Baked-In with Josh Allen

In this week's episode presented by Busey Bank, we're excited to feature one of the city's most impactful new initiatives: the UMSL EIC Entrepreneurship Certificate program, now open to the public for the very first time. Whether you're a brand-new startup or a seasoned business owner looking to scale, this program is designed to give entrepreneurs at every stage the tools, knowledge, and connections to grow. Backed by partners like Arch Grants, WEPOWER, and Schnuck Markets, and tied to the high-stakes Anchor Accelerator PitchFest competition, UMSL EIC is building a vibrant pipeline of opportunity—and they're not slowing down anytime soon. Joining us is Dr. Scott Morris, Executive Director of the UMSL EIC, to walk us through the vision behind the program, how it's changing the game for founders in our region, and what's next for this thriving hub of innovation. Let's roll…  

On this episode presented by Busey Bank, I'm joined by Chef Lasse Sorensen and producer Jason Pinkston, the duo behind Food is Love—a visually stunning, heart-forward food and travel series that started on St. Louis PBS and is now streaming on Amazon Prime and YouTube. We'll talk about the show's evolution from local kitchens to global cultures, the challenges of public TV funding, staying true to your mission while scaling, and what sets Food is Love apart in a crowded media landscape. Let's roll… #foodislove #chef #stlouis #pbs #creativecontent #bourdain 

On this week's episode presented by Busey Bank, I'm joined by one of my favorite humans, Mark Spewak, a passionate coach, entrepreneur, and the driving force behind the most connected running community in the region. Through his personalized coaching programs and unwavering support for runners of all experience levels, Mark has built more than just a business—he's built a movement. His approach is about much more than just race times or personal bests; it's about fostering a sense of belonging, perseverance, and personal growth. In today's conversation, we'll explore how Mark's own journey as an athlete and mentor inspired him to create a community that empowers others to achieve their goals—both on and off the road. Let's roll…

On this week's episode presented by Busey Bank, our guest is Lia Weber, founder and head pastry chef behind Made. by Lia — a beloved bakery that's captured the heart of North County and beyond. Lia's journey is a story of passion, persistence, and deep community roots. From launching her business out of a small apartment kitchen to opening a bright, welcoming storefront, she's built more than just a bakery — she's built a true community hub. With a new cookbook on the way and big plans for the future, Lia is proof that when you lead with values and authenticity, incredible things can happen. As a reminder, the best way to support the show is to share it with friends and to follow the podcast on your favorite podcast player. Now, let's roll…

On this episode presented by Busey Bank, I'm thrilled to be joined by Tom and Shelley N, co-founders of Space Architects—a full-service architecture and design firm that's redefining the way we think about space, community, and the built environment. Based in St. Louis, Space Architects is known for their collaborative, people-first approach to design. From revitalizing historic buildings to creating modern, purpose-driven spaces for education, nonprofit, residential, and commercial use, Tom and Shelley have built a firm rooted in vision, integrity, and long-term impact. Their work is more than just architecture—it's about elevating the human experience through thoughtful design. In this episode, we'll explore the values that drive their creative process, how they've cultivated a strong team culture, and the ways they're adapting and growing in a changing world. Whether you're in business, design, or just curious about what makes great partnerships thrive, there's something here for you. Let's roll…

On this week's episode presented by Busey Bank, I'm thrilled to be joined by Ben Poremba, the visionary chef and restaurateur behind the Bengelina Restaurant Group in St. Louis. Ben has made a name for himself not only as a culinary innovator but also as a community builder, transforming unproven neighborhoods into thriving dining destinations. With a portfolio of diverse concepts, he's now taking on the ambitious challenge of opening six new restaurants in the Delmar Maker District, an up-and-coming part of St. Louis. Today, we'll dive into his leadership philosophy, how he attracts and retains top talent, the ways he measures success across multiple ventures, and the impact he believes restaurants can have on the community at large. Whether you're in hospitality or just passionate about leadership and growth, this conversation is packed with insights you won't want to miss. Let's roll...

