A veteran of St. Louis’ agtech ecosystem, DeCamp last year launched Expedition Ag Partners, an investment platform advancing next-generation agricultural technologies. In 2025, Expedition Ag joined other investors in creating Confluence Genetics, which acquired the core assets of Benson Hill. As executive chairman, DeCamp is helping to guide Confluence’s focus on high-protein soybean genetics and AI-enabled breeding tools that support sustainable protein production and strengthen the region’s leadership in agricultural innovation.
2025 QUESTIONNAIRE
PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
What has you most excited about the future of your company or industry? The oil produced from crushing CoverCress® grain is an ideal feedstock source to produce renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel. This means that we are a key player in lower the carbon footprint of our transportation fuels.
If you could change one thing about your industry, what would it be and why? Novel technologies like CoverCress® are needed for agriculture to participate in solving the climate crisis. We need sensible incentives and exemptions to existing regulations that support the development and scaling of these technologies. Today, the regulatory headwinds are very strong and at best slow innovation and at worst kill it.
What’s the toughest business challenge you’ve had to overcome (excluding the pandemic) and why? Gaining regulatory freedom to operate for our novel technology. We are regulated by the EPA, USDA and FDA. As a startup, having access to the resources both in human capital/expertise and dollars are critical to success and, of course, scarce.
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MENTORS & PEERS
To whom or where do you go for sound business advice? Colleagues (past and present), family, friends
Do you have a business mentor? If so, who and why? Yes, it is important to get the perspective of others and have someone who will challenge me.
What piece of advice has had the most significant impact on your career? Always find ways to be useful.
If you could have dinner with any two area business leaders, who would you choose and why? Todd Schnuck and Jim McKelvey. I admire and respect the success both of these leaders have enjoyed as well as their support of, and passion for, improving St. Louis.
Who is the most interesting under-the-radar/emerging business leader in St. Louis and why? Sarah Schafly, founder of Mighty Cricket. I appreciate that she has chosen St. Louis and its agtech innovation scene as the place to scale her business.
What is one thing you would change about the St. Louis metro area business environment and why? This is not necessarily a change, but more of an enhancement/expansion—having more connection points for business leaders across the region and across industries.
BACKGROUND
Where were you born? Chicago
What was your childhood aspiration? My impractical dream was to be a professional athlete, but knew deep down that I wanted to become a lawyer
What was your first job, and what did you learn from it? My first job was in public accounting with Ernst & Young in St. Louis. I was exposed to many different industries, but the greatest learning was how to conduct myself professionally.
What educational degrees do you hold, and where were they earned? I have a B.S. in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting from UMSL and a J.D. from University of Missouri-Columbia
HOBBIES & INTERESTS
If you were not in your current profession, what would you be doing and why? I really can’t imagine not being involved in the agricultural sector. If I wasn’t running CoverCress, I would be spending even more time supporting the agtech ecosystem in St. Louis through the 39 North AgTech Innovation District
What is your favorite St. Louis-area restaurant, and what do you typically order there? Wright’s Tavern—any cut of beef, the oysters, and the halibut.
What is one item you recently crossed off your bucket list? Seeing a live show at Gruene Hall in the Texas Hill Country
What is one book you think everyone should read (or podcast everyone should listen to) and why? Liberty’s Blueprint by Michael Meyerson. This book reviews how Hamilton, Madison, and Jay wrote the Federalist Papers. I think it is critical for all citizens to understand the role of our constitution, and the essays that constitute the Federalist Papers explain the proposed Constitution to the American people and persuade them to ratify it.
What’s your hobby/passion? I enjoy bike riding and wood working.
What is your most prized possession? Hands down, my family.
What would people be surprised to learn about you—a fun fact? My wife and I see 10-20 live music shows every year.
What is your go-to karaoke song? I try not to torture people with my voice, but if I did, I guess it would be “Chicken Fried” by Zach Brown
