Every anniversary of a successful launch is worth commemorating, and this year, Town & Style celebrates seven years of sharing the best of our community with you, our readers. Part of what makes our publication special is how local we are. Our staff was either born and raised right here in the StL, or has called it home long enough to know the ins and outs of every neighborhood and have extensive knowledge of countless local businesses, nonprofits, schools, traditions and community leaders. Here’s a look at what makes us local and proud of it!
lauren rechan, publisher
Why do you love what you do?
I love helping people in my community connect with one another. In this global and digital world, it is nice to still be able to flip the pages of T&S and see what our neighbors and friends are doing to make St. Louis a great place to live. There is so much good news to share!
Do you have a ‘remember when’ from your St. Louis childhood?
We rode our bikes to Ladue Rexall (now Ladue Pharmacy) and Baskin-Robbins every weekend growing up. We loved to get helium balloons at B&R and immediately open them so we could inhale and make crazy voices. It warms my heart to go to both places today!
alan brainerd, design on my mind
What makes you uniquely qualified to serve T&S readers and advertisers?
I am fortunate to have a tremendous amount of experience through world travel and completing design projects in 17 states and Mexico. I have taught The History of Interior Design as an adjunct professor, participated in more than 20 designer show houses, and love sharing my knowledge!
What is your favorite thing to do on a weekend night in St. Louis?
Get Häagen-Dazs ice cream and walk around the Central West End.
patty hannum, patty unleashed & not so deep thoughts
Why do you love what you do?
I truly love making people laugh and smile. I also am somewhat of an oversharer; now, I just have a larger audience!
Where was the ‘hot spot’ to hang out when you were in high school?
Steak ‘n Shake on Manchester Road in Glendale.
karyn williams, editor in chief
Why do you love what you do?
I’m constantly hearing about influential leaders in our community who are truly making a difference and leaving their mark and countless nonprofits doing gratifying work. It’s inspiring. My job is all about sharing what makes St. Louis a great place to live, with a great team of people—how could that not be enjoyable?
What do you love about the community you live in?
Glendale is like Mayberry. It’s such a friendly, small community. It’s the little things that make me realize I’m lucky to live there: ‘Captain Chuck’ (as my kids lovingly refer to him) running out from the firehouse to say hi and check in; Mike at Vitale’s, a sandwich shop a few blocks away, giving our dogs treats every time we walk by; and Westwood, a longstanding grocery store that the kids can walk to and say ‘put it on the tab.’ It’s a wonderful place to call home.
paul doerner, homework
How did you get into this business?
I wanted to be an architect when I was 8 years old. In college, I met two fellow students who are my business partners today. We dreamed of having our own firm during our second year of school.
What do you love about the community you live in?
I love the neighbors who work to maintain the beauty of the neighborhood and take on projects to make it even better.
jennifer lyons, sales executive
Why do you love what you do?
I truly enjoy establishing long-term relationships with clients and playing an integral role in their growth and success. It’s satisfying to put together plans for businesses that will get them the most exposure and the best results.
What is your favorite part about St. Louis?
The people! We have a very diverse culture with a Midwestern feel.
julie streiler, creative director
Why do you love what you do?
I love seeing a concept come to life, starting with an empty shell of pages, seeing them form and then sending the final product to print.
Where was the ‘hot spot’ to hang out in school?
I used to walk to The Parkmoor for lunch with my friends. We would get a ‘Melanie’s purse’ from Melanie’s, or go to Sign of the Arrow to make keychains or belts for boyfriends. I also remember eating at The Ground Round.
wendy krems, senior advertising executive
What makes you uniquely qualified to serve T&S readers and advertisers?
I have lived in the community my entire life and have an understanding of what my clients need and want after 25 years in the business. I’m a good listener and have a lot of patience, and I feel a strong commitment to my clients and T&S.
What is your favorite thing to do on a weekend night in St. Louis?
Having dinner and a glass of wine with friends on a beautiful patio is the best.
dr. tim jordan, parent trap
Why do you love what you do?
Just being around kids always makes me happy. Sitting in groups with girls allows me to really get to know them on a deeper level, and I love those kinds of connections.
Do you have a ‘remember when’ from your St. Louis childhood?
I met Stan Musial outside a small grocery store where I worked when I was around 10. He stopped and chatted with me, and I asked for an autograph. I didn’t have anything to write on, so he ripped off a piece of paper from the meat he’d bought. I still have it.
wendy jablonow, senior advertising executive
How did you get into this business?
I studied communications and had some knowledge of advertising sales since my mom sold for the original owners of St. Louis Magazine. After exploring my options, I started in niche print marketing and have been doing it for 31 years.
What is your favorite thing about St. Louis?
I enjoy the different seasons and loved raising a family here. We have so much art and culture and so many great parks. One thing I have witnessed and love is how tight the community is; it’s amazing how St. Louisans are so generous and philanthropic.
bill barrett, photographer
How did you get into this business?
I started working in the darkroom of a national newspaper in London.
What is your favorite thing about St. Louis?
I like that it’s very easy to get around the area.
jennifer beckerle, sales executive
What makes you uniquely qualified to serve T&S readers and advertisers?
I have 18 years of experience in print advertising sales. And I was born and raised in St. Louis, so I have a strong understanding of our readers and the communities we reach. This knowledge helps me better serve our advertisers by creating a package that best suits their needs, so they will receive the biggest return on investment.
What was your favorite place to eat or shop growing up?
I have fond memories of eating at The Woman’s Exchange with my mom and grandmother when it was located at the ClayPrice Center and shopping at Helen Wolf in Plaza Frontenac.
suzy gorman, photographer
How did you get into this business?
My father died when I was young, and I inherited his camera. I studied art at Fontbonne University and took a photography class there. It led to an internship with fashion photographer Rick Gould, who taught me commercial photography. It was the perfect way to have fun and pay my bills.
Where was your favorite place to eat growing up?
The Eat Rite Diner was a genuine institution until it closed last year. I would always leave my assignments in Ladue and go to Eat Rite for a grilled cheese. The customers were as big of an attraction as the food.
bill beggs jr., talk of the towns
How did you get into this business?
A college friend and I wrote letters back and forth one summer, and she said I should investigate writing for a living. I was majoring in history but immediately added journalism classes the next semester. Never looked back …
What is your favorite thing about St. Louis?
This town is overflowing with fine restaurants, and my favorite district for the ethnic and unusual is ‘grand’ South Grand Avenue. Tower Grove Park is just a few dozen steps away, and it comes in a close second as the best city park in the western world.
janie sumner, sales executive & not so deep thoughts
How did you get into this business?
It was a ‘right place at the right time’ moment. I ended up next to T&S founding editor Dorothy Weiner in a buffet line at a New Year’s Day party. She told me about this new and exciting publication and said it was going to launch in a month. I knew right away it would be a perfect fit!
Do you have a ‘remember when’ from your St. Louis childhood?
As a kid, I used to ride my bike to Chesterfield Mall to stock up on Switzer’s red licorice at Walgreens. (Yes, Walgreens used to be in the mall, and it even had a restaurant called Wags.)
Photos: Colin Miller of Strauss Peyton Photography
