As the company continues to grow, Meilink gives much of the credit to 1905’s vice president Lindi Schaeffer. “While I’m churning out new ideas, proposing new service offerings, and eyeing acquisitions, Lindi keeps me—and our company—grounded,” Meilink says. “She brings clarity to the chaos, asks the hard questions, and makes sure nothing slips through the cracks.” In early 2026, the company announced its acquisition of St. Louis web development firm Lelander.
2026 QUESTIONNAIRE
What advice would you give to the next generation of St. Louis entrepreneurs or leaders? Learn how to work on your business, not in it. As a leader, it can feel natural to want to wear every hat. After all, running or starting a business demands a lot from you. To ensure things run smoothly, it can feel like we’re supposed to be involved as much as possible. For those just starting a business, stepping into every role is often non-negotiable. But delegation isn’t a sign of weakness. If you want to scale, grow, and build something that lasts, you have to learn to step back where appropriate. That means trusting others, building strong systems, and being okay with not doing everything yourself. You can’t scale if you’re the bottleneck. The sooner you step back and empower your team, the sooner you create room for others to lead, innovate, and push the business forward.
What’s a risk you took in business that didn’t pan out—but taught you something valuable? We moved too quickly on a buyout of another agency, and it taught us a lot. In our eagerness, we set aside some of the necessary processes we had built up and paid the price. The transition proved more complex than expected, and it challenged us in ways we hadn’t anticipated. It was a turning point. We realized how essential it is to stay disciplined, even when an opportunity feels urgent. Since then, we’ve refined our acquisition process to emphasize alignment of leadership styles, internal systems, and cultural values. The experience strengthened our team’s communication, sharpened our integration playbook, and reminded us that growth should never come at the expense of stability. Today, our acquisitions are among our greatest assets, but that lesson remains: success is built on thoughtful execution, not speed alone.
What do you do when you’re feeling stuck or uninspired? I run. Twice a day, every day. Running has taught me discipline, endurance, and the value of long-term commitment. Some days, the miles come easy. Other days, they’re hard, but that’s the point. It mirrors my approach to entrepreneurship: momentum builds over time, not all at once. When I’m too deep in the weeds or overwhelmed by noise, running pulls me out. It clears my head, widens my perspective, and reminds me that progress is about consistency, not perfection.
Who in your company (or industry) deserves more recognition for their impact? 1905 New Media wouldn’t be where we are today without Lindi Schaeffer, our Vice President. While I’m churning out new ideas, proposing new service offerings, and eyeing acquisitions, Lindi keeps me (and our company) grounded. She brings clarity to the chaos, asks the hard questions, and makes sure nothing slips through the cracks. Behind every big pitch, polished deliverable, or internal breakthrough, there’s Lindi, connecting the dots and making sure we deliver on the promises we make. She doesn’t ask for the spotlight, but she’s the reason our team can move fast with efficiency, without falling apart. Every company needs a Lindi. I’m just lucky we have the original!
What’s a local organization, nonprofit, or initiative that more people should know about—and why? EO (Entrepreneur’s Organization) St. Louis is a peer-to-peer network that helps entrepreneurs learn and grow. I have been a member since January 2021 and currently sit on the board, but my relationship with EO goes all the way back to 2011, when I was part of an accelerator program and met my late business partner, Bredon Jones. That introduction and the journey that followed set the course for so much of what we have built today. EO has been an invaluable resource for both my business and personal growth. It has challenged me to think bigger and lead with clarity and intention. Being part of a community of like-minded business owners who genuinely understand the highs and lows of entrepreneurship has made me a better leader and a better team member. The organization isn’t just about learning, but the lifelong connections you make along the way.
2025 QUESTIONNAIRE
PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
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.
