STL Leaders Podcast

Jenna is the Director of Marketing for UCP Heartland here in St. Louis, listen as we talk to Jenna about UCP Heartlands mission and vision as well as we talk to Jenna about her personal experiences and her views on leadership. We also talk about a fun upcoming event we are partnering together on in November. 

Kenny Gales is a firefighter with the OFallon MO fire department, and is also a Whiskey connoisseur. Listen as we talk to Kenny on  how he combined 2 passions into one and launched his own Whiskey called Fallen Brothers. Listen to the mission and meaning behind his Whiskey and what his journey was to get him here today. Fallen Brothers Whiskey release is this Wednesday, Sept 11th in honor of those who we lost on that day, years ago. Check them out at https://www.fallenbrotherscraftedspirits.com/ 

Recorded Live in front of a great audience, Reed Low and I sit down and talk about his journey to the NHL and his company Power Play Beverages. Listen as Reed and I discuss his passion, His love for Jesus Christ, and the passion he has for St. Louis. One of the Top 5 interviews I have ever done, this is a must listen. Reed has so much passion that it pours out of him in this episode and you don't want to miss out on it. 

Matthew Porter is a Husband, Father, Friend, Entrepreneur that is running for LT Governor of Missouri. Listen as we talk to Matthew about his new company Eonova, and the reason he is running for LT Governor of Missouri. We talk to Matthew about the things going on in Missouri, how he hopes to help and how he is open to not only ideas from everyone but is focused on solutions. 

Scott Schuessler is an entrepreneur and the founder of Adventure Unknown here in St. Louis. Listen as we talk to Scott about how he sold his PT practice to start Adventure Unknown. Adventure Unknown is a business / social club in Fenton that is a must see. Join me as we talk to Scott about the club, his vision for the club and how it has brought business leaders together. 

Ryan Hall is the President of Beanstalk Web Solutions here in St. Louis, listen as we talk to him about his path to Beanstalk, the adversity he came over to get where he is at today. Ryan talks about changing company culture, his views on leadership and how EOS has helped the organization. 

Danni Eickenhorst is the CEO of HUSTL Hospitality Group, that owns multiple restaurants including Steve's Hot Dogs, and The Fountain on Locust. Listen as we talk to Danni about her journey to being a business owner and the impact that is had allowed her to have in the City of St. Louis. Danni is a great STL Leader and this is an episode that you don't want to miss. 

Todd Thomas is the Owner of Porta Party DJ's here in St. Louis as well as you may know him from seeing him at the St. Louis Cardinals game as "That One Guy"! Listen as we talk to Todd about scaling his business as well as how he got his start with the St. Louis Cardinals. You will also hear from Todd on what his most memorable Cardinal moment is that he has been apart of. 

Michell Stockmann is the President & CEO of TechKnow Solutions, LLC and is the Co-Founder & CEO of Women Empowering Women National. Listen as we talk to Michell about starting her business as well as Women Empowering Women and the impact that networking has had on her career. In this episode get insight into just the way networking is done here in St. Louis. 

Seth Miller is the Executive Director of VetBiz and he is the podcast host for Lions Den with Seth. In this episode we talk to Seth about his time in the AirForce, his views on leadership and how he started VetBiz and what they do for veterans. This is a must listen episode if you are in the military or have recently transitioned to civilians life. https://www.lionspride21.com/   

Ryan Shapiro is the Founder and President of PEOMG, a local PEO Consultant with years of experience in the industry. Listen as we talk to Ryan about what a PEO is, how they can help a small business and the uniqueness of PEOMG. We also talk to Ryan about Leadership and his views on the importance of a strong leader in a business. 

Amy Yan is the CEO & Founder of C Three Business Consultants here in St. Louis, she is also a power networker and is very well connected here in St. Louis. Take a listen as Amy and Bryan Buesking speak about the power of networking, how Amy took a step and started her own business and what St. Louis means to her. 

Scott Levine is the Founder of AEGIS Law firm here in St. Louis as well as past President of EO's St. Louis Chapter. Listen as we talk to Scott about getting into law, starting his own practice and the challenges he was able to overcome as an entrepreneur. We also speak to Scott about networking and how it has been a crucial piece of his success. Don't miss this opportunity to hear from another great STL Leader. 

