Ben Strake is in the business of St. Louis. After graduating from college, he worked in hospitality before joining a large Midwestern brokerage. He leveraged what he learned into his own company, Premier Business Brokers. He also has stakes in several iconic St. Louis locations, including The Tenderloin Room at The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza and, most recently, Pin-Up Bowl on the Delmar Loop.
Being a business broker is not just a passing fancy for you. How did it start?
I always thought I wanted a corporate job. I graduated college during the recession, and those just weren’t available. I ended up in the hospitality industry for a few years. I eventually stumbled upon a friend who worked at what used to be one of the largest business brokerage firms in the Midwest. They were always willing to bring on and train new brokers. Very quickly, I fell in love with working with small business owners and really learning from them. I became a sponge, absorbing everything from my clients.
Why St. Louis for your ventures?
St. Louis is home. I grew up in Labadie, Missouri, of all places. I lived in San Diego for a short stint, and I just missed home. I missed my friends, I missed my people. Once I started building some companies up around St. Louis, it felt like I’d planted some roots here. As far as my brokerage brand, we operate in close to 40 states, so we are more national in that regard. But when it comes to my other businesses, they’re focused more locally because I love St. Louis.
What do you like to do for fun?
I love trying new restaurants. I enjoy going out with friends and camping, too. I play pickleball. That’s actually how this Pin-up Bowl deal happened. I met Christine Edwards, Joe Edwards’ daughter, on the pickleball courts a few years ago, and we became friends. I like to have a good time. I work hard, but I try to have a good work-life balance. There’s plenty of time to turn the phone off and cut loose a little bit.
Where do you like to go for a good time?
My favorite for the last year or so has been Black Mountain Wine House STL in the Central West End. It’s kind of a hidden gem that people are still learning about. The food is awesome, the wine is great, and it’s got a great cozy vibe to it. I also really like Brennan’s for drinks.
What’s the most valuable advice you’ve received that you’d like to pass on?
You are the five people you spend the most time with. You will become like the people you’re around. If you notice that they aren’t doing anything productive, you’re likely going to go in that direction as well. I’ve made a point to always surround myself with good people who are willing to work hard and care about the community.
Are you a fashion guy?
No.
Does your fiancée give you advice?
She does, sometimes. I also have a good group of friends who love to critique. They’ll call me ‘dad’ or ‘old man’ for my fashion choices. I’m a pretty casual guy overall, but they’re never short on quips when they see me.
So what’s next?
Man, that’s a great question. Honestly, refining our systems and processes. I’m part of 16 different companies, and we’ve added all these businesses. I want to get them all dialed as best as possible. That’s where my focus is right now. I want to make sure our house is in order right now.
