Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Gard.
Hi Chris, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I have lived in Wentzville for nearly 25 years. I been fortunate enough to travel coast-to-coast across America in my professional and personal lives. I have 2 great adult kids and have been married to my wife Helene since 1997.
In addition to my professional career, I served 2 terms as an Alderman for Wentzville, I also founded the Wentzville Main Street Association back in 2015 after serving in public office and watching our historic district struggle economically and developmentally. Missouri Main Street was active in other communities around the state and I wanted to bring some of that to activity to Wentzville.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I wish I could say it’s been an easy road for the Wentzville Main Street Association. From the beginning, we faced opposition from other entrenched groups who saw any new organization focused on our downtown area as a threat to their long-held positions of perceived political influence. Then COVID hit and like many groups it became impossible to hold meetings. Even so, after all the tribulations, we celebrated our 10th year last year and are still going. We are nearing completion of our local HQ–a home built in 1860 that was once the Mayor’s home in the old historic district of Wentzville.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I have been a sales professional for over 30 years.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mywentzvillemainstreet.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wentzvillemainstreet
