April 20, 2022

Learn how three small businesses turned digital strategy into real-world success.

Join us at Rooster on South Grand Wednesday, April 20, 2022, from 10:00 am to 11:30 am.

ABOUT OUR GUESTS

Mandy Estrella, Mayo Ketchup

Mayo Ketchup was started by Plantain Girl Mandy Estrella and her partner Bradley Payne. The duo use social media to communicate specials and updates and had a really robust presence, especially on Facebook - until recently when their Facebook page disappeared. While that remains a mystery, they're back at it. Through their social media presence (both professionally and personally), they've been able to drive a ton of business and build community in the process.

Molly Hitzeman, Hi-Pointe

As the manager of Brand Marketing and Social Media Manager at Hi-Pointe, Molly Hitzeman serves up masterful digital and physical branding at every level. Through beautiful photography and videos of Mike Johnson and team getting creative with recipes, they've been able to turn clicks to checks. Through these efforts, Hitzeman and her team have won numerous awards. More importantly, all their restaurants (Hi-Pointe Drive-in, Sugarfire Smokehouse, and Chicken Out) are packed with hungry clients. Their social efforts are a big reason why.

Amanda Helman, Golden Gems

Everything Co-Founder Amanda Helman and her team does to market their Golden Gems is well, incredible. "They’re a little offensive and a little inappropriate, but that is just how they like it," their website states. "We believe there is a rebel inside every one of us. It sparks creativity, pushes us forward and gives us confidence." You may have seen their bags ("Cool S$#t Inside") are all over town. By leveraging influencers and their community, this local business packs a punch and converts attitude to action.

ABOUT OUR HOST

Matthew Hibbard, Ameren Missouri

Matthew has cultivated a strong social media network (both digitally and physically) in the St. Louis area over the years. He started out as a reporter for the St. Louis Business Journal before transitioning into the world of economic development at Bi-State Development. It was here that Matthew helped champion meaningful dialogue surrounding public transportation, infrastructure and community development. Today, Matthew is in charge of steering the social ship for Ameren Missouri and its approximately 1.2 million customers across central and eastern Missouri.