In this episode, I sit down with Munsok So, President and CEO of So Hospitality Group. With over two decades in the hospitality industry, Munsok has transformed the Saint Louis dining scene through his leadership of well-known brands like Drunken Fish and Kimchi Guys. His journey from running a nightclub to building a multi-brand hospitality group showcases a deep passion for food and community-driven growth.

Our conversation dives into Munsok’s approach to building sustainable businesses, creating effective systems, and leading with vision. We discuss how he has navigated challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and his commitment to revitalizing the downtown Saint Louis area. Munsok’s reflections on leadership, strategic expansion, and balancing creative ambition with operational excellence offer invaluable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs.Connect With Our Host:

Twitter: ⁠twitter.com/ItsRajTut

⁠LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajtut/

⁠Instagram: ⁠instagram.com/ItsRajTut⁠TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@itsrajtutConnect with our guest:https://www.linkedin.com/in/munsokso/https://sohospitalitygroup.com/Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction and Welcome00:00:32 - Overview of Seoul Hospitality Group and Brands00:02:01 - Munsok’s Early Passion for Food00:04:12 - Entrepreneurship Beginnings with Nightclub Ownership00:09:30 - Transitioning to Drunken Fish and Restaurant Ownership00:15:20 - Building Business Systems and Strategic Delegation00:19:39 - Expanding to Multiple Locations00:26:10 - Developing Kimchi Guys and Fast Casual Concept00:35:47 - Real Estate Investments and Downtown Revitalization00:44:30 - The Launch of the Coffee Concept00:49:00 - Final Thoughts and Advice on Hospitality and BusinessThis podcast is brought to you by Storyboard Living.

If you're looking to sell us a 40+ unit multifamily property in the St. Louis region or another part of MO/IL, please email deals@storyboardliving.com

Connect with us on our ⁠Website⁠ or ⁠LinkedIn profile⁠.

In this episode, I sit down with Tyler Kelley, co-founder of Slam! Agency, a marketing agency based out of Saint Louis, and a passionate entrepreneur who's dedicated to giving back through coaching and mentoring. Tyler grew up in a working-class area of North County, Saint Louis, and while his path initially seemed headed toward trades or the military, a spontaneous decision to apply for college set him on the course to entrepreneurship. We dive into his early ventures, including starting a DJ business in college, which led him to teach himself web design and SEO, foundational skills that would later shape his marketing career. Tyler shares how he bootstrapped his way into the world of digital marketing and how Slam Agency evolved into a business that helps companies elevate their market presence.

Throughout the conversation, Tyler offers powerful insights into the entrepreneurial mindset, overcoming financial challenges, and embracing technology. He talks about how the 2008 financial crisis wiped out his business, forcing him and his wife to rebuild from scratch, and the lessons they learned during that time. We also explore the future of AI in business, including the rise of autonomous agents and humanoid robots, and how these innovations will change the landscape for entrepreneurs. Tyler’s dedication to mentorship and empowering others is evident, as he shares how seeing others succeed inspired him to give back, especially in underserved communities. This episode is packed with practical advice, inspiring stories, and a glimpse into the future of business and technology.

Connect With Our Host:

Twitter: ⁠twitter.com/ItsRajTut

⁠LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajtut/

⁠Instagram: ⁠instagram.com/ItsRajTut⁠

TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@itsrajtut

Connect with out Guest:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerkelley/

Timestamps:

00:00:00 – Introduction to the episode and Tyler Kelley, co-founder of Slam! Agency.

00:01:18 – Tyler’s background: Growing up in working-class North County, Saint Louis.

00:03:05 – The options growing up: Trades or military, and how he made an unexpected decision to apply for college.

00:04:55 – Tyler reflects on how a casual conversation influenced his decision to go to college.

00:06:24 – The importance of seeing others succeed and why mentorship matters to Tyler.

00:08:48 – The start of Tyler’s entrepreneurial journey: DJing in college and launching a mobile DJ business.

00:10:27 – How learning web design and SEO set Tyler on the path to digital marketing.

