Dianna Borsi O'Brien, freelance writer

Moroccan cooking. Retro cereal boxes. Historic homes.

As a freelance writer, I’ve tackled these topics and more. I write about historic preservation, travel, homes and business.

I’ve also written a rags-to-riches story covering the life story of the founder of one of Columbia, Missouri’s most successful firms. Prior to its buyout by global firm Eurofins, ABC Labs employed about 300 people. It was founded in 1968 by the late Charles W. Gehrke, a University of Missouri professor who grew up weeding and hoeing to help support his mother and four siblings. Here’s a photo of Charles, circa 1928, taking some time off.