On this week’s episode presented by Busey Bank, I’m joined by someone who doesn’t just cook food—he crafts experiences. After nearly two decades working in acclaimed kitchens across the country and the globe—from Belgium to Blue Hill at Stone Barns—Chef Alec Schingel has finally gone solo. And he’s doing it with intention. His brand-new fine dining concept, Robin Restaurant, just opened its doors in the heart of Maplewood, Missouri, bringing what he calls “fine comfort” to the table—think elevated Midwest cuisine with zero pretension and total purpose. But what does it actually take to go from idea to brick-and-mortar? What are the real leadership and business decisions behind building a restaurant from scratch—not just the food, but the systems, the space, the people?

Alec joins us to talk about the 18-year journey that led to this moment, the hurdles of opening his own place, the metrics he’s using to define success, and why obsessing over every detail—from warm bread to water refills—isn’t just hospitality... it’s strategy. Let’s roll…

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 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