Let’s be honest, when it comes to holiday shopping, some gifts are destined for the island of misfit toys. (Remember that neon sweater from Aunt Carol back in the day?) But tech gifts? That’s the stuff that never gathers dust.
Every event tells a story, and fashion is part of the narrative. It’s the sparkle that marks a milestone, the glam that sets the mood, and the traditions that connect us across generations. This season, we highlight three incredible women who bring these elements to life, showcasing how style can be both personal and powerful within our Lake community.
Long before Disneyland became a winter wonderland of twinkling lights and festive parades at Christmastime, a young boy in Marceline, Missouri, dreamed beneath a cottonwood tree, imagining worlds full of magic—and maybe a few snowflakes.
Brad Ekstam is the founder and owner of FASS Diesel Solutions, a Missouri-based company that has become one of the most trusted names in the diesel industry. Known throughout the trucking, military, and diesel performance industries as a forward-thinking innovator, Brad has spent decades building a brand that stands for reliability, durability, and real-world problem solving.
The Lake of the Ozarks has become a golf professional’s destination of choice, offering great courses, career development opportunities, and growing relationships with both local golfers and visitors seeking excellent golf, all within miles of each other. L•O PROFILE is pleased to introduce you to the following professionals who help shape the great courses and memorable golf experiences around the Lake area.
United by purpose and driven by compassion, these women stand as pillars of hope and progress in the Lake community. They champion inclusion for individuals with disabilities, protect and empower children in crisis, and offer refuge and healing to survivors of domestic violence. They lead efforts that strengthen healthcare resources and ignite the growth of local nonprofits, ensuring critical needs are met and futures are brighter. Their influence reaches far beyond their organizations, shaping lives, inspiring action, and proving that leadership grounded in empathy can transform an entire community. Together, they embody the very spirit of service, resilience, and change.
Tucked away on an expansive 465-acre property, this modern farmhouse offers more than just a beautiful place to live; it tells a story of legacy, craftsmanship, and intentional living. For the homeowner, Alan Downey, building this home through Liberty General Contracting was about more than design. It was about creating a sanctuary that honors his past while embracing the serenity of the land.
Not many people have lived through horse-drawn wagons, world wars, the invention of televisions, man on the moon, the internet, and smartphones, but Tennyson AJ-royd DeGraffenreid did just that and more. His life was not only long, but also rich in purpose, community, humor, and as one of the Lake of the Ozarks’ first pioneers.
For its 18th Anniversary Edition, themed “There’s No Place Like Home,” L•O PROFILE proudly presents its 6th Annual Ambassadors of Hope. Nominated by the Lake community, these honor- ees are drawn from a place of extremely generous giving and, most of all, determined individuals whose optimism, resilience, and spirit lift others. Their stories, shaped by both challenges and triumphs, shine as beacons, reminding us that with perseverance and positivity, the light will always lead the Lake forward and illuminate the path for others to follow.
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, a time to honor young warriors and shine a light on the urgent need for research, funding, and support. This month, we remember Vivian Robinson, a bold and beautiful soul whose life was touched by one of the most devastating pediatric diagnoses: Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG).Vivian’s journey began with a subtle symptom—a drifting eye. Initially suspected to be a concussion, it soon became clear that something far more serious was happening. After a series of scans and hospital visits, the Robinson family received the heartbreaking news: Vivian had DIPG.
