Salute to Business Achievement 2007
Name: Brian Bredensteiner
Degree: Bachelor of Science – Business Administration
Graduation Date: December 1993
Occupation/Title: Certified Public Accountant – President, Bredensteiner & Associates, P.C.
Employer: Bredensteiner & Associates, P.C.
Expertise: Tax & Consulting
Please briefly describe the primary responsibilities of your current position:
I manage the day-to-day operations of the firm as well as manage my book of business.
What is the best piece of advice you received from a professor?
Dean David Ganz took the time to pour his knowledge into myself. He taught me how to be kind and considerate in business.
What UMSL business class impacted you the most—either professionally or personally?
Strategic Management. It taught me how my business decisions affected real case studies.
What is something you wish you would have learned as an undergraduate that you could use in the workplace today?
As an undergraduate, I believe getting real, live experience from a cooperating CPA firm would prove very beneficial. Perhaps an internship for credit hours would have been a great experience.
What is the biggest change you have seen in the campus since you graduated?
The size of the campus and the global recognition the campus is receiving.
What was the best business move/decision you ever made?
Starting my own firm.
What advice would you give today’s business student?
Life is an endurance race, so do the right things and the right things will follow you.
Who or what inspires you most in business today?
My wife, Ann, in everyday life. My father-in-law, Dave Sandfort, is my mentor in business and my father, Dave Bredensteiner, has been my shield and sword.
The best business book you ever read?
The Bible and The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John Maxwell.
The top 5 business skills that are needed in today’s workplace?
1. Wisdom
2. Ethics
3. Relational Skills
4. Knowledge
5. Attitude
Where do you see UMSL in the next 5 to 10 years?
I picture the University of Missouri – St. Louis not only continuing to receive global recognition, but also becoming an institution that is progressive and forward-thinking in the programs it offers while addressing our ever-changing worldwide initiatives.
Name: Mariejoe Clark
Degree: BS in Accounting
Graduation Date: May 2003
Occupation/Title: Financial Analyst
Employer: Citimortgage
Expertise: P&L Analysis, Forecasting/Budgeting, Excel
Please briefly describe the primary responsibilities of your current position:
Forecasting and variance analysis of loan expenses (total and unit costs)—as well as, forecasting and variance analysis of our Offsite Solutions department.
What is the best piece of advice you received from a professor?
Practice makes almost perfect.
What UMSL business class impacted you the most—either professionally or personally?
AIS – Accounting Information Systems, where I learned Excel, which is a ‘must-have knowledge’ in the Accounting/Finance world.
What is something you wish you would have learned as an undergraduate that you could use in the workplace today? Advanced Spanish courses.
What is the biggest change you have seen in the campus since you graduated?
The Touhill Performing Arts Center—I love that place.
What was the best business move/decision you ever made?
My decision to take the job at Citimortgage—I really enjoy the work environment. It’s a great place to work.
What advice would you give today’s business student?
Pursue a career with a company that will invest in you and reward you for your contributions—and where you will continue to grow and develop as a professional.
Who or what inspires you most in business today?
Business owners who have become successful because of their innovative characteristics and their intelligence (they are book smart and street smart).
The best business book you ever read?
Excerpts from “First Things First” by Stephen Covey.
The top 5 business skills that are needed in today’s workplace?
Computer literacy, self-confidence, likes challenges, a customer focus/service oriented, and one who is adaptable to change.
Where do you see UMSL in the next 5 to 10 years?
More students living on-campus due to increased Student Life activities and more facilities for them.
Why was it important for you to join the UMSL Alumni Association?
It is a good way to network and meet other fellow graduates.
Name: Marian Qualls Nelson
Degree: MBA
Graduation Date: August 2005
Occupation/Title: IT Project Manager
Express Scripts, Inc. IT Leadership Development Program
Employer: Express Scripts, Inc.
