Newsmakers 2014: Paul Schock, owner of Schock's Pub and Schock Rental Properties

Paul Schock is known for more than the pub in Scott City that shares his name; he is a familiar face in a variety of community groups and organizations, such as the Scott City Community Interactive Parks Program (SCIPP), the Scott City Kiwanis Club, the Scott City Historical Preservation Commission and Historical Society and the Scott City Landlord Association, among others.

The former art instructor says the most rewarding feeling is being his own boss and making dreams come true, whether they are his or the dreams of others. Having a dream and seeing it fulfilled is Schock's motivation and inspiration.

He is the president of SCIPP, a not-for-profit organization that provides fun and educational opportunities for youth and senior citizens, such as Senior Day and Messy Kids Day.

Bouncing off that organization, Schock speaks of another potential youth organization in the city.

"We pulled together a lot of people in the community to look at setting up a Boys & Girls Club in Scott City and maybe the region" using the Boys & Girls Club in Poplar Bluff, Mo., as a role model, Schock says.

Developing the youth's education helps sustain a "rich community" -- something Schock thinks Scott City needs. He calls the city a "bed and breakfast town" for surrounding cities because it's a transitional place for families. Some only stay for a few years.

As founder of the North Scott County Bar Association, Schock gets to mix business with pleasure as local bars join forces to take part in community events. The association has plans in the works to collect donated toys at Christmas for children in North Scott County.

"The better the community is able to work together, the better all businesses in the long run can grow," he says.

Being an artist and businessperson who owns Schock's Pub and Schock Rental Properties, Schock says he loves being able to do what he wants, create what he wants and be able to drink while doing some of it.

--Amity Shedd