CEOs You Should Know - St. Louis

Dr. Kirubahara Vaheesan (aka "Dr. V")

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 17:58:17 +0000

St. Louis Interventional Oncology and Interventional Radiology Clinics
Dr. Kirubahara Vaheesan (aka "Dr. V")

Our expert interventional radiologists provide advanced, minimally invasive treatments for a wide range of conditions, helping patients achieve better outcomes with faster recovery times.
Patients can expect world-class Interventional Oncology and Interventional Radiology care in a welcoming, office-based setting. Less Waiting! More Living!

641 N NEW BALLAS RD
CREVE COEUR, MO
63141
(314) 888-4647
noknifeneeded.com

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Brad M. Sowers - Co-Owner, President - Jim Butler Auto Group

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 16:43:09 +0000

Brad Sowers joined the Jim Butler Auto Group back in 2003, after deciding the family business that his wife’s father had so carefully built was where he wanted to invest his time and expertise. As a former technology sales and marketing executive, Brad entered the dealership business with a unique perspective on automobile sales – one where technology could improve both the customer experience and internal company processes. He understood that when a dealership combines the ease and efficiency of state-of-the-art technology with world class customer service and happy employees, both the customer and the dealer are set up for success. That philosophy continues to pay off.

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Ashley Morgan Whip It Goods Skincare

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 17:38:49 +0000

Ashley Morgan's journey as the founder and CEO of Whip It Goods Skincare is a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit and her commitment to creating a positive impact in the skincare industry. With a solid background as a marketing executive in the fast-paced tech startup work, Ashley honed her skills in brand development, strategic marketing, and business strategy. This experience has equipped her with the tools necessary to navigate the complexities of launching and growing a brand in the competitive skincare market. Ashley's transition from the corporate world to entrepreneurship was driven by a personal mission to create plant-based skincare products that are both effective and accessible. This mission was inspired by her desire to find a solution for her daughter's eczema, leading to the birth of Whip It Goods Skincare. Ashley's entrepreneurial journey is deeply influenced by her family's legacy of entrepreneurship, spanning three generations, inspiring her resilience and persistence. Her passion for clean skincare shines through every product she formulates, blending her expertise with a genuine love for natural skincare. With a deep commitment to innovation and accessibility, she's leading Whip It Goods Skincare on an exciting journey toward lasting success, one whip at a time.

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Beau Reinberg

Tue, 13 Aug 2024 12:20:54 +0000

Beau Reinberg
Principal of Best Box Storage

As Principal of BestBox Storage, Beau is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the day-to-day operations, focusing on achieving the company’s short and long-term growth as well as fostering the company’s culture and vision. He is also active in the development and execution of site selections, deal negotiations, and facility acquisitions.

With over 20 years of experience in the self storage and real estate industry, Beau is a key asset to the current and future success of BestBox. He and his long-time business partner and friend, Matt Garavaglia, have delivered 12 self storage facilities totaling over 1 million square feet of space. Beau’s background in self storage spans from the bottom up – from executing daily onsite operations at the original BestBox facility in downtown St. Louis, to overseeing a portfolio of facilities as BestBox grows across the country.

Born and raised in St. Louis, Beau enjoys traveling and spending time with his wife, Aaron, and their three children, Albert, Hope, and Isabel.

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Kurt Brown is the President of Brown’s Enterprises

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 18:43:36 +0000

Kurt Brown is the President of Brown’s Enterprises in Washington, MO & 3rd Generation Businessman. He joined BE after graduating in 2003 from Fontbonne University. Kurt and his wife of 12 years, Liz, have 3 children. Kurt’s goals are to strengthen his business by providing a quality and healthy work environment for his staff. In his spare time, he serves the community and cares deeply for children and animals. Kurt is on the executive board of the Wildwood YMCA, fundraises for the Franklin County Humane Society, Five Acres Animal Shelter & Toys for Tots.
His focus is helping others achieve what they want to accomplish by providing the best quality footwear for the best value. “If I can do that, my mark will be made, even if it goes unnoticed“

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Dr. Mark Lombardi

Thu, 09 May 2024 14:44:59 +0000

Dr. Mark Lombardi is the 10th President of Maryville University and has served in this role since 2007. During Dr. Lombardi’s tenure, enrollment at Maryville University has more than tripled from 3,200 students to well over 10,000, hailing from 50 states and 52 countries. In 2023, the Chronicle of Higher Education named Maryville the 3rd fastest-growing private university in the nation. Under Dr. Lombardi's leadership, Maryville University has become a premier educational institution recognized by Forbes, Fortune and US News. Apple has recognized Maryville an unprecedented three times as a distinguished university for innovation. Dr. Lombardi is called upon numerous times locally and nationally to address Maryville University’s significant advances in educational access and innovation and to speak on the future state of higher education.

