St. Louis Business 500: Q&A with Tim Nowak, World Trade Center St. Louis

Insights from the executive director of World Trade Center St. Louis

Over the past year, Nowak has helped organize efforts to forge relationships with emerging business and trade partners in Africa—a fast-growing continent that he believes is full of untapped potential for local organizations. Above all, Nowak is determined to help the region thrive. “We have so much history, so many great stories, people, and assets to lean into and be our authentic St. Louis,” he says.

2026 QUESTIONNAIRE

What advice would you give to the next generation of St. Louis entrepreneurs or leaders? I loved what Min Jung Kim, director of the Saint Louis Art Museum, said in her recent Winning STL podcast interview: “The best path for success for St. Louis is not to try to emulate or be anyone else but St. Louis.” I couldn’t agree more. We have so much history, so many great stories, people, and assets to lean into and be our authentic St. Louis.

What’s a risk you took in business that didn’t pan out—but taught you something valuable? The China Hub initiative. In 2008, working with many regional and state partners, we pursued direct airfreight and passenger connectivity between St. Louis and China. Ultimately, China Cargo did land two direct flights, but operations suspended in 2011 and never resumed. As disappointing as it was, I gained valuable lessons in international negotiations, developed important relationships locally and globally and gained a better understanding of the vital role our airport plays in economic development.

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