Baked-In with Josh Allen

On this episode, presented by Busey Bank, I'm sitting down with Lisa Nichols—CEO of Technology Partners, host of the Something Extra podcast, and now author of the newly released book by the same name. For over 30 years, Lisa has led with purpose, building one of the most respected IT staffing and solutions firms in the Midwest, all while championing culture, transparency, and mutual wins. We have a candid conversation about what it really takes to grow a company with heart. We’ll explore the lessons Lisa has learned from hundreds of podcast interviews, how she’s nurturing the next generation of tech leaders, and why she believes your growth quotient—your GQ—is just as important as your IQ or EQ. We’ll also dive into her new book, Something Extra, and the character traits she believes define transformational leadership.  I'm excited to welcome a new partner for the show - The Normal Brand - clothing rooted in Midwestern values. They’re giving listeners 15% off one purchase of regularly priced clothing. Just use the code BAKEDIN at checkout. Head to thenormalbrand.com and find your new favorite fit. Let’s roll...

On this week's episode, presented by Busey Bank, I’m sitting down for the 2nd time with Dan Abel Jr., CEO of Bissinger’s Chocolates—a brand with over 350 years of heritage and a bold vision for the future. From handcrafted truffles to luxury retail boutiques, Dan is leading a nationwide expansion of Bissinger’s retail shops, bringing artisan chocolate experiences directly to consumers across the country. We’ll dive headfirst into the strategy behind scaling with soul—why Dan chose to grow retail now, how he’s building teams that reflect the company’s values, and what it means to preserve craftsmanship in a world of automation. We’ll explore the new chocolate campus in St. Louis, the balance between wholesale and direct-to-consumer growth, and how culture, purpose, and quality remain at the heart of every decision. Speaking of quality and purpose, I'm excited to welcome a new partner for the show - The Normal Brand - clothing rooted in Midwestern values. They’re giving listeners 15% off one purchase of regularly priced clothing. Just use the code BAKEDIN at checkout. Head to thenormalbrand.com and find your new favorite fit. Let's roll...

On this week's episode presented by Busey Bank, we're celebrating 100! We brought together some hospitality heavyweights - Mitch Meyers (BeLeaf Cannabis), Ben Hillman (Hi Pointe Drive In & Taco Buddha), Kevin Lemp (4 Hands Brewery), Kevin Nashan (Sidney Street Cafe & Peacemaker) and Qui Tran (Mai Lee & Nudo House) - for an engaging conversation in front of a live audience. We touched on current projects and challenges, the value of collaborations, the evolution of leadership and the amazing spirit of the St. Louis community. Lots of insights from some real seasoned pros.   We also want to give a shout out to a new supporter of the show - St. Louis' own The Normal Brand. Great people, great story (episode #67) and some damn fine clothes. And they're offering listeners a one-time 15% off promotion. Just use the code BAKEDIN at checkout.

On this week's episode, presented by Busey Bank, I’m sitting down with someone who’s redefining what it means to be a modern media entrepreneur—Alexis Zotos. After 15 years in broadcast journalism, Alexis made the bold leap from the newsroom to building her own brand, podcast, and digital presence. She’s a St. Louis native, a mom, and now a full-time content creator - We’ll talk about the business behind the pivot—how she’s monetizing her platforms, what it takes to run her own media operation, and whether storytelling or sustainability drives her strategy. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to leave a legacy career and build something from scratch, this episode is for you. Let’s roll…   #stlouis #companionbaking #joshallen #alexiszotos #modernmedia #socialmedia

On this week's episode, presented by Busey Bank, I welcome back Katie Lee from Katie’s Pizza and Pasta. Katie has been on an absolute heater since she was guest #2 back in 2023, culminating with this past week’s announcement that her frozen pizza line is now available in 1,800 Target stores.  The perfect time to get her back on the pod and find out just how in the heck she managed to do that with only a small team of dedicated bakers. Plus, how she’s building an incredible group of talented chefs and food professionals, many of which she’s attracted from outside of St Louis. All the while filming a documentary on the Target launch, building new restaurants, and doing her best to be a mom and staying grounded. So cool to give her a few minutes to share a little long form decompression from all that’s happening. Let’s go… #katielee #katiespizza #target #wholefoods #stlouis #companionbaking

On this episode presented by Busey Bank, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Cliff Redford, better known as Dr. Cliff Worldwide Vet. Dr. Cliff has been running Wellington Veterinary Hospital in Ontario, Canada for 25 years, but his impact stretches far beyond the clinic walls. From treating foxes and bald eagles at Canada’s busiest wildlife rehab center to performing surgery on a monkey in the streets of India, his journey is anything but ordinary. We’ll talk about the making of his award-winning documentary Dr. Cliff Worldwide Vet, the leadership lessons he’s learned from working in war zones and remote communities, and how involving his kids in his work has shaped both his family and his legacy. If you’ve ever wondered how passion, purpose, and a little bit of risk can transform a career — this episode is for you. Let’s roll… #veterinarian #cliffredford #animals #warzones #DrCliff

