Kari Williams

1 month ago | militaryfamilies.com | Kari Williams

Ten-year-old Charli Johnson is so famous in her town that she can’t even walk outside without being recognized. That’s because she’s the face of Big Guns Coffee — the first hydroponic coffee company in the United States — alongside her father, Marine Corps veteran T. Shane Johnson. Shane, who served in the Marine Corps from 1998 to 2002, participated in the Frontline to Farm program at North Carolina’s Appalachian State University where he met someone growing hydroponic lettuce.

2 months ago | reservenationalguard.com | Kari Williams

Stephanie Richard joined the Connecticut National Guard more than three decades ago for the education benefits. Since then, she has climbed the ranks, deployed multiple times and, most recently, became the state’s first female command chief warrant officer. “All the hard work and hours and sacrifices, it just really paid off,” said Richard, now a chief warrant officer 4.

Jan 14, 2025 | myleaderpaper.com | Kari Williams

Brian Schaefer spent 25 years in the financial services industry, but a landmark birthday ushered in change that led to the creation of the STL Shed Guy business in Herculaneum. “When I turned 50, I just wanted to turn a chapter and get into something entirely different,” he said. “I saw an ad for a company that talked about providing people with viable storage solutions in their own backyard.

Jan 14, 2025 | myleaderpaper.com | Kari Williams

Kristy Carder has been around design most of her life. From her father’s work as an engineer, drawing blueprints for houses, to her own career in graphic design, she said, it has always been a presence. Seven years ago, she turned her love for design into Comfort Cabinetry, 404 N. Main St., in De Soto. “My goal is to make sure (our customers) love their new space when they’re finished with it,” Carder said.

Dec 10, 2024 | militaryfamilies.com | Kari Williams

It’s easy to think that renter’s insurance isn’t necessary. But policies are easy to obtain and won’t put much of a dent in the pocketbook, according to one military financial expert. “You need some coverage regardless of where you live and how much you own. It’s generally very inexpensive,” said Kate Horrell, an accredited financial counselor, chartered financial consultant, and military qualified financial planner.