On this week's episode presented by Busey Bank, I'm thrilled to be joined by Susan Trautman, the retiring CEO of Great Rivers Greenway, an organization that has transformed the St. Louis region over the past 25 years. During her 15 years as CEO, Susan has been a driving force in connecting communities, fostering collaboration, and creating lasting green spaces that have reshaped the region's landscape. We'll dive into her leadership journey, exploring how she's built a culture of innovation, stayed true to her values, and overcome obstacles to leave an indelible mark on both her organization and the community. Let's roll… Busey Bank  

In this week's episode presented by Busey Bank, Josh is joined by Marc Connor, the visionary co-founder of rootberry, a brand that's redefining the frozen food space with its vegan-friendly meals, snacks, and energy bites. Over the years, Marc has navigated multiple business model pivots—starting with direct home delivery and now evolving into a CPG frozen item in traditional and specialty grocery across the country. Along the way, he's built a purpose-driven brand, led his team through transformative change, and turned obstacles into opportunities. In this conversation, we'll dive into his journey, the lessons he's learned, and what it takes to lead with resilience and vision in a constantly evolving market. Let's roll…

This week, we're diving into a fascinating conversation that bridges the worlds of high school sports and business leadership. I'm thrilled to welcome St. Louis Soccer Hall of Fame 2024 Jimmy Dunn High School Soccer Coach of the Year David Aronberg of Ladue High School to the podcast. Coach Aronberg's boys team just clinched the State Class 3 championship in November 2024—a incredible achievement that speaks volumes about his leadership and the culture he's built within his program. But what makes this story even more compelling is how his approach to coaching mirrors the challenges businesses face every day: building a strong culture, developing leaders, onboarding new talent, and sustaining success in the face of constant change. Full disclosure, I'm a big fan of Coach Aronberg. Not only is my 15 year old son, Eliot, a member of state championship squad, but my youngest, Emerson, is a student in Coach's six grade social studies class. So I've seen firsthand how he cultivates leadership in young athletes and students and challenges them to be their best selves. Let's roll… #highschoolsoccer #highschoolleadership #legacy #culture #statechampions

On this week's episode, we're joined by Jeff Stevens, the visionary founder of Wellbeing Brewing. If you've ever wondered how to build a mission-driven company that not only thrives in a competitive market but also challenges industry norms, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Jeff has taken the craft beer world by storm with a bold idea: creating non-alcoholic beers that don't just taste great but also align with a lifestyle of balance, health, and mindfulness. From humble beginnings to national recognition, Wellbeing Brewing is redefining what it means to enjoy a beer. In this insightful conversation, we dive into the NA category and talk about who are his real competitors and who are his real consumers. We tackle the challenges of scaling a business while staying true to your core values? And what are the things that keep a founder like Jeff up at night? Pour yourself a glass and let's roll… #brewing #nonalcoholic #stlouis #craftbeer

In this week's episode, we sit down with Matt LaMartina, owner of Tony LaMartina Plumbing Co., a family business serving St. Louis since 1982. When Matt's father, a beloved and larger-than-life plumber, passed away in 2023, Matt found himself stepping into a role he had never planned for. Despite having worked in the company for a decade, Matt is not a licensed plumber and initially came from a career in pharmaceutical sales, armed with an MBA and a fresh perspective on business. In this candid conversation, Matt shares the challenges and triumphs of taking over a business as the next generation—from earning the trust of a skilled team with all of the institutional knowledge to navigating the emotional weight of filling his father's shoes. We'll explore how Matt's background in sales and business education prepared him to lead, the unique strategies he's implemented to drive growth, and his vision for the future of Tony LaMartina Plumbing Co. So, grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and get ready to be inspired as we explore what it means to lead with intention, adapt to change, and keep a legacy alive. Let's roll…

On this week's episode, we're joined by Sarah Schlafly, the founder of *Mighty Cricket*, a company that's revolutionizing the food industry with products made from—you guessed it—cricket protein. Sarah is not only building a brand in an emerging industry but also tackling some of the biggest challenges in food sustainability and consumer perception.  Sarah found herself this week in the middle of President Trump's political agenda with the recent freeze on federal grant dollars—including $650,000 she had secured threw the USDA to grow her business—and how she's adapting to this unexpected hurdle**.  Additionally, we touch on her experience on the new Amazon game show “Buy It Now”, how she's overcoming the ‘ick factor' of an insect-based food source, building a direct-to-consumer brand, and navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship in a space that's still finding its footing.  From leadership lessons to her vision for the future of alternative protein, this episode is packed with insights for anyone interested in innovation, resilience, and thinking outside the box. Let's roll… **Please note, as of the release of this podcast on January 30, the federal government's freeze on funding has been rescinded. It doesn't change the impact and chaos created by the initial action, so Sarah's challenges and the unexpected online hate that has accompanied the freeze certainly remains valid and important. #proteinpowder # crickets #newtechnology #research #trumpfreeze #science

On this week's episode presented by Busey Bank, I am joined by Ruth Kim, a powerhouse leader with decades of experience at Fleishman-Hillard, where she served as General Counsel, Senior Vice President, and Senior Partner. Ruth played a pivotal role in shaping the culture and strategy at one of the world's leading communications agencies. Now, in what she calls "Ruth 2.0," she's redefining retirement (or rewirement) as an amplifier, connector, and advisor to businesses and nonprofits. Through her work—and her signature hashtag #RuthUnleashed—Ruth is helping organizations thrive while staying true to their purpose. We'll take a deep dive into Ruth's career, exploring the lessons she learned at Fleishman-Hillard, her approach to leadership and growth, and how she's channeling her expertise into her current mission of empowering others. Let's roll… #leadership #rewirement #retirement #amplifier #connector

