On this week’s episode presented by Busey Bank, Josh sits down with Fred Burmer, the newly appointed CEO of St. Louis’ beloved Lion’s Choice. Burmer started working in quick-service restaurants as a part time worker at Pizza Hut restaurants while attending the University of Central Florida in Orlando and ultimately grew that franchise company from six to more than 50 locations. He later spent years with Yum Brands – the corporate leader of Taco Bell, KFC and Pizza Hut. He brings all that expertise to the 57 year-old, 30 unit Lion’s Choice. They talk about the value of working in the service industry, his initial focus after extensive customer research and the future plans of expansion. Lots of great stuff in this one. Let’s roll…

On this week’s episode presented by Busey Bank, I’m sitting down with Chris Eckert, the president and CEO of Eckert's Country Store and Farms in Belleville, Illinois. He is a seventh-generation farmer overseeing a vast operation that includes fruit and vegetable crops, a farm market, restaurant, garden center, and the country's largest pick-your-own business. Chris holds a degree in Agricultural Economics and has experience working in the produce industry outside of the family business. We talk about leading a multi-generational enterprise, lessons learned from Mother Nature and continuing to expand the entertainment aspect of their business. Great lessons in this one. Let’s roll…

On this week’s episode presented by Busey Bank, Josh catches up with Lucas Farrell of STL Bucket List and Bucket List Creative. STL Bucket List is an independently owned media source right here in Downtown St. Louis that was originally created and founded by Lucas and his wife Marissa to share foodie adventures and everything great about our town. It’s blown up to have over 180,000 followers on social. Lucas parlayed that success to launch Bucket List Creative in 2019 to help local partners build their brand online through social media management, content creation and web design. Lucas handles all Josh’s social media – both Companion Baking and the podcast. They talk about the general state of social media and where’s it’s headed, the rise of influencers and their role in the landscape and how to measure success. Lucas gets it and it was fun to dive deep. Let’s go…

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