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Investing in the Region
The RCGA’s
Leadership Circle exists to create added membership value by providing
a unique and invigorating forum to connect executives of small,
medium and large companies to the broad base of influential leaders
in the St. Louis region.
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Balke Brown
Associates is “not just another developer,” says its founder Garrett
Balke, who has led the company in its completion of more than 40
commercial projects valued at approximately $230 million since 1979.
“We push the envelope in architecture.”
Gary
Balke
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In fact, Balke approaches each project like a work of art, commissioning
local and national artists to help create environments that make
lasting impressions on not only individuals who work and visit there,
but on the surrounding community as well. “I think the key to developing
a truly remarkable project is balancing the social responsibility
of changing and improving a location while keeping the context of
its history,” Balke says.
For example, in the lobby of Power House at Union Station, where
the company is headquartered, internationally recognized artist
Douglas Fraser’s 30-foot high “Power House Mural” honors workers
who powered the industrial revolution in St. Louis.
“At Union Station, we partnered with Oppenheimer Properties to take
some derelict buildings and put a soul into them,” says Balke, whose
firm has invested more than $80 million in downtown alone, including
Union Station Office Park, and more recently, the St. Louis Commerce
Center. “With the whole Union Station concept, we developed a flourishing
office park that was literally built on the foundations of the past.
Companies that share our vision and commitment to the City are locating
there to create their own successes of the future.”
The company has clearly met their goal at its new Highlands @ Forest
Park development, the largest commercial project to happen in the
City of St. Louis in several decades. The site was first a part
of the 1904 World’s Fair grounds, then the Highlands Amusement Park,
and finally the St. Louis Arena. The building’s dramatic, curved
rooflines pay homage to a famous roller coaster that was once located
there.
“The Highlands is a new landmark that welcomes you to downtown St.
Louis,” Balke says. “This is an example of us giving back to the
community by incorporating the history of the site into our developments.
The design and art makes people feel good about going to work and
about their surroundings. This always seems to have a positive effect
on the corporate atmosphere.”
Other award-winning developments involve the construction or renovation
of 3.27 million square feet of office, industrial, retail, hotel
and multi-family space in eastern Missouri and Southwestern Illinois.
Ask the Leader
What was the best business advice you were ever given (and from
who)?
Walter
Metcalfe, Jr.
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“Do, or do not: there is no try!” Yoda in the film The Empire
Strikes Back —Walter Metcalfe, Jr., chairman of the firm, Bryan
Cave, LLP
Karen
Branding
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“My dad’s advice is don’t believe anything you hear, and only half
of what you see. It’s too easy in business to get sidetracked or
distracted by assumptions, second-hand information, or rumors. The
key is to remember my dad’s adage, and talk directly with your clients,
staff, colleagues instead. Upfront and genuine conversation drives
good relationships and good business." —Karen Branding,
Chairman, President & CEO, Busch Creative Services Corp.
Paul
Hrebec
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"My father, Charlie Hrebec, advised me to ‘never ask anyone
for anything.’ At the time this was a hard pill to swallow as I
was asking for a loan, today it makes perfect sense. Always bring
something to the table, never come with your hand out. In any good
relationship, whether business or personal, share yourself or your
expertise, the rest will follow and opportunities will grow into
results." —Paul Hrebec, president, Colt Industries, Inc.
Carl
Vogel
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“Things are never as bad or as good as they seem, so be consistent
and attack, attack, always attack.” Also, “Good technology may take
longer to implement and cost more than you expect, but the impact
on society and your business will be greater than you expect. So
make sure you pick good technology.” —Carl Vogel, president and
CEO, Charter Communications
For more information on Leadership Circle, please contact John Diefenbach,
associate vice president-membership sales, 314/444-1184 or jdief@stlrcga.org.
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