Some days in CEO don’t go exactly as planned… and last Friday was definitely one of those days.
The morning started long before Alexa serenaded me with my usual 5:00 a.m. wake-up music. Instead, it began at 3:00 a.m. with a stomach flu. After a few very early morning text messages, our board members from our four schools were rearranging schedules, making sure the day still happened for our students.
A big thank you to Mascoutah High School Assistant Principal Zac Bilyeu for stepping in on very short notice and covering our class’s site visit. I love when people outside of my facilitator role get to experience what our CEO mornings look like, because they truly are special!!
The class spent the morning just outside of Freeburg at The Weingarten, where owner Tyler Vitale welcomed them with true hospitality. Students shared that he immediately made them feel comfortable, invited them to sit wherever they liked, and even offered water before beginning the conversation.
It was a beautiful, sunny, and warm March day, and Tyler had some of the floor-to-ceiling garage doors open so everyone could enjoy the early sunshine and serene view. The property itself is impressive, a massive and beautiful event venue with a lake, and both indoor and outdoor spaces designed for gatherings. As the students walked the grounds, Tyler explained how each area plays a role in hosting weddings, reunions, military promotions, celebrations of life, and so many other important moments.
One line that really stuck with the students was when Tyler said,
“As long as some people have their best day of their life at my establishment, then I’m a happy business owner.”
Tyler shared his personal career path. After graduating from Webster University, he worked in video production and television. Eventually, he became burnt out and decided to pursue hospitality, which allowed him to contribute to meaningful moments in people’s lives. Students could see how skills from one career translated into another, a reminder that every experience can have value.
He also discussed key aspects of running a business, including managing property, controlling overhead, budgeting, and regularly reviewing expenses like insurance. He emphasized that business owners must constantly evaluate their operations and be willing to negotiate or change strategies to keep the business healthy.
When COVID hit, Tyler demonstrated what every CEO student is learning, the importance of adaptability. Large events stopped, but he pivoted quickly, creating a new revenue stream by making sangria in house and selling it to go. That flexibility helped the business survive and ultimately thrive.
He also took time to have each student pitch their business idea to him. One by one, they shared what they’re building, and Tyler offered direct and constructive feedback. Moments like this are incredibly valuable as students learn how to communicate their ideas and continue refining their businesses. He reinforced another CEO principle, a strong business plan matters. Plans should be reviewed by others, friends, family, or investors, to find weaknesses and improve the idea. Entrepreneurs must be comfortable with change, learning new skills, and adapting their ideas over time.
He reminded them of something every entrepreneur needs to hear:
“You won’t know everything. You will have to learn as you go, but don’t get knocked down trying.”
Students also learned that every experience you have can translate into something new. Tyler talked about how his background working with commercial clients prepared him for working with event clients today, and even simple jobs like driving trucks and moving tables for a catering company gave him skills he still uses.
And one final surprise from the tour, it takes 12 hours just to mow the grass at The Weingarten.
Even though the morning started with a little chaos, it ended with a great reminder of what makes the Silver Creek Area CEO program so special, a community willing to step in and help, local business owners who generously share their experiences, and students who are brave enough to stand up and pitch their ideas as they begin their own entrepreneurial journeys.
Thank you, Tyler, for welcoming our students and investing your time in the next generation of entrepreneurs.