On this week's episode presented by Busey Bank, I'm joined by someone who’s not just built a brand, but helped shape the identity of a city. Aaron Park is the founder of Arch Apparel, a streetwear company rooted in St. Louis pride and creative grit. Born in Melbourne, Australia, Aaron came to Missouri for college and never looked back. Over nearly a decade, he’s turned Arch into a cultural staple—navigating shifting fashion trends, economic headwinds, and the emotional rollercoaster of entrepreneurship. In this episode, we dive into what it means to lead a creatively driven business, how mental health ties so intimately with small business ownership, and why Aaron believes small businesses can—and should—play a role in civic transformation. #stlouis #apparel #civicpride #australian #entrepreneuer

On this week's episode presented by Busey Bank, I sit down with Craig Kaminer, a New York native turned St. Louis tastemaker, whose career spans decades in high-profile public relations and luxury branding. From Microsoft and Tiffany to the Italian Government Tourist Office, Craig’s resume reads like a masterclass in influence. But what’s truly remarkable is his pivot—from publicist to publisher—leading Sophisticated Living St. Louis, a luxury lifestyle magazine that’s not only survived the digital revolution, but thrived in it. In a time when print is often considered obsolete, Craig has built an omnichannel media powerhouse that reaches tens of thousands of affluent readers through elegant storytelling, high-impact visuals, and a hyper-local lens. We’ll explore how he launched the magazine, the evolution of luxury media, and why Sophisticated Living continues to be the go-to resource for brands that want to connect with the city’s most influential voices.

On this episode presented by Busey Bank, I sit down with a powerhouse of passion, perseverance, and perfectly organized closets — Jennifer Williams, founder of Saint Louis Closet Co. At just 25, Jennifer left grad school, maxed out her credit cards, and took a leap of faith to start her own business — and what a leap it was! Fast forward to today, she’s built one of the largest custom closet companies in the U.S., all while staying deeply rooted in her St. Louis community. In this episode, we’re talking about the grit it takes to grow from nothing and the values that shape a thriving company culture. We’ll also explore how she leads with heart, gives back with purpose, and keeps moving forward — even when the world throws curveballs. Let’s roll… #closets #organization #innovation #leadership

On this episode presented by Busey Bank, I'm joined by Adam Tilford, co-founder of Session Taco and the business mind behind concepts like Milagro Modern Mexican and the brand-new Lapez Mod Mex, started out studying physical therapy before realizing… he hated touching people. After a quick detour in real estate, he joined forces with his brother and chef, Jason, and took a $20,000 leap into the restaurant world. That leap turned into a mini-empire—with seven restaurants, a solid wholesale tortilla chip business, and a cult following across St. Louis and Kansas City.   In this episode, Adam pulls back the curtain on what it’s really like to build—and rebrand—a restaurant group, how a lawsuit forced a bold pivot, what he loves about hospitality, and the key metrics he actually cares about as a business leader. We’ll talk growth, leadership, chip sales, and fire rebuilds. Let’s roll… #tacos #stlouis #disaster #covid #insurance #brothers

On this week’s episode, presented by Busey Bank, I’m joined by someone who has done it all—built a $350 million consulting powerhouse, led digital transformations for Fortune 500 giants, and now? He’s turning that same business brilliance toward one of the most urgent health challenges of our time: Alzheimer’s. Ron Daugherty is the founder of Daugherty Business Solutions and now the visionary force behind Daugherty Enterprises and the Daugherty Foundation. His journey began in a small office in 1985 with one bold belief—that technology, when done right, could change lives. And it has. But Ron’s impact doesn’t stop at boardrooms and tech stacks. He’s a leader with purpose, channeling decades of success into community-driven innovation, supporting caregivers, funding critical research, and using AI to bring hope to families affected by cognitive decline. We’ll explore leadership with purpose and how one man’s mission is transforming Alzheimer’s care—one breakthrough, one patient, and one family at a time. Let’s roll…

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 episode presented by Busey Bank, I’m joined by Chef Lasse Sorensen and producer Jason Pinkston, the duo behind Food is Love—a visually stunning, heart-forward food and travel series that started on St. Louis PBS and is now streaming on Amazon Prime and YouTube. We’ll talk about the show’s evolution from local kitchens to global cultures, the challenges of public TV funding, staying true to your mission while scaling, and what sets Food is Love apart in a crowded media landscape. Let’s roll… #foodislove #chef #stlouis #pbs #creativecontent #bourdain

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  

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…