Name: Mitch & Amanda Jenkins
Graduation Year: Mitch (2014) & Amanda (2015)
Major: Mitch (Finance) & Amanda (Sport Management and Recreation)
Current Position: Owners- Elevation Development Co. & Elevation Enterprises
City and State: Springfield Missouri
Tell us about your career and what you do now.
We were inspired by Sam Coryell Sr. (TLC Properties) to start our career in real estate development. Sam spoke to my (Mitch) real estate class in 2013 and shared his incredible story of going from a music professor at Evangel to a real estate developer/investor. The Lord used Sam’s story to shatter any limiting beliefs I had at that stage of my life.
We own Elevation Development Co, where we develop mixed-use (retail, office, residential) communities in Southwest Missouri. Our most exciting development will be located within the Galloway Village Neighborhood in SE Springfield. The development is unique in the sense that it preserves and restores four historic commercial buildings, preserves 100+ matures trees, and contains 75% more greenspace then what is typically required. We will also be able to provide 90 Springfieldians the opportunity to live in beautiful apartments across from Sequiota Park and the Greenway Trail system.
This development will only occur if the residents of Springfield Missouri Vote Yes on Question 1 found on November 8th Greene County General Election ballot.
Today, Amanda and I are honored to have the opportunity to provide safe, clean, and vibrant housing for families across Southwest Missouri.
What is your favorite memory from Evangel?
My (Mitch) favorite memory at Evangel is Amanda introducing herself in the cafeteria. As funny as it sounds, she tried setting me up on dates with her teammates on the basketball team. Thank goodness she was single after those unsuccessful dates with her friends! Fast forward 10 years later and we are happily married, have one daughter and another little girl on the way.
How did Evangel help you identify/develop your calling?
Evangel was foundational in helping us understand God’s purpose and plan for our lives. It was a safe haven and redirected our lives to understand that our lives and careers are meant to be a light and bring glory to God.
How did your experience at Evangel prepare you for life after graduation?
The small classroom setting provided the opportunity to ask questions and give numerous presentations. Those classroom presentations provided the foundation for our comfort level with speaking publicly to thousands of people.
Playing Football & Baseball (Mitch) and Basketball (Amanda) allowed us to grow as leaders and recognize the importance of listening and being a good team player.
What advice would you give a current student preparing for the workforce?
Attend chapel services. Build lifelong relationships with fellow students and faculty. Know and believe that anything is possible when you submit your plans and life to God’s calling. Always treat people with respect. Always tell the truth. Always stand up for what you believe in. Always dream bigger than you have the current knowledge and relationships to execute on. God will open the doors and make a way where there seems to be no path forward.
What would you look for if you were in a position to hire new graduates from Evangel?
Humility, integrity, and the confidence to admit you don’t have all of the answers, but you are willing to ask the right questions to find those answers. We look for a person who is proactive and self-motivated. A person who can cast vision and build/recruit amazing people to a particular cause.