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.
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.
A home at Lake of the Ozarks is a treasure year-round, but there is a special kind of magic that comes with living at the Lake during the summertime. Beautiful backyard sunsets, outdoor grilling, and laughing children are a few of the highlights of the summer months. These exact anecdotes can be found in the home of Jacob and Beth Sullivan. The house is a stunning reflection of transitional modern style, blending timeless vintage charm with everyday functionality. “It’s a transitional modern style, both architecturally and in the interior design,” Beth shares.
In 1975, Mack Amini opened a modest store in Oklahoma City with just five pool tables and a handful of bar stools. Having emigrated from Iran in the 1960s, Mack was driven by a vision of entrepreneurship and a desire to build a better life for his young family. Over the next five decades, that small venture grew into Amini’s Galleria, a premier destination for luxury home furnishings, game room essentials, and outdoor living, with locations in Chesterfield, Kansas City, Tulsa, and Oklahoma City.
At 36, Kyle Robinson, Vice President of Sales at Econo Lift, brings passion, family pride, and a love for helping others to the generational boat lift company his grandparents founded. Raised in Camdenton, Missouri, Kyle never imagined himself back in his hometown, much less leading the next generation of the family business.
Within a few seconds, once you hear the familiar guitar and harmonica lick, you’ll immediately recognize the treasured serenade “If You Wanna Get to Heaven.” The Ozark Mountain Daredevils have delighted audiences worldwide for over 50 years with their impeccable harmonies, musicianship, and creativity.