St. Louis Business 500: Rodney Crim, St. Louis Economic Development Partnership

By St. Louis Magazine

Insights from the Economic Development Partnership’s CEO and president

Crim helps drive industry throughout the region. His extensive experience in public and private enterprise helped pave the way for a career built on staying curious, both about oneself and the world around us. “Stay in learning mode. Watch what others are doing but also take the time to understand your own interests,” he says. “Think about where your passions intersect with your skills or training, and if there’s a gap, figure out what you need to learn or do to get there.”

Crim helps drive industry throughout the region. His extensive experience in public and private enterprise helped pave the way for a career built on staying curious, both about oneself and the world around us. “Stay in learning mode. Watch what others are doing but also take the time to understand your own interests,” he says. “Think about where your passions intersect with your skills or training, and if there’s a gap, figure out what you need to learn or do to get there.”

What’s a risk you took in business that didn’t pan out—but taught you something valuable? I can’t think of any specific risks that didn’t pan out, but what I have found is that my experiences dictate how I lead and how decisions are made. My objective has been to use a variety of my skills, education and leadership experience and apply them to my desire to help improve communities. I’ve been able to do that in Chicago, Minneapolis-St. Paul, and now in St. Louis.

What do you do when you’re feeling stuck or uninspired? When I’m feeling stuck, I try to step away and give myself space to reset. That’s one of the reasons I enjoy cycling. Trailnet offers some great rides around St. Louis, and I love joining in with friends who ride; it’s a chance to clear my head and just enjoy the moment. My wife and I have a tandem road bike, which we also enjoy riding. I also find a lot of clarity on the water. I’ve spent time on sailboats throughout my life, and there’s something about being out on a boat that shifts my perspective. Whether it’s cycling or sailing, those experiences help me recenter and come back to the work with fresh energy.

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