Expertise: Project Management and Application Development
Please briefly describe the primary responsibilities of your current position:
I’m a participant in Express Scripts, Inc.’s inaugural IT Leadership Development Program. The central objective of the program is to recruit high-potential talent to develop as future leaders in the organization, and to cultivate the best leadership talent in the industry. I currently rotate in different departments within the organization as a project manager – working on projects that impact strategic business objectives.
What is the best piece of advice you received from a professor?
“Learning to communicate effectively will be one of the most important functions of your job as a manager” by Peggy O’Toole
What UMSL business class impacted you the most—either professionally or personally?
Leadership Through People Skills. The course has positively impacted me both professionally and personally.
What is something you wish you would have learned as an undergraduate that you could use in the workplace today?
Healthcare Economics
What is the biggest change you have seen in the campus since you graduated?
The new development of Express Scripts, Inc. Headquarters on UMSL’s campus
What was the best business move/decision you ever made?
My best move/decision has been twofold: 1.) Accepting the unique opportunity to participate in the IT Leadership Development Program at Express Scripts, Inc. and 2.) Accepting unfamiliar challenges in my work assignments has served as a catalyst for my growth and development.
What advice would you give today’s business student?
Seek opportunities to apply learning and gain “real-world” experience via internships
Who or what inspires you most in business today?
The evidence of companies that are passionate about delivering on the promises outlined in their mission and vision statements—while operating with the highest levels of integrity
The best business book you ever read?
It’s difficult to pick one book as best. Therefore, I’ll have resort to choosing one of the best – “The Leadership Challenge” by James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner
The top 5 business skills that are needed in today’s workplace?
1. Micro-computer skills (wordprocessing, spreadsheet, e-mail, etc.)
2. Business Ethics
3. Business Communication
4. Accounting
5. Economics
Where do you see UMSL in the next 5 to 10 years?
In the next 5 – 10 years, I see UMSL as having earned the reputation as a premiere, trendsetting institution of the Midwest and as the preferred resource for talent throughout the Saint Louis Business Community.
Why was it important for you to join the UMSL Alumni Association?
It’s important for me stay connected to all of the “happenings” within the UMSL and to share my talents and resources to strengthen it.
Name: Steve Studnicki
Degree: Bachelor of Science – Business Administration
Graduation Date: December 1981
Occupation/Title: Real Estate Agent
Employer: Coldwell Banker Gundaker
Expertise: Real Estate Acquisition & Sales
Please briefly describe the primary responsibilities of your current position:
Listing homes for sellers. Showing and finding homes for buyers. Then coordinate all activities required from time of contract writing to the day of closing.
What UMSL business class impacted you the most-either professionally or personally?
College is not required to be a Realtor, but I have had 3 people come right out and tell me, that part of the reason they chose me as their Realtor, was that they saw that I had a college degree. I have it listed on my personal brochure that I am a graduate of UMSL. So no specific class helped me professionally, but simply that I earned a college degree helped.
I enjoyed my Astronomy classes the most. I think I took 3 of them. To this day, I remember going on the roof of the science building (Statler Hall?) and looking through the telescope, and actually seeing moons of Jupiter and the rings of Saturn. It was much more awe-inspiring than just seeing photos in a text book.
What is something you wish you would have learned as an undergraduate that you could use in the workplace today?
In my workplace, I am a Certified Relocation Specialist. The Relocation Department asks if you know any foreign languages. So a foreign language, namely Spanish, would be my answer. If I knew Spanish, I would receive referrals from the Relo Dept for buyers/sellers preferring to work with a Realtor who spoke Spanish. As a younger person, I thought I'd never have a need for a foreign language. And, I thought this would have been too difficult of a class for me. This May, will be my third week-long vacation to Puerto Vallarto, Mexico to stay in a condo provided by my employer for being tops in sales for the company. Speaking Spanish would help while vacationing there.
What is the biggest change you have seen in the campus since you graduated?
Bugg Lake is gone. I used to sit under a tree by the lake and study.
