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

In this week’s episode presented by Busey Bank, Josh is joined by Marc Connor, the visionary co-founder of rootberry, a brand that’s redefining the frozen food space with its vegan-friendly meals, snacks, and energy bites. Over the years, Marc has navigated multiple business model pivots—starting with direct home delivery and now evolving into a CPG frozen item in traditional and specialty grocery across the country. Along the way, he’s built a purpose-driven brand, led his team through transformative change, and turned obstacles into opportunities. In this conversation, we’ll dive into his journey, the lessons he’s learned, and what it takes to lead with resilience and vision in a constantly evolving market. Let’s roll…