After four decades in public accounting, Kinman now leads Arch Angels, which is fueling early-stage innovation across the region. He emphasizes that entrepreneurship requires more than drive. “An entrepreneur must also have the ability to assess all the talents necessary to successfully build a product, deal with regulatory issues, and raise capital,” he says. “Your plan for success must include an honest evaluation of the kind of talent you will need to attract, in addition to your own, to achieve success. And a willingness to listen, learn, and adapt.”
2026 QUESTIONNAIRE
What advice would you give to the next generation of St. Louis entrepreneurs or leaders? Entrepreneurs have great natural talents and a drive to succeed. An entrepreneur must also have the ability to assess all the talents necessary to successfully build a product, deal with regulatory issues, and raise capital. Your plan for success must include an honest evaluation of the kind of talent you will need to attract, in addition to your own, to achieve success. And, a willingness to listen, learn, and adapt.
What’s a risk you took in business that didn’t pan out—but taught you something valuable? We listened to input from “experts” that ran counter to our instinct. That input was incorrect and caused us to delay building a critical marketing infrastructure earlier in our life cycle, resulting in needless delays and capital leakage. We should have done more due diligence on the “expert” opinions before just accepting them because they were “experts.”
What do you do when you’re feeling stuck or uninspired? I have a good group of mentors that I can discuss the issues with in a very open and transparent manner. I find their empathy reinvigorates me.
Who in your company (or industry) deserves more recognition for their impact? Our program coordinator and accounting consultant. They keep our very successful machine running smoothly through every bump in the road. Their attention to detail and followup help maintain our reputation and our success.
What’s a local organization, nonprofit, or initiative that more people should know about—and why? Easterseals Midwest (ESMW) has become the largest not-for-profit organization in Missouri supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. ESMW brings solutions for challenged individuals and relief for families trying to create the best lives for family members with such disabilities. ESMW has grown from a $4 million revenue entity in 1987, when I first encountered them, to one with more than $130 million in revenue today. That revenue is all spent helping make life better for thousands of individuals and their families. Their growth is the result of extraordinary self-sacrificing leadership, the ability to recruit the best talent to the staff and board of directors, and a well-earned and protected reputation for selfless delivery of extraordinarily important services. They are a role model for all entrepreneurs.
2025 QUESTIONNAIRE
PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
What has you most excited about the future of your company or industry? As angel investors, we are positioned to see all the newest thinking and advancements in human health, agriculture and technology. We are able to invest in emerging leaders in these areas and support these companies as they grow and mature. We expect we will continue to see great success as these companies achieve success and exit to large strategic buyers.
If you could change one thing about your industry, what would it be and why? Our industry supports the growth of young startups in our region. I would love to see more of the 55,000 accredited investors in our great City join with us in supporting the startup ecosystem.
What’s the toughest business challenge you’ve had to overcome (excluding the pandemic) and why? Creating a corporate culture that attracts entrepreneurs encouraging them to pitch to our members while at the same time creating a positive culture that encourages angel investors to join our nework.
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MENTORS & PEERS
To whom or where do you go for sound business advice? The Arch Angel Membership is diverse with over 70 active members with a broad spectrum of experiences to draw upon. Our strength as investors lies within the experience and diversity of our membership.
Do you have a business mentor? If so, who and why? Vincent O’Reilly, Vice Chairman, Coopers & Lybrand was my greatest mentor. While he has passed, I reach to his wisdom all the time. His vision and commitment to our firm helping clients be successful was presented at a level I have not seen in others. And it causes me to challenge myself all the time.
What piece of advice has had the most significant impact on your career? O’Reilly taught me to “just say yes!” The client needs it and we WILL figure out a solution.
If you could have dinner with any two area business leaders, who would you choose and why? I do have dinner with two area business leaders all the time: Ed Glotzbach and Steve Schumm. Both continue to remind me to make sure our definition of success includes and element for our local community at large.
Who is the most interesting under-the-radar/emerging business leader in St. Louis and why? Bryan Bowles, CEO of Transactly, Inc. Bryan has had great success in several businesses. I have watch him build a business from scratch. He is tenacious, fair to investors and employees. Desperately customer focused and a man of his word. I am impressed by his integrity.
What is one thing you would change about the St. Louis metro area business environment and why? We need to work better together!
BACKGROUND
Where were you born? Evergreen Park, Illinois
What was your childhood aspiration? Navy fighter pilot.
What was your first job, and what did you learn from it? Soda jerk, Berlinger Dairy. Customer service is the key to success and the key to having fun in business.
What educational degrees do you hold, and where were they earned? BSBA St Louis University major in accounting area of emphasis economics
HOBBIES & INTERESTS
If you were not in your current profession, what would you be doing and why? I would be retired. I retired from a 40-year career in public accounting 11 years ago. I found the Arch Angels to be a place where I can give back to the community using all my learned and acquired business skills. It is a place to stay relevant and have great fun.
What is your favorite St. Louis-area restaurant, and what do you typically order there? Avenue in Clayton: the Schnitzel. The wine selection is also fascinating.
What is one book you think everyone should read (or podcast everyone should listen to) and why? Herman Wouk’s Winds of War and War and Remembrance, because history repeats itself.
What’s your hobby/passion? Wine collecting.
What is your most prized possession? My family.
What would people be surprised to learn about you—a fun fact? I was the lead in the Affton High School Variety Show when a senior in high school.
What is your go-to karaoke song? “Closing Time”