On today's episode presented by Busey Bank, I welcome back Chef Gerard Craft who joined me originally all the back on episode #3. Gerard is a culinary powerhouse and the driving force behind Niche Food Group, which includes some of the most beloved dining concepts in the St. Louis region, like Pastaria, Brasserie, and the newly launched Expat BBQ. As a James Beard Award-winning chef, Gerard's name is synonymous with innovation and excellence in the food world, but his impact goes far beyond what's on the plate. In this episode, we'll dive into the leadership lessons Gerard has learned while scaling a business known for both creativity and consistency. We'll explore how he's fostered growth—not just in terms of restaurants, but in cultivating a team culture rooted in values like honesty, innovation, and resilience. And we'll hear how Gerard approaches challenges, like opening new concepts and leading the charge for a thriving St. Louis dining scene. Whether you're a foodie, an entrepreneur, or someone passionate about leadership and culture, this is a conversation you don't want to miss. So grab a seat at the table, and let's roll…

On this week's episode presented by Busey Bank, I'm joined by Rachel Burns, founder of Bold Spoon Creamery, a St. Louis-based company known for its experimental, adult-focused ice cream flavors like Goat Cheese with Fig Jam and Vanilla Crème Brûlée. Burns, who has an MBA with an emphasis in finance, brings 20-plus years of institutional investment experience, client management and a lifelong love of ice cream to running Bold Spoon. In this conversation, we'll explore how Rachel leveraged $150,000 in grants to double Bold Spoon's production capabilities and her strategic decisions for growth while staying true to the company's commitment to sustainability and local sourcing. Whether you're an entrepreneur looking for insights on scaling sustainably, a leader curious about building mission-driven culture, or simply a fan of great ice cream with an inspiring story behind it, this episode is packed with lessons you won't want to miss. Let's roll… Photo: Feast Magazine

On this week's episode presented by Busey Bank, we're celebrating episode  number 75. Two years of talking to some amazing folks about growth and leadership and failure and values. We're taking a look back at some of my favorite moments. I'll be sharing highlights from conversations that resonated with me—moments that made me think, laugh, or see things in a new light. It's a chance to reflect on the journey so far and revisit the wisdom of our incredible guests. Additionally, let me take a moment to thank you, our listeners, for being part of this journey. Your support, encouragement, and shared enthusiasm for these conversations have been instrumental in getting us this far. Whether you've been with us since day one or are just discovering the show, I'm so grateful to have you here. Let's roll…

On this week's episode presented by Busey Bank, I'm joined by my wonderful wife and best friend, Melissa Allen. Over the course of a 30+ year career, she has worn many hats—literally and figuratively. She's been a Ringling Bros. circus performer, a touring Broadway chorus girl, a Las Vegas showgirl, a Sacramento Kings NBA cheerleader, a burlesque dancer, an aerial artist, a Pilates instructor, a dance teacher, and, perhaps her most demanding role, a baker's wife and a mother of five. While her career may seem like a dazzling whirlwind of sequins and spotlights, beneath it lies a masterclass in resilience, adaptability, and entrepreneurial spirit. As the seller, producer, and product all rolled into one, she has navigated the complexities of constantly marketing herself, balancing opportunity with opportunity cost, and building a fulfilling career while managing limited resources. In many ways, she embodies the ultimate entrepreneur—creative, resourceful, and always thinking about the next move. In this conversation, we'll dive deep into her fascinating journey, the lessons she's learned about personal branding, the business side of performing arts, and what her story can teach all of us about managing risk, seizing opportunity, and thriving in unpredictable environments. So, whether you're leading a company, growing a side hustle, or just looking for inspiration, this episode has something for you. Let's roll… #wife #vegas #showgirl #dancer #mom #friend #circus #badass

On this week's episode present by Busey Bank, we're diving into the world of hospitality, leadership, and creative business models with Matt Longueville, founder of STL Barkeep and the owner of two standout St. Louis bars—The Vandy and the newly opened Off Elm. Matt's journey is a fascinating one. Back in 2018, he was thriving as a consultant in the beverage industry, convinced that owning physical locations wasn't for him. Fast forward six years, and he's not only opened two bars but is also pioneering a co-op-inspired approach to reward his core leadership team—a bold move designed to navigate the seasonality and challenges of the hospitality business. In this conversation, we'll  unpack what led Matt to transition from consulting to brick-and-mortar, explore the behind-the-scenes work that keeps his businesses running smoothly, and dig into the metrics that guide his decisions. We'll also discuss the innovative ways he's supporting his team and his vision for the future of STL Barkeep and beyond. Let's roll… #stlouis #stlmade #craftcocktails #collective 

