Richard Ollis' Biz 100 Power Play

Ensuring the City’s Success

It seems there’s always something happening at Ollis/Akers/Arney Insurance & Business Advisors. In fact, CEO and Chairman Richard Ollis says the company recently added 20 new employee owners to the team. And while this growth is something any company CEO should be proud of, the successes certainly don’t stop there when Ollis is concerned. He’s making things happen outside of his company’s office as a Springfield City Council member, a position he’s held since being appointed in May. The Southwest Missouri State University (now MSU) alum was happy to fill the open seat. “I wanted to get involved with city council because I love Springfield,” Ollis says. “Our community is on the verge of becoming a top-tier midsized city. We can and should achieve this status. I want to be a part of the process. We are already good—the timing is right to move to great.”