Ryan McClure sees the parks industry as playing a vital community role when it comes to “conserving, preserving, and activating public spaces.” Last fall, his organization purchased the Millennium Hotel to lead redevelopment efforts in a crucial part of downtown. “We drew record crowds for Winterfest and Blues at the Arch, two of our signature public programs,” McClure says. “At a time when there is a narrative that people do not want to come downtown, these events are proving that people do want to be in the heart of our region.”
PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
What has been your or your company’s most significant success over the last 12 months? We drew record crowds for Winterfest and Blues at the Arch, two of our signature public programs. At a time when there is a narrative that people do not want to come Downtown, these events are proving that people do, in fact want to be in the heart of our region. The success of these events takes every department and member of our team.
What has you most excited about the future of your company or industry? The future is so bright for park conservancies like ours. Specifically with National Park conservancies, there is more collaboration and advocacy at a national level than there has ever been before. This allows us to be part of affecting change at a national level, which has a very real impact in St. Louis. In the short term, we are excited about the re-opening of the Old Courthouse in Spring 2025. It has been under renovation through a public-private partnership between Gateway Arch Park Foundation and the National Park Service and we can’t wait to reintroduce the community and our visitors to this amazing building and the stories it tells.
If you could change one thing about your industry, what would it be and why? I would define our industry as conserving, preserving, and activating public spaces. Public spaces drive equitable communities, and it’s important that we continue to invest in and improve these spaces. However, even at a time when more people are using parks and public spaces, particularly national parks, we are seeing dwindling public funds. I would hope for more funds from Congress for national parks, which will leverage the immense philanthropic support that organizations like ours provide.
What’s the toughest business challenge you’ve had to overcome (excluding the pandemic) and why? As with any public-prviate partnership, the CityArchRiver project had many challenges. However, through mutual respect, honest and open communication, and the right leadership in place, we moved toward a common goal and realized one of the largest public-private investments in the history of the National Park Service‚Äîincluding the reimagining of our hometown national park.
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MENTORS & PEERS
To whom or where do you go for sound business advice? We are fortunate to have an amazing board of trustees, who have a diverse background and skillset. I know I could call any one of our trustees and get sound advice on a wide variety of issues.
Do you have a business mentor? If so, who and why? It would be difficult to name just one. I have been incredibly fortunate to have mentors at every step of my career, from FleishmanHillard, Safety National, Boys Hope Girls Hope, and Gateway Arch Park Foundation. I’ve picked up pieces of what I do today from each of them. I also rely a lot on my parents (Rich McClure and Sharon Buchanan-McClure). They’ve both had amazing careers in public service and business and have always given me invaluable business and life advice.
What piece of advice has had the most significant impact on your career? Doing the right thing, even though it’s not the easiest thing, will never lead you astray. Also, everyone has value and should be treated as such.
Who is the most interesting under-the-radar/emerging business leader in St. Louis and why? Michael Woods, Dream Builders 4 Equity. Michael’s passion for St. Louis and providing real estate ownership and training in the neighborhoods he works in is remarkable. He and his organization are major change agents in our community. Ricky Hughes, STL Run Crew. Ricky is a force of positive energy for our City. STL Run Crew promotes health and pride in St. Louis that makes an incredible difference in our community.
What is one thing you would change about the St. Louis metro area business environment and why? St. Louis has an inferiority complex that I have yet to fully understand. We tend to be down on ourselves and highlight our challenges, without fully celebrating our amazing selling points. We have so much to be proud of. Time and time again, I’ve found that people who are not from St. Louis that settle here are the fiercest advocates for our community. If those that are from here start to join the chorus of supporters that didn’t grow up here, we would be able to sell ourselves as a region in ways we have not seen in generations.
BACKGROUND
Where were you born? Springfield, IL; grew up in Jefferson City, MO.
What was your childhood aspiration? Second base for the St. Louis Cardinals, then rock musician
What was your first job, and what did you learn from it? Dishwasher at Sunset 44 in Kirkwood. I learned the value of hard work and learning from people different than you. Every person in an operation has value and should be treated as such.
What educational degrees do you hold, and where were they earned? Bachelor of Journalism, University of Missouri;Executive MBA, Washington University
HOBBIES & INTERESTS
If you were not in your current profession, what would you be doing and why? I would be playing music at the Lake of the Ozarks during the lunch hour at restaurants on the water.
What is your favorite St. Louis-area restaurant, and what do you typically order there? Felix’s Pizza Pub in Dogtown. I usually get the hot wings or any one of their delicious slices!
What is one item you recently crossed off your bucket list? My 10 year-old son and I recently got to see two bands that we both love, Green Day and Jimmy Eat World. Sharing live music with him, particularly bands that have meant a lot to me, is always a bucket list item.
What is one book you think everyone should read (or podcast everyone should listen to) and why? Book: The Power Broker by Robert Caro. Anyone interested in urban planning or the politics of power should read this. Podcast: Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend. Conan’s mix of absurd humor, humility, and heart has brightened many of my days.
What’s your hobby/passion? Music—the ability to play it, write it, and see live music is really important to me and something I get to share with my kids now, which is really cool!
What is your most prized possession? The signed bill that changed the name of Jefferson National Expansion Memorial to Gateway Arch National Park.
What would people be surprised to learn about you—a fun fact? That I can play five instruments and have recorded a bunch of music with bands over the years.
What is your go-to karaoke song? “We Didn’t Start the Fire” by Billy Joel. It was on the first album I bought with my own money when I was 9, and I can sing all of the words without looking at the screen. It’s a fun party trick!