On this week's episode presented by Busey Bank, I'm joined by good friend Rick Oleshak, the Global Strategic Marketing Director at AB Biotek, a division of AB Mauri. Rick is at the helm of crafting global strategies and driving innovation for a company that leads in fermentation solutions across industries like consumer alcohol, bioethanol, and nutrition. But Rick's expertise doesn't stop there. With a career that spans nearly three decades, he's brought brands to life at household names like Anheuser-Busch, where he led marketing for Stella Artois and Budweiser, and earlier in sports with NASCAR and the Orlando Magic. From building global marketing campaigns to fostering customer insights, Rick has a unique ability to connect strategy with storytelling, all while staying ahead in fast-evolving industries. Today, we'll uncover the lessons he's learned, the challenges of adapting to new industries, and his vision for the future of marketing and brand growth. Let's roll… #beer #abmauri #marketing #stella #shaq #dalejr

On this episode presented by Busey Bank, I'm sitting with Brittany Dwyer, the visionary behind DISCO! DISCO! is not your typical event planning company. It's an innovative organization that merges traditional event strategy with cutting-edge software solutions, helping businesses connect with their audiences in ways that truly resonate. Brittany and her team have been transforming how companies approach events, not just as one-off experiences but as integral parts of their customer and employee engagement strategies. In this conversation, we'll explore the obstacles Brittany has faced scaling DISCO!, how she's navigated the ever-evolving event landscape, and what keeps her up at night as she looks to the future. We'll also dig into the broader, theoretical value of events — how they can be a game-changer for building stronger customer relationships and fostering an engaged workforce. Let's roll… #eventplanning #stlmade #stlouis #corporateevents

On this episode presented by Busey Bank, I have the chance to sit with David Stine and Stephanie Abbajay of David Stine Furniture. David is a master craftsman whose journey began with sustainably sourced wood from his family farm, transforming it into heirloom-quality furniture. Stephanie, with her background in communications, joined the business to help it grow and reach a wider audience. Together, they've navigated the challenges of balancing creativity with business, sustainability with scalability, and a marriage with a shared entrepreneurial journey. Today, we'll explore what it's like building a company that marries old-world craftsmanship with modern design, how they manage to work seamlessly as a couple, and what it takes to build relationships with clients who value authenticity and quality. I'm excited for you all to hear their insights on the intersection of artistry, business, and partnership. Let's roll… #customfurniture #furniture #handmade #liveedge #stlmade #stlouis

Today I got to talk with Andy Karandzieff of the iconic Crown Candy Kitchen, St. Louis' oldest ice cream and soda fountain. Opened in 1913 by Andy's grandfather Harry, who brought his confectionary skills from Greece, along with a dream to provide a family-friendly environment to enjoy the delicious creations. Andy Candy as he's affectionately known, is the third generation keeping this legacy alive in North St. Louis. He's a huge advocate of the city, and he isn't afraid to put his money where his mouth is, living and working in the same historic neighborhood. We touch on a lot during this conversation, including the weight of carrying on traditional candy making, lessons learned from his father, and his mom's advice about taking vacations when you can still enjoy them. Let's roll!

Welcome to this week's episode presented by Busey Bank. Josh steps into the ring with Chad Mueller—professional Muay Thai fighter, gym owner, coach, and now fight promoter. Chad's journey into martial arts started at age 11, shifting to kickboxing by 16, and eventually leading him to Thailand, where he trained and fought with Team USA. Now back in the metro area, Chad has channeled his passion into building a thriving community of fighters, opening multiple gyms, and helping others pursue their own martial arts dreams. Josh and Chad dive into what it took to open his first gym from his parent's basement, his vision for growing the sport, and the business metrics driving his mission. Get ready for an inspiring conversation on grit, growth, and leadership in and out of the ring. Let's roll… #muaythai #kickboxing #fighting #gym

On this episode presented by Busey Bank, Josh sits down with Jimmy Sansone, founder and co-owner of The Normal Brand, a fashion company focused on easy, comfortable clothing suitable for both workdays and weekends. In the nine years since launching with a small collection of hats, Jimmy and his brothers, Lan and Conrad, have opened 11 stores – in cities including St. Louis, Nashville and Indianapolis – entered partnerships with nearly 500 stores nationwide and have continued to build a strong online brand. They talk about leading through core values, making managed bets into the future and the value of working out with your dad. Let's roll…