Debi Corrie is the CEO of Acumaxum, listen as we talk to Debi about starting her business, her views on the city of St. Louis and how networking propelled her career. Debi wrote a book called Loving Failure which talks a lot about the challenges she overcame to make her business successful. The link of the book can be found below. This was a great episode by a great STL Leader and we highly suggest you take the time to listen.  https://www.amazon.com/Loving-Failure-Debi-Corrie/dp/1735990329/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2FAR4KQGCR140&keywords=debi+corrie&qid=1686597394&sprefix=debi+corrie%2Caps%2C138&sr=8-1 

Tyler Kelley is a passionate entrepreneur and Co-Founder of the SLAM! Agency here in St. Louis, MO. Listen as we talk to Tyler about starting the business, the challenges he overcame with his business and what he does to keep his business successful. We speak to Tyler about AI and how its changing the world and how he is staying on the leading edge of the marketplace. We also speak to Tyler about his views on leadership and how EO has played a part in his leadership views and success. 

Jaylen Bledsoe is the Managing Partner at Flare Partners as well as a Top 40 under 40 in St. Louis according to the St. Louis Business Journal. Take a listen to this inspiring story of how Jaylen started his company at 11 years old and has grown his business into a nationwide consulting company. Jaylen is an inspiration to so many and a true STL Leader. 

In this episode, we talk to Gary Wood, Co Founder & COO of Stryker Construction about the challenges of starting a business and the grind that an entrepreneur goes through to get a business off the ground. We also discuss with Gary the state of commercial construction here in St. Louis and the changes that COVID brought to the landscape. Listen to another great episode of the STL Leaders Podcast. 

Carson Heady is a Best Selling Author a master of social selling and a valuable networker. In this episode, we talk to Carson about his career, writing his books, managing his time and his views on social selling. Carson gives us inside access to the ways to be successful and his views on leadership and networking. 

I welcome Aaron Perlut to the show to mark our 100th episode! Aaron is a Founder and Partner at Elasticity here in St. Louis MO. We talk to Aaron about his business, the challenges, and the successes. We also talk to Aaron about how he had to change some things in his life, to become the leader he wanted to be. Take a listen to a great episode with a great STL Leader. 

Cindy Blake is the Vice President of the Wiegand Foundation here in St. Louis and is the Business Development Manager for YouthBridge Community Foundation. Listen as we talk to Cindy about the Wiegand Foundation and the impact it has had not only here in St. Louis but across the world. We also speak to Cindy about her role at YouthBridge and how it impacts the community we live in. 

Muriel Smith is the Executive Director of the St. Louis Area Diaper Bank, Listen as we talk to Muriel about her path to Executive Director, the role she plays now in our community and the organizations future. This is a great organization here in St. Louis that gives back to the community and a great story about pursing desires to lead. 

Gabe Angieri is the Executive Director at Arch Grants here in St. Louis, Take a listen as we talk to Gabe about his journey to Arch Grants, the mission of Arch Grants and the economy here in St. Louis. We also discuss with Gabe his leadership style and where he learned to be an influential leader. 

Katy Walter is the CEO of a non-profit called Kids in the Middle here in St. Louis, MO. Listen to Katy talk to us about her path to CEO of this great organization, the mission of the organization and how she is leading her team and the organization here in St. Louis. This is a great episode that will show you hard work and determination pays off. 

Jon Franko is the Founder and Partner at Gorilla 76 here in St. Louis, MO. Listen as we talk to Jon about starting Gorilla 76 and his passion behind making his organization one of the best places to work in all of St. Louis. We also discuss Jon being diagnosed with MS and his passion for running for the MS community. 

Jacob Turner is a former MLB pitcher and now partner at JL strategic wealth, where he helps athletes and entrepreneurs on their journey of wealth management. Listen as we talk to Jacob about his time in the MLB and his transition to entrepreneurship. Jacob gives some great advice in this episode that you won't want to miss. 

JP Revel is a local STL Leader, and the Pricinpal at Lelander. Listen as we talk to JP about growing up in Indiana and then moving to St. Louis. Hear how he started his business and his passion behind it. We also discuss his leadership views and how to manage a work, life, balance. 

