The company’s fourth-generation owner, John Meilink oversees 1905 New Media’s range of marketing operations, from business development to budgeting to client relations. He’s worked in marketing for companies across a wide array of industries, including education, health care, hospitality, and nonprofit. Meilink holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Webster University, where he studied advertising and media communications.
PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
What has been your or your company’s most significant success over the last 12 months? 1905 New Media was proud to make the 2024 Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing companies in the United States. The Inc. 5000 class of 2024 represents companies that have driven rapid revenue growth while navigating inflationary pressure, the rising costs of capital, and seemingly intractable hiring challenges. 41 businesses in St. Louis were selected for this prestigious designation. Earning our place on this year’s list is a testament to the hard work and dedication our 1905 New Media team brings to the table every day. More than just a milestone achievement, making the list is a celebration of our commitment to excellence and innovation. With such a remarkable team, I am fully confident we will keep pushing the boundaries of what is possible, evolving our strategies and processes to continually provide our clients with exceptional results.
What has you most excited about the future of your company or industry? As we continue to grow 1905 New Media’s print and nonprint services, I am excited about identifying new areas of growth, which may present themselves as new industries to expand into or new markets to service. I am eager to continue growing our impact both in the Midwest and beyond. The potential for innovation in marketing and print strategies is vast, from harnessing the power of AI to exploring advanced reporting platforms for better data analytics. As our industry moves forward and adopts new tools and techniques, I am thrilled to lead a team that is not only agile in adapting to these changes but passionate about learning, so we can effectively leverage these advantages to drive value and lasting impact for our clients.
If you could change one thing about your industry, what would it be and why? With the evolution of digital communications tactics, there has been a prevalent misconception in recent years that print is dead. Many marketers tend to focus solely on digital strategies, overlooking the unique impact of print. There’s often a disconnect between traditional print and digital marketing professionals, which leads to marketing firms failing to be truly full-service. Yet at 1905 New Media, we’ve proven that these two mediums can complement each other seamlessly and drive impressive results when integrated thoughtfully.
What’s the toughest business challenge you’ve had to overcome (excluding the pandemic) and why? In 2022, I lost my business partner and long-time friend Bredon Jones to advanced appendiceal cancer. Bredon was an integral part of who 1905 New Media was and still is, and losing him was a tremendous loss. Bredon left a profound impact at 1905 New Media that will never be replicated, but instead, honored. He was truly devoted to upholding a supportive workplace culture, where team members are personally satisfied, creatively fulfilled, and equally valued. It was his commitment to this belief that led to our creation of the Bredon Jones Utopia Award to honor his legacy and inspire future generations of leaders. The award recipient is always someone who has demonstrated both a personal commitment to and a passion for the well-being of others and has played an active role in shaping a positive environment at 1905 New Media. Based on peer nominations, the award recipient receives a $1,000 cash award, their name on a plaque inside the office, and a “traveling trophy” for one year. 1905 looks forward to continuing Bredon’s award for many years, as we remember to follow in his footsteps of providing a balanced workplace culture for all 1905 team members.
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MENTORS & PEERS
To whom or where do you go for sound business advice? My father, Mike Thomson. I’m also a proud member of EO (Entrepreneurs’ Organization), and the members in my group are always ready and willing to provide sound advice and support.
Do you have a business mentor? If so, who and why? Again, my father, Mike Thomson. He ran the business before me, with his father Mark before him, and Mark’s father Ronald before him ‚Äî four generations of Thomson ownership. My father knows the ins and outs of running a family business, and he is still involved at the St. Charles print shop to this day. I am grateful every day for his support and confidence in me to take the reins, beginning the next generation of this company.
Who is the most interesting under-the-radar/emerging business leader in St. Louis and why? While not necessarily “emerging,” Tamara Keefe, founder of Clementine’s Naughty and Nice Creamery, continues to inspire me in all her business endeavors. Watching her grow her company into one of the most well-known, revered, and highly-rated ice cream establishments in the St. Louis metropolitan area has been nothing short of exceptional. I am honored to know her and work with her, supporting her business as it continues to grow.
What is one thing you would change about the St. Louis metro area business environment and why? St. Louis has many innovative thinkers and leaders running businesses that you simply can’t find anywhere else. However, if I could change one thing about the St. Louis metro area business environment, it would be to foster a more collaborative, future-thinking mindset. While there is a strong sense of community and pride in being hyperlocal, I think it can sometimes limit the potential for future growth and innovation. By thinking bigger and breaking down regional silos, we could build stronger partnerships and attract more opportunities, making St. Louis an even more vibrant and thriving business hub.
BACKGROUND
Where were you born? St. Charles
What was your childhood aspiration? To one day take over my family’s business, Thomson Printing (in 2020, we consolidated non-print operations under one entity and rebranded as 1905 New Media). As a fourth-generation family business owner, I take great pride in being able to continue the legacy my great-grandfather Ronald Thomson started nearly 120 years ago.
What was your first job, and what did you learn from it? My first job was working right here, at Thomson Printing, doing print binding for my dad. From an early age, I got to see all the facets of not only print media but what it would take to someday run the business.
What educational degrees do you hold, and where were they earned? I hold a bachelor’s degree in advertising and marketing from Webster University and a Masters in media communications from Webster University.
HOBBIES & INTERESTS
If you were not in your current profession, what would you be doing and why? If I had the time to devote a full eight hours a day towards it, I think I would be a professional distance runner. Running has been my number one hobby for as long as I can remember.
What is your favorite St. Louis-area restaurant, and what do you typically order there? There’s a spot in the basement of the Cheshire Hotel called Basso that will always hold meaning to me. It was the place where my business partner Bredon agreed to our acquisition and the place where he first told me he was battling cancer. Today, it’s a place where we take some of our clients out to lunch or dinner. It will always be a meaningful spot for me.
What is one item you recently crossed off your bucket list? We are opening up another 1905 New Media office in Chicago in 2025 — a dream of mine since I first started this business.
What’s your hobby/passion? Long-distance running.
What is your most prized possession? My company—or my treadmill.
What would people be surprised to learn about you—a fun fact? I have run a marathon in all 50 states.
