In an interview on The Great Business Stories of St. Louis with Dr. Mike Smith, Jeff Minor, Co-Founder & CEO, and Rachel Minor, Co-Founder & COO of ReveelData, share their journey of building a company that is transforming how businesses harness data. They discuss the inspiration behind ReveelData, their mission to simplify data analytics, and how their innovative solutions help companies make smarter, more strategic decisions. Jeff and Rachel also highlight the challenges they've faced ...
Feb 26, 2025•31 min
In an interview on The Great Business Stories of St. Louis with Dr. Mike Smith, David Berger, founder and CEO of Envision by Design, shared his journey in building a full-service marketing agency that bridges the gap between print and digital marketing. He discussed the early challenges of establishing the company, from securing clients to adapting to the rapidly changing advertising landscape. Berger highlighted Envision by Design’s commitment to providing innovative marketing solutions, combin...
Feb 17, 2025•30 min
In an interview on the Great Business Stories of St. Louis with Dr. Mike Smith, Greg Hoffman, one of the founding members and original creators of RYZE Adventure Park in Maryland Heights, shared insights into the park's growth and unique offerings. Located at the bustling I-270 and I-70 interchange, RYZE Adventure Park draws attention from over 93 million vehicles passing annually, with a significant portion able to see the park. After a slow start, the park focused heavily on digital marketing ...
Jan 31, 2025•20 min
In an interview on "Great Business Stories of St. Louis" with Dr. Mike Smith, Luke Schuette, the founder of Renuteq, discussed his journey in building the only U.S. company certified for structurally engineered bamboo. He has partnered with global leaders such as Amazon and BMW. Despite facing challenges, including the pandemic, Schuette's passion for sustainable materials and solutions-driven approach has fueled the company's success. He highlighted the significance of leadership, collaboration...
Jan 22, 2025•34 min
In this interview with Dr. Mike Smith, Mike Martin, founder of Mike Martin Media, reflects on his 16-year journey building a successful video production company based in the Grand Center Arts District of St. Louis. Specializing in professional storytelling, brand-consistent video production, and long-term client partnerships, the company has worked on diverse projects ranging from recruitment videos in oil fields and barges to educational content on critical topics like sepsis and innovative met...
Jan 03, 2025•31 min
In this interview with Dr. Mike Smith, Clint Overton, Managing Partner of Boardroom Bullpen, shares the story behind his premium fractional executive services firm, which he co-founded to support growth-stage companies with experienced C-suite talent. With a commitment to transparency, Boardroom Bullpen offers month-to-month engagements, allowing clients to experience their value without long-term obligations. Overton emphasizes the importance of a trusted network for sourcing executives and not...
Dec 13, 2024•24 min
In an interview with Dr. Mike Smith, John Boll, the owner of The Credit Care Company, shared his 15-year journey in the credit repair industry, highlighting the importance of listening, problem-solving, and personalized service. He detailed strategies for improving credit scores, including maintaining a diverse credit mix, keeping credit card usage below 20%, and avoiding high-interest debt traps. He emphasized his commitment to helping clients achieve financial goals by offering free consultati...
Dec 13, 2024•24 min
In an interview with Dr. Mike Smith, Sheila Buswell, the founder of Bustle Biomedical, discussed her groundbreaking device called "Upward Mobility," designed to assist patients in rehabilitation hospitals with essential daily tasks like toileting. This innovative solution helps patients regain independence while reducing the physical strain on healthcare workers, potentially decreasing injury rates. The device aims to enhance the healthcare system by improving patient dignity and streamlining ca...
Dec 10, 2024•22 min
In this interview, Dr. Mike Smith from Action Coach St. Louis West talks with Dr. Maureen Hughes, founder of Total Harmony Integrated Wellness, about her 10-year journey in health and wellness, specializing in Thai Massage. Dr. Hughes explains how her practice blends ancient hands-on therapy techniques with modern wellness principles, helping clients through assisted yoga-like stretches, compression, and acupressure. She shares her unique path, from her graduate school experience in yoga to work...
