Ryan brings a strong combination of small business ownership, management, customer service, and community leadership experience to his work in business retention and outreach. Having owned and operated a small business outside St. Louis, Missouri, for seven years, he understands firsthand the opportunities, challenges, and day-to-day realities that come with running a business.
In addition to his entrepreneurial experience, Ryan has approximately 10 years of management and customer service experience, as well as leadership experience with local networking organizations. These experiences have strengthened his ability to communicate effectively, build meaningful relationships, solve problems, and connect with people from a wide range of backgrounds.
Ryan is passionate about supporting the growth and long-term strength of the local economy. He believes that strong communities are built around strong local businesses and that meaningful economic development begins with listening to business owners, understanding their needs, and connecting them with the right resources and opportunities.
A natural people person with a positive and optimistic outlook, Ryan places a strong emphasis on communication, relationship building, and earning the trust of the businesses he serves. As a Business Retention and Outreach Specialist, he is committed to helping local businesses overcome challenges, identify opportunities, and build the connections they need to succeed, grow, and remain an important part of the region.