UMSL’s Anchor Accelerator grant awards St. Louis–based founders $10,000 to invest in the growth and development of their startups. Morris leads the search for the boldest, brightest new ideas with patience, expertise, and a reliance on his grounding forces. Recent cohort participants include local companies such as Heru Urban Farming, Lux & Nyx, Gateway Quantum Electronics, Butter Love Skin, FYSIQ, and The Fattened Caf.
2026 QUESTIONNAIRE
What advice would you give to the next generation of St. Louis entrepreneurs or leaders? Harry Truman said, “There is some risk involved in action. There always is. But there is far more risk in failure to act.” Be bold. Dream bigger. Do something great for your city, your community, your employees, and your family. You have taken the hardest step and that is to try. Now do the hard work to make your business excellent. Create jobs and revenue for the local economy. Be great, and dream bigger.
What’s a risk you took in business that didn’t pan out—but taught you something valuable? Working for private equity–owned businesses, I describe my “career” as a series of jobs lasting three to five years each, rather than an actual career. Every time I tried to get off the merry-go-round and land someplace that I thought I could work for the next 20 years and retire, it totally blew up in my face. The business sold unexpectedly. A CEO died unexpectedly, and the business spiraled. A new CEO was brought in and completely changed the strategy and organizational structure. I learned to quit playing it conservatively. There are very few certainties in business. I took risks and joined the businesses that had people I wanted to work with and who would let me play a strong offense. That path almost certainly led to more three- to five-year roles, but you know what? So did the things I thought were certainties, and those were not nearly as much fun.
What do you do when you’re feeling stuck or uninspired? I collect inspirational quotes and scripture that is meaningful to me. When I am down, I like to spend the very early morning hours re-reading those quotes and verses while meditating. Running, especially with a friend, is always a great release for me as well.
Who in your company (or industry) deserves more recognition for their impact? Being new to academia, I am still figuring that out. From my corporate days, two individuals, Dan Geraty and Mark Tipton, built crazy successful businesses and hired hundreds of local employees. They are relative unknowns because of their humility. Both businesses were built on cultures of ethics, accountability, and a never-ending quest to grow. They did so much for the St. Louis community and need to be more celebrated. They have transformed a number of lives in the community.
What’s a local organization, nonprofit, or initiative that more people should know about—and why?
- Pathfinder Church: A place where imperfect people gather to learn about the wisdom of scripture and pursue a more perfect life.
- Foundation Fighting blindness: Our nephew has retinitis pigmentosa. It is a great organization helping those who are sight-impaired.
- NAMI: Mental health is just crucial to everyone being their best self. They do great work making mental health accessible and de-stigmatizing the various diagnoses.
2025 QUESTIONNAIRE
PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
What has you most excited about the future of your company or industry? While we have supported 22 local businesses over the prior 4 years, we have turned away 1,100 unique businesses in this same time. We are now making available to ANY business in St. Louis the advantages previously reserved for only the winners including, course work, mentors, and subsidized interns. More can be learned here.
If you could change one thing about your industry, what would it be and why? It is difficult to make it as an entrepreneur and one of the most important choices an entrepreneur must make is what industry to participate in. I wish more instruction were given within the ecosystem were given as to the importance of industry selection. It is hard enough to survive as a start-up (most businesses fail within the first 3 years) so it is critical to pick an industry that is worth pursuing.
What’s the toughest business challenge you’ve had to overcome (excluding the pandemic) and why? Creating the resources and tools to provide the entire community access to our Accelerator courses has been a monumental challenge.
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MENTORS & PEERS
To whom or where do you go for sound business advice? It depends very much on the problem. I have an extensive network from my 30 years in corporate life. I have access to subject matter experts in many areas and am fortunate to be able to pick specific experts depending on the problem. After earning my doctorate at UMSL, I now have access to amazing faculty and research to add to my corporate contact list.
Do you have a business mentor? If so, who and why? My very first boss was very much a mentor to me. I quote him all the time. I was one of three Americans working for a very large Japanese company and living in NYC. Our regional president was Japanese and believed very much in patiently educating the younger staff. He was amazing.
What piece of advice has had the most significant impact on your career? Lose fast and win big. Most people are afraid to take chances. I was always paid to take chances but had to identify and cut losses early. Similarly, I was taught to ‘pour gas’ on winners as soon as we recognized the KPI that would make them winners.
If you could have dinner with any two area business leaders, who would you choose and why? David Steward is a real inspiration. I have heard him speak a few times. He seems to have maintained his integrity despite all the struggle and wealth that followed. He seems to have a purpose beyond being a successful business person. Not sure who the second one would be.
Who is the most interesting under-the-radar/emerging business leader in St. Louis and why? Mark Tipton has created an enormously successful business. He is an official ‘unicorn’ and few people know about it.
What is one thing you would change about the St. Louis metro area business environment and why? The city and county have got to come together. Nashville, Indianapolis, and others seem to have figured it out better than we have.
BACKGROUND
Where were you born? Pensacola, FL
What was your childhood aspiration? To be a professional baseball player.
What was your first job, and what did you learn from it? I was one of a three Americans employed in NYC by a $3.5 billion Japanese trading company. I learned humility, work ethic, and to take chances.
What educational degrees do you hold, and where were they earned? I have a BA from DePauw University, an MBA from Kelley School of Business at Indiana University, and a DBA from University of Missouri – St. Louis
HOBBIES & INTERESTS
If you were not in your current profession, what would you be doing and why? I started a second career in 2023 in higher education. My goal was to have a first half career in corporate America focused on success and a second half career focused on significance.
What is your favorite St. Louis-area restaurant, and what do you typically order there? We have loads of them! I guess if you make me pick one I would say the tasting menu with a premium wine pairing at The Crossing is a favorite!
What is one item you recently crossed off your bucket list? I went to St. Louis Cardinals Fantasy Camp and played for Willie McGee. We won the championship for the week and sprayed Willie with champagne.
What is one book you think everyone should read (or podcast everyone should listen to) and why? Read Strength to Strength by Arthur Brooks.
What’s your hobby/passion? I love running! It is a great escape for me.
What is your most prized possession? I have a wall of pictures of me having a drink with special people in my life.
What would people be surprised to learn about you—a fun fact? I am an absolute introvert.
What is your go-to karaoke song? “Say He’s Just a Friend” by Biz Markie