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Dr. Candice Carter-Oliver

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 21:39:33 +0000

Dr. Candice Carter-Oliver is the Chief Executive Officer of Confluence Academies, a non-profit public charter school system in St. Louis celebrating its 20th anniversary this school year. With a focus on student and community success, she leads a dynamic team dedicated to inspiring positive change and social justice.

Dr. Carter-Oliver identifies the links between academic achievement in the pre-K through 12 classroom and wider community achievements. The success of schools in an urban environment can make a critical difference for students, families, and the stability of whole neighborhoods.

Dr. Carter-Oliver's extensive experience in urban education and team-based leadership style have driven significant improvements in school performance and student learning. She is known for her ability to balance uncompromising standards with empathy, building trust and fostering partnerships that benefit Confluence students and their communities. Confluence Academies' scores of community partners have quadrupled under Dr. Carter-Oliver's leadership. These impactful partnerships are leading to a healthier, safer, and more educated community.

Prior to her role at Confluence, Dr. Carter-Oliver served in various educational capacities, including assistant superintendent, elementary principal, classroom teacher, and learning coach in districts across the St. Louis region including Saint Louis Public Schools, Normandy Schools Collaborative, and Riverview Gardens School District. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from SIUE, as well as master's, educational specialist, and doctoral degrees from UMSL. Dr. Carter-Oliver holds professional development certificates from Harvard University Graduate School of Education, Washington University Olin Business School, and the National Superintendents Academy.

Dr. Carter-Oliver is actively involved in numerous state and local committees and councils. She co-leads Educators for Gun Safety, the St. Louis Schools Research and Practice Collaborative and the Education Plan Champion Committee, co-chaired the St. Louis Schools Collaborative and the Invest in St. Louis Community College Campaign Committee, serves on the MCPSA (Missouri Charter Public School Association) Government Affairs Advisory Council and the Commissioner of Education Advisory Council, and was a 2021 graduate of FOCUS-St. Louis Women in Leadership. She is a current Leadership St. Louis (LSL Class of 48) participant and on the Board of Directors of the Contemporary Art Museum (CAM) of St. Louis.

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Michelle D. Tucker

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 15:13:38 +0000

Michelle D. Tucker is an accomplished leader with a track record of driving positive change in both the corporate and nonprofit sectors. With over 25 years of leadership experience, Michelle has made a significant impact in Corporate Social Responsibility, grant-making, fundraising, cross-sector partnering and community collaboration.

Michelle has led efforts at two of the St. Louis region’s largest nonprofits, currently serving as President and CEO at United Way of Greater St. Louis, one of the highest-ranking United Ways in the nation known for its exceptional impact. Under her leadership, the organization contributes nearly $80 million in community resources and support across a 16-county bi-state region, positively affecting the lives of over one million people annually. She is a former Senior Vice President from Bank of America where she dedicated a significant portion of her 20-year career there to enhancing community engagement and impact approaches. Her passion for optimizing partnering and collaboration between for-profits, nonprofits, and government entities led her to transition into the nonprofit sector.

Michelle's expertise and dedication have earned her numerous awards and recognition for her leadership. She was recently honored as one of the 2023 Most Influential Business Women by the St. Louis Business Journal, further solidifying her reputation as an influential figure in the business community.

With her extensive experience and visionary leadership, Michelle continues to drive positive change and create sustainable solutions for the community. Through her strategic approach and unwavering commitment, she is making a lasting difference in the lives of individuals and communities served by United Way of Greater St. Louis.

Michelle is a Governance Board Member at BJC Healthcare and at Greater St. Louis, Inc.

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Episode 7: Susie Bonwich

Thu, 29 Jun 2023 19:54:59 +0000

Susie Bonwich
Development at New + found, City Foundry STL

Opening in 2020, City Foundry STL is the adaptive reuse of the 15-acre former Federal-Mogul Midtown St. Louis foundry site into a 21st century mixed use development that celebrates creative concepts in food, commerce and entrepreneurship.

Inspired by City Foundry STL’s (CFSTL) location in the heart of St. Louis’ innovation hub, we set out to create a brand that embraces innovation and creative thought in all forms. We also wanted to create a brand that encourages people from all walks of life to interact and to have unique, shared experiences at CFSTL. Lastly, we wanted to celebrate the project’s urban location in the heart of St. Louis City. The City Foundry STL brand is a reflection of the city around it and communicates excitement and love for its hometown.

Our work included brand development, logo design, development of comprehensive brand guidelines, environmental graphics, signage, food hall branding and art directing and collaborating with outside agencies and vendors who are creating assets and programs for the development’s social media accounts and website. We are also heavily involved in supporting the marketing and promotion of the site.

