For many employees, the difference between a great job and a horrible (I dread going) experience often falls directly on the boss. A great boss can keep employees motivated and inspired to come in each day. A horrible boss can make even the most loyal employee searching for a way out.
This month, we are proud to present some of the best bosses and managers in St. Louis. When we asked for nominations, we were searching for managers who inspire, motivate and positively challenge their teams not only to make them more productive but also make work more fun.
These are not your average bosses, they are the best in the region.
Nicole Kline | HireLevel
Position: VP, Operations and Strategic Accounts
What was your first job?
I worked at Hallmark at University Mall in Carbondale, IL. I worked with the sweetest group of ladies and got to sell candy. It was perfect for a 16-year-old kid.
What was your worst job?
Working retail at the GAP. Too many sweaters to fold. I really liked the people, but the never-ending piles of messy clothes were too much for me!
What led you to your industry?
HireLevel is a family business that has been a part of my life for over 30 years. I’ve always been drawn to working with people and so recruitment was a natural path for me. Once I got started, I fell in love with the “people” industry and the ability to help change people’s lives by finding them a great job while working with strong local businesses.
What was the smartest thing your company did in the past year?
The smartest thing we’ve done in the past year was to embrace AI. We are being cautious and compliant and have stayed true to our people being the largest priority but are making adaptation a priority where possible to ensure our time is best spent focusing on our employees and customers.
Who is your role model and what have you learned from him/her?
I am fortunate to have many strong role models in my life, but when it comes to people, it’s my grandma. She has always brought a positive outlook and a warm smile and an open ear to the people in her life. If I can make people feel safe and comfortable in the job search, at work with me, or while partnering with HireLevel on their recruitment, then I’m doing what I need to do.
What’s the best part of your job?
The people I have met during my twenty years with HireLevel have been one of the greatest blessings of my life. Between my team, my clients and our employees, HireLevel and the world of recruitment have brought so many people into my life that have become both friends and family.
What is your top tip for leading people?
Do what you say you are going to do, and treat people the way you want to be treated.
What is your favorite part of St. Louis?
As a former Team Fredbird girl, it’s definitely a tie between Busch Stadium and Fredbird.
Dave Black | VIVIDSITES
Position: User Experience Director | Solution Architect
What was your first job?
I mowed lawns and shoveled driveways, but my first real job was working at Baskin-Robbins when I was 13 for $2.75 an hour. It was a dream job for a kid with a sweet tooth. I remember being afraid I would get locked in the walk-in freezer. It was fun seeing the kids’ faces light up when you handed them an ice cream cone.
What was your worst job?
It wasn’t that bad, but if I have to choose, I’ll go with my job at Kenny’s Shoes in West County Mall. It was fun at first, but eventually I moved into an assistant manager role. The 12-hour days didn’t bother me as much as having to dye shoes for weddings. I was so stressed that I would ruin someone’s big day, I’d sometimes die two pairs and let them choose.
What led you to your industry?
When I was in college, the demand for developers started skyrocketing, so I sold my motorcycle, bought a computer, and changed my major from marketing to computer information systems. It was when Java first came out, so a friend and I would help the teacher with the class because it was challenging for all of us. I started developing Windows applications for AT&T, and then I realized all the issues installing client-side applications on computers would go away if it worked through a browser. I knew it was the future, so I asked my consulting company to move me to Maritz, where I could build database-driven websites, now called web apps. I ended up designing and developing one of GM’s first web apps for Cadillac, and shortly after, another one for Ford. After that, I was hooked, and VIVID SITES was born.
What was the smartest thing your company did in the past year?
I dare not say it, but adopting AI in our workflows has been a game-changer. It’s helping us fill in gaps and dive into technology we would have shied away from in the past. We don’t recommend using AI for content if you want it to be relatable and unique. It often overdoes it, and people can tell it’s not genuine.
Who is your role model and what have you learned from him/her?
I have two. One was my old boss, John Roth. He taught me deep technical wisdom and how to treat everyone as an equal. The other is David Steward, the founder of World Wide Technology. I didn’t know him personally, but his book taught me to be a servant leader to my coworkers and clients.
What’s the best part of your job?
The satisfaction of seeing our team come together on a project conceptualized, designed, and developed from scratch is wonderful. Watching our marketing team help it grow into something bigger is also rewarding. We’ve pulled off some amazing things that I thought were borderline impossible. The fact that our small company has reached Google Premier status still baffles me.
What is your top tip for leading people?
Don’t let the world change you into what it thinks you should be. The fear of not being the best at what people think you should be will eat you alive. Also, take advice from someone you trust when you get it, and act on it. I can’t count how many times I didn’t implement good advice when I should have.