What was the best business move/decision you ever made?
I was unemployed when I got into Real Estate. I seen an ad in the local newspaper for a career in Real Estate. I became licensed 3 months later.., and stuck with the job!! I gave it time to grow into a prosperous career for me. Success in your job does not happen over night. It took about 8 yrs to start to become top in saels. Other best business decision, was to start a retirement account. I did not open one until I was 41 - I'm 48 now. I should have started one much earlier. But I am contributing more than the average person does to catch up & to get the account to grow to a level for a comfortable retirement.
What advice would you give today’s business student?
Hang in there! It seems like you're never going get out of school. But, before you know it…you're out!! Unless you have a specific career you want to get into, stay in college and get the degree.
Who or what inspires you most in business today?
My bills!! Also, making money to do the things I like to do and buy, and to be able to vacation more.
The top 5 business skills that are needed in today’s workplace?
Be honest, and be trustworthy.
Be on time for appointments.
Return calls promptly and be accessible to your clients/customers.
Be technology smart: computers, Internet, purchase software.
Don't let things get to you. Learn to have patience/tolerance. People, or perhaps even your boss, will sometimes upset you throughout your career. Don't let small incidents, or one individual, ruin your career/long-term goals. The sign of a true seasoned professional is to be able to handle problems in a calm professional manner and tone of voice. Think of the big picture.
Name: Glenn Cox
Degree: MBA
Graduation Date: August 2006
Occupation/Title: Area Manager
Employer: Anheuser-Busch, Inc.
Expertise: Operations Management, Marketing
Please briefly describe the primary
responsibilities of your current position:
Managing all aspects of the St. Louis Brewery Tour and Gift Shop. I am responsible for planning and executing a $4MM budget, managing 100 employees and making connections with over 325,000 guests per year.
What is the best piece of advice you received from a professor?
Loyalty only goes one way; always keep your options open.
What UMSL business class impacted you the most—either professionally or personally?
Project Management and International Marketing classes
What is something you wish you would have learned as an undergraduate that you could use in the workplace today?
Negotiating Skills
What is the biggest change you have seen in the campus since you graduated?
Unfortunately, I haven’t been back since then.
What was the best business move/decision you ever made?
Accepting my current job in April 2000. It involved moving my family from Orlando, Florida, as well as managing an operation that I was unfamiliar with. By embracing a change in employment, it has opened many other opportunities in both my career and personal life.
What advice would you give today’s business student?
Think globally and be open to more than one field of study (diversification of your portfolio).
Who or what inspires you most in business today?
The Impact of Globalization on the business world.
The best business book you ever read?
In Defense of Globalization by Jagdish Bhagwati
The top 5 business skills that are needed in today’s workplace?
Communication Skills
Team Orientation
Leadership
Be an entrepreneur
Ability to embrace change
Where do you see UMSL in the next 5 to 10 years?
UMSL will become a leading business institution in St. Louis
Why was it important for you to join the UMSL Alumni Association?
To stay connected, for career services and to support UMSL
Name: Katrina Hubbard
Degree: B.S. in Business Admin w/Finance emphasis
Graduation Date: August 2005
Occupation/Title: Compliance Analyst & Trainer
Employer: U.S. Bancorp Investments, Inc.
Expertise: Securities Rules and Regulations
(NASD Series 7, 9, 10, 24, 63 & 66 & Life, Health and Disability Insurance Licenses)
What is the best piece of advice you received from a professor?
Dr. G. D’Anne Hancock always encouraged me to pursue any dream no matter how challenging it may be. She also encouraged me to pursue my PhD. One day I will have it.
What UMSL business class impacted you the most—either professionally or personally?
Investments—because it strengthened my desire to work in the securities industry.
What is something you wish you would have learned as an undergraduate that you could use in the workplace today?
There is no perfect workplace. You make the most of the environment and resources available to you.
What is the biggest change you have seen in the campus since you graduated?
The school less of a transient, commuter school.