On this episode presented by Busey Bank, Josh gets the chance to catch up with Mich Hancock, the Co-Founder and License Holder of TEDx St. Louis, an independently organized TED Event, and the connection they share dating back to 2021 when Josh presented his TEDx talk (https://www.ted.com/talks/josh_allen_changing_our_culture_by_watching_our_waste?subtitle=en). She's also the CEO of 100th Monkey, a digital marketing agency that specializes in human-to-human interactions They talk about the history and her vision for TEDx St. Louis, how her marketing work uncovers other business challenges that need to be addressed, and how her work with kindness is opening new doors for her into the future. Mich is a wonderful advocate for her community and a leader in amplifying what St. Louis is doing better than most. Let's roll…

On this week's episode presented by Busey Bank, Josh has the immense pleasure of catching up with Chef Bill Cardwell. Best known as a pioneer of creative seasonal fare in St. Louis,  Bill has been a fixture in the local culinary field for 30 plus years. It's hard to remember a time when Cardwell wasn't at the helm of one of the best eateries in town including Cardwell's, Cardwell's at the Plaza and BC's Kitchen or out in the community promoting the value of sustainability and seasonal cooking. He was also the first restauranteur to purchase Josh's bread in late 1993. They talk about the state of the St. Louis food scene in 1980s and 1990s, the obstacles Bill faced during his career and his feelings on what dining is like today. Fun stuff in this one. Let's roll… #chef #stlouis #restaurateur #seasonalcooking

On this episode, I get to chat with Brett Arndt, co-founder and CEO of Experience Fresh, a full-service vertically integrated agency, with a focus across #advertising, #brandstrategy, #production, #design, and #performancemarketing. They also happen to be St. Louis' fastest growing company on this years #Inc5000 list. With growth of nearly 1100% in the last 3 years and an audacious plan for the future, Brett certainly has his hands full. We talk about staying true to your core values through accelerated growth, authenticity and transparency in agency relationships, and the challenge of keeping up with the relentless hustle. I even sneak in some of my own marketing questions to satisfy my own curiosities. Let's go... 

On this week's episode presented by Busey Bank, Josh has the pleasure of sitting down with long time friend Mike Goldman, Vice President and General Counsel of Waterway, the 50-year-old car wash brand that started as a simple operation in Kirkwood, Missouri and has since grown into a nationally recognized market leader with 29 locations in St. Louis, Chicago, Kansas City, Denver and Cleveland. Their secret sauce continues to be human touch and personal connections in an industry driven by technology and automation. Josh and Mike talk about Waterway's commitment to training and development via their “Learn to Lead” management training program, intentional expansion and slow growth and what's next for brand. It's hard not to see the value in their focus on their people. Good stuff. Let's roll…

On this week's episode presented by Busey Bank, Josh has chance to sit down with Meredith Knopp, President and CEO of the St. Louis Area Foodbank. The Foodbank is responding to hunger in communities across 26 counties in Eastern Missouri and Southwestern Illinois by donating food to more than 500,000 people in the form of 40-50 million meals annually. Josh and Meredith talk about the logistics in serving such a broad audience with a relatively small team, the creation of and the ongoing use of core values in her leadership, and the upcoming 9/11 National Day of Service during which the Foodbank is hoping to pack 375,000 meals in a single day. Lots of for-profit and non-profit advice in this one. Let's roll…   For more information, to donate or to volunteer, check out www.stlfoodbank.org.

On this week's episode presented by Busey Bank, Josh gets the chance to sit with David Drier, the executive director of Pedal the Cause. Pedal provides critical funding for cancer research at Siteman Cancer Center and Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children's Hospital through their annual cycling challenge. Since 2010, over $45 million has been raised – with 100% of those funds directly supporting 223 cancer research projects. This is an organization that is hugely important to Josh and his team at Companion. They've participated since the beginning – in a handful of events throughout the year and feeding 3,000-4,000 riders breakfast the morning of the event each September.   David and Josh talk about his long-term involvement in Pedal in honor of his daughter Victoria who passed away from brain cancer in 2018, staying relevant as a maturing organization and the process of strategic planning for the next 15 years. Lessons applicable to all kinds of companies. Let's roll…   Please note: if you'd like to get involved with Pedal the Cause this September as a donor, rider or volunteer, please visit - https://pedalthecause.org/

On this week's episode presented by Busey Bank, I have the chance to catch up with Trip Straub from Straub's Fine Grocers, the 123-year-old specialty market here in St. Louis. Trip and I share very similar family upbringings and it's nice to talk legacy with someone carrying the torch for the fourth generation of his family's business. We talk about the changing landscape of the grocery industry, the lessons learned from his big expansion mistake in 2008 and bringing in the next generation of leadership. Good one today. Let's roll…

