Josh Kemp, Owner, Ozark Information Services

Josh Kemp has really stood out as a leader, mentor and philanthropist in the local community and peer communities at large. He was a full-time college student by the age of 16 — his hunger for knowledge, understanding of business, and how he could help his community has not decreased since his younger years. Furthermore, he had his first employees by the age of 12, and treated them with the “others first” mentality that has become a cultural norm at Ozark Information Services.

Kemp has worked in multiple business types and models before finding his passion in technology. After several technical roles, he joined his father in opening Ozark Information Services in 2004, and subsequently bought his father out to become the sole owner and operator. Over the years, his driving forces evolved into a very different vision for his company. He wanted Ozark Information Services to be a “destination employer and provider.” This clear vision and focus allowed him to concentrate on providing for his employees and their families by offering a plethora of benefits [i.e., high bonus structures, immediately vested 401(k) matching, monthly massages, annual gifts, employee vacation experiences, etc.] and compensation that is rare or nonexistent in a business the size of Ozark. 

Kemp has served on many community boards — Rotary, United Way, and Literacy Foundations  to name a few — with the hope of serving others and giving back to the community. Furthermore, his mentorship to his employees has led to growing involvement in these organizations. His mentorship to employees has resulted in the adoption of the company’s core value of “Others First.” His mentorship in this facet resulted in two of his staff members rising to the position of president in both the Rotary and United Way community boards.