During the past year, HDA branched out in a big way. The firm was awarded a $130 million Coca-Cola distribution center in Kentucky, one of many projects in the company’s diverse portfolio. HDA, which recently announced a move to Chesterfield, has also added adaptive reuse, senior living, high-end condos, and restaurant and soft-drink distribution experiences in the past several years.
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2026 QUESTIONNAIRE
PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
What has been your/your company’s most significant success over the past 12 months? We were awarded a $130 million Coca-Cola distribution center in Kentucky.
What has you most excited about the future of your company or industry? I’m most excited about how our portfolio has diversified. We’ve added adaptive reuse, senior living, high-end condos, restaurant, and soft drink distribution experience within the last two years.
If you could change one thing about your industry, what would it be and why? I wouldn’t change a thing. I love the industry I’ve been in for the last 25 years.
What’s the toughest business challenge you’ve had to overcome? Adapting to a younger generation joining the workforce. They think differently, sometimes in a good way.
What’s a risk you took in business that didn’t pan out—but taught you something valuable? We went through a failed merger/acquisition. We came out OK, and I learned a lot about life and work culture. No regrets.
What advice would you give to the next generation of St. Louis entrepreneurs or leaders? Have a plan for your career, and revisit it every year, make adjustments, and stick to your plan. Success doesn’t come easy for anyone. It’s the work you put into it.
MENTORS & PEERS
What is a key strength of the St. Louis metro area business environment? Everyone knows everyone. It doesn’t take long to see who’s making waves, so it’s easy to navigate and get in front of the right people.
What is one thing you would change about the St. Louis metro area business environment? Lack of growth and inability to see the big picture.
Who is the most interesting under-the-radar/emerging business leader in St. Louis? Bryan King of King Realty. He’s incredibly hardworking and seems to be involved in tons of deals. I see him doing big things in real estate.
Who in your company (or industry) deserves more recognition for their impact? Our designer, Joe DiMartino. He’s a rockstar and a natural born leader.
What’s a local organization, nonprofit, or initiative that more people should know about—and why? CREW, a female-based real estate organization that has really evolved and grown.
BACKGROUND
Where were you born? St. Louis
What educational degrees do you hold, and where were they earned? Bachelor’s in Business Administration; Double Minor – Marketing & Psychology
What was your first job, and what did you learn from it? My first job at 16 years old was a bus boy at The Pasta House. I learned that you had to move quick. I’m very quick in everything I do in business. I don’t wait long to make moves.
HOBBIES & INTERESTS
What’s your hobby/passion? Travel and reading about history.
What is one book you think everyone should read (or podcast everyone should listen to) and why? Anyone in sales should read Sales Simplified.
What do you do when you’re feeling stuck or uninspired? I’ll let it go for a few days, and then I will revisit it when I have a dedicated day to get hyper focus and really rationalize and plan things.
What would people be surprised to learn about you (fun fact)? I always read every business article from the bottom up and then the top town. I like to get to the meat of the story and then, if I’m interested, I’ll read the full article. It helps me retain info easier.
