development screenings.
Fischer became familiar with The Special Learning Center through his father, who is a board member, and when Fischer won a charity grant from a television station, he donated the money to the center.
“Being there allowed me to see what the center does and what a difference it makes in the kids’ lives,” he says.
Kelli Schreimann Jones, 36
Family Chief financial officer, Moneta Group
Family: Husband Scott Jones, son Caleb and daughter Kendall
Professional consultant Kelli Jones began her career in financial planning with Arthur Anderson LLP in St. Louis but has been with Moneta Group for the past 12 years providing family CFO services.
While at MU earning a master’s degree in accountancy, Jones interviewed for a tax season internship that changed the course of her life. “Nearly by accident I ended up discovering my love for financial planning,” she says of hitting it off with a manager in Arthur Andersen’s Personal Financial Planning group who became her professional mentor and a lifelong friend.
Jones has earned CPA and Certified Financial Planner designations and is also a three-year winner (2012, 2013 and 2014) of the Five Star Professional Wealth Manager Award.
“Each day brings new challenges and the need for creative solutions,” Jones says.
Those solutions help her clients achieve their financial goals, and Jones enjoys their successes and milestones. “At the end of the day, I hope that the work I have done has mattered to them.”
“She is a role model for young women who need to see what a young female professional looks like, regularly dedicating time to the community and to the [sometimes male-dominated] profession,” says co-worker and nominator Emily Barlean.
In addition to her father, Duane Schreimann, teaching her by example that a professional has a responsibility to the clients he or she serves, she also learned that as a member of the community, she has a responsibility to give back.
“It is so admirable that Kelli uses her knowledge of the finance world to give back, which shows leadership in the industry,” Barlean says. “She is also always smiling and helpful, which goes a long way.”
Community involvement: This is Jones’ seventh year as a Jefferson City Rape and Abuse Crisis Service board member. She is also a board past-president and treasurer. She is also a current board member of the St. Mary’s Health Center Foundation and is a member of the Cancer Center campaign committee and finance committee.
Rounding out her current community involvement is being treasurer for the Belair PTA.
“We all benefit from the schools, churches and wonderful local charities that exist here, so it is important for me to give back,” Jones says. “Whether sitting on a board, helping build a home or volunteering at a school event, it all has an impact on people in our community, and I want my children to grow up understanding they have a responsibility to give back as well.”
Charity of choice: Jefferson City Rape and Abuse Crisis Service
RACS provides services for domestic violence and sexual assault victims and their families. Services include emergency shelter, counseling, support groups and a hotline.
“I chose RACS because it is a great example of a truly local charity. Many members of the community have been crucial to the creation and growth of RACS. The support of this community is what started RACS and keeps the organization going — in addition to the amazing Executive Director Jim Clardy, of course.
Andy Fechtel, XX
Brand specialist and warehouse manager, Fechtel Beverage and Sales
Born and raised in Jefferson City, Andy Fechtel graduated with his Bachelor of Science in management and a minor in studio art from Providence College in Rhode Island in 2008. During his college career, he received an academic award as the top student in the management department. Following graduation he was elected to the board of trustees and then served on the Providence College Board of Governors. He lived briefly in Boston before family ties and a desire to return to his Midwestern roots drew him back to his hometown. Upon returning, he earned his MBA with an emphasis in marketing from the MU.
Today, Fechtel represents the fourth generation in his family’s beverage business and is proud of the legacy he is continuing. “When it is all said and done, we help thousands of local businesses, many of which are family run or multigenerational, make a living by offering quality products from all over the world,” he says.
Ann Bax, president/CFO of the United Way of Central Missouri, has been impressed by Fechtel’s desire to help others and nominated him for Ones to Watch. “He truly believes it is his obligation to leave the world in a better place than he found it, and he is doing just that through his current philanthropic involvement and his work with Fechtel Beverage,” she says. “He is able to rally people around a cause and has done just that for the United Way and many other worthwhile organizations in this community.”
Bax believes Fechtel’s enthusiasm inspires people to want to give back. “Andy is outgoing, energetic and passionate about this community,” she says. “He leads by example and works tirelessly to move our community forward.”
Fechtel is honored to be chosen as a Ones to Watch Nominee. “I don’t see the nomination as an award or as recognition but as a reminder of the opportunities that have been presented to me and a call to action to ensure they are never taken for granted,” he says.
Community involvement: Fechtel volunteers considerable time with the United Way of Central Missouri, where he serves in several capacities, including governing body member, campaign co-chair and Fund Allocation Panel co-chair. He is also a Chamber of Commerce member and serves on both the Providence College Board of Governors and the Capital Region Medical Center Board of Governors. He co-chaired the 2013 Boys and Girls Club Cork Fork and Brew event, is heavily involved with Capital City Cinema and is a past Rotaract member.
Charity of Choice: The United Way of Central Missouri
“The United Way is such a deserving organization,” Fechtel says. “They provide assistance to seniors, children, the underprivileged and those who just need a hand up in our community.”