What was the best business move/decision you ever made?
Leaving A.G. Edwards and coming to U.S. Bancorp Investments, Inc.
What advice would you give today’s business student majoring in
Finance?
I would tell students that there are a number of opportunities available to them and to examine each one. Also, if a student is interested in an advanced degree, DO IT NOW--don’t wait!
Who or what inspires you most in business today?
I am most inspired by my own sense of achievement and accomplishment.
The top 5 business skills that are needed in today’s workplace?
o Effective communicator
o Efficient manager of time
o Working well on a team
o Forward and creative thinking
o Flexibility
Where do you see UMSL in the next 5 to 10 years?
Hopefully, still reaching out to the youth of this community and providing the same or better level of education that has been provided for years.
Why did you join the alumni association?
The Association provides an opportunity to meet other local professionals
Name: Kevin Osten
Degree: MBA
Graduation Date: May 1999
Occupation/Title: Financial Advisor
Employer: Merrill Lynch
Expertise: Investments / Finance
Please briefly describe the primary responsibilities of your current position:
I provide investment consulting services to corporations, non profit organizations, municipalities, and private individuals.
What is the best piece of advice you received from a professor?
Do not take your customers—or the market share—for granted.
What UMSL business class impacted you the most—either professionally or personally?
Business law with Professor Wayne Winter
What is the biggest change you have seen in the campus since you graduated?
Everything! The rate of growth is incredible.
What was the best business move/decision you ever made?
Obtaining CFA charter
What advice would you give today’s business student ?
Discover a type of business or company that you enjoy (and can identify with the culture) and pursue it.
Who or what inspires you most in business today?
Financier, Eddie Lampert
What are the top 5 business skills that are needed in today’s workplace?
Communication, Presentation, Math, Organization, and Ethics
Where do you see UMSL in the next 5 to 10 years?
Distinction as a top 10 business school!
Why did you join the alumni association?
To be more involved in the St. Louis business environment.
Name: Pat Reagan
Degree: Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration
emphasis in Accounting
Graduation Date: June 1974
Employer: Video Services Group Inc.
Expertise: Business Planning
Occupation/Title: Vice President-CFO
Please briefly describe the primary responsibilities of your current position:
1. Direct and manage all sales, operational and financial aspects of the organization
2. Currently, VSG is the largest manufacturer of CD and DVD’s in the Midwest
3. Business was established in 1985 as a video duplicator…started optical media manufacturing in 1999
What was the best piece of advice you received from a professor?
Trust your instincts and surround yourself with good people
The Business class that most impacted me professionally:
Business Policy class solidified how the academic knowledge acquired in the undergraduate program relates to solving problems in your business and everyday life.
What is something you wish you would have learned as an undergraduate that you could use in the workplace today? Additional classes in oral and written communications would be recommended in the business administration undergraduate program.
What is the biggest change that you’ve seen in the campus since graduation?
The additional buildings and infrastructure as well as the transition of students living on campus.
What was the best business move/decision you ever made?
The best business decision I made was to convince ownership to invest in new technology and infrastructure to transcend and eventually replace the existing core product lines.
What advise would you give today’s business student?
My advice to business students today is to engage in a business or profession that you are passionate about and have a genuine interest in.
Who are what inspires you most in business today?
I am inspired over creating a business where employees are working together toward a common goal of providing a quality service or product.
The best business book you ever read?
“Jack …Straight from the Gut” by Jack Welch
The top five business skills that are needed in today’s workplace are:
1. A Customer focus
2. Listen and learn from your employees and customers
3. Establish a plan and work the plan
4. Positive workplace environment is critical to employee productivity…team building
5. Honesty and Integrity can never be compromised
Where do you see UMSL in the next 5 to 10 years?
Provide superior education at an affordable price to aspiring young individuals.
Why was it important for you to join the UMSL Alumni Association?
I joined the Alumni association to stay connected to the university and maintain friendships developed over 35 years ago.