Dec 10, 2024•24 min
In an interview with Dr. Mike Smith, Wayne Coleman, Managing Director at Armanino and founder of a royalty compliance organization, shared his journey from auditing for Johnny Cash to building a niche business that ensures artists, companies, and licensees receive proper royalty payments. In 1971, Coleman leveraged his CPA skills to design audit procedures for entertainment contracts, working with legends like Michael Jackson and institutions like Motown. Over the decades, his business evolved a...
Dec 10, 2024•15 min
In an interview with Dr. Mike Smith, David Phillips, owner of Amicus IT Solutions, shared his 30-year journey in the IT industry, emphasizing the importance of persistence, adaptability, and a people-first approach. Inspired by entrepreneurial parents, Phillips started his business to help small and midsize companies navigate technological challenges. He highlighted the value of joining a peer group of IT business owners, leveraging their collective experience to grow and adapt his company. Phil...
Dec 10, 2024•24 min
In an interview with Dr. Mike Smith, Dave Chronister, founder of Parameter Security, discusses his journey since launching the cybersecurity firm in 2007. His company specializes in security assessments, PCI certifications, digital forensics, and managed services. Despite initial challenges—such as starting the business right before the 2008 financial crisis—he attributes their growth to customer trust and building long-term relationships. Chronister emphasizes the importance of creating a posit...
Dec 10, 2024•23 min
Dr. Mike Smith hosts "The Greatest Businesses in St. Louis" podcast and YouTube series, where he interviews notable local entrepreneurs. In this episode, he speaks with Brian Pearson Jr., founder of EDUrain Inc., a platform designed to solve student housing challenges. Based on his experience with the difficulties of college housing, Brian explains how EDUrain provides a custom housing solution that acts like a specialized Zillow for college students. The platform connects students with property...
Oct 04, 2024•25 min
Dr. Mike Smith hosts the podcast and a YouTube series, "The Greatest Businesses in St. Louis." In a recent episode, he interviewed Patrick Ritter from Core Planning, a fee-only financial planning firm with 37 self-employed advisors. Core Planning, founded in 2018 by Guy Penn, offers a unique "farmer's market" model where advisors operate independently, focusing on providing fiduciary advice without product sales. Patrick shared his journey of being the first advisor on the platform, noting the c...
Oct 04, 2024•18 min
In this interview, we hear from Sharon Crow Chapman, CEO and principal designer of Sharon Chapman Design, founded in 2018. Despite launching just before the pandemic, Sharon's firm has thrived, specializing in transforming spaces through interior design. She discusses her journey from having degrees in advertising and communication to becoming a self-taught expert in design, underscoring the importance of passion and continuous learning. Sharon reflects on her experience managing employees, emph...
Jul 05, 2024•17 min
In this interview, we hear from Ricky Hall from Nutrition HQ, a vitamin supplement retail chain with stores in Quincy, Illinois, Mishawaka, Indiana, and a new one opening soon in Vidalia, Georgia. Ricky shares his business journey, emphasizing the importance of surrounding oneself with other entrepreneurs and continuous self-education. He highlights managing staff and inventory as crucial challenges and values energy, passion, and customer care in employees. Nutrition HQ thrives on community eng...
Jul 05, 2024•25 min
In this interview, we hear from Shaun Duvall, founder of the IT staffing company Daivari. He shared insights about his business, emphasizing the importance of consulting, direct hire, and staff augmentation in the IT space. He highlighted the significant changes and challenges faced, especially during COVID-19, and the implementation of the EOS system to streamline processes. Shaun discussed the qualities he seeks in employees, internally and externally, emphasizing a serving heart and long-term...
