A steady presence in St. Louis’ business landscape for more than four decades, Kemper is candid about the ideas he believes will guide the region forward. “The key to our region’s future health is our ability to attract smart, ambitious young people,” he says. “We need to continue promoting St. Louis’ many strengths as a great place to live, work, and do business.” Kemper supports efforts that strengthen regional resilience, such as the St. Louis Mosaic Project, International Institute, and the Missouri Historical Society.
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2026 QUESTIONNAIRE
PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
What’s a risk you took in business that didn’t pan out—but taught you something valuable? Commerce has long had a strong core banking footprint in Missouri, Kansas, and Illinois. Looking back, we should have expanded sooner into high-growth commercial markets like Denver and Texas. But better late than never!
What advice would you give to the next generation of St. Louis entrepreneurs or leaders? My advice to the next generation of St. Louis leaders is to focus on growth and to keep a long-term view. The key to our region’s future health is our ability to attract smart, ambitious young people. We need to continue promoting St. Louis’ many strengths as a great place to live, work and do business. The Missouri Historical Society’s most recent initiative, “I Am St. Louis,” is a wonderful step in that direction.
MENTORS & PEERS
What’s a local organization, nonprofit, or initiative that more people should know about—and why? It’s difficult to name just one St. Louis organization, so I’ll mention two: Mosaic and the International Institute. Both promote St. Louis as a welcoming place for all. Our country’s greatest strength is its ability to attract the most talented, industrious people from around the world to live and work, and St. Louis has played a meaningful role in that success.
Which mentors or role models most influenced your path, and how do you try to pay that forward? Two mentors deeply shaped my path — my father James Kemper and Bill Danforth. They used their capital and successful careers to make the world a better place. I try to carry that forward—personally and through Commerce Bank—by working to make the communities we serve stronger and more resilient.
HOBBIES & INTERESTS
What do you do when you’re feeling stuck or uninspired? When I’m feeling stuck or uninspired, I’ll go for a run, swim laps, or watch the last five minutes of the Last of the Mohicans.
