Winning STL

Don Pohl, president of Ranken Technical College, discusses why 98% of Ranken students find jobs in their fields after graduation, and the importance of partnering with local industries to give students real-world work experience. Presented by Purina.

Shayn Prapaisilp, chief operating officer of STJ Group Holdings which includes Global Foods, United Provisions, Chao Baan, King & I, Oishi Sushi and Oishi Steakhouse, discusses how his family business has been able to grow over the years as St. Louis embraces an array of international food. Presented by Purina

Giles Oldroyd, president of the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, discusses why St. Louis is the center of global agriculture and how the center offers various services to help small to mid-size ag tech business grow. Presented by Purina. 

Ron Ostrowski, CEO of Rawlings Sporting Goods, touts the company's growth, the Rawlings Experience at Westport and their focus on diamond sports, softball and baseball.  Presented by Purina.

Steve Smith, co-founder and executive chairman of Lawrence Group, says we need 'unique spaces' to change region's image. He also discusses why he believes we need to rally together to move the area forward or risk losing younger generations to other cities. Presented by Purina.

Josh Allen, founder and co-owner of Companion Baking, lives by grandfather's words to 'shut up and listen to customers.' He also discusses why he stays in St. Louis, including the talented workforce and supportive restaurateurs.  Presented by Purina.

SSM health chief Dr. Alexander Garza recalls his Iraq deployment and the world after Saddam Hussein's fall and discusses the part of his unconventional military career spent not as a physician, but assisting in the rebuilding of a nation.

Dr. Alexander Garza, SSM Health chief community health officer, discusses St. Louis' social struggles, vaccines and how to better work together, as well as the key lessons the pandemic left on transparency and misinformation.  Presented by Purina. 

Suzanne Sierra, executive director of the St. Louis Mosaic Project, explains why it's important to help immigrants make professional and social connections, and put down roots in St. Louis. Presented by Purina.

Tim Luchini, CEO of Intramotev, discusses how his company is the only one in the world converting conventional freight cars to battery-powered, self-propelled railcars. Presented by Purina.

Min Jung Kim, director of the Saint Louis Art Museum, talks about growing attendance and how the region can continue to be an "incredible" place. Presented by Purina.

After the NFL, ‘club kid’ is back in St. Louis to lead Boys and Girls Clubs . Brandon Williams, president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis, talks about developing the next generation of leaders. Presented by Purina.

Ed Skapinok, chief commercial officer of Explore St. Louis, discusses new strategies to boost the annual visitor count of 24 million in St. Louis city and county. Presented by Purina.  

Amy Shaw, president and CEO of Nine PBS, discusses the role public media can play in uniting the region and pushing common goals. Presented by Purina. 

Michael McMillan, president and CEO of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, discusses why opportunities in St. Louis neighborhoods are critical, as well as how the number one Urban League in the United States serves over 200,000 people each year. Presented by Purina.   

Contemporary Productions President Steve Schankman discusses why music should be the brand of St. Louis, and the importance of St. Louis concerts including historic appearances from the Grateful Dead and the Rolling Stones, and the upcoming Evolution Fest. Presented by Purina.  

J im McKelvey, Block (formerly Square) co-founder, discusses beating Amazon, how he started Square with Jack Dorsey and his thoughts on original ideas defining entrepreneurship in part one of this interview. In part two, he discusses public safety in St. Louis and why he thinks St. Louis can be one of the world’s safest cities. Presented by Purina.

Katie Lee , founder of Katie’s Pizza & Pasta Osteria, on food, hospitality and not giving up. She tells her unique story of personal and professional failures and triumphs. Katie also discusses her Giveback Tuesday program that donates 100% of a day's profits to area charities. Over the past 10 years, more than $500,000 has been distributed. Presented by Purina.

How the right attractions, and the right attitude, can ‘showcase a great city.’ Bob O’Loughlin, chairman and CEO of Lodging Hospitality Management, discusses the development key landmarks and why we should proudly promote the region’s assets. Presented by Purina. 

Maryville University's 'laser focus' on technology and running ‘like a startup’ Maryville’s president, Mark Lombardi, discusses digital education and moving away from a tuition model to a subscription model. Presented by Purina.

Zekita Armstrong-Asuquo, chair and CEO of Gateway Global American Youth and Business Alliance Academies, discusses the programs and goals for a new education facility in north St. Louis that trains teens for geospatial and technology careers. Presented by Purina.

Andrew Martin, chancellor of Washington University, discusses the new Neuroscience Research Building, critical brain research and how attracting top scientists can help St. Louis. Presented by Purina.

Michael Loynd, board chair of the St. Louis Sports Commission, says borrowing an idea from Nashville, Austin and New Orleans can bring musical magic to the streets of St. Louis. Presented by Purina.

Curtis Francois, owner and CEO of World Wide Technology Raceway, explains his goals for the track and the impact of having 100,000 fans stream into the St. Louis area as NASCAR race adds 'huge event' to St. Louis' sports culture and economy.  Presented by Purina.

Carlton Adams, chief operating officer of Operation Food Search, explains how the group is using education programs and a mobile farmer’s market to help with food deserts. Presented by Purina.