Brian Lunt is a Business strategist, facilitator, connector and the President of St. Louis Business Club. Brian is a great STL Leader who's focus is on helping small businesses thrive. Listen as we talk to Brian about his career path and his mission for St. Louis. 

Doug Meyer is a Partner at Covenant Technology Partners and a great STL Leader. Listen as we talk to Doug about how he became an entrepreneur, the lessons he has learned along the way of leading his current organization and his advice on someone striving to become a leader. Doug talks to us about what it means to have your own board of directors and how important that can be to your success.

Jason Hicks is a formerly served in the military before starting his business OsteoStrong in Clayton. Listen as we talk to Jason about OsteoStrong, the impact it is having in lives in St. Louis, along with his views on leadership. We also talk to Jason about starting a business, the challenges that came with it and how he was able to overcome those challenges and push through to create a successful small business here in St. Louis. 

Vance Crowe is a communications consultant that has worked for corporations and international organizations around the world. He has spoken before more than 150,000 people, answering questions about some of the most sophisticated and controversial technologies in the modern age.  Vance helps organizations realize why the general public doesn't agree with their perspective and offers new ways to communicate effectively, resolve disagreements, and build rapport with critics and stakeholders.    Vance is the former Director of Millennial Engagement for Monsanto. He previously worked as a Communications Strategist for the World Bank Group, as a U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer stationed in Kenya, as a Communications Coordinator at a National Public Radio affiliate in Northern California, and as a deckhand on an eco-tourism ship that traveled the Western Hemisphere.  His stories and lessons illuminate aspects of communications that remain hidden to most people. Vance holds a degree in communications from Marquette University and a master's degree in cross-cultural negotiations from the Seton Hall School of Diplomacy.  Vance is the CEO of Articulate Ventures LLC. a boutique public relations and marketing firm in Saint Louis, Missouri.

Jennifer Hopper is a leader in the Tech space here in St. Louis and currently serves as the CIO of Save A Lot. Listen as we talk to Jennifer about the transformation at Save A Lot and what's happening in the Tech Space. We also talk to Jennifer about her views on leadership and how to separate yourself from others. 

Stephanie Jones is the Owner of Jones Family Law Group, her and her team specialize in family law in the St. Louis community. Listen as we talk to Stephanie about starting a law firm, how to choose a lawyer and what makes her firm unique. We also speak to Stephanie about leadership and how she leads her organization. Stephanie is a great STL Leader and it was great having her on the show. 

Roberta Moore is the President and CEO of Conscious Choices Corporation: The EQ-i Coach, where she works with individuals and organization's on their EQ. Listen as we discuss with Roberta what EQ is and how it affects you. This is a great episode that dives into the world of EQ with a great STL Leader. 

Jason Carter is the Founder and President of UNCOMN. Listen as we talk to Jason about his military past and how it has helped shape his leadership views. We discuss his current organization and how he has taken his past experience to propel his company into success. Jason is a great STL Leader and we were excited to have him on our show. 

Brian Handrigan is the Co-Founder and CEO of Advocado here in St. Louis. Listen as we talk to Brian about starting Advocado, how they raised money for their startup, and the growth they have had. We also talk to Brian about his views on leadership and his philosophy on being a leader and how to empower employees. Brian is a great STL Leader and his views and vision define what it means to be a leader. 

Dr. Michaela Henke- Cilenti is a Professor here in St. Louis at Webster University. She is also the Principal Consultant at StarCoach and the Author of Ready for Anything: The Making of a Change Leader. Take a listen as we talk to her about her views on leadership and some valuable principals on leadership.

Scott Scully is the CEO of Abstrakt Marketing here in St. Louis, and is a well-respected entrepreneur in our area. Listen as we talk to Scott about starting Abstrakt, the challenges they have face but continue to overcome and the success they have had. We talk to Scott about the acquisition of Sapper Consulting and what the future holds for the 2 companies. 

Stephen Schultz is the Founder of Schultz & Myers Law Firm here in St. Louis, where him and his partner Josh Myers practice Injury Law. Listen as we talk to Stephen about starting his practice, the challenges they had, the success that has come over the years and how he believes its best to balance work and life. 

