Fall 2025 Semester
Entrepreneurship Speaker Series
Unveiling the Entrepreneurial Journey
John Hunter
Date: Wednesday, September 24, 2025
Time: 9:00 am to 10:00 am
Location: 3950 Newman Rd., Joplin Missouri 64801
Missouri Southern State University
Plaster School of Business
Cornell Auditorium
John Hunter is the President and CEO of American Ramp Company and Atlas Safe Rooms. He also co-owns University Plaza LLC, JNJ Properties and Gusanos Pizza Joplin. For the last 15 years John has led a team that has developed thousands of skate and bike park facilities across the globe, including all 50 states and 46 countries. Over the years John has contributed to national publications and been a speaker both state and international recreation and trail conferences. He is a National Ambassador for the non-profit “All Kids Bike” and a partner in “Be Good Foundation”.
John serves on the Foundation Board for Crowder College as well as the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Executive Committee.
Kristen Hawkins
Date: Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Time: 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Location: 3950 Newman Rd., Joplin Missouri 64801
Missouri Southern State University
Plaster School of Business
Cornell Auditorium
Kristen Hawkins is the founder and CEO of PUP, a super neat dog boutique in downtown Carl Junction, Missouri. She is a graduate of Missouri Southern State University and uses her business background to create a unique blend of products, services, and community events that enrich the lives of dogs and their people. Kristen is a strong advocate of animal rights and actively participates in animal-assisted therapy work.
Andrew Jordan & Emma Ball
Date: Wednesday, November 19, 2025
Time: 10:00 am to 11:00 am
Location: 3950 Newman Rd., Joplin Missouri 64801
Missouri Southern State University
Plaster School of Business
Cornell Auditorium
Andrew Jordan is a CPA and co-owner of Jordan CPA Services, where he specializes in tax planning, bookkeeping, and fractional CFO services for growing businesses. He regularly speaks on topics like tax strategy, corporate governance, and the role of AI in accounting. Andrew was named one of Joplin Business Journal’s 15 Under 40 and is a graduate of the AICPA Leadership Academy. Outside of work, he’s a proud husband to Sarah and dad to three wonderful kids — Evelyn, Theo, and Lillian — who inspire and energize him every day.
Emma Ball is the Chief Operations Officer at Jordan CPA Services and a 40 Under 40 honoree by the Joplin Business Journal. With a background that spans both corporate and small business roles, she leads with creativity, clarity, and a heart for people. She’s the founder of the Hip Handmade Market, a beloved local craft fair, and speaks regularly on topics like small business taxes, project management, and personal growth. Emma is also a proud mom to Douglas and Isabella, a role that grounds and inspires everything she does.