Saluting Lake Area Business Notables

VIP Spotlight would like to acknowledge Lake area businesses and professionals who strive to make our area a better place. These honorees work diligently to help the commerce community flourish. Each Chamber organization from the surrounding communities has awarded these members for their commitment to making Lake of the Ozarks one of the top places to live and visit.

jan-feb 2025 cover story

Building A Legacy on the Water

Randy Scism, the founder of Marine Technology, Inc. (MTI), has built a legacy that stretches beyond high-performance boats. It’s a story of passion, craftsmanship, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. But according to Randy, the foundation of MTI started with a simple, yet powerful philosophy. “I’ve been building high-performance boats for over 30 years, and my philosophy has always been to create something that’s faster, safer, and more stable than anything else out there,” Randy reflects. “I want MTI to push the boundaries of design and performance, and that’s what we strive for every day.”

Timeless Glamour at the Lake

Dave and Suzie Spence are true Missourians who care for the state’s growth and its antiquity. As former owners of a historic multi-acre home in St. Louis, the Spences, after years as second homeowners at the Lake, are now full-time Lake residents. Uniquely, the Spences share time in California where they own a successful winery. Their passion for history, design, and family is evident in that their Lake of the Ozarks home is designed to be a lasting space for future generations.

Magical Moments – Angels Among Us

If you search for “angel” in the Merriam-Webster online dictionary, you’re met with a 21-word definition. Below that, a separate explanation for “guardian angel” is given. In its simplest form, and as told by the Bible, an angel is synonymous with a messenger. While there will always be those who follow the adage, “seeing is believing”” most will agree that not everything in our world is visible to the naked eye.

Traditional Simplicity – A Farmhouse Christmas

The classic tale of Santa Claus, allegedly a legend for those who don’t believe, warms the hearts of people all around the globe and entices the tradition of making a home as welcoming as possible for Santa to visit on his big night. In doing this, families also get to enjoy the grandeur of a cozy home that provides a warm aura all through the holiday months, beckoning the scents of fresh baked sugar cookies, decadent hot chocolate, and homemade reindeer treats for Rudolph and his hard-working pals! It’s especially important for Santa to feel right at home while he works hard to deliver presents to all the boys and girls around the world, ensuring that the comforting interior of a home feels like stepping into the North Pole for ole Saint Nick.

Special Holiday Magic - The People’s Home

Special Holiday Magic – The People’s Home

“Deck the Halls” has become a classic carol that most passersby hum cheerfully to themselves as they stroll on a crisp, chilly December afternoon, bringing a rosy flush to their cheeks while Christmas shopping. However, the song also breathes life into the halls of many homes during the joyous holiday season, bringing the art of creating a feeling into the real world. Many feelings go through a visitor upon walking into the stunningly festive decor of the Missouri governor’s mansion at Christmas time: awe, amazement, pure joy, and a warm feeling of pride and belonging. Grand halls decked with historical holiday ribbons rich in color dazzle the garland and trees head to toe with warm, sparkling lights and ornaments – a tradition unlike any other.