00:14:21 – Facing financial loss during the 2008 crisis: Losing everything and rebuilding from scratch.

00:16:33 – Building Slam Agency: How Tyler and his team grew the agency from its early days.

00:20:17 – Tyler’s introduction to AI and how ChatGPT changed his approach to business.

00:23:16 – Practical applications of AI in communication and storytelling for entrepreneurs.

00:25:57 – How AI helps Tyler do more, not less, and why it's about leverage, not shortcuts.

00:27:26 – The future of AI: Autonomous agents, humanoid robots, and how they’ll change business forever.

00:30:01 – Why every business will need to adapt to AI and automation.

00:46:20 – Introducing the Fractional Chief AI Officer: Why this role will become essential for businesses.

00:50:01 – Tyler’s biggest lessons learned from financial hardship and the power of gratitude.

00:52:42 – Tyler’s core family values and how gratitude is a superpower for success.

This podcast is brought to you by Storyboard Living.

If you're looking to sell us a 40+ unit multifamily property in the St. Louis region, or another part of MO/IL, please email deals@storyboardliving.com

Connect with us at our Website: https://storyboardliving.com/

LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/company/storyboard-living/

In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with John Krewson, the founder and CEO of Sketch Development, a company he started in 2015 that has rapidly grown to $10 million in revenue and earned a spot on the Inc 5000 list for two consecutive years. John shared his incredible journey of building a software development and coaching company that serves large organizations. He explained how Sketch focuses on teaching companies to better understand software development while providing consulting services that help structure and organize their technology teams for greater success.

One of the main takeaways from this episode is John's deep insight into leadership and company culture. From his early exposure to software as a child to his unexpected leap from entertainment into tech, John's path was filled with lessons on adaptability and perseverance. He also dives into the principles of agile software development, explaining how Sketch uses a unique combination of software delivery and management education to help organizations optimize their processes. His view on balancing efficiency with effectiveness, as well as the importance of learning to be comfortable with being wrong, offers a fresh perspective on leadership in today’s complex business environment.Connect With Our Host:

Twitter: ⁠twitter.com/ItsRajTut

⁠LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajtut/

⁠Instagram: ⁠instagram.com/ItsRajTut⁠

TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@itsrajtut

Guest Links:

• John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krewson/

• Sketch Development Website: https://www.sketchdev.io/

Timestamps: 00:00:00 Preview00:00:31 Overview of Sketch Development & growth00:01:32 John’s approach to working with clients00:05:35 Early exposure to tech and the Apple II story00:16:00 Founding Sketch Development and challenges in the first year00:25:08 Scaling Sketch with fewer developers00:33:14 Agile methodology and its role in Sketch’s growth00:39:02 Building company culture and leadership strategies00:46:12 Designing the new headquarters for team collaboration00:50:14 Benefits of face-to-face interaction in the workplace00:54:28 Remote vs in-person work and the value of in-office collaboration00:56:52 Final advice on being open to learning and being wrongThis podcast is brought to you by Storyboard Living.

If you're looking to sell us a 40+ unit multifamily property in the St. Louis region, or another part of MO/IL, please email deals@storyboardliving.com

Connect with us at our Website: https://storyboardliving.com/

LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/company/storyboard-living/

Welcome to "Country Club Conversations." In this episode, we bring you Justine Froekler, a distinguished author, speaker, and licensed professional counselor renowned for her expertise in mental health, resilience, and leadership. With a career spanning over 25 years, Justine has captivated audiences with her innovative approaches to personal and professional development. She is certified in Dr. Brené Brown's methodologies and has authored eleven books, including five Amazon bestsellers that explore themes ranging from infertility to navigating grief with faith and courage.

During the conversation, Justine shares her unique journey from overcoming significant health challenges to becoming a celebrated public speaker and trainer. She discusses the critical importance of integrating personal experiences and emotions into professional environments, advocating for empathy, clear communication, and effective boundary setting to enhance workplace culture. The episode also delves into Justine's development of "Justine-isms" and her use of affirmation card decks, which serve as practical tools for personal empowerment and organizational growth.

