Not long ago, it was tough to find things to do or places to eat in our city on social media. I remember searching for the version of St. Louis I knew and loved, and I just didn’t see it being showcased anywhere. So in 2020, I set out to change that.
I didn’t see anyone telling the story of St. Louis the way I experienced it from a $5 hot dog to a high end tasting menu… from the last row of a stadium to the front row… from one corner of the metro to the next. Every event, every bite, every moment. So I started telling that story.
I was originally going to launch BradENSTL on 3/14 Day in 202 but 2020 was a backwards year. So instead, I launched on 4/13. During that time, I found it more important than ever to highlight the things that made life feel vibrant, local, and full of flavor, even during a pandemic:
One of my biggest goals has always been to help create a more localized social media scene; where different people showcase their walks of life. We all have different experiences of this city. That’s what makes it special. And I’m always curious what’s going on, because I truly believe there’s a lot to offer here.
When short-form video took off, I saw the potential right away. And from fast paced restaurant recaps, to songs that match the vibe, to thousands of clips of me taking bites. I’ve just enjoyed sharing the moments that bring people together.
And to see so many of you embrace it, share your own food adventures, tag your favorite local spots, and tell your version of the city… man, it’s been wild to watch. You can’t scroll social media now without seeing food content in St. Louis. It worked.
People ask me all the time: what’s your aesthetic? What’s your page about? Aren’t you an influencer?
Honestly? It’s about being me. Being real. And creating as much impact as I can with the platform I’ve been given. I’m an experiencer first. Social media is temporary but the friendships and connections it can create can last a lifetime.
I never cared to do make content that chases followers. To me, impact is much more important than a number on borrowed space. And together, we’ve raised thousands of dollars for local nonprofits, spotlighted artists and restaurants that rarely get their shine, and helped build something real here.
Truly, thank each and every one of you for your support. Because of you all, I’ve been able to leave my corporate job of 10 years to do this full time and launch a Space Mission Marketing which is a global marketing agency that now helps businesses not only in my city, but around the world. Thank you to everyone who ever embraced a creative idea of mine, pitched it to your boss, or shared it with your marketing team. Many of our strategies have been implemented in cities, stadiums and arenas around the world! And thank you to my incredible wife for holding it down through all of it.
Thank you to everyone who’s followed along. Whether we’ve met through DMs, comments, around town, or even in another city. I’m grateful for YOU. Special shout to all the folks in the hospitality industry! You keep the country moving and make life so much more delicious.
We’ve gone from changing the way you see St. Louis one bite at a time… To changing the way people experience life one bite at a time.
I can’t wait for you all to be part of the next 5 years. And we’re just getting started.
Eat up.