Justus For The Missouri 62nd

My family, my church, Branson, and the wholesale plumbing business have been the heart and soul of my life.  After a childhood in Branson schools, I left only long enough to earn a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business from Austin College in Austin, Texas.  Then it was back to my home in the Ozarks to work at L & J Plumbing Supply followed by a period of management in another family business, The Branson Town Mall.  Years of hard work and varied experience culminated in the position of President of the wholesale plumbing company.As the endeavor grew, so did my awareness of the business needs of the community.  The Chamber of Commerce seemed to be the ideal place to put my background and interest to good work.  As a board member of the chamber, as the vice chairman of the Small Business Advisory Council, and as a part of the Membership and Funding Councils, for many years I have been instrumental in guiding Branson businesses in a positive direction.  To this day, I serve as a committee member on the two latter councils.Where there is a need, I seem to hear the call.  The First Presbyterian Church of Branson needed parishoners to step up; I did just that by serving as a Deacon, as an Elder, as a Sunday School teacher, and as a member of the choir.  Renovation of the old stone church was even accomplished on my watch.  When the Boy Scouts were desperate for a leader, I answered the call by serving a local troop, a varsity crew, and  both district and council positions.

Throughout the years, many other organizations have reaped the rewards of my service to the community.  On the Table Rock Chamber of Commerce, I served as chairman of the search committee for the new CEO and chairman of the board.  I have been a long time member of the Branson Advisory Park Board, a trustee on the Skaggs Board, and an honorary coach of the College of the Ozarks NAIA Division II Men’s National Championship tournament.  With two other Branson businessment, I have developed the High Road Plaza, an industrial park.  Recently, much of my time has been spent as President of the Down Town Branson Main Street Association and President of the Branson Historical Community Improvement District.

With all of the aforementioned commitments, I have managed to retain a balance to my life; that is, an acceptance of the fact that first and foremost are my lovely wife of twenty-eight years, Glenda, my three children, and my five grandchildren.  All of these make me proud of my family history and the part we have played in the Ozarks and in Branson.