In this episode of Fast Forward STL, Keith Alper sits down with Emily Hemingway, a tech entrepreneur who has spent two decades driving innovation and economic growth in communities across the country. Most recently as founding CEO of Tech STL—a nonprofit focused on proactively growing the tech ecosystem in the St. Louis metro area—she launched one of the region’s largest tech communities and STL Tech Week, which has drawn tens of thousands of attendees. Hear about the evolving demand for tech skills across industries, the shrinking pipeline of entry-level roles, and what St. Louis must do to retain talent and strengthen its tech ecosystem. Watch on YouTube, and listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. Love the show? Be sure to follow or subscribe.

See related stories and resources from this episode at https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/fast-forward-stl/episode-7

Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwYnyrcREHGmdXtX9NEhHsFKPnlX-sLmL&si=1nKDfMtmRLjbB07i

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6GMNrMGxJcajuyAsnAAkTa

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fast-forward-stl/id1862226079

This episode is sponsored by Bank of Washington.  Lot of banks talk about giving back, but Bank of Washington actually shows up. Volunteer work and support for nonprofits and Main Street businesses are all driven by a belief that banking should create real impact, not just transactions. When customers choose this bank, they help make that impact possible. Learn more at https://www.bankofwashington.com/

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In this episode of Fast Forward STL, Keith Alper sits down with Steve O’Loughlin, president of Lodging Hospitality Management (LHM), Missouri’s largest hotel operator, with 19 hotels and more than 5,000 rooms; plus Westport Plaza, St. Louis Union Station, several restaurants, and a growing portfolio of experiences—including the Aquarium, The Polar Express, and seasonal pop-ups. Steve shares how he grew up in the hotel business, working his way from a maintenance role to president alongside his father, who transformed LHM from a third-party manager into a property-owning powerhouse. They discuss his role as chairman of Explore St. Louis, the city’s tourism momentum, his optimism for the next generation, downtown growth, and what’s ahead for the Gateway City. It’s a positive conversation about St. Louis you won’t want to miss.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwYnyrcREHGmdXtX9NEhHsFKPnlX-sLmL&si=1nKDfMtmRLjbB07i

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6GMNrMGxJcajuyAsnAAkTa

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fast-forward-stl/id1862226079

This episode is sponsored by Bank of Washington (https://www.bankofwashington.com/) and supported by the St. Louis Sports Commission (https://stlbizdash.com/). Bank of Washington believes banking should feel personal, because your goals are personal. With local decision-making, innovative tools, and people who genuinely care, they’re here for what matters most—you.

New to podcasts? Follow these instructions to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing: https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/how-to-listen/

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In this episode of Fast Forward STL, host Keith Alper sits down with Adam Birenbaum, chief executive officer of Focus Partners Wealth. Adam shares his intern-to-CEO story at the St. Louis-based wealth management firm, explains why comprehensive financial planning beats old-school brokerages, and weighs in on AI’s role in the industry. The conversation shifts to civics, where Adam makes a passionate case for merging the city and county as the region’s make-or-break issue. Watch on YouTube, and listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. Love the show? Be sure to follow or subscribe.

This episode is sponsored by Royal Banks of Missouri and supported by Cardinals Nation. Discover how your business can reach new heights with treasury management services from Royal Banks of Missouri! Their local specialists offer customized banking solutions designed to maximize efficiency, streamline operations, reduce fraud risk, and set your business up for success. Learn more.

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You may also enjoy these articles from SLM:

• St. Louis Business 500: Q&A with Adam Birenbaum, Focus Partners Wealth
• St. Louis Magazine‘s latest business coverage
• More podcasts from St. Louis Magazine
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