On this week's episode, Josh sits down with good friend, Doug Stritzel—founder and owner of Pickleman's Gourmet Café who developed a love for food and an entrepreneurial mindset from an early age. Doug worked as the Chief Operating Officer in the QSR field with Jimmy John's and Ritter's Frozen Custard along with lots of experience with Wendy's and Tim Horton's. During that 15 years, he was creating and evolving the Pickleman's brand which he eventually opened in 2005. Doug is a whirlwind of passionate drive on building systems and culture. They talk about the most important attributes of a restaurant franchise, his hands off approach to leading people and the power of deliberate growth in the hospitality industry. Take a deep breath and let's roll… #franchise #deli #business 

On this week's episode presented by Busey Bank, Josh has the immense pleasure of chatting with Nicole Indovino of IndoVINO Wines, a young, energetic, passionate winemaking entrepreneur producing wines in both Spain and Colorado. She also happens to be the daughter of two of his most favorite people in the world – Jill and Jay Indovino whose generosity and community service via Girls on the Run and Pedal the Cause respectively are hugely inspiring to him. It's great to hear Nicole's story of falling love with agriculture and harvests and the routine and monotony of winemaking – incredibly familiar to Josh relative to breadmaking. They talk about the challenges of launching a business in Spain, making bets on yourself and how important it is to find a sense of place in what she's doing. To learn about Nicole's business and projects, please visit www.indovinowine.com. Lots of great stuff in this one. Let's roll…

On this episode we're joined by Dave Holler, GM of the United Football League's St. Louis Battlehawks. As a general sports fan I really enjoyed learning more about the structure of the league, how their helping develop players for the NFL, and have been of an experimental playground for innovative rules and technology. We talk about the hub league model with all the players living and training in Texas, fixed salaries for all positions, and the all hands on deck approach to launching a startup league… it's a lot like any entrepreneurial journey, let's roll! #UFL #Battlehawks #Football #StartUp #StLouis 

On this week's episode presented by Busey Bank, Josh sits down with Fred Burmer, the newly appointed CEO of St. Louis' beloved Lion's Choice. Burmer started working in quick-service restaurants as a part time worker at Pizza Hut restaurants while attending the University of Central Florida in Orlando and ultimately grew that franchise company from six to more than 50 locations. He later spent years with Yum Brands – the corporate leader of Taco Bell, KFC and Pizza Hut. He brings all that expertise to the 57 year-old, 30 unit Lion's Choice. They talk about the value of working in the service industry, his initial focus after extensive customer research and the future plans of expansion. Lots of great stuff in this one. Let's roll…

On this week's episode presented by Busey Bank, I'm sitting down with Chris Eckert, the president and CEO of Eckert's Country Store and Farms in Belleville, Illinois. He is a seventh-generation farmer overseeing a vast operation that includes fruit and vegetable crops, a farm market, restaurant, garden center, and the country's largest pick-your-own business. Chris holds a degree in Agricultural Economics and has experience working in the produce industry outside of the family business. We talk about leading a multi-generational enterprise, lessons learned from Mother Nature and continuing to expand the entertainment aspect of their business. Great lessons in this one. Let's roll…

On this week's episode presented by Busey Bank, Josh catches up with Lucas Farrell of STL Bucket List and Bucket List Creative. STL Bucket List is an independently owned media source right here in Downtown St. Louis that was originally created and founded by Lucas and his wife Marissa to share foodie adventures and everything great about our town. It's blown up to have over 180,000 followers on social. Lucas parlayed that success to launch Bucket List Creative in 2019 to help local partners build their brand online through social media management, content creation and web design. Lucas handles all Josh's social media – both Companion Baking and the podcast. They talk about the general state of social media and where's it's headed, the rise of influencers and their role in the landscape and how to measure success. Lucas gets it and it was fun to dive deep. Let's go… #marketing #content #stlmade #stlouis #bucketlist #podcasting

On this week's episode presented by Busey Bank, Josh sits down with Brian Wahby of Eximius Productions. As an entrepreneur, investor and advisor, Brian's creativity, curiosity, civic involvement and leadership has offered over 30 years of experience in a number of diverse areas. He founded Eximius in 2014 to primarily produce the Q in the Lou – the annual BBQ Festival in Downtown St. Louis.  In 2018, Brian expanded the Q brand of festivals to the Denver market with the highly successful Denver BBQ Fest. Expansion to other markets followed including Kansas City, Jacksonville and Dallas. They touch on a lot in this episode including the role of happiness in building and managing a company, growing and scaling a festival brand and Brian's outlook on the future of St. Louis. Let's roll…