Jul 05, 2024•25 min
In this interview, we hear from Mark Mattei, the founder of ME and Media, a video production and marketing company started in 2020 by Mark and his wife. Mark explains that their business creates a wide range of video content for businesses, including YouTube videos, social media reels, website videos, and TV commercials, with a strong emphasis on content that delivers a return on investment through effective marketing strategies. Initially launched during the pandemic using severance equipment f...
Jul 05, 2024•26 min
In this interview, we hear from Brett Schnitger, CEO of Stars Design Group. Brett leads a company that designs, develops, and produces apparel through 67 factories in 14 countries. Based in St. Louis, with international offices, Brett shares his entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the importance of learning from mistakes and informed decision-making. He highlights the need to hire employees who align with company culture and the balance between empowerment and accountability. Brett discusses th...
Jun 28, 2024•26 min
In this interview, we hear from Jamie Jay, CEO and founder of Bottleneck Distant Assistance, the world's first dedicated distance assistant company. Jamie explains that Bottleneck provides skilled human assistants for various administrative tasks, especially post-COVID, differentiating it from traditional virtual assistants. In his 18 years in the industry, Jamie shares that he would have focused on documentation and systems to reduce overwhelm and stress. He emphasizes creating a positive work ...
Jun 28, 2024•23 min
In this interview, we hear from Tyson Neal, who leads the freight brokerage at Flatworld and Solutions. He shared insights about his company and personal career journey. Flatworld, a third-party logistics provider, was founded 18 years ago by Kirk Farrell and Jeff Rothermick. Tyson joined two years after its inception, initially worked there, left to develop a freight railroad agency, and returned to build out Flatworld’s brokerage division. Tyson emphasized the importance of finding a mentor ea...
Jun 28, 2024•16 min
In this interview, we hear from Marc Metz the owner of Optimus Sales Group - Powered by Sales Xceleration is a company that helps small to medium-sized businesses achieve breakthrough sales growth, discipline, and accountability. He provide great insights on using videos in your communications, a focus on sales daily-work and balancing the demands of success with your family. We hope you enjoyed this episode! Make sure to like and subscribe so you don't miss out on any episodes :) #businessleade...
Jun 28, 2024•23 min
In this interview, digital marketing strategist Jennifer Tamborski discussed founding Virtual Marketing Expert, a company dedicated to helping service providers grow and scale their businesses through profitable digital marketing strategies. Tamborski recounted her 20-year journey from virtual assistant to business owner, attributing her success to a scientific approach to marketing and a resilient mindset. She emphasized the importance of boldness, networking, and continuous learning. Tamborski...
Jun 28, 2024•24 min
In this Business Spotlight interview, Lydia Crespo is a young serial entrepreneur with two businesses and a third planned in a few months. She highlights her journey by opening up her first business, Argaman & Defiance, creating 100% silk scarves naturally dyed by hand in our studio. Five years later in 2019, she opened Cozy Shop is a boutique and workshop space that seeks to educate and connect makers and creative enthusiasts within the greater St. Louis community. Argaman & Defiance co...
Jun 28, 2024•20 min
In this interview, Matt Hanlon discussed founding Select Communications Advisors in 2010 and launching All Aboard Tech to provide tech amenities for multifamily housing. He detailed the challenges retail sector clients face and the importance of diversification. Hanlon emphasized building relationships with lead agents for business growth and addressed misconceptions about entrepreneurship, stressing resilience and creativity. He advised young entrepreneurs to gain experience, stay educated, and...
Jun 28, 2024•20 min
In this interview, we hear from Jacob Gerringer, broker of Market Point Realty. He shares his journey and insights. Jacob started as a real estate appraiser in 2000 and later founded Market Point Realty in St. Charles, Missouri, aiming to address gaps he observed in the real estate sector. His company focuses on eliminating transaction surprises, leveraging his extensive experience as an appraiser. Jacob reflects on his career progression, including the challenges during the 2007-2008 financial ...
Jun 28, 2024•23 min
