Making the Most of ‘Metro” Setting

Jeremy Teeple has always taken pride in his work, even as a kid when he was driving around golf carts for extra money at a country club in his hometown of Versailles, Mo.

“From day one I’ve always felt whatever I’m doing, it’s got to be done right,” he said. “I’m kind of a perfectionist.”

When he wasn’t in class, Teeple spent his college years playing for the golf team and serving as treasurer of Kappa Alpha Order fraternity, among other things.

That last distinction is important, because that’s when and where he met Jay Howard – today owner and CEO of I.O. Metro, which provides eclectic furniture and accessories – from chandeliers to candles and cabinets – to critical acclaim. 

After graduating from Westminster College in Fulton, Mo., Teeple landed as a junior analyst at Southwest Securities in Dallas. From there he migrated across town to serve as an analyst with Patara Capital Management.

Howard tracked him down more than a year later, suggesting that he come work with him. That was on St. Patrick’s Day 2007. By August, Teeple found himself breaking away to Northwest Arkansas.

He moved into the CFO role at I.O. Metro immediately. Of course, back then the company had six stores. Teeple said by 2010’s close I.O Metro is aiming for a total of 21 stores in eight states.

At I.O. Metro, Teeple executes his numerous CFO functions while also overseeing human resources and payroll functions.

“Mainly I’m just trying to keep up with Jay,” he says with a laugh. 

Teeple classifies himself as a doer because “there’s a lot to get done.” Being away from the office means spending time with his wife and two young children, although he still makes time to play golf a couple times a month.

“I think I have a fear of failure. I think that’s one of the things that really drives me to work hard,” he said. “I really feel like you earn respect just by hard work. People can see that you care about what you are doing.”

And, for the time being, he has no intention of breaking stride.

“We’ve been very fortunate as a company to grow as we have in this type of economic environment, especially in home furnishings,” Teeple said. “I think we have a lot of good times ahead of us.”