Happy Father's Day! Here's a quick bonus episode with Josh and his five (5) kids talking about lessons learned from growing up in a small business family and their favorite baked goods. A great chance for the kids to fill their dad's bucket with a little love. Let's roll… #family #fathersday #podcasting #baking #legacy

On this week's episode presented by Busey Bank, Josh has the chance to sit with Danni Eickenhorst and Steve Ewing of HuSTL Hospitality – the group behind both Steve's Hot Dogs and the Fountain on Locust. Danni (and her husband Marcus) got involved with Steve in February 2020 when he originally announced the closing of Steve's Hot Dogs. They spent some time talking through how together they re-imagined the concept, worked through those changes throughout the pandemic and have grown the brand to now include not only the flagship location on South Grand, but satellites at Citypark, Enterprise Center and America's Center. Additionally, HuSTL will be very shortly opening an additional Steve's Hot Dogs and The Fountain off Locust ­– a spinoff of The Fountain on Locust – this summer at Maker's Locale, a new event and dining complex located in the Delmar Maker District. Josh and Danni and Steve get into a lot. Scale, growth, leadership, vision and even a little bodybuilding. Fun to talk to folks moving quickly. Let's go…

On this week's episode presented by Busey Bank, Josh sits down with Justin Kraudel of Monta Watches, a luxury swiss-built brand based in St. Louis. In 2016, Justin walked away from a 12-year career in the wealth management industry to follow his passion for horology (watches). Monta designs and manufactures luxury sport watches with impeccable finishing and attention to detail. In a short period of time – relative to some of the decades old legacy brands – Monta has created a brand with a solid reputation for beautiful timepieces and terrific customer service. Most of their business has been built direct to consumer online, but they're beginning to grow their business through local and regional jewelry stores. Josh and Justin talk about the state of the American watch market, the challenges of establishing a brand in an industry with so many legacy players and the supply chain obstacles of convincing Swiss craftsmen to come on board with a new start up brand. Super fun to chat with a self-admitted watch nerd. Let's go… #luxury #watches #innovator #design #swisstime 

On this week's episode presented by Busey Bank, Josh is celebrating episode 50! He's joined by good friend, collaborator and podcast producer extraordinaire, JB Anderson of Gaslight Studios. They dive deep into the story arc from Josh's 2021 TEDx St. Louis talk to the ideation of the podcast. And they touch on many of the highlights from the first year of episodes, lessons learned, the role of the City of St. Louis and the ultimate guest wishlist. Please remember that the best way to support the show and keep the stories coming is simply to follow Baked-In on your favorite podcast player and leave a review. Let's go…

On this week's episode presented by Busey Bank, Josh is talking with Mike Konzen of PGAV. Headquartered in downtown St. Louis, PGAV is behind some of the most recognizable destinations locally and around the world. The global firm of designers, architects and planners is responsible for the design of places close to home such as the St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station and the St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame & Museum in addition to experiences at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, which opened last year. Their projects attract 120+ million visitors per year on 5 continents. Josh and Mike discuss the recently opened World's Fair exhibit at the Missouri History Museum in which PGAV played a big role, how he recruits and retains a talented team in St. Louis and beyond, empathy and its role in business and leadership, and their shared appreciation for mid-1970 Oldsmobile Cutlasses. It's so cool to know that this type of immensely creative work is being done here in St. Louis. Let's go…

On this week's episode presented by Busey Bank, Josh gets the chance to talk with Chris Ryan, a filmmaker, publisher and entrepreneur based in St. Louis, MO. More than anything, Chris is a crafter of stories. He's the founder and creative director of Once Films and the driving force behind STL.org. He brings a unique perspective and skill set to his work in film, marketing and civic engagement. They discuss the value of storytelling for businesses and non-profits, how the smartphone has propelled his business forward and why he's fallen for his adopted hometown. Grab some popcorn and let's go…

On this week's episode presented by Busey Bank, Josh sits down with Kevin Lemp of 4 Hands Brewery. Founded in the LaSalle Park neighborhood in 2011, 4 Hands Brewing Company has grown to become the largest craft brewery in the St. Louis area. Brewing a wide range of year-round, seasonal and limited release beers, 4 Hands is also home to 1220 Spirits, a botanically inspired craft distillery, and Withered Oak, a line of uniquely finished and artfully blended whiskeys. Additionally, 4 Hands operates a tap room and restaurant in downtown St. Louis and is expanding their brick-and-mortar footprint with their recent opening in The District of Chesterfield, the Memorial Day opening of a new Kirkwood location and an end of summer opening at Terminal 2 at Lambert International Airport. Josh and Kevin talk a lot about growth, expansion, teams, success and community. Kevin is an incredibly thoughtful guy who clearly has an immense passion for life (and beverages). Grab a City Wide and let's go… #craftbeer #craftspirits #stlmade #gallo #stlouis #innovation

