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INVESTING IN THE REGION
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By Debra Solomon Baker
STEVE LEIDHOLDT
founder & president,
STL Communications
Everyone loves to save money, of course, and helping companies do just that is what Steve Leidholdt finds most rewarding about his job.
“I love being able to look at a customer’s business and understand that he or she has needs that we can solve with technology,” Leidholdt says. “The return on investment can be as fast as 12-24 months.”
Leidholdt is Founder and President of STL Communications, a Gold Certified Avaya Business Partner and a Nortel Premium Partner. The company provides voice, data, and voice over internet protocall (VOIP) products and software. Essentially, clients’ savings stem from technology that allows a single site centralized voice mail, a centralized attendant, and a reduction or elimination of long-distance or line charges.
“We have customers who [look at our products] and ask themselves, ‘why haven’t I done this before?’” Leidholdt says.
Leidholdt started STL Communications back in 1989, after working for several smaller companies and for Southwestern Bell. During those early days, the twenty-eight-year-old Leidholdt operated the business out of his own living room. His goal was to create a company that extended a higher level of customer service and quality than what he had witnessed in his previous positions.
Today, STL Communications has 5,000 clients, 100 employees, and annual revenues of $25 million. This, according to Leidholdt, makes it the largest communications company headquartered in St. Louis. STL Communications is also one of the few companies in the Midwest which has the experience and depth to offer customers “full service” options for complete systems, upgrades, installation, service, and maintenance.
Leidholdt projects that his own company will double in revenues within the next several years, sparked, in large part, by improvements in technology.
When not busy seeking solutions for his clients, Leidholdt can be found diligently serving the
St. Louis community. He is, for instance, an organizer and director of the newly formed Triad Bank, which recently opened its first
location, in Frontenac. Leidholdt also previously served on the board of Founders Bank in Chesterfield before it was purchased by Bank Midwest.
Finally, both he and his employees actively support the Missouri Department of Transportation Adopt-A-Highway program, Lifeskills Foundation, Operation Food Search, and the Red Cross Blood Drive
program.
LEADERSHIP CIRCLE INSIGHTS
What is your favorite local
landmark?
“My favorite local landmark is the Bronze sculpture of Sacagawea by sculptor Glenna Goodacre on the campus of Lewis and Clark Community College. Sacagawea was an important member of the Lewis and Clark expedition. In a contemporary sense this sculpture symbolizes the Colleges commitment to access, diversity and inclusiveness.”
DR. DALE CHAPMAN
president,
Lewis and Clark Community College
“My favorite landmark is the Boathouse at Forest Park. I have very fond memories of going to the Boathouse as a youngster with my family and as an adult, taking my kids there and letting them drive the boats through the lagoon to Art Hill lake.”
MICHAEL ROSS
president & CEO,
Regions Bank
“Forest Park. There is something for everyone and it has such a rich history from the 1904 World’s Fair to the museums, and even the golf course. You can spend an entire weekend there and not come close to experiencing all it has to offer.”
BRADLEY CANCE
general manager,
Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis |
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