Stone County Small Biz Stories
In celebration of Small Business Month, we’re shining a spotlight on the heart and hustle behind Stone County’s local economy—our small businesses. These are the family-run shops, creative startups, and hometown favorites that bring character, connection, and resilience to our communities. Each story featured here highlights the passion, perseverance, and people behind the businesses that make Stone County a special place to live, work, and visit. Dive in and discover the inspiring journeys of our local entrepreneurs.
Bringing Live Music to Life: John Stauffer II and Black Oak Amp
For the past five years, John Stauffer II has been at the helm of Black Oak Amp, a family-owned outdoor concert and live entertainment venue near Table Rock Lake. As a locally operated business, Black Oak Amp prides itself on creating a small-business feel at every show — with John and his family personally involved in making each event memorable.
What sets Black Oak Amp apart is the personal touch they bring to live entertainment. From setup to showtime, the entire Stauffer family works behind the scenes, making sure every event feels welcoming and special for guests and performers alike.
Since purchasing the venue in 2019, John has leaned on the support of the Table Rock Lake Chamber of Commerce to help breathe new life into this iconic space — even through the challenging days of COVID. The Chamber has been a vital partner, helping spread the word about events, providing marketing tools, and offering creative ideas to engage both locals and visitors.
John regularly takes advantage of Chamber tools like member service announcements and local publications, saying they are key to getting the word out. His advice to other businesses? "If you're on the fence about joining the Chamber, jump in! The entire team is willing to go out of their way to help your business succeed."
Reflecting on his journey, John shares one piece of advice he wishes he had heard earlier: "Learn everything you can about marketing and the different options available — it makes all the difference."
Thanks to John’s vision and hard work, Black Oak Amp continues to grow, offering unforgettable live music experiences for the Table Rock Lake community.