This column serves as a spotlight, highlighting the everyday people who work and live in Callaway County. The Fulton Sun takes a moment with someone who is not usually featured in the news but is just as instrumental in making our community the strong and beautiful place we all know and love.
Barb Reid is the co-founder of Re-Made For a Purpose, a resale boutique and upcycled creations shop located at 17 W. 5th St. in Fulton. The non-profit business - which opened in November 2015 - employs adults with disabilities.
Reid was born in Davenport, Iowa, and graduated from Northeast Missouri State University (now Truman State) in Kirksville with a degree in special education in 1985. She moved to Fulton that same year when her husband, David, took a job with the Missouri Department of Conservation in Jefferson City.
Reid worked 30 years for Fulton Public Schools, the first year as a teacher at the high school and then 19 years as a teacher at the middle school. She spent the last 10 years as the school district's director of special services before retiring in 2015.
She and her husband have three daughters - Breanne, Jordan and Alyssa.
Q: What was your first job?
I worked for McDonald's on I-80 in Walcott, Iowa. It was the first McDonald's located on an interstate in the United States.
Q: Who inspires you most?
Probably my daughter, Alyssa, because she's had to fight so hard to overcome some very difficult circumstances and situations.
Q: What have you done in your life that has been the most fulfilling?
This job, most definitely. I loved teaching, but this - by far - is the best of all of those worlds. The relationships you build are so much deeper and you get to watch that growth continue.
Q: What is something you are proud of that you have been recognized for?
When we (Re-made) received the Small Business of the Year Award in 2019 from the (Callaway Chamber of Commerce) - just to recognize how much the community appreciates what we do here. I'm amazed at how the community supports us.
Q: If you can do any job in the world, what would it be?
There isn't one, honestly - I can't imagine doing anything else. I think this is who God made me to be.
Q: What is a job you wouldn't want to do?
I would never want to go back to fast food. One time was enough.
Q: What is your favorite thing about Callaway County?
It's absolutely the generosity of the people here. They rally around anybody who is in need - it's just amazing.