What is your favorite part of St. Louis?
The people. We aren’t pretentious. We have good values, and we don’t need much to make us happy. When I first got into business, I didn’t understand what people meant by midwestern values. I thought everyone was like us. I also enjoy our city’s humble amenities, sports, and the lush green trees.
Natalie Self | Cortex
Position: Senior Vice President, Equitable Economic Development
What was your first job?
Growing up, my mom was a children and family minister. I sang with her at nursing homes, tagged along to the hospital visits, and helped her put up the bulletin boards at church. My daily compensation was a can of FULL SUGAR Cream Soda. I thought I had it made!
What was your worst job?
It wasn’t a bad job, but my summer as a day camp counselor taught me that my future career should not involve children or nature.
What led you to your industry?
While my mom was a minister growing up, my dad was an investment banker. That shaped my brain to want to do good and help, but in the context of capital markets. Tech-based economic and community development requires using both sides of our brains, and that challenge really interests me.
What was the smartest thing your company did in the past year?
Cortex continues to find new ways to deliver on our promise to create a community where innovators can live, work, and play. After the deadly May 2025 tornado, more than 100 District members supported clean-up efforts and donated much-needed supplies. Once a month, more than 200 members enjoy free coffee and networking. And earlier this year, we broke ground on new apartments in the District, set to open in 2028. There is an energy and sense of optimism in the District that is very energizing.
What’s the best part of your job? Hands down the best part is working with smart, creative and funny people at Cortex who are working to create an environment where innovative ideas become real solutions. Every single person on our team is passionate about their work and cares about how we work together. There is not much more I could hope for than that.
What is your top tip for leading people?
Leaders are responsible for culture. I always suggest leaders get a really good psychotherapist and do what they need to do so they can be a calm, humble and supportive boss. I’ve seen so much good work go sideways because a leader is operating from a place of insecurity. We are all human, so we also have to learn how to apologize and repair relationships when we’ve made mistakes.
What is your favorite part of St. Louis?
It is so easy to have a wonderful life in St. Louis. Beyond the low cost of living and free family attractions, we have access to an incredible culinary scene, art and entertainment productions, and outdoor spaces. I moved here from Chicago in 2009, planning to stay no more than nine months. Clearly, St. Louis captured my heart.
Tina Babel | Carmody MacDonald
Position: Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel
What was your first job?
Sears – I sold Men’s Clothing but eventually got promoted to commissioned sales in Tools.
What was your worst job?
I worked 3-4 jobs at the same time while going to Missouri State University, and keeping them all straight was extremely difficult. At one point I worked the buffet at a car auction every Thursday morning at 5 am, did data entry at a food warehouse, sold shoes at Macy’s at Battlefield Mall, and waitressed at Corky’s (the Memphis BBQ Restaurant), all while going to college.
What led you to your industry?
I wanted to be a mathematician, but freshman year I took a criminal law class with Dr. Tony Simones (who is now our Director of Civic Education at the Missouri Bar). I was hooked and never thought about calculus again.
What was the smartest thing your company did in the past year?
Carmody MacDonald has grown exponentially. In the past year, we decided to intentionally invest in our operations to support that growth. As part of that strategy, we created my current position, promoted Eric Oelzen to Chief Financial Advisor, Sara Schlenk to Controller, and Amanda Zumwalt to our Technology Enablement Manager, all in the past year. These strategic investments have positioned the firm to scale effectively while providing our attorneys with the resources and support they need to perform at their best.
Who is your role model and what have you learned from him/her?
Dave Stoeberl and Brian Behrens, members of our current Management Committee. Nineteen years ago, I followed Dave and Brian from another firm when they came to Carmody MacDonald because I wanted to continue working with attorneys who are not only exceptionally talented, but also genuinely good people. They taught me what it means to practice law with integrity and professionalism. Today, as I transition into my new leadership role, they continue to mentor me and help shape our firm’s vision for the future.
What’s the best part of your job?
The people. We have the most talented and experienced legal assistants, paralegals, back office, and attorneys, and I am always proud to tell people I am part of Carmody MacDonald. That I now get to work with them on a different level and enhance the way we serve our people and clients is a joy. I enjoy going to work every day.
What is your top tip for leading people?
I always assume the best intentions from everyone and do my best to acknowledge and learn from my mistakes. I also think positivity is extremely important. Our best work takes place in a very high-stress environment, and feeling supported at all times is an absolute must.
What is your favorite part of St. Louis?
The community. We all look out for each other and are looking to help however we can.
John Rippy | Local Howl
Position: CTO
What was your first job?