Connect With Our Host:

Twitter: ⁠twitter.com/ItsRajTut

⁠LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajtut/

⁠Instagram: ⁠instagram.com/ItsRajTut⁠

TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@itsrajtut

Connect with out Guest:

https://justinefroelker.com/

https://www.instagram.com/justinefroelker/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinefroelker/

https://www.youtube.com/user/justinefroelker4/

Time Stamps:00:00:00 - Introduction of Justine: Author, Speaker, Butterfly Enthusiast.

00:00:48 - Exploring Courage and Personal Impact.

00:01:43 - "Justine-isms" and Affirmation Card Deck.

00:02:14 - Insight on Perception and Truth.

00:02:33 - Justine’s Product Offerings and Entrepreneurial Journey.

00:03:12 - Importance of Memorable Speaking Events.

00:03:54 - Justine's Background: Overcoming Health Challenges.

00:06:25 - Transition to Public Speaking and Emotional Intelligence Work.

00:07:11 - Integrating Emotions into Professional Environments.

00:08:16 - Why Justine Chose Saint Louis for Graduate Studies.

00:10:14 - Role of Soft Skills in the Workplace.

00:11:19 - Addressing Personal Well-Being at Work.

00:13:29 - Implementing Empathetic Leadership.

00:16:24 - Utilizing Free Resources for Organizational Development.

00:18:23 - Generational Conflicts and Trust Issues in Workplaces.

00:20:08 - The Importance of Clear Communication and Expectations.

00:23:46 - Balancing Personal Authenticity with Professional Roles.

00:26:58 - Setting Boundaries for Personal Expression at Work.

00:30:46 - Managing Personal Challenges in Professional Settings.

00:33:17 - Techniques for Difficult Workplace Conversations.

00:36:00 - Misconceptions and Importance of Self-Care and Self-Love.

00:43:00 - The Impact of Neglecting Self-Care During Intensive Work.

00:46:18 - Benefits of Nature Walks and Simple Activities for Health.

00:49:10 - Final Thoughts: Curiosity, Personal Growth, and Self-Understanding.

This podcast is brought to you by Storyboard Living.

If you're looking to sell us a 40+ unit multifamily property in the St. Louis region, or another part of MO/IL, please email deals@storyboardliving.com

Connect with us at our Website: https://storyboardliving.com/

LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/company/storyboard-living/

In this episode of Country Club Conversations, Raj sits down with Garen Lafser, President at Salient Realty Group and CityRise Development. With extensive experience in both commercial real estate and development, Garen has been a pivotal figure in shaping the St. Louis real estate landscape. His dual roles provide him with a unique perspective on market trends and redevelopment opportunities, making him a standout guest for our discussion.

Garen delves into the nuances of St. Louis' real estate market, focusing on key areas such as The Grove, South County, and Downtown. He shares insights from his involvement in significant redevelopment projects, including the challenges faced and the strategies employed. This episode offers a rich exploration of Garen's approach to real estate, providing valuable lessons for investors and enthusiasts alike on navigating the dynamic and evolving St. Louis market.

Connect With Our Host:

Twitter: ⁠twitter.com/ItsRajTut

⁠LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajtut/

⁠Instagram: ⁠instagram.com/ItsRajTut⁠

TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@itsrajtut

Connect with out Guest:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/garenlafser/

https://twitter.com/glafser?lang=englafser@salientrealtygroup.com

Phone Number: 314-374-3687

Salient Realty Group:

https://salientrealtygroup.com/

CityRise Development:

https://www.cityrise.net/

Timestamps:

00:00:00 Introduction to Garen Lafser

00:04:12 Current Trends in St. Louis Real Estate

00:10:22 Focus on The Grove and South County

00:17:36 South County Multifamily Market

00:23:45 Challenges in Downtown St. Louis

00:27:15 Positive Developments in Downtown

00:31:12 Need for Unified Downtown Efforts

00:34:23 Downtown’s Future and Investment Value

00:37:56 Value of Historic Buildings

00:41:28 Small-Scale Redevelopment Project

00:46:17 Renovation Details

00:49:06 Financial Aspects and Leasing

00:52:05 Lessons Learned from Redevelopment

00:55:13 Handling Rejection in Brokerage

01:00:00 Advice on Pursuing Passion

01:03:24 Contact Information and Upcoming Project Tease

This podcast is brought to you by Storyboard Living.

