Over the past year, Nowak has helped organize efforts to forge relationships with emerging business and trade partners in Africa—a fast-growing continent that he believes is full of untapped potential for local organizations. Above all, Nowak is determined to help the region thrive. “We have so much history, so many great stories, people, and assets to lean into and be our authentic St. Louis,” he says.
2026 QUESTIONNAIRE
What advice would you give to the next generation of St. Louis entrepreneurs or leaders? I loved what Min Jung Kim, director of the Saint Louis Art Museum, said in her recent Winning STL podcast interview: “The best path for success for St. Louis is not to try to emulate or be anyone else but St. Louis.” I couldn’t agree more. We have so much history, so many great stories, people, and assets to lean into and be our authentic St. Louis.
What’s a risk you took in business that didn’t pan out—but taught you something valuable? The China Hub initiative. In 2008, working with many regional and state partners, we pursued direct airfreight and passenger connectivity between St. Louis and China. Ultimately, China Cargo did land two direct flights, but operations suspended in 2011 and never resumed. As disappointing as it was, I gained valuable lessons in international negotiations, developed important relationships locally and globally and gained a better understanding of the vital role our airport plays in economic development.
What do you do when you’re feeling stuck or uninspired? I leave it for one more day. Whether it’s solving an issue, writer’s block, or making an important decision, I always have a fresh perspective after sleeping on it. Now, the key is to not keep pushing it off, day after day.
Who in your company (or industry) deserves more recognition for their impact? Our deputy director, Stella Sheehan. Often behind the scenes, Stella is the glue of our team and work. However, if you were at our annual event, Growing Global, last year, you heard one of the best speeches when Stella reluctantly agreed to come out from behind the curtain and share her own personal story of global talent succeeding in St. Louis. It was touching, funny, inspirational, and the most memorable moment of the event.
What’s a local organization, nonprofit, or initiative that more people should know about—and why? The St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra (YO). This one is more personal to my family as our son, Luke, is entering his fourth year as a percussionist in the YO. The first time I heard these young musicians play together, I was literally blown away. The YO was started back in 1970 by St. Louis Symphony Orchestra conductor Leonard Slatkin. What a gift that St. Louis has this exceptional, nationally recognized experience for young musicians. If you haven’t already, I encourage you to attend a performance and support this worthy musical education in our back yard.
2025 QUESTIONNAIRE
PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
What has you most excited about the future of your company or industry? In our work, we frequently talk about the three key equal ingredients necessary for any community to be a competitive global city: people, trade, and investment. We need talent from around the world; we need our businesses selling their goods and services in markets across the globe; and we need foreign companies investing in St. Louis. The World Trade Center and the Mosaic Project team are proud to play an important role in creating a more globally minded and connected St. Louis.
If you could change one thing about your industry, what would it be and why? Macroeconomic forces such as regulations, free trade agreements, and immigration laws are simply beyond the control of any one given community. I wish we had more of a voice on these important national issues. However, participation in the global economy is essential for the long-term economic health of any city and region, including St. Louis.
What’s the toughest business challenge you’ve had to overcome (excluding the pandemic) and why? Relaunching direct international nonstop flights from St. Louis. On June 1, 2022, Lufthansa Airlines launched the first non-stop flights from St. Louis Lambert International Airport to Europe in almost 20-years. The importance of this new connectivity cannot be overstated. Industry research indicates that non-stop service to Europe adds $50 to $100 million per year to a region’s economy. Tremendous regional collaboration contributed to this success, led by Greater St. Louis Inc., Lambert Airport, St. Louis Economic Development Partnership, St. Louis County Port Authority, World Trade Center St. Louis, and the regional business community.
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MENTORS & PEERS
To whom or where do you go for sound business advice? I‘m actually blessed to work with a team of strong leaders from diverse backgrounds and experiences. I benefit, daily, from their honest feedback and willingness to share advice.
Do you have a business mentor? If so, who and why? I have, at various times, both formally with Tom Irwin when he led Civic Progress, and informally through WTC board presidents, including Mike Hogan, Amie Gianino, Dennis Wilmsmeyer, Cartan Sumner, and Andrew Walshaw.
What piece of advice has had the most significant impact on your career? When I started at the WTC, our parent organization CEO, Denny Coleman, told me, “we are not here to build an organization but rather the St. Louis community. Our decisions, as leaders, should be focused on this fact.”
If you could have dinner with any two area business leaders, who would you choose and why? OK, so my answer is slightly off question, but my two are (technically) from St. Louis: Sam Altman and Jack Dorsey—two individuals literally changing the world. Now that would be a fascinating dinner.
Who is the most interesting under-the-radar/emerging business leader in St. Louis and why? I’m not sure he would qualify as “under-the-radar,” but Sam Murphy from Greater St. Louis, Inc. is one who is and will make a difference in the region. He’s smart, strategic, respected, and very approachable.
What is one thing you would change about the St. Louis metro area business environment and why? That every local college graduate would stay and make their home in St. Louis. We lose too many, and there is so much to offer right here. My nephew graduated college a couple of years ago and decided to start his career in St. Louis. When CITY SC had their inaugural home game, he told me that it was the first time he felt like he had made the right decision and St. Louis was home. We need the talent and growth and the momentum that comes from it.
BACKGROUND
Where were you born? St. Louis. Born and raised!
What was your childhood aspiration? I wanted to be on the radio. I used to listen to KMOX day and night. I would fall asleep listening to Jim White, The Big Bumper.
What was your first job, and what did you learn from it? I sold newspapers on Sunday mornings outside of Presentation Catholic Church in Overland. I was 14 years old, and I learned to engage and converse with the older clientele. It was the best way to get that 25 cent tip.
What educational degrees do you hold, and where were they earned? BSBA in Marketing and Logistics from Mizzou and MBA from Webster University.
HOBBIES & INTERESTS
If you were not in your current profession, what would you be doing and why? Can I make a living fishing? Probably not, but it sure would be nice.
What is your favorite St. Louis-area restaurant, and what do you typically order there? Sugarfire Smoke House. Mike Johnson has traveled the world with us, showcasing St. Louis and our food.
What is one item you recently crossed off your bucket list? Delivering a commencement address. UMSL invited me to do this in 2019.
What is one book you think everyone should read (or podcast everyone should listen to) and why? The Holy Longing by Father Ronald Rolheiser. My cousin sent me this book while I was in Africa. It’s an invitation to a deeper understanding of the mystery of life.
What’s your hobby/passion? Fishing. Bass fishing on the Gasconade River with my buddies and Crystal Lake in Northern Michigan with my kids
What is your most prized possession? My 1993 Bass Tracker boat. My wife, of course, continues to pray that it sinks one day.
What would people be surprised to learn about you—a fun fact? I lived and volunteered in Kenya, Africa, after college. That year turned out to be one of the most impactful and transformational of my life.
What is your go-to karaoke song? “Hotel California” by the Eagles. Anyone who has traveled in Asia knows that you have to have a “go-to karaoke song.”