Dishwasher / Drain Cleaner / Toilet Unclogger at Ponderosa
What was your worst job?
See above
What led you to your industry?
I’ve been gaming since diapers. Thanks to an early computer and high-speed internet access, I bypassed the AOL era. My earliest vision was to create an interactive storytelling platform where viewers could, let’s say they were watching Friends and wanted Monica’s dress, purchase items on-screen using their remote, an opt-in ecommerce concept that predated YouTube. It wasn’t based upon commercials for revenue. This didn’t happen but it worked out.
What was the smartest thing your company did in the past year?
Research, adapt and take risks on where the industry was going with AI leading the charge. More specifically, the tools we have built since October are future proofing our partners and making meaningful impact in these changing times. When a partner is able to expand their team, open a new location, offer new benefits to their employees, it is simply an amazing feeling.
Who is your role model and what have you learned from him/her?
I once had a boss, while I was living in Chicago. He immigrated to the US from Pakistan, ran two businesses, was very successful, had a beautiful family, had an amazing work ethic, yet still had the time to train me, just some college kid, in everything he knew and check in with me everyday. Coming from my background, I never thought someone could do or be like that.
What’s the best part of your job?
Mentoring and championing are words that get thrown around that have kind of lost their gravity and meaning. But when I see my team grow, when I look at them and tell them that they don’t need me any longer, I am like a proud parent who just watched their son hit a grand slam to win the game.
What is your top tip for leading people?
Have true compassion. Listen with intent. They choose you, to be working under you. You should be honored to have them. To guide them. Yes it can get tough at times absorbing emotions of the team but that is what leadership is. Your job is to make them better whenever they move on and it is the most rewarding aspect of leadership in my opinion.
What is your favorite part of St. Louis?
Between the art, the music and a long list of great restaurants, it is hard to pick. But I will say this. St. Louis has a lot to be proud of. We have a lot going for us. I feel like at times we forget that and focus on what we are not instead of embracing what we are.
Sharon Reus, CPG Agency
Position: President, CPG Agency
What was your first job?
My first “real” job in the communications industry was producing a live, nightly, all-volunteer cast and crew cable television program. This was back in the days of local access cable, and we worked out of a studio in North County. It was a fun, rewarding job training people on how to make television.
What was your worst job?
I worked in a bank for a hot minute in college, and that wasn’t a good fit. But I’ve come to look at even the “bad” jobs as learning experiences and part of my career journey. I’ve taken something away (and hopefully left good things behind) at every job.
What led you to your industry?
My path wasn’t linear. I started in journalism because I loved telling stories. Along the way I discovered that live experiences have a unique power to use storytelling to change minds, build trust, and create momentum. That’s what keeps me excited about this industry.
What was the smartest thing your company did in the past year?
We continue to invest in our team. We stepped back, clarified who we are and what makes us different, and then looked for the people who can help us deliver the most value to our clients.
Who is your role model and what have you learned from him/her?
I’ve been fortunate to learn from many people with very different strengths. Some taught me to lead with courage, others with kindness, and others with relentless curiosity. The lesson they’ve all shared is that leadership is about creating an environment where other people can do their best work.
What’s the best part of your job?
Watching ideas become reality. Our clients often come to us with a business challenge, not an event challenge. Seeing a room full of people leave believing something new, and ready to act on it, is incredibly rewarding.
What is your top tip for leading people?
Provide clarity and transparency. People want to do great work, but they need to understand where you’re headed and why it matters. Once people believe in the destination, they’ll often surprise you with how much ownership they’re willing to take.
What is your favorite part of St. Louis?
The variety of experiences to be had! World-class parks, museums, food, music, and neighborhoods to be explored. It’s an opportunity to create your own adventure in a vibrant community.
Cody Buttry-Hinkle|GadellNet Consulting Services
Position: Vice President of Client Experience, GadellNet Consulting Services
What was your first job?
Car Wash Attendant (family-owned business): My first job taught me the basics that still matter: show up, work hard, treat people well, and never assume a task is beneath you. Those early lessons shaped how I view leadership today.
What was your worst job?
I’ve had hard jobs, but I don’t know that I’d call any of them the worst. The most difficult roles taught me what kind of leader I wanted to become: clear, fair, accountable, and deeply aware that people do their best work when they feel respected.
What led you to your industry?
I did not take a straight path into technology. My background has always centered on people, communication, trust, and service. Managed services gave me a place to combine those strengths with business strategy, helping clients feel supported while helping teams deliver meaningful outcomes.
What was the smartest thing your company did in the past year?
The smartest thing we did was to continue elevating the client experience as a companywide responsibility, not just a department’s responsibility. In an industry built around technology, the real differentiator is how clearly we communicate, how well we own outcomes, and how consistently we build trust.