David & Dafna run one of the largest CBD Kratom stores in the area. They join us to talk about starting CBD Kratom and the success and challenges that they have faced with their growth. Learn about their story, and the value these products can bring in this episode. 

Justin Kraudel is the President of MONTA Watch. Listen as we talk to Justin about starting a Swiss Watch company right here in St. Louis. We talk to Justin about the challenges that come with owning his company, how the pandemic affected them and how they continue to use social media to grow their brand. 

Keith Turner is the Founder and President of TurnGroup Technologies. Listen as we talk to Keith about starting his company, the things he has learned along the way and his advice to anyone thinking about starting their business. Keith is a inspiration to anyone out there who is thinking about becoming a entrepreneur and you won't want to miss this episode. 

Jack Mueller is on the rise here in St. Louis and is in position to take over the helm of Cissell  Mueller. Jack has a very interesting background and a lot of knowledge, listen as we talk to him about his past, his career path and the lessons he has learned along the way. Dive in as Jack talks to us about his plans for the future here in St. Louis.

Dan Wies is Vice President at Wies Drywall and President of Wies Offsite. Listen as we talk to Dan about growing up in the family business, carrying on the organization and starting a new company. We also discuss his views on leadership, company culture and how they have impacted his organizations. 

Jay Delsing is a member of the PGA Tour and was born right here in St. Louis, Missouri. Listen as we talk to Jay about growing up here in St. Louis, his path to the PGA, his time broadcasting for the PGA on Fox with Joe Buck and what he is doing now. You won't want to miss this episode as we dive into his career and his new business here in St. Louis. 

Joe & Robyn Rosenberger started Tiny Superheroes to help out a kids in need, listen as we talk to Joe about how him and his wife Robyn started Tiny Superheroes, How they have grown over the years and the impact these capes have not only on kids, but the families who support these Tiny Superheroes. 

John Knicely is the Found of VITA LUX Agency here in St. Louis, where he is the Chief Storyteller. John and his team tell the stories, the visions and the missions of some of the greatest companies we have right here in St. Louis. Before starting his agency, he was a News Anchor here in St. Louis with KMOV Channel 4. Listen as we talk to John about his career and the switch from TV to Entrepreneur.

Katie Silversmith is the Founder of ThriveCo in St Louis, one of the Top Co-Working spaces in our area. She recently sold ThriveCo and is now consulting businesses on her success in the space. Listen as we talk to Katie about starting ThriveCo. the challenges she faced and the success they had. We talk to Katie about her views on leadership and how her background has helped shape her success. 

Tony Bryan is Nonprofit nerd, Army veteran, apprenticeship advocate, and lover of all things St. Louis. He is the Executive Director of CyberUp where it is their mission to cultivate the Cyber Security pipeline of talent for today and tomorrow. Listen as we talk to Tony about this mission, his views on leadership and how his military training has impacted his role today. 

Kimberly Liebert is the CEO of Leigh Consulting. Her organization helps in the IT space and is doing great work here in St. Louis. Listen as we talk to Kimberly about her views on company culture, leadership and how they are giving back here in our community. We discuss ways that technology has changed since Covid and how Leigh Consulting was able to help their clients transition. 

Meredith Wealth Planning operates as a fee only firm. The intention of this business model was to remove conflicts of interest that commonly exist between financial advisors and their clients. To take it a step further, a flat fee structure was implemented. This removes the incentive of becoming an “asset-gatherer”. Listen as we talk to Mark Meredith & Zach Joiner about starting the firm, the growth plans for the firm and thier views on leadership. 

Mike Kitko is a speaker, a coach and a insperation. He had every material thing that he ever dreamed of, but he was suicidal. He wouldn't seek support because he was scared to let anyone know he didn't have it all figured out. He was a Marine veteran, a Fortune 500 executive, and he was supposed to be a powerful leader, right? The truth was that he had a toxic relationship with alcohol, he was 300 pounds of undisciplined chaos, and he was an abusive husband and father. He was in so much pain inside and he didn't want anyone to know, so he punished those around me to try to feel powerful. Listen as we talk to Mike about changing his life and how he overcam adversity.