The Baked-In podcast is presented by Busey Bank who also happens to be the guest on this week's episode. Emily Pickel, Busey's head of charitable relations for the Gateway Region, joined Josh to dive a bit deeper into their community giving, you know, the stuff Josh is always talking about with Busey. Emily has a Masters in Social Work from Washington University and spent a number of years in smaller non-profits before joining the team at Busey. Josh and Emily discuss not only the ways in which Busey gives back but also how they incentivize their teams to volunteer and support their initiatives through paid volunteer hours and Pay it Forward Fridays to further the organization's commitment to the positive progress of the communities it serves. They talk about how it's hard for small and medium size businesses to put these efforts together when it's usually done by folks wearing multiple hats. Emily has some great thoughts on how to make it work for all sizes of businesses. Lots of aspirational stuff in this one for all leaders. Let's go….

On this week's episode presented by Busey Bank, Josh is joined by Dr. Jody Sowell, president and CEO of the Missouri Historical Society. Jody came to St. Louis in 2003 to pursue a doctorate in American Studies at St. Louis University and fell in love with our town. Eighteen years ago he took a small, temporary position at the History Museum and the rest is well…Under his leadership, the museum has been focused on community engagement and leaning hard into a cross cultural, multi-layered look at St. Louis history. He's overseen 8 of the 10 most visited exhibits in the history of the museum. Josh and Jody talk about their shared appreciation for the power of an American Studies degree, the upcoming 1904 World's Fair exhibit and building culture through communication and cheerleading. Lots of great leadership lessons in this one. Let's go…

On this week's episode presented by Busey Bank, Josh has  the chance to sit with Curtis Francois, owner and CEO of World Wide Technology Raceway. Located just a few minutes from the Gateway Arch and covering over 700 acres, the Raceway draws fans from all over the country. Only a decade since purchasing the facility, Curtis has created the only venue in the U.S. to host the elite series from each of the three major race sanctioning bodies - NASCAR, INDYCAR, and NHRA, in addition to 300+ additional events per year.  Josh and Curtis discuss the state of racetrack in 2011, the complexity of managing, operating and scaling such a sprawling facility and the community engagement that is a big part of his organization. Rev your engines and let's go… #nascar #indyracing #midwest #nhra #stlmade

On today's episode, Josh sits with Chris Hansen of the Kranzberg Arts Foundation. Founded in 2006, the Foundation focuses on the development of artistic venues, studios and workspaces, short and long-term residencies, and community-based programming, to provide essential infrastructure for the arts to thrive in the St. Louis region. Chris and the Foundation take a very unconventional approach – via real estate development – to support a diverse artistic community. Chris has been with the Kranzbergs for over 10 years as the executive director driving the organization's continued growth. This past summer, Forbes magazine named the Grand Center Arts District as the most exciting emerging arts district in America. Chris and Josh discuss the Forbes recognition, the venues that make up the bulk of his work and Music at the Intersection, the civic-led effort presented by the Kranzberg Arts Foundation, that encompasses multiple stages set up in streets and green spaces throughout the neighborhood every year in September. Grab a lawn chair and let's go… #mati #musicfestival #culture #renovation #STLarts #stlmade

On this week's episode presented by Busey Bank, Josh has the opportunity to talk with Mitch Meyers. Mitch is a creative icon – from Spuds McKenzie to The Zipatoni Company to Cannabis. Widely recognized as the Mother of Bud Light from her early days at the Anheuser Busch companies, to working with plenty of Fortune 100 companies as the co-pilot of the famed Zipatoni, she has immense experience building brands and building cultures. They talk the Spuds campaign that really propelled Bud Light, building a culture of creativity in the 350 employee Zipatoni, retirement and unretirement, along with her new career leading BeLeaf, a medicinal and recreational Missouri cannabis company. Good stuff in this one. Let's go… #cannabis #budlight #advertising #zipatoni #stlmade #anheuserbusch #beleaf

On this week's episode presented by Busey Bank, Josh drops a line with Shalie Dahl Moore who recently opened Wheelhouse Fish Co. – a sea to plate fish company providing products that she and her family catch on their own boats out of Petersburg, Alaska. She's an incredibly passionate person launching into her business with a real focus on simply sharing her love for the people and the products from her hometown. Josh and Shalie talk about growing up on a boat, her journey to the Midwest on a basketball scholarship and how she brings her product to market. Wheelhouse Fish Co.'s items are currently available at Urban Eats in South City and the University City Farmer's Market with lots more on the horizon. Grab your net and let's go… #fishing #seatotable #alaska