Who is your role model and what have you learned from him/her?
My role models are the leaders who balance high expectations with real humanity, and the #1 was my Father. He taught me that people do not need perfection from their leaders; they need clarity, consistency, honesty, and someone willing to stand beside them while still helping them grow.
What’s the best part of your job?
The best part of my job is helping people see what they are capable of before they fully see it themselves. Whether it is a client, a team member, or a future leader, I love creating the conditions for people to grow, succeed, and feel proud of their work.
What is your top tip for leading people?
Be clear and be human. People can handle hard conversations, high expectations, and change when they trust your intent and understand the “why.” Leadership is not about having all the answers; it is about creating enough clarity and trust for people to move forward together.
What is your favorite part of St. Louis?
My favorite part of St. Louis is that it still feels like a big small town. There is so much talent, history, grit, generosity, and pride here. People show up for each other, and that sense of community is what makes the region special.
James M. Kreitler | Kreitler Law Firm, LLC
Position: CEO/Lawyer at Kreitler Law Firm, LLC
What was your first job?
I worked as a carpenter, building residential housing.
What was your worst job?
Fast food. That is definitely a difficult industry when it comes to serving the general public.
What led you to your industry?
A desire to help people solve their problems and a passion for serving others.
What was the smartest thing your company did in the past year?
Building an operating board to help share the responsibility of strategically growing the team.
Who is your role model and what have you learned from him/her?
I recently bought another company, and the previous owner stayed on as a consultant. I have learned so much from him as a leader, developing patience and a long-term mindset.
What’s the best part of your job?
Getting to watch team members execute their collaborative strategy, seeing them succeed beyond what they thought they could do.
What is your top tip for leading people?
Love and care for them. Honor them. Make margins and room for their issues; be patient.
What is your favorite part of St. Louis?
St. Louis truly is a “small, big city.” It is easy to make connections, and there are lots of opportunities to grow and have fun.
Jake Waterkotte | Slyman Bros
Position: Vice President
What was your first job?
I worked at a firework stand that my High School football coach ran every summer.
What was your worst job?
Working in the back of a 53 ft trailer in the dead of summer for the firework stand. Luckily it was one summer for a month but that was all I needed to see to never want to do it again.
What led you to your industry?
I was going to school to be a teacher and worked part-time at our Hampton location with my uncle and cousin. One day my uncle said if I wanted to stay I could start in sales. I always enjoyed being there and being around family. It was the best decision I could have made.
What was the smartest thing your company did in the past year?
For the first time ever we opened a store outside of the St.Louis market in Columbia, MO. Expanding our distribution coverage has been a goal of ours for years and we were able to accomplish that by opening this store. We are able to service areas such as Jefferson City and the Lake of the Ozarks on a weekly basis.
Who is your role model and what have you learned from him/her?
My father is my role model and my best friend. He worked midnights my entire childhood so he could be present at everything. His work ethic and dedication to his family is something I really admire and strive to have.
What is your top tip for leading people?
Leading by example and making sure our team knows that I am always a phone call away and willing to listen.
Erin Hardebeck | McBride Homes
Position: Vice President of Sales and Marketing for McBride Homes
What was your first job?
I was a Hostess at Applebee’s in Chesterfield when I was 16 years old.
What was your worst job?
Honestly, I can’t think of one. I’ve been lucky to spend most of my career with one company, and every role I’ve held has helped me grow both personally and professionally. My advice is to be thoughtful about where you work; the right culture makes all the difference.
What led you to your industry?
I started as an artist and graphic designer, which led me into marketing. As my career grew, I realized I loved building teams, solving problems, and helping people succeed just as much as I loved being creative.
What was the smartest thing your company did in the past year?
We invested in better technology and training for our sales team. Giving people the right tools, clear processes, and ongoing development has helped us create a better experience for both our employees and our customers.
Who is your role model and what have you learned from him/her?
My dad. He was a successful executive, but no matter how busy he was, he always made time for people. He showed me you don’t have to lead with fear to earn respect. The way you make people feel will always have a greater impact than the title you hold.
What’s the best part of your job?
Watching people grow. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing someone gain confidence, achieve goals they didn’t think were possible, and advance in their career knowing you played a small part in their journey.
What is your top tip for leading people?
Invest in your people. Teach them, challenge them, and celebrate their successes. When people feel valued, they’re more confident, engaged, and willing to do their best work.
What is your favorite part of St. Louis?
The family-friendly atmosphere. My husband and I have four kids, and from Cardinals games to the Zoo and Forest Park, there are so many opportunities to make memories together.