PRESIDENT

Mike is a local mechanic working in the Joplin area most of his life. Graduating from Franklin Technical School: Automotive Technology, he started working as a mechanic while in high school. In 1980, Mike started managing Gateway Service and later became General Manager for Lube Pro Inc. In 1995, Mike and his wife Melody opened Gideon’s Tire and Auto, which recently celebrated 30 years in business.

Mike strongly believes that God gave each of us skills along with a purpose to share those skills with those in need. Seeing the struggles that many encountered from the rising cost of auto repair, in 2020 Mike felt called to do something about it, assembling a team and a governing board to open Higher Power Garage. Higher Power Garage has grown far beyond expectations, and Mike is now semi-retired from Gideon’s, although he retains ownership, and serves full time as President of Higher Power Garage.

VICE PRESIDENT

Chris Gideon is an entrepreneur of 12 years. He started his landscaping and lawn care business, Mowed Over, in 2008 and opened his second business, CGC Investments, several years later in 2015.

He is a current resident of Joplin, Missouri, where he was born and raised. Chris and his wife Cheri have been happily married since October 2014, and they have five wonderful children together. When not tending to his businesses, Chris primarily spends his time with his family.

Chris has many traits that benefit Higher Power Garage, specifically his business experience, professional knowledge, and leadership skills.

TREASURER

Fire Training Chief Mark P. Cannon currently serves as a chief officer for the Joplin Fire Department and has been a member of the Missouri Fire Service for over 30 years. He began his career in 1991 when he joined the Missouri Air National Guard as a firefighter, and then enjoyed a 20-year career with the Kansas City, MO, Fire Department. He is currently a member of the 138th Fire and Emergency Services flight within the Oklahoma Air National Guard.

Cannon moved to the Joplin region in 2015 with his wife Michelle, and together they have two children and two grandchildren.

Training Chief Cannon is charged with fire department operations training and professional development. He also oversees the special operations division of the department which provides technical rescue services for both the city and the region.

Casie worked for Social Services helping reunify parents and children in Newton County.  

For several years, she worked at Watered Gardens, serving those experiencing homelessness and addiction.  She was also the Neighbor Connect Coordinator, which helped people in the community with a variety of services, through connecting the local church with opportunities to volunteer.

Casie is excited to be a part of the Higher Power Garage family and witness how God is using the organization to share the love of Jesus and help families in our community with transportation. She attends Hope City Church.

Michelle has lived in Joplin since relocating from Kansas City in 2015. An accountant for over 30 years, she currently serves as the General Manager and Financial Controller for CD Management. Michelle brings a unique skillset to Higher Power Garage as she has financial experience in the automotive industry with Hendrick Motorsports. 

With over twenty years of service in the children's ministry, Michelle has a passion for sowing the love of Jesus into the lives of children and their families. She and her husband Mark have two children and two grandchildren. They enjoy spending time camping and with family. 

Michelle is excited to be part of Higher Power Garage. The mission of this ministry is one of great importance, and having the opportunity to serve as a board member is a great honor.  

Todd has lived in the southwest Missouri area his entire life. He grew up here, his family lives here, and the successful talent acquisition business he started with his wife Julie over two decades ago can be found here as well.

When not participating in community efforts and local mission activities, Todd attends Hope City Church, spends time with his ever-growing family, and enjoys outdoor activities with his three dogs. 

James has lived in Joplin since 1977 when his parents relocated from California after his father’s long career in the US Air Force. Before living in California, James lived in Bangkok, Florida, and Arizona. Now, as a local business owner and long-term resident of Joplin, James has been involved in many areas of the community, including board positions at numerous non-profits as well as commissions for the City of Joplin. His commitment to enhancing the lives of others through sharing insights and leadership is something that comes naturally to him.

James was excited to be part of Higher Power Garage through his long-term friendship with Mike Gideon. He believes there is no higher purpose than to reveal Jesus’ love to those in need.

OFFICE MANAGER

SHOP FOREMAN

CORPORATE SECRETARY