Congratulations to Jerry Jost and Joe Soraghan, two Hall of Famers in St. Louis business

St. Louis Small Business Monthly recently published its “Hall of Fame: Honoring Seven Lifetimes of Achievement In St. Louis Business.” Among those honored were Jerry Jost of Jost Chemical, and Joe Soraghan of Danna McKitrick.

Jerry Jost is the owner of Jost Chemical, which he founded in 1985. Like most of the great businesses seem to do now, he started in his garage. Since then, he has led Jost Chemical to be a “visionary in the world of chemistry,” remaining at the forefront of new technology development and transforming the world of chemical manufacturing. Jerry has led Jost Chemical to become a world leader in manufacturing high-purity chemicals for a variety of markets in over 50 countries.

St. Louis Small Business Monthly notes that the success of the business is “a reflection of Jost’s leadership and vision.” But he is not just about his business. Jerry has had a great impact as an advocate for the industry and on the many boards and committees he serves on, including serving as Chairman Emeritus of Associated Industries of Missouri. And he is looking toward the next generation as he serves as a mentor and role model to the up-and-coming generation of scientists.

"I have known Jerry for many years and have always appreciated his full support of our organization that helps all businesses in Missouri," said Ray McCarty, president and CEO of Associated Industries of Missouri. "We are pleased St. Louis Small Business Monthly has recognized Jerry with this honor."

Joe Soraghan of Danna McKitrick went into the Navy after law school and was a submariner. He remained a reserve officer for over twenty years after his active duty was over. He was the commanding officer of six reserve commands. As an attorney, Joe has won many honors and awards and is deserving of this Hall of Fame. He practices business operations and growth and guides businesses through the deep waters of acquisitions/mergers, financing, sales, and dispute resolution. He works to keep his clients compliant with state and U.S. securities laws. He is always looking toward the future as he spends a lot of time and energy helping entrepreneurs make their way through the obstacles they face in structuring their business and fund raising.

Joe has been especially influential leading businesses through the gauntlet of legally raising money through crowdfunding. He serves on the mediation and arbitration panels of the American Arbitration Association and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, as an arbitrator for the National Futures Association, and as a mediator for the local, state and federal courts.

We congratulate both Jerry and Joe on this well-deserved honor. Not only have they exemplified honorable success, but they are helping to bring up the next generation with the same kind of ethics and conviction that has made them influential contributors to their fields for years.