Épisodes

  • Episode 81: Jeff Stevens | WellBeing Brewing
    Feb 13 2025

    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

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    46 min
  • Episode 80: Matt LaMartina | Tony LaMartina Plumbing Co.
    Feb 6 2025

    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…

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    57 min
  • Episode 79: Sarah Schlafly | Mighty Cricket
    Jan 30 2025

    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

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    48 min
  • Episode 78: Ruth Kim | #RuthUnleashed
    Jan 23 2025
    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
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    48 min
  • Episode 77: Gerard Craft | Niche Food Group - Redux
    Jan 16 2025
    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…
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    56 min
  • Episode 76: Rachel Burns | Bold Spoon Creamery
    Jan 9 2025

    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

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    39 min
  • Episode 75: 2024 Recap | A Few Favorite Moments
    Jan 3 2025

    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…

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    44 min
  • Episode 74: Melissa Allen | A Gig's a Gig
    Dec 19 2024

    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

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    51 min