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Saturday, November 21, 2009  
 
 
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M.D. Applies Experiences from Several Sources to
Pursue Consulting Business


Paula J. Hartzell, M.D., P.C. — Joplin, MO

What's a doctor to do when she sees people ailing? Cure the ailment.

That's exactly what Dr. Paula Hartzell has done in the Joplin area as an urgent-care physician and as an entrepreneur.

The ailment she addresses as an entrepreneur is a dearth of business training opportunities in the areas of leadership and professional and personal development. A 1982 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and a former Navy C-130 navigator, Hartzell first explored the topic of leadership as an instructor in the Navy.

Later as a civilian, after completing her medical studies, Hartzell consistently observed dramatic improvements in the health of people who adopted changes in lifestyle. That led her to the idea of starting a consulting business devoted to professional and personal development to help people explore potentially beneficial changes in their approaches to work and their everyday lives.

Her medical duties in the emergency room are demanding and her schedule is more than hectic, but it's predictable.

"I'm on duty in urgent care for long, but set periods of time," she explains. "In addition I don't have the time constraints of a standard medical practice."

So in her off-time Hartzell is free to devote her attention to other things. Her business, Paula J. Hartzell, M.D., P.C., has been the dominant other thing capturing her attention.

"Blending her medical training and leadership background, Paula has developed professional development training that addresses organizational as well as individual well-being," says Karen Bradshaw, business counselor with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Missouri Southern State University in Joplin. The SBDC is affiliated with the statewide Missouri SBDCs, which are part of the University of Missouri's Extension business development program.

"Paula provides entertaining presentations with solid foundations, emphasizing practical tools for audiences to readily apply."

Through her company Hartzell offers training via seminars, workshops and individual coaching on a range of topics: personal efficiency, leadership, professional development, life-balancing and stress management.

Shortly after starting her consulting business in 2002, Hartzell found herself at a crossroads: relying on the relatively expensive support of commercial agencies was becoming too costly for her small, one-woman professional corporation. That's when she turned to Bradshaw and the SBDC for help.

"When I discovered the amazing range of services and high quality of instruction offered through the SBDC, I realized that I would not be able to locate this assistance from any other source at any price," says Hartzell. "Since the SBDC is designed for small enterprise, they focus on specific advice and training that directly applies to your individual business."

Hartzell's business has benefited from the SBDC's many programs and services, such as Bradshaw's advice on outsourcing, marketing techniques, brochure development, presentations, networking and Web site development. The SBDC also offers a range of affordable business training courses.

After taking advantage of the SBDC's expert advice Hartzell is in a better position to offer her consulting services. Consequently, in a symbiotic relationship, Hartzell has joined with the SBDC to offer leadership and professional development workshops, which have greatly expanded her business and complement the offerings of the SBDC.

And because of the impressive strides she has taken with her firm, Paula Hartzell will represent the SBDC at the second annual Client Showcase and Legislative Breakfast Thursday, Feb. 9, in the State Capitol Rotunda in Jefferson City.

At that event hosted by MO SBDC, Hartzell and representatives from more than a dozen other outstanding Missouri companies will meet with legislators to discuss their products and services. They also will be recognized for their contributions to the economic development of the state of Missouri. Recognition from MO SBDC will be accompanied by legislative resolutions presented by each company's district state senator and state representative.

For more information on the services of the MO SBDC program, call Karen Bradshaw at 417-625-9520 or e-mail her at bradshaw-k@mssu.edu


