THE FOUNDERS

Ralph Slavens

Ralph loved his Queen City and worked for its betterment all his life. He was a member of the Junior Jaycees, the Jaycees, the Northside Betterment Association and Abou Ben Adhem Shrine, where he started the Greeter’s Club and served as the first Chief Greeter.

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John Q. Hammons

This Missouri native and long-time Springfield businessman, whose greatest passions were hotel development and sports, remained active in business until the age of 91. Over the course of his impressive 52-year career in the lodging industry, Mr. Hammons developed 210 hotel properties in 40 states and was honored with numerous lifetime achievement awards.

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Sam Hamra

In 1959, Sam began practicing law in Springfield, Missouri. He served as City Attorney for Nixa and Governmental Relations Attorney for Branson and St. Robert. Sam is Founder and Chairman of Hamra Enterprises, consisting of 172 Wendy’s Restaurants.

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Dewayne Holden

Dwayne loved serving the local community and the greater society by supporting nonprofits and charitable organizations. Holden grew Custom Metalcraft into one of the most innovative companies in the world.

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Jim Hagale

A native of Springfield, Missouri, Hagale now runs one of his hometown’s most beloved institutions, Bass Pro Shops. Prior to coming to Bass as an Executive Vice President, Hagale founded and ran Hagale Industries–his own apparel manufacturing and marketing company.

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