Inspired by City Foundry STL’s century long tradition of innovation and creativity, Lawrence Group developed a brand that will flex and grow with CFSTL as it transforms into an experiential environment unique to St. Louis.

Since the launch of their design firm in 1983, New + Found’s leadership has been revitalizing and reimaging urban neighborhoods. Since 2000, New + Found has managed over $500 million in real estate development.

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Episode 6: Rudy Beck, CEO Beck & Lenox

Wed, 03 May 2023 15:24:32 +0000

Rudy D. Beck practices primarily in the areas of estate planning and elder law. He typically deals with Medicaid planning, asset protection planning, long-term care crisis planning, probate and trust administration, guardianships, the preparation of living trusts, wills, durable powers of attorney, asset protection trusts, insurance trusts, and applications for VA Aid and Attendance Benefits and Medicaid Benefits.

Mr. Beck frequently presents seminars to other attorneys and to the general public concerning VA Aid & Attendance benefits and Medicaid Benefits, the use of trusts for asset protection planning purposes and the growing importance of elder Law.

Mr. Beck is a member of the Missouri Bar, the American Bar Association, the St. Charles Bar Association, and the National Academy of Elder law Attorneys (NAELA). Mr. Beck received his B.A. degree from Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois in 1971 and his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law in May of 1974. Upon recommendation of the School of Law, he was recognized in “Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges” in 1974.

After serving as a 1st Lieutenant in the United States Army, he began his private practice in St. Charles, Missouri in December of 1974. From April of 1975 to April of 1977, Mr. Beck was elected and served as City Attorney for the City of St. Charles, Missouri and at the same time, started to build his private practice.

Over the years, Mr. Beck has been actively engaged in his community. In the St. Charles Kiwanis Club, he remains a member, a former board member and former chair of its Scholarship Committee. He served for over 45 years as a board member, and two years as President of the Boys and Girls Club of St. Charles County – as charter board member of St. Charles Crime Stoppers – as President of the Alumni Association of the University of Missouri School of Law – as a former member of the Endowment Committee for Duchesne High School – served on the Governmental Affairs Committee of the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce – served as Chairman and as member of the Administrative Advisory Committee for the St. Louis Catholic Archdiocese and has been involved in numerous other community service projects. Mr. Beck was voted the Boys & Girls Club Man of the Year for 2002 and received the Champion of Older American Awards presented by SSM Healthcare System. In 2002 he was also elected to the Board of Directors for the Missouri chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) and served as its Treasurer for the 2005-2006 year and president for 2008-2009 fiscal years. In April of 2005 Mr. Beck was selected for membership in the American Association of Trust, Estate and Elder Law Attorneys (AATEELA). Mr. Beck is the co-founder of two national organizations, Veterans Advocates Group of America (VAGA) and Elder Care USA and is co-author of the publication Don’t Go Broke in a Nursing Home. He served as a board member of the Emmaus Residents Trust Foundation (2014 to present), Enterprise Bank Advisory Board (1998-present) and is on the Board of Directors for the Sts. Joachim & Ann Care Service.

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Episode 5: Todd Boyman, Co-Founder + CEO, Hungry Planet

Thu, 05 Jan 2023 18:32:26 +0000

Todd is an entrepreneur who has worked globally founding and investing in a variety of
companies ranging from tech to food to trading. As Co-Founder & CEO of Hungry Planet, he is
working to bend the curve on human and planetary health by ensuring that our growing human
family can be nourished in a way that is sustainable, healthful, and hopeful. He has eaten
plant-based for over 25 years, and is dedicated to bringing the benefits of plant-based foods to
carnivores, omnivores, and flexitarians.

In addition to being a guest speaker at Harvard University, Dropbox, Myriad, and other
organizations that are interested in learning about the future of food, he and Hungry Planet have
been quoted and featured in publications, radio and podcasts ranging from The New York Times
and The Financial Times, to NPR, CS Monitor, and The Chicago Tribune.

Prior to founding Hungry Planet, Todd was a founding partner at Verge Ventures, a technology
investment, strategy and software development firm that partners with forward-thinking business
leaders, entrepreneurs, and investors to leverage technology to transform emerging and
established enterprises and to build internet-based businesses.

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Episode 4: Larry Carrico, Owner/Founder Rent One and RNR Tires Midwest

Thu, 01 Dec 2022 14:52:58 +0000

YOUR ATTITUDE DETERMINES YOUR ALTITUDE

“You Can Have Everything You Want In Life, if You Will Just Help Enough Other People Get What They Want.” – Zig Ziglar

With this as a guiding principle, I have spent a lifetime helping others achieve greater success. With more than 35 years’ experience as an entrepreneur, I’ve become proficient in growing
multiple businesses, and developing practices, people, and opportunity along the way. Since
1985, with a great team effort, we’ve grown rent-to-own operations from one store to over
100, franchised 10 wheel/tire locations, built a real estate division within the company, and
much more.