If you're looking to sell us a 40+ unit multifamily property in the St. Louis region, or another part of MO/IL, please email deals@storyboardliving.com

Connect with us at our Website: https://storyboardliving.com/

LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/company/storyboard-living/

In this episode of Country Club Conversations, we’re joined by Krishna Kurnala, a remarkable entrepreneur. Founder of Stellar IT Group. Krishna's journey began in a small town in India, where he grew up in a lower middle-class family with limited resources. His ambition and resilience drove him to the U.S., where he faced numerous challenges, including navigating the complexities of immigration while pursuing his entrepreneurial dreams. Despite these hurdles, Krishna’s perseverance led him to establish a thriving business with a revenue of over $25 Million dollars that now employs over 200 people in the US alone, with multiple offices all around the world.

In our conversation, Krishna offers valuable business insights and strategies drawn from his experience. He discusses effective hiring practices, including the importance of hiring people who align with your company’s vision and values. He also touches on strategies for acquiring other companies to expand your business and the benefits of hiring talent from abroad to leverage diverse skills and perspectives. Krishna emphasizes the importance of taking calculated risks and remaining adaptable, providing actionable advice that entrepreneurs can implement to drive their own success.

Connect With Our Host:

Twitter: ⁠twitter.com/ItsRajTut

⁠LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajtut/

⁠Instagram: ⁠instagram.com/ItsRajTut⁠

TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@itsrajtut

Connect with out Guest:

Krishna’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krishnachaitanyakurnala/

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction and Background of Krishna's Journey

03:45 - Early Challenges Faced Moving from India to the U.S.

08:33 - Founding and Growing a Business in the U.S.

14:21 - Key Insights and Philosophies on Entrepreneurship

19:12 - The Impact of American Ideals on Entrepreneurship and Immigration Issues

29:03 - Personal Experiences and Struggles with Visa and Immigration

38:50 - Practical Advice and Tips for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

44:05 - Reflecting on the Concept of the American Dream

54:12 - Krishna’s Future Goals and Plans

59:43 - Views on What American Entrepreneurship Means to Krishna

01:03:37 - Navigating and Overcoming Immigration Hurdles

01:06:18 - Final Advice: The Importance of Big Dreams and Perseverance

This podcast is brought to you by Storyboard Living.

If you're looking to sell us a 40+ unit multifamily property in the St. Louis region, or another part of MO/IL, please email deals@storyboardliving.com

Connect with us at our Website: https://storyboardliving.com/

LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/company/storyboard-living/

Welcome to Country Club Conversations, where we delve into the world of real estate with industry leaders. In this episode, we're joined by Bob Walpert, founder and CEO of Walpert Properties and one of the most sought-after real estate minds in St. Louis. With over four decades of experience, Bob shares insights gained from his journey in real estate, from managing lower-grade properties to strategically upgrading to higher-quality assets. His expertise spans navigating financial crises, adapting to rising costs, and understanding the transformative impact of e-commerce on retail spaces.

Throughout the podcast, Bob discusses key themes such as the importance of real estate fundamentals, challenges in managing different property grades, and trends in retail rents. He explores how consumer behavior shifts towards e-commerce have reshaped commercial real estate landscapes, particularly in neighborhood strip centers. Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on navigating real estate cycles, managing commercial properties, and planning for generational continuity in asset management. Whether you're new to real estate investment or a seasoned professional, this episode offers practical insights and strategic advice that are crucial in today's dynamic market.

