PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
What has been your or your company’s most significant success over the last 12 months? We’re a scientific research organization with a mission to improve the human condition through plant science, and I would have a hard time identifying a singular significant success. Some notable recent successes include development of a new, 140-acre Field Research Site about 20 minutes away from our Creve Coeur facilities. Building great facilities has been one of our compatitive advantages, and they’ve contributed to scientific success in areas crop sustainability, more precise and faster breeding technologies, and more nature-friendly inputs in agriculture. We are seeing success with the Startup Initiative, which seeks to increase the pace and success of new companies formed by Danforth Center scientists and based on Center technologies. One such campany, PeptydeBio, had a successful exit in late 2023. And we’ve had success recruiting some outstanding scientists to the Center.
What has you most excited about the future of your company or industry? I’m excited about the opportunities to use plant science to improve the sustainability of agriculture, improve the quality of diets around the world, and catalyze growth and opportunities in our region. But the Danforth Center’s impact starts with discoveries made by our teams. I’m excited when we get surprising results that inform a new way to address a major challenge.
If you could change one thing about your industry, what would it be and why? I would make changes to accurate the rate of discovery and application. We’re in the research business where most of our funding arises from competitive grants (mostly federal and foundation sources). Increased funding available for plant science and related fields would make a big difference.
What’s the toughest business challenge you’ve had to overcome (excluding the pandemic) and why? One of the biggest challenges is raising funds that enable long-term investments in people and infrastructure, as well as short-term investments in high-priority projects. We have tremendous philanthropic donors who enable the first and highly competitive scientists who enable the latter.
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MENTORS & PEERS
To whom or where do you go for sound business advice? I’m a big believer in solidifying and enhancing your core strengths. This has led to a perspective that increases focus on the most important issues, and decreases distractions. So, books, online resources and colleagues that help me do those things better are always welcome.
Do you have a business mentor? If so, who and why? I’ve been lucky to work closely with four unique board chairs (Bill Danforth, John McDonnell, Todd Schnuck, and Penny Pennington) during my years at the Danforth Center. Each as been helpful, in different ways, toward my development as a leader. John McDonnell may have had the most impact, because he spent the most time in a mentoring role, and he did so at a time when the mentoring was most needed.
What piece of advice has had the most significant impact on your career? It was from a man named Greg Oliver, a non-college-educated, grizzled, multiply-injured carpenter who I worked with one summer between first and second years of college. During a lunch break at a home construction site, Greg asked me what college was like. I told him about all about it; he listened carefully while staring off into the distance. After a long pause, he said, “Jim, if you can ever make a living with your head rather than your back, do it.”
If you could have dinner with any two area business leaders, who would you choose and why? I’l give one present and one past. Today, it might be my friend Sam Fiorello (CEO of Cortex), because the laughs never stop! In the past, I would chose the late Jack Taylor, founder of Enterprise Rent-a-Car. Dinners with Jack were really fun, and they were masterclasses in how simplicity and leaning into your strengths can build a business.
Who is the most interesting under-the-radar/emerging business leader in St. Louis and why? There are many! How about Jeremy Williams, head of Climate LLC within Bayer Crop Science. He’s a very smart, big vision, fun guy who is pressing the frontiers of agriculture and technology.
What is one thing you would change about the St. Louis metro area business environment and why? I still sense a regional inferiority complex that might limit how we think about ourselves. Too many people talk too much about the way things were.
BACKGROUND
Where were you born? Redondo Beach, California
What was your childhood aspiration? To play baseball, soccer and surf every day. When it was clear those career paths were limited, I wanted to be a scientist.
What was your first job, and what did you learn from it? The most influential early job was washing glassware in a plant science lab at college. That was my entree into the scientific research world, and I’ve been there ever since.
What educational degrees do you hold, and where were they earned? I have a B.S. in Plant Science from University of California, Riverside, and a Ph.D in Plant Biology from the University of California, Berkeley.
HOBBIES & INTERESTS
If you were not in your current profession, what would you be doing and why? No idea. But if I were not in the science business, I’d hope it was something I enjoy doing. I like nature, live music, entertainment and sports.
What is your favorite St. Louis-area restaurant, and what do you typically order there? Oceano Bistro in Clayton. Typical order is fish and a glass of wine.
What is one item you recently crossed off your bucket list? Got my golf handicap below 10.
What is one book you think everyone should read (or podcast everyone should listen to) and why? The Map that Changed the World by Simon Winchester. It’s the amazing story of how William Smith, a poor laborer and canal digger, created the field of modern geology in the late 18th/early 19th century. It’s one of the best stories of a person overcoming insurmountable obstacles.
What’s your hobby/passion? The most expensive hobby is golf at great places, with Bandon Dunes at the top of the list.
What is your most prized possession? The possession with the best story is a baseball signed by the 2011 St. Louis Cardinals players, including three past or future Hall-of-Fame players.
What would people be surprised to learn about you—a fun fact? I can do magic tricks that impress my grandkids.
What is your go-to karaoke song? “Honky Tonk Heroes” by Waylon Jennings
