Kyle Rudy grew up in Weldon Spring but says he never expected to build a career so closely tied to St. Charles Main Street. As director of business development for Under the Yellow Umbrella, he helps support a shop that features products from more than 70 local vendors. Rudy says the role has given him a new appreciation for the community where he grew up.
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Organization: Under The Yellow Umbrella, LLC
Title: Director of Business Development
Age: 38
Hometown: Weldon Spring
What motivated you to get involved in this work/community/activity? I needed a change of pace and scenery. Work/life balance was off kilter. Thankfully John and Susan, the owners, called me up after some time off and the rest is history at this point. Being part of Historic St. Charles Main Street was never something that intrigued me, but since joining the company I have discovered a newfound passion for where I grew up, and I’m always excited to meet new people that wander through our doors, greet them with Midwest hospitality, and tell them all about the area and our charming store on the north side of the street.
What values or principles guide how you show up in this role/community? My parents raised me to respect and care for people, no matter what, and that is exactly how I approach everyone that walks through our doors. A smile, welcoming attitude, and little acknowledgement can have a big effect on customers as they wander through our shop.
What’s the most enjoyable aspect? Meeting new people is the most enjoyable aspect. So many people come from different walks of life and hearing their stories and appreciating the individuality of it all is so fun.
Can you briefly share a few standout memories? Getting to know and connect with all the staff and vendors, which there are over 70 vendors here, has been a collective standout experience for me personally.
Can you share an insight about this role that most people don’t know? Creativity and adaptability are key in this small business. Things move fast here on St. Charles Main Street, with the changing of the seasons, holidays, and festivals. You have to plan well in advance and be able to shift gears quickly during transitions. But with good leadership and staff behind you, any challenge can be overcome.
What’s one key piece of advice you’ve embraced? Tackle one task at a time. Focus all efforts on the task at hand so it represents the business in the most professional manner as possible.
What’s the greatest challenge? Managing time. We have a small staff, so we all have our task and roles that allow us to succeed together. But managing them all appropriately is tough sometimes for myself. Though the pace of the workflow is more forgiving, it still demands studious attention in areas that I was not responsible for in my previous job. That also drives me to never let my bosses down.
Where do you find inspiration? My partner empowers me to be the best version of myself, and that allows me to embrace this business to the fullest.
What are your future plans or ambitions? To continue to grow this wonderful business. We are already expanding to another location here on St. Charles Main Street after only one year of me being part of this, and this only the beginning of what the future has in store for us here at Under the Yellow Umbrella.