Connect With Our Guest:

Walpert Properties Website: http://www.walpertproperties.com/

Connect With Our Host:

Twitter: ⁠twitter.com/ItsRajTut

⁠LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajtut/

⁠Instagram: ⁠instagram.com/ItsRajTut⁠

TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@itsrajtut

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction and Background of Bob Walpert

01:41 - Importance of Real Estate Fundamentals

04:27 - Bob's Early Real Estate Journey

07:55 - Shifting Focus to Higher Quality Properties

10:25 - Challenges in Managing B and C Grade Properties

13:12 - Impact of the 2008 Financial Crisis

15:31 - Retention and Credit Tenants

17:54 - Real Estate Market Changes and Interest Rates

20:17 - Rising Costs in Real Estate Operations

23:48 - E-commerce Impact on Retail

27:15 - Retail Rent Trends and Tenant Challenges

29:56 - Supply and Demand in Retail Construction

32:34 - Evolution of Shopping Malls

36:08 - Retail Sales Statistics and E-commerce

39:24 - Retail Rents and Lease Structures

41:56 - Commercial Real Estate Outlook

45:27 - Office Buildings and Post-COVID Landscape

48:11 - Future of Neighborhood Strip Centers

51:46 - Avoiding Another 2008 Financial Crisis

54:32 - Real Estate Cycles and Interest Rates

57:19 - Real Estate Portfolio Management

01:00:42 - Generational Planning for Real Estate Assets

01:03:33 - Simplifying Real Estate Management

01:06:01 - Comparison of Retail and Multifamily Real Estate

01:08:22 - Favorite Real Estate Deals and Success Stories

01:11:45 - Importance of Treating People Right

01:14:27 - Closing Thoughts and Final Advice

This podcast is brought to you by Storyboard Living.

If you're looking to sell us a 40+ unit multifamily property in the St. Louis region, or another part of MO/IL, please email deals@storyboardliving.com

Connect with us at our Website: https://storyboardliving.com/

LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/company/storyboard-living/

Welcome back to another episode of Country Club Conversations. Today, we have a very special episode as Raj Tut takes the interviewee spot, allowing us to take a deep dive into his story. As we already know, Raj is the Founder of Storyboard Living. His company has been featured six times in the Inc. 5000 List of America’s Fastest Growing Companies and has won several other awards, including the St. Louis Business Journal's Fast 50.

Today, we discuss how Raj ended up in the US and how he went from a $13,000 mobile home investment to amassing over $100 million in real estate with his company, Storyboard Living. We delve into the mindset shifts, challenges, and multiple real estate deals Raj undertook to become one of the Midwest's most influential multifamily entrepreneurs.

It’s time to get to know our host. Tune in.

Connect With Our Guest:

Kyle’s LinkedIn

AHM Group LinkedIn

AHM Group Website

Connect With Our Host:

Raj’s Youtube

Raj’s X / Twitter

Raj’s LinkedIn

Raj’s Instagram

Raj’s Tiktok

Timestamps:

00:00

01:26 - Welcome to the Show, Raj!

04:00 - Raj’s Origin Story

09:31 - Raj’s Educational Backstory

12:40 - Why Raj Chose St. Louis

18:25 - Raj’s First Real Estate Investment: $13,000 Mobile Home

22:32 - First Couple of Deals Raj Did in His Career

30:50 - How Storyboard Living Came to Be

32:00 - Storyboard Living Scaling Up

41:15 - Storyboard Living 2024 Investment Strategy

43:50 - Untapped Investment Opportunities in St. Louis

46:30 - The Competitive Advantage That Has Brought Raj to Over $100,000,000 in Real Estate Owned

53:50 - Welcoming Investing Partners to Storyboard Living’s Deals

58:00 - A Typical Day in the Life of Raj

01:01:22 - Balancing Work-Life as a Busy Entrepreneur

01:07:55 - Top Priorities for Every Entrepreneur

01:10:30 - Wrapping Up

This podcast is brought to you by Storyboard Living.

If you're looking to sell us a 40+ unit multifamily property in the St. Louis region or another part of MO/IL, please email deals@storyboardliving.com

Connect with us on our ⁠Website⁠ or ⁠LinkedIn profile⁠.

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