Featured Entrepreneurs and Client Showcase Archive

Manufacturer

  • A.M. Pyrotechnics LLC of Buffalo - produces fireworks and choreographs professional pyrotechnics displays
  • Billy Goat Industries of Lee's Summit - manufacturer of outdoor power equipment
  • Eyes of the World of Rolla - manufacturer of high-quality intraocular lenses for humans and animals
  • ISW Group, Inc., of St. Louis - manufacturer of a skin-care product for African Americans suffering with dermatological problemsShowcase 2005 client
  • The Newberry Group of St. Louis - developer of computer security systemsShowcase 2005 client
  • Patric Chocolate of Columbia - gourmet chocolate maker Showcase 2008 client
  • Pogue Label and Screen of St. Louis - a specialist in printing labels on plastic containersShowcase 2005 client
  • Sigma Aldrich of St. Louis - chemical manufacturer Showcase 2005 client
  • TechGuard Security of Chesterfield - provider of information network security products Showcase 2005 client
  • X-Com, Inc. of Warrensburg, - produces digital communications hardware and software for the Navy and other commercial applications and products

Professional, Scientific and Technical Service

  • Aegis Business Solutions LLC of Kansas City -
    offers solutions to business problems in information technology Showcase 2008 client
  • Brick City Custom Works of Mexico - custom motorcycle repair and service shop
  • Gaskin, Hill, Norcross of Springfield - developer of a text messaging system Showcase 2006 client
  • Global Solutions Group of Fenton - network solutions, IT telephone and systems management firmShowcase 2005 client
  • H2O Technical Services, Inc., of Springfield, a provider of integrated water treatment services and applications Showcase 2006 client
  • Hammer Collections of Springfield - employs computer software and information technology to resolve and prevent payment delinquencies Showcase 2008 client
  • InnovaPrep LLC of Drexel - developing technology to aid detection systems for biodefense, medical diagnostics, food and beverage industries
  • Language Solutions, Inc. of St. Louis - specializing in translation technology and multi-lingual communications services to assist other businesses reach a global market Showcase 2008 client
  • Logistical Resource Solutions of St. Louis - storage and inventory control
  • Lytmos Group LLC of Lee's Summit - provides peer review and grants management support to organizations that sponsor high technology R&D Showcase 2008 client
  • Mobile Media Technologies, LLC of Kansas Ciy - wireless communications
  • Nanoparticle BioChem Inc. of Columbia - research and production of nanoparticle-based products
  • Nanova, Inc. of Columbia - researching biomaterials, materials, composites and medical devices to develop more reliable medical devices Showcase 2008 client
  • NEMS/MEMS Works LLC of Columbia - engineering researchers developing early-stage prototypes of nanotechnology delivery devices to target drug Showcase 2008 clientapplications in patients with life-threatening conditions
  • OsteoGeneX of Kansas City - drug research and biotech commercialization
  • Paternity Testing Corporation of Columbia - forensic investigations, DNA profiling and parental identificationShowcase 2005 client
  • PureFlow Technologies Inc. of Jefferson City - produces and markets a diesel engine fuel efficiency device
  • P/Strada, LLC, of Kansas City - a consultant in bio-terrorism and homeland security Showcase 2005 client
  • QM Power Inc. of Greenwood - developing magnetic force control technology
  • Sign Designs of Joplin - designs and manufactures custom signs for large corporations and small businesses Showcase 2008 client
  • Technology and Networking of Cape Girardeau - computer technology and telecommunications sales and services Showcase 2008 client
  • The Vacation Channel of Branson - independent TV station providing tourism infoShowcase 2005 client
  • Westinn Kennels of St. Charles - canine boarding and training facility
  • Wren Associates, Ltd. of Jefferson City - provider of retail fraud detection systemsShowcase 2005 client
 

Accommodation & Food Services

Retail Trade

Educational Services

  • Kim's Kids of St. Louis - day care/learning centers
  • OCCU-TEC, Inc., of Kansas City - firm specializing in safety and environmental training Showcase 2005 client

Health & Social Services

Construction

Showcase 2008 client Starred clients were a part of the 2008 Client Showcase [more]

Showcase 2006 client Starred clients were a part of the 2006 Client Showcase [more]

Showcase 2005 client Starred clients were a part of the 2005 Client Showcase [more]

Visit the current Featured Entrepreneur

 

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