In that time, I’ve developed a passion for community service and educating others on the
value of giving back. I take pride in an extensive record of “helping other people get what they
want,” and holding a primary goal to be effective in bettering communities and lives, spending
time where it makes a real difference. I’ve tutored, taught, coached, built homes with Habitat
for Humanity, raised funds, organized legislative efforts, and led countless employees to
better lives through better training, effective communications, and realized opportunity. My
enthusiasm for continuing education and technology as drivers for growth have proven to lead
to greater prosperity for all.

Above all my accomplishments, I hold success as a family man above all the rest and am
most proud of my 39-year marriage to Sharon, my three children, and five grandchildren. I
look forward to serving McKendree University and their students, continuing my life quest to
help others achieve success.

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Episode 3: Alyson Johnson

Fri, 30 Sep 2022 12:55:05 +0000

Originally from Rock Hill, SC, Alyson Johnson is the Campaign Development Director for the St. Louis Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). A graduate of Clemson University, she has been with LLS for 8 years and recently relocated to the Fort Leonard Wood area from Charlotte, NC. During her tenure with LLS, Alyson has brought on national partnerships for the organization and has overseen signature campaigns including Light The Night, Students of the Year and Man & Woman of the Year- growing them all to be $1mm+ events in the market.

Alyson is passionate about the work of LLS, because in 2010, she herself was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, but her heart for philanthropy does not stop there. Alyson has served as a community liaison for The Ronald McDonald House, JDRF and Elevation Church Outreach and has helped start up and run a non-profit organization for orphaned children in Mityana, Uganda.

Outside of work, Alyson enjoys kayaking, photography and traveling with her husband Ryan. She loves a good pun, a strong cup of coffee (or bourbon) and her two goldendoodles, Sammy and Sophie.

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Episode 2: Curtis Francois, CEO of World Wide Technology Raceway

Wed, 11 May 2022 22:16:16 +0000

Curtis Francois is the owner of World Wide Technology Raceway (WWTR), located east of downtown St. Louis in Madison, Illinois. A lifelong St. Louisan, real estate developer and former professional racecar driver, Curtis is dedicated to making the metropolitan St. Louis region a premier racing destination.

Curtis purchased the racetrack in 2011, investing millions of dollars into renovations and repairs. Today, the track hosts NASCAR’s Camping World Truck Series, the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 INDYCAR Series and the NHRA Midwest Nationals, as well as over 300 other event days. WWTR was recently awarded a coveted NASCAR Cup Series race, which will take place on June 5, 2022. WWTR is the only venue in the U.S. to host the elite series from each of the three major race sanctioning bodies.

Curtis is committed to community engagement. The track has a continued partnership with Olympic gold medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee and the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Community Center. The partnership with JJK focuses on motorsports curriculum and has included visits to the center with guest speakers, race cars, activities and challenges.

Curtis’ dedication to making racing more diverse is shared with World Wide Technology Founder and Chairman Dave Steward. Curtis shares with Dave a desire to continue to develop STEM initiatives, technological enhancements for fan experience, and community outreach and diversity.

WWTR’s charitable foundation, Raceway Gives, serves as a community asset, technology showcase and singular motorsports crown jewel that focuses on STEM education and diversity. It seeks to create a larger STEM footprint by bringing an expanded and unique curriculum to a youthful and diverse potential fan base and their families.

Most recently, Curtis received the 2021 Comcast Community Champion Award and the Missouri Athletic Club Jack Buck Award. He has also earned the 2018 Innovator Award from Explore St. Louis in recognition of his work in restoring the raceway to prominence. In 2020, WWTR was the recipient of NASCAR’s “Drive for Diversity” Award, which showcased its commitment to opening the world of motorsports to everyone, regardless of race.

Curtis graduated from Westminster Christian Academy in 1982 and is currently the school’s board chairman. He attended University of Missouri while owning and operating an auto dealership. He is one of the founding owners of Dent Wizard. Curtis serves on many civic boards including the Chamber of Commerce of Southwestern Madison County, the Leadership Council of Southwestern Illinois, the St. Louis Regional Chamber and the St. Louis Sports Commission.

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Episode 1: Ken and Lori Heise of the Heise Advisory Group

Tue, 22 Mar 2022 16:23:16 +0000

Tony Mott interviews Ken and Lori Heise of the Heise Advisory Group, a financial advisory company that strategizes retirement plans for individuals.

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